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Time Business News
2 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
How to Find a Reliable Philippines Maid Agency for Busy Families?
Singapore's fast pace often leaves families with little time to manage daily tasks. With work, school, and caregiving to juggle, many households seek extra help. Hiring a domestic worker can bring relief, especially when chosen with care. If you're considering a helper from the Philippines, selecting the right Philippines maid agency Singapore offers becomes your first step. A helper can support your home, but the process starts with trust. The agency you work with sets the tone. This guide explains how to find the right one—reliable, clear, and respectful of everyone involved. Why Filipino Helpers Are a Popular Choice? Filipino domestic workers are known for their strong English skills, adaptability, and dedication. Many families value their communication ability and family-centred mindset. These qualities often help build stronger bonds between the helper and the household. That said, no two helpers are the same. It's important to look beyond general traits and focus on the fit for your family's daily needs and values. What a Good Maid Agency Should Offer? The agency acts as a bridge. It connects employers with helpers and handles paperwork, training, and logistics. Choosing a good one means the process flows with fewer surprises. Here's what the right agency should do: Explain each step clearly Offer profiles with real details and photos Check helpers' backgrounds and references Help with interviews and selection Provide after-placement support Follow local rules and fair work standards You don't need a fancy office or endless promises. What matters is honesty, structure, and a clear plan. Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Agency A little preparation saves future stress. Prepare a list before calling or visiting an agency. Ask these: How do you check helpers' skills or experience? Do you train helpers in safety, cleaning, or elder care? Can we meet the helper through video before confirming? What support do you offer after placement? How do you handle disputes? If the answers feel rushed or vague, that may be a red flag. Understanding MOM Guidelines in Singapore Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets rules for hiring foreign domestic workers. Good agencies follow these rules. They help you: Register the helper legally Arrange medical checks Buy insurance Attend the Employer Orientation Programme (if required) Set up contracts in line with MOM terms Skipping these steps can cause delays or legal issues. Always check that your chosen Filipino maid agency knows these rules well. Spotting Warning Signs Not every agency puts the worker or employer first. Some focus only on placement speed, not fit or safety. Look out for: Overly short interviews No clear refund or replacement policy Pressure to confirm fast Helpers who lack basic training Agencies that avoid questions A rushed process leads to tension and costly changes. Slow down and ask until you feel ready. Matching Helper Skills to Family Needs Before choosing anyone, think through your daily routine. Write a list of what you expect the helper to do. Include: Childcare: age, school routines, meals Elder care: mobility, medicine, companionship Housework: cleaning, laundry, cooking Pet care: walking, feeding Special skills: language, diet, and tools used at home This helps agencies match helpers with relevant experience or training. Honest, detailed profiles support better matches. Why Good Communication Matters Misunderstandings cause many placement failures. Clear talk from the start helps avoid later stress. A helper must understand your expectations. Likewise, families must listen to the helper's views and needs. Agencies that value both sides teach this during the process. They guide families to set fair hours, clear tasks, and shared routines. Respect grows from open talk, not rules alone. Preparing for the Interview An interview helps both sides feel ready. If the helper is overseas, video calls work well. During this meeting: Describe your home and schedule Ask about past roles and comfort with tasks Share your parenting or elder care values Check language skills in both directions Discuss the rest days and free time routines Observe how both sides respond. This is more than a checklist—it's a chance to spot if the helper's approach matches your household. Common Mistakes to Avoid Choosing a helper is a personal process. Avoid these traps: Relying only on online reviews Choosing based on photo or age alone Skipping interviews Ignoring gut feelings Hiring in a rush due to an urgent need Time spent at the start saves effort later. Let the process unfold with care. Comparing Agencies with Purpose If you're comparing options, use a few key points to guide your choice. The table below shows how families can weigh agencies on what matters most. Comparing Maid Agencies – What to Check Feature Why It Matters Helper Screening Process Ensures skills and safety Interview Options Helps you assess fit Legal Support Keeps hiring within MOM rules Replacement Policy Offers peace of mind After-Placement Support Helps solve issues early This structure keeps choices clear when emotions and pressure rise. Supporting Your Helper After Hiring A good match needs care beyond hiring. The early weeks set the tone. Help your helper feel welcome by: Giving a written list of daily tasks Showing how to use machines or tools Explaining routines gently Offering feedback kindly Asking about their well-being often Even small questions like, 'How are you today?' build respect. A calm, guided start improves long-term trust. Handling Cultural Differences with Grace Every family has its own unique habits, and helpers bring their own as well. Food, sleep times, phone use, and privacy can all differ. Talk about these openly. Set limits with kindness. Cultural learning goes both ways. Some families enjoy sharing meals, customs, or festivals. This helps helpers feel part of the home. If tensions rise, speak early. Don't let small issues grow. A short chat fixes more than silent stress. How a Reliable Philippines Maid Agency in Singapore Adds Value? The best agencies