I understand ntu is one of the big 3 and the stress level is probably one of the highest among sg education. How do we discover someone showing distress symptoms before doing the unthinkable? Srsly it's sad to see young Singaporeans losing their lives due to study...

I first visited Singapore 13 years ago as a 10 year old. I absolutely loved it. The infrastructure was the best I’d ever seen at that age, and I had the time of my life as a kid.

This time, I was back for a business trip, and it made me reflect on how much has changed and what still needs work.

Some good things

Phone addiction seemed to improve.

On my first visit, one of the things that shocked me was how glued everyone was to their phones even while crossing the street or getting on buses. It’s genuinely heartening to see that many of those same people are now parents, heads up, looking after their kids instead of staring down at screens.

Infrastructure kept getting better.

I already thought the MRT and overall infra were amazing back then, but you didn’t stop there. You kept building. I’ve been to quite a few countries since, and Singapore still has some of the best infrastructure I’ve ever seen. The colour splash on the MRT map is such a nice touch it makes navigating feel almost fun.

Cleanliness and public order are still top-tier.

Coming from a place where litter and chaos are common, it was refreshing to see how clean the streets, hawker centres, and public spaces still are. People queue properly, follow rules, and there’s a general sense of respect for shared spaces that I really admire.

A few bad things

Racism towards my colleague broke my heart.

This trip, I was with a colleague for whom this was his first international trip. He’d never been to another country and was completely blown away by Singapore. But I picked up on the environment faster, and I could clearly see people being unnecessarily racist towards him.

He might be a bit slower in understanding things because all of this is new to him, but the way people treated him really hurt. He didn’t even fully realize it, but I could see:

Random extra screening when picking him up at the airport.

Hotel reception asking him to pay $100 in advance as collateral.

People subtly moving away from him on the MRT

A general assumption that he was somehow “less” just because his skin is dark

He dresses smart, isn’t loud or “broodish,” and is one of the sweetest people I know. But purely because of his skin colour, I could see people instantly perceiving him as illiterate or suspicious. I know a handful of people may have caused trouble in the past and shaped some opinions, but not everyone is like that. I really hope Singapore can move past this.

Cab drivers have become too rash.

The cab drivers this time felt way more reckless. It seemed like they didn’t care much about passengers or even traffic rules. It was stressful and felt unsafe at times.

Casino addiction is terrifying.

I went to the casino for the first time (couldn’t go before since I was a kid on my last trip) and saw what real addiction looks like. My God, it’s so dangerous. If any of you have experience with this: how do you deal with people you know who blow away their savings chasing a fistful of dollars?

Final thoughts

Singapore, you will always be a role model for infrastructure and discipline. The kid version of me saw a dreamland; the adult version of me saw the reality, both beautiful and flawed.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for giving me your time.

https://mothership.sg/2026/03/drink-stall-staff-yishun-coffee-shop-no-water-bottle/

I remember being as young as 16 years being told by my parents that my purpose was to go to university and my mother look good by association. But by 18, I realized I had difficulty studying and learning. I couldn't pay for any treatments and my mother was unwilling to pay for it, and I also wasn't allowed to take a pt job as I serving NS. By the time I went back to school, I got extremely depressed and didn't do too well. My mother pressured ne to go to uni and I told her no and she decided to use my sister as a shield to avoid accountability. When I was 25 years old, I finally got diagnosed after I got lucky getting my dream job. For the most part I improved greatly but some symptoms here and there still lingering....but I developed other mental health issues due to my mom's self interest and growing up she would always criticize my cousin's mental health struggles despite promising her siblings should would keep it quiet and how some of them avoid their parents, saying they are bad parents. But the moment I did it to her she acts like I'm the devil. Even when I didn't find my dream job for 1 year in after graduation ( took a while to get it) and wanted to grab a pt job, she convicned me to not take because she feels like we need to look all prestige and shit, even though we're like working class. I feel like she has way more mental illness than me at this point and I can't see her without thinking how much I was forced to suffer unnecessarily.

Edit: Also, i rmbr coming across my brother's ig profile, appearantly he also had the issues I had, but my parents actually got him help. However, my mother appearantly couldn't bear having another son like that, and my father caught alzheimer's disease at the time I tried to get help, so his opinion was out of the question. Make no mistake, my dad was also shitty but that's another story.

