Visually impaired users in Singapore may soon use voice commands to book a Grab ride
Ride-hailing operator Grab is testing a voice assistant feature to allow visually impaired users in Singapore to book rides using voice commands.
Users will be able to speak to the Grab app in a similar way to how one talks to a friend, and a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool will converse with them to confirm or clarify information needed to book a ride.
A launch date for the feature has not been set.
Announcing this among a slate of upcoming features at the launch of its AI centre of excellence on May 23, Grab said that its new centre will hire at least 50 product, engineering, data science and analytics professionals by the end of 2025.
It declined to disclose the cost of the new centre at its headquarters in one-north.
Speaking at the launch, Grab's chief technology officer Suthen Thomas said: "The promise of generative AI is that it will make computing more accessible, enabling people to interact with technology and computing in ways that are more intuitive and natural."
Describing the voice assistant feature as one that Grab built with the community, Mr Thomas said that members of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped have participated in focus group discussions and were involved in testing the feature.
He said the members' insights allowed the platform to better understand the needs of those who are visually impaired, but he did not disclose the number of trial users.
Grab employees, too, have donated 80,000 voice samples to improve the speech-to-text model, such that it is able to understand Singaporean accents and speaking nuances for names of locations and points of interest.
The accuracy of this feature in recognising Singaporean accents and names of places of interest has improved from 46 per cent at the end of 2024 to 89 per cent currently, according to Grab.
The platform will also be launching a voice donation initiative in June, calling for Grab users to donate voice samples in which they recite the names of locations or buildings, to help improve the accuracy of this voice assistant feature.
Beyond supporting visually impaired users, Mr Thomas said Grab will continue enhancing this feature to improve its accuracy and explore ways to extend its use to elderly users.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, said at the event: "We set out to encourage and support companies to set up AI centres of excellence… in order to allow us to build new capabilities, develop solutions and drive value creation through AI."
He added: "Besides uplifting industry know-how, these AI centres of excellence will also serve to uplift the capabilities of our workforce and enable us to train and grow our pool of AI talent and practitioners."
(From left) Grab chief technology officer Suthen Thomas, Grab chief executive Anthony Tan, DPM Gan Kim Yong, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat and Grab chief operating officer Alex Hungate at the launch of Grab's AI centre of excellence. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Other AI-powered tools introduced by Grab at the launch include the use of real-world data collected by its drivers in a real-time flood monitoring system helmed by national water agency PUB.
This collaboration, which started in early 2025, allows the platform's drivers and PUB to receive accurate flood alerts, which in turn minimises traffic disruption during heavy rain.
It is enabled by Grab's in-house technological equipment, including outward-facing dashcams that will be installed on vehicles, which can capture and process real-world data such as the presence of flooding, heavy rain, potholes and traffic conditions.
Drivers themselves can also report or confirm sightings of floods via voice commands, and the system can redirect other drivers to alternative routes to help them avoid closed or flooded roads, noted Grab.
There are currently only three such dashcams in operation here, but the company is in the process of rolling more out.
Another new feature being trialled among the majority of Grab drivers in Singapore is an AI driver companion, which offers them real-time recommendations of specific spots where they are more likely to get rides. Each driver will receive tailored recommendations.
Grab noted that this is an improvement on the previous heatmap function that directed all drivers to wider areas with potentially high demand, as there would be a problem of over-supply when drivers moved towards the same hot spot at the same time.
On AI making jobs redundant, Mr Thomas said that Grab sees AI allowing employees to create more impact and explore new spaces to solve new problems.
"Obviously, we're always looking at being prudent with cost, but that would have been true with or without AI," he added.
To support companies in their AI march, DPM Gan said that the Government will progressively ramp up its national data centre capacity from 1.4GW to 2GW by 2030, as well as establish partnerships with major computing players, from chipmakers to cloud service providers.
DPM Gan noted that the Government wants to raise the number of AI practitioners here to 15,000 over the next three to five years.
"Through attracting and anchoring companies like Grab to Singapore, we can continue to create good jobs and opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans," he said.
