A Day at KidZania Singapore @ Sentosa [Revisit]

31 Beach View #01-01 / 02 Palawan Kids City, Sentosa, Singapore 098008

Tel: 6653 6888

Website: http://kidzania.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidZaniaSingapore

The last time we went to KidZania Singapore (review here), it was to bring the Niece. KidZania had just opened in Singapore then. This June holidays, we brought the Nephew there (he is quite a few years younger than his sister) to enjoy this indoor children's theme park where they get to try out different career and job roles.

I don't think much has changed since our visit 2 years ago - ticket pricing is the same (thankfully), every child must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and above, and everyone wears a wrist tag.  The games stations are still pretty much the same, and waiting time per station can range from 0 mins to 2 hours (the latter is more for the aviation roles such as Pilot and Cabin Crew).

Let's see. So the kids' first stop should ideally be Maybank, where they queue up and go to the counter and activate their "bank card", entitling them to 30 credits for use around the theme park. The children can use this "bank card" to pay for purchases, or their earnings can be credited into the cards. Kids keen on the financial sectors can also choose to "work" at Maybank or AIA Insurance booths.

For the kids that love food, there are the Pizza Hut, KFC, Ice Cream Factory and Sticky Candy stations for them to learn what's it like to prepare food and sweets for the customers. The Nephew absolutely enjoyed his chef time in  the Sticky Candy workshop, where he happily walked away with a small pack of candies.

Those aspiring to be in the Healthcare / Medical fields, there are Nanyang Optical, True Chiropractic Group, Sunstar Dental and Mt. Elizabeth Hospital stations to try your hands at - the Nephew had fun learning to be a doctor under Mt. Elizabeth Hospital station. The kids all donned the white doctor's coats, used stethoscopes, and got to ride in the ambulance.

For uniform groups, the role-play choices include being part of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) learning to put out fires, or the Singapore Police Force (SPF). It is not hard to imagine why the Pilot and Cabin Crew roles have the longest queues though - I would gladly try them out if I were a kid too.

Other jobs available for the kids are Radio Deejaying, Newspaper Journalist, Renovation (Tiles), Scientist, Tour Guide, Video Editor, , Acting, Sports, Courier Service and learning driving at the range etc. There are a few restaurants here for meals, and a department store for the kids to shop in (using KidZania credits).

The average queue time per station is 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the dates and times you choose to visit. So that means if you spend an entire day here, you get to try maybe 6-7 activities with meal times in between. Rumours have it that during the school holidays- it it wiser to visit on weekends because everyone believed it would be crowded, hence choose to come on weekdays instead.

We enjoyed ourselves nearly as much as the Nephew, totally encouraging this educational and fun attraction to parents to let their kids try.

Review on 38 Jervois Condo [fire sale 🔥🔥🔥 limited time only]

38 Jervois Road, Singapore 249078

Tel: 9797 7047 / 9232 9737 / 8366 4069

Email: ellouisa.swift@gmail.com 

38 Jervois is a boutique development of freehold condo units, nestled in Good Class Bungalow (GCB) enclave and embassies' estate, in prestigious District 10.

That's along the embassies and Bishopgate Road, where tranquility, safety and lush greenery are abundance. When I walked around the neighborhood, I was wowed by the sprawling length of the long gates and fences of the massive landed homes here. That was when I knew I was on a land of prestige, promise, and probably very important people.

By foot, it took me between 8 to 12 minutes to reach here from Redhill MRT (depending on my footwear of the day), so yeah, no cars, is fine. Meaning to say that all age groups can also stay here, regardless of whether you don't have permission to drive yet, or are a foreigner who has no desire to buy that overpriced car in Singapore.

The condo development has already obtained TOP, meaning "temporary occupation permit" since 2019, so I was able to view actual units. Which is GREAT, because I don't have to imagine how the layout is like, which apartment faces where, or how beautiful / ugly it may be.

I understand that by now,  there are only 16 precious units left here.

At the ground floor, the turqoise pool looks inviting, and one could use the gym equipment right next to it. Totally perfect for nature lovers who hate exercising indoors and are unable to feel that they have "sweated it out", or the energy of great outdoors. If I stayed here, I might ask to put a yoga mat so I can do outdoors yoga here too.

