take a break from psle

Opting out of the education arms race – these parents don’t sweat about gradesFollow topic:ParentingPublished Oct 17, 2026, 12:00 PMUpdated Oct 17, 2026, 9:09 PMListenSINGAPORE – Liang May took her son for a staycation at a hotel during his study break before he sat the PSLE in 2024.They went rock climbing, played games at an arcade and visited cafes for meals, while weaving in study time between these activities.“It made him feel more relaxed. He was feeling the stress of PSLE, so this actually helped him,” said the 44-year-old homemaker.She said that in the lead-up to the examination, her friends confiscated their children’s devices or limited their play time. But she did the opposite.In fact, she increased her son’s gaming time and ensured there was a good balance between his studies and personal time.“I consciously told myself not to be reeled in to that pressure… He’s the one sitting the PSLE, and he’s the one feeling most of the pressure,” said Liang, adding that she worried her son would not be able to put effort into studying when he was required to if he was not rested enough.This was not the first time Liang’s approach to her two children’s education seemed unusual to her friends and family.Top storiesExplore top stories from all sections in one placeSingaporeAsiaAsiaSingaporeHaze in Singapore: Air quality improves but majority of regions remain in unhealthy bandPrabowo’s handling of haze unmasks issues with leadership approach as he marks 2 years in officeHaze in Malaysia: Vets seeing uptick in pets with respiratory problemsSingapore to step up surveillance of three infectious diseases from Oct 31Although her son had the chance to enrol at an earlier phase in her husband’s alma mater, a prestigious boys’ primary school, she decided to place him in a neighbourhood school near their home instead.“I wanted my children to grow up meeting kids from different backgrounds, to gain a wider view of the world... And they thrived at Pei Tong Primary School, where they were able to make long-lasting friendships and had caring teachers,” she said.Elisha Tushara is a correspondent at The Straits Times, specialising in Singapore’s education landscape.Vanessa Paige Chelvan is an education correspondent at The Straits Times. She also writes the occasional commentary on parenthood, work and family life. See more onParentingStressSingapore education

screen time argument

Minor IssuesWhich rule made the biggest difference in managing my children’s screen time?Jane NgFollow topic:ST Smart ParentingPublished 22 hours agoUpdated 4 hours agoListenMy children are now 20, 17 and 10. As a parent concerned about the harmful effects of excessive screen time, I have tried implementing a range of rules over the years: from providing a SIM card with limited data to requiring them to leave their mobile phone in the living room at night to delaying access to social media.I reluctantly handed my eldest child a mobile phone when he was 13. It was a hand-me-down phone paired with a SIM card that had only 500MB of data.I figured that with a slow phone and limited data, he would not be able to spend much time on it.I figured wrong. Where there is a will, there is a way, especially when it comes to teenagers and screens.Top storiesExplore top stories from all sections in one placeSingaporeAsiaAsiaSingaporeHaze in Singapore: Air quality improves but majority of regions remain in unhealthy bandPrabowo’s handling of haze unmasks issues with leadership approach as he marks 2 years in officeHaze in Malaysia: Vets seeing uptick in pets with respiratory problemsSingapore to step up surveillance of three infectious diseases from Oct 31With Wi-Fi widely available, the lack of mobile data was hardly an obstacle.Without family control applications and clear boundaries, I spent a lot of time arguing with him over the amount of time he was spending on the screen.Connection before correctionWith a strong-willed child like my son, rules provide structure, but gaining his buy-in is a must.So we had many conversations, where I explained that my primary concern was excessive screen time and the risk of gaming addiction.To bolster my argument, I shared research articles with him on how excessive screen time impacts the developing brain. I wanted him to understand the risks, even though he insisted his screen use was under control.I explained that the rules were there to help us manage his habits – for instance, requiring his mobile phone to be left in the living room overnight.I reminded him that he should balance screen time with other activities, and I made sure to spend time with him doing things he enjoyed.Connecting with him and helping him realise the rules were there for his own good made him much more willing to accept the restrictions.For my son, keeping his phone in the living room at night proved to be the most effective screen rule, preventing him from staying up late on his device during secondary school.Delay is the wayWhen it was time for my daughter to get a mobile phone three years later, I applied what I had learnt from my experience with her brother.We still gave her an old mobile phone and she took over her brother’s 500MB SIM card.In addition to our existing rules, I used the Family Link app to preset agreed daily screen limits, required permission before app downloads, and held off on allowing social media access.Without the distraction of social media, she continued to nurture her love for reading, devouring e-books one after another. She also picked up hobbies like knitting, finding craft ideas from YouTube videos.More on this topicWhat happens inside a baby’s brain when looking at screens? S’pore study shows the impactHow to reduce your child’s screen time without straining your relationshipJust as I had done with her brother, I explained the rationale behind the restrictions and shared with her about the impact of social media on mental health, especially for teenage girls.I emphasised that the idea is to delay her use of social media and not ban it indefinitely.In 2026, at 17, she finally downloaded Instagram. She later shared that she was glad she had waited.For my daughter, who had little interest in gaming, delaying social media made the single biggest difference.Modelling the behaviourThe most challenging rule to abide by is to model the behaviour I hope to see in my children. But I continuously try.When I am not working, I make it a point to put away my mobile phone when they talk to me to give them my full attention.If I need to use my phone while with them, I explain why. For instance, letting them know I need to quickly reply to an urgent e-mail or message.After navigating screen time with teenagers in recent years, I have learnt that engaging them even with rules in place is far more effective than relying solely on strict bans.Jane Ng is a senior correspondent who covers parenting, education and lifestyle stories. She writes a regular column, Minor Issues, where she mulls over her parenting dilemmas. See more onST Smart ParentingST Minor IssuesST Screen TimeoutParentingChildren and youthScreen time