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9 best personal loans in Singapore with lowest interest rates (June 2025), Money News
If you're in urgent need of money, but are too paiseh to borrow from your family and friends, your best bet is probably a personal loan. With a personal loan, you borrow cash from a bank or financial institution and pay them back in fixed instalments over an agreed period. But you'd typically need to meet a couple of eligibility requirements before you get it approved. Stuff like your income and credit history. In this article, I'll break down the key terms you'll come across frequently while browsing loan listings — plus highlight the best personal loans currently available in Singapore. Psst… I'm also going to let you know about the great promotions you can capitalise on if you apply for some of these personal loans with MoneySmart. So keep reading! Note: Interest rates are approximate and may vary based on individual credit profiles and prevailing market conditions. Please consult the respective banks for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Best personal loans in Singapore (June 2025) At a glance: Best personal loans in Singapore What do interest rate, EIR and processing fees mean? DBS/ POSB Personal Loan Trust Instant Loan CIMB Personal Loan UOB Personal Loan Standard Chartered CashOne HSBC Personal Loan GXS FlexiLoan Citibank Quick Cash with Ready Credit (New Customers) OCBC ExtraCash Personal Loan Which personal loan should you choose? Term loan vs credit line-which should you choose? Being in debt is not fun 1. At a glance: Best personal loans in Singapore (June 2025) Here are the current starting interest rates on offer from the most popular personal loan providers in Singapore. We'll use the example of a Singapore citizen earning $3,500 a month, who wants to borrow $10,000 and repay it over three years. Personal loan Interest rate and Effective Interest Rate (EIR) Processing fee Monthly repayment Eligibility DBS/POSB Personal Loan 1.99% (EIR 4.17%) 1% $294 – Singaporean/PR– Foreigners with existing Cashline and/or Credit Card account– Min. $20,000 annual income – Existing DBS/POSB customers Trust Instant Loan 2.22% (EIR: 4.22%) 0% $296 – Singapore Citizen/PR: $30,000– Foreigner: $60,000 – Must have a Trust credit card CIMB Personal Loan 2.68% (EIR 5.06%) 0% $319 – Singapore Citizen/PR: $20,000 – Malaysian (residing in SG): $30,000 UOB Personal Loan 2.88% (EIR 5.43%) 0% $302 – Singapore Citizen/PR: $30,000 – UOB Credit Card/CashPlus customer Standard Chartered CashOne 1.90% (EIR: 3.63%) 0% $294 – Singapore Citizen/PR: $30,000 – Foreigner (with EP): $90,000 GSX FlexiLoan 2.88% (EIR 5.45%) 0% $303 – Singapore Citizen/PR: $20,000 HSBC Personal Loan 2.20% (EIR: 4.00%) 0% $296 – Singaporean/PR: $30,000 (salaried workers)$40,000 (self-employed or commission-based workers) – Foreigner (with EP): $60,000 Citi Quick Cash with Ready Credit (New Customers) 3.45% (EIR: 6.50%) 0% $306 – Singaporean/PR: $30,000– Foreigner: $42,000 Applicable to new Citi Credit Card or Citibank Ready Credit account holders only. OCBC's ExtraCash Personal Loan 5.42% (EIR 10.96%) For income $20,000 – $30,000 p.a.: $100. For income above $30,000 p.a. : $200 or 2 per cent of the approved loan amount, whichever is higher $323 – Singaporean/PR above 21 years old: $20,000 – Foreigner above 21 years old: $45,000 2. Hold up. What do interest rate, EIR and processing fees mean? There's quite a bit of jargon here, so let's go through some points of confusion that may be swimming around in your head. Interest rates Notice that interest rates are quoted as "from X per cent" instead of being stated simply as "X per cent"? That's because personal loans are pretty dynamic as they all depend on factors such as your credit history and the loan amount. EIR EIR stands for Effective Interest Rate. Taking into consideration other fees (like processing fee; see next point) and the loan repayment schedule, it is a more accurate reflection of the cost of borrowing than the advertised interest rates. Processing fees This is the main hidden cost of personal loans and is worth highlighting. The processing fee is deducted from the principal — meaning, for a $10,000 loan with a $100 (or one per cent) processing fee, you get only $9,900 in cash. As a borrower, you might not "feel" it, but it does eat into your funds and increase the cost of borrowing. Now, let's walk through the nine featured personal loan packages. 3. DBS/POSB Personal Loan The DBS/POSB personal loan is only open to existing DBS/POSB customers. If you already have (1) a DBS/POSB Cashline account or have a DBS/POSB credit card and (2) credit your salary into a DBS or POSB deposit account, you can get the cash disbursed instantly. The loan is open to Singaporeans and PRs, as well as foreigners with DBS/POSB Cashline or credit card accounts. You must be aged 21 to 70 years with a minimum annual income of $20,000 — this opens up DBS/POSB personal loans to include slightly older groups of people and lower income earners compared to other banks. Like the Standard Chartered CashOne loan, you don't need to earn a regular salary to be eligible for this loan. Self-employed individuals and commission earners can also apply. DBS's personal loan promises interest rates as low as 1.99 per cent. There is a processing fee of one per cent, bringing the lowest possible EIR to 4.17 per cent. Loan tenures of six months to five years