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NTUC FairPrice's price freeze promise on the prices of 100 housebrand items at its supermarkets will end after tomorrow - 31 Dec 2020 as part of its S$50 million package to alleviate living costs for households amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The items include daily essentials and groceries like rice, oil, beverages, as well as batteries, toiletries and household cleaners, said NTUC Enterprise.
The items include daily essentials and groceries like rice, oil, beverages, as well as batteries, toiletries and household cleaners, said NTUC Enterprise.
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This initiative is part of a S$50 million package aimed at providing holistic support for Singaporeans and helping them manage the cost of living in 2020 reaffirming the commitment and timeliness of NTUC Enterprise to support Singaporeans, especially during difficult times.
The price freeze initiative, which was launched in March 2019, was supposed to run until 30 Jun 2020 this year 2020 had been extended until 31 Dec 2020.
Throughout this period, this initiative has helped cushion Singaporeans against potential price increases, regardless of changes in supply, socio-economic factors and external factors that could affect food prices, especially during the current volatile and uncertain climate.
The price freeze initiative, which was launched in March 2019, was supposed to run until 30 Jun 2020 this year 2020 had been extended until 31 Dec 2020.
Throughout this period, this initiative has helped cushion Singaporeans against potential price increases, regardless of changes in supply, socio-economic factors and external factors that could affect food prices, especially during the current volatile and uncertain climate.
NTUC FairPrice's Merdeka Generation (MG), Pioneer Generation (PG), and Senior Citizens discounts from Monday to Wednesday will also be expected to end on 31 Dec 2020.
Approximately Singaporeans had saved more than S$50 million in savings when buying essential products, including discounts enjoyed by senior citizens.
However, some worry that once this "benchmark for prices in general of everyday essentials” is gone, these essential household items may see a price increase and may not remain affordable to the lower tier income earners.
Approximately Singaporeans had saved more than S$50 million in savings when buying essential products, including discounts enjoyed by senior citizens.
However, some worry that once this "benchmark for prices in general of everyday essentials” is gone, these essential household items may see a price increase and may not remain affordable to the lower tier income earners.
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CPF Board
Qualifying for CPF Cash Top-Up Relief
This relief is given to encourage Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to set aside money for retirement needs either in their own CPF accounts or those of family members. To qualify, you must hold a Singapore NRIC and:
Top-up through Transfer of Funds
The tax relief is only for cash top-ups. The relief does not apply when the top-up is carried out by transferring funds from your own CPF Account to your own or a family member's Special/Retirement Account.
For more information on the procedures for topping-up the Special/Retirement Accounts under the CPF Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme, please visit the CPF website.
This relief is given to encourage Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to set aside money for retirement needs either in their own CPF accounts or those of family members. To qualify, you must hold a Singapore NRIC and:
- You and/or your employer on your behalf have made cash top-ups in the preceding year under the CPF Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme to your:
- Special Account (for recipients below age 55); or
- Retirement Account (for recipients age 55 and above).
- You have made a cash top-up in the preceding year under the CPF Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme to the Special/Retirement Accounts of your:
- Parents or Parents-in-law;
- Grandparents or Grandparents-in-law;
- Spouse; and/or
- Siblings.
Top-up through Transfer of Funds
The tax relief is only for cash top-ups. The relief does not apply when the top-up is carried out by transferring funds from your own CPF Account to your own or a family member's Special/Retirement Account.
For more information on the procedures for topping-up the Special/Retirement Accounts under the CPF Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme, please visit the CPF website.
Amount of Relief: Maximum CPF Cash Top-Up Relief per Year of Assessment (YA)
The maximum CPF Cash Top-up Relief per Year of Assessment (YA) is $14,000 (maximum $7,000 for self, and maximum $7,000 for family members).
Limit on Cash Top-Up Amount for Computing Tax Relief
In addition, there is a limit on the amount of cash top-up that qualifies for tax relief.
Income Threshold for Spouse/Siblings
To claim tax relief for cash top-ups for your spouse or siblings, the spouse or siblings must not have an annual income exceeding $4,000 in the year preceding the year of top-up.
