Few things are as scary as starting and running your own retail business. But there’s no reward like seeing your passion turn into a profitable business venture. However, before you start selling anything, you’ll want to choose a business model that fits your goals. The right approach will allow you to make good returns on your investment and tap a wide audience within your local community. Conversely, the wrong one could cause you to start off on the wrong foot and put you in the red long after you’ve started operations.

1) E-Commerce Stores
Global e-commerce retail sales exceeded the USD 5.7 trillion mark in 2022, according to statistics aggregator Statista. Knowing what market trends are like, this figure is likely to grow in the future.
Many of today’s consumers find online shopping a better alternative than going to brick-and-mortar establishments. Given that it’s easy for people to simply use their gadgets to visit their favorite e-commerce outfits, a large number will take that option.

Knowing that, consider the e-commerce retail model as one of your top options. Having your own e-commerce business will allow you to serve customers on a round-the-clock basis with few limitations. You’ll also have a wide variety of digital business solutions at your disposal for streamlining your e-commerce operations.

For example, in the Philippines, internet payment solutions like Maya Checkout and Maya Invoice Payments make it easier to have any online payment processed. E-commerce solution plugins, like Maya Plugins for Shopify and WooCommerce, and shopping cart plugins will allow your customers to have a pleasant experience using your website.

2) Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Online shopping may be the norm for many contemporary customers. A significant chunk, however, will still choose to still shop at brick-and-mortar establishments for the chance to see a product up close and decide if it’s truly what they want.

Face-to-face shopping also allows customers to purchase products right away, without needing to wait for these items to be delivered to their addresses. Through your physical storefront, you’ll be able to accept transactions more quickly and generate immediate revenue as a result.

This model also allows you to interact with your customers face-to-face, which will better equip you to tailor a shopping experience for them that’s uniquely theirs. You’ll also be able to resolve issues as they pop up, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

As the last few years have demonstrated, brick-and-mortar stores won’t easily go out of fashion, and your business may be better poised to succeed through the traditional brick-and-mortar retail model.

3) Social Media-Based Commerce
Another viable retail business model you can look into is social media-based commerce or social commerce. Using this model, a business like yours can take advantage of the flexibility of a social media platform, plus its compatibility with a wide range of digital business tools. Employ online payment processing tools like payment links to streamline the online payment process for your customers on social media, and give them a pleasant and hands-on shopping experience.

Using social media for retail business operations also allows you to partner up with local social media influencers, giving you an edge at tapping niche audiences and diversifying your consumer base. Give this model a try if you have a relatively small catalog and if the nature of your business relies on constant customer engagement.

4) Pop-Up Retail Stores
Pop-up retail stores may not have permanent locations, but that fact often adds rather than subtracts from their appeal. The pop-up retail model allows business owners to experiment and test their market demand through unique concepts and themes, all without risking a long-term investment. If your business is just starting out, try getting a feel of your future audience by running a pop-up store in a high-traffic area like a shopping center or event venue.

5) Multichannel Retail Stores
Businesses aren’t limited to using only one type of retail business model for the entirety of their existence. It’s also an option for you to set up your business through multiple distinct channels, which will give it a wider reach.

Multichannel retail stores use both online and offline retail business strategies to boost brand awareness and sales. Although managing a multichannel retail business can be quite challenging at first, with good execution, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of both physical and online retail models. If you’ve got the budget and the headspace, expand your operations through a multichannel approach.

As argued above, your choice of retail business model will be crucial to the success of your brand. Weigh your options carefully and choose a model that reflects your business’s vision and values—and one that empowers you to serve your target audience to the very best of your abilities.

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Restaurant Matera, an Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Bjoern Alexander offers modern Italian cuisine with Asian touches. Chef Bjoern Alexander hails from Octavium, a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong. Located in the historic Fullerton Waterboat House, the Italian restaurant’s dining space offers a beautiful view of Esplanade.

@hazeldiary_ 4-course birthday lunch experience at Restaurant Matera, Fullerton Waterboat House #sgfoodie #italiancuisine #italiancuisine #fullertonwaterboathouse ♬ Queen – Jamison & Kimmie Devereux

The fine-dining restaurant offers set menus for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu starts from S$78.00++ for two courses onwards and dinner menu from S$138.00++ for three courses. Wine pairing options are available too. We made a reservation a month ago for lunch on a weekend.

We tried 4-course lunch menu priced at S$138.00++ per person on our recent visit. Lunch started off with 2 canapes and 2 amuse bouche. They served Mala-style Olives followed by cheese ball for canapes.

And of course,we ordered a glass of champagne each to kick start our lunch.

For Amuse Bouche, we had refreshing and zesty notes from Tartlet filled with shredded pomelo, anchovies and pine nuts and savoury Puff Pastry.