Up the apartments we go.

I enter, feeling the cool marbled floors, and stamp my feet to test its solidness. The nice squarish layout of the living area and bedrooms would make decorating the place an easy affair.

I stand at the kitchen admiring the De Dietrich appliances, tempted to test it out, but then I am drawn to the unblocked views of the balcony that faces me, where breezes kiss and greet me.

There are 3 unit types here for sale currently:

• 2 + 1 type at 818 sqft 
• 3 bedroom at 915 sqft
• 3 bedroom penthouse at 1098 sqft

Okay, I can imagine owners or tenants being thrilled to move into here - immediately, because the house feels so inviting.

Nearby would be Great World City, Valley Point, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Tiong Bahru Market, Redhill MRT, Redhill food centres, and my favorite shopping belt, Orchard Road! That's all super convenient, and don't forget to add atas international schools into the list.

Low density, noiseless neighbours, low quantum pricing for this area and quality. Best of all, there's a fire 🔥🔥🔥 sale going on in June 2020 that cuts off $400,000 (no, I didn't get my zeroes wrong!) from the listed price. What a bargain!

If you are looking for own stay, the above merits would make this almost a dream home. If you are looking for investment, tenability and rental yield here are great, too.

38 Jervois is developed by Prominent Land, an experienced developer of beautiful landed homes. Because this is their first foray into condominium development, they have put in a lot to ensure quality, beauty and comfort in this project.

How should you proceed?

Contact developer's sales team at 9797 7047 / 9232 9737 / 8366 4069 now.

You may also get ready a cheque for 5% option fee, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) done if you are taking a mortgage loan.

All the best for your home hunt here!

6 Tips for Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Exams Preparations

You are all geared up for the upcoming RES (Real Estate Salesperson) Exams, which takes place every 4 months now (February, June, October), and under the regulations of the Council For Estate Agencies (CEA). Presuming you don't know how or where to start studying for it, allow me to let some of these facts and tips sink in, and hopefully help you along your journey to passing of the RES Exams.

Step 1:  read all the guidelines and information about the exams

Yes, I mean all that you need to know, and understand about the examination format, syllabus, topics covered, passing rates, requirements etc. These information are more important than you would expect. A good source to start would be the CEA Website

Step 2: believe that it is one of the most difficult exams you have ever taken

This is coming from someone who holds certifications from many different regulatory bodies, as well as academic institutions. Yes, I love studying and obtaining certifications; learning never grows old. I failed at my very first attempt because I refused to believe in its difficulty level (I studied while playing movie clips in the background), believing that a combination of textbook knowledge and common sense would get me through). It is only when you are down at the exam halls, you'd realise the questions are formulated not in a straightforward manner, but they ask a lot of questions on scenarios, to ensure that you really understand a concept and are applying it. 

Step 3: attend RES Course under a recognised provider

Attending RES Course under a recognised training provider is mandatory, and each course attended is valid for 2 years. Meaning to say, you have 6 attempts at the exams before needing to re-take another RES Course. I heard merits about a few training providers and trainers - so do your research before signing up. I took mine under Hastor - where the trainers provide nearly round-the-clock support and assistance via Whatsapp group chats.  You can claim training fees via SkillsFuture credits or if you are an NTUC member, via UTap.

Here is a list of recognised training providers (info correct as at March 2019):

1. Benchmark Realpro

2. Hastor Property Services 

3. Institute of Estate Agents

4. Life Mastery Academy

5. Pioneer Training & Consultancy

6. Singapore Estate Agents Association

7. Real Centre Network

8. Real Estate School (under Real Estate Academy)

9. Realty International Associates (RIA) School

Photo Source:
https://www.cea.gov.sg/professionals/salesperson-registration-matters/real-estate-salesperson-examination-syllabus

Step 4: additional reading materials

Attending an RES course gives you the basic fundamentals of understand the real estate markets, rules and regulations etc in Singapore. On top of that, there is a lot of reading up on other legislations because anything can come out (trust me).  It also depends on the notes and training materials given by your course provider. Some notes are less informative or inclusive than others.

