Tuesday 27 August 2024

[Post 439] Should I Hire A Life Coach? | Talking Point | Full Episode





Summary

Many young Singaporeans are turning to life coaches to help them live, well, their life. With a burgeoning industry that’s largely unregulated, Producer Charmaine Tan, herself a 20-something, delves deep into the sector to find out if she really needs to pay someone to act as her life coach. 

This is the first #mystory episode of Talking Point that intimately looks at issues facing the youths of today. 


Saturday 24 August 2024

[Post 436] Why We’d Rather Buy ‘Made In China’ Than Global Brands





Summary

Chinese Gen Zs and millennials are choosing to buy domestic products, such as Xiao Mi, BYD or Mao Geping, instead of international brands like Apple, Tesla or Dior.

‘Guo chao’ which translates to national wave is the trend where Chinese shoppers are buying  ‘Made In China’ products by Chinese brands rather than international names. For some Chinese youths, using homegrown labels evokes that sense of nationalistic pride. 

Friday 23 August 2024

[Post 435] Turning your home into a parcel collection point





Summary

Would you run a parcel collection point from your home? Two HDB residents who signed up say they got to know their neighbours better, but they have also received complaints.

[Post 434] This $9B Chinese Restaurant Chain Wants to Conquer the U.S. | WSJ The Economics Of





Summary

China's hot-pot giant Haidilao offers more than just food. It has free manicures and massages for customers. Waiters dance on request. The over-the-top performances and customer service set it apart from its competitors. With fresh funds from a public listing, the restaurant company plans to expand across the U.S. 

WSJ examines the Chinese company and explores whether these gimmicks could be enough to sustain America's appetite.

Wednesday 21 August 2024

[Post 433] Why Homeowners Are Struggling to Afford Monthly Expenses





Summary

More than 80% of recent homebuyers say they regret their purchase, according to a recent survey from Clever Real Estate. Home prices have been rising faster than incomes, which can be a problem for homeowners because as the value of a home rises, so does the cost to maintain it. Property taxes and insurance premiums have been rising at a rapid rate, influenced by inflation and the increase in catastrophic weather events.