Not sure why I am feeling this way. By all measures, I should be feeling happy. I’m 30. I have a stable job, I’ve been working for a good number of years already so have good amount of savings and investments. My income is comfortable. I end work at 6. No OT. I work in CBD. I am healthy and have no problems physically or mentally. I have a healthy family with no debt or gambling or extramarital affair problems. I am single and technically “free” to do whatever I want.

Most people would say my life is good and that I have no need to be depressed. Yet I seem to have a recurring and lingering problematic thought - I’ve been single my entire life.

I actually didn’t really have good experiences from sec sch all the way to NS and uni. My life only started to go upwards in trajectory when I came out and started working after graduating. I was very fortunate in that I found a job in a few months within graduation. I’ve been working non stop ever since and have never quit and been jobless.

Yet, it just feels so hard to get into a relationship with any girl at all. I just feel like it’s so hard to keep up with the girls I’m interested in. They’re popular, have lots of followers on instagram, working in corporate just like me and have their own hobbies and friend groups. I have few instagram followers, no hobbies that I’m proud of and no friends. It just feels so hard to jio any of them because I feel like they always have some activity of their own or some friend to meet to occupy their time.

I swear the only thing I look forward to when coming to work is the salary and lunch time. Even nowadays I feel depressed during lunch time because I walk around aimlessly and see alot of pretty ladies that I would love to know. But it’s just difficult to cold approach anyone here. Work basically feels pointless and aimless now. I’m just grinding a salary but don’t even know what for.

I feel that the only thing I can do now is start travelling alot to SEA countries and just live wild. Yolo my money and hope that it will give me some clarity in life.

I’m curious what fellow Singaporeans think about this.

I bought a 4-fold tatami from Tatami Shop Singapore: Tatami Shop

The way the products are marketed gave me the impression that I was buying a premium Japanese-made product. Their website describes the products as “authentic Japanese Tatami,” “authentic Japanese craftsmanship,” and says they are genuinely crafted using traditional Japanese methods.

Recently, my Thai girlfriend came over and saw my tatami. She was pretty shocked when I told her how much I paid for it. She then showed me this Thai company:

Thai Tatami Chiang Mai Facebook page

Looking through their Facebook page, we noticed that they appear to sell what looks like the exact same 4-fold tatami - same construction, appearance, materials/design, etc. The products shown on their page look virtually identical to what I bought from Tatami Shop.

From going through their posts, it also appears that this Thai company may actually be the manufacturer/supplier behind some of Tatami Shop's products.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=968681683827946&set=pb.100057181580565.-2207520000&type=3&locale=th_TH

I'm wondering how to interpret the situation.

I'm not saying that a Singapore retailer can't import products from Thailand and resell them at a markup. That's obviously a legitimate business model.

The part I'm questioning is the marketing.

If the product is manufactured in Thailand but is being marketed to Singapore customers as an “authentic Japanese” product / “Japanese craftsmanship,” is that simply marketing based on Japanese traditional techniques, or would you consider that misleading?

And if anyone here has bought from Tatami Shop before, I'd be interested to hear whether you were under the impression that the actual product was made in Japan, rather than simply being a Thai-made product using Japanese techniques/materials.

I'm genuinely curious to hear what people think before jumping to conclusions. Maybe there's something I'm missing about how these products are sourced or manufactured.

Anyone have thoughts on whether its worth going for this party cruise?

Heard some wild things

staying at your in law’s place, is it a wrong move to lock your room door for privacy? 😌

Been visiting private and active sg gyms for 2 years on a weekly basis. Been noticing more fine line tattoos in the past month.
Is it a new trend/movement? Mostly floral designs and ladies.

Hi guys, any cyclists here?

As long as you have a bicycle and cycle on the PCN or parks, can input. Just a basic simple question.

You know guys, this is damn horrible. I moved into a new estate and I usually do one big round cycling around the PCN. The basic rule of thumb is to follow the direction of driving, which is KEEP LEFT. And the opposite guy will also keep left.

So if I am cycling forward, the person coming from the opposite direction will be on my right side. Simple right guys. Ok, basic established. Now the context.

I normally do my regular 13–15km round-the-park stint. I take around 70–90 mins, so it is really a chill pace.

