Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning aren’t exactly novel concepts. However, never in our lifetime has this computational discipline been as compelling as it is today. Ever since ChatGPT’s grand reveal, the field has seen a surge of activity, with many intrepid developers leveraging this newfound capability to reinvent our daily way of life. 

We’ve rounded up 6 AI-integrated online assistants that are intended to uplift your personal and professional productivity. They’re free to use (for now), so why not give them a go?

Create image galleries with Clipchamp

So, you have a bunch of static images, and you want to present them in the most appropriate manner possible. Perhaps it’s for a party, a school project or even a business meeting. Typically, this motion gallery would entail hours of work which will mostly be spent deciding and working on its aesthetic tone, enhancing the clarity of your images and experimenting with your choice of music and style.

Well, Clipchamp by Microsoft has recently introduced a tool that condenses hours of work into minutes. All you need to do is upload the images you want in your gallery, choose one of the few predetermined style options (or have AI pick it for you), determine your video’s duration and you’re done. Now, it isn’t perfect, but it lays a great foundation for you to work and expand on with Clipchamp’s own editing software. 

Sure, you won’t get cinematic videos with this AI tool (or any AI video-editing software available for private use), but it fits the bill if you’re looking to curate a quick and elegant presentation deck. 

Source for images with Microsoft Bing Image Creator

Prior to the advent of commercial AI, most designers depended on stock image libraries as their go-to source for images, videos and other visual content. But most of these image libraries require a paid subscription. This will soon change with the capabilities of Microsoft Bing Image Creator. Better described as a malleable open canvas than a stock image platform, this AI-driven experimental creator utilises pattern-learning to generate countless images inspired by just a simple user prompt. 

Currently free-to-use, this intuitive tool presents limitless opportunities for content creators to decide on the best visual representation of the ideas and vision they want to convey. Just one caveat though: While the AI designer does well to invent caricature art and semi-realistic sketches, it fails to truly mimic real-time photography. 

Alternatively, consider joining SAFRA’s Content Creator Club, a community of photographers, videographers and social media experts looking to refine their craft! Not only do you get discounts on workshops and courses, you’ll also get 50% off SAFRA’s digital darkroom and photo studio booking! 

Make beautiful slides with Slidesgo

Public speaking can be daunting enough without the added pressure of creating a beautiful set of slides to accompany your presentation. And understandably so, as an impressive PowerPoint can knock your audience’s socks off just as much as a poorly designed one can knock you down a peg. Well, with Slidesgo, you may never have to create your own PowerPoint deck ever again.  

It’s really easy to use – simply key in your desired topic, indicate your preferred tone and choose one of many predetermined layouts. In a matter of seconds (literally), you’ll get an entire deck that not just discusses your subject matter, but also breaks it down into sub-points for further elaboration. It may even contribute additional insights or angles that you may not have thought of yourself! 

Finally, an app that lets you spend more time in front of a mirror practising your speech than in front of a computer. 

Do your slides justice with a confident and well-crafted address! Learn from international public speaking champion Darren Tay at Public Speaking Academy on how you can “express to impress”. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off course fees. You can find more information at safra.sg/public-speaking-academy

Write better with QuillBot

Surely, there’s been at least one instance where you’re stuck in your chair staring at a blank page, contemplating how you can reinvent, beautify and enliven an idea with the written word. These episodes will soon became less frequent with the prevalence of online grammar reviewers. 

Quillbot is arguably one of the most successful integrators of AI in an online writing tool. With an interface that is pretty much self-explanatory, it arms you with an effective arsenal brimming with impactful synonyms and syntax recommendations. For less experienced writers who require more than just over-the-top lexicons, QuillBot Flow generates an entire essay framework that elucidates your abstract ideas and concepts into digestible and expandable bits. 

Effective writing skills are still an essential foundation. LCentral at SAFRA Punggol’s curriculum for N1 to P6 students covers literary appreciation, oratory mastery and storytelling. SAFRA members get a one-off 10% discount and priority enrolment. Find out more at safra.sg/lcentral-english

Create a website for your business with Wix AI Website Creator

Creating a website doesn’t have to be a complex matter. Long-time web developer Wix has finally leveraged AI to provide users with an alternative approach to website creation that is both automated and personalised. Almost akin to a patron informing his tailor of his inclinations and preferences, you begin the process by answering a few questions posed by an AI bot, some of which includes your website’s purpose, core functionalities and goals. It will then set up an entire webpage befitting your responses, essentially doing most of the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you’re looking to start up a minimalistic online journal or a fully-fledged digital business, this AI web creation tool ensures that the groundwork is laid out for you to begin your desired venture. 

