The_King

SINGAPORE - Some teenagers are creating social media accounts using pseudonyms - to bash themselves or support comments posted on their "official" accounts. Social worker Eric Sng has encountered at least four teenagers engaging in such activities. The head of Shine Children and Youth Services' community outreach team ResiL!ence, started in October last year, has been working with young people for over 12 years. Reasons for this behaviour are complex, he said, adding that some might be feeling down and want to double down on themselves. Leaving negative comments might invite others to join in on the self-criticism, or could also be a form of reverse psychology to spur others to share words of encouragement. Others who create pseudo accounts to defend themselves on their social media profiles told Mr Sng that this anonymity helps them respond to critical comments as it is "better to have others protect you than to stand up for yourself". Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, said that these pseudo accounts could be to generate hype among their friends by creating controversy or an indirect way of having the inner version of themselves affirmed. Dr Emily Ortega, head of psychology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences added that false identities also help avoid responsibility for words or actions. She said: "But I guess (singer-songwriter) Taylor Swift best explains this - 'say it in the street, that's a knockout, but you say it in a tweet, that's a cop-out'." More commonly, young people set up a public account to showcase a more measured, positive side, and a private account known to closer friends, where they share private matters. "While a private account can be a space for young people to feel safe, it can cut both ways as these spaces are usually not accessible to caring adults who can offer appropriate guidance and look out for warning signs of distress that sometimes peers may be unable to offer or overlook," said Mr Sng. Associate Professor Andy Ho, who specialises in public mental health at the Nanyang Technological University, said that young people and children will inevitably be exposed to mean and ill-spirited comments as they socialise and forge relationships online. Dr Andrew Yee of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) said parents and educators should find ways to reach out and help young people better understand the inherent features of social media platforms and what they do to their experience of the digital world. "On top of that, It is important to help young people identify, recognise and regulate their emotions from a young age," added the SUTD fellow, who is researching how technological environments shape health and well-being. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/some-young-people-in-spore-creating-pseudo-accounts-to-handle-toxic-comments

sit on bus, watch ppl eat

why yahoo nv use south asian. https://sg.yahoo.com/news/urges-action-suppress-covid-deadlier-174904944.html

The Delta variant of Covid-19 is a warning to the world to suppress the virus quickly before it mutates again into something even worse, the WHO said Friday. The highly-transmissible variant, first detected in India, has now surfaced in 132 countries and territories, the World Health Organization said. "Delta is a warning: it's a warning that the virus is evolving but it is also a call to action that we need to move now before more dangerous variants emerge," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told a press conference. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added: "So far, four variants of concern have emerged -- and there will be more as long as the virus continues to spread." Tedros said that on average, infections increased by 80 percent over the past four weeks in five of the six WHO regions. Though Delta has shaken many countries, Ryan said proven measures to bring transmission under control still worked -- notably physical distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene and avoiding long periods indoors in poorly ventilated, busy places. "They are stopping the Delta strain, especially when you add in vaccination," he said. "The virus has got fitter, the virus has got faster. The game plan still works, but we need to implement and execute our game plan much more efficiently and much more effectively then we've ever done before." - Price of vaccine inequity - The UN health agency has consistently called for vaccines to be distributed evenly around the world and has branded the drastic imbalance a "moral outrage". More than four billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have now been administered globally, according to an AFP count. In countries categorised as high income by the World Bank, 98 doses per 100 people have been injected. That figure drops to 1.6 per 100 in the 29 lowest-income countries. If the four billion doses had been administered equally to people aged over 60, "we basically could have gotten two doses into everybody at highest risk of severe consequences when we got to a strain like Delta", said Bruce Aylward, the WHO's frontman on the Covax scheme which aims to get donor-funded jabs to poorer countries. Instead, those nations, "in the face of the Delta variant -- they're going to pay a very, very different price as a result". - 'No magical solutions' - The WHO wants every country to have vaccinated at least 10 percent of its population by the end of September; at least 40 percent by the end of this year, and 70 percent by the middle of 2022. "We are a long way off achieving those targets," Tedros lamented. He said that just over half of the 194 WHO member states have fully vaccinated 10 percent of their population; less than a quarter have vaccinated 40 percent; and only three countries have vaccinated 70 percent. Meanwhile the WHO says Burundi, Eritrea and North Korea are the only remaining member states yet to start Covid-19 vaccination campaigns. The novel coronavirus has killed at least 4.2 million people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, while nearly 196.6 million cases have been registered, according to tallies from official sources compiled by AFP. Tedros said that on current rates of infection, the 200 million known infections mark will be surpassed within the next two weeks, although the true figure will be much higher. "There are no magical solutions," said Ryan. "The only magic dust we have is vaccination. The problem is we're not sprinkling that evenly around the world and we are working against ourselves."