Annual income includes taxable income (e.g. trade, employment and rental), tax exempt income (e.g. bank interest, dividends and pension) and foreign-sourced income regardless of whether it has been remitted to Singapore. This income threshold does not apply to parents, grandparents, handicapped* spouse or handicapped* siblings.
*Incapacitated because of physical or mental infirmity.
To claim tax relief for cash top-ups for your spouse or siblings, the spouse or siblings must not have an annual income exceeding $4,000 in the year preceding the year of top-up.
Annual income includes taxable income (e.g. trade, employment and rental), tax exempt income (e.g. bank interest, dividends and pension) and foreign-sourced income regardless of whether it has been remitted to Singapore. This income threshold does not apply to parents, grandparents, handicapped* spouse or handicapped* siblings.
*Incapacitated because of physical or mental infirmity.
CPF Board
For the Years of Assessment (YAs) 2020 and 2021, the applicable FRS and ERS amounts are as shown in the table below. For more information, please refer to CPF Board’s website.
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What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
The LPA is a legal instrument which allows a person who is at least 21 years of age ('donor'), to voluntarily appoint one or more persons ('donee(s)') to make decisions and act on his behalf should he lose mental capacity one day. A donee can be appointed to act in the two broad areas of personal welfare and property & affairs matters.
Singaporeans who want to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated can do so for free till March 31 next year.
The waiver of fees for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Form 1 applications has been further extended to end-March 2021. From mid-2021, LPA applications can also be made and registered online as part of the overall digital transformation of the public service to better serve Singaporeans.
The LPA is a legal instrument which allows a person who is at least 21 years of age ('donor'), to voluntarily appoint one or more persons ('donee(s)') to make decisions and act on his behalf should he lose mental capacity one day. A donee can be appointed to act in the two broad areas of personal welfare and property & affairs matters.
Singaporeans who want to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated can do so for free till March 31 next year.
The waiver of fees for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Form 1 applications has been further extended to end-March 2021. From mid-2021, LPA applications can also be made and registered online as part of the overall digital transformation of the public service to better serve Singaporeans.
Get your Lasting Power of Attorney Reviewed - Picture from Raffles Health
How to make LPA
Choose your donee(s) wisely
Choose what decision powers to grant your donee(s)
If you have more than 1 donee, decide if they are to act:
Singaporeans who want to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated can do so for free till 31 March 2021. ... As of Aug 31, 88,300 Singaporeans have registered LPAs. There are two LPA forms as explained below:
Choose your donee(s) wisely
- 21 years old and above
- Someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, in your best interests
Choose what decision powers to grant your donee(s)
- Personal Welfare
- Property & Affairs
- Both
If you have more than 1 donee, decide if they are to act:
- Jointly - donees have to act together, cannot act separately.
- Jointly & Severally - donees can make decisions together or separately. Both types of decisions are valid.
Singaporeans who want to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated can do so for free till 31 March 2021. ... As of Aug 31, 88,300 Singaporeans have registered LPAs. There are two LPA forms as explained below:
How to apply for an Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) - Picture from Raffles Health
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Form 1 grants general powers to those acting on the mentally incapacitated person's behalf. To encourage more Singaporeans to make an LPA, the fee waiver for LPA Form 1 has been further extended to March 31 next year. Some 98 per cent of Singaporeans who made an LPA used Form 1.
Form 2 is for applicants who want to grant specific or customised powers to those who will make decisions for them and has to be drafted by a lawyer. The application fee for Form 2 is $200 for Singaporeans.
For those who require some financial assistance to make an LPA, they can approach not-for-profit organisations that offer LPA certificate-issuing services at subsidised rates. These not-for-profit organisations include Life Point, Potter's Place Community Services Society and Mount Alvernia Outreach Medical Clinic in Enabling Village.
Form 2 is for applicants who want to grant specific or customised powers to those who will make decisions for them and has to be drafted by a lawyer. The application fee for Form 2 is $200 for Singaporeans.
