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Cathay Cineplexes to close its JEM outlet as landlord seeks S$4.3M in rental dues

Cathay Cineplexes will close its JEM shopping mall outlet in Jurong East today (March 27).

In its filing on the Singapore Exchange, the cinema chain’s operator, mm2 Asia, stated that the closure follows over a year of negotiations with the landlord, Lendlease Global Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust.

Cathay Cineplexes “has been actively engaging with the landlord to negotiate and resolve issues related to the continued occupation of the premises and rent arrears.”

However, Lendlease ultimately chose to terminate the lease, seeking to recover approximately S$4.3 million in rental arrears, among other costs.

When Vulcan Post checked Cathay Cineplexes’ website, no movie listings were available for its Jem outlet.

With the JEM outlet closure, Cathay Cineplexes will have four remaining outlets:

• Causeway Point,
• Downtown East,
• Century Square, and
• Clementi 321.

Over the past few years, Cathay Cineplexes has shuttered five other locations, which include its outlets at West Mall, AMK Hub, Dhoby Ghaut, Parkway Parade, and Cineleisure Orchard.

In an effort to sustain its operations, the cinema chain recently launched a voucher set, offering 10 movie tickets and 10 popcorn-and-water combos for just S$100—a significant discount from the original price of S$223.

Also Read: Filmgarde Cineplexes closes its last outlet in Singapore, exits cinema industry after 18 yrs

Featured Image Credit: Cathay Cineplexes

BNPL for fried chicken? That’s exactly what KFC M’sia & Boost have teamed up to offer.

KFC Malaysia just dropped something that had us doing a double take and wondering if it was an early April Fools joke, but perhaps the joke is on us.

Earlier today, KFC introduced its very own Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment scheme, QSR PayFlex, powered by Boost.

Through the scheme, fried chicken lovers would be able to split their KFC bill into three monthly installments, with a RM5 service fee (Wakalah fee) for totals below RM100, going up to RM10 for those at RM100 or more.

Certified Shariah compliant, a 2.5% profit rate would also be incurred, paid on each installment date.

Like most other BNPL schemes, a late payment would also be subject to a 1% p.a. interest rate, calculated daily on the outstanding balance.

To register for the service, you can do so via PayFlex’s website, and upon entering your credentials, a check will be done to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.

These criteria include:

• Being a Malaysian citizen
• Aged between 21-60 years old
• Passed the internal credit score eligibility and assessment

Editor’s Update: The information above has been updated to reflect greater accuracy.

QSR PayFlex currently only accepts debit cards for repayment, which can be made manually through the website or via automatic deductions.

Maybe KFC was inspired by American food delivery service, DoorDash’s announcement to partner with financial company, Klarna, offering users to pay for their food deliveries in small, regular installments.

When the option launches “soon,” DoorDash users can use Klarna to pay in four, interest-free payments or defer payments and let people pick a “date that aligns with their paycheck schedules, according to DoorDash’s press release.

As expressed by Business Insider writer, Emily Stewart, “this scenario might involve more risk than reward for consumers, many of whom are already drowning in debt.”

Part of the way BNPL companies make money is through merchant fees, where the platform that actually books the sale pays a fee to the payment partner, like Klarna or Affirm. 

This is similar to credit card swipe fees, but the payouts tend to be even higher. Businesses sign up for merchant fees because giving consumers expanded payment options like BNPL makes them likelier to buy and increases the size of their baskets.

As such, opinions on the ethics of KFC Malaysia making such a move are divided, with some social media users expressing the risk of going into debt from impulsive purchases, while others claim it improves accessibility and convenience for those living paycheck to paycheck.

• Learn more about QSR PayFlex here.
• Read our other F&B stories here.

Also Read: This HP smart printer proves that M’sian SMEs don’t have to break the bank for reliability

Featured Image Credit: KFC Malaysia

This S’porean worked 3 jobs to fund her jewellery biz, now it fully occupies 3 storeys

Vidhi Modi has always had a knack for business.

At just seven years old, she was already selling garam masala-flavoured popcorn and handmade bookmarks to her classmates to earn extra pocket money.

By 16, she had launched a dropshipping business, followed by her own apparel and candle brands. While these early ventures didn’t take off, they didn’t dampen her drive—instead, they fueled her hunger to keep going, eventually leading her to jewellery.

In 2020, with just S$500 in savings from juggling three part-time jobs while pursuing a university degree, Vidhi started XVXII Jewellery from her bedroom, launching through a website she built on Wix.

What started as a side project has now grown into a full-fledged business, occupying a three-storey building at Haji Lane.

“We sold out within a month”

When Vidhi, now 25, first started XVXII Jewellery, she shared that she had little expectation of where the brand would go.

“I thought I might get one or two sales, but to my surprise, we sold out within a month,” she shared.

The brand initially focused on Indian-inspired jewellery, sourcing pieces from India to sell in Singapore.

However, Vidhi soon came to realise that demand in Singapore was “seasonal,” and sustaining the business solely on Desi jewellery would be “difficult” in the local market.

“That led me to explore Western jewellery, which allowed us to cater to a broader local audience,” she added.

As customer demand grew, she also brought in men’s jewellery, working with global manufacturers, primarily Hong Kong-based factories, to produce the brand’s offerings.

By 2021, Vidhi had rebranded XVXII Jewellery as a “100% waterproof and tarnish-free jewellery brand.” “That shift marked a turning point for the business, and we haven’t looked back since,” she added.

Following the rebrand, she opened an outlet at Haji Lane the same year, signing a lease for a ground-floor unit.

But what drove her to establish a physical presence, especially when local and even international brands were closing their doors at that time due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

From pop-ups to a permanent space

When XVXII Jewellery first started, online shopping was the norm, but as pandemic restrictions eased, Vidhi saw an opportunity to expand the brand’s reach through pop-up booths, allowing customers to experience her pieces firsthand before purchasing.

The brand made its pop-up debut in March 2021 at Violet Fair, an event that showcased female-owned local brands in conjunction with International Women’s Day, where it “garnered high sales and more [social media] followers.”

She also held a one-day pop-up at a small lash studio in Chinatown, where the brand paid a rental fee of S$70. “I was hesitant about whether we would even make that amount back, but to my surprise, nearly 20 customers visited,” she shared.

Encouraged by the turnout, she took a bigger leap and rented a pushcart at Paya Lebar Quarter Mall for a week in June 2021—and the business had managed to successfully generate S$10,000 in sales, according to Vidhi.

That success reinforced the importance of physical retail, so after that, I began searching for a permanent retail space. One night, while at Haji Lane, I noticed a “For Rent” sign on a ground-floor unit—after negotiations, I took the leap and signed the lease.

Vidhi Modi, founder of XVXII Jewellery

However, opening a physical outlet came with its own set of challenges. The retail lease required a security deposit of S$4,500, but Vidhi only had S$2,000 saved from her sales, so she turned to her parents for a loan. 

With her remaining savings, she had to be resourceful and “budget carefully” for inventory, furniture, and flooring.

“We cut costs wherever possible—the flooring was a Shopee sticker that my dad and I painstakingly laid down strip by strip over five hours. The furniture was from IKEA, as it was the most affordable option for display racks.”

After drawing over 20,000 customers since opening, the business has recently made the decision to move out and expand into a three-storey building at the entrance of Haji Lane, with the entire space now dedicated to the brand.

The brand opened the doors to its new location on March 8, 2025.

Opening more outlets

At XVXII’s new store, you’ll find over 500 jewellery variants to choose from, and you can even personalise your own accessories with charms.

Most recently, the brand has started offering jewellery workshops, which have since become a “core part” of its offerings.

According to Vidhi, the business receives an average of 25 to 30 bookings per month and also accommodates large private events every two to three months—their largest workshop to date hosted about 120 participants.

Looking forward, Vidhi plans to open two more permanent retail outlets in Singapore by the end of 2025 or mid-2026.

In the long term, we aim to expand internationally, with plans to establish either an e-commerce presence or a physical store in Bali or Sydney.

Vidhi Modi, founder of XVXII Jewellery

• Find out more about XVXII Jewellery here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Colour analysis studios are everywhere, but this S’porean biz has a plan to stand out

Featured Image Credit: XVXII Jewellery

Can M’sian bizs play any music or show they want on their premises? Here’s what the law says.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to be used or construed as legal advice in any manner whatsoever. All articles have been scrutinised by a practising lawyer from Tristan & Partners to ensure accuracy.

When it comes to restaurants, it’s often more than just about the food. It is the experience as a whole that crafts that picture perfect scene that has you coming back for more.

Service, atmosphere, and interior design all go without saying, but another crucial aspect is, of course, music.

But playing music for non-personal uses, or any media for that matter, is always a touchy subject. 

It’s not uncommon to see YouTubers, for instance, have videos taken down because of this exact issue. Be it using an unlicensed song as their background music or a clip from a show they like to emphasise their point, if they get three strikes, they’re out.

Even celebrity artists are not exempt from the wrath of the music labels that they are affiliated with.

But if that’s the case, is it legal for restaurants in Malaysia, or any business for that matter, to play whatever they want on their premises?

The short answer, as you could probably guess, is a resounding “no.”

The “right” in “copyright”

When it comes to licensing media such as literary works, musical works, artistic works, films, sound recordings, broadcasts, and derivative works, the key word that it always cycles back to is “copyright.”

According to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), copyright is the “exclusive right to control creative works created by the author, copyright owner and performer for a specific period governed under the Copyright Act 1987.”

“Infringing on copyright” would thus mean to use copyrighted works that fall under the Copyright Act without the consent or permission from its respective copyright holder. 

This includes playing copyrighted work publicly, as noted by Public Performance Malaysia (PPM).

Licences to legally use copyrighted works in Malaysia can be obtained from Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), who are given the authority by copyright owners to administer the rights to use their respective works.

CMOs are also responsible for collecting the respective royalty fees that come with the usage and licence of each copyrighted work. This can range anywhere between 5% to 15% of net sales depending on the type of IP, market demand, and negotiation, as noted by Bestar.

MyIPO lists the following CMOs that individuals can apply for licences from:

Note that a licence from the MACP, PPM, and RPM each needs to be obtained in order to legally play music on business premises. This is because they each collect royalties for different parties.

“Your subscription with these platforms (Astro, Spotify, YouTube Music) and similar services only allows you to use them in your personal capacity,” states MACP on their FAQ page.

“An MACPLicense allows you to play those subscription music in a public setting and the fees vary depending on your usage.”

One closed eye

All that being said, there do exist special circumstances where copyright laws can be bypassed, allowing for the usage of copyrighted works without a licence. 

Among many others, Section 13(2)(a) of the Copyright Act 1987 specifically highlights purposes of research, private study, criticism, review or the reporting of news or current events.

The “incidental inclusion of a work in an artistic work, sound recording, film or broadcast” will likewise also not be punished if it’s for charitable or educational purposes.

On a related note, the punishment for breaking copyright law in Malaysia is either a fine, imprisonment, or both where the punishment to be meted is dependent on the type of offence committed.

As per Section 41 of the Copyright Act 1987, playing music without a proper licence in public specifically will net you a fine not exceeding RM10,000 for each infringing copy, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.

Subsequent offences will cost a fine not exceeding RM20,000 for each infringing copy, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

Flying too close to the sun

So then, you might be wondering, how do businesses get away with breaking copyright law?

There are plenty with speakers and TV screens livening up their premises with a touch of unpaid content, after all.

Well, to put it simply, it’s not that they are allowed to. They’re playing with fire.

And some have gotten burnt for pushing their luck too far.

As reported by Astro themselves, the company won a copyright infringement case on November 27, 2024.

The lawsuit was filed against Selangor-based bar and restaurant Brew Nation for reportedly streaming “exclusive live sports content, including football matches, to attract customers” as per the report.

The High Court of Malaya ordered the business to pay a fine of RM75,000 as punishment, and Astro was awarded an additional RM5,000 in legal costs.

Something not being heavily enforced doesn’t make it legal by default. That, perhaps, is the greatest takeaway from all this, and why it is important beyond an ethical standpoint to respect intellectual property rights and pay your dues.

• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: This Sabahan serial entrepreneur built 6 brands, here’s his business playbook

Featured Image Credit: Image used under licence from Shutterstock

Moved by their mums’ struggles, they launched a S’porean startup helping women with menopause

Hot flushes and erratic mood swings—these are the two things that come to mind whenever I think about menopause, and I used to dread it as I think about growing older.

That was until I came across a clip from the Amazon Prime series Fleabag when a monologue by British actress Kristin Scott Thomas changed the way I think about it:

We have pain on a cycle for years and years and years, and then just when you feel you are making peace with it all, what happens? The menopause comes. The f***ing menopause comes and it is the most wonderful f***ing thing in the world.

Yes, your entire pelvic floor crumbles and you get f***ing hot and no one cares, but then you’re free. No longer a slave, no longer a machine with parts. You’re just a person. In business.

An excerpt from Kristin Scott Thomas’s monologue on menopause in Fleabag Series 2

But as empowering as the speech was, we cannot deny that the taboo surrounding menopause still remains, leaving some ladies to their own devices to deal with the physical and mental pains that come with it.

That said, it seems that Surety‘s founders, Valery Tan and Elmer Yap, have found a way to make it easier and less lonely for women to navigate the daunting changes.

Finding a niche

Surety first started in 2022 as part of a venture builder program at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), where the founders had originally studied. The startup initially focused on general women’s health, particularly in the area of contraceptives.

However, Valery quickly realised that the field of contraceptives was saturated with many players, leaving her to find a more “distinct, unique selling point.”

It was also around that time that she learned that her mother hadn’t had her period for six months.

Concerned, Valery urged her mother to visit the doctor, and they soon found out that she was going through perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause—something that Valery barely knew anything about.

That conversation opened my eyes to how little is discussed about menopause, especially in Asia, where it’s often considered a taboo subject. My mum’s experience of mood swings, hot flashes, and other symptoms affected not only her but also our relationship, and that’s when I realised this topic needed more attention.

Valery Tan, co-founder of Surety

Valery then shared her experience with Elmer, spurring the latter to reflect on his own relationship with his mother.

His mother was also experiencing “midlife changes,” however, he realised that his “knowledge of menopause was inadequate,” making it difficult to start a conversation on the topic.

Recognising that menopause care was a “true blue ocean market” that remained largely unexplored and underserved, Valery and Elmer decided to invest S$10,000 of their personal savings to pivot Surety’s focus towards menopause care.

A platform, mobile app and festivals

Surety’s platform offers a variety of resources, including expert advice and curated content to assist women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Their resources are also culturally relevant and personalised for women in Asia. In a separate interview with CNA Women, Valery brought up that most resources on menopause and perimenopause originated from Western countries, and the cultural nuances and specific challenges faced by Asian women were often missing.

“While medical professionals provide treatment, they often lack the time to dive into the holistic needs of midlife women, including emotional, social, and day-to-day challenges,” she added.

As an online platform, Surety’s goal is to bridge the gap by combining expert advice with peer support and insights.

Surety also reaches out to its audience through informative events, particularly through its Menopause Festival, which is its flagship event launched in November 2024.

According to the founders, the Menopause festival is “the first of its kind” in Asia. However, making the festival a reality was an ambitious plan—one that required the team to be meticulous in their pitches.

“One major obstacle was educating sponsors and stakeholders on the importance of menopause/midlife-related events. Convincing them required data-backed pitches and aligning the event’s goals with their CSR or ESG objectives,” shared Elmer.

He added that it was difficult to generate conversations about menopause among the younger audience, as they have not had the experience or actively taken notice of others going through the change.

But to their pleasant surprise, the festival was well-received, with over 150 individuals attending the festival last year, which was a mix of midlife women, medical professionals and partners.

Building on this momentum, the founders shared that they are looking to have more interactive sessions through workshops and Q&A panels for their upcoming festival in 2025.

Surety is also currently in the works of developing PausePlay, an all-in-one menopause and midlife care app that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), designed to be a comprehensive tool for women navigating the complexities of menopause.

Currently, the startup is “fine-tuning” some of PausePlay’s features to create a seamless experience for its users as they navigate through perimenopause and beyond. When asked when they plan for the app to be launched, both founders shared that they have their eye on the first quarter of 2025.

