URA has launched the tender for a site at Canberra Crescent and another site at De Souza Avenue. Both plots have been released under the Confirmed List of the 1H2024 government land sales (GLS) programme.
The GLS site at De Souza Avenue is located off Jalan Jurong Kechil in District 21. The 207,155.8 sq ft site has a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 331,453 sq ft and could yield up to 355 residential units. The site is close to the revitalised Beauty World neighbourhood. Rejuvenation plans include the introduction of new amenities at the mixed-use development The Reserve Residences, which will be linked to a new integrated transport hub connecting Beauty World MRT Station and a bus interchange, as well as a three-storey retail mall. Less than 200m from the De Souza Avenue GLS site was a GLS site at Jalan Jurong Kechil that is being developed into the 258-unit Verdale by COLI Singapore and CSC Land Group. The developers won the site after they submitted the winning bid of $215 million, or $1,002 psf per plot ratio (ppr), in September 2018. Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, says that the De Souza Avenue site could attract one to three bidders, with a possible top bid that ranges from $397.74 million ($1,200 psf ppr) to $430.88 million ($1,300 psf ppr). There is keen demand for homes in the Upper Bukit Timah area, says Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee & Tie (OTT). He adds that while there has been a steady supply of new homes, the existing residential units in the vicinity have been largely sold. Existing projects such as Verdale, The Linq @ Beauty World and The Hillford are fully sold, while The Reserve Residences only has 58 unsold units out of 732 units, based on the latest developer sales report. Meanwhile, the 219,985 sq ft site at Canberra Crescent is at the junction of Canberra Crescent and Canberra Street in District 27. The residential site has a maximum gross floor area of 351,980 sq ft and could yield up to 375 units. The site is close to Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub featuring amenities like a hawker centre, a swimming pool and an indoor sports hall. Recently awarded GLS sites in the vicinity include a plot at Canberra Drive which is being developed into The Commodore by JBE Holdings, after the developer submitted a winning bid of $129.2 million ($644 psf ppr) for the site in 2020. Meanwhile, a neighbouring site, also along Canberra Drive, is being developed into The Watergardens at Canberra by UOL Group, after it submitted a top bid of $270.2 million ($650 psf ppr) in 2020. Both projects are fully sold. Huttons’ Lee expects the Canberra Crescent site to attract up to three bids, with the top bid landing between $316.78 million ($900 sf ppr) and $351.98 million ($1,000 psf ppr). “This site is surrounded by a sizeable number of HDB flats that have reached their MOP [minimum occupation period] status in the last five years,” says Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore. He adds that this provides a critical mass of potential HDB upgraders in the area. The tender for the Canberra Crescent and De Souza Avenue GLS sites will close on July 18.
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Their net interest margins will ease as a result of their Hong Kong loans.
Singapore’s DBS and OCBC are expected to deliver steady net profits in Q1, although lower than the same quarter in 2023, reports UOB Kay Hian. UOBKH analyst Jonathan Koh expects DBS’ net profit to come at $2.49b in Q1– 10% higher than in Q4 2023, but 3% lower than last year. Singapore’s biggest bank by assets will report a mild pick-up in loan growth in Q1, with a marginal 0.8% growth compared to Q1 2023. “Industry statistics saw corporate loans expand 1.6% month-on-month in February 2024, which suggest that weakness in corporate loans and repayments by customers have eased,” Koh said in a report. However, DBS’ net interest margin (NIM) will ease 4 basis points (bp) to 2.09%, dragged down by lower margins from its Hong Kong dollar-denominated loans, which account for 11% of its total loans. This is a result of the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) decreasing 43 basis points (bp) to 4.72% in Q1. Contribution from wealth management is expected to rise 10% from a year ago to $400m, a result of “initial euphoria over potential rate cuts earlier during the quarter,” Koh said. Bad loans are expected to remain “benign” during the quarter, with DBS likely to set aside total provisions of $213m and incur credit cost of 20bp in Q1. OCBC is expected to tread the same path: net profit will rebound compared to Q4 2023 but will be lower than a year ago. OCBC’s net profit is expected to rise 12% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) but drop 3% year-on-year (YoY) to $1.82b for Q1. However, unlike DBS, OCBC is expected to report muted loan growth with a marginal 1.4% YoY rise. This is a result of some companies deleveraging, in response to the higher interest rates, Koh said. OCBC’s NIM will also ease 6bp to 2.23%. Hong Kong dollar-denominated loans account for 13% of its total loans. Net interest income will grow 4% to Q1, whilst fee income will rise 7% YoY to S$487m. OCBC’s NPL ratio will remain stable at 1%, factoring in an expected 22bp credit cost in Q1. Diving into cold water might seem like a shock to the system, and it is—but in ways that can surprisingly benefit your mental and physical health. Cold water therapy, a practice getting a lot of buzz, involves exposing your body to cold temperatures through showers, baths, or even a cold lake for some.
