Labour Standards : What You Need to Know

Good news for low wage earners here in Singapore – NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) established a center which can provide assistance. Now, low wage earners have a place to turn to when they are in need of assistance. November 07, 2013 marked the setting up of the very first toll free hotline and service centre for low wage earners by NTUC. The service centre is called U Care Centre nestled at Jurong East. The aim of the centre is to provide assistance and direction when it comes to employment, contract, benefits and other work related concerns.

labour-standards

Whether you are earning low or high, it is important that you know your rights as a worker. Knowing your rights is basic so spend some time knowing your rights. When the time comes, you can use the knowledge and you will not be taken for granted or fooled. When you feel that you are violated, you should assert your right. But are you familiar with the ILO’s (International Labour Organization) five core labour standards? If not, you have to understand it. The labour standards include the following:

Freedom of Association

The freedom of association is the right of workers to join or form organizations based on their preference of liking.

Bargaining

Trade unions (which stand in behalf of every worker who belongs to the organization) have the right to bargain collectively with their company or government.

Elimination of Coercion

Coercion or forcing workers to toil in exchange for something is prohibited. The elimination of coercion and all its forms should be practiced.

Abolition of Child Labour

Children should be studying not working. The ILO set minimum working age of 15 as long as the work is less or light. If the workplace is dangerous or hazardous, the minimum working age should be 18.

Elimination of Discrimination

In any employment, the prejudice of the company base on the religion, sex, race and origin of the employee should not be looked upon.

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How to Keep Your Child Healthy and Wise

Keeping your child healthy is a challenge but as a parent, you should hope for the best and not think about its level of difficulty. In your home, you have to start inculcating to your child that healthy living will make his/her life longer and happier. You need to be a good example for them so it is required that you “practice what you preach”. There are many things that you can share to your child to live a healthy, happy and long life. You can encourage the following things to your child and hopefully he/she will observe and practice it:

child-health

1. Sleep

You notice that your child seems not to run out of energy. That may be true but they need a good and quality sleep to renew their energy. Your child’s development will be boosted if you encourage sleeping.

2. Right Foods

To fuel your kids on their daily activities, you have to serve or prepare the right foods. You need to prepare foods and vegetables so they will be properly nourished.

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3. Physical Activities

If you want your kids to have a stamina or endurance to last the day, you have to encourage physical activities like school games, simple exercise, running or jogging. Exercise has plenty of benefits.

4. Personal Hygiene

If you want your child to live healthy, you have to promote personal hygiene too. You can start by encouraging your child to always wash his/her hands. You also need to teach them proper bathing. You can teach your kid how to cough or blow their nose without compromising the people around.

You did your part now it is time for the Napfa (National Physical Fitness Award) to do their own. Napfa presented a holistic review for schools to see how they are engaging their students in array of activities. The review will cover the participation of students in PE (Physical Education), display of attitudes and values (during PE) and many things. New and revamped syllabus of PE will be implemented in 2016.

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Protecting Your House from Second Hand Smoke

We should commend NEA’s (National Environment Agency) efforts in minimizing second hand smoke. But their work is not yet finished. There are people who are discouraged with the minimal efforts of NEA from protecting non-smokers. There is a Smoking Act which states which places restrict smoking to safeguard the public from second hand smoke.

2ndhand-smoke

According to the HPB (Health Promotion Board), passive smokers have more risks of developing lung cancer and other smoking related illness. The Smoking Act protects people when they are in public places but what about protection in our homes? What if we have smoking neighbours? It does not cover the Smoking Act.

Here are some steps you can take to stop or at least minimize second hand smoking from coming into your house or apartment:

  • Entry Points of the Smoke: You should identify the entry points of the smoke. Entry points include air vents, plumbing, gaps, eaves, outlets, ceiling, windows, doors, etc.
  • Seal Gaps: Once identified, it is time that you seal the gaps or the entry points of the smoke. The gaps should be filled or sealed with insulating foam or silicone caulk.
  • Install Window Fans: If the smoke really bothers you, you should consider installing window fans. Window fans will draw out the smoke, plus it can improve ventilation. Ask experts about this.
  • Talk to Your Neighbours: If all else fails, you should go talk to your landlord, or better yet, get into the source directly – your neighbour. You should let them know the difficulties you are encountering because of the smoke that they produce.

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If you are the smoker, you should be aware of your neighbours needs. Do not just ignore the needs of non smokers and drag them into your pit or dungeon because they deserve more. Non smokers do not smoke to avoid its dire effects. Respect their space.

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The Disadvantage of Online Gaming to Kids

The expected release of a video game, Grand Theft Auto V took place last September. The game was classified as “M18” which means no one can buy it under the age of 18. But sadly, there are children below 18 who gained access. The rating was not heeded. There is a reason why it is rated M18 so it should be imposed. We all know that video games can affect directly or indirectly kids and all other players.

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What are the effects or disadvantages of online gaming to kids?