support every step, from the first call to the final placement and beyond. They care about match quality, not just numbers. You'll know it when: They call back quickly They explain that instead of selling They offer follow-up without being asked They respect the helper's background They stay calm during tough moments These actions show commitment, not just service. Choosing a reliable Philippines maid agency Singapore families trust brings long-term peace of mind. It turns hiring from a worry into a strength. Trust Takes Time, But It Starts Now Many families feel nervous during this process. That's normal. But the more time you take now to listen, learn, and ask, the smoother things go. Don't expect perfection on day one. Focus on building routines, not control. Praise when things go right. Guide when things go wrong. Helpers want to do well—they just need space and support to grow. Final Thoughts Busy households require strong support. With the right helper, your home runs smoother, your family feels lighter, and your time becomes better spent. That journey begins with a single step—finding a trustworthy Philippines maid agency Singapore residents can rely on. Look for real effort, not fast promises. Ask questions, trust your instincts, and stay open during the process. A skilled Filipino maid agency connects people, not just tasks. It shapes homes, not just hires. With care, clear talk, and honest effort, the right match is out there. Families and helpers thrive together when foundations begin with trust. Choosing a reliable Philippines maid agency Singapore offers today sets up lasting support for tomorrow TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New Paper
2 days ago
- New Paper
Singaporean falls from height in workplace accident near Padang, dies
A 43-year-old Singaporean man died after he fell while abseiling from a tower at a worksite near the Padang on May 30. When contacted, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that the man - a freelance industrial rope access worker - was rappelling down an 18m-high steel tower in Connaught Drive when his single anchorage rope failed, causing him to fall. The man was rushed to Singapore General Hospital after the fall, where he died from his injuries. "As a general safety reminder, personnel descending tall steel towers must utilise appropriate fall protection systems, such as secondary independent lifelines and other suitable safety devices," said the ministry, adding that it is investigating the incident. In a media reply, the man's employer, Showtec International, said that the man was a rigger and that it is assisting the man's family. According to the National Youth Council's Discover On My Way website, riggers specialise in lifting equipment operations and conduct regular system checks and upkeep. Between February and April 2025, a total of 13 stop-work orders and fines totalling more than $375,000 were issued to firms found to have flouted rules that protect workers carrying out tasks at high places, said MOM on May 20. The safety violations were discovered during inspections conducted between February and April at about 550 worksites.
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: More firms raise salaries in 2024 than in 2023 — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. More firms raise salaries in 2024 than in 2023 More firms increased their employees' wages in 2024, compared to the year before, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in a report on Wednesday (May 28). The proportion of firms that raised employees' wages increased to 78.3 per cent in 2024, up from 65.6 per cent in 2023, according to MOM's report on wage practices for 2024... » READ MORE 2. Skyworth K review: A car that's as effective as a household appliance I first came across the brand Skyworth at Giant Hypermarket Tampines. It was many years ago, and I happened to see a Skyworth TV on sale there for a very attractive price. The family's TV set needed replacing anyway, so I figured there was little harm in giving this low-priced option a try... » READ MORE 3. Francis Ng's son claps back at negativity about his appearance: 'Don't waste your words' Celebrities often get comments about their looks, and it seems that not even their children are exempt from criticism. Recently, a netizen in Hong Kong ran into Feynman Ng, the son of veteran actor Francis Ng and his Singaporean former actress wife Ong Lay Pheng, and posted a photo with him on Xiaohongshu... » READ MORE 4. Special offers and wildlife experiences at Mandai attractions in celebration of SG60 Mandai Wildlife Group is rolling out a series of offers and wildlife experiences at the Singapore Zoo and other attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve to celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday... » READ MORE editor@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
People's Park Complex's new red-and-white colour scheme not specifically for SG60; South Korean actor Choi Jung Woo of 'City Hunter' fame dies: Singapore Live news
Chinatown's modernist icon People's Park Complex is currently being repainted and will have a red-and-white look later in the year. But "the colour scheme was not specially chosen to mark SG60", People's Park Complex's managing agent Claire Dixon-Lim told The Straits Times. It "was recommended by a designer and approved by the building's management council", she reportedly said. In other news, according to media reports and postings on social media, South Korean veteran actor Choi Jung Woo has died. On Tuesday (27 May), a representative from Choi Jung Woo's agency Bless ENT reportedly announced, "Actor Choi Jung Woo has passed away," adding, "The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed." Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Chinatown's modernist icon People's Park Complex is currently being repainted and will have a red-and-white look later in the year. But "the colour scheme was not specially chosen to mark SG60", People's Park Complex's managing agent Claire Dixon-Lim told The Straits Times. It "was recommended by a designer and approved by the building's management council", she reportedly said. Facade rectification and repainting works at the complex, which is being studied for possible conservation, are slated to end before the fourth quarter of 2025. The mixed-use development, which was completed in 1973, was last repainted in 2009, when its then orange-and-green facade made way for a yellow-and-green coat. Find out more about the history, current state and possible future of People's Park Complex. Real wages grew by 3.2% in Singapore, after accounting for inflation, which had eased from 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in its Report on Wage Practices 2024, published on Wednesday (28 May). Nominal total wages – total wage includes components such as the basic wage and annual variable component – continued to grow, increasing by 5.6% in 2024 – comparable to the growth in 2023 (5.2%). Additionally, MOM said, "The proportion of establishments that provided wage increases rose from 65.6% in 2023 to 78.3% in 2024, though a majority of establishments gave the increases due to past organisational performance rather than forward-looking confidence." Rank-and-File and Junior Management employees saw slightly higher wage growth (5.8% and 5.6%, respectively) compared to Senior Management (5.1%), partly reflecting efforts to offset cost-of-living pressures. Read more about the Report on Wage Practices here. Singapore's top Islamic leader has announced that Hari Raya Haji will fall on 7 June this year. In a statement on Tuesday 27 May), the Mufti of Singapore Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said, "According to astronomical calculations, the crescent moon was not visible above Singapore's horizon after sunset this evening. As such, tomorrow will be the 30th and final day of the month of Zulkaedah. "Therefore, the month of Zulhijjah 1446H will begin on Thursday, 29 May 2025. This means Hari Raya Aidiladha will fall on Saturday, 7 June 2025." Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Great Day of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Zulhijjah and marks the end of the haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Read on to find out what the Mufti said in his well wishes for Singapore Muslims. According to media reports and postings on social media, South Korean veteran actor Choi Jung Woo has died. On Tuesday (27 May), a representative from Choi Jung Woo's agency Bless ENT reportedly announced, "Actor Choi Jung Woo has passed away," adding, "The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed." Choi was famous for his roles in various critically acclaimed South Korean TV shows, including City Hunter, The Tale of Lady Ok, Legend of the Blue Sea, and more.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Real wages in Singapore up 3.2% in 2024 but fewer firms plan increases this year: MOM
Real wages grew 3.2 per cent in 2024, up from 0.4 per cent in 2023 as inflation eased, said MOM. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Real wages in Singapore up 3.2% in 2024 but fewer firms plan increases this year: MOM SINGAPORE - Real wage growth in Singapore picked up in 2024 as inflation eased, but could slow down this year due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainties, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Nominal total wages grew by 5.6 per cent in 2024 on the back of continued economic growth, which was comparable to the growth at 5.2 per cent in 2023. After accounting for inflation, which eased from 2023, r eal wages grew 3.2 per cent in 2024, up from 0.4 per cent in 2023, said MOM in its annual wage practices report released on May 28. MOM's forward-looking survey conducted in the first quarter of 2025 indicated a decline in the share of firms planning wage increases. The proportion of firms intending to do so dropped to 22 per cent in March 2025 from 32 per cent in December 2024. 'These trends point to a potential moderation in nominal wage growth in 2025 compared to 2024, especially in trade-reliant sectors such as manufacturing and wholesale trade,' MOM said. The ministry said eight in ten establishments remained profitable in 2024, just slightly lower than 82.1 per cent in 2023. The manufacturing sector saw an increase in profitable firms, while real estate services, construction and wholesale trade did not fare as well. The ministry noted that while more firms raised their employees' salaries in 2024, they did so to reward past organisational performance, rather than to signal forward-looking confidence. Only 3.2 per cent of the firms surveyed cut wages in 2024, down from 6.5 per cent in 2023. MOM said there is continued demand for skilled workers in sectors like the administrative and support services, financial services, as well as community, social and personal services. The administrative and support services reported the highest wage growth at 8.7 per cent i n 2024, largely due to the Progressive Wage Model. This was followed by the financial services at 6.7 per cent, and the community, social and personal services at 5.7 per cent. But wage growth in the manufacturing and wholesale trade industries were below average, coming in at 5.1 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively, due to the ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. These two trade-reliant sectors are expected to further moderate in 2025. Rank-and-file workers and junior management employees experienced slightly higher wage growth at 5.8 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively, as compared to senior management at 5.1 per cent. 'Policy factors, such as increases in the local qualifying salary and the implementation of Progressive Wage Model initiatives have also contributed to higher wage increases among lower-income employees,' the ministry said. Meanwhile, 76 per cent of firms have adopted some form of flexible wage system, said MOM. This means they have either included a monthly variable component (MVC) or an annual variable component (AVC) into their wage structure. However, the share of firms which have fully adopted the flexible wage system remained low at 8.5 per cent. Firms that adopted at least one FWS component reported higher wage growth than those that did not. 'They were able to adjust the variable components to offer bonuses to employees during periods of good economic growth,' MOM said. Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