are available. Do note that these are the lowest possible rates and the actual interest rate depends on what DBS is prepared to extend to you. Note that there's also a three per cent unlimited cashback deal if you apply now. 4. Trust Instant Loan (Trust personal loan) When they say "instant", they mean it. Trust's personal loan, called Trust Instant Loan, disburses cash to you in just 60 seconds with the Trust credit card. This is how it works: You have a Trust credit card with a certain available credit balance at any one point in time. The Trust Instant Loan converts a portion of that balance into cash for you. Spend that cash on anything you want! The Trust Instant Loan is open to all Trust customers. Given how it works, as I just explained above, you do need to have a Trust credit card to be eligible. But this isn't a bad thing — for one thing, it makes repaying the loan seamless. Each month, you'll see your loan instalment charged to your credit card bill. To pay the instalment, simply pay through your credit card statement via your Trust App. From now till June 15, the Trust Instant Loan is also extra affordable with an interest rate starting from just 2.22 per cent p.a. (EIR from 4.22 per cent p.a.) — down 0.27 per cent. They also charge no processing fees, annual fees, or the like. However, there is a three per cent early repayment fee on your remaining loan amount if you repay the rest of your loan early. The Trust Instant Loan is open to Singapore Citizens, PRs, and Foreigners aged 21 to 65 years old. You could be a salaried worker, commission-based, or self-employed as long as your annual income is $30,000 for Singaporeans or $60,000 for Foreigners. Trust Instant Loan x MoneySmart promotion Snag awesome welcome gifts when you apply for a Trust Instant Loan with MoneySmart. Up to $1,200 cash via PayNow Apple iPhone 16 Plus (worth $1,399) Apple iPad Air (worth $899) Sony PS5 (SLIM) Digital (worth $669) Nintendo Switch OLED (worth $439) PLUS $10 FairPrice E-Vouchers from Trust (if you sign up with referral code MONEYSMT). New-to-Trust customers only. T&Cs apply. 5. CIMB Personal Loan The CIMB Personal Loan is another personal loan that comes with no processing fees. Its interest rate comes in at 2.68 per cent p.a. (EIR 5.06 per cent p.a.), making it the next lowest after Trust. You also get flexible loan tenure options of 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months. On top of low interest rates, CIMB is also offering a cashback promotion to sweeten the deal. The cashback you'll earn offsets some of the interest you'll be charged, up to a maximum of $2,800 cashback. Tenure Approved Loan Amount Cashback Earned 1 or 2 years Any amount No cashback 3, 4 or 5 years <$10,000 $10,000 – < $15,000 $50 $15,000 – < $30,000 $300 $30,000 – < $50,000 $600 $50,000 – < $80,000 $750 $80,000 – < $150,000 $1,000 $150,000 – < $190,000 $2,000 > = $190,000 $2,800 As far as eligibility goes, the CIMB Personal Loan is fairly standard. It's open to Singapore Citizens and Singapore PRs with a minimum annual income of $20,000, and to Malaysians earning at least $30,000 a year. You'll also need to be 21 to 70 years old — that maximum age sits between the Citibank and DBS personal loan age limit. There's no prerequisite to have a CIMB Bank Account or CIMB credit card before you apply, so go ahead as long as you meet the criteria above. Like any personal loan, you'll incur a penalty fee if you try to repay it early. For the CIMB Personal Loan, this fee is three per cent of the outstanding loan amount or $250, whichever is higher. CIMB Personal Loan x MoneySmart promotion Apply for a CIMB Personal Loan via MoneySmart and get gifts like: Up to $1,220 cash via PayNow Apple MacBook Air (13-inch)(worth $1,499) Apple iPhone 16e (worth $949) Sony PS5 (SLIM) Digital (worth $669) T&Cs apply. 6. UOB Personal Loan UOB's personal loan is only open to existing UOB credit cardholders or CashPlus customers who are Singaporeans, PRs aged 21 to 65. You'll also need to be a salaried worker earning at least $30,000 a year. Not an existing UOB customer? You'll have to get a UOB credit card or CashPlus to apply for a UOB Personal Loan. The interest rate is from 2.88 per cent p.a. for loan periods of 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months, with a 5.43 per cent p.a. EIR. While UOB used to only waive processing fees for loan periods 24 months and up, processing fees are now waived for all loan periods. If you're an existing UOB customer, you can get instant approval when you apply for your personal loan online. To further sweeten the deal, from now till June 30, you can get up to two per cent cash rebates for approved personal loans worth least $15,000 with repayment period between of three to five years. UOB Personal Loan x MoneySmart promotion (Gift fulfilment as fast as four weeks) Thinking of applying for a UOB Personal Loan? Apply via MoneySmart now to get a $500 bonus on top of gifts such as: Up to $1,200 cash via PayNow Apple iPhone 16 Plus (worth $1,399) T&Cs apply. 