As the startup has yet to reach profitability, both Valery and Elmer are looking to establish Surety beyond Singapore, with a key focus on countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, to increase its user base and obtain a more sustainable revenue stream.

In fact, the startup will hold its Menopause Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025 and is actively seeking local partners to curate products and services that resonate with the local audience.

It is scary to think about how much pain I might experience when I grow older, but with platforms like Surety around, menopause doesn’t seem like the terror that many make it out to be.

• Learn more about Surety here.
• Read more stories we’ve written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also Read: How this S’porean created Asia’s leading fertility, reproductive and family health platform

Featured Image Credit: Surety

China’s famous Luckin Coffee entered Malaysia 2 months ago, we find out if it’s worth trying

It’s white and blue, has an app, and sells coffee. What brand is it? 

If you’re Malaysian, you might be inclined to say ZUS Coffee. But those in China might think you’re referring to one of the country’s 18,360 Luckin Coffee outlets. Yes, you read that number right. 

I’m writing this with a cup of Luckin Coffee’s velvet latte in hand, ordered after a five-minute battle with the Luckin Coffee app I was forced to download. 

When approaching the barista some 10 minutes earlier, she had pleasantly asked, “Can I help you?” rather than “What can I get for you?” After asking for an iced latte, she told me I had to download the app. 

“Sure,” I replied, unaware at the time that it was not a suggestion so that I could get the RM2.99 drink deal, but rather a command, as they themselves cannot order for me. 

It appears that Luckin Coffee is not just a tech-enabled coffee chain, but a tech-enforced one. 

Its mobile-first, technology-driven approach is the norm in China now, but admittedly, I wonder if it’s really all that friendly for Malaysian consumers. Is it just a matter of getting used to it? Do I want to get used to it? 

I can see how its enforcement of the app would bring a high volume of downloads, but could it also have adverse impacts? To be honest, as I stood there trying to link my phone number to my new account, I had half the mind to leave and go to ZUS instead. 

And I’m not the only one. 

“Ma de, dian ge dan zhe me ma fan,” someone said as he passed by me, leaving the shop with his friend. Damn, it’s so troublesome just to place an order. How curious, I thought. By his accent, he sounded like he was from China himself. 

But perhaps he had hit a snag if he didn’t have a local number to create an account. It took me some four attempts before I got the verification code. 

It’s still early days for the brand in Malaysia, I suppose, so I’m inclined to give it a little bit of grace. At least the RM2.99 deal for first-time users is pretty attractive. 

Meet the Malaysian operators 

For those who have no idea what Luckin is, lucky for you, here’s a quick explanation. 

Luckin was founded back in 2017 in Beijing, bagged a lot of funding, ran into an accounting scandal that led to them filing for bankruptcy, but then emerged from it in 2022. In 2023, they opened in Singapore, their first overseas market, then earlier this year, they ventured onto Malaysian soil. 

In Malaysia, Luckin Coffee’s operator is Hextar Industries Berhad’s subsidiary Global Aroma Sdn Bhd (GASB). It owns exclusive rights to develop, open, and operate coffee shops under the Luckin Coffee brand nationwide.

If Hextar Industries doesn’t ring a bell, it’s a group that primarily deals in the manufacturing and distribution of fertilisers, turnkey products for the quarry and mining industry, and equipment rental and lifting solutions. Yeah, not really coffee-related. 

But it doesn’t necessarily matter what they do—as long as they follow the proven recipe that has worked for Luckin in China. 

Grab and please go

One big thing about Luckin is that the number of seats, at least at their current array of shops, is extremely few. And none of the seats really accommodate the working crowd. I have to sit with my laptop on top of my lap. Blasphemy. 

Paired with the fact that you are forced to place your orders online, Luckin doesn’t intend to be a third space of any kind—just a convenient spot to get decent coffee. 

Which brings me to: Is the coffee any good? 

I ordered the velvet latte, which Google claims is “known for its creamy and silky texture, achieved through the use of Hokkaido milk.” Certainly, the drink tastes pretty darn delicious, albeit a bit too sweet, despite me already opting for the “less sweet” offering. 

The array of drinks is pretty attractive, with the coconut latte being their bestseller. I’d say that this is fairly unique in the sense that it isn’t a top product for competing chains. 

However, they don’t appear to have any hot foods, which once again solidifies the “grab-and-go” concept. 

There are no non-dairy options just yet, though, so to my lactose intolerant friends, you’ll have to sit this one out right now (or bear the consequences).  

Competition is good for consumers

There’s a lot of parallels to be drawn between ZUS and Luckin. For one, the app’s UI and features are kind of similar. ZUS’ one is currently a lot more fleshed out, though. 

And dare I say, the coffee of both chains are of the same-ish calibre, but in terms of product range, ZUS has them beat right now too. 

Luckin has a pretty competitive price, especially right now as it’s offering much of their menu at a discounted rate. 

That said, I still do have that slight streak of patriotism in me, and would much prefer supporting our homegrown blue-and-white coffee brand. 

With how Luckin has mushroomed across China, there’s a chance the same will happen here in Malaysia. If Luckin really hones in on localising their branding as well as their products, I could see a future where it dominates our market. 

I mean, just look at how China’s Mixue has boomed nationwide. Their small, efficient kiosks have made them a go-to destination for desserts and drinks. I could see the same working for Luckin.

Should established brands such as ZUS, Gigi, or even Starbucks be worried? Well, kind of. But ultimately, having more options and competition is good for the end consumer. It’s more options for us, and hopefully forces each brand to really put their best foot forward. 

• Learn more about Luckin Coffee here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: This HP smart printer proves that M’sian SMEs don’t have to break the bank for reliability

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

If he wins big this year, Lawrence Wong may be Singapore’s most resilient Prime Minister yet

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed below belong solely to the author.

This year’s General Election is likely the most unpredictable in history, following an eventful term since the last contest in 2020.

It also marks the start of the post-Lee era, as Lee Hsien Loong steps down. Now serving his final years in politics as a Senior Minister, he has no relatives or children expected to enter national politics.

However, the planned succession did not go as anticipated—DPM Heng Swee Keat, originally set to take over, stepped aside at the last minute due to health concerns.

This triggered an unexpected internal search, ultimately leading to Lawrence Wong being chosen to head the 4G team. But how the party will perform during the upcoming election under his leadership remains uncertain.

While the People’s Action Party has always had capable ministers and political appointees, it has produced fewer leaders who seem like natural choices for the top job.

Lawrence Wong was not an obvious pick either, but since taking office last year, he has grown into the role.

If he can lead the party to a strong victory, he may emerge as a more resilient prime minister than any before him.

Not a chink in the armour

While Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong were widely popular in Singapore, their leadership was not without controversy. The lasting impact of past disputes has shaped public perception of the PAP, influencing local politics to this day.

Goh Chok Tong is often seen in hindsight as a bridge between father and son, but the past six decades have been largely defined by the Lees—bringing both advantages and challenges for the ruling party.

Opposition supporters continue to reference past government actions and statements as reasons to back alternative parties. The ongoing public debate over the Oxley Road family home only adds to the discussion.

With Lawrence Wong now leading the government, however, that legacy is less dominant. He was not involved in politics when most of these controversies occurred and has no personal stake in them.

His track record is remarkably clean—there are no known missteps or questionable actions. While he may not be the most forceful or charismatic leader, he is neither seen as divisive nor unscrupulous.

So far, he has avoided major errors, presenting an image of steady, technocratic competence—an appealing quality, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized.

Is it 1991 or 2001 all over again?

Many will likely compare this to when Goh Chok Tong took over from Lee Kuan Yew, leading to the PAP’s worst result at the time—just under 61% of the vote—as more Singaporeans felt comfortable giving the opposition a larger share.

With Lee Hsien Loong now on the sidelines, will voters be more inclined to support fresh faces from other parties?

Or, in an increasingly uncertain world—especially in the midst of the Trump 2.0 era—will they rally around Lawrence Wong’s calm and steady leadership, much like they did with Goh Chok Tong in 2001, when the elections took place just months after the 9/11 attacks?

I lean toward the latter, largely because while PM Wong enters the race with a clean slate, the same cannot be said for his opposition.

The Workers’ Party, once keen to claim the moral high ground, has been dented by past controversies, from the Raeesah Khan scandal, which continues to cast a shadow over Pritam Singh (regardless of his appeal outcome), to the affair involving Leon Perera and Nicole Seah.

This may make it harder for them to position themselves as the clear alternative.

Meanwhile, the Progress Singapore Party may soon have its fifth secretary-general in five years as it is heading into an internal leadership election.

NCMP Leong Mun Wai is reportedly considering a bid to reclaim the role, despite previously stepping down after receiving a POFMA correction order for sharing a false story about a couple allegedly being denied government assistance.

Smaller opposition parties, such as the SDP, PVP, and Reform Party, have also faced POFMA orders in recent years for spreading falsehoods, showing that the PAP’s competitors are not without their own missteps.

While the ruling party has had its share of controversies, it enters this election with a refreshed image under PM Wong. In contrast, opposition parties are largely fielding familiar faces, some of whom are still dealing with past controversies that may not be easily forgotten.

Sink or swim

Lawrence Wong’s first election as Prime Minister is unlike any before. The range of possible outcomes is wide—from losing more GRCs to reducing the opposition’s presence to mostly NCMP seats.

If the PAP’s vote share dips below 60%, Wong’s position will be weakened, leaving him vulnerable to stronger opposition scrutiny in Parliament.

But if he can maintain the status quo or even reclaim ground—such as Sengkang GRC, which was narrowly lost last time—he could become difficult to challenge in future elections.

Unless he becomes embroiled in a major controversy, a voter rejection of current opposition leaders would leave their parties struggling, potentially undoing decades of progress.

With few well-groomed successors, the opposition may find it hard to compete against Wong’s steady, competent, and controversy-free leadership.

GE2025 could be a “now or never” moment not just for the PAP but for its rivals as well. And if Wong passes this test, he may secure not only this term but a political career spanning 15 years or more.

Check out our GE2025 microsite for the latest election-related news, find out which constituency you belong to, and more here.

Also Read: Lawrence Wong is the 2025 election’s fresh face. Can the opposition upstage him with someone?

Featured Image Credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Filmgarde Cineplexes closes its last outlet in Singapore, exits cinema industry after 18 yrs

After 18 years in business, Singapore cinema operator Filmgarde Cineplexes has shut down its remaining movie theatre in Kallang.

The company announced the closure on Instagram today (March 25), uploading a photo that read: “It has been a wonderful 18 years and it is finally time to dim the lights.”

The same photo was also uploaded to its website, which no longer has information about its movies or screenings.

Filmgarde Cineplexes first opened its doors in 2007. In January 2022, it closed its two other outlets at Bugis+ and Century Square, citing a “general decline in cinema attendance and the rise of streaming platforms that were changing consumer habits.”

The cinema did not specify its upcoming plans, however, it shared that it will “embark on a new chapter of development and adventure, with film and culture still rooted firmly at the centre of our personal mission.”

Also Read: Eggslut exits Singapore after less than 4 yrs, shuts down its last outlet at Scotts Square

Featured Image Credit: Filmgarde Cineplexes

Inflation in S’pore finally ends as retail prices drop, gas & electricity cheapest in 2 years

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated any opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Inflation data sourced from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

It’s finally over! Despite projections putting the inflation rate for the full 2025 at between 1.5 to 2.5%, the all-items headline inflation rate for February stopped at just 0.9%.

This is significantly below the long-term average of about 2%, which is the unofficial guiding figure for the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Essentially, then, goods & services prices in Singapore have flatlined.

This is also the lowest reported rate in four years, since before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the wave of price hikes following the pandemic stimulus packages, which first appeared in national statistics in 2022.

As a result, MAS has already corrected its full-year forecast to between 1 and 2%—that is, the balanced norm we have grown used to before 2020.

Retail and energy prices go down

Not only has price growth slowed down, but prices of certain items have also reported a decline. While food has gotten a bit more costly, prices of retail goods dropped in the first two months of the year, followed by even bigger drops for electricity and gas—at minus 3% year-on-year.

It may seem that this drop is relatively small as energy prices remain inflated, but we have to remember two important things:

1. Singaporeans have gotten used to several years of unusually low rates following a significant drop in 2014.
2. While current tariffs remain high, the income growth has outpaced them significantly, meaning that relative to earnings, energy is cheaper than before.

To illustrate the point, I plotted the evolution of energy prices compared to how median salaries in Singapore have changed over the past decade.

Electricity and gas may be about 10 to 11% more expensive than in 2014, but incomes in the city-state have gone up by over 45%.

Dark clouds ahead?

While inflation is typically a monetary problem resulting from too much money in circulation (which is why it followed a period of generous pandemic handouts by governments around the world), both prices and relative affordability of goods and services may be affected by other events.

One such example was the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which shook the energy markets around the world, making power consumption needlessly more expensive.

While this war may end in the not-too-distant future, the prospect of an international trade conflict between the US and China, as well as Europe, the Americas and most of Asia, is certainly unnerving.

It may be unlikely that Singapore will find itself on the receiving end of any direct tariffs, considering that the city-state has a trade deficit with the US; any disruptions to trade will impact the operations of local manufacturers and, of course, Singapore’s harbour and airport.

Both are logistical nodes that facilitate trade in goods, and it’s hard to anticipate what the impact of the new trade order may be.

Before that happens, however, let’s enjoy this moment of long-awaited calm after three years of chaotic inflation. Prices have finally flatlined, so now our incomes have a few months to catch up to them.

• Read other articles we’ve written on Singapore’s current affairs here.

Also Read: Want to make S$10,000+ a mth in S’pore? MOM data shows it will cost you a few weeks each year.

Featured Image Credit: depositphotos

5 commuter-friendly thrifting neighbourhoods in Klang Valley for a day’s worth of shopping

For years now, thrifting has been a fun bonding activity for Gen Zs and millennials, offering a wallet-friendly way for people to connect over an important part of culture: fashion, while staying eco-conscious.

That said, thrifting has somewhat fallen out of the mainstream recently.

Maybe it’s because “good” thrift stores are hard to find. Maybe it’s because they never have your size. Or maybe because they’re all so far from one another that it’s kind of a pain to go through all of them.

Well, if you’ve held any of these complaints for thrift stores, fret not, for I’ve compiled five areas packed with thrift stores, offering curated selections for the indie kids and TikTok fashionistas alike. With these, you might find joy in thrifting again.

1. Taman Paramount

Colloquially known as the pretentious fashionista’s haven, Taman Paramount hosts a slew of thrift stores featuring an extensive curated collection. Whether your wardrobe is packed with beanies and ripped jeans, or flower dresses and kitten heels, you’re sure to find something that fits your vibe.

No car? Don’t worry about it. The thrift shops here are all on the same row of shops with a few cafes and eateries between them, so you can stay caffeinated and energised during your haul.

Stores to look for: FIFTH, udou, Del’cs Retail, Spiral Store
Nearby train stations: Taman Paramount (KJL) 
Bus lines: PJ04, 780, T790 (RapidKL)

2. SS18

For those familiar with the thrifting game, this humble spot in Subang comes without surprise. Over the years, more and more thrift stores have been populating this row of shop lots alongside eateries of various cuisines and cafes.

Most of the thrift stores offer a curated selection of clothing, including branded jackets and vintage jeans or slacks. Again, all the stores here lie on the same row, with Shimokita Space and the bundle shop, 2nd Street, about a 10-minute walk away in neighboring SS15.

Stores to look for: again thrift store, OKGO Store, 1981 Thrift Store
Also nearby: Shimokita Space, 2nd Street @ SS15
Nearby train stations: SS15, SS18 (KJL)
Bus lines: 771, SJ01

3. Sungei Wang Plaza

Ah, Sungei Wang. A long-lived shopping mall now packed to the brink with stores offering knockoff Balenciaga shirts and glasses for cheap.

For one who hasn’t spent the day looking through the plaza’s offerings, they might assume that even if there was gold to be found here, it’s tarnished and low quality. However, frequenters of Sungei Wang Plaza know that several stores among the noise still offer quality pieces worthy of even the pickiest fashion divas.