While all the benefits are not fully understood by science, there is solid research showing that it offers real benefits for your mind. In this guide, we’ll look at a few ways embracing the cold can provide some mental support. 1. Enhances Mental Clarity When you are exposed to cold, your body reacts in several ways that can make your mind sharper and clearer. The cold triggers increased sympathetic activity, which is part of your body’s way of kicking into action during stress or excitement. This activation leads to a higher level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline in your bloodstream. Beta-endorphin is a kind of natural painkiller that can make you feel good, while noradrenaline is a hormone and neurotransmitter that gets you more alert and focused. At the same time, your brain starts to release more noradrenaline in the synapses, which are the gaps between nerve cells where communication happens. This increase in noradrenaline in the brain helps sharpen your focus, alertness, and attention, making it easier for you to think clearly and quickly. So, in a roundabout way, getting chilly doesn’t just wake up your body; it can also clear the fog in your mind, helping you to think more clearly. 2. Reduces Stress & Anxiety Research indicates that brief immersion in cold water can produce measurable brain connectivity changes that support better mood regulation. This happens because cold water affects how different parts of the brain talk to each other, especially the parts that control how we feel. The study found that feeling good after a cold therapy comes from the brain’s main networks reacting to process more effectively. Cold hydrotherapy has been shown to relieve depressive symptoms quite effectively. Many people report analgesic, or pain relieving, effects when doing regular cold exposure. This could be a result of a temporary increase in dopamine and endorphins that occurs. 3. Builds Mental Resilience Cold therapy is not just about getting used to physical discomfort, or acting tough. It can be a great way to learn about controlling your emotions. That first moment you step into the cold water might make you want to panic, in the same way you might feel stressed or upset in tough situations. Research on resilience theory suggests that enduring moderate stressors enhances resilience. Learning to calm down and breathe through this discomfort teaches you important skills in handling your feelings. Being able to control your emotions is key when you need to stay calm and make smart choices under pressure. In this case, the choice is to stay in or run away from the cold water screaming. How To Start Cold Water Therapy The good thing about cold exposure therapy is that is easy to access and can cost very little. It can be as simple as taking a cold shower, and can be elevated with an at home ice bath, or cold plunge setup. Here are some cold therapy tips for those who want to try:
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and not push too hard. And if you have any health issues, check with a doctor first to make sure cold hydrotherapy is safe for you. Conclusion Many people swear by the benefits of regular cold water therapy. While it is certainly not for everyone, this practice has gained popularity in recent years for a reason. For those looking for a little clarity, an uptick in mood regulation, and some possible help combating stress, it may be worth trying to brave the icy cold. It’s official! Urban Jungle is poised to conquer global hearts as it makes its international debut in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand this month. Hailing from Australia, the viral beauty brand is renowned for its no-nonsense, straightforward, potent Korean formulas that empower people to embrace their imperfections and face life fearlessly. According to Paul Tsalikis, Founder of Urban Jungle, “We have been preparing for this international expansion for a while now and it is finally here! We are beyond excited to share the success we have had as a small local brand with these new markets.” Urban Jungle stands apart as the new go-to brand for inclusive, accessible, and simple-to-use skincare products that won’t break the bank. The highlight of products from its range includes the best-selling Melt Me Softly Cleansing Balm, Sakè Bomb Gel Cleanser, The GOAT Face Serum, Midas Touch Body Lotion, and Grime Fighter Body Wash.
