Does hardwork really guarantee success in Singapore?
People always tell us you have to work hard in order to be rich and successful. When you ask people who made it big, the word “hardwork” will never be left out. Teachers at school constantly remind us to be hardworking, our bosses always say “Jia you and work hard hor!” .
But do you think working hard really guarantee success? If not, what does?
Unless you’re a real estate agent or financial adviser or holding on to any sales role where there’s no ceiling to how much you can earn, hardwork doesn’t seem as appealing.
To me, I realise what matters more or perhaps within the same attribute is network. As much as you can work your ass off, if you don’t know the right people, your chances of being seen will reduced.
Netizens’ comments
OP what is hardwork to you? your hardwork, in the wrong direction could be futile as well.
the only guarantee in life is death
That depends on how you define success. Hard work will keep you fed, but it probably won’t bring huge amounts of wealth by itself. Luck and connections matter more than anything for that, and luck itself is mostly putting yourself out there and turning up on time. Between you and me… This focus on ‘hard work’ is beyond passe. Hard work could mean fighting through adversity but it could also mean trying to move a mountain with a spoon instead of taking a step back to look for a better solution.
If you’re not smart then make it up with hardwork, and I can tell you most people are not as smart as they think they are.
You can work super hard but still get no results. I see some of my friends grinding interview prep all day for months and get no callbacks for internship roles, while others who didn’t prep as hard manage to get callbacks to the next stage of interview. Then u have those who can skip the entire process and just get jobs based on nepotism.
Is it okay for wedded couples to ask their guests which angbao did they give?
I recently attended my colleague’s wedding and i gave her an angbao without writing my name (i dont have the habit of putting my name down, i know some people do).
The following day, i received a text from her asking me to identify the angbao that i have given her. In my mind i was thinking like wth?
Why would you take a photo of the angbaos people gave and ask them to tell you which is the angbao they gave?
Of all the weddings i attended, this is the first time i have encountered such situation and i thought it was rather rude…
Disclaimer, i have done my duty of covering my portion of the banquet table and even gave extra, so don’t say I never write my name cause i scared people know i am a cheapo
Netizens’ comments
Ya to me this is rude and lame. Wanna invite people but also wanna make sure they can tally and “keep scores”, idk man, just seems very off putting to me. Thankfully is just a colleague not a relative or close friend so you are spared from any close interactions a personal basis.
Perhaps thats why she is a colleague and not a friend. Remind her that.
Your host is being petty, and really thick skinned to even ask. IMO.. if cannot afford the banquet, don’t do it. if want to have some lavish banquet in some 5 star hotels getting driven to the venue in a Lamborghini then make sure they can afford it instate of gambling their budget on angpow. For me. I pay what I can afford, and how much the host spend is their problem.. not my problem at all
Curious to know if there are others out there like me.. Sorry for formatting, am posting this from my phone.
This incident happened more than a few months ago.
Some context: I was recently granted Excuse Stay In the previous Friday, and was very excited to be booking in on the following Monday.
On my way to my favourite camp, Sungei Gedong, my stomach felt slightly uncomfortable just 10 minutes into the bus ride. (It takes 40 minutes by 975 from BP to Gedong, with no access to toilets once you pass Sunshine Mall at CCK)
After passing by Tengah Air Base, I couldn’t hold in the bomb anymore. I had a few seconds to decide whether the poop goes in my pants or not.
With no hesi, I alighted at one of the most ulu bus stops that no one drops off at. Pulled down my pants. And took a wet poop 3 steps from the bus stop, onto the vegetation. Thankfully, I remembered my training back in BMT where I had to poop in the jungle, so this was just like it.
And because I had no tissues or wipes on me, I shamefully pulled up my pants without wiping and boarded the next bus as if nothing happened.
I then proceeded to my coyline where I continued my business, and clean myself up after.
Do share if you have any pooping experience(s) during NS!