As all of these stores are within the same mall, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to visit them all in one day. That said, the mall itself can seem like a maze to first-timers, so doing your research beforehand or going with a friend familiar with the plaza is recommended. The operators are also soon to be coming out with an official wayfinder, so keep an eye out for that.

Stores to look for: Thrift & Trade, 2nd Street, Chaos Rare Clothing, REFASH, THRIFTED!
Nearby train stations: Bukit Bintang, Imbi (Monorail, MRT)
Bus lines: 400, 420, 421, 580

4. Setia Alam

Now, we get to some hidden gems. Although Setia Alam currently only hosts two thrift stores, the area has seen a rise in visitors and shoppers from different areas in recent years, promising further growth and more stores aimed at younger demographics, like thrift stores!

The area also has a slew of clothing stores and boutiques for women and children, along with cosy cafes and eateries.

Looking for more to do? There are also various parks and trails in the area, including the Shah Alam Community Forest Trail and the Setia Utama Pocket Garden and Wetland.

Stores to look for: Orked Vintage Thrift Store, Jikaaa Thrift Store
Bus lines: SU13A

5. Amcorp Mall

We end this list with Amcorp Mall. A truly old, historic piece of Petaling Jaya architecture. Situated at the heart of PJ, you have probably passed its yellow facade and aging walls if you’re a Klang Valley resident, only to dismiss it as another one of the dozens of dying malls across the country.

And although some visitors might hold this statement true, Amcorp’s humble shops selling vintage trinkets, old-school collectibles, and niche antiques offer visitors something more than just fulfilling their sense of materialism—nostalgia.

On the weekend, tables are set out on the ground floor of the mall to be occupied by small vendors and pop-ups selling trinkets, fashion accessories, and even home-baked goods.

Although Amcorp has less to offer in terms of actual vintage or pre-loved clothing, you’re definitely able to find the perfect accessory, be it a watch or rare jewellery, that’s sure to complete your look, whatever it may be.

Stores to look for: Weekend flea market, Red30, Chia’s Cotton Chic
Nearby train stations: Taman Jaya (KJL)
Bus lines: PJ01, PJ02, T640, 750, 751

• Read more about these thrift stores here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: This global real estate firm is expanding to KL to help local agents achieve their ambitions

Featured Image Credit: OKGO Store / ORKED Vintage Thrift Store

Behind this aesthetic Subang pickleball court with an eatery by M’sian F&B chain Oh My Belly

As more and more pickleball courts open up across Malaysia, there has become a need to stand out from the crowd through unique offerings.

At Pickle Space, aesthetics might just be the selling point. 

With Moroccan-inspired designs and a full-fledged eatery on the premises, it’s more of a lifestyle destination than a sports complex. 

Not just a standalone business, this is actually a new notch in Oh My Belly’s belt. A Malaysian chain serving modern Western food, director Jef Yap shared with Vulcan Post that Oh My Belly x Pickle Space emerged from a mix of personal discovery and a keen eye on market trends. 

“When my team and I first played pickleball, we were captivated by its challenging yet enjoyable nature—it’s a sport that hooks you in,” Jef explained. 

And they weren’t the only ones feeling this way. There’s no question that pickleball has exploded in popularity across Malaysia, and ever the entrepreneur, Jef saw the opportunity to tap into this market. 

At the same time, a friend had offered a factory space originally intended for a badminton court. Jef decided to pivot to pickleball courts instead, complete with an Oh My Belly café. 

“We wanted to create more than just a sports venue—we aimed to craft a lifestyle hub where our audience could enjoy healthy, delicious food alongside an active, social experience,” he determined. “It’s about blending fitness and flavour into something truly special for our community.” 

More than F&B 

With the Oh My Belly team at the helm, it took about four months to transform the empty factory space into what it is today. Pickle Space opened to the public just a few months ago in December.

Getting the pickleball courts just right was a slight challenge, though. Early on, they hit a snag when the original flooring, which was softer than expected, cracked and hollowed out after a few games. 

It took not one, not two, but three rounds of renovations to find the perfect materials and ensure a safe, durable surface. The process was tough but certainly worthwhile. 

Jef shared that Pickle Space is inspired by the relaxed, Bohemian designs of Bali, which is a hotspot for digital nomads who value balance between work and leisure. 

Similarly, Pickle Space wants to be a space where people can unwind after a game, watch others play, or sip coffee in a laid-back environment after a day of work. 

Next to the two pickleball courts is Oh My Belly’s newest café, which offers the same menu regulars have grown to love at their other outlets. 

“We’ve kept it consistent to ensure our customers get the quality and flavours they love, no matter which location they visit,” Jef said. 

He clarified that Pickle Space is a distinct entity, but both it and Oh My Belly fall under the management of Mads Group. 

The director had previously shared with Vulcan Post that there are a number of other brands under the group, including Dodoo Kitchen, Yuan Yuan Tea Style, Giglio, and Moments.

With the establishment of Pickle Space, the group is now boldly expanding their scope from just F&B offerings into a full-fledged lifestyle offering. More than just leveraging the pickleball hype, it’s a marker of how the group is evolving and growing to reach a broader audience. 

Courting the market

The pickleball courts here are priced between RM50 and RM70 per hour. Paddles are available to be rented at RM5 each, while balls can be purchased for RM10. 

Open from 8AM to 12AM every day, it’s designed to cater to a range of different schedules. Keep in mind that the cafe’s operating hours are different, though. It’s opened from 10AM to 10PM from Monday to Wednesdays, and 9AM to 10PM from Thursday to Sundays. 

Their hours and prices are fairly standard compared to other Klang Valley offerings, though. How does Pickle Space intend to stand out from all the pickleball facilities mushrooming across the country?

“Sure, the rise in pickleball venues brings some challenges, but we’re not fazed,” Jef said. “Pickle Space stands out by blending a premium café experience with our courts—players can refuel with great food right after a match.” 

Aside from that, Pickle Space also features air conditioning to keep things comfortable in Malaysia’s heat. 

The team believes that their premium edge is what keeps Oh My Belly x Pickle Space ahead of the game. 

Plus, they’ve been seriously listening to feedback, adding extra netting after hearing concerns about balls possibly reaching the dining area. 

More than competing with other pickleball court operators, there’s also the concern that pickleball as a whole is only a trend. 

But Jef is optimistic, believing in pickleball’s staying power. 

“Sports are a core part of people’s lifestyles—whether it’s badminton, swimming, or cycling, once you’re hooked, it sticks,” he pointed out. “Pickleball is no different; its accessibility and social appeal make it a habit, not a fad.”

He admits that court rental prices might drop as more facilities open, but believes that the demand for active, community-driven experiences won’t fade. 

“It’s here to stay as a lifestyle choice for Malaysians.”

Pickle spaces?

Just a couple months in, Jef reports that the response to Pickle Space has been “right on par” with what they hoped for. 

According to the director, the courts are usually fully booked, with many sticking around for a coffee or meal afterward. Some patrons also visit just for the cafe. 

“We’d love to host more events here—think tournaments, meetups, or corporate days—to boost its profile,” Jef said. “We’re aiming to break even within the first year and build a solid base of regular players and café visitors who keep coming back.”

There aren’t any plans to grow Pickle Space itself into a chain, though. Rather, Jef is focused on perfecting the one location into a go-to spot in Subang. 

With that in mind, it’s clear that Pickle Space is the vital first step towards establishing the Oh My Belly brand as a lifestyle destination in Malaysia. 

• Learn more about Oh My Belly x Pickle Space here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: This global real estate firm is expanding to KL to help local agents achieve their ambitions

Featured Image Credit: Oh My Belly x Pickle Space

Why this new Damansara restaurant has fans of now-closed Oriental Cravings in an uproar

Following the opening of one “The Oriental Cravings” in Damansara Kim, upset has flared among past customers of the now-closed Oriental Cravings in 1 Utama.

Oriental Cravings pulled down its shutters in September 2021 after 17 and a half years of operating.

Soft launched on March 15, 2025, The Oriental Cravings owned by 23-year-old Kimberly Chew was opened in Damansara Kim, with a team of staff from the old Oriental Cravings, aimed at bringing back the “spirit” of the restaurant.

“I used to dine at Oriental Cravings when I was around eight years old when my maternal grandmother Madam Ong Kit Ching was around. It used to be my second home,” said Kimberly to the Malay Mail, in an article titled “First look: The Oriental Cravings at PJ Damansara Kim marks the return of an old favourite with the iconic claypot ‘loh shi fun’ and more“.

This intended renaissance of the old restaurant had riled Oriental Cravings’ past customer base and long-time patrons, many feeling that the new restaurant had marketed itself as an actual comeback of the old restaurant, despite the owners not being a part of this new business in any capacity.

A source close to Oriental Cravings’ owners had reached out to Vulcan Post alleging that “[the owners] had been blindsided by messages of congratulations on the ‘reopening’ of Oriental Cravings.”

Indeed, the old owners had then shared on social media clarifying, “We are not connected to this restaurant (The Oriental Cravings in Damansara Kim), nor are we affiliated in any way with the Chew family or their group of restaurants.”

The source further alleged to us that “the menu is eerily identical, with only a few additions and ‘tweaks’, and their social media page boldly claims that the beloved ‘Oriental Cravings was reopening’, as if it was the same one that had touched so many lives before.”

Indeed, The Oriental Cravings offers dishes similar in name to the old Oriental Cravings, from Kam Heong Prawn, Creamy Prawn, and Crispy Oatmeal Prawn, to their Salted Mustard Green Soup and Bittergourd and Seaweed Soup.

The source further alleged:

“This is not just a matter of using the same name. It is an outright attempt to deceive the public into believing they are experiencing the same restaurant, the same soul, the same legacy.

But they are not.

What they are being sold is a copy—one that only exists because the original founders, in an act of goodwill, entrusted the Chew family with their former staff. And in return for that, they have taken advantage of it in the most shameless way possible.

[…]

I am reaching out to you in the hope that you will shine a light on this and expose the truth. The public deserves to know that what they see in Damansara Kim is not the Oriental Cravings they remember and loved.

It is a faceless imitation, one that blatantly disrespects the people who made the original so special.”

In a comment to The Rakyat Post’s post covering The Oriental Cravings, a Facebook user stated that “[the] new eatery may be trying to give a sense of continuity in the Malay Mail report by claiming they absorbed all the staff when the old eatery shuttered.”

(Note that the Malay Mail article actually said: “Once Oriental Cravings shuttered, almost all of their staff was absorbed into Farm to Plate, Le Sense and Mera, which are owned by Chew’s family.”)

“The social media posts from WhatsApp sent out by the company and news reports attempted to link/imply that the new company is a comeback of the old. What is the intention? Is this to ride on the goodwill of the old customers?”

“Why not just make it clear that the owners are not linked at all and that the new company was started as a homage to the old? Then it’s up to readers including ex-customers to decide whether to patronise or not,” the user added.

Upset customers have even turned to The Oriental Cravings’ Instagram page, with one user stating, “You’re not the original “Oriental Cravings” located in One Utama before, yet on your [social media] & press articles you claimed yourself to be a comeback of the legend.”

“Reusing the name & selling similar dishes is one thing, yet attempting to make a connection to the original is totally unethical, even if this behaviour of yours may not have a legal issue.”

Some have come to defend the new eatery, however, with a user claiming that “the Chew family had never meant to mislead or to pass off that they were part of the previous management of the Oriental Cravings.”

“From my personal understanding, the truth is that the Oriental Cravings brand was entrusted to the Chew family by the previous owners. On the promise to maintain the good name of the Oriental Cravings, the Chew family has made all efforts to ensure that the taste of the food is maintained for all of its loyal patrons.”

“In short, the Chew family had decided to continue the story of the Oriental Cravings due to overwhelming requests and demands from its patrons, and is committed to continue this never-ending story,” said the user in a comment under the old Oriental Cravings’ recent statement post on Instagram.

Several users replied to this comment, however, stating that the messages that the Chew family sent out claiming to be the old restaurant were “absolutely deliberate.”

Another reply claimed that “[The Oriental Cravings’] now-deleted IG post said ‘We’re back’ and ‘just like you remember’, clearly suggesting it’s the same restaurant. And if they had nothing to hide, why remove comments from ex-customers who pointed it out?”

“And now, a WhatsApp message has been sent out to customers stating ‘We’ve officially opened The Oriental Cravings—yes, that Oriental Cravings, the one you used to love at 1 Utama!’ If this isn’t an outright attempt to mislead people, I don’t know what is.”

“This isn’t just business. It’s dishonesty, plain and simple,” said an Instagram user.

Vulcan Post has reached out to both Oriental Cravings’ owners and The Oriental Cravings’ owners to shed more light on the details in this story, but Oriental Cravings declined to comment further on the issue, and we have been unable to get a response from The Oriental Cravings thus far.

At the time of writing, neither brand has made further public statements on this matter.

• Learn more about The Oriental Cravings here.
• Read our other F&B stories here.

Also Read: This Sabahan serial entrepreneur built 6 brands, here’s his business playbook

Featured Image Credit: Chuang Lanying / The Oriental Cravings

All S’pore Cold Storage & Giant Supermarket outlets to be sold to M’sian company for S$125M

All Cold Storage and Giant supermarket outlets located in Singapore will be acquired by Malaysian retail group Macrovalue for an initial price of S$125 million, The Straits Times reported.

DFI Retail Group, the current owner of both supermarket chains, announced the sale today (March 24).

Cold Storage operates 48 stores across its various brands—CS Fresh, CS Gold, and Jasons Deli—in Singapore, while Giant has 41 stores and two distribution centres in the country.

The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, will see Macrovalue take full ownership of these brands.

Macrovalue already owns the Cold Storage and Giant operations in Malaysia, having bought over Malaysia-based GCH Retail Group in 2023, which operated the brands there previously.

By extending its reach into Singapore, Macrovalue can “enhance operational efficiencies, optimise regional supply chain capabilities and elevate the overall customer experience”, said co-owner Andrew Lim.

Meanwhile, DFI Retail Group will shift its focus toward its Guardian Pharmacy and 7-Eleven convenience store businesses in Singapore and the region.

In 2024, the group’s health and beauty businesses accounted for 55% of its total operating profit, with DFI stating in a financial report that it is “particularly optimistic” about the growth prospects in this segment.

“This transaction aligns with the group’s strategic focus on delivering long-term value to shareholders,” the group said, according to CNA.

• Read more about DFI Retail Group here.
• Read more articles we’ve written about Singapore’s current affairs here.

Also Read: How Giant grew from a sundry shop in KL into the hypermarket chain it is today

Feature Image Credit: Cold Storage and Giant via Facebook

For hijabis, by a hijabi: This ex-actress opened a Muslim-friendly hair salon in S’pore

As a hijabi, I often neglected my hair. After all, no one sees it, so why bother taking care of it?

I’m sure many other hijabis can relate, but former actress and presenter Nura Jasni, 43, sees things differently. “Just as women indulge in skincare for their face, they must do the same for their hair.”

Given Singapore’s notorious humidity, our hair must be properly cared for to stay healthy. But for hijabis like Nura and I, visiting a regular salon would often compromise our modesty.

Recognising this pain point, Nura took action and founded Pearlista in 2015, a hijab-friendly hair salon in Singapore that exclusively serves female customers.

Taking matters into her own hands

Over the years, Nura has worn many hats. She has taught in a primary school, acted and hosted on Mediacorp Suria, and currently runs a home-based tuition business.

On top of that, she has also been a real estate agent since 2012—so when and how did she become a business owner of a salon?

Despite having no prior knowledge of cosmetology, it was a Facebook post by one of her friends that ultimately pushed her to pursue her business idea.

“[It’s] so difficult to find a salon only for ladies! I haven’t done anything to my hair ever since I donned the tudung,” her friend lamented in the post.

Nura immediately related to her frustration—she, too, hadn’t had a hair makeover in ages for the same reason.

But instead of waiting for a solution, Nura took matters into her own hands—she made it her mission to learn “everything she could” about the industry, surrounding herself with experts, including stylists, trichologists, and industry professionals.