Urban Jungle is available for purchase online and in-store at Sephora stores starting from April 18th. As a district that houses one of Singapore’s first few housing estates, there’s an abundance of restaurants in Tiong Bahru that have been around for some time now. These include Por Kee Eating House 1996 at Seng Poh Lane. Visitors love this restaurant for consistently serving hearty Cantonese zi char for close to 30 years. The seafood selection in this restaurant is wider than most as there are more than 40 options to choose from. You can also enjoy premium dishes such as the Garlic Bamboo Clams ($12+), which are not found in most zi char places. There’s also the famous Cereal Prawns (from $24+), a must-have in every zi char restaurant. This classic is served with huge, fresh prawns, and the cereal is also said to be super crispy, adding a nice textural contrast to the meaty seafood. If seafood is not your thing, you’ll be glad to know they have delicious meat dishes too! These Champagne Long Ribs ($11+ per piece) are the restaurant’s specialty. Customers love its glossiness—each fried pork rib is glazed in a house-made champagne sauce which is said to have a subtle alcoholic taste. If you’re visiting in a group, we recommend getting the Champagne Short Ribs ($24+) so you can share the dish. The restaurant is next to an unassuming car park. But don’t let its location fool you—this place gets very busy on weekend evenings! We encourage you to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 69 Seng Poh Lane, #01-02, Singapore 160069 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:45pm Tel: 6221 0582 Website Por Kee Eating House is not a halal-certified eatery. The Residences at W sees strong response with 65 units sold at an average price of $1,780 psf4/17/2024 Cityview Place Holdings, an associate of Singapore-listed property group City Developments Ltd (CDL), offered 58 units at The Residences at W Singapore Sentosa Cove for sale by placement. The units were open for viewing from April 10 to 14, while bookings began yesterday.
The four days of viewings by appointment only drew 3,200 visitors. PropNex, ERA Realty, Huttons Asia, and SRI were appointed marketing agencies. As at 10pm on April 15, 45 units were sold, says a Cityview spokesperson. Additional units were released for sale, with another 20 snapped up today [April 16]. The 65 units sold fetched an average selling price of $1,780 psf. According to Cityview, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents comprised 94% of the buyers, while the remaining 6% were foreigners from China, France and the US. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom units were the most popular, with the duplex penthouses finding favour with the well-heeled. "The strong response to the special pricing reaffirms the robust demand for Sentosa Cove properties among homebuyers seeking luxurious, high-quality homes in an exclusive waterfront enclave," says the Cityview spokesperson. The 228-unit, six-storey luxury condo was developed by CDL and completed in 2011. Like all the other bungalows and condos in the upscale 117-ha waterfront enclave, The Residences at W has a 99-year lease. With a lease from 2006, it still has a remaining lease of 81 years. Prices of the 58 units were offered "for a limited time only", with two-bedroom units of 1,227 sq ft priced from $2.118 million ($1,726 psf). Three-bedroom units from 1,625 sq ft were priced above $2.678 million ($1,648 psf), while four-bedroom units from 2,067 sq ft were north of $3.488 million ($1,687 psf). These prices were effectively 40% below the peak prices when The Residences at W was launched in 2010. Based on caveats lodged, 20 units were sold at an average price of $2,793 psf in 2010. Another five units were sold on the resale market, with the last, a 1,259 sq ft unit on the fifth storey, changing hands for $2.2 million ($1,747 psf) in September 2023. With 65 units (32%) sold, 138 of the initial 203 unsold units are still available. The latest prices at The Residences at W were "substantially lower" than new launches in the suburban or Outside Central Region (OCR), which have seen average prices in the range of $2,100 to $2,200 psf, notes Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex. "Buyers were wooed by the attractive pricing," says Gafoor. "They see the waterfront property as a value-buy given that it is an upscale project in the Core Central Region [CCR]." Apart from the competitive pricing, buyers were also drawn by the spacious units and resort-like environment, according to Gafoor. "Post-pandemic, some buyers, particularly owner-occupiers, may be seeking larger homes in a relatively low-density residential area, with a manageable price quantum." He adds that investors were also keen to pick up units at potentially attractive rental yields, given the pricing of these units. The city accounts for 70% of SEA's total funds raised.