Netizens’ comments
Formerly, I was in 3 Guards Mono and this is before the time where the safety rules kick in . Back then, time to poop was severely limited and we will get punish for trying to sneak off to poop during BMT. We were excited recruits on the way to Tekong for our first outfield, the thought to poop was far from my mind. I was a young novice, fearful of life and terrified of the drill sergeants. We were supposed to be ‘garang’ and follow instructions without thinking. The tonner to the site was filled with excited whispers and fresh optimism of the army life. Back in my mind, the thought of pooping was far off, a molecule in the grand scheme of the world. From the first day to the seven day, I didn’t poop. I held it in, I had no thought, no individuality to poop, I am a slave! A slave to the army, one who doesn’t poop. I refuse to ask the drill sergeant for permission to poop, a prideful soldier I might add. No I didn’t cry, that is for the wussies and the cowards, I held my poop like a man. A man being sent to the frontlines, the poop being an analogy to freedom. I am unable to escape from the anuses of army to civilian life, but I soldiered on. As expected of every Singaporean boy, with hope in our eyes. Still, I didn’t think of the poop. It is not my priority, pooping is an average part of life and not something worth discussing for the future. 7 days, I held. I think of my love ones, my brothers and the government. My duty to the country! I have to soldier on, if not what are our lives but measly civilians, not a drop in this society where aunties refuse to even give their seats to us and covered their noses in disdain at us! On the 7th day, it was raining. We were packing up at the campsite, I almost teared up looking at the trees. We are going to Ord. My prideful tearful eyes and expression turned into a grimace. My stomach growl and I can feel it, 7 days of ration, of lo Mai kai, chicken rice and red bean paste. I ran, I ran with fright into the trees. I didn’t dig a hole contrary to rules, with great force I pulled down my pants. Squatted and pooped, it never ends and curled up into a circular motion of poop as long as my arm. I took the toilet papers out of my pockets and wiped. I expended the whole roll. Looking back the spiral of poop was as large as my face. It was the best poop I ever had in my life. I pulled my pants back up and turned to the skies, whispering ‘I am finished’!
Wtf is wrong with you
Sanest nsf personnel
Not my story but IIRC during Ranger course one of the trainees shat in the jungle and didn’t bury his poop. When cadre found out, nobody admitted, so he made all the trainees line up, and wiped the poop on all their faces. Happened recently too 💀
There has been poop on the floor 7 times in 1 month at my bunk level. The 7th time is today.
FIVE MOTORISTS TO BE CHARGED WITH DRIVING WITHOUT DUE CARE OR REASONABLE CONSIDERATION CAUSING GRIEVOUS HURT
Five motorists, aged between 25 and 66, will be charged in court on 25 October 2023. The five men will be charged with driving without due care or reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt. They had allegedly failed to keep a proper lookout or stop at designated pedestrian crossings, causing other road users to suffer serious injury.
The details of the cases are as follows:
On 5 January 2023, a 65-year-old man was driving a lorry and made a right turn into Senoko Road when he collided with a motorcyclist who was travelling straight from the opposite direction and had the right of way. He will be charged with driving without due care and attention causing grievous hurt under Sec 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
On 10 June 2023, a 41-year-old man was driving a car, and collided with a motorcyclist when he made a right turn from Toh Avenue into Upper Changi Road North. He will be charged with driving without due care and attention causing grievous hurt under Sec 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
On 14 January 2023, a 66-year-old man was driving his car along Bukit Panjang Road slip road into Upper Bukit Timah Road when he collided into a cyclist who was crossing the zebra crossing. The driver will be charged with driving without due care and attention causing grievous hurt under Section 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
On 16 February 2023, a 25-year-old man was turning into an intersection at Zion Road, when he collided into two pedestrians who were crossing the road. The man will be charged with driving without reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt under Section 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and driving without reasonable consideration causing hurt under Section 65(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
On 8 June 2023, a 28-year-old man was riding his motorcycle along the Loyang Lane junction of Loyang Drive, when he collided with another motorcyclist who had the right of way. He will be charged with driving without reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt under Section 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
The offence of driving without due care or reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt under Sec 65(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $5,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, motorists are liable to a fine of up to $10,000, an imprisonment term of up to four years, or both. The offence of driving without due care or reasonable consideration causing hurt under Section 65(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $2,500, an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine of up to $5,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
The Traffic Police takes a serious view of those who drive in a manner that endangers their safety and that of other road users. All motorists are urged to abide by traffic rules to keep our roads safe for everyone. The Traffic Police will continue to act firmly against errant motorists.
Post-accident scene of the vehicles involved in a collision at Senoko Road ▼
Post-accident scene of the vehicles involved in a collision when the car driver made a right turn from Toh Avenue into Upper Changi Road North ▼
Photograph of the vehicle which collided into two pedestrians when turning into an intersection at Zion Road ▼
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE 24 October 2023 @ 7:20 PM
In the heart of Singapore, for the past month and a half, a mystery man has been spreading joy in the most unexpected way. This kind-hearted individual has been on a mission to make people’s days a little brighter by leaving surprise cash gifts hidden across the city.
Known as @communitybenefactor on TikTok, he’s been stuffing $10 and $50 notes at various locations across Singapore, for people to find.
