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JAPAN’S NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE GIVING AWAY 3 FREE TRIPS TO JAPAN, ALL IN SG CAN APPLY

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The Singapore Office of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is offering three fully funded and supervised tours to Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and San’in.

These tours are sponsored by Japan by Japan (JbyJ), the official community website of JNTO’s Singapore Office.

The design of these three tours will be carried out by participants and representatives from JbyJ.

The theme of the trip is centered around celebrating a loved one’s birthday in Japan, allowing participants to create an itinerary based on this theme.

All expenses related to the trip, including airfare, accommodation, transportation, and meals mentioned in the itinerary, will be covered by JbyJ.

Scenic locations

The first tour is scheduled for September 3 to 8, 2023, specifically targeting a family of up to four members, with a maximum of two children aged 11 and above. The focus of this tour will be exploring eastern Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Airports Co. Ltd, Hiroshima Tourism Association, and San’in Tourism Organisation are also supporting and sponsoring this tour.

The second tour, taking place in November 2023, will allow a couple to explore Hiroshima and San’in. The tour will include visits to Iwami-Ginzan, Onomichi, Fukuyama, and other featured locations.

JbyJ staff members, along with a photographer or videographer, will accompany the tours.

Application process

Anyone can apply for consideration; however, this experience is only open to residents of Singapore, and at least one member of the group must be a Singapore citizen.

Participants of the tour must agree to have their photos and videos taken, which will be utilized for social media, advertisements, and promotional materials promoting Japan.

The application period will run from June 2 to 18, 2023, and interested applicants need to register as JbyJ members.

Applicants are also required to create a 3-minute video explaining why they should be chosen for the sponsored trip and submit it to JbyJ.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online or in-person interview before the final selection process.

Source: Visit Japan Now

MAN SENT $1.9M WORTH OF GOLD BARS AS “BRIDE PRICE” TO FIANCEE’S HOME

In China, it is a common custom for men to negotiate the “bride price” with the bride’s family before marriage and pay off the dowry first,

In the case of a man from Zhejiang province in eastern China, this bride price amounted to a staggering 9.98 million yuan (equivalent to approximately S$1.9 million) in cash, as well as gold bars and luxury watches. To fulfill this customary obligation, the man arranged for an armored truck to transport the payment to his bride-to-be’s residence on Tuesday.

A circulating online video showcased the dowry being securely transferred in six vibrantly colored safes, symbolizing good fortune, by four professional escorts. The cash component was subsequently deposited into the bride-to-be’s bank account after being delivered to the engagement venue.

A photograph of the safes’ contents revealed stacks of cash, gold, and various items of jewelry neatly arranged on a table.

According to the Global Times, the exorbitant bride price, known as “cai li” in China, elicited both envy and criticism from online commentators. However, the groom-to-be sought to downplay the extravagant display by stating, “This is a local custom and it is quite common in Taizhou,” referring to the city in Zhejiang where he and his fiancée reside. He further mentioned that they plan to tie the knot by the end of 2023.

Despite recent efforts by the Chinese government to curb the practice of exorbitant bride prices, the trend of costly marriages in China shows no signs of diminishing. In January, Jiangxi province in southeastern China gained attention for topping a ranking by Xinhua with an average bride price of 380,000 yuan, excluding additional expected contributions such as a car and a house.

In February, a significant Chinese policy document for 2023 outlined the country’s intentions to address sky-high bride prices and extravagant wedding ceremonies. This initiative coincided with China experiencing its first population decline since 1961.

Nevertheless, as demonstrated by Mr. Yan’s armored cash truck in Zhejiang, this longstanding costly custom dating back to the Han Dynasty millennia ago is unlikely to be completely abandoned overnight.

@webossx #新人 #訂婚 押鈔車運送998萬現金彩禮到場 ,準新郎:這在當地很常見 #浙江 ♬ 原声 – We

45 Y.O CNA CAMERAMAN KILLED IN FATAL CRASH IN M’SIA, DIED ON THE SPOT

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On Sunday (June 4), Mr Khairul Zainuddin, a dedicated cameraman working for Channel NewsAsia, met with a fatal accident on a Malaysian highway.

Mr Khairul, aged 45, leaves behind his wife and two younger brothers. He had been returning to Kuala Lumpur after a weekend visit to his parents in Kuantan when the incident occurred on the Karak-Kuala Lumpur highway around noon.

