Latest news with #Hegen
AsiaOne
07-06-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
SG60 Baby Gift: What to expect if you're expecting, Money News
Expecting a baby in 2025? You're in for quite a treat! As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday, the government is rolling out the red carpet for our youngest citizens with the SG60 Baby Gift — a specially curated package of 10 items that's both commemorative and practical. Consider this the government's way of saying "Welcome to the family!" to every Singaporean baby born on this milestone year. Each item serves a dual purpose: supporting your child's development whilst creating meaningful family keepsakes for the first-year moments. Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about claiming your SG60 Baby Gift. 1. What is the SG60 Baby Gift? The SG60 Baby Gift is Singapore's special welcome package for babies born in 2025, marking our nation's 60th year of independence. It's the government's way of celebrating both Singapore's milestone and the arrival of our next generation of citizens. As Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah explained, "The Gift signifies the Government's commitment to support Singaporeans in realising their marriage and parenthood aspirations, as well as the importance of the next generation in ensuring Singapore's future remains vibrant and full of opportunities." 2. Who's eligible for the SG60 Baby Gift? Eligibility is straightforward. All Singapore Citizen babies born between Jan 1, 2025 and Dec 31, 2025 will be eligible for the SG60 Baby Gift. Here's what you need to know: Singaporean citizens born in 2025: Every citizen baby gets one gift set-yes, this means twins or triplets each get their own package. Overseas births count: Singaporean babies born overseas in 2025 are eligible, though you'll need to provide a Singapore address for delivery. Adopted children: Children who were adopted by Singapore citizens and born in 2025 may be eligible, subject to citizenship documentation requirements. The key requirement? You must complete your child's birth registration before applying for the SG60 Baby Gift. No shortcuts here-official paperwork first, then the gifts. 3. What's inside the SG60 Baby Gift Pack? The SG60 Baby Gift comprises 10 selected items designed to support your child across different developmental stages. Here's what's in the specially designed trolley bag: For early development Wooden building blocks: SG60-themed blocks designed to support cognitive and motor skill development, perfect for your little one's first masterpiece creations. Baby toy play set: Encourages exploration while developing problem-solving abilities and fine motor skills through interactive play. Feeding and mealtime Straw cup with adaptor cap: From local brand Hegen, this cup grows with your child's increasing independence, supporting the transition from bottle to cup feeding. Food bib: Made from silicone to make the shift to solid foods less messy-a godsend for parents navigating weaning adventures. Reading and bonding Set of two Becky Bunny storybooks: Emphasise important family values — Love, Care and Concern, Commitment and Respect — through heartwarming adventures that bring families together. SG60 limited edition Becky Bunny plushie: A comforting companion that encourages imaginative play, sensory development and early exploration — because every child needs a special friend. Memory keeping SG60 family photobook: Features SG60-themed designs with local flora and fauna, plus fun backgrounds and stickers to commemorate precious family moments. SG60 parenting journal: Provides practical tips and resources aligned with key developmental milestones during your child's crucial first year, plus space to document their growth journey. Practical essentials Backpack: The backpack helps parents stay organised and prepared for every adventure with their little one, keeping the child's essentials within easy reach. Trolley bag: With its compact size, the trolley bag can be used to store and transport the child's items, providing an opportunity for the child to develop a sense of responsibility as he/she takes charge of his/her belongings. Plus a special touch: Each SG60 Baby Gift will also come with a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. All items feature artwork designed by students from Lasalle College of the Arts, adding a unique local artistic flair to your baby's first keepsakes. 