Pack your bags, because the Esso Smiles Jetsetters Lucky Draw is underway. Esso is offering lucky customers the opportunity to win Singapore Airlines Business Class tickets! Keep reading this article to find out how you can take part in this exciting lucky draw that is happening from now till 31st October 2024.

Win Singapore Airlines Business Class Tickets or $100 fuel vouchers

This campaign will see a total of 203 winners – 3 will win a pair of Singapore Airlines Business Class tickets to any destination. The other 200 winners will each receive $100 in Esso fuel vouchers.

With all its accolades, Singapore Airlines Business Class is regarded as one of the best in the world. Extra comfy reclining seats, gourmet dining, and exceptional service are some of the many perks that come with flying in that class.

Image credit: Esso

Even if you don’t win these Business Class tickets, $100 in fuel vouchers is up for grabs for another 200 participants. The question is, though, how does one enter this lucky draw?

Register for the Esso Smiles Jetsetters Lucky Draw

Firstly, you’ll have to register via the Esso App, available on the App Store and Google Play, or the Esso Smiles website.

Once that is done, start fuelling your vehicle with Esso Synergy fuels to earn “chances” to win. Every $10 spent will get you 1 chance, while the same amount spent on Synergy Supreme+ will earn you 5 chances. Should you use an OCBC credit/debit card to pay for the fuel, you’ll double your chances of winning.

This campaign will run till 31st October 2024, which means you have more than a month to rack up as many points as you can. So don’t wait—your chance to fly in Singapore Airlines Business Class is in your hands.

Find out more about Esso Smiles Jetsetters

*T&C’s apply.

This post was brought to you by Esso.
Cover image adapted from: Esso

The post You Can Win Singapore Airlines Business Class Tickets To Anywhere With The Esso Smiles Jetsetters Lucky Draw appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Calling all Millennials and Gen-Zs, whether you like it or not, the future of Singapore is in your hands. Youths just like you have banded together for the Youth Action Challenge (YAC) to come up with project ideas to bring about change in the community.

Their ideas span from matching apps for seniors and youths to AI-powered job portals. And you get to have a say in which of these projects will eventually receive more funds to get implemented. Read on to find out more.

What is the Youth Action Challenge?

Image credit: National Youth Council

Think school project but at a national level and with much higher stakes. Youths aged 15-35 years old took part in the YAC programme where they brainstormed ideas that could potentially benefit the community. 

They then went through a series of workshops and received feedback from industry professionals to refine their ideas. The next step was to pitch to a panel of judges, and now it’s up to youths in Singapore to judge these projects and support the ones they find the most impactful. 

Teams that receive the most votes will stand to receive up to $30,000 in grants from this Participatory Budgeting exercise to turn their ideas into reality.

What are youths in Singapore concerned about?

So, what are the different projects you can vote for? There are 39 initiatives which have been divided into 4 themes:

1. Caring for caregivers & creating an inclusive society

The projects following this theme aim to bring together seniors and younger generations as well as bring to light the plight of caregivers. For example, MemoryMates is the idea of an app that wants to connect different generations and engage them in intergenerational activities. 

Image credit: St Joseph’s Home, Catholic Welfare Services Sg via Facebook

SOLEIL wants to offer resources for young people to learn caregiving knowledge and skills; while ReminAI wants to make use of AI to generate prompts and facilitate conversations between youth and seniors. Venka Media hopes to encourage intergenerational conversations among youth, professionals, and policymakers through the power of media.

In a bid to encourage bonding across ages, elderly and youths will be able to take part in workshops organised by OpenJio and pursue common interests together.

2. Improving well-being through financial literacy & healthy living

Yes, we know financial planning isn’t easy and neither is living with poor mental health. YAC participants strive to make things better on both fronts.

Image credit: Mindline

Just like its name, Savvy Savers is planning to make youth more financially savvy via an overnight camp, podcast, and Telegram channel. To make financial learning fun, Unicorn will go to schools and teach kids through easy and engaging games.

Imagine an app with a community of people who love deep conversations. Amble is exactly that, where users can anonymously sign up and match with others to have thought-provoking discussions. Friends Exploring Life Together is another project that will offer friendship coaching and befriending experiences.

3. Improving food security through self-sufficiency

It’s common knowledge that most of our supplies are imported from other countries. But Singapore is trying hard to change that and be more self-sufficient.

Image credit: Foodscape Collective via Facebook

Instead of discarding “ugly foods”, Bloom Superfoods is thinking of repurposing them into superfoods like Acai bowls. Greenairy wants to display hydroponics farming technology in schools so that kids get to experience sustainable farming from a young age.