Inspiration Strikes
The man behind this heartwarming act of generosity, who prefers to be known simply as Mr. B, was inspired by similar videos he saw from TikTokers around the world. He discovered that others were engaging in this heartwarming practice, and he felt a profound urge to join in.
Mr. B was motivated by the desire to give back to society in a fun and novel way. While he had been donating to charities online, he often felt disconnected from the impact of his donations.
He remarked that he didn’t feel fulfilled because he had no idea how his monetary donations were being used to help those in need.
Changing Lives, One Note at a Time
In Mr. B’s own words, he realized that sometimes, people could use just $50 for groceries or essentials. He believed that those who found his hidden notes would feel not only lucky but also blessed, as if the universe itself was watching over them.
As he pondered the best way to continue his mission, he encountered the challenge of finding discreet and secret locations to hide the money. Ultimately, he decided to “settle” on benches as they presented a viable option.
From $10 to $50 Notes
Initially, he started with $10 notes but later increased the value of the notes to $50 after receiving feedback that $10 was too little to make a significant impact. This shift allowed him to spread bigger smiles and bring more joy to those who stumbled upon his hidden treasures.
Finding suitable hiding places became a thrilling part of Mr. B’s mission. He mentioned that discovering secretive spots around the island was a challenging task. Settling on benches was not just practical but also accessible, ensuring that many could discover his gifts.
A Blessing for the Lucky Finders
What Mr. B is creating goes beyond just finding some extra cash. He aims to create a sense of luck and blessings for those who stumble upon his generous offerings. His acts of kindness show that even small gestures can have a profound impact on people’s lives.
You can find out more about his giveaways on his TikTok page.
In a heartbreaking incident on the afternoon of October 22, 2023, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi construction worker met with a tragic end.
He fell 10 meters through a skylight while working on the installation of solar panels on the rooftop of a workshop at a construction site in Tuas, according to The Straits Times.
A photo of the aftermath was shared on the Complaint Singapore Unrestricted Facebook page, showing two paramedics attending to the man, as the other workers stood aside.
What also appears to be (presumably) his brain or organs could be seen on the floor beside his head. (Or it could just be a blood soaked cloth or bandage).
MOM’s Response
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed the incident and said that it happened on Sunday at 12 Tuas South Street 2, at about 2pm.
The worker was rushed to the National University Hospital, where he died from his injuries later that day.
The spokesperson also disclosed that the worksite’s occupier is Energetix Pte. Ltd., while the employer of the deceased worker is BBG Electrical Engineering Pte. Ltd.
MOM has acted swiftly in the wake of this tragedy, instructing the occupier to cease all work-at-height activities at the site and initiating a thorough investigation into the incident.
This incident brings the number of reported deaths in the workplace this year to 21.
Migrant Workers’ Centre’s statement
MWC is aware of the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a 36-year-old Bangladeshi national at his workplace and MWC understands that the cause of incident is still under investigation.
We have established contact with the deceased worker’s employer to gather all relevant information pertaining to this unfortunate incident, while offering guidance and support on filing of incident report to make claims under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). We understand that the employer has arranged for the repatriation of the worker’s remains to his family in Bangladesh.
Our primary focus now is to ensure that the immediate needs of the affected worker’s family are met. To provide interim financial assistance to the next-of-kin (NOK) as they await compensation through WICA, we will extend an ex-gratia payout from the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF). We are also ready to assess and address any urgent needs and assistance required. We recognise the significant impact such incidents can have on the livelihoods of the families involved, and we remain dedicated to providing a helping hand during times of crisis.
In addition to supporting the affected worker’s family, MWC acknowledges the emotional toll this incident may have on other workers who were present at the scene. As such, we will offer counselling services to these workers through our partner organisations when the need arises. Our goal is to ensure that no worker is left alone in the aftermath of such distressing incidents, and we are committed to providing comprehensive assistance.
MWC remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of all migrant workers in Singapore. We will work closely with relevant authorities, employers, and other stakeholders to prevent workplace incidents and enhance safety measures across various industries. Every worker deserves a safe working environment, and we will continue to advocate for robust safety standards and strict enforcement. We will continue to engage with employers, educate workers about their rights, and collaborate with all stakeholders to create a safer working environment for all. At NTUC, we are advocating that reporting workplace safety issues is a basic right for workers and employers must not retaliate against these reporting for a good cause. We urge all workers to report any unsafe conditions and notify appropriate personnel and the union. NTUC and its affiliated unions stand ready to assist on any matters should there be any inaction on resolving these issues of non-compliance.