7. Standard Chartered CashOne Standard Chartered CashOne personal loan is open to Singapore Citizens, PRs and foreigners with a Singapore Employment Pass aged 21 and above. The barriers to entry for the Standard Chartered CashOne personal loan have gone up slightly. The minimum annual income requirements are now $30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs and $90,000 for foreigners. You also don't necessarily need to be a salaried worker to apply — Standard Chartered is cool with salaried employees, variable/commission-based employees, and even self-employed individuals. You can apply for this personal loan online by signing in through Singpass and receive your loan disbursement within 15 minutes — it's super easy. There's no need to be an existing Standard Chartered customer to get this personal loan. So, it's fast — but is it also affordable? Standard Chartered charges an initial annual fee of $199 (deducted from your approved loan) for any loan tenure between 1 to 5 years. From the second year onwards, you won't have to pay any more annual fees — UNLESS you miss any instalments, in which case you will pay $50 in annual fees for that year. Plus the late payment fee of $100. If you pay your full monthly instalment on time for the first 6 months, you won't have to worry about late penalties. After that, you'll have the flexibility to pay just the minimum-whichever is lower: $50 or one per cent of your approved monthly principal. So taking the $199 annual fee into consideration, I'd say CashOne is more worthwhile if you're taking out a big loan. Interest rates are advertised as starting from 1.90 per cent, working out to an EIR of 3.63 per cent and above. In reality, interest rates are personalised, so yours might differ from this example. Take up this loan now and you'll also stand a chance to win in Standard Chartered's exciting giveaway-featuring prizes like a getaway for two to Paris and sleek Samsonite luggage. Standard Chartered CashOne x MoneySmart promotion Apply for a Standard Chartered CashOne loan via MoneySmart to get attractive gifts like: Up to $1,200 cash via PayNow Apple MacBook Air (13-inch)(worth $1,499) Apple iPad (11-inch)(worth $899) Sony PS5 (SLIM) Digital Edition (worth $669) T&Cs apply. 8. HSBC Personal Loan HSBC's personal loan is open to Singaporeans and PRs aged 21 to 65 years old with an annual income of $30,000 and above for salaried workers, and $40,000 for self-employed or commission-based workers. Foreigners must earn at least $60,000 a year and have an employment pass with at least 6 months' validity. The best part about HSBC's personal loan is its long loan tenure of up to seven years — currently the longest loan tenure in Singapore. So if you need to borrow a large sum but can't afford high monthly repayments, HSBC's personal loan is definitely one you should consider. HSBC has dropped their promotional interest rates even further now starting from 2.20 per cent p.a. with an EIR from 4.00 per cent p.a. with no processing fees. Remember, however, that actual interest rates will vary from person to person. Another factor to consider is that HSBC's personal loan comes with an annual fee of $120, and only the first year's fee is waived. Don't miss your payments, or you'll be subject to a $120 late payment fee. HSBC Personal Loan x MoneySmart promotion Ready to take an HSBC Personal Loan? Apply via MoneySmart to score gifts such as: Up to $1,000 cash via PayNow 12,345 SmartPoints (Use points to redeem epic gifts from the rewards store) T&Cs apply. 9. GXS FlexiLoan GXS is a digital bank that's 60 per cent owned by Grab and 40 per cent owned by Singtel. Now, don't be dissuaded by the idea of a digital bank. Like any regular bank, GXS offers customers a personal loan-and a pretty good one at that. With a loan tenure between two and 60 months, GXS FlexiLoan interest rates start from 2.88 per cent p.a., with an EIR of 5.45 per cent p.a.. However, from May 21 to June 8, you could enjoy one per cent OFF your Interest Rate (awarded in the form of cashback) when you apply for a S$10,000 loan with 12 month tenure with the code "MSDEAL". On top of that, GXS FlexiLoan doesn't charge any annual, processing, early repayment or late fees — something almost unheard of when it comes to loans from your traditional banks. You heard that right, repay your loan early with no extra charges! However, GXS will charge you late interest if your repayments are late, so you won't get off scot-free. One downside to the GXS FlexiLoan is that foreigners aren't eligible. It's only for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents between 21 and 65 years old. The minimum annual income is $20,000. GXS FlexiLoan x MoneySmart promotion (Gift fulfilment as fast as 2-3 months) Apply for a GXS FlexiLoan via MoneySmart and get your hands on a bonus $500 cash along with some incredible welcome gifts: Up to $1,200 cash Apple MacBook Air (13-inch)(worth $1,499) T&Cs apply. 10. Citibank Quick Cash with Ready Credit (New Customers) I'm going to preface this by saying that the 3.45 per cent (EIR from 6.5 per cent) interest rate for the Citi Quick Cash personal loan is only available to customers who are completely new to Citibank loans. If you already have a Citibank loan, you'll be given a higher interest rate. The plus point for this one is definitely the ease of getting your funds. You'll be easily able to convert the credit balance on your Citi Credit Card or Citibank Ready Credit account into cash. Just log into the Citi Mobile App, key in the amount of cash you need and you can get the funds pretty much instantly. Citi Quick Cash is open to Singapore Citizens and PRs (salaried or self-employed) with a minimum annual income of $30,000, and foreigners with an annual income of at least $42,000. The eligible age range is 21 to 65 years. With Citibank's Quick Cash personal loan, you can choose a tenure of 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months-all with zero processing fees. You'll get a 3.56 per cent interest rate on Citibank's personal loan with a shorter one-year tenure, or 3.45 per cent if you intend to extend your loan repayment to 3 years. While the interest rates differ according to tenure period, you'll get an EIR of 6.5 per cent for all. That said, don't take our word for it. Rates are customised, so what you get might not be exactly the same as the above screenshot. Citibank Quick Cash with Ready Credit x MoneySmart promotion Apply for a Citibank Quick Cash with Ready Credit Loan today and enjoy $50 cash via PayNow 500 SmartPoints T&Cs apply. 