Singapore continues to lead Southeast Asia in fintech funding, accounting for more than 70% of the region's total funds raised in 1Q24. Data from Tracxn showed that in the first quarter of the year, Singapore raised US$372m, becoming the top city for fintech funding in SEA. Behind Singapore are Jakarta (US$103m), Taguig (US$32.1m), Pathum Wan (US$10.0m) and Ho Chi Minh (US$500k), The companies with the top two funding rounds during the quarter also hail from Singapore: ANEXT Bank (US$148m - Series D) and DCS Card Centre (US$75.2m - Series D). Singapore-based HashKey Capital was amongst the top institutional investors for seed-stage tech startups, with one investment in 1Q24. Men’s sex drive and intimacy needs play a big part in overall wellness. They affect many areas of life, happiness, and close relationships a lot. Many men struggle with erectile issues. These conditions affect their psychological and emotional life in many ways. Recognizing the weight of these aspects, delving into men’s sex drive and sexual health’s nuanced intricacies becomes crucial. This guide aims to explain the complex factors affecting men’s sexual wellbeing and libido.
Understanding Men’s Libido And Common Sexual Health Issues In Men Understanding men’s libido is key to grasping their sexual health intricacies. Libido, or sexual desire, acts as men’s sexual well-being cornerstone. Men also often face various sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and low libido. These conditions impact sexual performance greatly, leading to distress and relationship strain. ED makes getting or keeping an erection difficult. PE, on the other hand, means ejaculating sooner than wanted during sex. And finally, low libido shows reduced sexual desire. Other issues exist, too, and they include the following:
Finding root causes helps address these concerns properly. Doing so can enhance sexual health and overall wellbeing. Major Causes Of Poor Sexual Health In Men Age-related Changes Lower libido is a natural process of aging, together with different hormonal variations and increasing health problems. Reduced sexual desire creates the problem, as noticed, for about 12% of men from 40 to 60 years of age. Health Conditions Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease can impact blood flow and thereby influence a person’s sexual desire. As such, diabetic men are more than twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, leaving them to have reduced sexual urges. Lifestyle factors Unhealthy behaviors, like a large amount of alcohol intake and chronic stress, both decrease your libido. However, engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a balanced diet have better functioning in sexual activity. Relationship issues Though the relationship may be strained, and the lines of communication become tarnished, the emotional stress may act as a deterrent toward sexual desire. Improved intimacy and high sexual satisfaction can occur when such issues are addressed through counseling. Psychosocial Factors Stress, on top of anxiety and depression, might disrupt the balance of hormones, reducing the libido in people. Taking treatment for mental health issues will let your wellbeing return with the rise of libido. Lifestyle Practices To Boost Libido Maintaining a fit life is very important for good sexual wellness. All these lifestyle practices added to daily routines can, for instance:
Treatment Options For Sexual Health Issues Meanwhile, for sexual problems, several treatment plans can be taken. However, discussing with medical professionals like urologists, endocrinologists, or sex therapists can help find the perfect low libido solutions catered to your specific case. They will look into your problems and decide the best treatment plans to undertake. The generally accepted treatment options include the following: Pharmaceutical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They increase penile blood flow, aiding erections. These drugs are taken shortly before sex and help many men with ED. Medications and