Next, we had the complimentary bread course served with butter and a choice of olive oil. The service crew will push the trolley and showcases the three types of olive oil, a mix of Spanish and French olive oil for diners to choose from. Interesting presentation.

Moving on to the first course. There are two options- Tuna or Foie Gras. I decided to go for Foie Gras marinated for three weeks within house-made concoction along with a slice of brioce made from a 40-year-old family recipe.

Our second course, we had the Spaghettini with additional S$18.00++. Al-dente pasta tossed with Hanasaki crab, chilli and garlic. We waited quite a while for this course as the chef was not satisfied with the first batch. Nevertheless, the pasta course is flavoursome and luxe up with Oscietra Caviar.

For the third course, I chose fish course over beef. Instead of Amadai, I had the Kinmedai fish served with chanterelle mushrooms, Amalfi lemon and carbonara sauce. The fish skin beautifully crisped up and tender in the inside along with chanterelle mushrooms that boast a complex flavor profile with delicate balance of earthiness, tenderness and making an excellent element to the dish.


For desserts, I had the Affogato while my friend decided to add-on S$18.00++ for the Japanese Melon. Affogato is served with vanilla ice-cream, coffee, and caramel while the Japanese Melon is served with limoncello jelly, granita, and tofu ice-cream.


Lastly, we were served Petit Fours that comes with full-sized pineapple tart, bon bon chocolate and mini mooncake version pastry. The petit fours’ size is quite substantial though.

We had an enjoyable lunch session with impeccable service. My friend has mentioned that the lunch is for birthday celebration meal, and they presented us with a plate with “Happy Birthday” written on it along with a candle. Lovely!

If you are planning for a special occasion or a good lunch meal, Matera can be one of your choices to dine in. But do make your reservation in advance before visiting the place.

Restaurant Matera
3 Fullerton Rd
#02-01/02/03
The Fullerton Waterboat House
Singapore 049215
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:45AM-2:00PM | 6:00PM -10:45PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 6:00PM-10:45PM
Closed on Sunday & Monday

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Butcher’s Block located at the second level of Raffles Arcade is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao, a native of Hilo, Hawaii. Formerly chef-owner of Bib Gourmand-awarded Hawaiian restaurant Aina in San Francisco. The restaurant’s cooking technique, wood fire is the highlight where the team employs various techniques such as smoking, grilling, and slow cooking in embers over the wood fire in an open kitchen setting.

Partake in the Summer Tour De Force, Butcher’s Block signature multi-course wood-fired dining experience that includes both signatures and off-the-menu creations. Specially curated by Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao and spotlighting beautiful produce at their prime this season. Complement the dining experience with over 288 premium labels of wines, including a selection of natural wines, from The Library.

For first timers, I would certainly suggest trying their tasting menu that chef curates. Tour De Force Menus are available for lunch and dinner with prices starting from S$178.00++ per guest onwards. The Summer Tour De Force is available until mid-October, subject to produce seasonality.

Sharing what we had for our Summer Dinner Tour De Force 6-Course Menu S$238.00++ per guest. We also had tailored 6-Wine Pairing at S$158.00++ per guest.

Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Seaweed Butter

The classic rolls are incredibly soft and airy thanks to the roux that created the fluffiness and coupled with the unsalted French butter mixed with kombu seaweed and furikake seasoning. It leaves a savoury after taste, which was comforting, light and addictive.
P/S: It is a complimentary for every table that orders the Tour De Force Lunch or Dinner Menu. Available for S$16.00++ for a la carte orders.

Snacks

For snacks, we had three different types served with beautiful presentations. Grilled Bouchot mussels tops apple and fennel puree in a fennel seed puff baguette tartlet, garnished with shaved fennel, fresh dill, garlic flower, and chive blossom flower.

Wagyu Tartare served atop beef fat financier finished with N25 caviar and mustard crest.The miso-cured egg yolk puree combination gives it some flavour and firm it up a little. Love it!

For the third snack, we had a Mexican-style black corn taco topped with grilled peppers, huilacoche aioli sauce, chopped pumplin seeds and micro coriander.

Smoked Sashimi Poke | Kukui Nut | Ogo seaweed | Herb dashi

Smoked sashimi served with Kukui nut, seaweed, and herb dashi, capped with seaweed foam. The dish is then covered with a smoked filled cloche and unveiled at the table. The hamachi is aged for up to 6 days before seasoning and it absorbs the flavor beautifully. The dish is recreating the ocean as the water hits the lava rocks, reminiscent of the black beaches in Chef Jordan’s home city of Hilo.