11. OCBC ExtraCash Personal Loan While the OCBC ExtraCash Personal Loan has the highest interest rates (from 5.42 per cent p.a. / EIR from 10.96 per cent p.a.) on this list, it does come with some perks that might make it a solid choice for some. If you need a large loan, you can borrow up to six times your monthly income, with fixed repayments spread over 12 to 60 months. Like many of the other loans mentioned, it offers fast disbursement when you sign up via Myinfo. Plus, it has a relatively low entry requirement — just $20,000 in annual income for Singaporeans and PRs. You'll also be able to easily see a full breakdown of all your outstanding payments via internet banking. However, punctual repayments are a must. A late payment will set you back $80, and if you decide to restructure or repay early, you'll be charged a three per cent fee on your outstanding balance. So, be sure of your loan tenure before committing! Cheapest personal loans – Standard Chartered CashOne personal loan– Trust Instant Loan – DBS or POSB Personal Loans – HSBC Personal Loan Personal loans with fastest disbursement – Trust Instant Loan– UOB Personal Loan– GXS FlexiLoan – CIMB Personal Loan Personal loan with longest repayment tenure – HSBC personal loan Personal loans to consider if you want to take a huge amount – Standard Chartered CashOne personal loan – OCBC ExtraCash Personal Loan Whatever personal loan package you choose, opt for the smallest loan amount and shortest term you can comfortably manage. This will keep your interest payments to a minimum. Remember that the actual interest rate a bank offers you will depend on factors like your credit history, how much you want to borrow and for how long. So if you don't get offered the lowest advertised interest rates with one bank, you might want to compare that with what the other banks are willing to offer you. There are certain groups of individuals that may have a harder time taking out a personal loan. Older individuals: If you're above 65 years old, DBS/POSB and CIMB will let you apply for personal loans up to the age of 70 years. Those earning an annual income below $30,000: Most of the loans I've listed above have a minimum requirement of about $20,000 annual income, so you have plenty of options if this pertains to you. Commission-based workers or self-employed individuals: Citibank Quick Cash, HSBC Personal Loan, DBS Personal Loan and Standard Chartered CashOne are good options. Some other banks may only accept salaried workers. 13. Term loan vs credit line — which should you choose? While researching personal loans, you might have come across many different loan types, some of which do not seem to fit what we described above. MoneySmart lists only term personal loans, which is when you borrow a fixed sum with a fixed repayment plan that you agree on before you see the cash. We usually recommend these loans because they have much lower interest rates. You can pay back slowly and steadily at a pace comfortable to your financial situation. Many banks also offer a personal line of credit — sometimes called a credit line, revolving loan, or even "flexible repayment loan". This is a pre-approved amount of money you can cash out in part or whole, but you need to repay it ASAP or else face sky-high interest rates. Don't fall for it unless you're absolutely confident you can pay the money back immediately. These days, most banks base their personal loans on either your personal line of credit or credit card limit. So you will need either a credit card or credit line to get the loan. However, it is still considered a term loan if it comes with a structured repayment plan. But before you sign up, understand that your credit cards with this bank will be as good as dead because you'll have effectively "spent" your credit on a cash loan. 14. Being in debt is not fun… But it can be prevented. If you must take out a loan, channel all your energies into paying it off on time to avoid late charges. In the meantime, re-examine your income and budget, making a note of everything you spend on, so you won't have to resort to loans again. Ideally, you should draw up a budget that gives you enough leeway to set aside some cash for the future without starving to death. You should also build up an emergency fund worth a few months' expenses. If you're hit with unforeseen circumstances, you can dip into this fund instead of having to take a loan. It's also a good idea to know what types of insurance you need. We recommend hospitalisation insurance at a bare minimum, and life insurance if you have dependents. Being sufficiently insured ensures that you don't get hit with huge bills if the unexpected happens. [[nid:718015]] This article was first published in MoneySmart .