She also leveraged her social media platforms, including Instagram, to ask questions and recruit hairstylists for her salon.

All in all, it took her “months of research and planning” to bring Pearlista to life. The salon was entirely self-funded using personal savings from both her and her husband, Esman Supaat—a “conscious decision” made by the couple as they were not keen on taking loans or relying on investors’ funds.

Creating a halal product range

Pearlista’s launch was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, thanks in part to Nura’s celebrity status.

“We broke the egg through social media and created the hype—[Pearlista’s] slots were fully booked for the entire first month,” she shared.

According to the former actress, she knew that her team was “doing things right” when competitors started to enter the industry as well.

Despite the increased competition, Nura took a strategic and calculated approach to expanding the brand—rather than opening multiple outlets across the city-state, she focused on strengthening Pearlista’s “unique brand identity.”

This led her to develop her own line of halal hair care products, exclusively for the salon.

These products include a range of over 20 anti-dandruff and hair fall shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums—all of which are priced between S$18 and S$68.

“Because the bulk of our customers are Muslims, they’re very particular about the ingredients in the shampoos and conditioners,” she explained. “To ensure they are halal, we went to the Malaysian market and checked out their factories. We did a lot of quality control over there.”

Helping women feel “seen, valued, and confident”

Since its inception, Pearlista has now expanded to three outlets across Singapore: Orchard, Clementi and Woodlands.

The brand has also gone on to participate in trade events such as Celebfest and Mak Besar over the years, allowing Nura to engage with customers, gather valuable feedback, and educate them on proper scalp and hair care.

As demand “continues to grow for the brand,” Pearlista plans to expand its range of products and services.

Additionally, the brand will focus on increasing community outreach through initiatives that promote hair and scalp health.

In the long term, I hope to see Pearlista grow into a recognised name in the region, helping even more women feel seen, valued, and confident.

My vision is to create a lasting legacy where women can always trust us for their beauty and self-care needs.

Nura Jasni, founder of Pearlista

• Find out more about Pearlista here.
• Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: How these S’poreans went from selling drinks at events to having both brands under one roof

Featured Image Credit: Pearlista/ Matthew Chia via Google Maps

After their 9-to-5, this M’sian couple runs a side hustle selling cheesy potato bowls

For those who want to earn some extra income or perhaps tap into their personal interests, starting a side hustle is a no brainer. 

But what sort of business should you start? And how should you go about it?

For Shu Lee and Chee Wai, the answer began with potatoes. 

Two beaus 

Couple Wong Shu Lee and Lee Chee Wai first met in high school. But it was only years later, when reconnecting on social media over their shared love for movies, that they became a couple.

Today, Chee Wai works in marketing while Shu Lee specialises in content marketing within the HR industry.

Outside of their full-time careers, though, the couple runs a steamed cheese potato business by the name of Botato, started just last October. 

Shu Lee shared, “The inspiration came from my deep craving for the cheese potatoes I used to eat during my university days. Unlike the rich and heavy cheese sauce commonly found in night markets, the ones I loved had a perfectly balanced and delicious flavour.” 

Wanting to recreate that taste and share it with her boyfriend, she started experimenting in the kitchen. 

While she couldn’t replicate the original, she ended up creating something just as delicious. Recognising how good the dish was, the couple decided to run pop-ups in weekend bazaars to share Botato with others.

Potatoes are a common ingredient found in the street food scene, though, with options like fries, hash browns, or rosti. But the couple believes their steamed creation stands out, especially thanks to their house-made cheese sauce, designed to be rich yet not greasy. 

“This makes Botato a lighter but still satisfying comfort food that offers something different from typical fried street snacks,” Shu Lee expressed. 

This makes it a suitable dish for the pop-up events Botato participates in. 

Pop-ups only 

It was a strategic choice to focus on pop-ups, as the barrier to entry is relatively low. 

Botato’s initial startup capital was only around RM1,500, funded from the founders’ personal savings. 

They further kept costs low by utilising existing kitchen appliances from home, only investing in essentials such as SSM registration, vaccinations, a camping trolley, a signage garland, a soup warmer, and market rental fees, including electricity. 

Then, they reinvested any profits from their first two market events to upgrade the equipment, gradually improving their setup.

To get started, the duo spoke to friends who were already in the scene, who gave them access to application forms.

The requirements were straightforward—having clear brand information, registering with SSM (not always mandatory, but they did it for credibility), and setting up a Maybank for Business account.

“Another key aspect was ensuring that our product presentation was visually appealing,” they added. “We put a lot of effort into refining the food’s appearance to capture high-quality photos for our applications.” 

Thanks to their diligence, they were able to start selling at notable pop-up events easily. 

They also take great care to talk to other vendors and gather insights on which event organisers are reliable. They also consider location and make sure the space is comfortable, with enough room for both vendors and customers. 

The duo also avoids setting up near shopping malls, believing customers would rather dine in an air-conditioned mall rather than in the heat. 

Booth rental costs also play a significant role. They always estimate the potential gross sales to determine whether the rental fee is justifiable. 

Lessons from boothing

Although Shu Lee and Chee Wai come from desk-jobs, they had some experience running non-F&B booths at work events. 

“That being said, running a hot food booth—especially outdoors—is physically demanding and requires strong stamina,” Shu Lee expressed. 

On top of that, it’s challenging to estimate the right amount of ingredients. Over-preparing leads to wastage, but under-preparing results in selling out too quickly and disappointing customers.

“For new F&B booth operators, our biggest advice is to test and refine your preparation process in advance,” Shu Lee advised. This lets you better estimate portion sizes and preparation times. 

With these insights, Botato has been able to drum up decent sales. For half-day events, they usually sell around 70 bowls. A full-day event brings at least 100 bowls. 

Hustlers’ advice

For others who aspire to run a side hustle like the couple, they suggest really understanding the “why” behind your decisions. 

“Having a clear purpose will help sustain your motivation through challenges,” they said. 

She added, “Since a side hustle should never interfere with your main career, it’s crucial to set boundaries and manage your time effectively. If possible, be transparent with your employer and colleagues—especially if there’s any potential conflict of interest. If a side business clashes with your full-time job, it’s best to reconsider.”

Another tip is to fully commit to your idea. If you feel the need to keep it a secret from friends and family, it might not be the right venture. 

Lastly, having a unique selling point is essential. If you’re not truly skilled or knowledgeable in what you’re offering, it will be difficult to stand out. Thorough market research and validation can help improve your chances of success. 

Balancing work and work 

Although the couple both have full-time jobs, things have been manageable as Botato only operates on weekends. That said, they do spend free time on weekdays for administrative tasks and marketing efforts.

“It’s really about shifting priorities—what used to be casual shopping or café hopping has now turned into trips to the wet market for potatoes and visits to the wholesale market for food containers,” Shu Lee explained. 

Looking ahead, they would be open to running Botato full time, should they find a sustainable location. 

“There’s something incredibly fulfilling about building a business around food that we genuinely love,” they said.

But they know transitioning to a full-time operation requires careful planning. Factors like location stability, operational costs, and long-term market demand all play a crucial role. 

“For now, we’re focused on growing Botato steadily while ensuring it remains a sustainable and enjoyable venture,” they concluded. 

While a brick-and-mortar outlet isn’t in the pipeline yet, they do hope to set up kiosks in malls or commercial areas so more people can enjoy their potatoes. 

• Learn more about Botato here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: At 23, he coded a startup in his bedroom. Now, his M’sian HR firm serves 450+ global clients.

Featured Image Credit: Botato

Want to make S$10,000+ a mth in S’pore? MOM data shows it will cost you a few weeks each year.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Data comes from latest releases by Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

We all want to make more money, and it’s the ambition of most to do a good job, be noticed and climb the ladder to higher positions, which come with higher pay.

However, what we tend not to think of is the cost associated with it. As it turns out, it’s not only the effort we put in to keep our performance high and improve or acquire new skills but also the time that we’re going to have to sacrifice once we make it.

And the highest earners in Singapore are also the ones putting in the most hours. Quite a lot more, in fact.

How much time would you trade for money?

According to the latest data published by the Ministry of Manpower, Singaporeans worked an average of 43.7 hours per week last year—the first time on record that the average dipped under 44.

However, while those making under S$2000 per month clocked in only 41.9 hours, the highest earners, taking home S$10,000 per month (gross, but excluding employer’s CPF), reported an average of 45.4 hours.

3.5 hours more each week doesn’t seem like a lot, but it quickly adds up, considering there are 52 weeks in a year—giving a total of 182 hours extra.

This is, effectively, an entire extra month, over four weeks of nine-hour days, spent at work.

And there’s a clear progression visible as you move up the ranks. People making between S$2000 and S$5000 work 109 fewer hours than top earners, while for those under S$10k but above S$5k, that number is 82.

82 hours is still about two weeks extra spent at work each year. Given that mandatory annual leave is between seven and 14 days depending on your years of service, and while some generous companies may provide 21 or so, it still barely covers the extra time requirement that comes with a higher position and salary.

Singaporeans already work 5+ weeks less each year than in 2010

However, while more money comes with a time sacrifice, the truth is that Singaporeans today work the fewest hours on record.

In fact, over the past 15 years, the average time spent at work each year has dropped by 239 hours, which adds up to over 26 work days—or more than five full work weeks.

The biggest time savings have been recorded among the lowest paid workers, with 338 hours extra, but the top earners have come in second, with a gain of 286 hours, or over six full-time work weeks.

In 2010, they put in an average of close to 51 hours weekly—or more than 10 hours each day.

We have to bear in mind that inflation affects the value of SGD over time and that some of these changes are explained by people moving up into higher brackets, diluting the averages.

Nevertheless, all Singaporeans have seen significant improvement in work-life balance over the past 15 years, and everybody is spending considerably less time at work.

One thing has not changed, though—if you want to earn the most, it’s going to cost you not only your skill and effort but also your precious time. And you’ll have to decide how much it is worth to you.

• Read other articles on Singapore’s current affairs here.

Also Read: Singapore’s top vacancies: Ministry of Manpower releases a list of most in-demand jobs in 2025

Featured Image Credit: Shadow of light / Shutterstock

How these S’poreans went from selling drinks at events to having both brands under one roof

If you’re someone who often visits night markets and bazaars, chances are you’ve come across Broti.  

The stall is known for drawing long queues, with people (myself included) lining up for their massive one-litre servings of Thai milk tea. 

Behind the venture is 33-year-old Syed Uzair Alqadri, who has now expanded the brand to a permanent physical location at Busorrah Street. 

He didn’t have F&B experience

Launched in 2015, Broti initially sold ciabatta sandwiches with Thai milk tea as a side drink at Ramadan Bazaars. However, the overwhelming response for their milk tea soon made it the focal point of the business.

“Customers were returning for my Thai milk tea more than my sandwiches, so we decided to focus on just drinks the following year.”

At the time, Syed claimed that there weren’t any businesses selling Thai milk tea in Singapore, and with little to no competition, this also contributed to the strong demand for the business’s offerings.  

But Syed’s journey was not without its challenges. Without any “formal F&B training,” he made several mistakes during the business’s early days, including scaling production without proper systems in place.

As we grew, I struggled with batch consistency. Some drinks tasted slightly different from batch to batch, and I soon realised the importance of standardising recipes and creating clear SOPs.

Syed Uzair Alqadri, founder of Broti

There were also instances where the business sold out too early—other times, they were over-prepared and had wastage. “It took time to figure out the right balance,” he added. 

After a few years of running the business, Syed eventually learned to refine his processes and went on to participate in a multitude of trade events and night markets, including Artbox and Celebfest.

A better long-term solution

Throughout the years of running Broti, Syed was content running his business as a pop-up stall. With lower overheads and a “steady stream of customers” at Broti’s various locations, it seemed like the ideal business model compared to opening a physical location.

“[If we set up a permanent store], it will be a challenge to recoup the initial overhead costs, and we will be stuck in one location,” he explained in a previous interview with The New Paper.

However, when COVID-19 struck, night markets were among the hardest-hit sectors. As events—Broti’s primary source of revenue—dried up, Syed and his team recognised the need for a more stable way to sustain their business.

Initially, we rented a central kitchen for a few months to keep operations going. But when it became clear that events weren’t coming back anytime soon, we realised a brick-and-mortar store was the better long-term solution.

Syed Uzair Alqadri, founder of Broti

Thus, Broti opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2020 at 21 Baghdad Street.

Four years later, in 2024, Syed decided to relocate the business after their lease ended due to high rental costs. He now runs Broti alongside Offday Coffee—a coffee venture started by his brother-in-law and former employee, Ilihalhakim Nasli Bin Achnas (Hakim), 29.

Co-existing in a single space

Hakim first started working for Broti back in 2015, and after seven years as an Operations Manager at Broti, he decided to branch out and start “a brand that he could call his own” together with his wife, Finna Tan Mei, 30.

Like Broti, Offday Coffee also began out as a pop-up stall, offering live coffee stations at events and night markets like the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar.

But “opportunities weren’t always consistent” with an events-based business model, so Hakim approached Syed with an idea for a pop-up at Broti’s former location.

What was initially planned as a one-month pop-up eventually turned into a shared outlet at 34 Busorrah Street—Broti’s new home.

But co-existing in a single space comes with its own set of challenges, including logistics, branding, space management and menu coordination.

“We had to establish workflows that allowed both teams to function smoothly without stepping on each other’s toes,” Syed shared. Both brands had to “carefully balance inventory and storage,” a process they fine-tuned over time to keep operations running seamlessly.

Sometimes, customers would also mistake the two brands as one business. To prevent this, Syed and Hakim had to channel their efforts to ensure clear branding and messaging while maintaining their distinct identities.

Despite the overlap in operations, one positive aspect is that both teams can rely on each other for support, especially during peak hours. According to Hakim, they are also able to keep costs lean as compared to opening a standalone cafe.

What’s next for them?

When asked about their sales and revenue figures, both businesses chose to remain tight-lipped about their financial growth. However, Hakim shared that Offday Coffee has seen “steady growth” in daily sales.

Fuelled by this growth, both brands are gearing up to scale their operations in the future.

For Broti, Syed is focused on refining its current food concepts and introducing more diverse offerings—his long-term vision is to create a multi-concept brand that spans beyond drinks, providing a broader food and beverage experience.

Meanwhile, Hakim’s goals for Offday Coffee include refining operations, expanding the menu with seasonal items, and strengthening the brand’s presence. 

He is also open to the possibility of expanding into new locations or even introducing bottled products in the future.

At the core, the goal is to continue serving great coffee and growing our community.

Ilihalhakim Nasli Bin Achnas, founder of Offday Coffee

• Find out more about Broti here and Offday Coffee here.
• Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Once a school project, this S’porean’s biz upcycles textile waste for brands like Decathlon

Featured Image Credit: Broti/ Offday Coffee

Faith brought this M’sian couple together, now it’s also the reason for their cheesecake cafe

From the outside looking in, 10 Ten Baker appears to be a quaint little cake shop hidden on the upper floor of an old shoplot. 

However, beneath the surface of cottage-core aesthetics, aromatic brews, and yummy bakes is a heartfelt and tumultuous journey. 

Indeed, Wei Jing and Xiao Fen may be the happy couple who runs 10 Ten Baker today, but they’ve been through a lot before they both arrived at this juncture. 

Finding faith 

In 2019, Wei Jing lost his late wife, a Malaysian actress, in a car accident. Then in 2020, his mum suddenly passed away as well.

As the world struggled with a global pandemic, Wei Jing was suffering internally, too. The series of tragic events pushed him into a depressive episode. 

Meanwhile, Xiao Fen had been working as a banker for about 10 years. However, she felt that this way of life didn’t align with what she truly wanted, and sought to have a higher purpose. 

As Wei Jing put it, “We were both lost in our own lives.”

However, the two of them began to find their purpose and direction in God. And through God, they found each other. 

To share their love story, the two have penned down their journey from both perspectives online. 

“I told God that if He wanted me to enter into love and marriage again, He would have to bring that woman to me, just like He brought Eve to Adam (Genesis 2:22),” Wei Jing wrote in the blog. “I wouldn’t actively pursue relationships, let alone love.”