Reports from the police indicate that Mr Khairul lost control of his motorcycle, colliding with a road divider. The impact propelled him into the opposite lane, where he was struck by an oncoming motorcycle ridden by a 46-year-old man.

Tragically, Mr Khairul succumbed to severe head injuries and died at the scene. The other motorcyclist suffered minor injuries and received treatment at Bentong Hospital in Pahang.

CNA’s team in Kuala Lumpur

Mr Khairul Zainuddin made valuable contributions as a video editor and cameraman, his expertise recognized in several acclaimed productions. He had been an integral part of CNA’s Kuala Lumpur bureau, serving Mediacorp for five years.

Mediacorp expressed deep sorrow in a statement issued on Monday, extending their condolences and support to Mr Khairul’s family. They acknowledged his dedication and important role within the bureau, noting his involvement in multiple award-winning projects. The company also offered assistance to their affected staff members in coping with this tragic loss.

Colleagues remember him as “big brother”

Among Mr Khairul’s notable works was the production “CNA Correspondent: Saving Endangered Animals In Malaysia,” which received accolades at the 2022 WorldMedia Festivals and was shortlisted for The AIBs in the same year.

His colleagues at CNA, who worked closely with him, fondly described Mr Khairul as a “big brother.” Melissa Goh, the bureau chief in Malaysia, emphasized his professionalism, dedication, and kind demeanor, while expressing deep sadness at his passing.

Ms Afifah Arifin, a correspondent in the Kuala Lumpur bureau, expressed gratitude for his guidance and the privilege of working closely with him.

Malaysian Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Mr Khairul’s family through a message on Twitter.

The loss of Mr Khairul Zainuddin is a tragic event that has deeply affected both his colleagues and the media industry as a whole. His contributions and warm personality will be sorely missed.

Images source: KRoll Fiftyfive on Facebook

FORMER AV STAR MIA KHALIFA SAYS SHE WAS “USED LIKE A TOY” IN THE INDUSTRY

Mia Khalifa, a well-known figure who gained fame in the adult film industry, shed light on her time in the industry, where she made 11 films in three months and became one of the biggest names field.

She has transitioned into various other professions following her brief stint of making 11 adult films over a span of three months. Surprisingly, she received a mere $12,000 as payment for her work.

Since leaving the adult film industry, Khalifa has explored different career paths, including becoming an author, hosting a podcast, and even working as a sports broadcaster. Her substantial following allows her to utilize her platform to discuss her experiences in the adult film world.

During an appearance on Steven Barlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, Khalifa, who now goes by her birth name Sarah Joe Chamoun, openly discusses her toxic relationship with her ex-husband.

Made to join industry by ex-husband

She reveals that he, a former US soldier, pressured her into joining the industry when she was only 20 years old. Khalifa describes such relationships as common among young girls.

Reflecting on her marriage during the podcast, Khalifa discloses that she eloped shortly after turning 18. She explains that she lacked a strong sense of self and attached herself to someone who willingly exploited her vulnerability. She viewed herself merely as an object to be manipulated, rather than experiencing a genuine relationship.

She said that she was made to feel like a “toy to play with”.

Reel life vs real life

Khalifa gained attention in the past for her views on men’s expectations in the bedroom. In an interview on BBC’s HARDTalk, she highlights how the videos that she made influences men’s perceptions and distorts their expectations of their partners. She emphasizes that the acts depicted in adult films are not reflective of real-life relationships.

Furthermore, Khalifa admits that initially, she saw working in the adult film industry as her secret endeavor. However, she unexpectedly became the most-viewed performer on P-hub within two months, attracting global attention.

JOHOR MINISTER SAYS THOSE CB DRIVERS WHO CUT QUEUE @ CHECKPOINT, WILL SEND BACK TO SG

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Motorists who attempt to bypass traffic congestion by cutting queues at the Tuas Checkpoint face severe consequences, including being denied entry into Malaysia, according to Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Highlighting the issue in a Facebook post, he expressed his appreciation for the Royal Malaysia Police officers stationed at the Sultan Abu Bakar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (KSAB) during the Vesak Day long weekend.

To deter queue cutting at the Tuas Checkpoint, traffic cones have been strategically placed near KSAB, obstructing potential offenders.

Additionally, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has marked the two-lane viaduct leading to Woodlands Checkpoint with double white lines, and enforcement cameras have been installed to discourage the misuse of the motorcycle lane for queue jumping.