Get key takeaways with Recall

Imagine having to skim through a 30-page academic paper or a 15-page business proposal just to outline one to two key ideas. Now, imagine doing this exact same thing multiple times. Information-bloat is a very real problem for both students and professionals as it takes away valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere. 

Recall alleviates a lot of this time-dump by succinctly summarising any publication that you may come across online. Input the link and almost instantly, it outlines the key takeaways in point form that makes it easy to absorb and memorise (hence, the name). It also suggests additional readings in the form of embedded links in case you want to explore the subject matter further. 

Honorable Mentions:

Groove to your vibe with Spotify AI DJ

Spotify’s latest feature adds a personalised DJ that operates whenever you need it! It curates a playlist based on your listening history and musical tastes, delivering a balanced mix of familiar tracks and new discoveries for your studious pursuits.

Summarise your notes with Notebook LM

A reinvention of traditional note-taking, Notebook LM utilises AI to summarise your notes into succinct points that spotlight the most crucial learning points. It is also capable of expanding your notes by expounding on the subject matter, as well as generating new ideas for brainstorming.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post These 6 Free Online AI Tools Can Help You Work Smarter appeared first on eNSMAN.

We’re officially now in the mid-point of the year, and things at work may start to get more hectic. But just because you’re chasing deadlines and trying to meet KPIs doesn’t mean that you should neglect your health and well-being. 

We’ve rounded up 7 gadgets and apps for you to have in your arsenal, making it easy for you to take a few minutes out of your busy day for some self care. Don’t miss the discounts for SAFRA members as well.

1. Osim uGalaxy Eye Massager 

In this day and age, it’s inevitable to spend long hours looking at your computer or phone. If you suffer from digital eye strain, the Osim uGalaxy Eye Massager ($259) is a good tool to have in your wellness kit.

The eye massager comes with adjustable massage intensity for the different eye areas, to ease the appearance of puffy eyes and dark eye circles. It also has mood light, that uses scientifically-proven mood light, music, warmth, airbag and vibration massage to help relieve headaches and insomnia. Plus, it’s portable too, making it perfect for long flights – so you can arrive at your destination well rested.  

The uGalaxy Eye Massager is available for purchase at OSIM stores or departmental stores such as TANGS.

SAFRA members get a free one-year TANGS Classic Membership (worth $80) if you sign up here. With the membership you’ll get to earn 6% TANGS rebate with every $10 nett spend. Plus, SAFRA members can get a bonus $5 TANGS rebate with min. $100 nett spend (excluding GST) from now till 13 July 2024. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/tangs-safday. 

2. MiuDivine Mini Massage Chair

Going to the spa for a massage is one of the best ways to pamper yourself – but the cost does add up if you make it a monthly ritual. Well, maybe it’s time to invest in a quality massage chair, so you can get the spa experience without guilt. 

If you don’t have much space at home, choose the MiuDivine Mini, a model with user-friendly control, 6 smart auto programmes, and AI voice commands. Otherwise, we’d recommend splurging on the chic MiuJoy 2, which has additional premium features like AI Body Detection Scan, Long SL Track Massage, Soothing Heat Therapy, and 6 3D massage techniques. 

SAFRA members get to purchase the MiuDivine Mini Massage Chair at only $799 with the promo code “SAFRA799” and get discounts of up to 20% on other massagers. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/miuvo

3. Ruhens Water Dispenser

Hydration is probably one of the most important factors if you take your wellness seriously. And while Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, many prefer using water dispensers for added peace of mind. This helps avoid potential contaminants from stagnant water in service pipes, faulty water tanks, and mineral sediments.

Ruhens has a range of water dispensers that you can choose from, depending on your needs. The V series features the world’s first tankless hot and cold water purifier with integrated pasteurisation technology, available in both alkaline and non-alkaline options. Ruhens ICE, on the other hand, is a tankless water purifier that is able to give you up to 5 different temperatures with its ice-making feature.

SAFRA members get $339 off Ruhens V and $700 off Ruhens Ice. The promotion is only valid for in-store purchases at Ruhens Studio in Ubi or Suntec City. For more info, visit safra.sg/promotions/ruhens. 

4. Philips Hue

Waking up to the morning sun is a great way to start your day, but not everyone can rise with the sun due to different schedules. That’s where the Philips Hue comes in, with its ability to simulate the morning sun to help you wake up naturally.

