Latest news with #Headstart
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
ST Headstart: Do we all need side hustles?
Welcome to the latest edition of ST Headstart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times' career, personal finance and lifestyle coverage every Tuesday noon. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox. Whisking cups of matcha on weekends and raking in sales, or acting professionally in theatre productions while also being a full-time software engineer - more young people are taking on side hustles as a way to find self-fulfillment outside their daily job. But do we all need side hustles? Find out more in this episode of our Headstart On Record podcast. Moving out of the family home while unmarried is a topic with mixed views among young Singaporeans. My own year of living alone overseas was a lesson in freedom and independence that I did not get at home, yet I've since found comfort and happiness back in Singapore with my family. My colleague Sarah Stanley explores the guilt and freedom that come from moving out. Finally, join us on Sept 6 for an expert panel on how AI is reshaping the future of work for graduating students and young professionals - and what you can do about it. Sign up now for this free event by Headstart and Workforce Singapore. Stay hydrated!
West Australian
5 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Better together: Push for Federal Government to force mining and green energy to co-exist
Australia might be known as the great southern land, but an escalating fight for space has industry leaders calling for the Federal Government to intervene to ensure mining and renewable energy projects can co-exist. A new report by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies is warning that priority access for green energy developers is putting the lucrative mining industry at risk, thrusting the issue on the agenda ahead of this month's national economic roundtable. 'We have many more competing uses for the land, no consistent rules and established industries that provide the foundational base of our economy forced to play second fiddle,' AMEC chief executive Warren Pearce said. 'It's paralysing mining development, sterilising resources and it's entirely avoidable.' The AMEC report, Congested & Contested - Co-existence The Key to Unlocking Productivity, warns that tax and royalty revenue of $493 billion is at stake, due to 'uncertainty, delays and conflict' over land use. It reports that a preference for exclusive rights is locking mining exploration out, including in WA's Mid-West. Toolonga Mineral Sand's tenements for coccolith chalk near Kalbarri were terminated, to make way for the foreign-owned Murchison Green Hydrogen Project that has been awarded major project status from the Federal Government and received $814 million in Headstart funding. 'We have stated that we we can coexist. But no, the Minister has ignored that request,' Toolonga Mineral Sands managing director Ann Conlan-Nash said. 'As far as the Murchison green hydrogen project, we know that they're not going to do anything up there for probably five to six years. 'We could have been moving forward since 2020. It's been five years that we've been waiting, fighting.' AMEC said it's an example of the rush to renewable energy 'running roughshod' over regional communities and risking a backlash from locals. The AMEC report found meeting demand from both industries would require an equivalent of 'two Australia's' if exclusive rights are applied to all 77 million square kilometres of land. Mr Pearce said the solution was diversification leases that had been attempted, but not often taken up, in WA. 'This has actually become a really big problem in regional WA,' he said. 'Despite the fact that all of these renewable energy project proponents say they don't require exclusive licences, not one of them are using the diversification leases. They're opting for a section 79 lease which provides exclusive tenure. 'It means they're pursuing a path that tries to lock out other users and that's the worst possible outcome.' He's lobbying for a national model, to ensure consistency and offer investors certainty. 'Everyone benefits, because the highest value land use is multiple land use,' Mr Pearce said. 'The reality is you can do these things without actually ruining the overall purpose or economic benefit of the wind farm. 99 per cent of it will remain untouched. You just need to take a piece out of it. 'That piece creates jobs, taxation, revenues and, of course, royalties, as well as what's going on with the wind farm.'