For those who require some financial assistance to make an LPA, they can approach not-for-profit organisations that offer LPA certificate-issuing services at subsidised rates. These not-for-profit organisations include Life Point, Potter's Place Community Services Society and Mount Alvernia Outreach Medical Clinic in Enabling Village.
Click to download LPA Form 1
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Located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, these community care apartments will only be eligible to those aged 65 and above at the point of application. Photo HDB
- The flats are only open to those aged 65 and above at the point of application
- Application starts in February
- Buyers must choose leases that will cover them until age 95 at least
Residents in the older age group can look forward to assisted living in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in 2024, when new community care apartments in Bukit Batok are expected to be completed.
The HDB, Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of National Development (MND) announced the launch of the pilot apartments on Thursday (Dec 10), which will come with elder-friendly features and a package of services such as 24-hour emergency monitoring.The flats will be open for applications in February.Located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, the flats will be eligible only to those aged 65 and above at the point of application.
A map of the location of the upcoming community care apartments in Bukit Batok. Source: HDB
Each of the approximately 160 units on sale at the next Build-to-Order exercise is 32sqm and will be designed to help seniors live independently. For example, the flat will feature grab bars and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with slip-resistant flooring.There will also be a 50-sqm communal space on each floor for residents to mingle and participate in group activities.
This is not the first time HDB has developed elder-friendly residences. It had previously launched Kampung Admiralty, which comprises HDB flats located alongside facilities such as Admiralty Medical Centre and community gardens, and short-lease two-room flexi flats to cater to seniors.
The 11-storey Kampung Admiralty integrated development was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in May. Kampung Admiralty is hailed as the “modern kampung” being a “model for future public housing” encouraging residents and their families to come together and build up community life. “HDB will continue to develop other innovative housing concepts, for the young as well as the old, so that future generations can also own their homes and live comfortably and happily in their neighbourhoods,” Mr Lee said.
This is not the first time HDB has developed elder-friendly residences. It had previously launched Kampung Admiralty, which comprises HDB flats located alongside facilities such as Admiralty Medical Centre and community gardens, and short-lease two-room flexi flats to cater to seniors.
The 11-storey Kampung Admiralty integrated development was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in May. Kampung Admiralty is hailed as the “modern kampung” being a “model for future public housing” encouraging residents and their families to come together and build up community life. “HDB will continue to develop other innovative housing concepts, for the young as well as the old, so that future generations can also own their homes and live comfortably and happily in their neighbourhoods,” Mr Lee said.
Amenities within the development include a hawker centre, community garden and fitness station, to allow seniors to live independently in an urban ‘kampung’ setting. Source: HDB and MOH
Residents can also fork out a bit more for additional services such as housekeeping service, laundry service and meal delivery.
To be eligible for these flats, applicants and their spouses, if any, must be 65 years old and above. Seniors can jointly ballot for the flat with a friend or family member who is also eligible.They must choose a lease ranging from 15 to 35 years, in five-year increments, such that it covers them until they are at least 95 years old.For example, someone who is 65 must pick a lease that is at least 30 years, while someone who applies for the flat at the age of 80 must pick a lease that is at least 15 years.
HDB said that the requirement for the lease to last until at least 95 years old is based on the increasing life expectancy of Singaporeans.Seniors who require permanent assistance with their daily living activities will be prioritised in the allocation of flats.
To be eligible for these flats, applicants and their spouses, if any, must be 65 years old and above. Seniors can jointly ballot for the flat with a friend or family member who is also eligible.They must choose a lease ranging from 15 to 35 years, in five-year increments, such that it covers them until they are at least 95 years old.For example, someone who is 65 must pick a lease that is at least 30 years, while someone who applies for the flat at the age of 80 must pick a lease that is at least 15 years.
HDB said that the requirement for the lease to last until at least 95 years old is based on the increasing life expectancy of Singaporeans.Seniors who require permanent assistance with their daily living activities will be prioritised in the allocation of flats.