Summer Garden


Colorfully plated dish with maitake mushrooms, piccolo tomatoes, yellow squash, green zucchini, charred shishito peppers, avocado puree, amaranth leaves, sorrel, mustard frills, and baby red leaf lettuce finished with a marigold leaves dressing. A mushroom dashi accompanies the summer garden. Take a sip of the mushroom dashi and enjoy the garden full of ingredients.

Western Plains Pork Trio | Banana Leaf | Corn Puree

This dish is to showcase Chef Jordan’s mastery in butchering whole animals and presenting different cuts, each specifically prepared with a choose technique. Hence, it is an ensemble of prosciutto, ‘Char Siu’, pork loin, and pork belly served with corn puree, pork jus, and garnished with kinome and micro red shisho.

Kinmedai | Zucchini flower | Lemongrass | Coconut

Grilled Kinmedai, blanched prawn cake that is garnished with sorrel served with Thai green curry sauce. This dish holds the memory of Chef Jordan’s mother who was a chef herself and ran her own restaurant serving Western food. Every month she would hold a supperclub where 15 of her friends of different nationalities would bring ethnic food to the gathering. Chef Jordan was exposed to a multitude of culinary cultures throughout his growing and he drew inspiration from this childhood memory to create the Thai green curry sauce.

A5 Saga beef | Grilled cherry | Aged balsamic | Demi-glance

Sliced beef chuck roll drizzled with beef jus paired with whipped bone marrow potatoes and garnished with cherries, frisée, red endive and pea tendrils. The chuck meat is full-flavored and beefy while the potatoes served as a canvas.

Shaved Ice

Lastly, we had the refreshing grilled watermelon and lychee flavoured shaved ice topped with Li Hing Mui powder, fresh passionfruit, honeycomb, and condensed milk for dessert. We were amazed with the Hawaiian dessert creation evolved from the Japanese kakigori shaved ice and draws parellels with the local ice kachang. Simple yet so comforting and satisfying after all the savouries.


Not forgetting the Petit Fours that come with different variations for each dinner session. We had the torched lime meringue with clamansi curd, chocolate bon bon and passionfruit pate de fruit.

Overall, I enjoyed the dining ambience at the Butcher’s Block with not only good selection of premium cuts of meats but also seafood. The restaurant also offers deep flavours and enhanced textures from wood-fire techniques. A la carte menu is available which gives diners choices to go for rather than just tasting menu. Splendid!

Address: Butcher’s Block
Raffles Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Website: https://www.butchersblock.com.sg/

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Din Kee Beef Noodle located at Bukit Indah is well-loved by locals and regulars. They used to have a stall opposite KSL before expanding their scale of business to a shop at Bukit Indah. My dad and his friends used to visit his old place for the beef noodle. They even shared that the beef noodle here is better than the Tangkak’s beef noodle.


We were here for lunch around 11am and it was full house. There are people standing outside waiting for their takeaway orders. We managed to secure a table as the turnover was fast. Most of the customers will just eat and go without sitting down chit chatting for long.

Menu and order chit given to us once we are seated. All we need to do is to choose our order and pass it to the service crew. Payment is made after you complete your meal.


Menus are for your reference. They not only serve beef noodle but there is also fish soup noodle for those who do not take beef.
There is only one size portion with few variations of beef noodles to choose from. The beef noodle is available in soup and dry version. Once you select your option, choose the type of noodles. The noodle types include Bee Hoon, Thick Bee Hoon, Yellow Mee and Kway Teow.

My dad ordered all the beef parts with kuey teow in soup version priced at RM16.00 ~S$4.70. Generous servings of braised beef chunks, fresh meat, tendon, and tripe. All the ingredients were soft, tender and the offal’s have no gamey taste at all. Tendons has the mild beef flavour and gelatinous texture while the tripe has the chewy texture. The soup broth is flavourful and herbal taste.


We had the mixture soup but without noodle at RM 12.00 ~S$3.52. As good as it looks, and we wiped off everything clean.

Not forgetting their fresh chilli for dipping. Remember to squeeze the lime onto the fresh chilli beforehand. It was good!

The only complain is that there is no FREE refill soup here.
Watch the video here

Address: Din Kee Beef Noodle (Bukit Indah Branch) 鼎记牛腩粉
56, Jalan Indah 1,
Taman Bukit Indah,
81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

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InterContinental Singapore’s Michelin-recommended Cantonese restaurant, Man Fu Yuan, has partnered with the Irish Duck Company to present an exclusive collaboration together. From 1 October to 15 November 2023, three (3) exclusive menus, each of which showcases fine Irish meats cultivated amidst the country’s expansive rural landscapes, will be offered for lunch and dinner.

Irish Duck Company, exclusive distributor of the world-famous Silver Hill Duck in Asia, often referred to as the ‘wagyu of duck,’ to fine-dining establishments globally. Alongside Silver Hill Duck, the company also introduce the exquisite John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork in Singapore, marking the very first occasion where all three of these exceptional products will grace a single menu in Singapore.