SINGAPORE — Before they are allowed to resume operations, nightlife operators that converted to food-and-beverage (F&B) operations must ensure their interiors are “clearly visible” to people outside and cannot use blackout windows or opaque doors along their perimeter. They must also lock all private rooms, with only their main halls permitted for F&B operations. The ministries of Sustainability and the Environment, Home Affairs, and Trade and Industry set out these tighter infection control measures for converted nightlife establishments on Saturday (July 31). This came after more than 400 such businesses were ordered to suspend their operations for two weeks from July 16 until Friday to stem the spread of Covid-19 following a cluster of cases at karaoke television (KTV) lounges and clubs. As of Friday, there were 250 coronavirus cases linked to the cluster. Converted outlets must stay closed, including for takeaways, until they pass inspections and receive written approval to reopen. About 50 converted nightspots that breached infection control measures since October last year will not be allowed to reopen. For those that may resume business, the other infection control measures they must roll out include closed-circuit television cameras covering all areas of their operation, including entrances to the locked private rooms. Lighting must be sufficient for activities to be observed via the cameras, the ministries said. Separately, employees deployed at the entrances of the outlets must not hold up the entry of enforcement officers or prevent members of the public from looking in. Equipment for public entertainment, such as pool tables, dart boards and karaoke machines, must also be out of sight of patrons. All employees of the outlets must also undergo Covid-19 fast and easy tests at a Health Promotion Board quick-test centre every seven days after operations resume. This is more stringent than such employer-supervised tests for typical F&B outlets, which are done every 14 days. In addition, SafeEntry Gateways, which allow people to check in to public places, must be made available at entry and exit points to allow for contact tracing. Operators must also comply with licensing conditions, such as those on food preparation facilities and menus. Before restarting operations, all their employees must also have taken a polymerase chain reaction Covid-19 swab test and the outlets must satisfy all infection control requirements. The ministries cautioned that outlets found to have restarted operations, including for takeaways, without a conditional permit will face firm action. This includes prosecution and the cancellation of licences for food, public entertainment and liquor. “Establishments that breach safe-management measures are liable to have their conditional permits to operate withdrawn and must close immediately,” the ministries said. Since October last year, government agencies have increased enforcement checks on F&B outlets, including converted nightspots. Seven operators have thus far had their licences revoked permanently and were ordered to stop operations. Read more at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/no-opaque-doors-or-access-private-rooms-among-tougher-rules-converted-ktvs-wishing-resume

See that uncle eat curry puff the auntie in front chicken and in front yolo is chips

Wtf I sit in bus to ssrr, got 3 person eating and the rest don't care. Uncle eat curry puff, auntie eat fried chicken and a yolo eat potato chips And me under fasting mode can only drink water Haiz

Don't worry as the king I know what to do. Just watch the news

Who open at this time? Wait until covid la

Cause there a sucker born every min

Japanese French restaurant Aux Bacchanales Singapore, which originated from Shinjuku, serving up French food with Japanese sensibility. Known for their crepes and galettes, the cafe also serves delicious mains such as steaks and duck confit. Check out the video for our full review, and maybe check it out when restrictions have lifted to transport yourself to Japan! Cafe Aux Bacchanales Plaza Singapura #03-83 68 Orchard Rd Singapore 238839 Operating hours: Daily, 11am - 10pm