If you’ve got a family member who loves gardening, you might appreciate Project DreamGreen’s idea of encouraging families to grow local produce together as a bonding activity. Aspiring farmers can look to Karang Foodie for help on how to navigate the agriculture industry.

4. Making the digital space inclusive & safe for various communities

Image credit: National Youth Council

It can be a struggle for elderly folks to access online services, especially when searching for jobs. Projects like MatchWise want to create a job portal tailored specifically for seniors with a more user-friendly experience.

Other groups that are usually at a disadvantage when it comes to job hunting are ex-convicts and persons with disabilities. The team at Resumify intends to create an AI-powered job portal to help these groups jazz up their resumes.

For a full list of YAC Season 5 projects, check the Participatory Budgeting platform.

How to vote for your favourite youth-led project?

Image credit: National Youth Council

Once you’ve scanned through all the projects and decided which ones you’d like to support, simply login to the Participatory Budgeting platform with your Singpass. Do note that only Singapore citizens and PRs between 15 and 35 years old can participate.

You’ll be allotted $30,000 in virtual funds to allocate amongst the different projects that matter to you the most. When the voting ends on 2nd March 2024, votes will be counted and translated into actual additional grants for the YAC teams to fund their ideas.

Vote for your favourite project & stand to win prizes

So kids, you’ve been given the chance to actively have a say in the future of these communities and support youths who are trying to make a difference.

Not only do you get to voice your opinion through voting, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the process of Government budgetary allocation. Just like this exercise, the leaders and policymakers also have to prioritise certain projects over others.

Image credit: National Youth Council

Just to seal the deal, here’s another incentive: once you’ve voted and completed a short feedback form describing your experience, you’ll stand to win:

• 1st prize: Apple iPad Air (worth $895.40)
• 2nd prize: Apple AirPods Max (worth $813.90)
• 3rd prize: Nintendo Switch (worth $369)
• 20 consolation prizes: $25 Grab Voucher

Winners will be chosen based on your answers given during the feedback survey, so make sure you answer properly. They want to know your thought process when choosing which teams to fund and why you did so. Time to say your piece!

Vote for your favourite youth projects

This post was brought to you by the National Youth Council.
Cover image adapted from: National Youth Council

The post You Can Win Prizes By Voting For Your Favourite Youth Projects That Will Benefit The Community appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Buying a property isn’t something any of us do on the regular. It’s a big, big-ticket item that requires deep consideration before you decide to drop money on it. After all, it’s something you’re likely going to be living in for quite some time, so there’s no room for regrets.

That’s where The Grand Property Quest by PropertyGuru comes in. You’ll get to visit up to 7 different condos to figure out the pros and cons of each one before you decide on making a purchase. Plus, there are cash prizes of up to $50,000 in it for you when you buy your dream home. Here’s how to win:

*All images are artists’ impressions.

Choose between 2 quests & visit 7 properties

Almost like a game of Monopoly, The Grand Property Quest will require you to hop through a number of condos. But before you pass GO, register first on the The Grand Property Quest website then pick your quest. There are 2 to choose from, which will bring you to 3-4 properties.

Image adapted from: 19 Nassim, Klimt Cairnhill

In Quest 1, you’ll get to visit the properties at 19 Nassim and Parksuites, and the showroom for Klimt Cairnhill. 

Image credit: Parksuites

They are also in close proximity to schools like Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) and Henry Park Primary School.

These properties are centrally located, with 19 Nassim and Klimt Cairnhill situated just minutes from the Orchard Road shopping belt; and the latter being a freehold development.

19 Nassim
Address: 19 Nassim Hill, Singapore 258482

Klimt Cairnhill (Showroom)
Address: 20 Leonie Hill, Singapore 239222

Parksuites
Address: 22 Holland Grove Road, Singapore 278802

Image adapted from: Grand Dunman, Orchard Sophia

With Quest 2, Grand Dunman, Orchard Sophia, Pinetree Hill, and Terra Hill are the properties you’ll need to visit. These condos are known for their family-friendly facilities including kiddy pools and even karaoke rooms.

Image adapted from: Pinetree Hill, Terra Hill

They also have a number of apartment configurations ranging from 1-bedroom homes to spacious penthouses with private lift access. 

Plus, Grand Dunman and Orchard Sophia both offer dual-key homes which allows half the home to be rented out for extra cash in your pocket, should you be keen to do so. You won’t even have to compromise on privacy as the units are separated.