And that woman turned out to be Xiao Fen, who had been embracing singledom up until meeting Wei Jing. 

A ten out of ten pairing

“On 10/10, we will be together.”

This was a journal entry that Xiao Fen had written down on October 7, some years ago. She had been driving when she said she felt the Holy Spirit imparting that message. 

And just as she wrote down, that was the day Xiao Fen and Wei Jing got together. Wei Jing said that he had felt the calling on that day, believing that it was the day God defined for him to receive blessings. 

“I felt like a Grab delivery had arrived, and it was time to accept it,” he quipped. 

Besides being their special day, 10 Ten refers to John 10:10, a bible verse about that inspired the couple to receive a life of abundance.

Beyond finding each other, they also felt called to start their business together. “We decided to turn our love into a testimonial of how great God is through 10 Ten Baker.”

A cheesy venture 

But why cheesecake, of all things? 

Wei Jing shared that he used to visit Lot 10’s THE TOKYO RESTAURANT every weekend. And when Xiao Fen—who barely knew him at the time—noticed that, she was curious why. 

“I told her it’s because I love cheesecake, and she said she could bake it for me if I wanted,” Wei Jing recalled. 

And that’s how Wei Jing got to taste his favourite cheesecake. Even with the first bite, he was already pushing Xiao Fen to sell her creations—it was that mindblowing.

They began selling the cheesecakes online, and it eventually became a full-fledged brick-and-mortar cafe. It’s housed in an older building, established in the 1950s. It had belonged to Wei Jing’s grandfather, and was sitting empty for some time before the couple transformed it into what it is today. 

Wei Jing sourced every piece of furniture himself, wanting to create a space with a cosy, retro environment. 

Through great care and effort, the couple finally launched their cafe on… you guessed it, October 10, 2024. 

More than cake

The Klang Valley is home to plenty of cake shops, though, with cheesecake being a pretty accessible bake nowadays. However, Wei Jing is confident that 10 Ten Baker stands out for various reasons. 

“It’s not about the cake; it is about us, our stories, and our passion to keep sharing the depth of life,” he said. “And of course our cheesecake is rated the best cheesecake in town by many of our customers and returning customers.”

On Friday night and weekends, they host their own church fellowship. Soon, they plan to expand downstairs where there’s a larger space to accommodate more people. 

Currently, the couple are the only two people running 10 Ten Baker, having quit their formal careers to pursue this calling. That said, they do have plans to hire some help. 

However, in the bigger picture, they have no intentions to scale further. 

To Wei Jing, 10 Ten Baker is more like a “life-driven” business rather than a commercial, money-making business. He believes that when they keep their intentions pure, they are able to define their own lives, not the outside world. 

“Soon people will be drawn and attracted to how we operate and live,” he determined. 

“Our direction is clear, we want to share the true meaning of life through our experiences. This cafe is a place where you can come by, share your stories, sit down and relax, and ultimately find peace.”

• Learn more about 10 Ten Baker here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: Not just a fad: How this entrepreneur plans to seriously grow Malaysia’s pickleball scene

Featured Image Credit: 10 Ten Baker

Why the M’sian co-founder of this Australian marketing co. is now expanding the biz back home

[Written in partnership with TGFX, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]

It’s not uncommon to hear the phrase “never start a business with a friend,” or something along those lines.

For TGFX co-founders Benny Yap and Jae Tan, however, not only is this statement false, it goes against what Benny cites as key to how they got to where they are today.

“The foundation of it lies in trust, open communication, and respect,” said the co-founders.

“It’s important to have complementary skills and to always be transparent about your goals and challenges.”

And for the duo, one goal is to take their marketing expertise to the global stage.

Two peas in a pod

Benny, a Malaysian local, graduated with a diploma in advertising and graphic design at The One Academy in Petaling Jaya before moving on to working for BBDO.

He would later find himself in Australia to further his studies in business and marketing, doing freelance work to sustain himself.

That was when he met Jae.

A fellow graphic designer, Jae was born and raised in Melbourne, graduating from RMIT and having work experience in “over 10 different industries” according to Benny.

One particular project saw the two work closely together as organised by their client.

“I then realised not only did I work well together with Jae, but also that Australia provided the perfect launchpad to start a company due to its dynamic and diverse market,” he explained.

“The country’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, combined with its evolving digital landscape, made it a great place for us to tap into the need for fresh, innovative marketing solutions.”

Benny and Jae also noted that Australia’s multicultural population made for just the right testing ground to try out different marketing strategies across different demographics.

This, they attribute, is what helped TGFX refine their approach early on.

“We truly believed that by starting in Australia, we could lay a strong foundation to scale our vision internationally, which ultimately led to our expansion into Malaysia.”

Learning the hard way

TGFX initially started off as a web and graphic design company, later pivoting to marketing during COVID.

The world rapidly shifting to becoming more digital at this time meant that many businesses were left struggling to adapt.

There was now a demand for new marketing solutions to help weather the storm.

“TGFX became our way to build something that could genuinely help businesses grow and thrive in an increasingly digital world,” said the co-founders.

Social media marketing, activation and event services, branding, public relations, and franchising would all soon become part and parcel of their new business model.

The problem, however, was that the company was more or less brand new. 

Not exactly the kind of people most would jump to trust their livelihoods with. And even less so with the market in complete disarray.

“We overcame these challenges by staying agile and keeping a pulse on emerging trends,” they explained.

“Our ability to pivot quickly and adopt new digital tools helped us build trust and strong relationships with our clients.”

These include the likes of Milksha, Sulbing, Calia, and Aoi Tsuki just to name a few.

Now, it was a matter of retaining them and bringing in new ones.

“If we could go back, we would have invested even more in building a strong team from the very beginning,” they elaborated.

“We learnt the importance of nurturing a team that’s not just skilled, but also passionate and aligned with the company’s culture.”

This, they noted, would’ve allowed TGFX to scale much faster than it did in reality.

No place like home

Beyond just the fact that Benny will always regard Malaysia as his home, TGFX choosing our country for its first expansion was also influenced by multiple other factors.

The first was that there is currently a growing demand for digital marketing services locally, according to Benny.

“Malaysia’s emerging digital economy and the increasing number of businesses looking to expand online presented an exciting opportunity,” he claimed.

This tracks with the words of Ninja Van Malaysia regional vice president Jeremy Hong who stated that Malaysia’s ecommerce scene is on an upwards trajectory, carrying its momentum from 2024 where it doubled that of 2023.

“Furthermore, the cultural similarities and shared business environment across Southeast Asia made Malaysia the perfect next step in our international expansion,” Benny added.

All that being said, however, consumer behaviour between the two countries couldn’t be more different.

TGFX’s co-founder stated that in Australia, the focus tends to lean towards individualism, where value propositions and high-impact storytelling reign supreme.

For Malaysia, it’s more about personalised messaging, community, and collective experiences.

“Understanding these cultural nuances has been a key part of our success in both markets.”

Going global

The immediate goal for TGFX is to expand their footprint further into Southeast Asia, all the while investing into new technologies and startups to keep themselves ahead of the game.

“We want to become a thought leader in the digital marketing space and build a lasting impact on the businesses we serve,” they added.

“Achieving these goals will come through continuous learning, staying adaptable, and remaining true to our vision of creating meaningful connections through creative and strategic marketing.”

When asked for their advice on making a business partnership last, Benny and Jae had this to share.

“Regular check-ins, not just about business but about each other’s well-being, are essential for maintaining a positive and productive working relationship.”

“And of course, celebrating the wins together, no matter how big or small.”

Sound advice for anyone, business or not.

• Learn more about TGFX here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Featured Image Credit: TGFX

Singapore’s top vacancies: Ministry of Manpower releases a list of most in-demand jobs in 2025

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Data comes from the most recent Ministry of Manpower report.

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has just released the latest Labour Market summary report, and you could have read in the news about how resident employment increased by 8,800 in 2024, or how local workers are gradually moving up to better-paid professions.

But that’s in the past—now, let’s look at the future. If you’re looking for a job (whether you’re unemployed or looking for a switch), where should you look for good employment opportunities?

Which industries are hiring? Which occupations are in demand?

Well, it turns out that MOM has published data about that, too, so let’s take a look.

Good vacancies

While the total number of vacancies as of December 2024—heading into 2025—has gone up to about 77,500, about 36,000 are in clerical and physical job categories, most of which end up going to foreigners who can accept much lower pay.

Meanwhile, openings for Professionals, Managers, Executives & Technicians (PMET) roles—the most desirable jobs for Singaporeans—hit around 41,500, or about 55% of the total.

The vast majority of them are found in services, but there are still a few thousand in more industrial sectors, like manufacturing and construction.

The government keeps hiring

Out of these three categories, like in the previous quarters, by far, the most eager employer is the government, looking for individuals to fill roles in public administration and education.

Health & Social Services also face high PMET vacancies, and these roles are bound to at least partly represent demand from the public bodies as well, given the prolonged shortages of qualified personnel and rising needs as the society is ageing.

Here are the available openings for PMET positions by occupational group:

Tech jobs and finance remain at the top, as ever—meaning that there are close to 10,000 vacancies in some of the best-paid professions waiting to be filled by the right people.

And, as we know from other official statistics, the median monthly salary among degree holders reached S$8650 last year and is expected to cross S$9000 in the next. These are the sort of positions which can pay that much.

Especially as, in the case of IT, more than one in twenty of all jobs are still vacant.

Industries with the largest gaps

Talent gaps are identified by the number of vacancies relative to the total number of jobs in a particular industry (with the average for all PMET professions being 3.2%, meaning that 1 in 31 jobs is currently unfulfilled).

Here are the ones with the most acute needs:

As I mentioned (and as in previous quarters), it is IT that is at the top of the list, followed by Accommodation, which is still filling roles as Singapore attracts more tourists post-pandemic, together with social services and public administration.

Now, when it comes to the density of demand—the number of companies looking to expand their headcounts, we have ManpowerGroup’s latest data for that:

The percentages you see here are the Net Employment Outlook (NEO) score, which is the net share of companies that are looking to employ vs. those who are expecting to cut headcounts (for instance, if 60% of employers in a given sector are seeking to hire and 10% want to lay people off, the NEO is 50%).

In combination with the Ministry of Manpower figures, it shows us where many businesses may be looking to fill a small number of roles each vs. those where fewer companies are looking to recruit but offer more openings (e.g. when you look at Healthcare vs. IT).

To complete the picture, here’s the data by company size:

As it turns out, large companies—presumably many of them in the IT sector—are expressing higher demand for talent.

This might indicate that while layoffs have still been experienced in the tech sector around the world, Singapore is not only mostly shielded from their impact, but also, local workers shouldn’t be too worried about re-employment if they are among the unlucky ones.

There are still many jobs waiting for you.

On the other hand, those in healthcare or logistics may have fewer openings but far more companies to choose from this quarter.

Something for everyone

Perhaps the most positive aspect of the reported data is that there seems to be something for everyone.

Yes, techies and bankers are enjoying plenty of opportunities, but if math isn’t your strong suit, you can still work in the public sector.

There are many job opportunities in healthcare, law, trade and construction—and, relative to the job market, also in the arts.

It doesn’t seem like any education condemns you to unemployment in Singapore, and you should be able to find a permanent position quite regardless of your skillset.

• Read other articles we’ve written on Singapore’s current affairs here.

Also Read: Singapore MOE list of degrees that pay S$7,000 or more to the top 25% of fresh graduates

Featured Image Credit: kandal stock/ Shutterstock.com

5 years, 2 products, and RM42 million: Khairulaming achieved 110% increase in sales last yr

Khairul Aming, a beloved content creator and entrepreneur in Malaysia, took to social media to announce that his eponymous business, Khairulaming, hit RM42 million in product sales in 2024.

This remarkable figure is a 110% increase from 2023’s sales of RM20 million. 

Supporting this growth, he announced that the company, which is now in its fifth year of operation, will be focusing on expanding to a third factory in Kelantan, where he and his team is based. 

Moreover, they plan to release a third product. Currently, the two products he carries are the Dendeng Nyet Berapi and Sambal Nyet. 

On top of that, he plans to expand the livestream team. The creator is known to have hosted explosive livestreams where he broke records to achieve the highest number of views on a TikTok Shop LIVE stream. Last year, he managed to generate over RM1 million in revenue in under four minutes of his stream. 

In the video, he explained that it used to take the team around three months to achieve sales of RM1 million. But now, they are almost able to hit RM1 million every week. 

Not one to gatekeep his success, the entrepreneur went on to explain the reason behind this growth. 

It’s all about the livestreams 

In the video, Khairul Aming revealed that 70% of their sales actually came from the livestreams that they conducted. 

With a renewed focus on social commerce, the team was able to have more interactions with customers. They were able to foster a sense of community and authenticity as they addressed feedback and answered questions in real time. 

Thanks to this, the sales conversion from their livestream is much higher than ever before. That’s why they also decided to launch the second dendeng product while live. 

The creator shared that just an hour of livestream can generate RM50k, RM100K, or even RM500k of sales, depending on the planning and execution of the team. 

Keeping up with the demand

Another huge reason for the jump in revenue comes down to the quantity of stock they had. Thanks to careful planning, the team has been able to up their supply of products this year. 

With a team of 100 staff members, the company’s two factories are able to produce tens of thousands of products every day. 

Sales have been particularly tremendous during the month of puasa, with Khairul Aming reassuring that there are thousands of orders still that they are working to fulfill. 

Previously, the demand had also been there, but the production wasn’t able to keep up with it. With a smaller amount of products in stock, their Sambal Nyet would sell out very fast. 

Wanting customers to shop even more comfortably, the team will be expanding to a third factory. 

Khairul Aming emphasised that the factory will also be in Kelantan, which will help bolster the local economy. 

He also shared that his business is “living proof” that when it comes to ecommerce businesses, where you operate doesn’t matter. 

Mentoring future entrepreneurs

Aside from expanding to a third factory, the entrepreneur also really wants to travel more to gain more entrepreneurial and livestreaming insights abroad. 

And like always, he doesn’t intend to just gatekeep his knowledge. Rather, he wants to spread his expertise with local SMEs, especially when it comes to live marketing. 

Specifically, he hopes to mentor affiliate and local sellers as well as content creators, ultimately growing and cultivating the ecommerce industry in Malaysia. 

• Learn more about Khairul Aming here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: This HP smart printer proves that M’sian SMEs don’t have to break the bank for reliability

Featured Image Credit: Khairulaming

3 brands & 20+ outlets: How Singapore’s Yoga Movement plans to build a global fitness empire

Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or not, you’ve likely heard of Yoga Movement. With 10 outlets across Singapore, the brand has built a strong presence in the local fitness scene.

And having attended their classes myself, I can tell you—they’re almost always packed, especially during peak hours.

But did you know the yoga chain started from humble beginnings?

They didn’t have an “extravagant business plan”

When we first spoke to the founders of Yoga Movement—Alicia Pan and her husband Peter Thew—a couple of years ago, Alicia candidly admitted that she didn’t have “an extravagant business plan” when they started.

In 2012, the duo launched their first studio on Carpenter Street, personally handcrafting much of the interior—they even turned an old door into a reception table.

At the time, Singapore’s yoga scene was still in its infancy, with only a handful of dedicated studios across the city-state. Most were subsidiaries of large fitness gyms, and flexible drop-in classes or packages were far from common.

This gap in the market was what inspired the husband-and-wife duo to create Yoga Movement—they wanted to offer a “no-fuss, no-frills” experience that would make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or background.

Expanding their footprint

Since its inception, Alica and Peter have grown Yoga Movement from a bootstrapped startup funded by their own savings to one of Singapore’s most prevalent fitness chains.

Over the years, they’ve focused on building a community around their offerings, hosting a range of events, including workshops, cold plunge sessions, and community meet-ups.

By 2021, the brand had amassed a customer base of over 100,000 yoga enthusiasts, clocking a whopping 25,000 visits a month.

It was also during this time that Alicia and Peter, buoyed by the brand’s success, set their sights on international expansion—but their plans were abruptly derailed.

We had refined our brand… and created a complete franchise development system. It was so well-received, and many potential markets were ready to open up—but the COVID-19 pandemic halted these plans, and all efforts were put into the maintenance of the business.

