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Straits Times
29-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Minor Issues: I am my special-needs child's deputy. Now what?
Gaining access to my special-needs child's accounts, records and funds is an important part of future care planning, but so is the day-to-day care of her. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO SINGAPORE – In February, I wrote about how I had submitted an application to be a court-appointed deputy for my daughter with autism, Kate, with my husband as a second deputy. As Kate is 21 in 2025, she is legally an adult, but lacks the mental capability or awareness to make financial and medical decisions. With deputyship, my husband and I will have the proper authority to make those decisions for her. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
To dip or not to dip: 7 things to know when buying stocks in a volatile market
The markets have been volatile recently, with bulls and bears taking turns to hold sway. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO SINGAPORE – To buy or not to buy, that is the question all share investors must be asking themselves recently. The markets have been volatile recently, with bulls and bears taking turns to hold sway. Some see the lower prices as a buying opportunity. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Sense of belonging at work: Why it isn't just a ‘nice to have'
If companies want to have more engaged employees and higher productivity, they have to foster a positive workplace community. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO Sense of belonging at work: Why it isn't just a 'nice to have' SINGAPORE — Fitting in at work is important, but if it means losing yourself, some people decide it is better to just walk away. Ashley (not her real name), 28, is one example. Having lived abroad for years before returning to Singapore for her traineeship at a law firm, she learnt that her outspoken, inquisitive nature was not always appreciated. Once, after attending a networking event, her supervisor told her she 'shouldn't be doing stuff like that'. When she asked, 'Like what?', he replied that it was inappropriate for her to speak so confidently to more senior people in front of everyone. She also recalled another occasion when an associate told her to help with a task, and she asked what it was for. During a performance review later, she learnt that her question was seen as defiance because, as she put it: 'I asked why when I should have just done the work.' While she learnt to keep her opinions to herself later, she still stood out for being mixed-race. ' My accent is different and I have tattoos... it's not the easiest to fly under the radar,' she said. When some office staff started referring to her as the 'ang moh girl', she felt the need to work harder to overcome the stereotype that non-Asians lack a strong work ethic. After six months, she chose to leave this firm where she never felt she belonged. Her experience is not unique. According to a Randstad 2025 Workmonitor survey in March, 62 per cent of respondents in Singapore said they would leave their jobs if they did not feel a sense of belonging at work. This was more pronounced among Gen Z workers, with 67 per cent stating they would consider resigning. In this survey with 750 Singapore workers, the talent agency also found that 21 per cent of respondents had quit a job because they did not have any friends at work. For Gen Z and millennial workers, the percentage was higher at 25 per cent. The takeaway is, Ranstad said, if companies want to have more engaged employees and higher productivity, they have to foster a positive workplace community. Dr Ruchi Sinha, organisational psychologist and associate professor at Nanyang Technological University's Nanyang Business School, said workplace belonging is shaped by several factors. Ideally, there should be inclusive leadership, psychological safety, sufficient room for authentic self-expression, good team structure, and common purpose, among others. In Ashley's case, Dr Sinha said she was a victim of social inclusion and incivility, which made it hard for her to feel psychologically safe at work. 'Given the power distance in Singapore, speaking up, being outgoing and extroverted may be seen as disrespectful and undermining by those in authority, who are used to most people choosing to keep quiet,' she said. In another case, Riley (not her real name) left her public relations job after feeling like she was 'constantly walking on egg shells'. During her probation review, her supervisor pointed out that she did not engage in small talks or share personal stories with the team. She was also asked whether she got along well with friends outside of work, and if she remained on good terms with her former colleagues. 'I felt these questions crossed a personal line,' Riley said. Dr Sinha said Riley's sense of anxiety was due to poor communication from the leaders, her lack of psychological safety, and the pressure to conform to office norms that felt alien to her. 'To me, all these cases point to a need to fit in and conform – not to the professional standards at work – but to social ways of talking, walking, doing and being,' Dr Sinha said. Judging employees on who they share their personal lives with and how they socialise is unnecessary, she said, adding that it is like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Conversely, feeling a strong sense of belonging at work can greatly enhance job satisfaction. Mr Matthew Tan, a 26-year-old communications executive in an agency, said he is happy where he is. 'I enjoy working with colleagues who come with many years of experience,' he said. 'They are professional, knowledgeable in their field, and more importantly, very willing to teach and guide junior staff like me.' He added that his team knows when to be serious and when to have fun. After getting their work done, they would have meals and participate in staff activities together, so there is a strong sense of camaraderie. He is also thankful that his 'work friends' always respect each other's personal boundaries and know where to draw the line. Ms Yan Jiejun, Edelman's Asia Pacific workplace advisory lead, said having positive relationships at work is important as this has an enormous influence on individuals' well-being – even after they have stepped out of the office. She also emphasised the importance of helping employees feel valued and respected. This can be achieved by encouraging them to share their views, and giving them recognition and heartfelt appreciation for good work done. For Mr Wayne Lim, he went through a few stints in the private sector before finding his true calling in public service. The 50-year-old, who previously worked in a bank and a retail company, now works for the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. He said his work has a wider impact now, and feels a greater sense of achievement when he is able to deliver projects that benefit many members of the public, rather than just one private enterprise. Mr Lim also prefers the clear progression structure, well-defined career path and training opportunities in public service. Most of all, he feels a stronger sense of belonging, as he is working alongside like-minded colleagues. 'For people who join the public service, they are motivated with the desire to serve the nation,' he said, adding that it is easier for a team to bond over a common purpose. Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Beware of private investment deals that promise high returns
Investors are often blind-sided by promises of huge returns that they forget to check how they can even cash out and get their money back, let alone any profit. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO Fixed deposits are only paying around 2 per cent now so it would certainly be tempting if someone dangles a private investment deal offering returns of 10 times or more. But before jumping in, ask why anyone would let you share such bumper profits when they could have it all to themselves. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
Sumiko at 61: Volunteering in retirement offers health benefits; 5 ways to get started
Volunteering offers a natural way to build and maintain social ties. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO If the Covid-19 pandemic taught me anything about myself, it's that cooking's not my thing. When lockdown hit in 2020, I threw myself into full novice cook mode. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