Grand Dunman (Showroom)
Address: 1040 Eunos Avenue 4, Singapore 409792

Orchard Sophia (Showroom)
Address: 128 Kallang Place, Singapore 339193

Pinetree Hill (Showroom)
Address: 30 Pine Grove, Singapore 598441

Terra Hill (Showroom)
Address: 50 South Buona Vista Road, Singapore 118167

How to qualify for the lucky draw

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg of the features and amenities to these properties. But that’s what The Grand Property Quest is for. Apart from visiting each property or showroom, you’ll need to stay on site for a minimum of 45 minutes at each one. That’s more than enough time to walk through the showroom or condo estate to get a feel of your potential new home.

For selected properties, you’ll need to schedule a viewing appointment before you drop by. Then once you’re at each site, remember to log onto The Grand Property Quest website. You’ll have to enable location tracking on your web browser in order for the check-in and out to be counted. Remember to check out after your 45-minute session is up, as you can only do so when you’re at the site itself.

For illustrative purposes only.

Once you’re done with property viewing, you’re that much closer to getting your hands on cold, hard cash. All you have to do now is purchase any of the featured properties in your chosen quest from the 2 available, and you’ll be in the running for the lucky draw. 

Up for grabs are cash prizes to offset your purchase or even fund your furnishing or renovation works:

• Grand prize: $50,000
• 2nd prize: $10,888
• 3rd prize: $8,888

Enter PropertyGuru’s The Grand Property Quest contest

If you’ve already had your eye on any of these properties, then here’s your chance to win big just by visiting a couple of showrooms and finally making that purchase.

Showroom or property visits are only valid from now till 31st December 2023, while purchases must be made by 15th January 2024 to qualify for the draw. But you’ll want to hurry, as there’s a guaranteed bonus of $500 for the 10 quickest buyers on top of being entered for the grand lucky draw.

Take note that your last chance to register for a quest is on 31st December 2023 as well, so sign up now if you haven’t already – it takes less than a minute to fill in your details.

Find out more about the PropertyGuru Grand Property Quest

This post is brought to you by PropertyGuru.

The post You Can Get Up To $50,000 Just For Buying Your Dream Home Via PropertyGuru appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

We may not be hopping off the plane at LAX like Miley Cyrus, but many of us take the train or bus almost every day. While there’s always the choice to zone out during your rides, EZ-Link has come up with another way you can pass time – with its new Holey Moley in-app game that’s available from now till 12th November 2023.

Think Whac-A-Mole but Halloween-themed, where you can easily earn cashback from playing the game on your smartphone. Time to get smashin’: 

Smash pumpkins to score cashback

You’ll need to link your SimplyGo EZ-Link card to the EZ-Link app to access this game.

If you grew up playing the classic Whac-A-Mole game, you’ll be familiar with this. It’s basically the same concept, but replacing the moles with pumpkins in lieu of the Halloween szn. You’ll be tapping on the screen to “whack” the pumpkins as they randomly pop up during the 20-second game session. Of course, the goal is to strike as many pumpkins as possible. 

Fastest fingers win. Depending on your score, you’ll get to open candies that contain your prizes. This part’s up to Lady Luck now – all candies contain different amounts of cashback, so cross your fingers and you can score up to $3 in cashback. 

The total amount of cashback will then be credited to your most recently used SimplyGo EZ-Link Card. For the uninitiated, SimplyGo is a ticketing platform that allows you to upgrade your EZ-Link card to a SimplyGo EZ-Link card to enjoy features such as topping-up remotely, anytime anywhere.

And hey, if you aren’t satisfied with the results of your game, you can always play again … and again and again. Simply spend $2 by travelling with your SimplyGo EZ-Link to earn game plays. Or, send a referral link to your mates and earn 1 game play per referee. You can also upgrade your PAssion Card* to SimplyGo EZ-Link before 12th November to get 2 more game plays. 

If you’re able to score 100 points and above in 1 game, you’ll get an additional $1 cashback. Smashing 3,000 pumpkins will earn you $3 cashback.

And aside from playing the game, there are other ways to score cashback too. By spending $20 on your public transport fares with the SimplyGo EZ-Link card, you can get $1 cashback. Those who hit $50 can get $5 cashback. 

Play & win with the EZ-Link app

Whether you’re subtly venting your anger or simply enjoy playing mobile games, EZ-Link’s new Holey Moley game is a fun way to make your boring commute to work or school more entertaining. 

Since you’ve made it to the end of this article, here’s a reward for you: use the code <3D2EBD1> to score 1 more game play for free. Remember to key it in when you first enter the game!

Download the EZ-Link app here

*Note that PAssion POSB Debit Card & Platinum PAssion POSB Debit Card are not allowed to upgrade to SimplyGo EZ-Link.