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian politics was thrown into turmoil on Thursday (July 29), with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin clashing with the King over the revocation of emergency ordinances. There were calls, even from Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s own allies, for him to quit after the palace issued a statement in the morning that contained a rare and stunning rebuke of the government. The palace insisted that the King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, did not endorse the government’s unilateral move to withdraw the ordinances under the state of emergency which he proclaimed in January. It is due to expire on Sunday. “His Majesty is extremely disappointed, as what was assented to and agreed on with (parliamentary and law minister) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Attorney General Idrus Harun during a virtual audience on July 24 was for the proposal to cancel the emergency ordinances be tabled and debated in Parliament,” the palace said. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim read the palace statement to cries of “betrayal” and “traitor” in Parliament, which is sitting for the first time since December. He called for the resignation of Mr Takiyuddin and Mr Muhyiddin as well. Datuk Seri Anwar then filed a fresh motion of no-confidence against Mr Muhyiddin but it was not addressed after Deputy Speaker Rashid Hasnon announced the adjournment of the session because two Covid-19 cases were detected in Parliament this week. Datuk Hasnon said the sitting had been adjourned until next Monday as Covid-19 tests are conducted. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, was holed up with close advisers in Cabinet as well as the Attorney General at his residence. “PM was told the situation has become too chaotic and untenable,” a source with knowledge of the discussions told The Straits Times. But, according to sources close to the Premier, Mr Muhyiddin is digging his heels in, taking the position that the Constitution obliges the King to act in accordance with the government’s advice. “He is staying. He has done everything in accordance with the Constitution,” said a top government official. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) responded in the evening by pointing out that, according to the palace statement, “the King is aware that His Majesty must accept and act according to the Cabinet’s advice as provided in Article 40 of the Federal Constitution”. The PMO press release also added that Mr Muhyiddin and the Attorney General had further explained to the King, in an audience on Tuesday, the government’s advice on the cancellation of the ordinances. Umno, the largest party in the governing Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition which has been split about remaining in it, made an open call for the Premier to step down, accusing him of “treason”. “Umno will ask Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan to resign honourably,” said party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who has for weeks agitated for Umno MPs to leave the beleaguered administration, which has been hard pressed to defend its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. ST understands that Umno ministers who have remained steadfast to Mr Muhyiddin, despite pressure from Zahid, have told the Prime Minister his grip on power has been shaken by the discord with the palace. Mr Muhyiddin was widely seen as secure in office despite longstanding doubts over his parliamentary majority, due to Sultan Abdullah’s implied endorsement of him. The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president was sworn in by the ruler to lead the government in March 2020 despite his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad claiming to have the backing of more MPs. Sultan Abdullah also called on MPs to support the government’s budget at the end of last year and then assented to Mr Muhyiddin’s request for the emergency in January, moves that has so far kept Mr Muhyiddin in power. On Monday, Mr Takiyuddin claimed that the ordinances - which the government insisted were crucial to deal with the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country - were cancelled by Cabinet on July 21, prompting the opposition to question whether the King had consented to the decision, as the withdrawal of the laws had not been officially gazetted. A government spokesman told ST that the administration had decided there was no longer any need for the ordinances, as “Malaysia’s vaccination programme is going well” and the Covid-19 crisis should be under control by October.