Peter Thew, Group Director and co-founder, MOVE [REPEAT]

Post-pandemic, the duo came to realise that many of their original target markets were reopening slower than they had expected, hence, they sought new ways to grow their business within Singapore.

Looking at the broader fitness landscape, they noticed a major shift in consumer behaviour.

People were no longer sticking to just one fitness activity, but instead, branching out into a wider variety of activities to suit their needs, especially with Singapore’s saturated market offering more choices than ever.

“They could be YM (Yoga Movement) for life, but also love to spin, lift or go for pilates,” said Peter.

With that in mind, the duo launched MOVE [REPEAT] in 2023 to expand their footprint in Singapore’s fitness space. Their goal is to invest in, acquire, and build “innovative fitness brands” that align with the group’s core values and to position themselves as “Asia’s leading boutique fitness provider.”

To further drive this vision, they’ve also brought on board a new co-founder: Allen Law, the CEO of Park Hotel Group.

But why bring on a new co-founder?

Allen has been a client of Yoga Movement for many years, first joining in 2016 after more than a decade of prioritising his career over his health. As the CEO of Park Hotel Group, his 12-hour workdays took a toll on him, and after experiencing several fainting spells, he knew he needed a change.

Yoga became his gateway to a healthier lifestyle, and as he grew to appreciate the mindfulness and intentionality of yoga, so did he with the Yoga Movement brand.

“Like many, he really embraced the Yoga Movement culture and practice, and he reached out directly to see if there was an opportunity to work together,” said Peter.

At the time, Peter admitted that he and Alicia had a lower risk appetite, especially with their growing family; however, they were still eager to expand the brand and strengthen their presence in Singapore’s fitness space.

“The base belief that the brand and the group could grow was there, but bringing in a strong partner was essential to take the next step,” he explained.

Creating a group of lifestyle brands

Under the MOVE [REPEAT] umbrella, the couple, together with Allen, have brought in Australia-based pilates-cardio studio Strong, expanding it to four locations across Singapore.

Most recently, they also acquired a partnership stake in REVL Training, another Australian fitness chain, that specialises in performance-based group training sessions. They have since grown the brand to 10 outlets in Singapore.

The group aims to expand further, with plans of rounding out its offerings with up to five fitness modalities by 2027.

And as for Yoga Movement, MOVE [REPEAT] has aspirations to establish a presence in Australia and other Asian markets, following its entry into Hong Kong late last year.

We ultimately want to create a group of lifestyle brands that focus on getting people moving. We believe the way we achieve that is by making the brands accessible, excitable, community driven, and engaging.

Consistency is key in fitness, and the only way to have people commit to a healthy life is by making their workout more than just a work out.

Peter Thew, Group Director and co-founder, MOVE [REPEAT]

• Find out more about MOVE [REPEAT] here.
• Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Colour analysis studios are everywhere, but this S’porean biz has a plan to stand out

Featured Image Credit: MOVE [REPEAT]

Women face unique challenges with financial management, so these M’sians created a solution

Financial management is a complex topic for many.

It requires a baseline understanding of the financial world, technical jargon, and investing significant amounts of time and energy into ensuring the right decisions.

But even then, minor mistakes in one’s financial management could lead to devastating outcomes for their future.

So it’s no wonder that women are rarely encouraged to take control of their own finances due to the little trust society has for women.

That was, until two women decided enough was enough.

Bridging the gap

“Women earn 30% less, are less present in the workforce and senior positions, invest less, spend more on daily necessities, pay more for healthcare and are more often the primary caregiver to our children and elders.”

“These realities create financial vulnerabilities that aren’t being adequately addressed,” said one Sherry Sherrif.

And so, together with her long-time friend, Rejina Rahim, the duo founded Wahine Capital. It’s a wealth management brand built with the goal of bridging financial literacy, empowering investments by women, and fostering women’s economic independence.

With Sherry’s background in capital markets and women’s rights advocacy, and Rejina’s experience of 20 years in the investment management industry, the founders hoped to address the gap in financial tools designed to support women through life’s transitions.

“Most competitors in this space focus solely on inheritance and estate planning. However, our approach is different—we focus on the financial journey of women and the unique challenges they face.”

“We saw an opportunity—and a responsibility—to create something more than just a business,” said Sherry.

Indeed, Wahine offers users access to a network of experienced women experts, a financial wellness programme that includes in-person workshops, and of course, W Vault, a digital vault that aims to give women more control over their finances.

Of troubling times

The idea for W Vault came during a tumultuous time for the duo at the height of the COVID pandemic.

“During the COVID lockdown, Rejina was grieving the loss of her sister. Amidst the emotional toll, she faced significant challenges in managing her sister’s assets and settling her estate.”

“My own experience of going through a divorce and facing financial uncertainties provided another perspective on how W Vault could empower women. I understood firsthand how crucial financial organisation is in times of transition and uncertainty,” said Sherry.

So, in comes W Vault, Wahine Capital’s primary service. It’s a digital vault that consolidates all assets and liabilities, providing a complete view of a user’s financial holdings whether for estate management, long-term financial planning, preparing for a divorce, or planning for children.

Some of the key features of W Vault include:

• A dashboard providing users with a financial overview, from savings to debts;
• Simplified asset distribution for future generations, easing estate and wealth planning;
• Financial guidance tailored for life transitions like marriage and parenthood;
• Strategic planning tools aimed at helping women make informed financial decisions; and
• Top tier security measures to protect sensitive data

Usage of the vault can be obtained through a monthly subscription of RM19.90, and there’s a 14-day free trial available for skeptical first-time users.

In comparison to other digital vaults, W Vault seems to be the most attractive local option for consumers with its lower price and beginner-friendly user interface.

By the way, no need for the green eyes, boys. While not the primary target market, the vault is actually available to all, men included.

Making space

Ambition aside, breaking into the male-dominated finance industry and getting the brand name out there remained a high hurdle.

Like many other startups, securing funding and resources was difficult for the founders, exacerbated by the fact that female entrepreneurs in the space received less investment.

According to Forbes, female-only founded startups received less than 3% of venture capital funding in 2023, despite these startups performing better, generating 10% more in cumulative revenue over five years, according to a review by MassChallenge.

As such, it was clear to the founders that mere performance growth would not be enough. Brand credibility and trust within the industry must also be established.

“We focused on bootstrapping in the early stages and built strategic partnerships with organisations that shared our vision,” said Sherry, adding that they also developed a strong community-driven approach that allowed Wahine Capital to grow organically.

“We were very careful of who we brought in as our investors and funders as we wanted a balance between profits and our mission. We had angel investors comprising of friends and family as well as a venture capital company.”

Beyond W Vault subscriptions, Wahine Capital diversified their revenue streams via white-label financial literacy programmes tailored for corporate clients who want to offer financial wellness benefits to their employees.

This was made possible via collaborations with banks, insurance companies, and wealth management firms.

Other revenue streams include aforementioned workshops and webinars, premium access to professional women offering consultations and mentoring, and sponsored events and paid networking events.

A service for all 

Despite this service seeming aimed towards middle to high-income women, Wahine Capital remains committed to narrowing the gender gap for all women, including those from lower-income backgrounds.

Sherry mentioned that when it comes to supporting women from the B40 group, a different approach is necessary as poverty or tight finances limit access to financial tools and knowledge.

“When survival is a daily struggle, setting aside time to learn about budgeting, savings, and investments can feel impossible,” she added.

As such, Wahine Capital collaborates with partners already in the space to provide financial education—such as basic budgeting and accessible investment techniques.

Beyond education, other supportive initiatives include programmes such as entrepreneurial training for refugee girls, and contributing to a teenage pregnancy safehouse and campaigns against child marriage.

“For us, this is about more than just giving back—it’s about creating a movement. Our long-term vision is to build a philanthropic network of women committed to investing in the well-being and empowerment of underprivileged women, ensuring they have the tools and support to build brighter futures.”

Looking forward

Since starting their brand, the founders have left a sizeable mark on the finance industry. From being featured in various publications (and now, us!), to being awarded the First Runner-Up in the 2024 UN Women Empowerment Principle (WEP) Awards for Innovative Financing, Wahine Capital has proven to be a valued brand for the community, receiving “overwhelming support” from their network.

And they have no plans of slowing down.

From expanding their Financial Wellness Programmes to offering bespoke financial plans in late 2025/26, along with expanding the brand to regional markets, Wahine remains committed to championing gender equality within the finance industry.

“Starting Wahine Capital was not easy, but every challenge reaffirmed why this movement is so necessary,” said Sherry.

“Today, we’re more motivated than ever to help women take control of their finances and we envision a future where women are financially confident, independent, and empowered to make informed decisions about their wealth.”

• Learn more about Wahine Capital here.
• Read our other startup stories here.

Also Read: At 23, he coded a startup in his bedroom. Now, his M’sian HR firm serves 450+ global clients.

Featured Image Credit: Wahine Capital

This “new” M’sian artisanal gelato brand has already opened a fancy parlour in Mont Kiara

A new gelato parlour by the name of OrGelato opened up in Mont Kiara last October.

Sporting a bold, retro aesthetic and a delicious-looking array of desserts, it appears to be quite the refined project. It begs the question, how has this fairly new business been able to establish itself so quickly and so well in the affluent neighbourhood of Mont Kiara?

Turns out, the co-founder behind the business is actually none other than the one behind Hummingbird & Mallows (HM) Gelato.

Formerly working as a chef in prestigious 5-star Singaporean hotels and restaurants, Ann Gie created HM Gelato after two of her family members were diagnosed with cancer. Established in 2020, HM Gelato has found its niche creating botanical-inspired scoops.

So why the rebrand? 

Familiar faces, new offerings

Ann Gie revealed that it all began with a simple question—an ex-colleague and industry acquaintances had reached out and asked if she wanted to partner up with them. 

“The idea was to expand and grow together, leveraging each other’s strengths,” she elaborated. 

At that time, Ann Gie saw the vital need for a team to tackle a bigger project, share responsibilities, and bring diverse skills to the forefront. Through synergy, they could create something more impactful than what could be done alone. 

She clarified, “HM didn’t end; it evolved. Everyone agreed that it was time to take things further with a fresh new persona—one that was bold and fun.” 

And that persona is OrGelato, or OG. 

Explaining the brand name, Ann Gie said, “We were feeling silly, playing around with nouns, verbs, conjunctions and thought the name had a fun ring to it after nailing it down to OrGelato.”

She pointed out that “or” is a plain word that no one would normally associate with a brand name. However, the team decided to keep it simple, just like appreciating the simplicity of certain flavours. 

“We also attached other meanings that we stand by as a brand such as: original gelato, only real ingredients, obsessively good, in a nutshell,” she added. 

Through this new brand, Ann Gie and her team have been working to reinvent not just classic flavours but also dive into new, exciting, and experimental ones. 

“The idea was to push the boundaries of what gelato could be, exploring how far we could take it in the Malaysian scene, blending creativity with taste, and introducing a whole new world of flavours.”

Setting up shop 

Even with HM, the ambition had always been to have a physical shop. Through her new partners, this became a reality. 

Although Mont Kiara was considered a new location for the team, they saw it as a fortuitous opportunity, allowing them to explore new markets. 

However, the renovation process for the shop encountered some roadblocks, causing a delay of three months. 

This was due to the extensive customisation the team opted for in order to craft an experience that matched the bold, retro, fun persona they envisioned. 

“Every aspect of the interior was carefully crafted and designed with intention, from the cone holders to the ceiling art, the seating area, and even the cabinets,” Ann Gie pointed out. 

This ended up fetching quite a high cost. With inflation and rising material costs, the budget quickly exceeded the team’s initial estimates. 

“It was a challenge to balance our vision with the financial reality,” the co-founder admitted. 

That said, the team already knew from the start that the capital investment would need to be substantial. Ann Gie revealed that it took shy of a seven-figure amount to lay the foundation for their vision. 

However, she believes it was all worth it because the final result was one that matched their expectations. 

“People have expressed how the store teleports them to a different place or country once they set foot into our store,” Ann Gie shared. “Lots of customers loved the idea of our cone holders and gelato cakes.”

Thankfully, the store’s reception seems to have been positive thus far, with OrGelato welcoming new customers as well as fans of HM. 

More than the scoops

Malaysia is not lacking when it comes to gelato brands nowadays, though, especially in the Klang Valley region. To stand out, OG must truly execute a high quality product. 

Achieving this involves using premium ingredients and relying on the team’s expert craftsmanship and product knowledge. But it’s not just the products that make or break a brand’s customer experience. 

“Our creative direction was always to be thoughtful and intentional. We didn’t just want to make gelato; we wanted to resonate with our customers from the get-go,” Ann Gie said. 

During the R&D process, the team constantly questioned what the market would want to try when they walked into the store. It wasn’t just about what the team wanted to create, but what would truly excite and surprise their customers. 

The co-founder elaborated, “Every decision, from flavour combinations to store design, setting up and launching our website to cater to a wide spread of customers by offering same-day delivery was made with their experience in mind.”

Fine-tuning the business for the future

Barely half a year into their store, the team intends to focus on consolidating what they’ve built so far, ensuring the quality and experience of their current operations in-store. They’re also improving their catering services for events. 

Aside from that, the team does have ambitions to scale up and sprout more outlets. In particular, the team is looking to expand into PJ next. 

But as the team is fine-tuning their first store, they don’t have any concrete plans just yet. 

“For now, it’s about continuing to grow organically, learning from our customers, and staying OG to our vision,” Ann Gie concluded. 

• Learn more about OrGelato here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: At 23, he coded a startup in his bedroom. Now, his M’sian HR firm serves 450+ global clients.

Featured Image Credit: OrGelato

How this Singaporean’s passion project for his girlfriend grew into a full-fledged pie cafe

They say that love is sweet, and this is especially true for Elijah Tan and Limin Wong.

The couple first met while at church in 2012 and found joy in visiting cafes together. But their bond only grew closer years later, because of one sweet treat: a Nutella tart that Elijah baked to satisfy Limin’s cravings.

Little did they know that that very tart would be the start of a side project that they would embark on together, which has now grown into a full-fledged pie brand, Elijah Pies—the brand is not only popular on Instagram but also a hit among tourists.

How one pie started it all

As a child, Elijah was no stranger to the culinary world, having fond memories of helping out at his grandmother’s “cai fan” stall and following his mother’s influence as a great cook.

Even as a university student, where he studied business operations and analytics at the Singapore Management University (SMU), he decided to take an internship at F&B company Les Amis Group, working in an operations role at their pizza brand, Peperoni.

It was also during this time that Limin craved a chocolate tart, and being the sweet partner that he is, Elijah decided to try making it for her, leading him to start experimenting with different recipes at home.

Ultimately, this led him to create a Nutella tart that not only earned the approval of family and peers but also marked the start of Elijah Pies.

The business slowly grew traction through word of mouth, and they soon started receiving orders from strangers after starting their Instagram page. This spurred Elijah to step up and rent a licensed shared kitchen to fulfil these orders, although he was still a student at that time.

When what started as a passion project for my girlfriend turned into a possible business venture, I had more serious considerations on startup costs, like rental, equipment, packaging and logistics.

The journey of building the business from scratch was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and I had to be disciplined in planning my time to ensure I manage my studies well and fulfill orders on time. 

Elijah Tan, co-founder of Elijah Pies

After graduating from university, Elijah officially registered the business in 2016 and began renting his own central kitchen.

While they remain tight-lipped about their financial figures, Limin noted that the revenue that they had earned at that point was “just enough” for Elijah to focus on growing the brand full-time.

A turning point in uncertain times

On the other hand, Limin came from a background in branding and marketing, where she worked at luxury retail brands such as Chanel and Dior for almost a decade.

Despite her busy schedule, she always supported Elijah in running Elijah Pies in her spare time, from conceptualising social marketing launches and replying to customer enquiries to helping him in the kitchen.

However, in 2021, Limin made the decision to leave her corporate career and join Elijah Pies full-time, as the business reached a turning point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During COVID-19, we decided to provide free islandwide delivery as our way of giving back to our customers. The response was overwhelming, especially during the ‘circuit breaker’ [period] when we were confined to our homes and [the] interest in delivery for “comfort food” soared. 