has your existence benefited anyone

‘Has your existence benefited anyone?’: Gerard Ee on legacy and a life of serviceTheresa TanFollow topic:AIC/Agency for Integrated CareSummaryGerard Ee has retired again after years in key public roles, including National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Public Transport Council and Agency for Integrated Care, after a life time of public service.He helped steady the NKF crisis, reviewed ministerial salaries, and faced heavy public pressure. He said his focus was always on how lives improved.Ee, now 77, has faced prostate and colon cancer, and he plans to keep sharing his life experiences with others. He says true legacy is whether his life benefited others.AI generatedPublished Oct 11, 2026, 12:00 PMUpdated Oct 11, 2026, 7:42 PMListenAnother high-profile assignment followed when he headed the committee to review ministerial salaries. The public interest in the matter brought renewed pressure, and his hand bled again.  The committee recommended significant pay cuts after pegging ministerial pay to a much wider pool of top earners here, and factoring in a 40% discount off the market benchmark to reflect the ethos of political service. The Government accepted its recommendations in 2012.‘I can only be myself, for better or for worse’Ee’s introduction to volunteering came early. As a boy, he was exposed to charity work by his father, the late Ee Peng Liang, affectionately known as Singapore’s “father of charity” and founder of the Community Chest.But it was only in his late 20s, while helping his father with the logistics of a TV fund-raiser, that he met many people with disabilities. That left a lasting impression, which sparked his life of service.He said: “It was the first time I felt touched. In spite of their condition, they were so cheerful and positive, and it was then that I felt the tug to want to do something more.”Over the next few decades, Ee championed causes such as accessibility for people with disabilities, youth rehabilitation and active ageing.The long list of organisations he chaired includes the National Council of Social Service, the Charity Council, the Council for Third Age, Automobile Association of Singapore and the Eastern Health Alliance. For Ee, success has always been measured in human outcomes.“I very much believe that when you do good, you must focus on the outcomes and not the output. And the easiest way to measure outcomes is the answer to the question: how have peoples’ lives improved because of what you have done to help?”More on this topicRevised salary framework for political appointment holders and MPs: What are the key changes?There’s every reason to embrace ageing with positivityEe, the youngest of five children, said he never felt burdened to live up to his father’s reputation. This is even though some people who had once sought his father’s help turned to him after his father’s death. “I would do my best, but I would not try to imitate my father because I can only be a poor imitation. I can only be myself, for better or for worse,” he said.In his second retirement, Ee intends to keep sharing his experience with younger people and share insights on ageing and other topics on social media. Asked what he hoped his legacy would be, he returned to the lesson from his father.“That my existence has benefited people. He said at the end of the day, the most important answer is whether your existence has benefited anyone or not.”Then, with a chuckle, he added: “And he went on to say even a dog has given much love and happiness to its owner.”Theresa Tan is the senior social affairs correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers issues that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups.See more onAIC/Agency for Integrated CareKidney diseasesNational Council of Social Service (NCSS)