Choose from gradient lamps or lightstrips, both featuring a wood-toned base, slender design, and a brilliant blend of colourful light, making them perfect for any bedroom. Control the smart lighting with your voice or the Philips Hue app to set the wake-up time, duration, brightness, and even the type of sunrise.

Besides waking up, you can also customise the lights to boost your focus or for a moment of zen after a long day in the office. 

You can purchase the Philips Wake Up Light on the Philips’ website or at retailers like Harvey Norman. 

5. Click & Grow Smart Garden

Growing your own herbs is a fantastic way to boost your wellbeing. Not only does it provide you with fresh, flavourful ingredients for your meals, but the process itself can be incredibly therapeutic. Gardening promotes physical activity, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. 

Plus, having a variety of herbs at your fingertips encourages healthier eating habits, adding a fresh and nutritious touch to your dishes. Even if you don’t have green thumbs, the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 ($139.95) ensures that you’ll be able to grow your own herbs from home or your office desk. It comes with a self-watering tank, calibrated lights designed for faster germination and growth, and smart soil that automatically releases nutrients, oxygen, and water for your plants to thrive. All you have to do is plug in the power adapter, insert the plant pods, and fill the water tank. 

The Smart Garden 3 comes with 3 complimentary basil plant pods, but there are also over 50 different pre-seeded plant pods for you to choose from – from classic herbs like thyme and rosemary, to salad greens like romaine lettuce. 

Click & Grow Smart Garden is available for purchase on Synced’s website. 

6. Finch: Self-care pet app

With the popularity of apps like Calm and Headspace, self-care apps aren’t something new. But hear us out: the Finch: Self-care pet app stands out from the crowd. It turns your phone into a Tamagotchi, where you’ll take care of your virtual “pet” by taking care of yourself. 

With daily mindful goals and exercises that keep your wellbeing in mind, this makes self-care feel rewarding and fun. You can even customise your pet’s look and watch as they develop their unique personality, depending on the adventures that you take them out on. But most importantly, the app has useful features like soundscapes, different breathing techniques, and guided meditations. 

Download Finch: Self-care pet app on the Apple app store or Google Play. 

7. Sleep Cycle: App for sleep

Another one to have in your arsenal is Sleep Cycle. This app tracks and analyses your sleep, ensuring that you’re well-rested when you wake up. It also provides data which helps you learn what affects your sleep quality and how it improves over time, with detailed daily insights. Not only that, it records your snoring, sleep talk, and irregular breathing patterns during sleep. 

The app is free to download, with in-app purchases for those who want to take their quality of sleep a bit more seriously. 

Download Sleep Cycle on the Apple app store or Google Play. 

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post 7 Gadgets & Apps To Enhance Your Wellness & Self-Care appeared first on eNSMAN.

Those who often travel will know that you need to be strategic about the apps you have on your phone and the gadgets to pack with you. That’s why we’ve handpicked 7 apps and gadgets curated to elevate your travel game. From language translation to itinerary planning, these tools are indispensable companions for the modern traveller. 

Whether you’re going for a long weekend or traversing the globe over a few weeks, you might just find these helpful.

1. Naver Papago 

For an alternative to Google Translate, download Naver Papago. It’s an AI language translator that supports 13 different languages – Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia. 

The app offers features like real-time voice, text, conversation, and image translation. Plus, the interface is intuitive, which makes navigating the app while talking to someone while you’re travelling a lot easier. 

Download Naver Papago on the Apple store or Google Play.

2. AIRSIMe

Gone are the days when you had to buy physical SIM cards at every destination, especially with the advent of e-sims. One app you can purchase e-sims on is AIRSIMe, which offers 4G data in 100+ destinations such as Japan (from $1.67/day), Korea (from $1.67/day), and Indonesia (from $2/day). 

Those who are travelling to multiple destinations can also choose the combo packages such as Australia & New Zealand (From $1.71/day), Europe 34 Countries (from $2.57/day), and China & Hong Kong (from $3/day). AIRSIMe ensures that you can stay connected to the Internet while travelling without worrying about high roaming charges or scrambling to look for a telco store selling physical SIMs. 

Easily download it to your device via the AIRSIM app or by scanning a QR code. Then, simply use two mobile apps, AIRSIM ROAM and AIRTALK ROAM, to enjoy every data package purchase with free 30-minute local calls.

SAFRA members get 10% discount off AIRSIMe, by entering the promo code “SAFRA10” when checking out on the AIRSIMe website. For more info, visit safra.sg/promotions/airsime

Download AIRSIMe on the Apple store or Google Play.

Always on the road for work? Check out these must-have travel gadgets for the working traveller.

3. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS

Any seasoned traveller knows that noise-cancelling earbuds are a life-saver on flights or at the airport. A good pair to purchase is the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS, which boasts the brand’s signature sound with 11mm dynamic drivers. The most important feature, though, is how seamlessly you can switch between True Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Smart Ambient mode, depending on your environment or situation. That way, you can catch some well-deserved rest on the flight even when the cabin is too noisy. 

The earphones will be your companion even for long-haul flights, as you can get up to 40 hours of playback, including 10 hours in the earbuds and 30 hours in the case. Plus, it also charges wirelessly.

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS comes in 4 different colours – white, black, navy blue, and pink – and you can purchase it on See Hear Live’s website.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off storewide with a minimum spend of $100 if they use the code “SAFRA10”. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/seehearlive.

4. Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker

Here’s a travel hack: Attach a bluetooth tracker to your luggage if you’re checking it in. That way, in the rare occurrence the airline loses your luggage, you’ll be able to track it down.

The Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker is a versatile tracker you can attach to your keys, backpacks, or luggage. All you need to do is download the free app and use the two different modes, Find Nearby, which uses the Tile app to ring your Tile when it’s within Bluetooth range; or Find Far Away, which allows you to view your Tile’s most recent location on a map.

It’s available for $34.99 on Metapod, which allows you to purchase via Atome.

If you’re a first-time Atome user, you’ll be glad to know that SAFRA members enjoy 20% off with the code “ATOME20OFF”. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/atome

5. Nano Facial Mister

With the weather being so hot and humid these days, some of us have been bringing a mini facial mister around. But it’s also a handy gadget for when you’re travelling, allowing your skin to adjust to the different weather conditions, whether in a  warm destination or somewhere wintery where your skin gets dry. 

The AHIER Nano Facial Mister is a multi-function nano face sprayer with skin detection and LCD screen, suitable for face, body, and hair. It has a 50ml water tank that offers over 15 uses, keeping your skin hydrated and balanced. It’s also USB rechargeable, making it both convenient and eco-friendly.

Available on Amazon.

6. Xiaomi Electric Shaver S101

For men on the go, the Xiaomi Electric Shaver S101 has become an essential for savvy travellers. This compact and travel-friendly design now comes with 18 blades, which allow for faster and cleaner shaves. 

Its dual-track foils capture three times more hairs, while three independent floating heads adapt to every facial contour for precise shaving. Enjoy a stable, quick shave with consistent speed, even on low battery. Its Type-C charging port ensures convenient charging anywhere, but you won’t even have to recharge it when doing short trips as it fully recharges in 1.5 hours for a 60-day battery life. 

Available on Xiaomi’s online store or in physical stores like Plaza Singapura and VivoCity.

7. Wanderlog

If travel planning stresses you out, then it’s time to download Wanderlog, an online travel planner that helps you organise itineraries, activities, and accommodations seamlessly. It’s available both on web or as a free app on your phone, making it super convenient to access your itinerary while on the go – especially since the app allows for offline access. 

You no longer need to have multiple Google Docs and Excel spreadsheets for just one trip. Wanderlog has plenty of features like expense tracking and splitting, the ability to import your flight and hotel reservations from your email inbox, personalised suggestions, and checklists to keep you organised. 

Plus, it also has features like collaborative planning, which makes group trips a lot easier to organise. The app is free to download, but you can also upgrade to a Pro account to unlock premium features like offline access, unlimited attachments, flight deals, and seamless syncing to Google Maps. 

For more information, visit wanderlog.com.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post From An AI Language Translator To A Bluetooth Tracker, Here Are 7 Apps & Gadgets Every Savvy Traveller Needs appeared first on eNSMAN.

There is no question that exercise is imperative to anyone’s physical wellness. But let’s admit it – describing it as fun is really a stretch. Not any more! With the capabilities of contemporary technology, gamification has introduced a rich mix of games incorporating workout moves that have transformed a game into a multi-sensory adventure. Not only are your muscles fully engaged, but your appetite for a narratively stirring escapade can finally be satisfied as well. So much more can be achieved today from a single gaming session! 

To help get you started, here are six revolutionary fitness-inspired games to get your heart and brain pumping. 

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

Console: VR headset and a PC (using Steam VR) or Playstation VR

The enigmatic land of Tamriel is once again beset by wayward bandits, rogue mages, rampaging undead and relentless dragons. You, and other brave adventurers are called upon by its denizens to battle unimaginable foes in the most unprecedented of times. 