Situation (1)

I was cycling forward, and in front of me was a mum and a kid. I wanted to pre-warn them that I'm coming from behind, so I rang my bell. But I think she was a bit cray cray? Suddenly she SWUNG OUT her right arm and said: "KEEP TO YOUR RIGHT!" Mother father sia this person... almost bang me.

Obviously I have the intention to overtake them (they were walking). I signal my bell to warn you to take note that there is a bicycle coming from behind. You don't even turn back and see, just suddenly swing your hand out. Lucky the opposite guy on my right side had already passed me. Otherwise how? KNNCCB

Situation (2)

Cycling and almost passing a toilet. It was a straight route. I'm exiting a narrow bridge and the crowd was really quite packed. Anyway, people park their bikes outside the toilet, there was a group there, and then got this one ang moh running in my lane towards me. He swings his arm BIG BIG and signals me to go to the right. Hello? I was already keeping left and coming out of a narrow bridge. Now I need to sway to the right to avoid this crazy runner, AND I need to avoid the bicycles/people on the right also. You don't need to swing your arm big big right? You keep your lane and run. I will avoid you. I also signal my bell to warn you that I'm incoming. WHY such a big arm movement? Seriously, and you further make the already chocked road more narrow... -.-

Situation (3)

Father was on a scooter, then a few metres in front got his kid also on a scooter, travelling in our direction. I told my friend: "Eh careful, slow down, don't speed." Because the opposite side also got roller skater, runner and cyclist. So we kept behind the girl, moving VERY slowly and waiting for everything to clear. My friend overtook successfully. Then when it's my turn, I told the girl: "Behind you." And I ring ring ring. So I decided to pace up a little to overtake her. She was originally on the LEFT. Then suddenly she moved to the RIGHT. WTF. And on my right got one blur person playing with the phone and not looking at the road.

So it became:

A = scooter girl
B = me
C = blur person playing phone

A suddenly moves right towards B. B is trying to overtake A. C is on the right not looking at the road. I narrowly managed to move past all of them unhurt. But it was a fucking scary experience. Then the C girl's father behind shouted: "OI!" I know he angry, but I told him: "You got see A?" KNN seriously.

Situation (4)

Wah, this one BEST. The group of Brompton uncles. This is on a WIDE lane. They 3 people take up the opposite lane nvm. STILL got one joker suddenly want to come out and become the 4th bicycle. My left side already got joggers/runners. I need to avoid the runners, so I'm already cycling beside them. But you KNNCCB... 3–4 bicycles abreast, sure or not?

Then one guy behind still taking video of the Brompton group, probably want to post internet for their community like very zai like that. WTF. How old already? You don't care about your old bones, I worried for mine. 😂 Mind you, this I even shouted: "KEEP LEFT!" But they still look damn buay song. KNN fudge.

FUG

Situation (5)

This one much simplier, I see one coule, lovely dovy, need to cycle side by side. NVM They not slowing them btw it was narrow. Ok, I was on my left lane and left side. NVM. I Slowed and knn i STOPPED. so that they on their left lane (my right) can shiok shiok cycle together. WAH I STOPPED cuz I think they super hazard. Still can DIAO me sia. WTF this people.

Anyway I decided to get a camera. like can view 360 one, any recommendations?

Yesterday a Foodpanda rider delivered my lunch to the wrong location. I immediately contacted customer support, they verified it was the wrong delivery and issued a full refund. This is not the first or second time I had wrong delivery location or no show. After the refund was processed, the same rider called me and said they had accidentally marked the order as delivered. They offered to continue the delivery, so I thought customer support had reached out to them.

I was too naive at the time and thought the rider was just being nice, so I confirm with them my address and waited. They eventually delivered the order informally after an additional 40min wait.

At around 10 pm the same day, the rider tried to call me again. When I didn’t answer, they started messaging me, asking why I had refunded the order and saying how hard it is for them to do their job, the platform deducted money from their account etc. I have not replied to any of their messages.

I’m worried about harassment because they already have my phone number and address from the original order. I have since reported the incident inside Foodpanda app and they are currently investigating.

Any advice on getting Foodpanda support to actually escalate this? I do not mind paying the rider separately to make them go away (they just messaged me again earlier in the morning) but I need to know they aren't trying to take advantage of the situation.

Govt loves to make it a Chinese Vs Malay Vs Indian issue but in reality it's a Singaporean Vs Import issue.