so many pictures of him

"There are actually quite many Singapore Airlines girls working in the KTVs." That's not something you'd expect to hear, especially when recent discussions on KTV hostesses here are focused on the growing Covid-19 cluster and the colour of their passports instead. More from AsiaOneRead the condensed version of this story, and other top stories with NewsLite. *Amy, a local KTV hostess in her 30s, recently sat down with AsiaOne for an interview and revealed that it's now more common to see SIA girls juggling two jobs — being an air stewardess and a KTV hostess. The Singapore Girl Amy, who started working in a KTV in January, said she was introduced to the industry by a friend. What immediately struck her was the presence of SIA girls in the KTV lounges. She noticed that these girls are treated as prized commodities by both KTV owners and patrons alike. For one, The Singapore Girl doesn't share the same waiting area as the other hostesses. "Inside the KTV, there are two waiting areas. One is for 'normal' Singaporean girls and the other one is all for the SIA stewardess. They'll be very clear about this," Amy said. She went on to mention that the SIA girls have "rates that are usually higher than normal Singaporean girls." With the premium rates come higher expectations. Amy added: "If the customer chooses an SIA stewardess, that means she'd have to maintain her standards. Similar to what she usually does as an air stewardess." On top of that, the SIA girl is also expected to hold her liquor better than other KTV hostesses. AsiaOne couldn’t independently verify that the hostesses are flight attendants with Singapore Airlines. 0 to over 100 Singaporean hostesses Supreme KTV, one of the KTV lounges in the Covid-19 cluster. PHOTO: Facebook/Supreme KTV Ladies working in KTV lounges come from a plethora of countries including Singapore, but the Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese girls aged between 18 and 40 form the bulk of hostesses in the KTVs here, Amy said. She has also seen a rise in the number of local hostesses at one particular KTV lounge as of late, adding: "Since the beginning of this year, the number of Singaporean hostesses has grown from zero to over 100." This spike in numbers could be due to the lure of high earnings in a short period of time, she suggested. A hostess can make between $300 and $500 per night from drinking with customers for three to four hours, but things do get physical in the rooms. Depending on the customer's behaviour, a hostess' acceptance of his advances may range "from kissing to hugging, maybe touching each other to stripping," Amy shared. A hostess' earnings for the night can go up to $1,000 if she "wants to go further to earn the extra tips" by offering "discreet services" outside KTVs. Another method of stacking money fast is for a hostess to be a butterfly within the KTV lounge. This means that they will try to go to as many rooms and entertain as many customers as possible in one night. Amy said: "The butterfly is usually done by the foreign hostesses. Usually, the local hostesses are more conservative and prefer to sit in the same room for the whole night." As for Amy herself, she told AsiaOne that she has two children to take care of at home. That's why the single mum felt that "being a hostess is a good job [for her] because the timings are flexible and the working hours are shorter." Being a hostess is simply her doing her job, Amy said. "You cannot control what other people think. As long as you feel that you are doing something decent, it's good enough." Seeking happiness from unhappy marriages Customers, on the other hand, do not seek money. Chances are, they have that in abundance. While they usually spend at least $800 at a KTV lounge, Amy has seen instances where customers spend up to $7,000 to book one of the bigger rooms for the night. Given how expensive a night out at the KTV is, it's no surprise that regular patrons are "bosses of companies or entrepreneurs running their own businesses." Visiting the KTVs offers customers an escape from reality, Amy suggested. "They probably don't have a very good relationship at home and they tend to seek happiness in the KTVs." As nightlife outlets remain closed from March last year, many of these men have sought company at some KTV lounges that are operating illegally by pivoting the business to offering food and drinks. With the inside knowledge, Amy shared how simple it was for a KTV lounge to continue operating as per normal. "They turned themselves into somewhat of a bistro. If you visit the KTV, it became compulsory to order two staple food from the menu but the operations were still the same, you just needed to order the food," she said. This eventually led to a Covid-19 cluster that emerged in July. As a Vietnamese hostess was the first to test positive for the coronavirus, much of the blame was directed to fellow hostesses but Amy thinks it isn't fair. "Everyone, including the hostesses and the customers, is responsible for the cluster. I still feel that this is something that can happen anywhere and not only at a KTV." *Not her real name

SINGAPORE - A five-room Housing Board flat in Bishan has changed hands for a record $1.295 million this month, smashing the previous high of $1.268 million lodged just last month. The 120 sq m unit at Block 273A Bishan Street 24 in a Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) project called Natura Loft was sold just three weeks after it was put up for sale, ERA Realty property agent Elson Wang, who brokered the deal, told The Straits Times. The unit, which is in a 40-storey tall block, is now the most expensive HDB resale unit to change hands so far. The unit sits above level 35- sellers declined to share exact floor - and has around 89 years left on its lease. The transaction comes against the backdrop of steadily rising prices for HDB resale flats in what has been a record year for million-dollar flats. Last month, a 49-year-old HDB terraced house in Whampoa took the spotlight when it was sold for $1.268 million, beating the previous record by around $10,000. In the latest transaction, the Bishan DBSS unit has widened the price gap by around $27,000, an indication of the robust HDB resale market. Mr Wang, 34, said the sellers had set a bottom line of $1.27 million when they approached him and would not consider any offers below that amount. "They didn't share the reason for picking that figure but I guess different people have different expectations. I had advised them that the transaction might take time as we need to wait for the right buyer," said Mr Wang, who has been in the industry for seven years. They just needed to host five groups of potential buyers and the sellers got an offer in three weeks. While the initial offer of $1.25 million was deemed "too low" by the sellers, after a few rounds of negotiations, the offered price gradually crept up to $1.28 million before landing at the final $1.295 million. There was an earlier offer but it was below the sellers' expectations so they did not pursue it, said Mr Wang. The sellers are a Singaporean Chinese couple in their late 50s and have one child, and are now moving to a private property. Mr Wang said he told the buyers to be prepared to pay a cash over valuation of around $100,000 to $150,000, but they ended up paying "less than expected". He declined to reveal the final figure. Mr Wang cited the unblocked city view, its central location and the well-maintained interior as the unit's main draws. The sellers had spent almost $100,000 on renovation works with frequent touch-ups over the years, said Mr Wang. As at Friday (July 30), 124 HDB resale flats have sold for at least $1 million this year, the highest number of million-dollar flats sold in a year on record. Eighteen were transacted this month. This brings the total number of million-dollar flats to 426 since the first such transaction in 2012. Million-dollar HDB flat transactions will end on a record high note this year, with one analyst predicting that it may exceed 180 units, given that the quarterly average was 25 units over the past three years. DBSS units are built by private developers, with each development characterised by unique external features, although owners are subjected to the same regulations as HDB owners. These units are very sought-after due to their rarity and larger living spaces. There are a total of 13 DBSS projects in Singapore, all built between 2005 and 2012, although not all command a million-dollar price tag. Units in at least two other DBSS projects - The Peak @ Toa Payoh and City View @ Boon Keng - have changed hands for at least $1 million. Ms Christine Sun, senior vice-president of research and analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, said the latest transaction may set the precedence for more $1.2 million to $1.3 million HDB resale deals in time to come. "Mass-market condo prices have been increasing so perhaps some are willing to turn to such million-dollar HDB flats that have equally attractive attributes," she said. "There are also more Build-To-Order (BTO) HDB flats in mature estates with higher price tags around the $600,000 to $700,000 range so in comparison, paying $1 million for a premium resale flat may be okay for some."