Chef Aaron Tan has crafted three meticulous set menus that will be available to mark the collaboration, each representing an opulent celebration of Irish cuisine.

Expect a lavish six-course dining experience when you indulge in the Gracious Set Menu designed for 3 to 5 guests, priced at S$298++ per person. The set includes John Stone Irish smoked salmon with caviar, pan-seared foie gras with rice cracker and mixed berries sauce, and wok-fried John Stone Irish lamb with a cumin golden cup as appetizers. Delight in the braised South Africa 18-head dried abalone paired with roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck. Savour the smoked-seared John Stone Dry-Aged beef tenderloin with a rich red wine sauce for the beef course. Conclude your meal with chilled honey rock sugar bird’s nest with egg white and water chestnut.

Or embark into a six-course Treasure Set Menu designed for 3 to 5 guests, priced at S$138++ per person. The course features John Stone Irish Lamb cubes with Sichuan spices, a double-boiled superior soup featuring Irish Hampshire pork and water chestnut meatballs. And of course, the star attraction is the roasted-smoked Silver Hill Irish Duck with truffle sauce.

Lastly, Elegant Set Menu that is ideal for three to five guests at S$228++ per person. This is the set that we tried during our dinner session.

We kick start with trio-appetiser- John Stone Irish smoked salmon flower with wasabi aioli, Chilled cherry vine tomatoes with crab meat and Chilled John Stoe Dry-Aged beef with aged-citrus honey soya sauce, sesame seed.

For soup course, we were served the braised golden bird’s nest with golden pumpkin superior stock. Generous chunks of bird’s nest that contribute to the luxurious and silky mouthfeel. The superior stock prepared from golden pumpkin imparts a slightly sweet note with robust flavour.

Lamb lovers can indulge in the wok-fried John Stone Irish lamb loin with Sarawak black pepper sauce along with Hong Kong Kai Lan. The black pepper sauce has a rich and bold aroma that complements the lamb loin. I personally enjoyed the lamb cuts , which turns out to be tender and velvety texture. No gamey taste at all but it could be better if it is less peppery.

Moving on is the braised Irish Hampshire pork belly paired with South Africa 5-head abalone.Succulent and flavourful pork belly while the South Africa abalone meat is thick as well as being soft and tender. Love it!

Highlight dish is the sumptuous La Mian with rock lobster and Silver Hill Irish Duck in XO sauce.When you combine these elements, you get a dish that is bursting with flavours and textures. The tender and flavorful rock lobster and Silver Hill Irish Duck are married with the complex and aromatic XO sauce, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The La Mian noodles act as the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious sauce, resulting in a truly indulgent and satisfying culinary experience.

Conclude the meal with Oven-baked mango pudding. A dessert that embodies the essence of tropical paradise and homey comfort. It’s combination of sweet mango, caramelization, and creamy texture creates a delightful treat.

Guests can add-on S$68++ per person for wine pairing to elevate the dining experience.

For reservations and enquiries, please visit http://www.manfuyuan.sg

Address: Man Fu Yuan
80 Middle Road
Level 2 InterContinental Singapore,
Singapore 188966
Website: https://singapore.intercontinental.com/dine/man-fu-yuan

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In recent years, digital technologies have transformed every aspect of our lives. From eCommerce to online entertainment, our world is becoming increasingly digitized. One key area where this change has been particularly profound is the world of casinos. Within this domain, a new innovation is primed to further revolutionize the industry – Bitcoin casinos. Among a host of online casinos, one player stands out as a leader in this new, exciting digital realm, a pioneering bitcoin casino. So, what does this mean for the average American casino enthusiast? Let’s dive deeper into the world of Bitcoin casinos.

Bitcoin Casinos: A Digital Paradigm Shift
To understand the growing phenomenon of Bitcoin casinos, it’s helpful to begin with Bitcoin itself. A form of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin lends itself to a new way of managing money in the digital world. Built on blockchain technology, Bitcoin offers anonymous, secure, and efficient transactions – making it ideal for the online casino market. Bitcoin casinos operate in much the same way as traditional online casinos, but with one crucial difference – they allow players to gamble and make transactions using Bitcoins.

Advantages of Gambling with Bitcoin
Bitcoin casinos offer a variety of benefits for its players.

Privacy
Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous. This means that while all transactions are transparent and traceable, the personal details of those involved remain hidden. This offers a high degree of privacy for the casino players, something which traditional online casinos cannot provide.

Speed and Efficiency
Transactions made in Bitcoin are incredibly fast, usually completed within minutes. This eliminates the common waiting times for withdrawals and deposits in traditional online casinos.