You can start with some information here at Mdm. Celeste Ng's website.

On top of these, other reading materials may include:-

1. HDB's For Senior "Monetizing Your Flat For Retirement"

2. BCA's Outdoor Advertising Requirements

3. BCA's Sign Licence Requirements

4. Basic knowledge obtained from the various authorities' websites such as HDB, CPF, MinLaw sites etc

Step 5: lots of practice 

As the anticipated questions are an enigma, lots and lots of practice is vital. Mock examination papers can be purchased online - whether you prefer to attempt online or use hardcopy mock exam questions. I learned a lot from practice papers because they also test on knowledge outside of my course notes, such as commercial subletting ratio, showroom guidelines, etc. 

On top of that, you can also join revision classes to strengthen and fortify your knowledge. There are paid revision classes by the course providers, as well as free revision courses conducted by property groups under PropNex, Huttons, ERA etc.  Attending revision courses is also a good way to meet and interact with students from other training courses - who may have questions or information to share with you that your course provider did not furnish.

Personally I wrote a lot of my own notes and drew mind-maps because writing them down myself, made me remember the information better (lots of memorisation is involved). 

Step 6: the  battle begins...

By now, you should be equipped with a lot of information on real estate in Singapore, the market and marketing strategies, rules and regulations, legislations etc. This includes remembering the various tax rates (buyer's stamp duties, additional buyer stamp duties, seller stamp duties, the various types of property tax, HDB housing financing schemes such as housing grant, additional grant & special housing grant, registration fees for RES and agencies, professional indemnity insurance required, etc).

Personally I did not buy or use a Financial Calculator at all during the examination because I found the formulae too complex for me. I skipped all the calculation questions but you shouldn't try to do that - in case a certain Paper 2 bases many questions on loan / mortgage calculations.

Have a good night's rest, remember your coffee shot or chicken essence in the morning for energy; bring along your NRIC and examination confirmation printout, 2B pencil, eraser, calculators and a sweater lest the exam hall is cold. 

All the best for your RES Exams!

[Media Invite] Singapore International Jewelry Exhibition 2018 @ MBS

1 Bayfront Avenue, Level 1, Halls A and B, Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Singapore 018971

Tel: 6278 8666

Website: https://www.sije.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIJE.Page

Dates: 26th July - 29th July 2018 (Thursday to Sunday)

Time: 11.30am - 9.30pm except for Sunday 11.30am - 8.30pm

Admission Fees: Free of charge

Image Source: provided by The Rain Maker

Having been dazzled by fine jewelry creations last year (review here), I was delighted to be back for this year's Singapore International Jewelry Festival ("SIJE"), where jewellers from all over the globe come to showcase their stunning collection of gemstones, diamonds, and other designer pieces. To be precise, there will be more than 223 exhibitors hailing from 26 countries!

SIJE is also Singapore's largest consumer jewelry show, as well as the region's most sustainable show. This year, some of the highlights comprise it's teaming up with HotLotz Auction House to offer longevity to jewelry and gemstones, remarkable showcase from exotic continents of Africa and Latin America, as well as an exceptional pigeon blood oval ruby set into a necklace.

The event commenced with an opening speech by Mr. Edward Liu, Group Managing Director of Conferences & Exhibitions Management Services (CEMS). This was followed by Guest-of-Honor Dr. Lily Neo' s speech and ribbon cutting ceremony, and introduction of the women leaders who are also SIJE's community partners.

A  bridal fashion show by Ann Teoh Couture ensued next, with models in beautiful gowns showcasing gorgeous pieces of jewelry from different jewelry houses.

Let's have a look at the setup this year. Yes, there are indeed jewellers from all over the world - Singapore, Japan, Burma, India, Europe, USA, Latin America, Africa, etc. The fine display of jewelry was both dazzling and enriching, as we made the rounds to interview various jewelry houses and their designers to find out what inspires them.

Finally, Goody-bag and media kits for us.

Thank you Nalini, Yu Fan and Dean from The Rain Makers for the invite once again!

Remember to head down to Marina Bay Sands this weekend to check out this dazzling international jewelry exhibition and choose something of your heart's desire.