  • Aggression – Online gaming will promote aggressiveness. When you speak of aggressiveness, it means the readiness or the tendency to attack something or someone. The intention of harming is very evident.
  • Confrontation – In the school environment or even in the house, kids tend to argue and get into confrontation with teachers, fellow students, siblings and parents.
  • Fights – Online gaming can agitate the kids. We often see kids fight each other. Sometimes kids tend to challenge authorities and fight with them.
  • Distractions – Instead of studying and doing other tasks, kids tend to ignore it and simply continue playing. A decline in school accomplishments is evident.

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The list will go on if parents and other members of the society fail to suppress this. We often hear about kids committing crimes because they want to relive a game. That is not good. As much as possible, parents and other members of the society should think of ways to repress online gaming. As a parent, you can for instance promote other things to do like reading, watching movies, exercising, etc. instead of online gaming.

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What are IT Services?

Information Technology (IT) services can be the most important part of a company’s system. It is the backbone of the company which supports all of its essential parts to keep the business fully operational. But what really IT service is and how will it help your establishment?

technology-services

IT services can be in different forms

Information technology services can come in the form of robots, computers, sensors, and network support systems. These tools are used to process, store, transmit, retrieve and protect important information. They are widely used in Singapore business establishments, organizations, universities, and other big and small companies that needs to keep multiple personal and clientele information. Tools such as computer units and network systems are the most widely used IT service product to be able for an organization to function well.

IT services can be computer software

Software infotech services are representation of instructions, sound or image, data, object and source code, recorded in a format which can be read by computers and automatic data processing machines. Software services are installed in computer units to make outputs more accurate and valid. The type of software needed by departments vary based on their assigned tasks. Software services provided by IT services in Singapore like financial analysis, email support, legal databases, insurance claim processing, and payroll management are just some of the services needed for book keeping tasks. While for data management tasks, services like market researches, translation services, and legal transcription services are the most common software they need to have. These Singapore services will greatly enhance work outputs and will make tasks a lot easier.

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IT services modernize businesses

The arrival of advanced technologies has become the most powerful force in transforming the function and structure of businesses, offices, and households. Today, most Singapore companies are very much dependent on new technologies and services offered by information technology. Infotech services make workloads lighter and easier because of the automated equipment that only requires lesser manual power.

IT services specialists provide expert assistance

Because of the abundance of software and hardware choices available in Singapore market, the expertise of IT service specialist is highly needed. IT specialists are professionals in the field of infotech services and can provide you upgradeable software and hardware that can enhance your system’s performance. Items such as desktops, laptops, printers, and peripherals should be cautiously chosen according to the type of tasks they need to execute. These objects have to be reliable and are necessary to run smoothly and perfectly at all times. Undependable employee workstations and hardware failure are just some of the responsibilities of an infotech specialist.

IT

Another thing that infotech specialists do is to secure the Singapore network system. Specialists are very accustomed with all the network security setting applications. They’ll make sure that your network system is protected from malware, viruses, equipment failure, and external attacks. Their knowledge with these kinds of services and their ability to monitor will ensure stability and great output performances for any type of business. IT services specialists know all the essential information technology components needed by your company that will help achieve your goals.

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Haze Situation in Singapore

Singapore was stunned after haze struck 321. Singaporeans, as well as the government did not expect this to happen but it happened anyway. The best thing to do is to join hands and look forward to the future. Of course we need to do our part to prevent another haze condition. It is not easy but with collective efforts, we can make a difference at the end of the day.

The Prime Minister urged the public, NGO (Non Governmental Organizations) and International organizations to engage in talks about the haze condition. The Prime Minister further explained that the haze condition is not only the problem of Indonesia because it is a regional and global problem. He said that the haze condition is primarily due to industries. These industries want profits so that countries in return gain economic advantage. It is understandable but he said that it is not good that economic reasons succeed over health and nature.

haze

You should know what to do when there is haze. You can consider this:

Know the hazards of the haze

Haze poses serious health threats. It can affect the heart, eyes, skin, airways, lungs and nose. For people suffering from chronic diseases, they are advised to stay indoors and avoid physical actions. Kids and elders are also advised to stay indoors.

Inform other people of the hazards of haze

It is important that you inform and spread information about the hazards of haze. You should explain this phenomenon to your children and teens so they may understand it.

Stay indoors as much as possible

If PSI hit high, it is better if you stay indoors and avoid going out especially if you have chronic heart or lung diseases.

If it can’t be helped, at least wear N95 masks

If you really need to get out and work, at least wear N95 masks. It will protect you from inhaling air pollutants that may trigger health conditions.

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Where to Eat the Best Vietnamese Foods in SG

Vietnamese are known for their healthy foods. If you want to eat a healthy meal, you should consider Vietnamese cuisines. Even if you are in Singapore, you can still enjoy the cuisine. The first thing that you need to do is search for Vietnamese restaurants around or you can simply refer to this:

viet-food

 Madam Saigon

Madam Saigon is located in Millenia Walk. The restaurant offers original Viatnamese foods and other regional cuisines. You must try their salad, summer rolls with prawns, beef noodle soup, stir fry beef, mix roll platter, beef stew, pancake, hot pot and many more. The price ranges from S$17 to S$22. They are open every day from 11:30am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm.

