What is OPEC+ and how does it affect oil prices?
The coalition known as OPEC+, consisting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied nations such as Russia, is scheduled to convene on June 2 to discuss their collective oil production policy. Below are essential details regarding OPEC+ and its functions: WHAT IS OPEC AND OPEC+? OPEC was established in 1960 in Baghdad by Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi...
Understanding Excessive Sweating: Causes, Benefits, and Post-Sweat Sensations
My sweat glands are constantly weeping for the respite of a cool, heat-repelling climate that Singapore naturally lacks—then remind me again with the stickiness of a thousand Post-It notes after the perspiration has dried off. But as uncomfortable as it sounds, sweat plays an important role. It’s like the coolant in your car’s system—not the most presentable part of your...
How bad are ultraprocessed foods, really? Here’s what scientists know
In the mid-1990s, Carlos Monteiro, a nutritional epidemiologist in Brazil, observed a troubling trend: a rapid increase in childhood obesity rates in his country. To discern the cause, Monteiro and his team at the University of Sao Paulo scrutinized data on Brazilian household food purchasing patterns. They discovered a shift towards less sugar, salt, cooking oils, and staples like rice...
Singapore Set to Compete Against Thailand and Malaysia in ASEAN Football Championship
The 15th edition of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AFF Cup) will feature Singapore facing off against Malaysia and defending champions Thailand in the group stages. The biennial regional championship is set to commence on November 23, with matches scheduled on a home-or-away basis in a single round-robin format until December 7, as announced by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF)...
Commentary: The Science Behind Singapore’s Vape Policy
Since its inception in 2018, Singapore's ban on vapes has sparked debates regarding its efficacy and whether further measures are needed to discourage youth vaping. On May 8, the Health Sciences Authority announced a review of penalties aimed at addressing the advertising, importation, and distribution of vapes. Efforts to promote "pro-health" content, including a vape-free campaign targeted at youths, were...
Achieve Business Success: A Simple Guide to E-Commerce
There was a time when e-commerce was associated only with major online players like Amazon and eBay. But today, any small business can establish its e-commerce presence in our digitally connected world. Key Considerations for Setting Up an E-Commerce Store Whether you're starting a new business or already have an established one, integrating e-commerce can significantly enhance your operations. For a small...
The Digital World Knows No Borders: Is Your Small Business Ready to Expand?
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of economies worldwide. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics' SME Report 2022, small businesses account for 99% of all enterprises in the country. These figures highlight the resilience and potential of small businesses in today's economic landscape. While small businesses drive economic growth, the question remains: when is the right time to...
The Danger of Perfectionism in Girls: How Parents Can Help Their Daughters Let Go of the Need to Be Perfect
You’ve likely heard the phrase “I’m a perfectionist” during interviews or project reviews. Often, this refers to someone being overly meticulous about their work—striving for “better” or procrastinating due to fear of failure. Perfectionism is at the root of these behaviors. The American Psychological Association defines perfectionism as the tendency to demand an extremely high or flawless level of performance...
Analyzing Singapore’s SIM Card Misuse Law: A Defense Against Scams or Merely Another Game of Cat and Mouse?
With the increasing prevalence of scams using local numbers in Singapore, the decision to answer calls from unknown numbers becomes fraught with caution. While new legislation aims to curb the misuse of SIM cards for fraudulent activities, particularly in job and e-commerce scams, the issue persists, fueled by fraudsters leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These...
How to support children and youth who have been sexually abused and their families
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) emphasizes the crucial role that all adults who interact with children play in preventing sexual abuse. According to Ms. Pooja Hemanth, principal clinical psychologist and assistant director at MSF’s Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, adults in various settings, including schools, social service agencies, and families, contribute to creating a safe environment...