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Headstart On Record Podcast: Do we all need side hustles now?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Working a full-time job but having a side-hustle is gaining traction, but here are things to look out for before taking the plunge. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Side hustles are becoming more common, with people opening weekend cafes, selling coffee or doing other jobs besides their full-time work. But are side hustles for everyone? Will it become necessary as people try to get extra income and find fulfilment outside their day jobs? And what do you need to look out for before starting a side hustle? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the art of the side hustle and how to start one. Her guests are Tris Su, owner of weekend matcha business Tofu Tofu, and Juliet Tan, founder of human resources consultancy firm Emplifi. 3:14: How does a home-based matcha maker run her side hustle? Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No plans to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor: LTA Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am World Trump is winning his trade war, but Americans will pay the price Singapore President Tharman meets migrant workers who saved driver of car that fell into sinkhole Singapore Singapore must stay socially progressive while conserving its cultures: President Tharman Sport A 'wake-up call': National coach Gary Tan on Singapore swimmers' performances at WCH 2025 Opinion The charm – and drawbacks – of living in a time warp in Singapore Life KPop Demon Hunters to get sequels, expanded universe to include musical, live-action remake 4:17 What counts as a side hustle? 5:55 Juggling the side hustle with her full-time job 7:53 What to do before starting a side hustle 14:15 The trend of side hustling and why start one? 24:00 Can I start a side hustle now? Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: Host: Sue-Ann Tan ( suetan@ ) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: SPH Awedio app: --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: Get more updates: The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store:
Straits Times
27-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
askST Jobs: How Gen Zs can apply smarter, not harder, in their job search
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Young professionals should make upskilling a priority, and stay informed on trends within and beyond the industry they are in, says an expert. In this series, journalist Megan Wee offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter . Q: A recent LinkedIn survey of Gen Z job seekers found that 32 per cent struggle to highlight their skills during their job search, while 54 per cent wish they have a more efficient way to assess if they are a good fit for a role. Facing these challenges amid a competitive job market, how can young job seekers streamline the process? A: When it comes to job searching, young people are encouraged to approach it with intention, said LinkedIn Asia-Pacific's head of human resources, Ms Sumita Tandon. 'That means focusing on roles they're genuinely excited about and can see themselves growing in over the next couple of years – not just applying broadly,' she added. With companies increasingly employing skills-based hiring, she encourages young job seekers to focus on the core capabilities listed in the job descriptions, rather than the titles and number of years of experience needed. 'Many Gen Zs I speak to underestimate how much they've already learnt,' she said, explaining that many of them have subconsciously built valuable skills through school projects, co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs or volunteer work. These could include project management skills developed from organising a school event, people management skills from leading a student club, or problem-solving skills from volunteering. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Ms Evan Loke, director of the permanent division at recruitment firm Persolkelly Singapore, points out that job descriptions often contain broad terms, with the true expectations hidden between the lines. For example, 'strong communication skill' is not just about speaking well. It requires translating complex ideas between diverse teams, negotiating the scope of work with stakeholders and delivering persuasive presentations, she said. Ms Tandon added that given how LinkedIn profiles are recruiters' first stop in learning more about the candidates, it is worthwhile for job seekers to make their profiles work harder. For instance, instead of listing skills, job seekers can demonstrate how they have used these skills by providing real, concrete examples. Separately, Ms Loke emphasises quantifying the results of one's experience, like how many team members one leads in a role. Job seekers can also enhance their resumes and profiles with the addition of brief testimonials from people they have worked with, such as professors, managers or teammates, she added. Given how quickly the demand for job skills is changing, Ms Tandon stressed the importance of demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow by highlighting one's adaptability. Ms Loke suggested that young professionals keep a list of their accomplishments, enable smart job alerts and use easy-to-update resume templates. They can keep an ongoing list of their key skills – each accompanied by a few real-life examples – which helps with matching job requirements to their skills. Setting up job alerts based on one's top skills can also make it easier to find suitable job openings and allow one to observe patterns in how employers phrase their needs in such listings. Knowing the pattern would allow job seekers to curate a flexible template structured around specific skill groups, so that they can easily rearrange or swop out points to adapt the resume to the language of each job posting. 'One of the best things Gen Z professionals can do early in their careers is to adopt a growth mindset,' said Ms Tandon. First, young professionals should make it a habit to reflect on what they have learnt from different tasks, such as leading a project, working cross-functionally or navigating a challenge. Second, young professionals should actively seek feedback from their peers, managers and even interviewers. 'Understanding your strengths allows you to double down on them, while feedback on growth areas gives you a clear road map for what to improve or develop next,' she added. Finally, young professionals should make upskilling a priority, and stay informed on trends within and beyond the industry they are in. She said: 'Career growth is about continually investing in yourself, staying agile and being open to what's next... 'When you lead with this mindset, everything else will follow.'