Lower Fees
Bitcoin transactions do not require a third-party processor, leading to lower transaction fees as compared to traditional methods.

Provably Fair Gambling
Perhaps the most unique advantage of Bitcoin casinos is the concept of “provably fair” gaming. Bitcoin casinos use algorithms that players can analyze and verify if the outcomes have been tampered with. This helps establish a fair play environment, building trust with users.
Bitcoin Casino in America: A Changing Landscape
For the American audience, Bitcoin casinos provide an exciting, innovative, and rewarding experience. However, various laws and regulations still pose challenges. Regulations regarding Bitcoin gambling differ across states, so it is important to familiarize oneself with local laws before engaging in this new form of entertainment.

Embracing the Future:
Advancements in technology have made it possible for anyone with an internet connection and a digital wallet to try their luck in a Bitcoin casino. Traditional online casinos have been a staple of digital entertainment for a while now, but Bitcoin casinos have the potential to usher in a new age of innovative and secure online gambling. These digital platforms, such as the pioneering casino accepting bitcoins, offer not only a unique gaming experience but help bridge the gap between the modern digital world and the traditional realm of casinos.

Final Thoughts
Despite its relatively recent inception, the future looks bright for Bitcoin casinos. As blockchain technology continues to mature and the popularity of Bitcoin grows, so too will the prevalence and acceptability of Bitcoin casinos. Both, pros and novice players can look forward to a world of digital entertainment that ensures privacy, security, and fairness. The marriage of cryptocurrency and casino sectors seems not only innovative but inevitable, as we stride into a future fueled by digital advancements. The thrill of the classic casino experience combined with the cutting-edge technology of the digital age is truly an exciting prospect. We are truly standing at the precipice of a new era in gambling and entertainment.

In Singapore’s highly competitive academic environment, high school students have to choose their path to university. One of the most demanding, but promising routes is Junior College, which could either lead to A-Levels or an International Baccalaureate diploma.

In this article, we will focus on A-Levels and how this curriculum helps you prepare for entering the university of your dreams, whether it’s in Singapore or abroad.

What Are A-Levels?
A-Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are exceptionally high level of qualifications offered primarily in the British education system. In Singapore, the curriculum was adapted as Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level, which is said to be even more difficult than the UK’s version.

They are typically taken by students aged 16 to 18, which corresponds to the final two years of secondary education. These qualifications are highly regarded both in the UK and internationally for their academic rigour and depth of study.

What Are the Different A-Level Subjects?
A-level curriculum in Singapore covers 3 main areas which are Life Skills, Knowledge Skills, and Subjects. The aim is to provide a holistic learning experience that includes not just the academic subjects but also character and values formation as well as thinking and communication skills.

In terms of subject matter, you can choose from a diverse list of languages, humanities, and math and science subjects. What’s important is for you to choose the subjects that relate to the courses and careers you wish to pursue when you go to university and beyond.

For instance, if you want a career in business, economics should be on your roster. Even if you find the subject challenging, you can always get extra help with H1 and H2 Economics tuition. If you really have your heart set on a business degree, you have to invest your time and dedication to subjects that will help you get ahead when you go to university.

How Can A-Levels Prepare You for University?
Now, let’s dive into how A-level curriculum and subject syllabuses prepare you for the exciting and challenging world of university education.

A-Levels Serve as Pre-Requisites for Local and International Universities
Starting with the most obvious, A-Levels often serve as prerequisites for university admission, both in Singapore and around the world. With a stellar grade of A/A*, you just increased your chances of getting into an Ivy League university such as Harvard in the US and Cambridge in the UK. In addition, you’ll also get the chance to enter the top Singapore universities like NUS or the National University of Singapore.

In terms of the degree of your choice, you also have to meet the required scores. For example, if you aspire to study engineering at a prestigious university, you might find that A-levels in mathematics and physics are required. These subject prerequisites ensure that you have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in your chosen field

A-Levels Promote Independent Learning
As mentioned before, A-Levels are not just about acquiring knowledge; they are about developing crucial skills for university and life beyond. One of the most valuable skills you’ll gain during your A-Level journey is independent learning.

As an A-level student, you’ll find yourself taking charge of your studies and setting your study schedules. This fosters self-discipline, a trait that will serve you well when you enter the more self-directed environment of university education.

A-Levels Allow Students to Specialise in Subjects They Are Interested In
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of A-Levels is the opportunity to specialise in subjects that genuinely pique your interest. Unlike the more general curriculum in high school, A-Levels enable you to dive deep into the subjects that matter most to you.