After a couple of unsuccessful runs in Singapore, Shakey's Pizza is set to make a comeback in Singapore soon, according to its Facebook and Instagram posts. Sharp-eyed shoppers have also been sharing photos of the chain's hoarding at Lucky Plaza, prompting hundreds of comments from excited fans. The US chain, which is also popular in the Philippines, specialises in thin-crust pizza, chicken, and mojos (fried potato slices). Fans can expect the chain's complete menu to be served in Singapore, with some tweaks in order to comply with halal requirements, Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures — which operates over 200 Shakey's outlets in the Philippines — said in January. "We are certain that many locals, and especially the overseas Filipinos, miss Shakey's, and this will bring back a sense of nostalgia," local franchisee partner Brenrich said. Shakey's was first brought into Singapore in 1980 by Twentieth Century Foods, but closed down in 1984. It later tried to make a comeback in 1989 under a different franchisee. Spoiler alert: their second attempt proved unsuccessful as well. But if the hype on social media is any indication, Shakey's will definitely be receiving a warm welcome this time around. their non sg menu

SINGAPORE - Visitors to all markets and hawker centres in Singapore are now required to check in with their TraceTogether app or token. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Friday (July 30) that it has worked with town councils, operators and other agencies to progressively implement access control with SafeEntry at all of these locations. "To facilitate safe entry to markets and hawker centres, all patrons, stallholders and stall assistants must bring along and use their TraceTogether token or app to tap on the SafeEntry Gateway reader," said NEA. The TraceTogether app can also be used to scan the QR code to check-in, it added. "NEA and town councils will be progressively deploying personnel to assist with SafeEntry check-in at access points to markets and hawker centres." The move to install interim fencing and make TraceTogether-only SafeEntry mandatory was earlier announced by the Health Ministry (MOH) on July 20. The tightened measures are meant to tamp down a surge in Covid-19 cases at markets and food centres, likely seeded when fishmongers visited Jurong Fishery Port to collect their seafood stocks. The Jurong Fishery Port cluster was already the largest here at 321 cases when MOH announced the stepped-up measures last Tuesday. As at Friday afternoon, there were 997 Covid-19 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port/Hong Lim Market and Food Centre clusters, according to MOH. NEA said the recent cases and clusters at markets and hawker centres are a reminder of the need to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, and to strictly observe safe distancing. The porous nature of markets and hawker centres has been a challenge for SafeEntry compliance, with QR codes previously placed at individual stalls and centre toilets to facilitate contact tracing, it noted. But given how transmissible the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus is, there is an increased need for quicker contact tracing, NEA added. Temporary fencing have been set up at the locations to limit the access points to markets and hawker centres. Personnel will progressively be deployed to man SafeEntry check-in points at markets and hawker centres, with priority given to peak periods like meal times to facilitate "safe and more efficient entry into premises", said NEA. Interim fencing at Geylang Serai Market. PHOTO: NEA Safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers will continue to be deployed at the locations to ensure compliance with rules. The authority urged patrons to be socially responsible and to perform their check-ins at access points regardless of whether or not the entry points are manned. Other precautions should still be observed as well, it added. These include keeping a safe distance from others, not lingering at these premises unnecessarily, and wearing masks properly at all times. "We seek the understanding of members of the public to adhere to safe management measures at markets and hawker centres," NEA added. "These are crucial to minimise the risk of clusters forming, which may require the closure of premises for deep cleaning and disinfection."