This post was brought to you by EZ-Link
Photography by Liu Xing Ying.

The post EZ Link App’s Holey Moley Game Lets You Win Cashback When You Smash Pumpkins This Halloween appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Most of us young’uns probably have suggestions and ideas on how we can better our future, but wipe off the notion of executing anything from either the lack of motivation or funds. To help turn ideas into reality, the National Youth Council (NYC) is bringing in the big guns in the form of a virtual budget amounting to $30,000 given to each youth to fund projects.

This will then translate into real funding through the Youth Action Challenge (YAC)’s Participatory Budgeting Exercise. Back for its 4th instalment, the Youth Action Challenge began last October and has recently concluded its pitches at the Final Open Mic sessions.

For the first time ever, NYC has also launched an open Participatory Budgeting Exercise which allows the public to contribute by voting on projects which resonate with them, in areas such as mental well-being and sustainability. Plus, there’s an exciting iPad giveaway to join.

What is the Youth Action Challenge?

Image credit: National Youth Council

For the uninitiated, the Youth Action Challenge was launched by NYC for youths aged 15 to 35, and serves as a platform for them to innovate fresh ideas for SG’s future. And, through government funding, selected ideas then get fleshed out and made into reality as part of public initiatives for the nation.

Participants will team up and pick their preferred theme. This season, the 4 core themes are: Mental Well-Being, Environment & Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Support for Vulnerable Groups. 

Image credit: National Youth Council

Based on their chosen theme, a curated range of workshops was held to help participants hone their expertise in their chosen field and develop skills such as effective budgeting and planning. They were also given access to professional mentorship and guidance from top-tier industry experts. Budget-wise, NYC and YAC have partnered with the government to provide funding for every team.

Participate for free & stand a chance to win an iPad

Image credit: National Youth Council

You’re probably wondering, “Okay, but what does it have to do with me?”. Through the Participatory Budgeting Exercise, you will get to have a say in the additional grants that teams will receive to bring their projects to life.

From now till 25th February, this exercise allows youths to each allocate $30,000 worth of virtual funds to the teams that they feel will make the greatest impact in their community. The process is simple; explore the 52 team projects, choose the teams that resonate with or inspire you the most, and submit your votes via the Participatory Budgeting platform.

To give you an idea of what projects you can vote for, this season saw youths pitching ideas such as turning excess food stock into nutritious pet food, courtesy of “Team Pawfoo” in a bid to reduce food waste. 

Under the mental well-being category, there is a team which will be working in tandem with established organisations in Singapore. Called “”Team Check-in Champions”, their goal is to train supporters to normalise and provide frequent mental wellness check-ins with youths.

Explore the other teams and their respective missions through the Youth Action Challenge Meet The Teams page.

Through this exercise, you not only get to gain rare first-hand experience in budget allocation, but will also get to contribute to the funding of various public needs as equitably as possible.

And the cherry on top – NYC will also be hosting a giveaway for all participants of the Participatory Budgeting Exercise. All you have to do to enter this giveaway is submit a feedback form after completing the voting exercise.

From the responses submitted, 2 winners with the most thoughtful feedback will be chosen to take home an iPad (9th Generation) worth $503 each. Time to bust out all your lucky charms and pray you’ll be one of the winners.

Pitch in & join the Participatory Budgeting Exercise

It’s not often that common folk like you and I get to have a direct say in projects that will shape Singapore’s future; now’s your chance to chip in and make a difference. Voting for the Participatory Budgeting Exercise is open from now till 25th February 2023, 11.59pm, so you’ll want to lock in your vote ASAP.

Partake in the Participatory Budgeting Exercise here

This post was brought to you by the National Youth Council.

The post You Can Now Win An iPad By Voting on How $30,000 Will Be Used To Fund Youth Projects appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

The glorious year-end period is when wanderlust kicks into high gear. And after the pandemic kept us away from travel for so long, you can bet your bottom dollar that we’re raring to hop on the first plane abroad. The problem with travel though, at least when you’re not a Crazy Rich Asian, is that it’s usually an occasional treat that you need to save up for.

But with YouTrip’s SaveTrippin’ S$1 flight giveaway, you can make use of your upcoming EOY trips from now till 31st Dec 2022 to potentially win a pair of SIA return flights to various destinations in Asia and Europe. That way, you’ll get to enjoy another overseas adventure in the near future for just a dollar.

YouTrip #SaveTrippin is all about helping you save while you travel, whether that be saving money or time. Before we get into the S$1 flight giveaway deets, here’s the lowdown on what exactly YouTrip is:

What is YouTrip?