Therapies for Premature Ejaculation (PE) Premature ejaculation (PE) is treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac). The antidepressants delay ejaculation, thus improving control. Moreover, behavioral therapies like the start-stop and squeeze techniques use exercises during sex to enhance ejaculatory control. Hormone Replacement Therapy Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aids in regulating hormone levels. It’s employed for tackling hormonal imbalances linked to sexual health concerns. Furthermore, Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) specifically treats hypogonadism, a condition marked by low testosterone levels. Psychotherapy and Counseling While psychotherapy and counseling can benefit those struggling with sexual health issues related to psychological factors, finding the right approach takes time. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and sex therapy aim to help people understand how thoughts, beliefs, and actions influence intimacy challenges by identifying patterns that cause distress. A supportive counselor allows individuals to examine their emotional concerns, relationship issues, and other reasons why they may be underperforming in bed. Natural Remedies With plants such as ginseng, horny goat weed, and maca root, it contains vitamins with likes of Vitamin D and Zinc that are likely to be able to increase libido and sex. In addition, other therapies such as acupuncture and yoga are recommended to help increase blood flow, reduce stress, and help in general wellbeing; hence, they are indirectly useful for sexual function. Although these natural approaches may deliver hopeful outcomes, one can consult a healthcare provider to avoid bad reactions, especially if using other medications. Seeking Professional Help Seeking help from experts is key when sexual health issues persist or greatly impact daily life and relationships. Lasting erectile problems, premature ejaculation, or low libido can signal underlying health concerns needing medical treatment. Furthermore, emotional distress, relationship strain, or overall wellbeing decline due to sexual troubles warrants seeking healthcare provider aid. Timely intervention enables accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and tailored support, ultimately restoring sexual health and overall wellbeing. Holistic Approach To Sexual Wellness A holistic approach recognizes the interconnected nature of various men’s sexual health aspects. It acknowledges physical, psychological, and relational factors all contribute to intimate context wellbeing. Integrating strategies addressing these different facets helps men achieve optimal sexual wellness. This approach involves focusing not only on physical fitness and addressing medical concerns but also nurturing mental well-being and fostering healthy relationships. Considering the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms or issues, a holistic approach empowers men to comprehensively approach their sexual health. It encourages prioritizing self-care, communication, and intimacy, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling, intimate life. Ensuring optimal male libido and sexual health demands a nuanced grasp of the diverse influences involved and proactive efforts to support wellness. By exploring the physical, mental, and relational dimensions, men can positively impact their sexual health and cultivate intimate connections marked by fulfillment. Providing men with the right information and solutions to fix their sexual drive and performance is crucial in adding to their quality of life and sexual wellness. Even though the weather is hot and we can find even the smallest of things irritating, us ladies still want to look good and wear our makeup without worrying about anything fading or even worse, melting off our faces. Apart from the obvious advice of sticking to really light foundation or a tinted moisturiser during summertime, there are also some other great tricks that can help your makeup stay put in the heat.