New Paper
20 hours ago
- New Paper
Oversharing, AI posts and other faux pas: Why you're using LinkedIn wrong
A widely circulated meme mocking LinkedIn entries goes like this: "When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of growing up to satisfy user needs in a way that meets business goals for transformative outcomes." While the post is satirical, its virality hints at how it captures the unique - and often cringeworthy - way that people write on LinkedIn. The professional networking platform, which launched in 2003, is where humble-bragging routinely meets oversharing. Users find ways to draw leadership life lessons from the most mundane of daily activities, such as conversations with a taxi driver or doing a presentation. Such oversharing is not without consequences. In May, Singaporean LinkedIn user Janney Hujic, who runs tour agency Elysian Expeditions, posted about a life lesson learnt from meeting former DBS Group chief executive Piyush Gupta - only for Mr Gupta to later comment: "Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!" If not for the mistaken identity, Ms Hujic's post would probably have gone unnoticed on the platform. LinkedIn has over one billion users worldwide - more than four million of whom are based in Singapore - all plugging their own professional and personal pursuits. Many of the initial comments lauded her for writing about this fortuitous "chance encounter". Even after Mr Gupta weighed in to dispute the account, some commenters suggested that the post, left up for a week, could draw attention to Ms Hujic's tour company. But at the end of May, her LinkedIn account was gone. What is the line between authenticity and misreading the room? Between clout-chasing and networking? Being vulnerable and oversharing? The Straits Times spoke to recruiters, public relations experts and LinkedIn's "top voices" to find out why you are likely using LinkedIn wrong. Here are five questions to ask before you post. 1. Is it cringe or 'context collapse'? When you post on LinkedIn, for whom should you be writing? Your future boss? A potential recruiter or hiring manager? Your current colleagues? Perhaps your old schoolmates or industry acquaintances? While you might imagine a particular audience, the answer is really: "All of the above." Internet researchers have coined the term "context collapse" to refer to how social media creates a form of communication that collapses many distinct social contexts into one. Offline, it is an easy feat to change your tone and language when schmoozing with your boss, sharing workplace gossip with a confidant or impressing a recruiter. Online, these contexts are flattened into a single feed that all of these potential audiences - and your mum and mother-in-law - can access. This partly explains why many LinkedIn posts feel "cringe". Users often post to impress future hiring managers or build a specific follower base, which is perhaps an expectation that current colleagues or general audiences might not share. It also explains why certain posts land their creators in hot water. Posts on LinkedIn are visible not only to one's target audience, but also to the public. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Ms Bethany Bloch, managing editor at public relations firm Mutant Communications, says leaders need to be mindful of the opinions they share, as well as prevailing public sentiment. "We saw what happened with the now former vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, which is a classic example of oversharing that led to a PR crisis for them and a personal crisis for him," she says, referring to Mr Chia Boon Teck, who resigned from his position after he penned a LinkedIn post in March which was seen as casting blame on a rape survivor. Mr Chia likely expected his post to stay within a small circle of friends in the legal fraternity. However, context collapse meant that strangers - including those on Facebook and Instagram - who held divergent viewpoints became his audience, judge and jury. Recruitment experts speaking to ST affirm the importance of being wary about one's LinkedIn activity, noting that it is now common practice for recruiters to look through a candidate's posts to assess his or her personality and values, and identify potential red flags. 2. Are you authentic enough? Nearly all experts speaking to ST identified "authenticity" as an important trait to project on LinkedIn, but it is an amorphous concept that defies definition. "Beyond qualifications, cultural and personality fit are critical factors in the hiring process," says Ms Jaya Dass, Asia-Pacific managing director at human resources firm Randstad Enterprise, who notes that she sees inappropriate jokes and personal rants as red flags. On the other hand, insightful content about personal takeaways - instead of merely posting often - and posts showing appreciation for colleagues are her green flags. Content that drives the most engagement on LinkedIn includes business news - earnings, mergers and organisational changes - as well as career advice and industry trend perspectives, says Ms Serla Rusli, a LinkedIn career expert and senior editor at LinkedIn News. Who is posting matters. She notes that more business leaders are using LinkedIn to explain the how and why behind major professional decisions, citing a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives over the past two years. These average eight times more impressions and four times more engagement than posts from others. There has been a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives in recent years, though engagement may not always be positive. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Sharing videos is another approach to consider. Ms Rusli notes that video is a fast-growing format on LinkedIn, with time spent watching videos up by 36 per cent as at April. Ms Christel Goh, chief executive of local public relations agency Grow Public Relations, warns against overusing personal stories, a common trope on LinkedIn. "There's a fine line between meaningful sharing and oversharing. When every moment becomes a 'teachable lesson', it can feel forced, cringey or overly dramatic," she adds. An overemphasis on achievements, using the platform to shame and blame others, and an excessive dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content are other common mistakes on the platform. LinkedIn users' frequent overemphasis on achievements and "teachable" moments is often satirised. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS "LinkedIn is a professional networking space, and because of its nature, many users feel compelled to present a highly polished, positive image of themselves," Ms Goh says. "While this might seem appropriate for a professional platform, the overly curated and idealised tone can come across as unrealistic. People don't typically communicate in such a polished manner in everyday life." The key is setting editorial guidelines for yourself, says Dr Juliana Chan, a LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 100,000 followers, and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist-turned-branding-coach who prides herself on speaking "fluent LinkedInese". "'Does this story serve my professional audience? Does it add value or context to my expertise and job as a branding coach?' If yes, I'll share it authentically. If it's just unnecessary personal drama or random life updates, it stays private," she says. She points to a post she made in November about her father's death in 2024 because she had written about him on LinkedIn in the past. She sees this as professionally relevant context because it "helped people see that I