Limin Wong, co-founder of Elijah Pies.

The increase in demand has not only allowed the company to expand its product offerings, but also given it a chance to branch out its revenue streams, retailing to cafes and restaurants and offering baking workshops.

However, one might wonder, as recipes are sacred to many businesses, is the couple concerned about potential copycats? To Elijah and Limin, it’s all part of their plan to retain loyal customers.

“In addition to providing a personal, hands-on experience for our customers, we also wanted to be transparent about the quality ingredients we use and the baking techniques in our pies to give them confidence in purchasing from us in future,” explained Elijah.  

Opening their first physical shop

Elijah Pies has since grown to be a popular online bakery. According to Elijah, their Instagram following was around 5,000 in 2019, but at the time of writing, it has grown to over 72,000.

Their popularity has also allowed them to open their first dine-in concept in 2023 at Tanjong Pagar. But why did it take them eight years?

According to the couple, they wanted to take a more “cautious and calculated approach” to opening a physical location.

They took time to hire and train service staff, build a menu and commit to a rental space that is “reasonably priced” and could reach their target market, which took a year of scouting.

However, the road to opening their dine-in concept was not as easy as pie.

Elijah shared that the business encountered a contractor who provided “shoddy workmanship” and eventually abandoned the project halfway—which cost a two-month delay in opening their cafe.

“We’ve read about renovation nightmares in Singapore, but we never imagined being victims ourselves,” lamented Limin. Despite the stressful situation, the couple decided to take the reins in the renovations, all while preparing the cafe for opening and juggling day-to-day operations.

They persevered, and Elijah Pies successfully opened their cafe in May 2023.

More to go around

According to Limin, the cafe has served a whopping total of over 50,000 dine-in customers since its opening. Elijah Pies has also established corporate partnerships with high-end brands like Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior and Hugo Boss.

She added that the brand is looking to elevate the overall customer experience with a loyalty programme and personalised events such as an in-store “private dessert omakase.”

Elijah also noted that the cafe has also attracted the attention of international customers. “As we have started to acquire customers from Japan and Korea at our cafe, we aim to explore entering foreign markets by starting pop-ups and eventually having a permanent location overseas,” he shared.

However, with the global F&B scene becoming more competitive, what is Elijah Pies’s secret recipe for long-term success? Reflecting on their eleven years in business, here’s what Elijah and Limin have to say:

While Elijah Pies’ growth journey was not always sweet, the couple behind it remained focused on one goal: ensuring that everyone could enjoy a slice of their pie.

• Learn more about Elijah Pies here.
• Read more stories we have written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also Read: Labubu & ramen cakes? Meet the Singaporean behind viral “weird” cake brand Bob The Baker Boy.

Featured Image Credit: Elijah Pies

This M’sian quit her actuary career to start a personalised lip care biz that’s now 6 Y/O

Sometimes, it takes a sudden shock to the system to encourage change. 

At least, that’s what encouraged Yifon Law to start Lips Carpenter. 

Growing up in Sekinchan, a small town in Selangor, Yifon went on to pursue actuarial science from the University of Michigan. She spent years building a successful career as an actuary, both in the United States and in Malaysia. 

“But amidst the spreadsheets and algorithms, something felt missing,” she expressed to Vulcan Post. “I have always wanted something where I could actually see the difference I was making. Like, really help people in a way that mattered.”

Although she was driven by this motivation, it took a series of personal health scares to catalyse a new chapter in Yifon’s life. 

A personal pain point 

The story began in 2018, when Yifon witnessed a series of health challenges within her family and herself. 

“I became increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals lurking in everyday cosmetics and struggled to find lip products that were both natural and effective,” she said. “As a busy professional, I barely had time for myself, let alone to research and decipher complicated ingredient lists.”

It was an incident in her professional life that caused her to relook at things. 

One day, right before a presentation, Yifon’s lips were so cracked and dry that she felt uncomfortable and embarrassed. Out of desperation, she decided to rush to a drugstore to grab a lip balm. However, it only caused more irritation, leading to swollen lips. 

“I remember feeling so frustrated and defeated,” she said. “That’s when I felt there had to be a better way.” 

Since Yifon’s sister, Yi-Xian, is also passionate about natural living, the duo began experimenting in their brother’s apartment to create lip care that is safe, effective, and empowering. 

They carried out thousands of experiments to understand the chemistry behind natural ingredients and find formulations that work best on skin and lips. 

“We don’t just grab any ingredients,” Yifon added. “As a small business, sourcing natural alternative ingredients from all over the world is tough. With low volume, sometimes they might not even bother to entertain us.”

But they didn’t want to go to a factory and get OEM-ready products. They wanted clean products that truly work. They wanted to offer busy women a clean, convenient, and beautiful alternative to conventional lip products, all with a touch of personalisation. 

“And so, Lips Carpenter was born, designed for the modern woman: juggling life, craving healthier clean beauty that works, and wanting something uniquely theirs,” Yifon concluded. 

Taking the leap of faith 

With no entrepreneurial experience, starting Lips Carpenter was a big decision for Yifon. 

“Taking the leap to start Lips Carpenter was a real step outside my comfort zone especially for someone who was deemed to have a good career,” she explained. 

Thankfully, the sisters have incredibly supportive family members that encouraged them to continue with the business. 

They admitted, though, that they were rather naive when Lips Carpenter first started. 

“We had this big dream of empowering women globally with natural beauty, but we were total newbies to entrepreneurship,” Yifon recalled. “We thought, ‘We’ll make amazing products, and everyone will love them!’ If only it were that simple.”

The early days were a whirlwind, with the sisters doing everything from mixing ingredients to shipping boxes themselves. Through trial and error, they picked up skills such as marketing and financial management. 

Eventually, though, they realised they couldn’t do it all alone and began to build their team. 

Today, the sisters are leading a small but mighty all-female team. 

“We’ve been taking small steps, learning from every challenge and celebrating every win. It’s definitely been an incredible journey, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing,” Yifon shared. “We’re still learning and growing every day.”

Not just lip service

Lips Carpenter works with a local manufacturer in the Klang Valley who shares their commitment to quality and ethical practices. Each lipstick, including the beautiful packaging, is carefully crafted, with a name engraving service to add that personal flair. 

However, the competition is fiercer than ever, with new clean beauty brands popping up every now and then. And sometimes, these companies have bigger budgets for louder campaigns. 

“We’re a ‘heart on our sleeve’ brand,” Yifon described. “We aren’t the loudest, and marketing wasn’t our strength, especially early on. The actuary in me, ever conservative, isn’t always the most effective approach in the world of marketing.” 

Along the journey, though, they learnt that even the best products need to be known. For the world to know about their benefits, they need to shout about it. 

With a renewed focus on marketing as well as strong loyalty amongst customers, Lips Carpenter has been chosen by many companies for gifting purposes. 

Nowadays, corporate gifting is all about offering unique, meaningful, and health-conscious gifts, which is why Lips Carpenter makes for a great option. 

“Most of our corporate orders come through referrals and recommendations from our amazing customers,” Yifon shared. 

Beyond corporate orders, they also do co-branded collabs, such as working with hotels to offer natural lip care for guests during their stay or with F&B brands launching co-branded products that reflect the shared values of both brands. 

Building a sustainable business

As a bootstrapped startup, Lips Carpenter ensures all earnings are reinvested into the business. 

This will fuel the expansion of the business’ natural beauty product lines, as well as increase their online and retail presence. 

From there, Yifon and Yi-Xian envision Lips Carpenter to grow into a global brand that empowers modern women everywhere to embrace their natural beauty. 

Powering this vision is not just the sisters, but their whole team. After all, a strong team, Yifon believes, is crucial when building a brand. 

That, and perseverance. “Never give up, even when things get tough,” she reminded.

She also advised, “Don’t be afraid to take that first step. Things appear hard before you start. Once you do, you’ll find that you’re capable of achieving more than you ever imagined.”

As an actuary with a stable career, she had all the reasons not to take that first step. But now, six years into running Lips Carpenter, the journey seems to have paid off.

• Learn more about Lips Carpenter here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Not just a fad: How this entrepreneur plans to seriously grow Malaysia’s pickleball scene

Featured Image Credit: Lips Carpenter

Do you need to declare your side income in M’sia when filing taxes? Here’s what the law says.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to be used or construed as legal advice in any manner whatsoever. All articles have been scrutinised by a practising lawyer from Tristan & Partners to ensure accuracy.

So, you’re a hustler and run a side business. Maybe you’re freelancing after work, running an online business, or cashing in as an online influencer. That’s plenty respectful. 

But with that extra dough rolling in, here’s the million-ringgit question: Do you need to report it to LHDN? And at what point do you need to start doing it?  

Some Malaysians might assume that side hustle money is “off the books” or too small to report. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, the two things in life you can’t avoid are death and taxes. 

Yep, even if you’re just making a quick buck after work, any additional income is technically taxable under Malaysia’s Income Tax Act 1967.

Feeling spooked? Let’s break it down.

You’ve got to report it

According to the LHDN, gains or profits from carrying on a business, trade, vocation, or profession are liable to tax.

The term “business” includes sole proprietorship or self-employment, as well as partnerships. 

It’s also inclusive of “shadow economy” businesses. 

The shadow economy is sometimes called the underground economy, a non-compliant economy, hidden economy, grey economy, black economy, cash-based economy, or informal economy. 

This could involve industries such as the tutoring industry, certain road-side stalls, or home-based businesses. 

Even if your income doesn’t meet the threshold to be taxed, you still need to report it.  

By the way, if you have a side business, you should register it with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)—more on that here. 

And if you’re wondering whether influencers need to report their earnings, the answer is yes. 

According to a document on hasil.gov.my, “Taxation on business income is imposed on businesses or professions that receive money into individual bank accounts including YouTubers, Instafamous, influencers or those who do paid reviews and others.” 

If you don’t comply…

Just to reiterate, individuals must declare their total income, including side hustle earnings, in the annual tax return (Form BE for residents without business income or Form B for residents with business income). 

But the devil on your shoulder might be wondering: What if I just… don’t?

Well, failure to report such income can result in penalties, including fines and additional tax assessments.

And perhaps as consolation, while all income must be reported, taxpayers are entitled to claim allowable deductions and reliefs to reduce their taxable income. These may include expenses directly incurred in generating the side hustle income, such as business expenses. 

We get it—reporting your side hustle income isn’t exactly fun. It can be super tedious and unexciting. But neither is getting hit with a massive fine. 

If you’re self-employed and are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of getting started, here’s a guide that might be handy.  

Now, go forth and get your hustle on—legally. 

• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
• Read other law-related articles we’ve written here.

Also Read: At 23, he coded a startup in his bedroom. Now, his M’sian HR firm serves 450+ global clients.

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

Pick your pickleball court: 26 venues in Klang Valley you can book online & their prices

Hello Pickle Human of Pickle Nation, welcome to Pickle World on Pickle Planet, not to be confused with the Pickle Space in the Pickle Park, near the Pickle Alley. It’s Pickle Time to score a Pickle Point! 

Wow, what a mouthful. All of the aforementioned names are actually real pickleball businesses in the Klang Valley, though.

We first compiled a list of courts you can book online last September, but since then, so many newcomers have flooded the scene. 

With how fast things are moving, it’s impossible to promise a comprehensive list of all the places you can play pickleball. After all, there’s a bunch of sports complexes that have converted their spaces into makeshift pickleball courts. 

But if you’re looking for your next pickleball adventure, we’ve got you covered with this list of pickleball courts in the Klang Valley, specifically designed for the game. 

1. Pickle Nation 

Playing sports has always been a good way for friends to come together, and Pickle Nation’s eight founders took that idea to the extreme when they decided to start a pickleball hub together. You can read their story here. 

They also offer cold plunge amenities at a cost for those who want to get cool after a heated game on the court. But note that these only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Location: 5, Jalan Kontraktor U1/14, Hicom-glenmarie Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

Available courts: 12

Price: 

• Off-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM50/hr 
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hr

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each

Opening Hours: Every day 8AM to 1AM 

Where to book: AFA

2. Pickle Park 

Started by the managing director of Kenny Hills Hospitality Group (yes, the team behind Malaysia’s Kenny Hills Bakers chain), Pickle Park is located just next to Flour, Fire & Stone, making it a lifestyle destination. 

Location: 17, Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim, Pjs 13, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 7

Price: 

• Normal Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM55/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 11AM and 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Centre Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM65/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 11AM and 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM80/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each
• Pickle Park balls purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: Pickle Park app (Google, Apple)

3. Pickle Social Club 

Arguably one of the earlier pickleball purveyors in Malaysia, Pickle Social Club was established back in 2023. 

The founder, Mark, had discovered the sport during a visit to America, where he kept hearing of pickleball. After he got hooked on the sport, he saw the opportunity to bring it back home and popularise the sport amongst Malaysians. 

For newcomers to the sport, you can book lessons here. There are four covered and four outdoor courts available. 

Location: KLGCC, 3, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 60000

Available courts: 8 

Price: 

• Covered courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM50/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 11PM and 5PM to 12AM; all day on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Non-covered courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM35/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 11PM and 5PM to 12AM; all day on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM55/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM4 each 
• Pickle Social Club-branded ball purchase: RM8 each

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: Playbypoint

4. Grand Rally Pickleball

With 17 tournament-sized courts, Grand Rally Pickleball is a rooftop pickleball complex in Shah Alam that opened in February. 

Location: Rooftop (Level 5), Pusat Komersial A, Jalan Plumbum T 7/T, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor

Available courts: 17

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM50/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM80/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM9 each

Opening hours: 8AM to 1AM every day

Where to book: Courtsite

5. Hyprground

With three locations across the Klang Balley, Hyprground is quite a notable name for pickleball players. 

Location: 

• PJ: 116, Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
• Balakong: LOT 1826, Jalan Balakong, Batu 11, 43300 Cheras, Selangor
• Cyberjaya: Level 4, Tamarind Square, Centre Court, Persiaran Multimedia, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Available courts: 

• PJ: 7 
• Balakong: 7
• Cyberjaya: 4

Price: 

• Private Lounge

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 4PM): RM50/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 4PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Community Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 4PM): RM30/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 4PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays): RM50/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each
• Balls: Free of charge, but professional balls can be purchased for RM12 each

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: Courtsite

6. Pickle Space

A joint space with Malaysian F&B chain Oh My Belly, Pickle Space is a two-court pickleball space with a Moroccan design flair. 

Location: SUBLOT 6&7, Jalan Subang 4, TMN.INDUSTRI SG.PENAGA, 47610 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 2

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 12PM to 4PM) RM50/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 12PM and 4PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12PM

Where to book: AFA

7. Picks and Rec

A fully air-conditioned space, Picks and Rec was founded by a group of siblings who fell in love with pickleball. 

Aside from six courts you can book out, this spot offers two free dinking courts. They also have a Titan One Machine for rent for those looking to up their skills with custom drills.

Location: Block B-Level 2, Menara Harvey Norman, 13A, Jalan 51a/219, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 46100

Available courts: 6 (2 dinking courts)

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM): RM39/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 4PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5
• Free balls provided per booking

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: Bookeo

8. Repick Pickleball 

Another relatively new pickleball facility in KL is Repick Pickleball. It offers one standard court, two lounge courts, and a VIP court. 

There’s also perks such as a pool table available for those looking to take a quick and fun break. 

Location: Lot 47-1, Jalan Tiga, Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Available courts: 4

Price:

• Court A1 (with benches)

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM): RM45/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

• Court A2 and A3 (with “chilling area”)

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM): RM50/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Court A4 (VIP court with premium lounge)

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM): RM55/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM75/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM7 for Selkirk starter paddle, RM9 for Selkirk intermediate paddle
• Ball purchase: RM10 each

Opening hours: Every day 9AM to 1AM

Where to book: AFA

9. KL City Pickleball

Ever wanted to play at odd hours in the night? KL City Pickleball is ready to welcome players 24/7. 

Located in Zebra Square KL, KL City Pickleball bundles its court bookings with four paddles without additional charges, unless you need additional ones. It offers both covered and uncovered pickleball courts. 