With the advent of VR technology, Skyrim’s vast realm is brought closer to you with a first-person perspective. It is not an understatement that you can finally conjure fireballs right before your very eyes, or witness the wrath of Skyrim’s many giants as you feel the weight of their colossal clubs. 

And like a true adventurer, your physical aptitude and resilience will be tested. You no longer dictate your every movement with a keyboard and a mouse, but instead, rely on your stamina and strength. With every swing of your sword, every spell cast and every herb plucked, your virtual interactions are decided by real movements and real actions. Not only will you get the virtual experience of your life, but you’ll also can get more active in the process. As a bonus, you can finally “slay” a dragon with your very own hands! 

Sure, it isn’t exactly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but this will be a great alternative for gamers looking to incorporate fitness into their online journey. 

If you’re planning to get a VR set from Shopee, make sure to use the voucher code <23SAFRA8OFF> to get $8 off any purchase of $80 or more. Valid for SAFRA members and 11B holders. Visit safra.sg/promotions/Shopee for more information. 

2. Just Dance 2023

Console: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X/S

You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life! 

ABBA said it best. What’s life without a bit of sways and twirls?

Just Dance 2023 enlivens your living space with over 40 of 2023’s most hyped and electric hits, accompanied with 3D rendered worlds to further amp up the momentum. From love-pop songs like Loved Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars to sensational K-pop tunes like WANNABE by ITZY, you are spoiled for choice on how you would like to move on your living room slash dance floor! 

It also introduces an Online Multiplayer mode where you can host private virtual dance lobbies for your friends. Think of it as a Zumba session, but with way more thrills and sweat!

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Console: Nintendo Switch 

Finally, a fitness game that incorporates core exercises with modern interactivity. Alongside a novel Ring-Con and a leg strap, this action-packed multi-sport realm will see you jog, sprint and lunge past obstacles and minigames to meet face-on with the ultimate foe – a bodybuilding dragon (who says dragons can’t lift?) 

Want to engage your abdominal muscles? Squeeze away in Thigh Rider as you navigate a robotic scooter, or make a virtual pot in Squatter Wheel by performing various squat exercises. The game offers over 12 minigames, 20 beautiful worlds and 250 different levels, each of which can be personalised to your fitness goals. You can adjust the required strength level, targeted muscle groups, number of reps and more.

4. Fitforce

Console: Mobile phone and a PC (via Steam) 

If you want an interactive fitness experience without having to invest in additional gear, Fitforce may be your best bet.

Simply by connecting your smartphone to a PC, you can access an array of minigames that will have you punch, squat, run and jump past obstacles and perilous enemies. It also comes with an exercise tracker that details essential health statistics such as calories lost, muscle engagement and more. 

Best of all, it is fuss-free and free!

5. Zombie Run! 2

Console: Mobile phone 

Let’s face it – running isn’t exactly the most stimulating mental activity. 

That will soon change with the mobile app – Zombie Run! 2. Similar to a Dungeon Master, you are provided a narrative framework where you can roleplay as a survivor looking to circumvent the many perils awaiting you in a post-apocalyptic world besieged by zombies. During your run, you will hear audio clips instructing you to salvage goods like ammunition and medical supplies to better fortify your hideout. Be warned – you will occasionally (or frequently, depending on your level) encounter hordes of zombies that you must evade. And they are fast. 

This attempt at fitness gamification perfectly fuses sprint and stamina training with a string of riveting missions, transforming your daily run into an unpredictable yet fun journey. 

Gear up at Under Armour for your next run! SAFRA members enjoy 10% off until 30 June 2024. More information at safra.sg/UnderArmour

6. Beat Saber

Console: VR headset and a PC (using Steam VR) or Playstation VR

Perhaps you aren’t much of a dancer and more of a samurai warrior? Or even a jedi master?

Well, you’re in luck. Beat Saber has managed to beautifully bring together the thrill of swinging a sword in time with an electrifyingly beat-heavy song. Augmented with the visceral wonders of virtual reality, this musical arena equips you with two illuminated “sabers” to slash and hack away at incoming tempo blocks that perfectly sync with your chosen track. 

Featuring the music of international rockstars such as the likes of Panic! At the Disco, The Weeknd, Blackpink and Linkin Park, it has an extensive playlist for you to slash away all day, and all night! 

Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for one year at $43.60 inclusive of GST) and get two years FREE! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too at $5.45/year. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story! 

The post 6 Fitness-Forward Games Sure To Get You Moving & Sweating! appeared first on eNSMAN.