cpf retirement monthly income counted to cr card

Subscriber exclusiveHow to tap credit card perks and spend safely in retirement without falling into a debt trapChor Khieng YuitFollow topic:Credit/Debit cardsSummaryRetirees aged 65 and above in Singapore can use their CPF LIFE payouts or other income sources to qualify for unsecured credit cards if they meet the $15,000 annual income threshold.Credit cards offer retirees convenience, cash rebates, and the ability to manage payments like insurance premiums, but require careful spending to avoid debt traps.Experts advise retirees to hold no more than two credit cards and to pay their balances in full and on time to avoid high interest charges and financial risks.AI generatedPublished Sep 27, 2026, 5:00 AMUpdated Sep 27, 2026, 8:20 AMListenSign up for ST InvestMe and unlock full access to exclusive insights and financial literacy courses today.SINGAPORE – Credit cards offer convenience, discounts and short-term flexibility, but some retirees may worry about scams, overspending and managing repayments on a reduced income.Retirees in Singapore can benefit from using credit cards if they do so responsibly, said two financial experts who spoke at a Straits Times InvestMe panel discussion on Sept 17.For one thing, retirees would not have to carry large amounts of cash or worry about misplacing or losing their money, said Tan Huey Min, general manager of Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS).She added that credit cards also give cash rebates and discounts, allowing retirees to stretch their dollar.Fellow panellist Leon Loh, a financial services consultant from GEN Financial Advisory, concurred.“There are perks to using a credit card to get credit card points, which you can exchange for products or services, and it’s gotten me quite far,” he shared. Top storiesExplore top stories from all sections in one placeSingaporeAsiaSingaporeAsiaWhat’s the latest haze situation in Singapore?Indonesia’s disaster chief’s brother among five arrested over alleged graft amid haze crisis500+ reports in 2 months: How Singapore’s new Online Safety Commission is tackling online harmsSlain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi called ‘birthing machine’ by ex-father-in-law, court hearsLoh also highlighted the cash-flow benefits. For instance, if a retiree is temporarily tight on cash but needs to pay insurance premiums, they can use their card first and pay off the balance immediately once their income comes in.See more onCredit/Debit cardsRetirementFinancial literacyInvestST InvestMe