4. How to register for your SG60 Baby Gift Getting your hands on the SG60 Baby Gift is a straightforward process, though timing matters. Step 1: Complete birth registration first Parents are required to complete the birth registration for their child before they can proceed with the registration for the SG60 Baby Gift. No exceptions-you'll need that birth certificate to claim your gift. Step 2: Register online Head to to register. Parents are required to login via Singpass to register. The good news? Most parents won't need to submit supporting documents unless there are special circumstances. Step 3: Choose your collection method You have two options: Community events: Those who register for the Gift by March 15, 2025 are invited to collect their Gift at "Celebrating Our Families" community events organised by the People's Association, held over weekends in April and May 2025. Home delivery: Parents who are unable to attend the community events or who register for the SG60 Baby Gift after March 15, 2025 will receive the Gift via home delivery. Home delivery starts from mid-May 2025. Important dates to remember Registration opens: Feb 28, 2025 Registration closes: Feb 28, 2026 Community event registration Deadline: March 15, 2025 Home delivery starts: Mid-May 2025 Required documents (special cases only) Most parents won't need to submit additional documents. However, you'll need supporting documents if: Your child was expected in 2025 though born outside that year Your child became a naturalised citizen after birth You're dealing with adoption situations For help, contact SG60_Baby_Gift@ 5. Why this matters for new parents in Singapore The SG60 Baby Gift isn't just about free stuff — it's recognising that raising a baby is hard work. For sleep-deprived parents wondering if they're doing anything right, a little encouragement goes a long way. The gift comes alongside other family-friendly measures introduced during Budget 2025, including: Large Family Support Scheme: Up to $16,000 for families with third and subsequent children Enhanced CDC vouchers: $800 per household ($500 in May, $300 in January 2026) SG60 vouchers: $600-$800 per person depending on age, distributed in July 2025 Child LifeSG Credits: Extra support for your little one SG60 babies won't just receive the commemorative gift — they'll also benefit from the new Child LifeSG Credits programme. Every Singapore Citizen child aged 0 to 12 in 2025 will receive a one-off $500 credit via their parents' or trustee's LifeSG Mobile App in April 2026. These credits can be used at merchants accepting PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR payments for household expenses like groceries and utilities. No application required-the credits are automatically disbursed to eligible families. For a comprehensive breakdown of all government payouts this year, check out our detailed guide on Singapore government payouts for 2025. 6. A quick look back: How SG60 compares to SG50 For those wondering how this compares to Singapore's last major milestone, the SG50 Baby Jubilee Gift in 2015 offers some interesting contrasts. SG50 vs SG60: The numbers SG50: Eight items in a large keepsake suitcase SG60: 10 items in a compact trolley bag SG50 vs SG60: The focus The 2015 gift emphasised commemorative keepsakes like a gold-plated brass medallion and practical items such as a Skip Hop diaper bag and cotton baby onesies in different sizes. The 2025 version takes a more development-focused approach, with items that actively support child development and family bonding rather than providing for practical needs. The verdict: SG50 parents received premium branded essentials for immediate use, while SG60 parents get developmental tools for the long haul. Given today's parenting focus on early childhood development over designer accessories, the 2025 version arguably delivers better value than the former. What stayed the same Both initiatives involved extensive community consultation, featured local design elements, and came with personalised messages from the Prime Minister. The commitment to welcoming new citizens with meaningful gifts remains constant. 7. The bottom line The SG60 Baby Gift represents Singapore's unique approach to celebrating milestones — combining practical support with symbolic significance. It's a thoughtful gesture supported by a government that's simultaneously rolling out other family-friendly measures. [[nid:715166]] This article was first published in MoneySmart .