am only human and not some digital avatar". The challenge lies in where to draw these lines. What constitutes oversharing versus insight? Bluntness versus offence? The inherent risk of using LinkedIn as a platform is that not everyone agrees on boundaries. Unfortunately, any misjudgments are linked to your employer and a detailed resume. For another LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of career development organisation The Mindgem, Ms Ratna Juita, the answer lies in understanding that you cannot please everyone. "In today's attention economy, appealing to everybody means appealing to nobody," she says. "Embrace strategic polarisation. Take clear stands on industry issues, share your unique perspectives and don't be afraid to repel the wrong audience while attracting the right one." 3. How are you using your connections? One of LinkedIn's most important functions is the ability to connect with others. But this, too, can be a potential source of networking faux pas. Ms Yeo Sha-En, a professional speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice, considers immediately asking for something upon reaching out to be a networking red flag. "In the case of networking or mentorship, this is equivalent to meeting someone for the first time and expecting him or her to give you something," she says. "People need time to get to know you before they can mentor you." Similarly, Dr Chan thinks it is a common networking mistake to send connection requests without adding a custom note. "If I receive 100 connection requests, often only two to three of them have a thoughtfully written custom note attached to it," she says. "Every single time, I consider these requests first." Ms Juita says: "Strategic networking isn't about collecting contacts. It's about building a community of mutual support and shared professional growth." She highlights the importance of finding ways to turn online connections into offline ones and setting healthy boundaries on what you should share. Being retrenched in 2018, she adds, taught her a hard lesson on the importance of establishing a personal brand that extends beyond a single company or employer. "The traditional employment contract where loyalty guaranteed job security no longer exists," she says. "Companies restructure, industries evolve and even the most dedicated employees can find themselves unexpectedly looking for new opportunities. "When that happens, your LinkedIn network isn't just helpful, but it can also be your lifeline." 4. Is sharing your layoff a good idea? Posting about being #opentowork or a recent layoff has become a common LinkedIn trope, but is sharing such news online a good idea? Nearly all recruitment experts who spoke to ST say being open about a layoff is a useful way to put yourself on the radar of recruiters - and get some much-needed support from others. "From a recruiter's perspective, layoffs are rarely seen as a negative mark, especially given today's economic climate," says Ms Kris Tan, an associate partner at recruitment firm Page Executive. "Authenticity is a valued quality in candidates, and many employers appreciate when individuals are transparent about their job search efforts." Recruiters say it often comes down to discoverability. "Recruiters monitor these posts, and such announcements can increase visibility and encourage referrals," says Ms Ilse Clement, senior consultant for human resources and business support at recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore. "Be tactful and forward-looking. Frame it as a transition rather than a setback," she adds. Ms Clement also notes that active LinkedIn users who post regularly and engage with others are more likely to appear in search results due to the platform's algorithm. As recruiters use keywords to find candidates, it is important that your profile includes relevant industry terms, skills and certifications. Candidates can also use LinkedIn's built-in "Open to Work" feature to discreetly signal to recruiters that they are open to opportunities. Not everyone agrees with this approach. Dr Leon Qiu, a PhD graduate from the Singapore Management University and prolific LinkedIn poster, believes that signalling you are #opentowork - using the platform's built-in profile frame - can be "self-sabotage". "It hurts your chances and negotiating power. It signals to the job market you are of poorer labour quality," he says. "Conversely, if you are open to hire, you have greater power and are perceived to be more capable. But it's just my hypothesis." 5. Falling for the 'thought leadership' trap? Considering the effort required and the many reputational risks, why post on LinkedIn at all? The answer usually revolves around "thought leadership", one of LinkedIn's most persistent buzzwords. The term refers to establishing oneself as an authority in a field. Advocates see it as genuine expertise that influences industries and drives change. Sceptics argue it is little more than dressed-up self-promotion, recycled ideas and meaningless business jargon. The desire for "thought leadership" has created a lucrative industry around it, where it has become common practice for public relations agencies to sell thought leadership as a service - meaning the creation of op-eds and, at times, LinkedIn posts for a tidy sum. Ms Charu Srivastava, co-founder of communications consultancy firm TriOn & Co, says her firm works with clients on LinkedIn strategy and thought leadership content development. "The main reason they come to us is to ensure quality, authenticity and a consistency of LinkedIn engagement," she says. "The clients have full oversight of the content, and we incorporate their personal voice and nuances in the content development process. This provides our clients with the balance of strategy and guidance with full ownership of their profiles." But AI also adds a new dimension to this, with many users turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts and insights. Nearly all experts ST spoke to highlighted mindlessly using AI without supervision to create a flood of generic content as a flaming red flag. "One of the biggest mistakes is posting content just for the sake of it," says Ms Srivastava. "There is more of this happening on LinkedIn these days, due to the increasing use of GenAI to create content." "There is a running joke about how people post about the most mundane professional developments with a 'LinkedIn flair'," she adds, noting that many users inflate achievements, and conflate their personal and professional lives. Recognising the reality that many posts are not written by users themselves - the platform has even introduced a feature to use AI-generated responses as comments - is key to understanding that not all engagement on the platform is meaningful. As such, the quest for engagement on the platform can sometimes be a performative trap, reinforcing that virality is far from the equivalent of becoming a thought leader. This is especially true for those who create generic listicles and inspirational quotes without a clear point of view, say experts. Dr Chan says "not everyone needs to build an audience on LinkedIn". For entrepreneurs, consultants and executive coaches - as well as those seeking speaking opportunities or board positions, or being headhunted - active engagement makes sense. For others, it may not. Her advice: Focus on "signature content" that stems from your unique experience and cannot be replicated by others. "Likes on LinkedIn don't pay the bills," she says. "It is more financially productive to attract people who want to collaborate with you. Every post should increase your 'surface area of luck' if done correctly."