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
askST Jobs: Feeling the pinch? Here's what to do if your pay rise is not matching inflation rate
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox When salary increments do not keep pace with rising costs, Singaporeans may find themselves playing catch-up with their purchasing power. In this series, journalist Megan Wee offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter . Q: With cost-of-living issues a key concern for many Singaporeans, what can workers whose pay rises do not keep up with the inflation rate do? A: If employees discover that their pay increments are not keeping up with the inflation rate, it would be appropriate for them to discuss the matter with their supervisor or manager in a respectful and transparent manner, says recruitment agency Randstad Singapore's country director, Mr David Blasco. He says annual standard salary increments should minimally match the reported inflation rate for the year to ensure that employees maintain their purchasing power and quality of life, especially as the cost of living rises. Mr Vic Sithasanan, Singapore managing director at employment marketplace Jobstreet by Seek, says that while Singapore's inflation eased to around 2.4 per cent in 2024, many people are still grappling with the lingering effects of sharp cost increases in late 2022 and early 2023. When salary increments do not keep pace, Singaporeans may find themselves playing catch-up with their purchasing power, he adds. So, how can employees check whether their pay is keeping up with inflation? According to Ms Samantha Tan, a human resources business partner at Seek , employees can compare the current salary with what they were earning in the previous year, adjusted for inflation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys World Deal or no deal? EU faces critical decision in response to Trump's latest tariff salvo Singapore Segregated recycling bins found to lower contamination rate as more spring up Sport Two participants injured after another breached safety protocol during Pesta Sukan archery event Asia Mahathir discharged from hospital after feeling fatigued during birthday gathering Singapore Medics treat 7 after blaze at HDB block lift lobby in Chai Chee Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons They can make use of inflation calculators available online, she adds. Fresh graduates who do not have a salary history can refer to salary benchmarks, such as from Jobstreet's Talent Attraction Lab, to have a better grasp of where their salary expectations should lie, Ms Tan says. When there is a mismatch between the salary increment and the inflation rate, Mr Blasco recommends that employees take these steps: Review whether your pay reflects your job responsibilities and performance against the latest industry salary benchmarks, and gather information from your latest performance review. Explain to your supervisors how your salary has not kept up with inflation and the impact on your real income, and highlight your contributions to the organisation. Approach the conversations with supervisors in a collaborative manner – show that you are there to understand the factors that determine your salary increment. Assess your pay based on factors such as market demand for skills, industry benchmarks, internal pay structure and the company's profitability. Ms Tan encourages employees to look at their full compensation and benefits package, which can include bonuses, performance incentives, flexi benefits, learning opportunities and work-life flexibility. These can contribute to one's holistic well-being and satisfaction, she notes. 'These can at times be incredibly more priceless compared with a small annual increment,' she says, adding that they can help employees better fulfil their professional and personal aspirations. Mr Jason Quay, director of outsourcing at recruitment agency Adecco Singapore, says it is worthwhile for employees to evaluate the monetary value of what is being offered. For example, if the company provides $1,200 in flexible benefits, the real value should be taken into account even if it is not reflected in the base salary. If salary is top of mind, Mr Blasco says employees should assess the talent market supply and demand. This can guide career decisions about whether they should stay in their organisation, or proactively seek employers that are offering a higher pay. Ultimately, he emphasises the importance of navigating the process carefully. 'Continuing to communicate professionally and maintaining positive relationships during this process can also help you to retain a strong reputation and not burn bridges.'