Migrant workers who require assistance can contact MWC via our 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.
29-year-old Han Feizi, who has since rose to infamy in Singapore for insulting a Singapore General Hospital staff member and challenging the police, was recently charged in court, where she pleaded guilty on 25 October.
She was handed 6 charges earlier this month (13 October) before being slapped with 2 other charges related to manpower offences.
She is being charged with being a public nuisance, two counts of using insulting language to a public servant, two counts of using criminal force on a security guard, one count of harassment and two offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
It was earlier reported that Han had allegedly been moonlighting as a freelance hostess.
She appeared in court earlier today via video-link to much fanfare, about 50 people showed up in court to see her, as she pled guilty to her charges.
Wanted to “have fun” in Singapore
The prosecution said that Han was arrested on 11 October, and the MInistry of Manpower was then informed about possible breaches under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Investigations then ensued and it revealed that Han had applied for a work permit earlier this year in August, after her application for a student pass was rejected.
In her application, she declared that she would be working as a clerk but failed to do so.
The prosecutor for MOM also added that Han had only wanted to come to Singapore to “have fun”, and that she applied for the work pass without trying to understand what it said, as the form was in English.
Drunk
Incident at The Sail
The prosecution said that on 3 October at about 10pm, the police were called in by the security at The Sail at Marina Bay, a private apartment building, because there was a drunk resident that needed help.
Han was found by a security officer squatting in a common area, and she said that she was drunk; the security then helped the woman back to her unit but she became aggressive inside the lift and pushed the guard, insulting him with vulgarities.
SGH Incident
On 10 October, the Singaporean police received a call for help at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) at around 2:35 am.
Han claimed to have waited for three hours in the hospital’s emergency department without receiving any medical attention after allegedly being hit by a car.
She further alleged that a nurse told her she would not be treated because she was not a Singaporean citizen. These claims were later disputed by SGH.
Insights from SGH
Speaking to The Straits Times, the head and senior consultant for SGH’s department of emergency medicine, Associate Professor Kenneth Tan, said that the woman was discharged after 2 hours, after she had been thoroughly reviewed by the medical staff.
Tan added that everyone who presents themselves at SGH’s emergency department will receive the medical care that they require.
The situation also escalated when the woman refused to wear a face mask and according to Professor Tan, during the triage process at the emergency department, a staff member offered her a mask, which she refused to put on, despite being reminded about the government’s guidelines on wearing masks in Singapore’s hospitals.
As the situation got increasingly heated, the woman continued to behave in an aggressive manner and the medical staff had to call the police for help, as her behaviour was affecting the hospital operations.
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Douyin Videos
The woman posted two videos on Douyin, both exceeding 11 minutes. She was also seen demanding a plainclothes police officer to identify herself and attempting to grab her police lanyard.
According to ST, the Singapore Police Force said that the two plainclothes officers, who were investigations officers, had introduced themselves in front of uniformed officers before speaking to the woman.
The female police officer was seen in the video repeatedly asking the woman if she had used vulgarities on the nurse, but the woman refused to answer.
The woman refused to cooperate and used vulgarities on one of the police officers, and filmed her interview with one of the female investigation officers and sharing them on her Douyin account.
The videos, which have since been reposted on several social media platforms, have been viewed more than a million times in total.
When I was 11, I live with two sisters and my grandpa. My mother just gave us zero F and kinda moved elsewhere with her ex and she kind of abandoned us.
It was around 3AM , and I got up to get some water. Just for picture, one of my living room walls was almost completely taken by the window, which let some lights to get in(Typical HDB). When I was going back to my room, I went through the living room and saw someone very tall and very thin, as my grandpa, standing in front of the window. The thing is: it had no features. It was like a silhouette cut from the background, just black. I ran to my room in a panic. We live on the 11th floor and the window was not a corridor window, we have a corner unit.
A week later, when I got up in the morning, I found my grandpa laying on the bathroom floor. He had a stroke. The doctors said he had it around 3 a.m. Exactly a week after I saw the shadow. My grandpa never woke up. He died about two weeks later.
Just for additional facts, maybe just coincidences: it was August 17, 2003. It was my sister’s birthday. And exact nine years later I had my son.