money exp for overseas trip

Subscriber exclusiveHow to get friends to share expenses during group holidaysRyley OberFollow topic:InvestPublished Oct 9, 2026, 5:00 AMUpdated Oct 9, 2026, 5:33 PMListenA huge argument unfolded, she said. One friend was under the impression that he was owed well over US$200 (S$256), but with no receipts and differing recollections, he went unpaid.In a 2026 survey of some 2,000 people by fintech company PayPal, 46% said money disagreements created tension or “ruined the vibe” on a trip.Another survey from Zelle, the payments platform, found that consumers often are not fully repaid for group expenses.Why friends avoid the ‘money talk’The most common mistake? Not having a candid conversation about spending limits and repayment plans before friends start filling out their itinerary.Top storiesExplore top stories from all sections in one placeSingaporeAsiaSingaporeAsiaWhat’s the latest haze situation in Singapore?Indonesia’s disaster chief’s brother among five arrested over alleged graft amid haze crisis500+ reports in 2 months: How Singapore’s new Online Safety Commission is tackling online harmsSlain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi called ‘birthing machine’ by ex-father-in-law, court hearsDanielle Bayard Jackson, a friendship coach and the author of Fighting For Our Friendships, said clients have frequently booked sessions with her specifically about navigating the “complexities of the group trip”.Close friends often skip the detailed planning process, Jackson said, because of what she called a “relationship-killing myth”: Friends think they should not have to explain what they find fun, because they fear that would be evidence that they are not as close as they thought.That fear of misperception intensifies when it comes to money. Friends who make more or less than fellow travellers do not want to be viewed differently because of it, Jackson said. That can introduce friction into a friend group.Experts suggest finding consensus about total costs, who is willing to pay what and the repayment process.If you are on a strict budget, it might help to tell fellow travellers about the other financial goals or responsibilities you have.Understanding your travel partnersOn a trip to Japan with three friends, Malvina Abbott described a balancing act between one friend with a limited budget and a wealthier friend who required five-star hotels with precise square footage.It took two months to compromise on the hotel, and they did not have a clear plan for how to handle uneven spending habits before the nine-day trip started, said Abbott, an 83-year-old retired public defender from San Diego.The wealthier friend ended up spending a lot of time on her own.“Our failure to talk about money issues made for some uncomfortable situations,” Abbott said.When planning a group trip, Jackson said she thinks about advice in The Art Of Gathering by Priya Parker: Start by asking, what’s the point?“That helps inform where you should go, how much you should spend and, most importantly, who should come,” Jackson said.Once the invite list is set, it can be helpful to suss out each person’s spending habits during planning.For example, Jackson said she has a friend who enjoys footing a group bill at a restaurant and gets genuinely insulted when others try to pay their portion.More on this topicFinancial freedom is being able to pay for all expenses, not how much you have 3 steps to find out how much you have been spending on your family every monthIf you know that someone is not as reliable at repaying what others fronted, ask yourself if you are willing to potentially lose that money, said Traci Williams, a clinical psychologist and certified financial therapist.For some people, the loss is worth it for their friend to join the trip.Frugal travellers should set a financial limit for when to opt out, experts said. If the total that others are willing to spend on the trip is going to ruin the experience for you, do not go.If someone doesn’t payThe trip has ended. Perhaps you have even sent a gentle reminder, yet some people still have not paid up. How do you confront them without triggering a fight?Williams recommends starting with something positive so that the friends are less likely to feel defensive. That can be as simple as saying: “I really enjoyed our time together.”From there, let them know why it is important for you to be repaid. That could be a bill that is due or upcoming plans you need to save for. Rather than a slap on the wrist, this gives laggards an opportunity to help you out, Williams said.Resist the temptation to just let it go, Jackson warned. While that might seem like the easiest option, it could cause resentment.See more onInvestTravel planningTravel tipsCredit/Debit cardsFinancial literacy

deal with it straight away

Subscriber exclusiveNot one big spree: Why more people in their 30s, 40s are seeking help for credit card debt in S’poreChor Khieng YuitFollow topic:Credit/Debit cardsSummaryPeople in their 30s and 40s made up the biggest groups seeking help for unsecured debt, driven mainly by lifestyle spending and income shocks.Credit Counselling Singapore said cases rose to a three-year high of 814 in Q2 2026, while MAS data showed rollover balances climbed to $9.64 billion.Risks are still seen as manageable because delinquency and charge-off rates are low, but stress pockets remain.AI generatedPublished 4 hours agoUpdated 2 hours agoListenIvan Tan, a director of financial institutions ratings at S&P Global Ratings, noted that the risks appear manageable for now because the credit card charge-off rates have largely remained flat at 5.9% in the first half of 2026. The charge-off rate refers to the bad credit card debts that the banks write off as uncollectible, divided by the average rollover balance.  Tan added that Singapore has strong regulatory guard-rails, including credit limits calibrated to a borrower’s monthly income.For credit cards and unsecured personal loans, the system enforces individual bank caps and a broader, industry-wide credit limit.A bank can grant a credit limit of up to four times an individual’s monthly income for those earning between $30,000 and $120,000 a year. There is also a limit across all banks, which is capped strictly at 12 times an individual’s monthly income.For example, an individual earning $30,000 a year has a monthly income of $2,500. Their maximum credit limit would be $10,000 with a single bank and capped at $30,000 with all banks. If outstanding balances breach this 12 times monthly income ceiling for three straight months, banks are legally required to freeze all further credit transactions. More on this topicS’pore firms, households have sufficient buffers to weather financial shocks: MAS reviewTrack expenses down to the cent – or keep it simple? Find something that works for youPockets of vulnerabilityWhile there are “no clear indications of broad credit stress among resident households”, Fitch Ratings’ Tanoto noted that there could be “pockets of vulnerability” as economic pressures and cost of living mount.In that same Financial Stability Review, MAS’ stress test revealed that around 1% of borrowers could face negative cash flows when there is a sharp global AI-related downturn. Under that scenario, household income drops by around 10% and unemployment rises. The vulnerable borrowers have saving buffers of less than six months of the resulting income shortfall.  They are mostly middle-aged HDB residents with relatively lower incomes. Some of them are also middle-income borrowers with sizeable outstanding private housing loans, MAS noted in the report.For borrowers feeling the financial strain now, Li has this advice: “Deal with the debt problem early.”He added: “Don’t wait until the repayments become impossible. Sit down, calculate everything you owe, stop taking on new debt and seek help if you need it.“There is no shame in asking for help. For me, admitting that I couldn’t solve it on my own was actually the first step towards getting my finances under control.”Chor Khieng Yuit is senior correspondent at The Straits Times. She believes in financial education for the masses, particularly the low-income, the elderly and people with special needs.See more onCredit/Debit cardsLoansFinancial literacyFinancial counselling