Singaporeans are getting increasingly used to cashless payment modes, but that can be tricky overseas when you have to fret about credit card conversion fees or the lack of participating e-payment platforms. 

Image adapted from: YouTrip

With a YouTrip Card, you’ll be able to make in-store as well as online purchases anywhere in the world without incurring any foreign transaction charges in over 150 currencies. The YouTrip app (iOS | Android) serves as a multi-currency mobile wallet, allowing you to settle international payments without paying extra platform fees or annual subscriptions.

Image credit: @youtripsg

Just sign up for a free account and top up your desired amount using any Singapore credit or debit card, or PayNow.

There’s no processing time involved, and you can store up to S$5,000 in the secure travel wallet. In the event of any overseas mishaps like losing your card, you can have instant peace of mind by locking and deactivating your card through the app with just a tap.

Image adapted from: YouTrip

Sticking to the theme of SaveTrippin’, the YouTrip app also allows you to save time by functioning as a money changer in your pocket. No more scrambling down to various money changers and furiously comparing different rates right before each trip, ‘cause you can exchange the following 10 currencies directly in-app:

• Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Euro (EUR)
• United States Dollar (USD)
• Great Britain Pound (GBP)
• Australian Dollar (AUD)
• New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Swiss Franc (CHF)

These stats comparing a €500 purchase in SGD certainly look promising.
Image adapted from: YouTrip

The best part? Because the currency exchange can be done using just your phone at any time, you’ll be able to lock down the most competitive rates before they fluctuate.

How to win $1 SIA return flights to Asia & Europe

Now that you know how YouTrip works and how much hassle it saves you on your overseas expenditure, you can save even more with the SaveTrippin’ giveaway.

By registering and clocking various amounts of minimum foreign currency expenditure on your YouTrip Card between now till 31st Dec 2022, you’ll stand the chance to win a pair of S$1 SIA return flight tickets to the following destinations:

• S$500 min. spend in foreign currency for tickets to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City
• S$1,000 min. spend in foreign currency for tickets to Tokyo or Seoul
• S$1,500 min. spend in foreign currency for tickets to Frankfurt or Milan
  
  *Terms and conditions apply, click to find out more.

Of course, you’ll have to sign up to be a YouTrip user if you haven’t already. The sign-up process can be done and dusted in 3 minutes tops, and you’ll also get your snazzy purple YouTrip card mailed to you in 7-12 working days. Make sure to register via their campaign page to lock in your giveaway entry. 

Image credit: @youtripsg

Thereafter, it’ll just be a ball of a time shopping, dining, and exploring your way through overseas lands with YouTrip in hand; racking up enough foreign currency expenditure to hit your target minimum spend. As far as giveaway requirements go, this is a process we definitely won’t be complaining about.

Tip: For more SaveTrippin’ deals and hacks, stay tuned to the YouTrip blog and Telegram community.

Register for the YouTrip SaveTrippin’ giveaway here

This post was brought to you by YouTrip.
Cover image adapted from: Flickr

The post YouTrip Is Giving Away $1 SIA Return Flights To Destinations Like Tokyo, Seoul & Milan appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Dota 2 fans, we imagine this was what it was like when tickets to The International 11 (TI11) were released a couple of months back. You were camping out in front of your computer, fervently refreshing your screen so you could be the first ones to get tickets. Alas, you blinked and the entire event sold out within minutes of their release.

Don’t mope about just because you didn’t manage to get your hands on some tickets just yet. Secretlab is giving all Dota 2 fans 3 more chances to still be a part of the TI11 action: 

1. Visit the Secretlab booth at TI11

A definite perk to having the TI11 event held on our shores is that you can still be in the vicinity of the tournament even if you can’t be in the arena. While teams battle it out within the Singapore Indoor Stadium, there will still be a flurry of activity right outside.

Image credit: Hafiq Hairuddin

Secretlab will be hosting a booth here from 26th-30th October. This is where you’ll get to meet Roshan, Dota2’s mega beast face-to-face and take a selfie with it for your socials. Before the winners are crowned, you’ll also be able to check out details of an official replica of the Aegis of Champions AKA the trophy for The International.

Don’t leave just yet after snapping your pics. There’s plenty more you can do at the booth, like checking out the newest launches from Secretlab. 

This includes testing out the official TI11 Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 chairs that will be used in the tournament, along with special edition lumbar pillows.

You might even walk away with exclusive merch like a TI11 lanyard and Roshan enamel pins only available at the Secretlab booth. Get yours by participating in activities here like sharing a pic of yourself at Roshan’s pit on your social media with the hashtag #SecretlabXTI11 and playing a game of tic-tac-toe.