Here are what netizens think:
That’s both creepy and sad at the same time. I’m sorry for you and your family for losing someone like that. The date thing is really spooky though
I dreamed of my grandpas death 2 weeks beforehand, everything happened exactly like in the dream. I am forever thankful for that, because this incident shaped my entire life into something very meaningful. When he died, I didn’t cry, it was as if I already processed everything. People are sad or shocked when I tell this story but I think it’s the most beautiful thing ever because it means there is more than we know. My grandpa also knew when he would die. Some weeks before his death, my grandma asked him what he wants for his birthday, beer of whisky. He said he wants both because he will be buried on his birthday. Grandma laughed and shrugged it off. He in fact got buried on his birthday, and of course, Grandma respected his wish and our family celebrated his life with Beer and whiskey.
Sounds like you saw his spirit! Or something like it since time doesn’t really exist after you cross over, at least not how the human mind comprehends time. I really believe that important dates in families are so significant that is so interesting that your son was born on that same exact day out of 365 others. My grandmother died on my first birthday.
ENHANCED MEASURES TO REDUCEHEAT STRESS RISKS for OUTDOOR WORKERS
Rising temperatures in Singapore will place workers, especially outdoor workers, at an increased risk of heat stress. Unlike the general population, outdoor workers have less discretion over their work activities, and may be more exposed to heat stress. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), in consultation with the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s Heat Stress Expert Panel, has introduced an enhanced set of measures to reduce the risks of heat stress for outdoor workers. These measures will take immediate effect.
2 A combination of measures focusing on the four aspects of acclimatise, drink, rest, and shade,will provideprotection to outdoor workers across various industries (see Annex). New workers must be given time to gradually adjust to outdoor work and all outdoor workers must hydrate at least hourly, and take regular rest breaks under shaded areas to dissipate accumulated body heat.
3 Employers are required to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature[1] (WBGT) for every hour of outdoor work performed, especially during the hotter periods of the day. Construction sites with a contract sum of S$5 million or more, shipyards and the process industry, will be required to have a WBGT meter [2] on-site for localised measurements as these workplaces are likely to have prolonged outdoor activities. Other workplaces can use NEA’s myENV app to monitor WBGT readings.
4 When WBGT (oC) is 32 or higher, a minimum rest break of 10 minutes hourly under shade has to be provided to workers carrying out heavy physical activities. For workers with pre-existing health conditions, the rest duration should be longer or as advised by their doctors.
5 Workplaces are also encouraged to effect a buddy system for early recognition of heat injury symptoms and implement prompt interventions when any worker shows signs of excessive heat exposure.
6 Employers will be required to implement these measures to reduce heat stress risks for outdoor workers and MOM will conduct inspections at workplaces to ensure that these measures are adequately implemented. More information on the enhanced measures can be found at go.gov.sg/heatstress-outdoorwork
Annex –Heat Stress Measures for Outdoor Work
Under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, employers and occupiers have duties to ensure that workplaces are safe and without risks to the health of every person within the premises and to protect the safety and health of every employee.
A warmer climate puts workers, particularly those performing manual work outdoors, at an increased risk of heat stress.
All workplaces are to assess if the work can be carried out safely, including implementing a heat stress management programme with the following key measures.
30-year-old Kumaran Tanggapan, was sentenced on 18 October to 5 years jail and 6 strokes of the cane, after pleading guilty to a charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by using a knife to slash at the victim and cut off his right index finger. The accused initially claimed trial, but pleaded guilty after the trial had proceeded for three days, according to a judgement that was released.
What happened?
On March 5, 2022. A 27-year-old man, Karthik Kanesan, accompanied by his female friend, found himself embroiled in a shocking and violent encounter with a man named Tanggapan Suppaiyya, who is the father of the accused.
What began as a dispute over alleged staring soon escalated into a disturbing incident that resulted in a man’s index finger being chopped off with a 40cm knife.
The incident started at a traffic light junction in Ang Mo Kio when Karthik and Tanggapan crossed paths. An argument erupted, fueled by the belief that one had been staring at the other. Tempers flared, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
Tanggapan, determined to settle the dispute, took a drastic step. He summoned his son, Kumaran Tanggapan, for assistance.
A Swift Descent into Violence
Kumaran arrived at the scene, armed with a knife, and a confrontation ensued. The confrontation took a horrifying turn when Kumaran slashed the man’s right index finger off with the knife. The severity of the act left bystanders in shock, and the victim in excruciating pain.
The choice of weapon in this disturbing incident was a 40-cm-long knife with a 30cm blade.
Realizing the gravity of his actions, Kumaran fled the scene, leaving the victim in dire need of medical attention. He drove home and disposed of the incriminating knife in a rubbish chute.
Kumaran then went to his girlfriend’s home at Yishun and fell asleep, before the police later tracked him down and arrested him.
The victim was conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for immediate medical attention.
Kumaran has also since appealed against his sentence.