For example, if you’re passionate about humanities, you can study literature and history to your heart’s content. Likewise, if you aspire to be a scientist, then advanced mathematics and chemistry should be on your list of subjects to take. This specialisation not only enhances your knowledge but also showcases your dedication to your chosen field when you apply to universities.

A-Levels Develop Your Hard and Soft Skills
While A-levels undoubtedly deepen your subject knowledge, they also foster the development of a wide range of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include the specific subject knowledge you gain, such as advanced calculus or coding.

On the other hand, A-Levels also nurture essential soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and time management. These skills are not only vital for university success but also for thriving in your future career.

A-levels are essential stepping stones for a successful entry into the university of your choice. Whether it’s a local or international Ivy League school, you have a better chance of getting in with A-levels under your belt.

While it’s true that the path to A-levels in Singapore is rigorous and demanding, it builds character and tenacity, values that will drive your success not just in the academic world, but life in general.

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Just because Singapore’s domestic biotech industry seems set for long-term success, it doesn’t mean that putting up a biotech firm in the city-state will be a walk in the park. While biotech startups can fully expect to benefit from Singapore’s startup synergy, public-private support systems, and the country’s key role as a linchpin in the wider Asian economic context, setting up a biotechnology startup and taking it to profitability will always be a challenge, regardless of where you choose to do it.

If you’re planning to set up a biotech firm in Singapore, you’ll need to make realistic decisions about your everyday expenditures. Fortunately, as you’ll see, Singapore does offer ways to cut expenses that will not impact your venture’s research capabilities.

1) Rent, Don’t Buy
The fixed costs associated with biotechnology research can be astronomical. The biosafety level 2laboratory (BSL2) floorspace needed to conduct pharmaceutical or agricultural research can be several times more expensive than typical office space. Additionally, even used lab equipment can be expensive to acquire, particularly biotech-specific instruments like DNA sequencers, lab-grade incubators, mass spectrometers, and the like.

The high cost of these assets makes their ownership only viable for very large operations. Instead of outright ownership, smaller startups that want to keep costs low should consider renting lab space and equipment. Thankfully, Singapore’s thriving biotechnology scene has given rise to a number of BSL2 lab and equipment rental services that make cutting-edge laboratory resources available at modest rates.

2) Be Selective with Your Hires
The main roadblock to Singapore’s biotechnology scene—and every other international biotech hub—is a global shortage of qualified biotechnology experts. To put it simply, the demand for biotechnology research far outstrips the supply of people who can facilitate it at a high level. Moreover, startups tend to have very different requirements from large institutions with smaller teams, individual members will have to take on multiple responsibilities.

Most importantly, the consequences for getting things wrong in a lab setting are also much higher than at a typical startup office. This means that, in addition to research and management competencies, startup workers need to have the right work ethic, values, and attention to detail to make things work.

This all makes hiring for biotech a tall order, even for the best-funded startups. However, for all the reasons mentioned, going cheap and hiring someone simply to fill a role can be a potentially expensive mistake, especially in cases where they are part of a founding team and have equity in the venture.

Getting your startup’s initial team right might be difficult, but it will help you avoid costly mistakes and save you expensive recruitment costs down the line.

3) Stay on Top of Your Variable Costs
Fortunately for Singapore-based startups, the country is home to some of the finest logistics services in the world, helped in large part by the country’s highly favourable geography. Not only is it generally cheaper and easier to source materials, reagents, equipment, and labour in Singapore compared to other comparable Asian biotech hubs, but the country also benefits from having mature domestic high-tech and chemical manufacturing industries that serve to bring down costs even more.

Of course, just because a lot of variable costs are cheaper in Singapore, it doesn’t mean that these won’t take up a large proportion of your budget. Consumables like reagents, electricity, and other biotech research inputs typically take up a large proportion of monthly operating budgets in most biotech operations. Knowing how to control these expenses should not only help you stretch your budget but it should also help reassure your investors that you know how to handle their money.

4) Look Out for Favourable Discount, Warranty, and Return Policies
If there’s one underlying theme to all of this, it’s that running a biotechnology operation is extremely expensive. This means that you cannot afford to not shop around for suppliers who will give you a better deal on your research requirements. The cost of different inputs can vary widely, particularly chemicals and biological agents, so it’s a good idea to spend some time looking for suppliers who are willing to cut you some slack in return for steady business.

Fortunately, the high concentration of pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology companies within Singapore means that you’ll often be able to score good deals if you look hard enough.

As advantageous as Singapore is for ambitious researchers and entrepreneurs, biotech is an expensive business, regardless of where you choose to set up. Maintaining a good grip on the nitty-gritty of the biotech expenses will not only ensure your firm’s initial survival but should also help create a more resilient internal culture that may help it navigate future challenges and opportunities in a booming global biotech market.

