 The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has awarded the tender for a cluster of heritage properties at 2 Moulmein Road. The master tenancy for the site, which comprises over 40 buildings with a total gross floor area (GFA) of approximately 139,700 sq ft, was awarded to Country City Investment.
SLA had launched the price and quality tender for the site in May 2025. The tender specified a variety of approved uses for the site, including co-living spaces, wellness, health and fitness, pet-friendly services, art gallery, and educational programmes, among others. About 41,900 sq ft of GFA can be allotted for F&B and retail uses, with F&B use capped at about 20,956 sq ft. Located near the Novena area, the site has a land area of 985,350 sq ft. First established in 1913 as the Middleton Hospital, the site later evolved into the Communicable Diseases Centre. The site was closed in 2018 when the National Centre for Infectious Diseases was moved to a new site within Tan Tock Seng Hospital. It remained with Tan Tock Seng Hospital until it was returned to the state in 2023. It is within walking distance of the Novena MRT Station. The tender for the Moulmein Road site closed in August this year, drawing 13 bids. Country City Investment emerged as the top bidder, with a rental bid of $388,800 per month. The master lease is for a five-year term with the option to renew for another four years. Country City Investment is a Singapore-based real estate developer best known for creating the Dempsey Hill lifestyle enclave. In 2006, the company was awarded the SLA tenders for two sites at Dempsey Road and Dempsey Hill, which it transformed into a lifestyle and entertainment cluster with restaurants, retail and recreational offerings that opened in 2007. Country City Investment’s bid of $388,800 in monthly rent for 2 Moulmein Road is 1.78% higher than the second-highest bid of $382,000 per month, which came from Cherryloft Resorts and Hotels. In a Dec 8 release, Country City Investment says it plans to breathe new life into the property through thoughtful adaptive reuse and activation of the site’s heritage structures and open spaces. “Our hope is to preserve the heritage of the estate while transforming it into a place where people from all walks of life can gather, explore and feel at home, from dining and wellness to learning, play and a curated retail offering,” says Dylan Soh, business development manager at Country City Investment. The revamped property will include thematic zones designed for different age groups and interests, restaurants and cafes, sports and wellness facilities, enrichment and learning spaces, and pet-friendly areas. “We are building a destination that celebrates heritage, champions sustainability, and offers meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike,” adds Soh. It is slated to open in 1Q2027.  Singapore is investing $37b — equal to 1% of its total GDP— in research, innovation and enterprise over the next five years.
The Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2030 (RIE 2030) plan aims to nurture and attract science and technology talents to the city, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong told attendees of the 15th RIE council (RIEC) meeting held on 5 December 2025. The five-year masterplan aims to nurture local talents in various fields, such as research, engineering, data science, entrepreneurship, and programme management. Singapore also seeks to attract top international REI talents. Funding schemes will be established to hone and entice young researchers and entrepreneurs. Benefits include a NRF postdoctoral award that provides salary and support for research, international postgraduate scholarships for international exposure, and new programmes for trained researchers to acquire entrepreneurial experience in deep tech start-ups internationally. They will also launch two RIE Flagships and two Grand Challenges, which will foster the city-state’s economic outcomes and strategic priorities in key areas. The first flagship and grand challenge will be established by next year. The first RIE Flagship focuses on developing the country’s R&D related to the semiconductor industry. The first Grand Challenge will tackle the country’s swift transition to a “super-aged society” through research related to the aging population. It will garner research insights to create new approaches on maintaining brain health and physical function, and hamper onset and progress of cognitive and functional decline. The NRF also plans to form the Singapore-Horizon Europe Complementary Fund to extend its collaboration with Horizon Europe as part of the efforts. The fund will allocate financial resources to eligible Singapore-based researchers participating in the programme’s activities who have received awards in priority areas of Singapore. The research foundation also plans to establish National Contact Points. This aims to encourage local researchers to partake in the Horizon Europe grant calls and offer guidance and assistance.  A recent study that has emerged from the US has found that people living at high altitudes have a lower chance of dying from heart disease, many forms of cancer and tend to live longer than those people who don’t.