All units at the Community Care Apartments will feature open layouts with sliding partitions that separate the living room and bedroom. Source: HDB
The indicative upfront cost of the flats ranges from S$62,000 to S$124,000, depending on the length of the lease and assuming applicants pay for the basic service package in full at the time of purchase.Applicants who have bought a studio apartment or short-lease two-room flexi flat are not eligible for these new community care apartments, while those who own a private property or an HDB flat must dispose of the property within six months of collecting the keys to the community care apartment.A physical exhibition of the new flats will be held at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh from Dec 14 to March 31 next year.
This latest project comes with a basic package of services for all residents, such as 24-hour emergency monitoring, basic health checks and simple home fixes provided by a community manager.
This latest project comes with a basic package of services for all residents, such as 24-hour emergency monitoring, basic health checks and simple home fixes provided by a community manager.
From todayonline news article on 10 Dec 2020
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For more FAQs on the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers, you may check out go.gov.sg/srvouchers
There are lots of fun things – both old and new – to rediscover without having to hop onboard a flight. The Singapore government has allocated $320 million for tourism credits to each Singaporean aged 18 and above, check out these SingapRediscovers activities and deals to help boost the local economy while recreating holiday-like experiences right here on our tropical sunny island of Singapore.
Note: These attractions are places that have been approved by the Singapore Tourism Board as of 16th November 2020. More information on specific activities that you can use your vouchers for can be obtained by clicking this website.
Below are some of the activities that we shortlisted to make this December in Singapore an ultra fun one. Click on the images below to go to the activity website for more info. Happy holidays :)
Note: These attractions are places that have been approved by the Singapore Tourism Board as of 16th November 2020. More information on specific activities that you can use your vouchers for can be obtained by clicking this website.
Below are some of the activities that we shortlisted to make this December in Singapore an ultra fun one. Click on the images below to go to the activity website for more info. Happy holidays :)
Art Science Museum - treat your senses to the best of science and technological advancement in Singapore
AirZone - World's first indoor atrium net playground
AJ Hackett Sentosa - enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience in Sentosa!
CHANGI EXPERIENCE STUDIO - a journey of fun and discovery
Meet magnificent Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins – fascinating ocean marine mammals @ Dolphin Island
Our Boeing 737 Experiences are what Flight Experience are known for. With the aide of a commercial pilot, you'll get to experience what it's like to command a commercial jet airliner.
HeadRock VR Discover the Extreme Fun world of VR, create unforgettable memories at Singapore’s First-Ever VR – Theme Park!
GET READY TO CLIMB, SLIDE, LEAP AND BOUNCE YOUR WAY THROUGH HYDRODASH, SINGAPORE’S VERY FIRST FLOATING AQUA PARK.
Here is your chance to really fly. Experience true free-fall conditions, just like a real skydive.
Madame Tussauds Singapore - bump shoulders with wax figures of iconic global personalities at Singapore
Enter and explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 45 different habitats - a marine life experience you won’t forget.
Snow City - a snow chamber that delivers snow experience all year round!
$320 million in credits have been set aside to encourage Singaporeans to rediscover our city and support our local tourism businesses. The vouchers can be used for attractions, hotel stays and tours.Start redeeming your digital SingapoRediscovers Vouchers and discover new experiences from now till 30 Jun 2021, with these five authorised booking partners: GlobalTix, Klook, Traveloka, Trip.com and Changi Recommends.
The Vouchers can only be redeemed with any of the authorised booking partners. However, some authorised booking partners may offer a widget to merchants, where redemption of the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers can be done on the merchant's website. Please reach out to the respective authorised booking partners to find out if this integration can be offered.
Beware of unauthorised booking partners’ websites and scams. Remember not to share your SingPass login information and One-Time Password (OTP) with anyone.
Have fun and stay safe.
The Vouchers can only be redeemed with any of the authorised booking partners. However, some authorised booking partners may offer a widget to merchants, where redemption of the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers can be done on the merchant's website. Please reach out to the respective authorised booking partners to find out if this integration can be offered.
Beware of unauthorised booking partners’ websites and scams. Remember not to share your SingPass login information and One-Time Password (OTP) with anyone.
Have fun and stay safe.