Best of all, knowing how to control your day-to-day expenses should put you in a much better position to pioneer breakthroughs and innovations over the long haul.

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Hanazen situated in the CHIJMES dining and entertainment hub in the heart of the City Hall district has recently launched a brand-new menu. The menu is meticulously crafted by Chef Taisei Iwao. Chef Taisei, who serves as the Executive Chef at the Michelin-starred Lumiere and owns Karato in Osaka.

Hanazen’s omakase menu is an exploration of Japanese cuisine that adheres to the highest standards of quality and precision. It draws inspiration from French culinary techniques and a wide range of influences. Diners can indulge in dishes that change with the seasons as the Omakase menu is regularly updated to showcase the best seasonal ingredients available.

Excited to sample the 10-course menu for S$210++ person during the dinner session. Alternatively, diners have the option to go for 9-course menu priced at S$180++ per person too.

Uni Brioche

The evening begins with a delicate square of toasted brioche topped with generous spoonfuls of uni / sea urchin and fragranced with a dash of paprika.

Tuna Tartare

A mix of fatty Nagasaki Chutoro and Akamai , crowned with caviar and delicate gold leaf. Masterpiece in both presentation and flavour.

Hotate

Lightly grilled scallops with firm texture, accompanied by an intriguing broccoli, kelp, and coriander mousse. Upon serving, it is drizzled with broccoli and crab chowder for a dash of dimension in flavour.

Lobster

Presented by Chef Iwao where he flambeed the Baked Australia Lobster adorned with a drizzle of both lobster miso and velvety bechamel sauce. The dish is elevated by the addition of skillfully incorporated pieces of rich and sweet crustacean flesh and a sumptuous sauce.

Awabi (Abalone)

Combination of tender abalone, rich liver sauce and fluffy rice creates a symphony of flavours on the palate. I still remember the first taste of this dish was at Wagyu Jin. I enjoyed it as the abalone contributes a subtle oceanic sweetness and chewiness and the rice absorbs the liver sauce and these elements create a harmonious blend of savoury and umami flavour.

Wagyu

A5 Kagoshima beef is prepared to perfection, cooked to a delightful medium-rare doneness, and accompanied by a tantalizing fresh onion sauce infused with Shizuoka wasabi and whole black peppercorns to deliver a bold and robust flavor profile. The black peppercorns undergo a 48-hour aging process in Thai fish sauce, resulting in a uniquely intricate savoriness that sets it apart from any other culinary experience. Another standout feature of the meal is the Kagoshima A4 Beef, expertly char-grilled right before our eyes.

Beef Curry

Unlike the usual Japanese curry, this beef curry rice uses Niigata Koshihikari rice and slow-cooked braised beef curry that captures a sublime sweetness derived from a medley of premium ingredients. Ingredients including carrots, apples, and the exceedingly premium Miyazaki mangoes, each priced at no less than S$100.

Peach Soup

Concluding the meal with a sweet and delightful Peach Soup. This exquisite dessert harmoniously combines the refreshing crispness of celery with the luscious and fruity roundness of peaches. It is elegantly presented atop a bed of diced Yamanashi peaches, providing a delightful textural element with each bite. Lovely!

Mont Blanc

Next in line is the Mont Blanc dessert, an indulgence that showcases the essence of vanilla bean ice cream infused with a rich earthy nuttiness from a combination of chestnut and cheese mousse. Toppings include Japanese chestnuts, chestnut powder, sweet potato crips and Graham cracker crumbs. It is a delightful textural dimension to this exquisite treat.

Raisin Butter Cookie

To round off our dining experience, we savored a spirited Raisin Butter Cookie thoughtfully imbued with the essence of Yamazki Whisky. Delectable treat reveals a delightful surprise with the plump raisins soaked in Yamazki whisky, imparting a subtle complexity that bursts into a symphony flavour in the mouth.

Hanazen received mixed reviews during its initial openings, but this new menu introduces a refreshing difference. I particularly valued the distinctiveness of specific courses, specially conceived by Chef Taisei Iwao, which contributed an additional layer of uniqueness to the overall dining experience.

Reservations are now open and available via Oddle and whatsapp +659820 2963

Address: Hanazen
30 Victoria St,
#01-21/22 CHIJMES,
Singapore 187996
Reservations: (WhatsApp) +65 9820 2963
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanazensingapore

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In the world of forex trading, managing risk is an essential skill that can spell the difference between success and failure. For traders looking to begin their journey with smaller capital, cent account forex trading offers a practical solution.

Cent accounts allow traders to trade with significantly reduced risk exposure, making them particularly suitable for beginners or those aiming to refine their trading strategies without risking substantial losses. In this article, we delve into the strategies and techniques for effective risk management within cent account forex trading. By understanding how to minimize losses while trading with smaller sums, traders can lay a solid foundation for their forex trading endeavors.