It’s the start of a brand new year, so why not get out and explore all the exciting new happenings in Singapore? The popular Light to Night Singapore festival returns, as well as Artbox, with its shopping, food and live entertainment options galore. And of course, no more excuses to not start your fitness journey with special promotions from EnergyOne gym, and the newest climbing wall at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang!

Happy New Year to one and all!

Things To Do

Climb Central Singapore @ SAFRA Choa Chu Kang

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, challenge yourself to new heights at Singapore’s biggest Climb Central outlet! Located at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, it houses the first indoor and air-conditioned 15m-tall international standard speed climbing wall, as well as something for every climber with 1,000 sq m of climbing wall space. Explore 40 climbing lanes with top-rope and lead climbing options, as well as bouldering areas.

Children aged five and above are welcome, although children from five to 12 years old will need adult supervision. Each adult can supervise up to two children. Entry rates apply. 

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off. For more info, visit safra.sg/climb-central-singapore-indoor-rock-climbing-gym

Unleashing the Future – The Lifelong Learning Advantage

Looking for a job or for a career switch? You’ll want to attend this session, where speakers Aslam Sardar, CEO of the Institute for Human Resource Professionals and Christina Lu Maxwell, head of HR at Neste’s Asia Pacific (APAC) office, dive into the latest trends and skills required in today’s job market. Bonus: Find out how you can score an education sponsorship with SAFRA while you’re at the session!

Admission is free. The first 100 attendees to sign up for this talk will receive a free goodie bag and a $10 GrabGifts voucher code.

1pm to 3pm on 13 January 2024 at SAFRA Toa Payoh. For more info, visit safra.sg/unleashing-the-future-the-lifelong-learning-advantage

EnergyOne Gym Promotion

If you want to get in shape, now is the time to kick-start the new year with EnergyOne! As a two-time winner of the Gym of the Year award, EnergyOne offers its members easy access to seven gyms islandwide and usage of its extensive facilities, with membership fees starting from just $2 a day!

From now till 31 March 2024, all new sign-ups of Main/Spouse/Term memberships can get an additional two months free by extending the membership immediately for another 12 months.

For more info, visit safra.sg/energyone-gym/promotions

Artbox 2024

Back in Singapore for the fourth time, there is something for avid art, food, music and fashion lovers at this year’s Artbox. Co-organised by the creative folk from Invade and SGAG, make sure you come with your stomachs and wallets ready for the 300 booths that are ready and waiting to welcome you. We hear there will be over 100 food and beverage booths around the hall featuring delightful eats from Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and more! 

Artbox 2024 is hosted over two weekends, from 26 to 28 January 2024 and from 2 to 4 February 2024. Tickets start from $4.25.

For more info, visit artbox.sg

Light to Night Singapore 2024

From 19 January to 8 February 2024, Singapore’s civic district will transform into a dazzling spectacle once the sun sets over its iconic skyline. Returning for its 15th edition with the theme Reimagine, more than 60 brilliant artworks and programmes will be lined up along the district. Presented by the National Gallery Singapore, don’t miss the installations, tours and activities there, as well as at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade, The Arts House and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Admission is free.

For more info, visit instagram.com/lighttonightsg

Shopping

Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

New year, new you! If you’re up for a new look, sunglasses are a surefire way to elevate your style game and add an instant touch of glam. From classic aviators to bold acetate frames, your eventual choice will speak volumes about your personality and taste.

Available at all Sunglass Hut stores across Singapore

Freitag bags at Stitches

If you’re looking to stand out while minimising your carbon footprint, Freitag bags come with the best of both worlds. The Zurich-based brand is known for its eye-catching bags and accessories that are crafted from upcycled truck tarpaulins, bicycle inner tubes and used car seat belts. Plus, the brand’s bags are built to withstand your daily activities with their durable and water-resistant qualities.

Available at Stitches at 73 Arab Street, Singapore 199770

Dining

Keng Eng Kee Seafood @ SAFRA Punggol

Relive the good old days with Keng Eng Kee Seafood’s mouthwatering wok-fried dishes and its décor inspired by Singapore’s iconic landscape. The restaurant’s third outlet, to open this month at SAFRA Punggol, began as a hawker stall at Old Havelock Road in the 1970s before moving to Alexandra Village when the hawker centre at Old Havelock Road was demolished. 