The 2018 study conducted by Markus Thiersch and Erik Swenson (High Altitude and Cancer Mortality), found that people living at altitude were benefiting from being exposed to chronic (hypobaric) hypoxia. Despite the permanent stress of hypoxic exposure, people living in high altitude areas have reduced cancer mortality over a broad spectrum of cancer types. The study went on to conclude that the majority of the physiological adaptive processes occurring at altitude in response to hypoxia might be the driving force which is reducing cancer mortality rates. Although many questions remain about the complex physiological forces at play, several other studies report similar effects on non-human species who live at higher altitudes as well. The study also explores the two aspects with a proven impact on tumorigenesis (the production or formation of a tumour or tumours), namely the immune system and tumour surveillance as well as altitude induced metabolic changes. Further animal and clinical studies are clearly needed to explain why cancer mortality is reduced at altitude and to decide whether altitude or hypoxia-based therapeutic approaches could be implemented for cancer treatment. How Charities Are Helping Several UK charities have already started harnessing the health benefits of spending time at altitude. UK cancer charities Ski 4 Cancer and the Caring Cancer Trust passionately believe in the therapeutic powers of the alpine environment. To this end, the charities sponsor alpine respite holidays for people living with cancer – mainly in Austria, France and Italy. Andrew Hayward from Ski 4 Cancer said, “This research is particularly important for charities such as Ski 4 Cancer and the Caring Cancer. This study proves beyond doubt that there are direct health benefits from spending time in alpine environments. This is reinforced by the amazing feedback we have received from people who we have sent to the mountains for a respite break.” Ski 4 Cancer’s short-term objective is to quantify the altitude which is most beneficial to people in recovery and the length of time someone needs to spend at that altitude to derive maximum benefit. The charity’s long-term objective is to set up a respite centre in the European Alps based on the findings of the first piece of research. If successful, the charity plans to send families on alpine respite breaks all year round. People who have been heading to the mountains on ski holidays will already know about the therapeutic powers of the alpine environment. So for all the non-skiers out there, why not look at booking your first ski holiday… it might just give your immune system the healthy boost it needs! To make the most of your ski holiday, we highly recommend booking some ski lessons with a fully qualified instructor. If you are heading to the French Alps, we would recommend Meribel and Tignes as the best places for beginners. Enjoy the healthy fresh air wherever you choose!!  Everyone goes through the struggle of finding the right skincare products. It’s hectic trying to decode the ingredient names on most products plus your skincare needs keep on changing as you age. Using the Best Hydroxy Acid will make your skin less irritated, clear, smooth and most importantly it is appropriate for every type of skin.
Going for popular and quality assured products could be the best bet, but before you purchase or opt to use any product, check these tips. Understand Your Needs Do you have any skin concerns you want to deal with, such as acne, wrinkles, age spots or fine lines? Your skincare needs will determine your product choice. For instance, if you want to tighten loose skin, Morpheus8 is an ideal choice when administered by an expert. If you want to remove black spots or prevent acne, you’ll first have to deal with the cause or understand why you have the breakouts. Also, you might have to change the skincare products as you age. You’ll probably need products with better hydration and skin protection properties. Understand Your Skin Type Using the wrong skincare products on your skin can worsen a problem. Do you have normal, dry or oily skin? For oily skin, you need products that remove the extra oil, reaching deep into the skin to clean the pores and eliminate bacteria. Dry skin requires a gentler approach to keep it moisturized. Using a harsh product on dry skin leaves it more dehydrated, cracked and exposed to bacteria and germs. When not sure of your skin type, visit a professional dermatologist for confirmation. If it turns out you have oily skin, use products containing benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids, and hyaluronic acid. They will prevent excessive production of sebum while at the same time provide hydration where it’s needed. Shea butter and lactic acid are excellent for dry skin as they exfoliate and, at the same time, keep it hydrated. If you have sensitive skin, shea butter, oatmeal, and aloe vera are excellent choices. Know The Exfoliation Products To Use Exfoliating regularly removes the outer layer of dead skin and makes room for brighter, younger and healthier skin. If you have dry skin, use microdermabrasion creams with larger but gentle mineral crystals such as aluminium oxide. Microdermabrasion creams also have shea butter and jojoba that soothes the skin leaving it more hydrated after exfoliation. If you have oily acne-prone skin, use an exfoliator that contains alpha hydroxyl acids such as glycolic acid. It has smaller molecules that penetrate the skin, giving you a better exfoliation. Make sure to use products containing not more than 10% glycolic acid, and if possible, get a recommendation from your dermatologist. Talk To A Dermatologist You might not understand the names of the ingredients used in skinare products, but your dermatologist does. Also, talk about any skin problems you are concerned about, such as acne, overly dry skin or blemishes. He will help you choose the specific products for your skin type and let you know the ingredients to avoid. Because most products list the main ingredients first, always check the first five on the list to make sure they are safe and appropriate to use on your skin type.  When we talk about the better nasi lemak brands in Singapore, Dickson Nasi Lemak is always part of the conversation. With over 10K followers on Instagram and four stores at the time of writing, the brand has made a name for itself since its first kiosk opened along Joo Chiat Road in 2022. If you’re a fan of their KL-style nasi lemak, good news—the popular chain recently opened a grab-and-go store at Century Square in Tampines. What makes the brand stand out from its competitors is its KL-style nasi lemak, which is typified by extra aromatic coconut rice, a sweeter and thicker sambal, and ayam goreng berempah—spiced fried chicken.  At the Century Square kiosk, you will find all the mainstays: Beef Rendang ($11.70), Chicken Rendang ($10.70), and Ayam Goreng Berempah. The latter is divided into three varieties, depending on the cut of chicken. The cheapest of the lot is chicken wing ($8.10), followed by boneless chicken thigh ($9.90), and finally the chicken leg ($12.10).  There’s also the Basic ($5.10) option that has just your staples: coconut rice, house-made sambal, fried ikan bilis and peanuts, and an egg.  We recommend getting your nasi lemak with chicken, though, as it comes deep-fried in a lovely golden brown. The batter is made with a secret mix of marinade, which comprises ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass.  There are no dine-in seats at the Century Square outlet, so you’ll have to take away and enjoy at the comfort of your own home. FYI, the mall is a stone’s throw away from Tampines MRT Station.