Before the "circuit breaker" hit last April, the thought of rearing foliage plants did not even occur to Grayce and Jason Ooi. They had been too busy, and constant travels prevented them from growing anything more elaborate than easy-care plants like succulents. The lockdown changed all that. “We became [plant-crazy] because of the Circuit Breaker,” said Mrs Ooi, a regional HR executive. “We started to read more, research more, and joined [plant hobby] groups. In Phase 2, we started going around plant nurseries. We still can’t travel. The only thing that makes us happy is growing things at home. We’re working from home, and plants are very therapeutic – they’re a way for us to release our stress.” Jason and Grayce Ooi got hooked on plant-collecting during last year's Circuit Breaker. (Photo: Jason and Grayce Ooi) It’s a narrative that’s familiar by now: Gardening as a popular pandemic pastime. What’s unique within this trend, though, is the amount that people are willing to splurge on rare and sought-after plants. “We noticed a sharp uptrend in gardening since the start of 2020 (beginning of Circuit Breaker); it has sparked a renewed interest in home gardening and plants as more people were staying indoors. This also piqued the interest in special and rare plants that were not commonly available in the market,” explained Peter Cheok, sales & marketing director of Far East Flora. A Philodendron gloriosum at Far East Flora retailing for S$2,999, although smaller specimens cost less. (Photo: Far East Flora) “We noticed a sharp uptrend in gardening since the start of 2020.” – Peter Cheok In June, Candy Floriculture, a nursery in Thomson, posted on its Instagram page that a customer had purchased a rare and slow-growing Philodendron spiritus sancti. The sticker price? A cool S$40,000. In June, a customer of Candy Floriculture purchased a Philodendron spiritus sancti for S$40,000. (Screenshot: Instagram/candy_floriculture) “He was a regular [customer],” explained Sharon Goh, Candy’s sales development director. “He wanted something of better value, rather than a mass of plants.” A check with local nurseries and online platforms revealed that five-figure price tags are not uncommon. On the day that CNA Luxury visited Candy, Goh had just received shipment of another Philodendron spiritus sancti, priced at S$42,000. A smaller specimen was also available for S$29,000. Other prized varieties, such as Philodendron billietiae variegated, were on the market for between S$15,000 and S$16,888 A Philodendron spiritus sancti at Candy Floriculture retailing for S$42,000. (Photo: Aaron De Silva) A Philodendron billietiae variegated retailing for S$16,888 at Candy Floriculture. (Photo: Aaron De Silva) This particular species is also the most expensive variety at Terrascapes, a garden centre in Choa Chu Kang. “We have a Philodendron billietiae variegated which is now valued at about S$20,000 based on its size and highly variegated leaves,” said Terrascapes founders Sandy and Bridgette Soh. Over at Greenfingers, a nursery in Lim Chu Kang, owner Shawn Chen told CNA Luxury that its biggest ticket item is a variegated tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum). At more than 4m in diameter, it’s the world’s largest orchid, and a native of Singapore. But unlike other orchids that are prized for their blooms, this particular species is valued for its foliage. Greenfingers owner Shawn Chen. (Photo: Shawn Chen) A variegated tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum) retailing for S$45,000 at Greenfingers. (Photo: Shawn Chen) “Collecting such rare plants might be a form of luxury to replace travelling for some people nowadays.” – Tan Wei Jie “This one is special because the leaves are variegated, two-tone yellow and green. And when the light hits it, it’s almost golden-yellow and shimmery. It’s priced at S$45,000,” said Chen, who is also co-founder of Foliage Fanatics Singapore, a Facebook group with more than 4,600 members – including the Oois. On consumer marketplace Carousell, a mature Philodendron spiritus sancti is currently being listed for S$54,380. The same seller, @rootingforyou, also has a listing for a Philodendron billietiae variegated for the same price. The Oois are no stranger to high-value plants, with their most extravagant purchase being a Monstera dilacherata that cost almost S$8,000. “When I was offered it [from an overseas seller], I didn’t even bat an eyelid, because I had been searching for it. The usual price is about S$10,000,” said Mr Ooi, a food scientist. His second-most expensive plant is a Monstera borsigiana aurea, which he bought for S$2,500. “At the time, S$2,500 seemed expensive, but I would buy it again, because of the colours – I’ve never seen anything like it before! Most Monstera aureas don’t have marbling like this, but on mine, every leaf is… like A5 Wagyu marbling!” Jeremy Gopalan, a freelance editor and plant collector with over 300 plants, said that the rare plant craze can be