Must-tries include its Chilli & Black Pepper Crabs, Coffee Pork Ribs and Signature Moonlight Horfun. Don’t miss the outlet-exclusive dishes such as Grilled Assorted Seafood with KEK Homemade Sauce and Otah Charcoal Fried Dough Fritters with Salad as well. Stay tuned to the SAFRA Punggol Facebook page for opening details.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at this outlet. For more info, visit safra.sg/amenities-offerings/kek-seafood

SG Hawker

Singapore is often referred to as a food paradise thanks to its rich and diverse culinary scene. The newly-opened SG Hawker food court in Clarke Quay celebrates that status and more. Located within the CQ @ Clarke Quay lifestyle and entertainment complex, the modern kopitiam, which is operated by the Fei Siong Group, offers classic favourites such as chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and much, much more.

SG Hawker is located at 3 River Valley Road, #01-08 Clarke Quay Block E, Singapore 179020

Brewerkz Seletar Aerospace Park

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, make a day of it and head to the latest Brewerkz venture that’s tucked within the confines of the tranquil Seletar Aerospace Park. Beyond its tranquil surroundings, familiar favourites such as Brewerkz’s Southern Fried Chicken, Spiced Beef Pot Pie and its variety of beers and spirits await.

Brewerkz Seletar Aerospace Park is located at 9, The Oval, Singapore 797867

Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for one year at $43.60 inclusive of GST) and get two years FREE! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too at $5.45/year. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.

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The post What’s New In January 2024 appeared first on eNSMAN.

NSmen Gamers unite! For many, video games mean way more than just defeating monsters or clearing objectives. It opens another virtual dimension where imagination knows no bounds. They can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do. It’s akin to a second home away from the confines of reality. 

But there is a whole myriad of genres to choose from, and it is just infeasible for us to play them all, despite wishing that we can!

So, we asked Lee Jian Ming, founder and Managing Director of Zenway Productions, a company that organises e-sport tournaments, as well as a member of SAFRA’s Tech Club, for his take on the evolution of video games and its many subcategories. Jian Ming has been a gamer since he was 4 years old and has organised professional tournaments like Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League.

With this detailed guide, you can decide on the perfect gaming category for you!

The origin of video games

No one expected the classic Dungeons & Dragons trope to be the gaming realm’s most definitive game, with its massive open worlds, heavily customisable character building and sensational storytelling.

For the uninitiated, Dungeons & Dragons, Father of Role-Playing Games (RPGs), started out as a tabletop board game that relied heavily on the imagination and curated narrative of a designated Dungeon Master. Players would start out creating a character based on archetypes set out by a rulebook (yes, Dungeons & Dragons has its own rulebook that it updates regularly). You’ll be surprised how gamers can spend hours just customising their characters. 

Then, you set off on a journey typically at the onset of a catastrophic conundrum induced by an all-mighty antagonist. Perhaps it’s a colossal dragon that threatens the very existence of the realm. Or an enigmatic cult that is destabilising an entire kingdom. Unlike conventional games, RPGs do not adhere to a predetermined playstyle so really, its scope can be immense with an inventive and inspired Game Master. Today, that role is undertaken by gaming developers, and many games have embraced the RPG framework for boundless world-building. 

1. Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG)

This once niche subgroup of RPGs grew exponentially with the advent of EverQuest. The very first MMORPG to successfully introduce a 3D-rendered world that is seamlessly connected, EverQuest revealed a desire by gamers for an online fantasy role-playing game that is filled with quests, dungeons, and faction battles. 

Players yearn for a world where they can group up with like-minded gamers, according to Jian Ming. “There are just so many facets to MMORPGs – optimal gear ups, guild raids, quest farming and massive bosses – that the realm feels like it’s growing alongside the player. The camaraderie that is cultivated by guilds and party groups is also an invaluable part of the game’s interconnectivity.”

This is illustrated best by contemporary MMORPGs which have enjoyed prolonged success and a staunch fanbase, like World of Warcraft (WOW), which has a whole 3-series saga planned for the next 6 years. “There will never be another MMORPG like WOW,” says Jian Ming. “Its ability to modernise a gameplay for the contemporary player is truly astounding for a game that is almost 20 years old. This is probably why its fanbase is as impassioned about it as it was when it first released.”

While other gaming studios have thrown their hats into the mix, such as Final Fantasy 14, New World and Elder Scrolls Online, none have managed to surpass World of Warcraft’s player count, which is estimated to be 9 million players globally. 

2. Single-Player Role-Playing Games (RPG)

It is a Herculean task to fashion a world that can accommodate the inclinations and wants of millions of players. There is a need for a personalised sandbox where the player’s agenda and decisions have influence on world-building. 

The Dragon Age and Mass Effect series best encapsulate the sensory wonders of pure role-playing. Its open-ended narrative allows for a myriad of outcomes to the same quest, fight, and interaction, resulting in unprecedented replayability that feels fresh and novel.