Address: 2 Tampines Central 5, #B1-32, Century Square, Singapore 529509 Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9pm Website Dickson Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery. A three-room flat was just sold for $888,000, setting a record-high for such flats in Queenstown12/9/2025
 Earlier this month, a three-room HDB flat at 18B Holland Drive was sold for $888,000 ($1,231 psf). Based on the latest HDB data, the recent transaction is a record high for such flats in Queenstown. The subject flat is located on the 22nd to 24th storeys and has a remaining lease of approximately 86 years.
Apart from its long remaining lease, the record-high price fetched by the 721-sq ft flat could be attributed to its proximity to Holland Village, One Holland Village, Holland and Buona Vista MRT Stations, as well as Holland Drive Market and Food Centre. Additionally, Buona Vista MRT Station is a dual-line station, giving residents easy access to the East–West and Circle Lines. The recent transaction surpassed the previous record high set by another three-room flat at 53 Strathmore Avenue, which was sold in September for $880,888 ($1,320 psf). Located on the 37th to 39th storeys, the 667-sq ft flat has a remaining lease of around 94 years, indicating that the seller had just fulfilled their minimum occupation period (MOP). So far, three other three-room flats at 53 Strathmore Avenue have been sold for at least $850,000. The high prices fetched by the flats along Strathmore Avenue could be attributed to their long remaining lease as well as their proximity to Queenstown MRT Station and Dawson Place. Schools within a 1 km radius include Queenstown Primary School, Bukit Merah Secondary School, and Queenstown Secondary School.  More than two in three (69%) of Singapore consumers are the least likely to raise year-end spending in 2025.
Amongst those who intend to spend, 48% plan to spend on travel, 19% on home and family expenses, and only 7% on shopping, UnaFinancial found. Only 14% said that their borrowings typically rise at year-end, it added. A few or 15% have previously taken an online non-bank loan for festive occasions, and 27% plan to use one this year, with 17% using loans for a holiday trip. UnaFinancial’s survey of 400 consumers across Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia studied the year-end spending momentum in Southeast Asia. Nearly eight in ten, or 79%, said they typically spend more, whilst 46% plan to take a digital loan for holiday celebration, it said. In the region, travel is the top driver of increased spending (33%), followed by shopping for items such as clothes and electronics (25%), home and family expenses (20%), and gifts and celebrations (19%). Borrowing rose for about a third of consumers (35%), whilst 31% said they do not borrow money, UnaFinancial said.  Taking care of your eyes is essential, especially if you are young and there’s lots of life left in them. In order for you to be able to do a good job, excel in school, drive safely, and a whole heap of other things, your vision should be good. People who consult an ophthalmologist to keep their eyes healthy seldom have to face vision problems. Some jobs such as driving require you to have good vision; thus it is essential to keep your eyesight at its best and if need be have it corrected. If you experience eye problems it’s recommended that you visit a professional doctor, such as this eye doctor pittsburgh, who can advise you on how to manage your eyesight properly. A regular eye exam is an easy precaution to take to help protect your eyesight and the health of your eyes. However, there are some things you can do yourself to help. Here are some tips to help care for your eyes throughout your 20’s.