2. Snag the same gear as your favourite pro players

Image credit: Secretlab

Now that you’ve checked out the official Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 chairs at the Secretlab booth, we don’t blame you if you’re looking to get your hands on one. After all, these are the exact ones the teams will be sitting on throughout TI11.

And just for the occasion, they’ve released a special TI11 Edition. Apart from having The International logo embroidered on the backrest of the chair, you’ll also find Dota 2 motifs like molten magma in the details of the sidewings.

There’s only a limited number of the official TI11 Edition chairs available, so you’ll want to snag yours ASAP. These will be available on the Secretlab website, so if you manage to get a hold of one, you can consider yourself one of the lucky few. We can’t promise you’ll hit immortal though. 

3. Get your hands on Dota2-themed lumbar pillows 

Image credit: Secretlab

If you’re an avid gamer, you’ll find that your gaming sessions last for hours on end. While taking your gameplay to the next level, having extra lumbar support wouldn’t hurt. Along with the chair, Secretlab is also releasing new Dota 2-themed lumbar support pillows. 

These pillows take the form of the elusive Roshan – Aegis of the Immortal not included – and also heroes, Snapfire and Tidehunter. Made of memory foam, these contour to the shape of your lower spine, giving your lumbar a much needed buff.

Win exclusive prizes with Secretlab’s giveaway

Image credit: Secretlab

We can already hear the tingling excitement Dota 2 fans will have over these Secretlab exclusives. Here comes the good news: Secretlab is having a giveaway for the TI11 edition of the Titan Evo 2022, Dota 2 lumbar pillows, and TI11 lanyard and Roshan pin.

They’re up for grabs when you join the contest held from 11pm on 18th October to 2.59pm on 30th October on the Secretlab website. Not only will this be a flex on your fellow gaming buds, you’ll be giving your gaming setup and your sitting posture a huge upgrade. Keep your fingers crossed and GLHF.

From new Dota 2 merch to collect and activities at the Secretlab TI11 booth, there’s no reason to feel FOMO even without tickets to watch one of the biggest esports events happening this year.

Find out more about Secretlab here

This post was brought to you by Secretlab.
Cover image adapted from: Secretlab

The post 3 Things Dota 2 Fans Without TI11 Tickets Can Do, Like Win The Official Tournament Chair By Secretlab appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

FIFA World Cup – it’s an event football fans wait in anticipation for every 4 years. And for most of us, it usually means renewing your cable subscription to catch the matches, or scrambling to find a sports bar that’ll let you watch it for the price of a beer.

Come this December though, you could be catching the quarter finals not from your couch but IRL. Budweiser, the official beer for the game, is giving away tickets, flights, and accommodation to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here’s what you can expect from this giveaway that’s happening from 26th September to 31st October 2022:

Win a trip to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Being in Singapore means that most of our football watching happens in the wee hours of the morning. Plus, it’s such a mood-killer when any shouts of “referee kayu” have to be done on low volume, so as not to wake the neighbours.

Image credit: CHIJMES

Where we’d like to be is at a live match, cheering loudly alongside hundreds of other fans whenever a goal is scored, and feeling the nail-biting tension when a game runs into overtime.

Image credit: Pexels

Good news for you, dear reader: This could be your reality at this year’s FIFA World Cup. Budweiser will be flying 2 beer drinkers to Qatar to catch the quarter finals live in December.

Watching the match will already be a dream come true for many, but sweetening the deal even more are perks like fully paid accommodation and a hospitality package around Qatar from 7th-11th December 2022 as part of the draw.

Image credit: Budweiser

All you have to do is spend $20 on any Budweiser product in Singapore to qualify. And it doesn’t matter where you get your beer from – supermarkets, minimarts, and bars are included in this.

Once you’ve got your goods, send a photo of your receipt with your name on it to the Budweiser Singapore WhatsApp contact. Every $20 spent equals 2 entries to the draw, and there’s no limit to how many times you can enter. Simply put, you can keep sending in receipts until you snag that ticket for yourself. 

The grand prize draw will happen on 2nd November 2022 where 2 winners will be selected and notified by phone and mail. That’s plenty of time from now till then to throw your name in the pot for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Image adapted from: Budweiser

And even if you don’t manage to win those tickets, there’s still sweet swag to get your hands on. There are limited edition goodies like Budweiser FIFA World Cup duffel bags, backpacks, and Cold-Activated Colour-Changing Aluminium cups up for grabs.

Catch the FIFA World Cup with Budweiser

No worries if you’re stuck in SG without tickets, you can still catch the FIFA World Cup for free. Budweiser will be streaming the matches live at select bars and restaurants. You can check the link below for more info, arrange for dinner and drinks, and show up in the right jersey.