It also caters to a broad spectrum of moralities. For example, an elven tribe is overrun by an encroaching horde of werewolves. Sure, you could heroically defend the tribe without question – or leave them to their ominous fate. 

Modern and prolific titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield do well to showcase the potential of unrestricted role-playing and variable storytelling, each selling millions of copies since their respective releases. The interplay between cinema and video games is also more evident.

Cyberpunk 2077’s latest expansion features the voices and motion captures of actors Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba.

To Jian Ming, the very core of good game design is the relevance of the player’s progression and inclinations. “While open concept games are popular, it isn’t as important as content that a player can relate and react to.” 

3. Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs)

While the terminology itself is broad, ARPGs are typically characterised by their top-down perspective (though not limited to this genre) and fast-paced environment. They are catered more to a crowd who are focused on character progression, legendary rewards, and cumulative power spikes. 

In fact, modern technology has enabled studios to implement procedural generation of maps and challenges, ensuring that no one challenge or environment is the same. 

Though the Diablo series has long been the genre leader, its fourth instalment received mixed reactions due to an uninspired gameplay loop and unpredictable loot drops. Still, it remains the one to beat! 

“Diablo 1 and 2 are definitely top contenders for me. They were my go-to games when I was a teenager. Sadly, the third and fourth instalments fell short of expectations,” says Jian Ming. 

There has also been a recent influx of newer titles, with the introduction of Path of Exile 2 and Lost Ark.

4. Social Simulation Games

When The Sims was first introduced in 2000, it took the world by storm. Games then were often oriented around fixed narrative plots. There were rarely games that alluded to everyday slices-of-life. 

The Sims invented a whole category that appealed to gamers who wanted an alternate realm that wasn’t too detached from our realities. Like us, Sims (virtual playable characters) must eat, sleep and shower. They too required jobs to earn a wage, as well as homes to live in. Essentially, you are the storyteller and they are the actors and actresses of your curated tale. 

Jian Ming was working in Electronic Arts, the publisher of the Sims series, for two years. “I remembered playing a lot of SimCity as a teenager,” he remarks. 

Even now, the success of the Sims series is unparalleled. The entire franchise has sold over 200 million copies, with a multitude of downloaded content to expand your Sim’s lifestyle options. Of course, you also have fan favourites like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, which are appealing in their simplicity and adorable characters.

5. First Person Shooter (FPS)

The classic representation of video games, conventional FPS titles often entailed quick and straightforward matches that pit two teams of “soldiers” against one another. Whichever team scores the most points (measured by number of kills and attained objectives) wins. Recent FPS games have integrated RPG elements into the mix, providing players more options than just guns and bullets.

Overwatch and Valorant provide you fantasy-inspired archetypes, such as an evasive sniper with a grappling hook or an erratic demolitionist who overwhelms his foe with a barrage of mini bombs. Fortnite incorporates interactive world-building by allowing players to construct bases on-the-go. While storytelling isn’t exactly this genre’s strongest characteristic, it promises fun that is easy to learn, and quick to execute. 

6. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Once known solely as Defense of the Ancient (DOTA), the game’s immense popularity expanded what was once a fan mod into a fully-fledged genre. Now dominated by League of Legends and Dota 2, the field is maintained by a deeply passionate community of players who love its strategic depth and watchability! 

“League of Legends and Dota 2 are incredibly timeless games that have amassed a huge following. In my opinion, there will never be better alternatives when the genre is already dominated by two huge MOBA moguls,” says Jian Ming.

Both games come with a unique roster of playable heroes and champions that you’ll pick to synergise with other members in your given team. While the virtual arena is typically static, it promises a host of strategic options that is further complicated by distinct mechanisms and objectives. 

The learning curve may be steep, but with it comes an endless loop of strategic decision-making that will both challenge and intrigue any player.

Join a group of fellow gamers

Did you know that SAFRA’s Tech Club has its own community of enthusiastic gamers? 

With over 100 members and growing, the club often hosts exclusive gaming competitions, workshops, and social gatherings. Interact with professional gamers, participate in gaming tournaments, and enjoy special discounts on workshops and events! 

For fans of MOBA games, they even host watch parties for League of Legends and Dota 2! And that’s not all – the club hopes to work with companies like Omnidesk and SecretLab to provide members with discounts on gaming accessories while hosting SAFRA’s Gaming and Esports Conference! 

To find out more register, visit safra.sg/interest-groups/tech-club

Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post The Evolution of Video Games: What Type of Player Are You? appeared first on eNSMAN.