Ensure That You Eat A Balanced Diet Eating a balanced diet goes hand in hand with good eye health. Foods high in nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants should definitely be a part of any healthy diet. Eyes are fed by small blood vessels, but they are equally susceptible to substances that create free radical reactions, which over time can harm them. These substances include alcohol and the inadequate intake of antioxidants. Eyes are unique as in they have their own set of nutritional needs, thus taking in a balanced combination of nutrients that are dedicated to your eye’s health is very important. Avoid Smoking If you want continued good eyesight you should avoid smoking, as it exposes your eyes to oxidative stress. Smoking is known to negatively affect your health in a whole variety of different ways, one of which is the health of your eyes. Wear Sunglasses Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light can help retain good vision. It’s also recommendable to wear sunglasses with a hat, so that the amount of ultraviolet light slipping through the gap at the top and sides of your sunglasses can be reduced. Sleep Enough Getting enough sleep makes you feel good and look great. To perform efficiently either at home or at work it helps if you have good eyesight and this is facilitated by having a good nights rest. Good rest promotes good health and that translates through to the health of your eyes. Keep Your Hands Clean If you are a contact lens wearer, it is especially important that you keep your hands clean. You must always wash your hands before you touch your eyes and before you put in or remove your contact lenses. Whenever you rub your eyes with unwashed hands, any germs or bacteria contained on your fingers goes directly onto your eye, which can cause an eye infection. Eyes are one of the most critical parts of your body and indeed your health; hence they need proper care. Prevention of infection and the depletion of sight can be mitigated with proper professional care. Always see your doctor or optician if you have any concerns.  There’s a lot of value that can come from improving your appearance. While looks may not be the most important thing in the world, there is something to be said for looking your best! You’ll find that you’re more confident, for starters, but most of the benefits come from what happens around the improvements. Many of the subtle improvements we can make have an all-around positive impact on our health (since healthy habits improve appearance). In any case, no-one ever complained about looking their best.
In this blog, we’re going to run through four of the most effective methods for nudging your looks in the right direction. Healthy Intake You’ll have heard of the cliche, ‘you are what you eat.’ You know how it became a cliche? Because it’s true! If you’re eating well, then you’ll naturally feel the benefits in your appearance. There’s no shortage of small improvements that can come from eating well. For example, you’ll find that your skin looks better, and you’ll feel trimmer and more in shape. If you have a diet that incorporates fruit and vegetables and plenty of water, you’ll find that you’re on the right track. Some foods even help improve hair and nails, too. Cut Out The Bad Habits It’s all well and good making positive changes to your intake. However, if you’re not cutting out the bad habits, then the effects will be minimal. If you want to supercharge your appearance (and why not?), then look at eliminating the things that’ll drag it down from your lifestyle. There are a few common culprits. One is alcohol, which can have a big impact on your skin. Another is cigarettes, which does the same (among many other negative impacts). And there are hot showers — if your skin isn’t looking as full of life as it could do, then consider turning the temperature down or even taking cold showers. Working Up A Sweat There are oh so many benefits to exercising, and really no downsides, other than the fact that it requires that you get up off the couch. Where do we start with the benefits of working out? It’ll improve your skin. It’ll improve your shape. It’ll improve your posture. Indeed, it’s worth remembering that humans are supposed to move. In this case, think of it as something that’ll have you looking your best. Modern Practices There are plenty of ways to take things further, too, especially in 2021! There are plenty of cosmetic surgery options, for instance. You can look up Dr. Derek Steinbacher lawsuit information if you’re considering getting some work done. The results can be impressive! Then there’s also modern creams and gels. Beauty is a big industry, so there will surely be a product or two that can improve things. Grooming Finally, don’t forget to round off your look with excellent grooming. The power of a new hairstyle or simply spending ten minutes getting yourself ready in front of a mirror can be extensive. Give it a try!  If you’re a fan of Bao Er Cafe, known for its famous hokkien mee and kaya toast sets, you’d be excited to know they’ve opened a new location at Fortune Centre! Their OG Balestier outlet has been around for a while, and with a new Holland Village outpost opened earlier this year, this Fortune Centre opening is the brand’s third eatery.  If you’re visiting for breakfast, you won’t go wrong with the Kaya Butter Toast Set ($6.20), which comes with a choice of hot kopi or teh and two soft-boiled eggs to pair with your kaya butter toast. A new variation is the Peanut Butter Toast Set (price TBD), with its combination of creamy peanut butter and a slab of butter that melts into the toast.  The Signature Fried Hokkien Mee ($8.80) is not to be missed out on either. It has earned many rave reviews for its rich seafood broth, chunky tiger prawns, and smoky, addictive wok hei. Aside from their tried and tested classics, Bao Er Cafe’s new outlet at Fortune Centre rolls out a new Western menu. This includes the Fiery Pepper Chicken Chop Pasta ($11.90), Fiery Pepper Assorted Seafood Pasta ($12.90) and more.  You’ll also find many wok hei-infused dishes as alternatives to their Hokkien mee. The outlet-exclusive Jeremy’s Beef Hor Fun ($10.80) is a popular pick, but you’ll also find the likes of the Prawn Paste Chicken Cutlet Fried Rice ($10) and the Fried Economic Bee Hoon (price TBD).
Bao Er Cafe at Fortune Centre is an eight-minute walk from both Bugis and Rochor MRT Stations. Address: 190 Middle Road, #02-06, Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979 Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm Website Bao Er Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery. |