Location: 18 Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kelab Golf di Raja Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 55100

Available courts: 6

Price: 

• Covered courts

  • Non-peak hours (Every day, 12AM to 5PM): RM50/hour
  • Peak Hours (Every day, 5PM to 12AM): RM80/hour

• Uncovered courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM and 12AM to 8AM; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 12PM to 5PM and 12AM to 8AM): RM30/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 8AM to 12PM and 5PM to 12AM): RM60/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rentals: Every booking comes with four paddles, with additional paddles priced at RM20/each
• Ball purchase: RM8/ball or RM21 for a set of 3

Opening hours: Every day 12AM to 12AM

Where to book: Courtsite

10. Pickle World

Step into Pickle World, where there are six covered courts available. For those looking for a drill partner, this venue offers Titan One Pickleball machines for rent. 

Location: Lorong Tandang B, Pjs 51, 46510 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 6

Price: 

• VIP court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM): RM50/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 4PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Normal court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM): RM40/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 4PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM4 each 
• Ball rental: RM2 each

Opening hours: Every day 9AM to 1AM

Where to book: Courtsite

11. Pickle Crown

Located inside the Tropicana Sports Centre, Pickle Crown is a spacious arena with 11 courts available. 

Opened just recently in March, the operators behind Pickle Crown also operate the neighbouring badminton courts, Smash Arena. 

Location: Level 7, 70, Jalan Nautika B U20/B, TSB Pusat Kommersial Seksyen U20, 40160 Sungai Buloh, Selangor

Available courts: 11 

Price: 

• Non-peak hours: (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM45/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

Equipment: Information not available online

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: Courtsite

12. Pickle Valley

Another new venue, Pickle Valley is located in Setapak. It offers both indoor and outdoor courts with a total of 9 courts available. 

For those who like to play at odd hours, Pickle Valley is open starting at 6AM and only closes at 3AM. That’s only three hours of shuteye for the courts!

Location: Lot No.1, Pusat Perniagaan Palet, 2, Jalan 3/23a, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan

Available courts: 9 

Price: 

• Outdoor

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6AM to 6PM): RM35/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6PM to 3AM; all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays): RM50/hour

• Indoor

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6AM to 6PM): RM40/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6PM to 3AM; all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays): RM60/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each
• Ball purchase: RM8 each 

Opening hours: Every day 6AM to 3AM 

Where to book: Courtsite

13. Pickle Point

Surrounded by greenery and city views, Pickle Point is home to not just a number of courts but also a cafe, But First Club, as well as a pro shop by MYPickleball. 

With 5 covered and 5 outdoor courts available, it offers memberships for those who want to be a bit more serious or consistent with their play. 

Location: Lot 2808, Jalan Damansara, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Available courts: 10 

Price: 

• Covered courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM48/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 11AM, 5PM to 12PM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM68/hour

• Outdoor courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 11AM to 5PM): RM33/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 11AM and 5PM to 12PM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM53/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM4 each 
• Ball rental: RM2 each

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: Playbypoint

14. 91 Pickle Ball Club House

Home to 18 courts, 91 Pickle Ball Club House dubs itself the “The Largest Pickleball Clubhouse” locally. It’s a part of the 91 Sports Arena, which also offers badminton courts and billiards.

It was actually founded by Chan Peng Soon, a former professional badminton player who was a silver medallist at the Rio Olympics. 

Location: Giant USJ, Persiaran Subang Permai, Subang Light Industrial Park, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Available courts: 18

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM50/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour 

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 1AM

Where to book: AFA

15. The Pickle Vibe

The Pickle Vibe has expanded to two outlets, one in Kepong, and another in Seri Kembangan. According to its Instagram, it also has a Puchong destination set to open soon. 

Its Seri Kembangan location claims to be the biggest set of pickleball courts in Malaysia, set to have 27 courts in total. But it’s in its first phase right now, so only 14 courts are available. 

Location: 

• Kepong: 12, Jalan Helang Bukit, Kepong Baru Tambahan, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
• Seri Kembangan: The Atmosphere, Pusat Perniagaan, Jalan Atmosphere 5, The Atmosphere, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

Available courts: 

• Kepong: 10 
• Seri Kembangan: 27

Price: 

Kepong

• Pickleball

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5PM): RM55/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 10AM and 5PM to 2AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

• Pickleball VIP

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5PM): RM60/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 10AM and 5PM to 2AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM70/hour

• Exclusive Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 10AM to 5PM): RM60/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 10AM and 5PM to 2AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM75/hour

Seri Kembangan 

• 3D Echo Tournament Arena

  • Non-peak hours (Monday  to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM55/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM69/hour

• International Tournament Pickleball Courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday  to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM45/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM59/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM4 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 for tournament-ready ball, RM5 for TPV ball

Opening hours: 

• Kepong: Every day 7AM to 2AM
• Seri Kembangan: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: Courtsite (Kepong, Seri Kembangan)

16. Dink Avenue

Located in Subang Jaya, Dink Avenue is a lifestyle destination with not just pickle courts but also dining options and… a pet shop?

Indeed, furparents will be delighted to know that this is a pet-friendly court. 

Location: 1, Jalan USJ 25, Jalan Makmur, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 6

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM39/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM59/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 1AM

Where to book: Courtsite

17. Pickle Porch

Located in Setapak, Pickle Porch is home to six courts as well as dining options. While there is no menu posted online, they appear to offer an assortment of pastas. 

Location: 2080-L1A, Jalan Genting Kelang, Setapak Village, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Available courts: 6 

Price: 

• Monday to Friday

  • 9AM to 6PM: RM35/hour
  • 6PM to 8PM, 11PM to 12AM: RM50/hour
  • 8PM to 11PM: RM65/hour

• Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays

  • 9AM to 12AM: RM60/hour 

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM 

Where to book: Courtsite

18. PickleChill 

Home to six courts, PickleChill has a unique “Ladies Court” that features a bright pink design for that perfect photo op. There are also two mini dinking courts. 

Location: South City Plaza, Taman Serdang Perdana, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

Available courts: 6

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM29/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM49/hour

Equipment: Information is not available online. 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: AFA

19. DinkerBelle Pickleball Courts

Opened at the start of 2025, DinkerBelle is a pickleball facility that is opened 24/7, catering to those pickleball fanatics, or people with busy schedules. 

Location: Dinkerbelle Pickleball Courts, Lot 525, Jalan TUDM, Kampung Baru Subang, Shah Alam, Malaysia 40150

Available courts: 10 

Price: 

• Competitive Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 12AM to 5PM): RM45/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM60/hour 

• Regular Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 12AM to 5PM): RM40/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM50/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each
• Ball purchase: RM8 each

Opening hours: Every day, 12AM to 12AM

Where to book: Courtsite

20. Dink Arena 

With 18 courts, Dink Arena in the USJ area currently seems to tie for the biggest pickleball facility in Malaysia. 

Location: BLOCK A (I), LOT, 36545, Jalan TS 6/1, TAMAN PERINDUSTRIAN, 47510 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 18 

Price: 

• VIP courts

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM): RM55/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; Saturday, 9AM to 3AM; Sunday and public holidays, 9AM to 1AM): RM70/hour

• Community courts:

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM): RM45/hour
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; Saturday, 9AM to 3AM; Sunday and public holidays, 9AM to 1AM): RM60/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM6 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Sunday to Friday, 9AM to 1AM; Saturday 9AM to 3AM

Where to book: Courtsite

21. Pickle Planet

Opened last December, Pickle Planet features 10 baby pink and green courts. 

Location: Jalan 2c, Kampung Subang Baru, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

Available courts: 8 

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM40/hour
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM60/hour

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM4 each 
• Ball rental: RM2 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: Courtsite

22. High On Pickle

Straddling the area between Puchong and Bukit Jalil, High on Pickle is a pickleball facility with an outdoor court as well as a variety of indoor courts. There are also two dinking walls. 

Location: Lot 5639, Jalan Bangau 10, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor

Available courts: 7 

Price: 

• VIP Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM49
  • Weekday peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM): RM59
  • Weekend peak hours (all day Saturday, Sunday, public holidays): RM69

• HOPE Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM39
  • Weekday peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM): RM49
  • Weekend peak hours (all day Saturday, Sunday, public holidays): RM59

• Indoor and Outdoor Training Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM29
  • Weekday peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM): RM39
  • Weekend peak hours (all day Saturday, Sunday, public holidays): RM49

Equipment:

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM9 each 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: High on Pickle’s website

23. PickleTime

With a Skinny Court as well as a VIP court, PickleTime is a Subang facility with 11 courts available for bookings. 

Location: 854, Jalan Subang 7, Taman Indah Subang Uep, 47630 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 11

Price: 

• Skinny Court

  • Every day, 7AM to 4AM: RM20/hour

• VIP Court

  • Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM; every day 1AM to 4AM) : RM38/hour 
  • Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 1AM; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 7AM to 1AM): RM59/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each with a deposit of RM30 per paddle
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 4AM

Where to book: Courtsite

24. Pickle With Me 

Found in USJ1, Pickle With Me houses four indoor courts. 

Location: Jln Subang 4, Taman Industri Sungai Penaga, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Available courts: 4

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Monday  to Friday, 8AM to 5PM): RM45/hour 
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5PM to 12AM; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays): RM65/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Ball purchase: RM10 each 

Opening hours: Every day 8AM to 12AM

Where to book: AFA

25. Pickle Human 

This KL facility offers four tournament-grade courts with ITF-certified medium fast flooring, designed for peak performance. 

According to their website, it was founded by Bruce Lee, who boasts over 15 years in the Klang Valley’s steamed fish business. (We’re not sure how that ties in to pickleball, but interesting trivia nonetheless!)

Location: 31, Lorong Kuang Bulan, Taman Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Available courts: 7

Price: 

• Super off-peak hours (Every day, 12AM to 1AM): RM40/hour
• Non-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5PM): RM 55/hour 
• Peak hours (Monday to Friday 5PM to 12AM; Saturday and Sunday, 7AM to 12AM): RM70/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM5 each 
• Selkirk ball purchase: RM15 each 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 1AM

Where to book: Appolous

26. Pickle Alley

Open from 7AM to 5AM the next day every day, Pickle Alley in Petaling Jaya is another facility that is good for those with busy timetables. 

Location: C-1-01, First Floor, Ritze Perdana 2, Jalan PJU 8/1, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Available courts: 4

Price: 

• Non-peak hours (Every day, 7AM to 4PM): RM45/hour 
• Peak hours (Every day, 4PM to 5AM): Price: RM55/hour

Equipment: 

• Paddle rental: RM10 each 
• Ball rental: RM3 each 

Opening hours: Every day 7AM to 5AM

Where to book: AFA

-//-

If you thought 26 names were a lot, there are definitely more courts out there, and we’re pretty sure there’s more to come.

For example, pickleball shop Picklefox will be launching their very own facility too that comes with smart courts.

• Read other articles we’ve written about pickleball here.

Also Read: At 23, he coded a startup in his bedroom. Now, his M’sian HR firm serves 450+ global clients.

Featured Image Credit: Picks and Rec / Grand Rally Pickleball / Pickle Planet

S’pore-based healthtech startup raises US$2.2M from investors including Gojek, Syfe founders

Singapore-based healthtech startup Mito Health has announced that they successfully raised an additional US$2.2 million in seed funding today (March 18), bringing their total funds raised to US$4 million.

The funding round saw participation from the startup’s existing investor, Forge Ventures, and is joined by a new group of investors.

This includes Y Combinator, Capital X, XA Network, American entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, Kevin Aluwi from Gojek, Alex Svanevik from Nansen, Prashanth Prakash representing Accel and Dhruv Arora from Syfe, among many others.

In their announcement on Mito Health’s website, the founders shared that the fresh funding will be used to expand their operations in the United States in the coming months and years.

We look forward to being able to serve more clients, offer more tests, and securely bring all of your medical records into one place to give you the most personalised, cutting-edge health advice.

Kenneth Lou, Tee-Ming Chew, Joel Kek & Dr Ryan Kek, founders of Mito Health

Making their mark in the States

Vulcan Post previously reported in 2023 that Mito Health had successfully raised S$1.7 million in pre-seed funding as it aimed to build a health platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

The startup uses the technology to augment medical expertise and create personalised health plans for customers based on their diagnostic results and wearable data. The platform’s primary focus is on optimising health to extend users’ health span—the years they live free from disability and disease.

Mito Health aims to serve the health-conscious demographic and individuals who are seeking strategies to maintain their health beyond annual checkups and supplements.

According to its co-founder and CEO Kenneth Lou, the startup has expanded to all 50 states in the US since its launch in San Francisco last summer, working with labs including LabCorp and BioReference. 

He added that its comprehensive blood testing service, covering over 100 biomarkers, has helped customers detect early signs of disease and achieve peak health.

With AI-assisted medical analysis connecting the dots between personal data and the latest research, Mito Health is able to pick up issues earlier and give better insights. 

As AI continues to advance, our vision of providing “an AI doctor in your pocket” grows ever closer to reality.

Kenneth Lou, CEO and co-founder of Mito Health

With regards to Singapore, Lou has also announced that the startup will discontinue its in-person blood draw services in the city-state in a bid to focus on its larger goal of building its AI-powered health platform.

However, he has also reassured that Mito Health would continue serving its Singaporean users via its digital platform, where users can continue to upload their lab results and receive medical analysis from there.

• Learn more about Mito Health here.
• Read more articles we have written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also Read: S’pore startup Mito Health raises S$1.7M – investors include Carousell, ShopBack founders

Featured Image Credit: Mito Health

‍

S’pore’s Creative Technology cuts staff by 14% in a bid to “ensure long-term success”

Singaporean multinational electronics company Creative Technology, also known as Creative Labs, has retrenched about 40 staff, or 14% of its workforce, The Straits Times reports.

The job cuts have impacted several departments, including marketing and sales, though the company did not disclose the number of affected employees and whether they were based in Singapore.

Currently, Creative Technology employs more than 280 people worldwide, which is reportedly only a fraction of its workforce size compared to its peak years in the 2000s.

According to a spokesperson, the layoffs were carried out as part of the company’s decision to restructure certain areas of its business in order to “adapt to the evolving market conditions.”

“The decision was not taken lightly,” he added, stating that the company would support affected employees through the exercise, which was carried out in line with the Manpower Ministry’s guidelines.

We believe this restructuring will allow us to build a stronger, more sustainable future; one that ensures long-term success for our company, our employees and the customers we serve. We are committed to working to get Creative back on a sustainable trajectory ahead.

Widening losses

Creative Technology was founded in 1981 by Sim Wong Hoo, who was known to be one of Singapore’s most famous technology entrepreneurs.

It became the first Singaporean company to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange and gained recognition for its Sound Blaster sound cards as well as other digital entertainment products.

However, the company has seen a decline in market presence in recent years and is facing financial challenges.

For the first six months of its fiscal year, which ended on December 31, 2024, its net loss widened to S$8.1 million, up from S$5.4 million in the same period last year. This occurred despite the company achieving an 18% increase in net sales.

In November 2024, Creative Technology gave notice that it had recorded pre-tax losses for three consecutive years, but it had still met the financial entry criteria to avoid being placed on SGX’s watch list.

The company also warned that uncertainty surrounding the import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, as well as potential retaliatory measures from affected countries, could heighten inflationary pressures and impact consumer demand for its products.

Global tech layoffs

Creative Technology’s announcement is the latest in a series of layoffs by tech firms that have impacted employees both in Singapore and globally in recent years.

According to layoffs.fyi, 549 tech companies laid off over 152,000 employees in 2024, and more than 23,000 jobs have already been cut worldwide so far this year.

Just last month, TikTok laid off several employees from its Trust and Safety department as part of a global effort to streamline operations for long-term growth, which affected at least 12 staff members in Singapore.

Meta also recently announced a reduction in its workforce as the tech giant positions itself for “an intense year”—several staff members in Singapore have already been notified of their retrenchment.

• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: PropertyGuru lays off 174 employees & closes down three of its business units

Feature Image Credit: Zulkifli Jamil via Reuters