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- AsiaOne
The surprising reasons some Singaporean buyers are choosing smaller condo units (even when they can afford more), Money News
Whether it's an HDB flat or a condo, the Singaporean mentality is to grab the biggest possible unit in budgetary range. Chalk it up to the lingering paranoia that - if we don't seize every square foot we can get now - it will just cost us more tomorrow. So it's always a surprise when some homebuyers, despite being able to afford a larger unit, decide to keep it modest. In the following, we talk to some realtors about these rare cases, and why it could make sense for the buyer: 1. Sometimes it's about layout and location, over square footage One agent shared that in a recent transaction, the clients were torn between a three-bedder (around 1,200 sq ft) and a two-bedder (around 700 sq ft). It was clear, from the earlier budget, that the client had the means to purchase the three-bedder. Instead however, the client eventually opted for the smaller unit. According to the agent: "For the project they wanted, there was nothing bigger than 700 sq ft, so we looked at other projects within the same idea. We found another three-bedder that was around 1,000 sq ft, but after the viewing they rejected it. The three-bedder unit was further from the MRT station, and the layout was not as good: No enclosed kitchen, quite stuffy inside, and no proper-sized service yard. The other alternative was to expand the search radius, but they didn't want to go further beyond the neighbourhood. So in the end, they still bought the 700 sq ft, even though they could have bought a bigger one elsewhere." These cases are also becoming more common in 2025, due to tighter resale supply. Buyers sometimes find an ideally positioned resale project; but then they find there's no availability of three-bedders, four-bedders, or larger sizes. This can pressure them into buying a smaller two-bedder unit, while they pocket the savings and look for another upgrading opportunity later. 2. Preparing for changes to the family structure Another reason for picking a smaller unit is a step toward right-sizing. Some agents said that, among older homebuyers, there's a possibility the children will soon be moving out. One example of this was a couple who recently sold a terrace house, where they'd been living with two of their children. The sale of the landed property left them more than enough to purchase a three or four-bedder condo unit. Instead, they rejected the recommendations and sought out a two-bedder unit. The agent said that: "One child was getting married and moving out within a year or two, the other child already had his own place. And one of their reasons for moving from landed was that they were older, and it was harder to upkeep a bigger home. So instead they went for a smaller unit, within walking distance to one of their children." From the couple's financial planning, opting for a two-bedder also helped to build a bigger retirement account. This made them confident enough to buy a condo, instead of right-sizing to a flat. 3. Getting a new launch instead of a resale unit One agent shared a case of a couple who opted for a new launch two-bedder at ELTA, instead of a three-bedder at the resale Clement Canopy. In this instance, both projects were quite close in the Clementi area, so location was not a key differentiating factor. The key difference was that the two-bedder ELTA unit was around $1.94 million, whereas the three-bedder Clement Canopy unit was around $2.18 million; a difference of around $240,000. For paying $240,000 less however, they got: A more efficient layout, as ELTA is a post-harmonisation project Better potential appreciation, as ELTA is a newer project by about six years No need to worry about renovation costs, as the savings from the price gap more than covers that need There's also fewer issues involving valuation. For new launches, the developer's price is taken to be the fair valuation. For resale, there's a possibility that the valuation may fall below the asking price, thus prompting a cash top-up. Coupled with the lack of urgency (the couple had a place to stay until ELTA would be completed), the smaller but newer two-bedder was the better choice. 4. For landlords, a smaller unit improves yields and lowers capital commitment An agent told us about a "sell one, buy two" scenario, where a couple were deciding on the second property. The sale proceeds, coupled with their savings, were enough to let them purchase a three-bedder (approx. 1,050+ sq ft) at DUO Residences. Upon further viewings nearby however, they changed their minds and opted for a smaller two-bedder (approx. 678+ sq ft) at The M. The reasoning was that the DUO Residences three-bedder cost about $2.1 million; and with projected rental income of $6,000 to $6,500 a month, it was a gross rental yield of 3.4 to 3.7 per cent. Conversely, the two-bedder at The M would only have come up to about $1.4 million. With projected rental rates of $5,200 to $5,800 per month, this is a higher yield of 4.4 to 4.9 per cent. Furthermore, the loss of living space was not a real issue to these buyers. They had already decided that the second unit was to be rented out for income; so it made no difference to their personal comfort. On top of the higher yields, the lower capital commitment also meant lower risk. This was a significant benefit, as the couple were nervous about each party taking on a separate mortgage. In these cases, foresight and clear intent - rather than an impulsive grab at the biggest unit - served the buyers' benefits. This is why it's important to talk through your intentions for the property. If the goal is long-term rental income, flexibility, or simply a lower-risk entry point, a smaller unit may serve you better even if it means giving up some space. Rather than just ask "What can I afford?" We suggest you ask: "What am I trying to achieve by buying this property?" Don't maximise square footage over maximising comfort or returns. [[nid:718516]] This article was first published in Stackedhomes .