Always Prime Your Face Applying an SPF moisturiser is absolutely essential before going out in the sun, but if you want to use makeup, primer should be the middle step between moisturiser and foundation. Both face and eye primers can make things a whole lot easier; makeup will stick better to the skin, while matt primers (your total summer saviour) will keep your face oil-free. This type of smooth, clean and prepped canvas for makeup application will ensure that the powder stays on longer, even in the hottest of days. Use a Setting Powder Don’t even think about leaving home with your face full of makeup, without setting it with a translucent powder first. It goes without saying that you need to use the one that works best for you. The perfect way to make the powder look as natural as possible, while making the best of its power to keep the makeup in place, is to apply it with a damp sponge. Of course, it is essential that the sponge is only slightly damp and must be completely free of any water droplets, so that it won’t make a paste when mixed with powder or smear the foundation. Lock Everything in with a Fixing Spray There are many fixing makeup sprays on the market that work really well, but you can also make one yourself. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to include this step in your beauty routine before going out. Fixing spray will work its magic and make the makeup stick to your face even in the scorching heat. Keep the spray in the fridge and bring it with you in your bag so that you can freshen up and reset your makeup whenever you deem it necessary. Cheap hairspray works just as well, so there’s no need to fork out lots of money on something that you may already have at home already. Choose a Good Foundation The type of foundation you choose for summer time plays a big part in the final makeup look. Refrain from using foundations with a thick consistency and those that have a heavy feel. Your skin needs to breathe if you want to avoid sweating and, therefore, any visible unflattering smudges. There are many good foundations perfect for the summer months and you can find many reviews and recommendations online, but this season Natasha Cook Protection Foundation is on the top of the list for most of the beauty blogger community. Bring Your Blotting Paper Even during the colder months, your natural face oil will shine through even the toughest foundation. In order to prevent any makeup mishaps by trying to fix this with standard tissues, or god forbid your hands, remember to get yourself some blotting paper and keep it with you at all times. By gently pressing the paper onto your face, you can remove excess oil that – apart from not looking good – can also break down the foundation. Don’t try to repair this issue by putting layers of setting powder on oily skin, since it will only make your face look cakey and the heat even more unbearable. If you want to use makeup during sunny hot days, you should also take upon yourself the responsibility of making it look good. There’s no point in going out with full-on makeup if your bare face would have looked better in the heat. Use the products that suit your skin the best and don’t forget those other life-saving beauty necessities you should keep close in case of emergencies. Coffee aficionados probably know of Olla Specialty Coffee, a popular cafe with two outlets: one in Woodleigh, and the other in Clementi. The Clementi outlet recently moved to just three minutes away from Clementi Community Centre, making their fare more accessible for everyone. At the new location, the Clementi outlet introduced a new concept known as Ollakase. This is the cafe’s version of a drink-only omakase, for those who are looking to elevate their beverage experience. Priced at $68 per person, you and two other guests can savour four drinks of your choice alongside a dessert. Like an omakase, Ollakase features drinks that are thoughtfully selected by the barista, including handcrafted espressos, refreshing iced teas, and even innovative speciality drinks. Each month sees a new guest barista take the reigns—this month spotlights Singapore’s 2022 Barista Champion Lee Hee Wei. Ollakase is only available on alternate Sundays each month, so spots are highly coveted. While the April slots are fully booked, they are releasing their May availability soon. You can book your slots through a form on their website, but do note that a 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. A la carte options are also available. Their espresso-based Black Coffee (from $4.50++) is perfect if you want a no-frills cup of coffee. Else, their milk-based White Coffee (from $5++) is also popular amongst those who enjoy a sweeter cup. If not, opt for their Pourover Filter Coffee (from $9++) where you can choose from their selection of speciality roasters from various countries. For the non-coffee drinkers, try their house-made Matcha Latte (from $6++) or the Iced Shaked Honey Hibiscus Tea ($6.50++)! Olla’s Specialty Coffee also has various brunch options for you to choose from! Try their best-selling Shakshouka Baked Eggs ($15.80++), consisting of baked eggs with chicken chorizo in a peppery, tomato sauce, alongside two slices of sourdough. Otherwise, opt for their Sunrise ($11.80++): a fluffy brioche bun with hot sauce, caramelised onions, scrambled eggs, and sliced cheddar. Vegetarian options such as the highly recommended Smashing Avo with Scrambled Eggs or the Mushroom Mac and Cheese are also available. Both are priced at $14.80++. Order their Buttermilk Waffles with Gelato ($15.90++) to top off your meal with a sweet treat! Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the waffles are the perfect consistency to pair with the ice cream of your choice. Flavours include vanilla and Belgium chocolate, and you can add $5.90 for double scoops. Their brunch menu is served till 2:30pm daily, so be sure to head down before then! Do note that last orders are at 4pm.
Address: 381 Clementi Avenue 5, #01-402, Singapore 120381 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am to 5pm Website OLLA Specialty Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery. |