Chin is part of the Chinese Chess Community, and there he has proven allegations of him attempting to groom/sext a minor, as well as confessing to touching a minor 's private parts. He has also attempted on many occasions to touch us. (screenshot attached below). For clarification, the conversation and the alleged molestation occurred when the victim was a minor.

We have already contacted another tuition agency, and they have decided to let him go after conducting their own private investigations.

if you know of someone who is being tutored by chin, or are being tutored, please present this to someone who can make decisions. Please also feel free to reach out to me if you need more evidence.

Where is one place that straight up lacks a vending machine. I’m a vending machine vendor and I am looking to place a vending machine anywhere in Singapore. So feel free to suggest. Try to be as specific as possible so we can do a recce.

Where is one place that straight up lacks a vending machine. I’m a vending machine vendor and I am looking to place a vending machine anywhere in Singapore. So feel free to suggest. Try to be as specific as possible so we can do a recce.

My friend has been getting harassed, bullied, doxxed since he was in secondary school over things he didn't do. Please get his story out, people he knows have heard so many stories, but no one has bothered hearing from him. It's been very hard on him for so long and I'm scared for him, please everyone just hear his story.

His youtube video explaining everything: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIkuZs1SVCk

Edit; I'm scared because this is his last attempt at getting his story out because so many people have been shutting him down, so many people have been bullying him, harassing him, everything you can imagine. LAST ATTEMPT, something needs to change for him for the BETTER.

Well today me and my colleagues had lunch at Marsiling after a visit to one of our clients' office. They said there's a very famous chicken rice around so we went for it. The queue was long and the smell was quite fragrant. Then I recognized the franchise as I had it before at Serangoon. The portion is small even if you upgrade to large still not able to make an adult full. So I passed it and had cai fan instead. When we ate together they just "jokingly" called me cheapskate. I don't think this is cheapskate or what because a large chicken rice is 6 dollar but the chicken is sibeh less and the uncle even piak piak the chicken until very flat. Not even thigh or drumstick, just breast. But with 6 dollar I can get cai fan with 2 vege 1 meat 1 egg and I even have change. I don't know lol, eating chicken rice or other a la carte won't make you more atas than other people. Cai fan is still the best option when it comes to value of money.

Singapore to legislate stronger safeguards, possible daily time limit for teens on social media

Are we being too oppressive or is this the right move for our younger generation?

Recently I keep seeing this news/article popping up again. I know, bear with me, this is old ST news — but this advertisement keeps coming back and leaning heavily on the whole “Featured by The Straits Times” thing.

Then you have Take-a-shit Lim (Lim Jiao Bin) — name deliberately concealed to protect identity 😏 Wealth gurus now made bankrupt; investors worry about their $5m | The Straits Times

It got me thinking: there are so many “gurus” out there nowadays, but the barrier to looking successful in finance is actually so damn low.

If you're a finance guru, what do you need to convince people?

• A nice watch.
• A luxury car.
• A big house/condo.
• Business-class photos.
• Maybe some screenshots showing huge numbers.

And that's basically it.

The watch can be borrowed. The car can be rented. The house can be somebody else's. The screenshots can be selectively shown. Even the lifestyle only needs to exist long enough for you to take a photo. LAGGY BEST NOW CAN DEEP FAKE with AI

But people see these things with their own eyes and immediately associate them with financial success:

“Wah, this guy must know how to make money.”

Compare that with something like a fitness instructor. Because, sorry, you can wear $500 worth of gym apparel, pose beside a Ferrari and tell me you have the world's greatest fitness programme — but if you're completely out of shape, your fitness course probably isn't selling shit.

The barrier to entry for appearing financially successful is soooo low, while actually proving that you consistently made your wealth through the financial advice you're selling is a completely different matter.

Maybe we really need to stop treating “this person looks rich” as evidence that “this person knows how to make you rich.”

How guys what you think?

Yay

Not a good looking guy, only ever been in 1 relationship. To all the YanDaos, I’ve seen guys on the news with crazy exes that track the guy down, break into their house, smash stuff or even threaten violence. How on earth do you manage to turn 155cm oestrogen petite girls into a raging bulls?

How does one become so good looking / desirable in a relationship to the point where you can make a women that obsessed with you when there are men out there being reported for stalking when they just sit next to a girl on an MRT.