The Benefits and Basics of Cent Account Forex Trading
Cent account forex trading provides a valuable entry point for traders with limited capital. These accounts allow traders to execute trades using a fraction of the standard lot size, effectively reducing risk exposure. With cent accounts, traders can experience the real market environment while risking only a small portion of their capital. This is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it enables them to practice trading strategies, develop skills, and build confidence without the fear of significant financial losses.

Understanding Risk and Reward
The principle of risk and reward is fundamental to effective risk management. Traders need to assess the potential reward of a trade against the associated risk. With cent account forex trading, the reduced lot sizes mean that potential profits may be smaller compared to standard accounts. However, the corresponding losses are also limited. Achieving a healthy balance between risk and reward is key to maintaining consistent profitability over the long term.

Adapting to Cent Account Conditions
Position sizing is a critical element of risk management in cent account forex trading. With smaller lot sizes, traders can define position sizes that align with their risk tolerance. A common rule of thumb is to risk a small percentage of the trading account on each trade, typically 1-2%. This approach ensures that a string of losses won’t deplete the account quickly, allowing for more opportunities to learn and recover.

Setting Realistic Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Levels
Setting appropriate stop-loss and take-profit levels is essential in cent account forex trading. Traders should determine these levels based on the technical analysis of the currency pair and their risk tolerance. Stop-loss orders protect against substantial losses, while take-profit orders lock in profits at reasonable levels. Striking a balance between the two is crucial for successful risk management.

Spreading Risk with Multiple Trades
Diversification remains a powerful strategy even with cent account trading. Rather than putting all capital into a single trade, traders can diversify their positions across multiple currency pairs. This reduces the impact of a single losing trade on the overall account balance. By spreading risk, traders enhance their ability to weather market fluctuations.

Balancing Profit Potential and Loss Exposure
The risk-reward ratio compares the potential loss of a trade to its potential profit. A common guideline is to maintain a ratio of at least 1:2, meaning the potential profit should be at least twice the potential loss. This ensures that winning trades can offset the impact of losing trades, resulting in consistent gains over time.

Using Trailing Stop-Loss Orders for Profit Protection
Trailing stop-loss orders are particularly useful in cent account forex trading. They allow traders to lock in profits as a trade moves favorably, while also giving the trade room to breathe. If the market reverses, the trailing stop adjusts upward, ensuring that a portion of the profit is secured even if the trade eventually closes.

Maintaining Discipline with Cent Accounts
The accessibility of cent account trading can sometimes tempt traders to overtrade. Overtrading, however, can lead to emotional decision-making and increased exposure to market risk. It’s crucial to stick to a well-defined trading plan and avoid excessive trading activity. Quality over quantity remains a principle that holds true in cent account trading.

Economic Events and Their Impact on Cent Account Trading
Economic events and announcements can significantly impact currency markets. Traders using cent accounts should stay informed about key economic indicators and events that could influence their chosen currency pairs. Economic calendars and news sources provide valuable information to make informed trading decisions.

Psychology and Risk Management in Cent Account Trading
Maintaining emotional control is imperative in cent account forex trading. The reduced risk exposure of cent accounts can sometimes lead to complacency, but emotional reactions can still impact decision-making. Discipline, patience, and rational thinking remain essential to mitigate the influence of emotions on trading outcomes.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Cent account forex trading serves as a learning platform. Traders should embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. Analyzing both successful and unsuccessful trades, refining strategies, and staying updated with market developments contribute to traders’ growth and long-term success.

Selecting a Reputable Broker for Cent Account Trading
Choosing a reputable broker such as HFM is pivotal for cent account forex trading. Traders should ensure the broker offers transparent trading conditions, reliable execution, and responsive customer support. A trustworthy broker enhances the trading experience and safeguards traders’ interests.

Backtesting Strategies on Cent Accounts
Backtesting, or testing trading strategies using historical data, is a valuable practice in cent account forex trading. It allows traders to assess the effectiveness of their strategies under different market conditions. Backtesting helps identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling traders to fine-tune their strategies for better performance.

Monitoring and Adjusting
Regularly monitoring cent account performance is essential for refining strategies and identifying areas for improvement. Traders should analyze trading results, assess risk management techniques, and adjust their approach as needed to align with their evolving goals and market conditions.

Conclusion: Navigating Cent Account Risk Management for a Brighter Trading Future
Cent account forex trading offers a practical and educational entry point into the world of forex trading. By applying effective risk management strategies, traders can navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with smaller trading capital. Careful consideration of position sizing, stop-loss and take-profit levels, risk-reward ratios, and disciplined trading habits can lead to a successful trading journey that builds a solid foundation for the future.

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