Tatler Asia
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
From Kimono Mom to Yvon Bock, these are our favourite motherhood stories from Asia
Before she was Kimono Mom, Moe was a secondary school dropout. On two occasions, she talked to Tatler about everything she's overcome to be here: her journey to becoming a geisha, her struggles through divorce and depression, being a working mum and using traditional culture to empower other women—including her daughter. Read Kimono Mom's story here and here. Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Datuk Yvonne Chia Above Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datuk Yvonne Chia and their daughters Izzana Salleh and Francesca Chia (Photo: Micky Wong) 'I unapologetically carried the tradition of my parents—but never at my daughter's expense.' - Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil - Powerful women and devoted mothers—can one woman truly be both? Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datuk Yvonne Chia and their daughters Izzana Salleh and Francesca Chia share their honest takes. Read their full story here. Oliver Chan Above Oliver Chan (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong/Zed Leets) 'Most of the directors who have made films involving mothers are men, or women who haven't experienced motherhood. If I don't tell these stories, who will?' - Oliver Chan - Following the box office success of Still Human , a film that sheds light on domestic workers in Hong Kong, director Oliver Chan came back with The Montages of a Modern Motherhood in early 2025. She sat down with Tatler to talk about what inspired her to make the movie, as well as the challenges of motherhood in Asia. Read Oliver Chan's full story here. Yvon Bock Above Yvon Bock, founder and CEO of homegrown mother and babycare brand Hegen, wants to empower mothers in their breastfeeding and motherhood journey 'The challenges [I faced] inspired me to create an ecosystem that champions breastfeeding and empowers mothers.' - Ivon Bock - For many mothers, breastfeeding is a journey fraught with challenges. Here's how Hegen founder Yvon Bock has been transforming motherhood challenges into a Singaporean success story. Read Yvon Bock's full story here. Fiona O Above Fiona O, a Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow 2024, founded GloStudy (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong) 'I now have an additional identity [as a mum], but that doesn't mean I'll lose myself.' - Fiona O - Inspired by fellow female entrepreneurs, edtech founder Fiona O realised she didn't have to choose between motherhood and her career as she welcomed her first child. Read Fiona O's full story here. Aida Zunaidi Above Malaysian social enterprise, Ibupreneur, helps mothers to improve their home-ready skills while equipping them to become micro-entrepreneurs () 'I grew up with a mother who had to hold our family together and was the sole breadwinner. Having witnessed her drive, I wanted to follow in her footsteps.' - Aida Zunaidi - Aida Zunaidi of Ibupreneur discusses how she deftly manages parenting demands with the rigours of running a social enterprise that enables other mothers to pursue their dreams. Read Aida Zunaidi's full story here. Kathryn Weaver Above Employment lawyer Kathryn Weaver is driving conversation around adoption and the different ways to grow a family (Photo: Alex Macro) 'You can't go into adoption half-hearted. You've got to be fully committed to it and to everything it brings.' - Kathryn Weaver - Lawyer Kathryn Weaver has navigated Hong Kong's challenging adoption system twice; she discusses interracial adoption and the systemic barriers and challenges adoptive families face. Read Kathryn Weaver's full story here.
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Singapore's Female Entrepreneurs Find Global Success on Amazon
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 March 2025 - Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs are launching their brands on Amazon to reach millions of customers in North America and beyond. Ahead of International Women's Day, read the inspiring stories of Singapore female entrepreneurs and innovators who are making their mark globally on Amazon through products such as dog toys, health foods, baby essentials, and lifestyle homeware. After several years in the corporate world, Ruth realised that something was missing in her life—a deeper sense of purpose. Driven by her lifelong love for dogs, Ruth founded Race&Herd in 2020, using her expertise as a certified dog behaviour expert to create science-backed toys for dogs that require high physical and mental stimulation. When Ruth saw her dog Dinky's enthusiastic response to a horse ball, she identified an untapped market opportunity. 'Race&Herd recognised what other brands had overlooked—dogs have natural herding instincts that traditional toys weren't addressing. This insight led to the creation of our signature herding ball, establishing Race&Herd as the pioneer in this innovative product category.' With a vision to make Race&Herd a global brand, Ruth launched her business through Amazon Global Selling. As demand for Race&Herd products continues to grow today, Ruth has expanded her reach to more markets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. 'Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do. There's nothing quite like watching your vision materialise and knowing it's making a positive difference by bringing people and their pet closer together.' Ruth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: 'Keep your passion alive! While competition can be fierce, stay connected to what excites you and keep innovating—because innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition.' 