There’s no doubt that football and beer go naturally together, so whether you’re at the game live or catching it from home, crack open a cold one with Budweiser. Who knows, it might just score you an all-expenses-paid trip this December.

Find out more about the Budweiser giveaway

This post is brought to you by LHA Food & Beverages.
Photography by Poh Jin Ron

The post Budweiser Is Giving Away 2 Trips To FIFA World Cup 2022 In Qatar, Just Buy Beer To Qualify appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

It doesn’t matter where you are in Singapore; you’re likely to find a heartland mall nearby. In fact, we bet there’s one right in your estate that you visit almost daily. This is where you go to get your groceries, have a quick bite, and maybe pick up household essentials on your way home.

Now, taking pics of your neighbourhood icon might just nab you a prize with this photo contest. We’ve got details on how to enter down below:

*Read on for the submission link below.

Snap photos of HDB malls around Singapore

Before you go all trigger happy on every mall in your neighbourhood, get yourself familiarised with this list of HDB malls first:

• Bras Basah Complex
• Buangkok Square
• Canberra Plaza
• Dawson Place
• Depot Heights
• Elias Mall
• Joo Chiat Complex
• Kitchener Complex
• Loyang Point
• Oasis Terraces
• Pasir Ris West Plaza
• Rivervale Plaza

Then there are the 3 themes to take note of too: 

• Mall Facade: Anything relating to the architecture of the building that gives a distinctive identity to the mall.
• Retail: Your favourite shops in these malls.
• Community: People in shared spaces or activities happening in these malls.

All submitted photos should be of these 12 participating HDB malls and fall under these themes, so you’ll want to make sure you’re snapping the right pics to qualify for entry. With this info locked in, you’re now ready to let your creative juices flow and start snapping away. Here’s some inspo to get you started:

Bras Basah Complex

Make use of curves and lines to frame your subject.

We understand if your impression of Bras Basah Complex is that it’s just a place with multiple secondhand bookstores. The building was completed in 1980 – possibly way older than many of us reading this.

Play around with camera settings like shutter speed for an unexpected shot.

But this just means old-school charm exudes from every corner of this HDB mall. This includes the many retailers that have been here for decades, like the secondhand bookstores and antiquaries dealing in old currencies and watches.

If the last time you were here was as a student for copies of exam papers, it’s worth revisiting Bras Basah Complex for a taste of nostalgia. There are plenty of nooks and crannies around that’ll make for a good photo opp.

Oasis Terraces

Use a wider angle to capture more details of the place.

If you’ve ever had doubts about Singapore being a green city, we recommend checking out Oasis Terraces, along Punggol Water Way. This HDB mall is shrouded in greenery from its rooftops to the verandas out front. A far cry from the concrete skyscrapers that make up the skyline in the CBD.

Head to the rooftop garden of Oasis Terraces for stunning views of Punggol.

Trees and plants are such natural beauties, so it won’t be difficult to find photogenic spots at this mall. Head up to the rooftop garden or garden terraces to be face-to-face with nature. You’ll even find foliage at the kids’ playground, where the bright slides and seesaws stand out against the natural verdant background.

Canberra Plaza

Shoot from a lower angle to make buildings look grander.

Northies who want in on the photography contest action can take photos over at Canberra Plaza. It’s directly linked to Canberra MRT, making it a convenient place to stop by for photo taking on your way home. 

Close ups work well when you have light reflecting off multiple surfaces.

It’s a relatively conducive mall with lots of open spaces available to create your shots. Go in the day when there’s plenty of natural light if you’re shooting outdoors. If you’ve missed golden hour, just head indoors. Retailers like BreadTalk, Daiso, and NTUC FairPrice have brightly lit aisles. You’ll just need a little imagination when capturing your shots.

Enter the Malls In Our HeartLens Photography Contest

This photo contest is open to all, whether you’re a professional or budding photographer. You don’t even need to lug around a heavy DSLR or fiddle with settings to take your photos. You can easily participate just by using what’s already in your back pocket – your smartphone camera.

Upload your captured moments via the link below from now till 2nd October 2022, and you could be walking home with more than just a prize. 

Top prize is a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.
Image credit: @seagreen0314

Up for grabs for the top 3 spots are a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, an Apple Watch SE, and LUMOS Ray Home Cinema Projector. Plus, 12 other merit winners will get a photography package for 2 pax at Automat Self Studio. Winners will be announced on 17th October 2022 on the participating malls’ Facebook pages.

