All wrapped up

2. Snuffing out the vaping trend

Juicy flavours and colourful designs make vaping look fun, but the e-vape canister can pack addictive and harmful substances like etomidate². The recent QuitVape programme help vapers kick the habit to the curb.

Tip:

Just like smoking, vaping often starts as a habit to puff one’s problems away. For healthier coping mechanisms, consider going for regular walks ‘round the neighbourhood and mix it up with workout moves! 

3. Sinkholes? Let’s dig into it.  
Incidents like the Tanjong Katong sinkhole are prompting concerns over the danger of road hazards, but don’t lose sleep over it. Most roads in Singapore are supported by solid bedrock instead of limestone, so the risk of encountering sinkholes are low³.

Tip:

If you’re a frequent commuter, watch out. Sinkholes aren’t a common occurrence in Singapore, but potholes are a familiar enemy. Bumping into a pothole can lead to serious accidents, so it’s important to protect yourself with a personal accident (PA) insurance like GREAT Protector Active. 

4. Get cozy with lazy luxury

Say goodbye to quiet snobbery. Today, it’s all about keeping it casual with effortless pieces that look good any day of the week, whether you’re just rolling out of bed or heading to brunch⁴.

Tip:

The ethos of lazy luxury is simple. If you feel good about yourself, you’d look good too. It’s a mindset that challenges the conventional idea on personal grooming. Instead of just focusing on keeping your haircut or personal style on point, holistic grooming focuses on your self-growth as well, as this article indicates. It means taking care of your mental health, career health, and your financial health.

With a long-term approach to wealth building, you can start small and build up as your income grows, keeping your financial commitment at a comfortable level. For example, GREAT Invest Advantage lets you invest from just S$100/month in a recurrent single-premium plan. 

5. Matcha madness is brewing

Heat-stressed amid record temperatures in Japan and facing intense demand from fans of this Japanese green tea powder, matcha prices are skyrocketing as supply is dwindling. Counterfeit brands have sprouted, duping online shoppers who crave their matcha fix⁵.

Tip:

Quality matcha might not be easy to get, but you can get your hands on other healthful, zen-tastic alternatives like Pu’er tea, Hojicha, and probiotics⁶. Whether you’re shopping for tea or insurance policies, always be savvy and look out for the choices that serve you best! Which brew is the healthiest option for you? Have a calming sip as you read this cup o’ wisdom! 

6. No spice, no life

From fiery hotpots to peppery snacks, Singaporeans have been gravitating to spicier fare that sets tongues blaze and the sweat glands kicking.

Tip:

Hold on to your chopstick!  Hotpots are a delightful treat, but they must be enjoyed in moderation. A typical hot pot broth contains over 7.000mg of sodium per serving, more than thrice the recommended amount per day⁷. The oil and salt content in spicy seasonings can increase the risk of heart disease⁸.

By opting for healthy, nutritious bites, you can reduce your risk of inflammation. If you’re sweet-toothed, you might be pleased to know that dark chocolate contains flavanols and good nutrients that combat inflammation! Satisfy your tastebuds with these wholesome alternatives. 

7. Streaming is the new sporting arena

From sport docus to reality series, elite athletes compete on hit streaming shows like Physical: Asia and Ultimate Beatmaster to promote the value of fitness, teamwork, and strategy, netting. As Asia’s appetite for fitness-oriented entertainment keeps growing, Singapore has also emerged as the regional hub for exciting sports and entertainment events, from top-tier pop concerts to the Formula 1 race!

Tip:

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be inspired by these shows! Like a sports tournament, building health and wealth is a long game that requires mental endurance, focus, and a game plan. To get retirement-ready, plan for the long term, pace your progress, and make protection part of your strategy! This guide is a good start.

8. Assistive tech makes life easier

Tech doesn’t just benefit the young and healthy. From text-to-speech software to Braille printers and AI-enabled audio guidance, assistive technologies are helping the ageing community and people with disability to adapt to new environments and and learn new subjects⁹.   

Tip:

As the Singapore prepares to become a super-aged society, preparing for the challenges of growing older will become a greater priority¹⁰. Strengthen your disability coverage with GREAT CareShield, a MediSave-Approved CareShield Life Supplement that provides monthly disability payouts for long-term medical and caregiving expenses. The choices you make today can also influence your quality of life in your silver years. For more tips on ‘hacking’ into your lifespan to score a victory for longevity, check this out.  

9. Driverless shuttles take to the roads 

This September, the first batch driverless of shuttles made their debut in Punggol, with a wider rollout expected in early 2026¹¹. These friendly shuttles are poised to connect harder-to-reach neighbourhoods and complement the existing bus networks in Singapore.

Tip:

Use the public transport network in your neighbourhood to strengthen your social circle! Join a fitness class, start a book club, or plan a kayaking trip. Like a good rest and a healthy diet, spending quality time with your friends and neighbours can offer the physical and emotional boost you need to get through the week.

10. Powerful typhoons wreak havoc in Southeast Asia 

Tech doesn’t just benefit the young and healthy. From text-to-speech software to Braille printers and AI-enabled audio guidance, assistive technologies are helping the ageing community and people with disability to After leaving a trail of wreckage across the Philippines, the super typhoon Fung-Wong headed for Taiwan, where 3,000 people was already evacuated¹². Another strong typhoon, the Kalmaegi, has also caused massive damages in Vietnam and claimed hundreds of lives in the Philippines¹³.

Tip:

In the face of rising temperatures, adverse weather events are likely to get more unpredictable¹⁴. While the risk of typhoons in Singapore are relatively low, your travel plans might be at risk. GREAT TravelCare provides coverage for any trip inconveniences, from flight delays, cancellations, to medical incidents. You can also reduce your risk of running into huge crowds or overbooked flights by travelling during off-peak seasons.