He said that vehicles that are found cutting queues will not be allowed to enter Malaysia, and will be sent back to Singapore.

Netizens have responded positively to these measures, advocating for increased checkpoint enforcement and expressing gratitude towards those who patiently wait in line for hours. Suggestions have been made for 24/7 police presence at the checkpoints, particularly during peak periods.

Since the start of the Vesak Day long weekend, both the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints have experienced “unusual congestion” due to increased travel volume caused by the holiday and school break. Over 258,000 travelers crossed the Causeway on Thursday night alone, with an additional 63,000 using the Second Link. The resulting queues have led to extensive delays, with travelers waiting for up to seven hours.

To prevent similar congestion in the future, CM Onn Ghazi has urged the management of both checkpoints to consider opening dedicated counters for pedestrians and public transport, particularly during holidays.

He has also requested the collaboration of various Malaysian authorities, such as the Immigration Department, the Royal Customs Department, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Malaysian Volunteer Department, to ensure the efficient flow of traffic across the border.

These proactive measures aim to address the issue of queue cutting, enhance traffic management, and provide a smoother travel experience for all commuters using the Tuas Checkpoint and Causeway.

LA MIAN SHAVED NOODLES @ BISHAN INT SUSPENDED FOR “FOREIGN MATTER” FOUND IN FOOD

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Suspension of Licence of La Mian · Shaved Noodles, the Food Stall at 514 Bishan Street 13, #02-494, Singapore 570514, under the Points Demerit System

1          The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will be suspending the licence of La Mian · Shaved Noodles, the Food Stall at 514 Bishan Street 13, #02-494, Singapore 570514, under the Points Demerit System. The period of suspension is two weeks from 31/5/2023 to 13/6/2023 (both dates inclusive).

2          The licensee has accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12-month period and was fined a total of $800 for the following offences:

No.OffenceDemerit Points
(1)Sold food which contained foreign matter6
(2)Failure to keep licensed premises free of infestation6

3          Based on track records, a licensee who accumulates 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month period may have his licence suspended for a period of either two or four weeks, or cancelled. All food handlers working in the suspended premises would also be required to re-attend and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, before they can resume work as food handlers. The licensee is also required to ensure that all food hygiene officers working in the suspended premises, if any, re-attend and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3.

4          SFA takes a serious view of these offences and would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times, and to engage only registered food handlers. SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.

5          In the interest of maintaining a high standard of food hygiene at all eating establishments, we would also like to advise members of the public who come across poor food safety practices in food establishments not to patronise such outlets and provide feedback via the online feedback form (https://www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) or to call our SFA Contact Centre at 68052871 with details for our follow-up investigations.

MAN STRUGGLES TO HANDLE HIS AGING MOM: “I WILL STAB YOUR FRIEND”

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Hi all, advice needed. So sorry for the long post ahead.

My mom and me have always been very close so I have always talked to her about my day since she always ask about it. So my typical topic of discussion with her is usually about life, school, personal relationships and work etc. Ever since she married my dad 40 years ago, she quite frequently got verbally abused by my dad due to his bad temper so she’ll rant to me about it too. The only reason she stayed with my dad was because he provided well for the family.

However, recently I had been seeing some changes in my mom. When I have a topic of discussion with her, it started with her sometimes getting irritated with me within 15 minutes if she isn’t in a good mood. Within a span of a year, this had worsened to her everyday getting irritated when I’m discussing topics halfway by at most the 10 minutes mark. Ok, i admit I have an inquisitive nature so I tend to ask a lot of questions during discussions, but this had never been an issue with my mom for the past 20 plus years of my life until only recently. When I asked her why, she said recently she felt physically and mentally tired, and she have no interest to talk for too long even to her siblings. Since she’s tired, I suggested talking another day but she refused.

On top of this, her language had became a lot more vulgar when she used to avoid using vulagarities in the past. And her language had became a lot more extreme. When I complained about certain people at work, I was only looking for advice to solve the problem but she would suddenly use extreme language and said “YOU WANT ME TO TAKE A KNIFE AND STAB THROUGH HER CB???” Basically, she is no longer the mild-tempered person I once knew.

It had also became more frequent that sometimes when I asked her something, she looked like she completely zoned out so she don’t reply me, or she would answer me a totally different thing so it made me wonder if she’s listening or she don’t understand my questions.

