TODAY

Big Read: To fight scams, banks and the authorities now have more control over customers' accounts. How do we strike a balance between protection and overreach? Banks and authorities being granted sweeping powers to pause or block transactions may make some apprehensive, but SUSS law lecturer Olivine Lin said the measures should be viewed as working towards the "common good" rather than about authorities and banks gaining more control. 💸 https://tdy.sg/4qfqpdr Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: How publishing my first book taught me that the true payoff of pursuing dreams is about more than profit Deciding to partially self-publish his first book wasn't an easy decision for Mr Colonel Tan. "I was barely scraping by with intern stipends and ad-hoc work allowances," he writes. "What if I gave this book everything I had – which wasn't much – and I still didn’t make it?" ✍📚 https://cna.asia/3LeFvji Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Ground Up: Singapore's young climate activists aim to turn apathy into action through 'fun, inspiring' engagement "We don't want sustainability to be scary or complicated. It can be fun and positive," said one 31-year-old activist. 🌲https://cna.asia/4hh5fYu Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Big Read: Now grown up, ex-bullies open up on what drove their behaviour and wish they could turn back the clock While in secondary school, Mr Sebastian Ong recalled shouting at people, throwing chairs, and even bullying others: "Back then, I told myself it wasn't bullying – just disturbing people." Experts said that it's common for many bullies to not understand the harm they are causing. 💢❤️‍🩹 https://cna.asia/43iC5Cl Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: Growing up, I felt guilty talking about money. Here's why I'm changing that for my kids When Mr Daniel Sim was a child, his family didn't have much money to spend or save. But everyday sayings such as "filthy rich" and "money is the root of all evil" often made him feel guilty about wanting to have more money or learn more about money. 👧👦💵 https://cna.asia/4n3WDpt Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Adulting: How to say 'no' to bosses in a way that's respectful and non-confrontational From internships to first jobs, young workers often feel pressured to say "yes" to every task. Experts warn that without boundaries, constant overcommitment can lead to stress and burnout. 👩🏻‍💻https://cna.asia/3KJRANl Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Up Close: The opera-singing 'TikTok uncle' whose videos are viewed by millions including Laufey and Paris Hilton At 75, retired French teacher Low Choon Yong has become a TikTok sensation for his operatic covers of pop songs. But he says it’s not about fame, it’s about sharing the joy of singing. 🎶https://cna.asia/47hABuq Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Big Read: Amid intensifying calls for UN reforms, does the 80-year-old organisation have an 'incurable birth defect'? From a Security Council no longer reflective of today’s global balance of power to delayed member contributions, experts say several factors have weakened the UN. 🌏 https://tdy.sg/4nI5Swp Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: In my middle age, I’m learning to appreciate the friends who show up – and let go of those who don’t "Letting go of (some) friendships is not only natural – it's good for us. Still, it doesn't make it easy." Ms Deborah Giam reflects on the benefits and difficulties of saying goodbye to relationships that no longer fulfil us. 💔✍ https://cna.asia/43a0Rob Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Ground Up: Despite Singapore's regional concert hub status, more fans are flying out to catch live shows overseas For Ms Rian Fatullah, 37, travelling out of Singapore for concerts is a form of self-care. "People prioritise spending on different things. You might buy that Chanel bag; I spend my money on concerts and experiences instead." 🎸https://cna.asia/42zXc2L Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Big Read: Is the cafe dream still worth chasing? Maybe not, say past owners – but many still find it hard to let go From rising costs to manpower shortages, cafe owners say passion alone is no longer enough to survive in Singapore’s unforgiving F&B scene. Behind the allure of latte art and cosy interiors lies a grind of exhaustion and financial strain. ☕😢 https://cna.asia/476ndrT Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: Why being a boss in the modern workplace sometimes feels more like being a counsellor Business owner Kelvin Kao worries that showing too much empathy for the personal troubles faced by his staff risks "stasis through endless conversations" while showing too little casts him as a "cold taskmaster". 👩🏻‍💻https://cna.asia/3KvX7ad Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Mental Health Matters: Always the 'therapist friend'? Here's how to set boundaries without losing your friendships Being the go-to friend for late-night heart-to-hearts can feel meaningful, but if every conversation leaves you drained, it might be time to set limits. 😢https://cna.asia/4gWNnlt Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

In Pixels: She's 15 and drives at 200kmh. Meet Singapore's first female Formula 4 driver "I cannot imagine my life without racing," said 15-year-old Kareen Kaur. 🏎🇸🇬https://cna.asia/4q0kuJl Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Up Close: The 29-year-old go-getter behind Jett Barbecue turns up the heat on chasing after his dreams "Truthfully, I never dreamed it would become so big," said Mr Chua Jett Yong of his homegrown smoked meats business, Jett Barbecue. But behind the smoke, it's a heavy toll for the 29-year-old taking on the mantles of cook, boss, husband - and now, father. 🥩 https://cna.asia/46BRpw7 Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Big Read: Singapore’s F&B crunch pushes some brands overseas, but proving themselves at home still matters Experts say overseas expansion has become a necessity, not a luxury, for Singapore’s F&B brands as rents, labour and ingredient costs bite. But success abroad is not guaranteed. 🥪🍜 https://cna.asia/48vJ92b Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: Public service or just ragebait? Here's why I think online shaming has gone too far Online shaming has gone from citizen journalism to complaint culture these days. The question now: Are we building empathy, or eroding it? 📱https://cna.asia/46yiBvF Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Women are starting more companies than ever in Singapore but why are their businesses slow to take off? Women entrepreneurs said they tend to be more conservative in their approach to raising funds for their businesses but also highlighted that gender biases sometimes make it difficult to access funds. 👩🏻 https://cna.asia/46BGkeo Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Big Read: The eyes are not having it – excessive screen time is damaging vision and becoming a public health issue "IT professionals, finance workers, students, and even housewives binge-watching dramas late into the night – practically anyone can suffer from digital eye strain," an ophthalmologist said, explaining how digital eye strain cuts across different demographics. 👀 https://cna.asia/48I9F8j Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.

Voices: Parenting five kids without playing favourites can be tricky. Here's how I do it Meeting a large family's needs for love and attention can be difficult - but mum-of-five Kelly Ang finds that it's more about the little things that make each of her kids feel seen and valued. 🏘https://cna.asia/4pOW7OH Follow https://cna.asia/telegram for more.