Long Phung

Long Phung is located in Joo Chiat Road. This restaurant is popular among locals because of its original and tasty Vietnamese cuisine. You should try their pho tai, chicken pho, hu tieu kho, ga vien, chicken winfs, desserts and other drinks. The price ranges from S$5 to S$18. They are open every day from 1pm to 2am.

Little Vietnam

Little Vietnam is located in Guillemard Road. Though the restaurant is standing in the red light district, it is certainly a quiet place to hang around and enjoy your Vietnamese dishes. They offer good food at reasonable prices. You must try their com tam, beef noodle, spring roll, ngheu hap sa, bot chien and many more. The price ranges from S$5 to S$18. They are open daily from 4pm to 1:30am.

Viet Lang

Viet Lang is located in Old Parliament Lane. The restaurant serves authentic Southern, Northern and Central Vietnamese cuisines. You should try their vegetable curry, beef la lot, banh beo, ca kho to, pho ga, goi cuon, salad roll, grilled chicken, drinks and desserts. Price ranges from S$22 to S$81. They are open from Sunday-Thursday (11:30am-2:30pm and 6pm to 11:30pm) and Friday-Saturday & Holidays (11:30am-2:30pm and 6pm-1am).

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The Number 1 Music Station in Singapore

For music enthusiasts, music is the food for their soul. Without it, they will feel lifeless and dull. Many people are musically inclined and some are avid listeners but regardless, there are plenty of radio stations here in Singapore dedicated to give their listeners the best music experience.

For your information, Hot FM 91.3 has surpassed 987FM as the number 1 music station here in Singapore. The station had gained three hundred thirty one thousand listeners. Hot FM 91.3 is also hailed as the number 1 English radio station for listeners that are below 20 years old. If you want to check their website, you can go to Radio913.com. In their website, you will see schedules of their shows and corresponding DJs.

hot-fm

Shows

The station plays different genre depending on the program. From Monday to Friday, they have this Hot Breakfast (6am to 10am), Playing the hottest hits (10am to 4pm), The Shan and Cheryl show (4pm to 7:30pm) and Hot 30 countdown (7:30pm to 12am) programs. They play non-stop music from Saturday to Sunday. Every Saturday, watch out for Trance around the World (12am to 2am), Sander Van Doorn (2am to 3am), Ad Free 40 Weekend (3am to 6am), Ad-free over-easy weekend (6am to 12pm), Requestickles (12pm to 3pm) and American top 40 (3pm to 7pm). Every Sunday, watch out for A state of trance (12am to 2am), Fire it up (2am to 3am), weekend wind up (12pm to 6am), American top 40 (8pm to 12am) and Planet perfecto (10pm to 12am).

DJs

They have plenty of DJs starting from Adam, Josh, JJ, Shan, Cheryl, Charmaine Yee, Nadz, Eddie Halliwell, Cheryl Miles, Paul Oakenfold and Ryan Seacrest.

Aside from that, you have the right to vote for the hot 30 hits. The website also provides pictures.

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Where to Eat the Best Satay in SG

Satay is delicious. It is famous in Singapore and other neighbouring countries. Satay is made of marinated meat, skewered by a stick and grilled over charcoal. It is served with many seasonings or sauce. If you want to grab a Satay, you should go to these places for a start:

satay

Kwong

Kwong is located in Geylang Road. It is popular amongst locals. You should try their beef satay, mutton satay, chicken satay, pork belly and pork satay. The price per stick depends on the order. For example a stick of pork belly satay costs S$1, chicken or pork satay costs S$0.40, mutton costs S$0.50 and rice costs S$0.50. They are open from 5pm to 11pm every day except Wednesdays.

Haron

Haron is located in East Coast Lagoon Food Village. They offer a good satay plus a relaxing place next to the beach. Haron received recognition from The Straits Times as the Singapore Master Hawker. You must try their chicken wings, mutton satay, beef satay and chicken satay. You should pay S$0.60 per stick but the minimum order is 10 sticks. They are open from Tuesday-Friday (2pm to 11pm) and Saturday-Sunday (11am to 12midnight).

Chomp Chomp Satay

Chomp Chomp is a Hawker Centre comprised of the best vendors in Singapore. The services are excellent and efficient. You should try their rice cake and partner it with mutton satay, beef satay and chicken satay. Prices range from S$0.45 to S$0.50 per stick. They are open from 6pm until 12pm daily.

Chuan Kee

Chuan Kee is located in Old Airport Road Food Centre. The store is one of the best because of its more than 50 years of experience when it comes to Satay. You should try their chicken, pork and mutton satay. You can also taste their bak gua. The price ranges from S$0.40 to S$0.50 per stick. They are closed every Monday and Thursday.

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