She is also starting to say things which makes no sense. When male colleagues talked to me and its just about work, she immediately suggested that maybe they’re interested in me. I know it’s definitely not the case so I tried to correct her thinking and she got irritated at me. She also said nonsense like if only I have a husband, nasty colleagues wouldn’t have targeted me at work.

Lastly, I noticed she seems to have become more forgetful. The most recent incident was she told me to retrieve an item from the left cupboard but I couldn’t find it. She said she told me to put in the left cupboard but I insisted my stand that I was not the one who kept it. Then she got irritated at me again and said “NEXT TIME THINGS YOU KEEP LAH!!” She looked for the item and it turned out to be on the right side cupboard and she’s actually the one who kept it, not me. I mean if she forgot and I was only repeating my stand that I really didn’t keep the item, why the need to get irritated at me?

I don’t even dare to bring up this point about her being forgetful recently, because I know she’ll get defensive and retort “MAYBE NEXT TIME YOU HAVEN’T REACH MY AGE AND YOU’LL BE WORSE THAN ME!!”

In summary, my mom seems to have become an easily irritable person. If it helps, she’s currently in her early 70s and she have hypertension which is well-controlled by medicine.

Are the above problems caused by a much shorter attention span due to her age? And is her behavior listed above just a normal part of aging and a simple matter of her being tired, or is there something more I need to be concerned about? Sadly, I couldn’t bring up about seeking professional help because I know she’ll get very defensive.

Thank you for reading and would appreciate any advice given.

WOMAN’S DRINK MISSING FROM FOODPANDA ORDER, EATERY “FORGOT” TO REFUND MISSING ITEM

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Ordered the following via Foodpanda from ZAMAS River Valley Restaurant today. The time was extended, probably due to the weather.

After that long wait, I noticed the drink is missing, cutlery is also missing (I was in a situation where I do not have access to any other cutlery).

Usually when items are forgotten, the restaurant people will cancel it their end and allow me to get a refund. In this case, I had to call the restaurant to ask about the missing item and they claimed they had it packed separately and its the rider’s fault for not taking it.

My next question was if the drink was attached to the main bag somehow? If the drink bag was labeled? If there was anyone managing the collection point to assist the rider at time of collection?

The answer to all of that was “no” and they still insisted its the rider’s fault. When asked why didn’t they proceed to cancel the item from their end when they knew the rider forgot it, they simply said “we forgot”.

If I had not realised or contacted Foodpanda, they would have earned free money for an item they didn’t even provide.

I personally felt its not the rider’s fault if the restaurant didn’t make any effort to attach different bags together nor label them or assist the person collecting an order number.

Also, its surprising to see their negligence on the refund matter and just waiting for things to happen…

Netizens’ comments

  1. It’s simple,they can just put all the plastic bags side by side and twist afew rounds at the handcarrier,rider wont miss it for sure since its bundle together.
    If they can miss the cultery means they are either busy or cannot be bothered hence that explain why the drink is separated from the food bag.No effort from the merchant to do simple thing like this and cause greater inconvenience to all.
  2. It had happened to me many times before. But I went directly to FoodPanda where they will do the refund. We do need to understand sometimes the restaurant could be bz w many customers, that’s where e rider should check e orders before picking up and go. Yes no doubt the restaurant should have checked, and again the rider should double confirm.
  3. FoodPanda? Report directly to them, all the best.

QEXPRESS DELIVERYMAN ALLEGEDLY THROWS PARCEL & CHALLENGE CUSTOMER TO REPORT HIM

An incident involving a Qxpress customer and a delivery courier has come to light, with the customer alleging rude behavior on the part of the courier and a lack of responsibility from his superior in addressing the issue.

The customer expressed dissatisfaction with the courier’s behavior after an altercation during a delivery. The courier had placed the parcel down rudely and shouted at the customer, prompting her to question the company’s response to such unacceptable conduct.

Initial delivery allegedly no show

Christina, the customer, shared her experience and said that he had ordered a parcel from Qxpress, expecting it to be delivered on 22 May. However, the delivery driver failed to deliver the package, claiming that nobody was home.

This raised confusion for Christina, as she hadn’t heard the doorbell ring. When she contacted a supervisor to inquire about the situation, she was accused of lying to both the supervisor and the driver.