2) Yvon, CEO and Founder, Hegen For Yvon, the journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by a strong will to make a positive impact on mothers and their experience with breastfeeding. Yvon's vision birthed the now-iconic 'Sqround' (square-round) bottle —an innovative design without screw thread, making it easier for babies to hold, and to simplify stacking and storage for mothers. 'Initially questioned by the industry, the 'Sqround' bottle, featuring the award-winning Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ (PCTO™) innovation, redefined convenience with its effortless one-hand closure. Our no screw-thread Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ innovation set Hegen apart and helped make us a leader in innovation in the mother and baby industry,' says Yvon. As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated baby care industry, Yvon says she faced the challenge of making her voice heard, and had to break barriers with resilience and unwavering determination. 'Each obstacle became an opportunity to challenge limitations and push boundaries, not just for myself but for other women in business.' Yvon's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: 'Dream big and never limit what you can achieve! When we allow ourselves to dream boldly, we can unlock possibilities that we never thought were possible.' In 2016, Hegen began selling in the Amazon US store ( and has since expanded to after finding success in the U.S. Becoming an Amazon seller has opened the brand to marketing and selling globally -- allowing Hegen to reach mothers around the world easily. 3) Ann and Christina, Co-Founders, Nook Theory In 2020, during the pandemic, home became the center of everything—work, leisure, family, personal and social life. Ann and Christina, best friends turned business partners, saw an opportunity to bring more warmth and comfort into homes everywhere. They founded Nook Theory, a lifestyle brand offering everyday living items – such as their best-selling Better Days insulated bags, eco-friendly bamboo plates and reusable multi-pockets shopping bags) - designed to seamlessly blend function, style, and sustainability. Nook Theory is now a thriving home and lifestyle brand in the Amazon store, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. When asked about the challenges of being women entrepreneurs, Ann replies: 'Entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act of highs and lows. When challenges arise, don't let them weigh you down. Always remember your strength and your 'why' [you are doing this], and let them be the driving force to turn setbacks into comebacks' Ann and Christina's advice to entrepreneurs: 'When launching a business, it's easy for entrepreneurs to fall into the trap of overthinking— getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never taking the first step,' Christina shares. 'Research and risk analysis are important but the key is to act quickly because the market can shift. Don't overthink —just take that first step!' 4) Riyana, Founder, Everiday Foods Riyana's journey began with a passion for holistic health, born from her own struggles: a demanding job in finance and a host of health issues which forced her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. Earning her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist (NTP) and recognising her clients' desire for healthy yet authentic Asian pantry staples, Riyana launched Everiday Foods on Amazon in 2023. Leveraging Amazon Global Selling, she expanded from her Singapore kitchen to the U.S., meeting an overseas demand for unique Asian flavours such as gluten-free and vegan chili sauces and sambals. When asked about the challenges of being a woman in business, Riyana replies: 'Honestly, being a woman has been an advantage in many ways. The entrepreneurial community—especially in the food and wellness space—has been incredibly supportive and I've found that women-led businesses often attract a loyal, engaged customer base.' Riyana said her challenges came from being a solopreneur having to build a business from the ground up: 'I had to wear many hats, from product development to operations to marketing, which can be overwhelming. Learning to delegate and build the right support system has been key to overcoming these hurdles.' 'I also doubted if I could compete with bigger brands. Overtime, I learned that authenticity and building a strong brand identity matters more than size. Leveraging my expertise in nutrition and creating products I truly believe in helped me push through those doubts.' Riyana's advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: 'Start before you feel ready. Build a strong network, know your numbers, and trust your unique approach — that's your strength.'