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Scientists in Europe have found that faecal matter is hiding clues related to ageing and cognition.
For centuries, people have tried different ways to stay young, but an experiment on mice involving faecal matter is giving hope that humans may slow down the ageing process while tackling conditions such as dementia.
Doctors have known for some time that faecal matter is a window to the trillions of good and bad bacteria, viruses and fungi living in the intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome. What a layman may describe as a poo transplant - taking faecal bacteria from donors, processing them and inserting them into the patient's gut either orally or through a colonoscopy - has been used to successfully treat Clostridium difficile infection, which causes recurrent severe diarrhoea and colon inflammation.
The transplanted faecal matter restores the patient's gut microbiome by introducing healthy bacteria. Beyond keeping the gut healthy, the microbiome is known to impact the brain as well. Although they are far away from each other, the stomach and the brain have a two-way communication known as the brain-gut axis. Now, scientists in Europe have found that faecal matter is hiding clues related to ageing and cognition.
A primal connection exists between our brain and our gut. We often talk about a “gut feeling” when we meet someone for the first time. We're told to “trust our gut instinct” when making a difficult decision or that it's “gut check time” when faced with a situation that tests our nerve and determination.
Doctors have known for some time that faecal matter is a window to the trillions of good and bad bacteria, viruses and fungi living in the intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome. What a layman may describe as a poo transplant - taking faecal bacteria from donors, processing them and inserting them into the patient's gut either orally or through a colonoscopy - has been used to successfully treat Clostridium difficile infection, which causes recurrent severe diarrhoea and colon inflammation.
The transplanted faecal matter restores the patient's gut microbiome by introducing healthy bacteria. Beyond keeping the gut healthy, the microbiome is known to impact the brain as well. Although they are far away from each other, the stomach and the brain have a two-way communication known as the brain-gut axis. Now, scientists in Europe have found that faecal matter is hiding clues related to ageing and cognition.
A primal connection exists between our brain and our gut. We often talk about a “gut feeling” when we meet someone for the first time. We're told to “trust our gut instinct” when making a difficult decision or that it's “gut check time” when faced with a situation that tests our nerve and determination.
Scientists opened up their brains, zeroing in on the hippocampus, the region that plays a vital role in learning and memory and discovered that the proteins that were expressed in the brains of the mice which underwent transplantation were different from that of the control group.
The tangled tau protein, which is prevalent in those with Alzheimer's disease, saw an uptick in the young mice, said Dr Vauzour. The study was published in the journal Microbiome last month. The research's other co-lead, Associate Professor Claudio Nicoletti of the University of Florence, said: "This work provides a strong rationale to devise therapies aiming to restore a young-like microbiome to improve cognitive functions and quality of life in the elderly."
The tangled tau protein, which is prevalent in those with Alzheimer's disease, saw an uptick in the young mice, said Dr Vauzour. The study was published in the journal Microbiome last month. The research's other co-lead, Associate Professor Claudio Nicoletti of the University of Florence, said: "This work provides a strong rationale to devise therapies aiming to restore a young-like microbiome to improve cognitive functions and quality of life in the elderly."
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Commenting on the findings, Dr Jeremy Lim, chief executive and co-founder of the Asian Microbiome Library in Singapore, said: "If the science is consistent in humans, it may open the door to modifying the gut microbiome to treat dementia and other brain health conditions."
The European team is now studying older mice transplanted with the faecal matter of young mice.
The team is also discussing with a centre in the Netherlands about similar research with primates.
Dr Nicoletti said: "If you improve cognition or other functions in old monkeys, chances are you can do the same in humans.
"If we see very positive results in the current mice study, we can start clinical trials on humans within two years."
The European team is now studying older mice transplanted with the faecal matter of young mice.
The team is also discussing with a centre in the Netherlands about similar research with primates.
Dr Nicoletti said: "If you improve cognition or other functions in old monkeys, chances are you can do the same in humans.
"If we see very positive results in the current mice study, we can start clinical trials on humans within two years."
A version of this article appeared in the Straits Times on 30 Nov 2020