It’s always a moment of pride for photographers to see their photos in print. The winning entries will be displayed in a travelling exhibition at selected malls:

• Oasis Terraces: 26th October – 1st November
• Canberra Plaza: 2nd-8th November
• Joo Chiat Complex: 9th-15th November
• Bras Basah Complex: 16th-22nd November

The next time you’re at your neighbourhood HDB mall, keep your eyes peeled and start snapping. You might just have a winning shot on your hands.

Submit your photos for Malls In Our HeartLens here

This post was brought to you by JLL, Managing Agent for HDB Malls (East & Central).
Photography by Clement Sim.

The post This Photo Contest Gets You Prizes Like A Canon Camera & Apple Watch, All By Taking Pics Of HDB Malls appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

As far as travel destinations go, Bali is amongst the top of everyone’s list, and for good reason. There’s much to love and do here – from visiting rustic temples and chilling at the serene beaches, to going on shopping sprees. If the Land of the Gods has been on your travel list, you’ll be glad to know that Lady Luck is on your side.

From 1st August to 30th September 2022, FIJI Water is holding their annual contest, where 2 winners will win a 5D4N trip to the vibrant island. I assume your interest is piqued. Read on to find out more about the giveaway.

5D4N trip to Bali, inclusive of Kintamani Lake & volcano tour

Image credit: @jazzypursey

Home to iconic beaches, volcanic mountains, and glorious waterfalls, Bali serves as the perfect tranquil oasis for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Not to mention the beach clubs and retail therapy you’ll be able to do there, which you’ll want to aportion a majority of your budget there. 

Save on your flight and villa expenses by purchasing a bottle of FIJI Water that will grant you a chance to enter the Bali giveaway. With choices abound, you’ll appreciate that your flight tickets and accommodation will be settled for you.

Inclusive of 2 round-trip economy class Singapore Airlines flight tickets for 2 adults, the giveaway will ensure you have a worry-free holiday. Getting from Bali’s Denpasar Airport to your villa and back will also be covered, so you need not scramble to make arrangements for that. 

A sneak peek of your living quarters.
Image credit: Belmond

And no, you won’t be settling for any ol’ hotel – you’ll be housed at the Jimbaran Puri Resort, in the Beach View Pool Villa where breakfast will be provided daily for 2 guests. If room-service and Netflix and chill are what you’re going for, you can also use the USD200 (~S$278.40) property credits for your stay. 

Jimbaran is known for its killer sunsets.
Image credit: Belmond

While you’re at the villa, the Bellini Club is not to be missed. Plan an evening to catch the sunset, lounge on the rustic beach chairs with a cocktail in hand and you’ve got immaculate vacay vibes. And psst, access to club amenities are included in the package too. 

Image credit: Discover Beyond

Itinerary-wise, a 1-day tour to the famed Kintamani Lake and volcano will be arranged for you. Remember to bring your camera so you can capture this surreal opportunity of getting up close and personal with one of Bali’s remaining active volcanoes. 

Snag a bottle of FIJI Water to participate

Image credit: FIJI

If you’ve been bit by the travel bug, here are the details you’ll need to enter this contest. From 1st August to 30th September 2022, head to your nearest store or order from e-commerce stores and acquire a bottle of FIJI Water. Here are the participating retailers where you can score your beverage: 

• Cold Storage
• FairPrice
• Isetan
• SPC Station
• Hao Mart
• Shell Station

Or, order online at RedMart, Lazada, Shopee, Amazon, Tuckshop.sg, and Big Easy Beverages.  

You’ll see a QR code on the bottle, which will lead you to the giveaway page. The next steps are simple – fill in your personal details and upload your original receipt as proof of purchase. And that’s it, you’ve entered the giveaway. Hold on to your lucky charms as the giveaway winners will be notified by email after 30th September. 

Besides the 5D4N grand prize, 10 lucky winners will also walk away with a case of 330ml FIJI Water worth $42. 

Treat yourself & escape to Bali

Whether you’re a travel junkie or simply in need of a getaway, Bali is the place to be for some R&R. And with FIJI Water hosting this essentially FOC giveaway for a luxurious 5-day vacation, I’d run, not walk, to the nearest retailer to get a bottle myself.  

Furthermore, we all know that FIJI Water is probably the most bougie water there is – so you know you’re making a top-notch purchase. No unwanted ingredients or processes are done to the water, with the au naturel minerals giving the drink its signature smooth taste. 

Find out more about the giveaway

This post was brought to you by FIJI Water.
Cover image adapted from: Belmond, Belmond

The post FIJI Water Is Giving Away A Free 5D4N Bali Trip, Including A Pool Villa With Beach Views & Volcano Tour appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.