explained thus: “People are not spending money on travels. They’re saving money on their commute to work. They’re saving money on transport. So they’re using this money to spend on other things.” Plant collector Jeremy Gopalan with his Philodendron Dean McDowell and Philodendron Florida Beauty. (Photo: Jeremy Gopalan) Tan Wei Jie, founder of plant retailer Rabbit Island in Woodlands, echoed this sentiment. “Collecting such rare plants might be a form of luxury to replace travelling for some people nowadays,” he said. Not too long ago, bonsai varieties routinely ranked among the most expensive plants. But these days, it is aroids that are breaking price records. Aroids belong to a family that includes philodendrons, monsteras and common houseplants such as pothos (money plants). “We still can’t travel. The only thing that makes us happy is growing things at home. We’re working from home, and plants are very therapeutic – they’re a way for us to release our stress.” – Grayce Ooi Explaining the explosive growth in the popularity of aroids, Candy’s Goh offered: “In the old days, we used to sell bonsai that were also very expensive. But aroids are easier to upkeep than bonsai. Bonsai need a lot of sunlight, whereas you can keep aroids indoors.” For Gopalan, aroids are popular because there are several genera, and even within species they can look different. Such a great variety means that there’s something to suit all tastes. And, since they’re not native to Singapore or Asia – most of them are native to South America – it makes them that much more desirable. “I think it’s also how unique the [foliage] can be. [With the variegated varieties] there’s the element of fleetingness that also increases the value,” he added. A Monstera deliciosa Thai Constellation at Far East Flora. (Photo: Far East Flora) While Gopalan doesn’t profess to be a rare plant collector, he does own a Philodendron bipennifolium variegated, which he purchased for S$600 from a private collector a few years ago. Indeed, among the aroids, variegated varieties are the most in-demand right now. “Variegated plants are difficult to propagate,” explained Terrascapes’s founders. “Variegation isn’t constant and cannot be controlled. When propagated, the plants don’t always come out nicely variegated. Some come out too variegated which leads to unhealthy growth due to the lack of chlorophyll, or some turn out with low or no variegation at all, which would not appeal to the collector/hobbyist.” For those keen on collecting rare plants, what advice do the growers have? “The advice will be to do more research to find out what is the best location for the plant in terms of sunlight and watering care,” said Noah Garden Centre's founder Darren Neo. “Also, I will recommend starting this planting or growing hobby with a common and less pricey plant. There's a saying that goes ‘Start cheap feel cheap’. Once one has experience taking care of the plants, they can upgrade accordingly.” “I recommend starting this planting or growing hobby with a common and less pricey plant. Once one has experience taking care of the plants, they can upgrade accordingly.” – Darren Neo With rare plants in red-hot demand now, and prices reaching ever more eye-watering levels, there’s a distinct possibility that the bubble will burst. However, Far East Flora’s Cheok believes that the trend will prevail. “We are in the early days of rare plant collection. This generation of plant collectors are perhaps of a different breed; the millennials forge emotional connections to their plants (going as far as naming them). And with the explosion of ‘plantfluencers’ in recent years showcasing their plant collections and unboxing videos, all these generated much social media interest and hype which attained a following and started mass-market plant interest.” A banner advertising rare plants along Thomson Road. (Photo: Aaron De Silva) Noah’s Neo is also of the opinion that Singapore is far from the peak of the rare plant craze. “We started a Collectors Plants section [on our website] last October as demand for collectors’ plants have been increasing since the lockdown last year. [The trend] will definitely continue due to the limited quantities of these rare plants.” Gopalan, however, thinks otherwise. “My friends and I think that the bubble may burst. Once people start going back to work, and once suppliers get more stock because they want to sell more, there will be a surplus and prices will go back down.” As for the Oois, plants will still remain their top priority when life returns to normal. In fact, they’ll be on the lookout for bargains. “Once borders reopen, half the people may give up their plants. When that happens, I’ll buy them over – cheaply!” joked Mr Ooi.

your egg the center egg white got hole de. what is the left side? fried card board? i see brown little lizard poo again, and the long tiny string like stuff anyway i guess $3.60

die la

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