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Singapore's Female Entrepreneurs Find Global Success on Amazon
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 March 2025 - Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs are launching their brands on Amazon to reach millions of customers in North America and beyond. Ahead of International Women's Day, read the inspiring stories of Singapore female entrepreneurs and innovators who are making their mark globally on Amazon through products such as dog toys, health foods, baby essentials, and lifestyle homeware. 1) Ruth, Founder of Race&Herd After several years in the corporate world, Ruth realised that something was missing in her life—a deeper sense of purpose. Driven by her lifelong love for dogs, Ruth founded Race&Herd in 2020, using her expertise as a certified dog behaviour expert to create science-backed toys for dogs that require high physical and mental stimulation. When Ruth saw her dog Dinky's enthusiastic response to a horse ball, she identified an untapped market opportunity. "Race&Herd recognised what other brands had overlooked—dogs have natural herding instincts that traditional toys weren't addressing. This insight led to the creation of our signature herding ball, establishing Race&Herd as the pioneer in this innovative product category." With a vision to make Race&Herd a global brand, Ruth launched her business through Amazon Global Selling. As demand for Race&Herd products continues to grow today, Ruth has expanded her reach to more markets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. "Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do. There's nothing quite like watching your vision materialise and knowing it's making a positive difference by bringing people and their pet closer together." Ruth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Keep your passion alive! While competition can be fierce, stay connected to what excites you and keep innovating—because innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition." 2) Yvon, CEO and Founder, Hegen For Yvon, the journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by a strong will to make a positive impact on mothers and their experience with breastfeeding. Yvon's vision birthed the now-iconic "Sqround" (square-round) bottle —an innovative design without screw thread, making it easier for babies to hold, and to simplify stacking and storage for mothers. "Initially questioned by the industry, the "Sqround" bottle, featuring the award-winning Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ (PCTO™) innovation, redefined convenience with its effortless one-hand closure. Our no screw-thread Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ innovation set Hegen apart and helped make us a leader in innovation in the mother and baby industry," says Yvon. As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated baby care industry, Yvon says she faced the challenge of making her voice heard, and had to break barriers with resilience and unwavering determination. "Each obstacle became an opportunity to challenge limitations and push boundaries, not just for myself but for other women in business." Yvon's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Dream big and never limit what you can achieve! When we allow ourselves to dream boldly, we can unlock possibilities that we never thought were possible." In 2016, Hegen began selling in the Amazon US store ( and has since expanded to after finding success in the U.S. Becoming an Amazon seller has opened the brand to marketing and selling globally -- allowing Hegen to reach mothers around the world easily. 3) Ann and Christina, Co-Founders, Nook Theory In 2020, during the pandemic, home became the center of everything—work, leisure, family, personal and social life. Ann and Christina, best friends turned business partners, saw an opportunity to bring more warmth and comfort into homes everywhere. They founded Nook Theory, a lifestyle brand offering everyday living items – such as their best-selling Better Days insulated bags, eco-friendly bamboo plates and reusable multi-pockets shopping bags) - designed to seamlessly blend function, style, and sustainability. Nook Theory is now a thriving home and lifestyle brand in the Amazon store, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. When asked about the challenges of being women entrepreneurs, Ann replies: "Entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act of highs and lows. When challenges arise, don't let them weigh you down. Always remember your strength and your 'why' [you are doing this], and let them be the driving force to turn setbacks into comebacks" Ann and Christina's advice to entrepreneurs: "When launching a business, it's easy for entrepreneurs to fall into the trap of overthinking— getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never taking the first step," Christina shares. "Research and risk analysis are important but the key is to act quickly because the market can shift. Don't overthink —just take that first step!" 4) Riyana, Founder, Everiday Foods Riyana's journey began with a passion for holistic health, born from her own struggles: a demanding job in finance and a host of health issues which forced her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. Earning her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist (NTP) and recognising her clients' desire for healthy yet authentic Asian pantry staples, Riyana launched Everiday Foods on Amazon in 2023. Leveraging Amazon Global Selling, she expanded from her Singapore kitchen to the U.S., meeting an overseas demand for unique Asian flavours such as gluten-free and vegan chili sauces and sambals. When asked about the challenges of being a woman in business, Riyana replies: "Honestly, being a woman has been an advantage in many ways. The entrepreneurial community—especially in the food and wellness space—has been incredibly supportive and I've found that women-led businesses often attract a loyal, engaged customer base." Riyana said her challenges came from being a solopreneur having to build a business from the ground up: "I had to wear many hats, from product development to operations to marketing, which can be overwhelming. Learning to delegate and build the right support system has been key to overcoming these hurdles." "I also doubted if I could compete with bigger brands. Overtime, I learned that authenticity and building a strong brand identity matters more than size. Leveraging my expertise in nutrition and creating products I truly believe in helped me push through those doubts." Riyana's advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: "Start before you feel ready. Build a strong network, know your numbers, and trust your unique approach — that's your strength." Hashtag: #AmazonGlobalSelling #AmazonSingapore #InternationalWomen'sDay #IWD The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Amazon Global Selling