When Christina mentioned having CCTV footage that could verify whether the doorbell had been rung, the supervisor challenged her by saying, “Come, give me lah, send it to me and show me who is right!”

The supervisor further insisted that the driver had called, knocked on the door, and pressed the bell. However, according to Christina, none of these actions had taken place.

“There was no call, nothing. No regular phone call, SMS, or WhatsApp. Absolutely nothing,” Christina stated.

Throws parcel on the ground

She was subsequently informed that the parcel would be redelivered around 9 am on 23 May, and the supervisor would personally oversee the delivery.

On 23 May, Christina shared a CCTV video clip documenting the delivery. In the footage, the doorbell rings, and Christina’s sister opens the door. The delivery courier takes a picture of the doorstep and proceeds to push the trolley without removing the parcel. Christina then joins her sister.

Tension arises as Christina’s sister and the courier exchange stares, with Christina’s sister expecting the courier to place the parcel down. However, the courier does nothing and seems to anticipate Christina’s sister taking the package herself.

Upon her request for him to place the box down, he lifts it up and abruptly lets go, resulting in a loud thud.

“Luckily, I pulled my sister away; otherwise, the heavy parcel would have hit her. I don’t know what would have happened,” Christina recounted.

In Mandarin, the courier audibly states, “Give you already ah. Don’t say you didn’t receive it.”

As the courier prepares to leave, Christina’s sister expresses dissatisfaction with his behavior, questioning his attitude and the proper handling of parcels.

This leads to a brief shouting match between the two. Christina’s sister questions the driver about his handling of the parcel, to which he responds that he was handling it properly for the customer, not throwing it.

Christina added that the driver shouted his name and encouraged her sister to proceed with making a complaint.

Police report lodged

On the same day, Christina filed a police report. Later, she received another call from the same supervisor, who claimed to be the area manager in charge of Sengkang. The supervisor apologized and assured her that he would speak with the driver.

When Christina inquired about how the matter would be resolved, the supervisor was allegedly unable to provide an answer. However, he “guaranteed” that another driver would be assigned to handle the subsequent delivery.

The supervisor promised to call Christina back on 24 May after discussing the matter with higher management but failed to do so.

In light of these events, Christina questions the supervisor’s managerial abilities and expresses her frustration and disappointment with Qxpress and its service.

She now seeks clarification on what actions the company intends to take to address the matter.

MAN SAYS WORKING AS A “DUCK” IS NOT EASY, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TORMENTS

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I used to think that working as a “duck” was one of the easiest and most profitable jobs out there. After all, it’s a job that requires no special skills, and the pay is often quite good.

However, after doing some research, I realized that it’s not as simple as it may seem. Becoming a duck is an involved process that requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

As a young man, I was always looking for ways to make money quickly and easily. I tried a number of different jobs, but none of them gave me the financial freedom I was looking for. That’s when I started to think about becoming a ducko. I was intrigued by the idea of making money from providing companionship and intimacy to clients.

When I first started researching the duck lifestyle, I encountered a lot of misconceptions. I was surprised to learn that many ducks are well-educated and come from professional backgrounds. Contrary to what some people think, it’s not all about S. It’s more about providing companionship and making your client feel good.

In order to become a successful duck, I had to learn a lot about the industry. I had to understand the different types of services that are offered, the risks involved, and the legalities. I also had to learn how to market myself and how to attract and retain clients. I invested a lot of time and effort into my research, and I eventually felt confident enough to start offering my services.

I was surprised at how quickly I was able to build up a client base. I found that word-of-mouth was the most effective way to get clients, and I also used social media to promote my services. Before I knew it, I had created a steady stream of income.

There are a few things that I have learned since becoming a duck. Firstly, it is important to be honest and transparent about your services. Clients need to know exactly what they are getting when they hire you, and it’s important to keep your promises. Secondly, you need to be professional and respectful at all times. It’s not a job that should be taken lightly, and you should always be courteous to your clients.

Lastly, it is important to take care of yourself. Being a duck can be mentally and emotionally draining, and it’s important to have a support system in place. I’m fortunate to have a great group of friends and family who are always there to support me.

Overall, I’ve earned a good living from it, and I’ve also been able to meet some amazing people. It’s not an easy job, but it is definitely rewarding. If you’re looking for a way to make fast and easy cash, then becoming a duck might be the right choice for you.