sch of medicine at age 28

HeadstartLatestMoney MentorWork BestieLife GuideAbout HeadstartOne man’s journey to medicine: He pivoted from architecture to nursing to medicineJane NgFollow topic:ST HeadstartSummaryUzer Danial Sukari switched from architecture to nursing after a National Service deployment showed him he enjoyed helping people and healthcare work.His nursing path was delayed by the pandemic, but he worked at the Institute of Mental Health, then excelled at Nanyang Polytechnic with a 3.90 GPA and top student awards.He later entered medicine at NUS and hopes to use his nursing background to become a more patient-centred doctor.AI generatedPublished 5 hours agoUpdated 4 hours agoListenPursuing a medical degree seemed improbable then.“I never thought I could study medicine,” says Danial. However, his interest was ignited while pursuing his nursing diploma, when he discovered a passion for subjects like anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.“I often found myself reading beyond the syllabus to understand more,” he says, recalling how he spent hours exploring medical journals, textbooks and online resources.Uzer Danial Sukari’s interest in healthcare deepened after he became a nurse. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAHUpon graduation, he began his career as a staff nurse at the neurosurgery ward in Singapore General Hospital.Working alongside doctors on complex cases deepened his curiosity about diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. “It made me realise I wanted to contribute to patient care in a different capacity,” says Danial, who decided to apply to the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in 2025 at age 28.Balancing full-time work and the gruelling application process was not easy. For instance, Danial had to attend his admissions interview after finishing a tiring overnight shift.To make matters worse, a computer crash during his situational judgment test wiped out his responses, forcing him to retake the assessment that afternoon.“I had already accepted the possibility of rejection and was fully prepared to continue my career as a nurse,” says Danial, who is now in his second year of medical school. “I was not prepared for actually getting accepted. Even to this day, it still feels a little surreal.”The day he received the university’s offer in 2025, he received a promotion at work, making his decision to leave his job bittersweet.“I had grown to enjoy nursing and my work. I remember hesitating to tell my supervisors that I was resigning so soon after receiving the promotion,” he remembers.Although he anticipated a demanding workload, the sheer volume of material during his first year of medical school proved to be a steep learning curve. He managed the transition through daily revision.He credits his nursing background as a solid foundation that helps him connect core medical concepts with real-world clinical experience. “Conditions I encountered as a nurse now make much more sense as I learn the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology,” he says.At 29, Danial is years older than his peers, but he views his non-traditional path as an asset.He hopes to keep the patient-centred approach he developed through nursing.“I want to be a doctor who not only understands the medical condition, but also considers the patient’s circumstances, concerns and priorities,” he says.More on this topicNo to retirement, yes to higher education: Why some seniors are going back to schoolUniversity of the Arts Singapore marks first batch of graduatesJane Ng is a senior correspondent who covers parenting, education and lifestyle stories. She writes a regular column, Minor Issues, where she mulls over her parenting dilemmas. See more onST HeadstartLifestyle interviewsST Smart ParentingParentingMedicineNUSWork Bestie