Saturday, February 8, 2025

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

ABBEY: When it comes to innovation, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) truly lives up to its name. Located on Bulim Avenue, this cutting-edge facility showcases some of the most exciting advancements in technology, sustainability, and manufacturing.

One of the highlights of the tour was their state-of-the-art hydroponics farm. Spanning multiple floors within the building, this smart farm uses advanced robotics to grow kale, lettuce, and mustard greens. We were walked through the entire farming process—from seed germination to harvest—and it was nothing short of fascinating.


The best part? We got to enjoy a tasting session, omakase-style, featuring fresh produce from the farm. The flavors were vibrant, and the freshness was unparalleled. And as a bonus, we even got to take home some of the freshly harvested greens!


HMGICS doesn’t stop at agriculture; their car manufacturing processes are equally impressive. The tour included an immersive experience in their virtual factory, where VR technology transported us into a world of futuristic automation.


We explored the workings of robodogs and intelligent “conveyors,” which seamlessly move materials between stations in the fully automated facility. After the VR tour, the curtains lifted to reveal the actual factory, giving us a real-life view of this technological marvel.


Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so we missed the chance to test-drive their electric vehicles on the track. But even without that, the tour was packed with awe-inspiring moments.


This tour is a must for anyone curious about how technology is shaping the future. From sustainable farming to groundbreaking manufacturing, HMGICS offers a firsthand look at how innovation can solve real-world challenges.


Book your tour now and see it all for yourself!



Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory



WILL: I was looking for a place to learn about hydroponics, but many had closed due to lack of support. Just when I was about to give up, I came across a post about the Hyundai Discovery Centre—a place where robots handle both car manufacturing and hydroponic farming. I booked a free tour right away!


The tour started with a showcase of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, both assembled in Singapore. These electric cars are so advanced that they’re already being tested as self-driving police cars in the USA. Next, we moved to the fully automated indoor hydroponics section. Here, robots carefully plant mustard seeds one by one—a fascinating process to watch!

On the second floor, we saw a larger hydroponic farm filled with leafy greens, ready for harvest. We even got to taste the fresh produce and compare the flavors There’s also a farm-to-table restaurant inside the building—an exciting way to enjoy food grown with high-tech farming methods.

We entered a VR room that showed how Hyundai’s machines assemble cars step by step. Then, the projection screen lifted, revealing the real factory behind it! It was spotless, unlike the greasy factories I had imagined.


This 2-hour tour is perfect if you:

- Love tech and robotics

- Want to see automated hydroponics in action

- Are curious about electric cars

And the best part? It’s FREE!

🚀 Slots fill up fast, so book ASAP!


***

Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS)

(W): https://www.hyundai.com/sg/experience/tour/discovery


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Saturday, January 11, 2025

The Filipino 52-Week Savings Challenge for 2025: Simple Steps to Build Your Savings Habit

A New Year, A New Habit

Welcome to 2025! This year presents a fresh opportunity to transform your financial habits. We often find ourselves caught up in spending on non-essentials, while saving takes a back seat. But what if 2025 could be the year you finally establish a robust savings habit? Whether it's for emergencies, future goals, or simply peace of mind, now is the perfect time to take control of your finances.

Capitalizing on the buzz around TikTok’s Filipino Savings Challenge, we’re bringing back this popular trend with a renewed focus on building solid financial habits. Our approach is simple: save incrementally each week until saving becomes second nature. No complex investment strategies—just straightforward saving.


Why Saving is Crucial for Filipinos

Filipinos are known for their resilience and ingenuity, but saving can often be a challenge due to rising living costs, unexpected expenses, and the desire to enjoy life. Without savings, we leave ourselves exposed to financial stress when unexpected events occur.

The 2025 Filipino Savings Challenge aims to change that. It's not just about setting money aside; it's about shifting your mindset to make saving an integral part of your lifestyle.


How the 2025 Filipino Savings Challenge Works

The beauty of the 52-Week Savings Challenge lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You don’t need to make drastic changes or save large sums every month. It’s all about building a habit, one small step at a time.

Step 1: Set a Clear Goal

Start by identifying your savings goal—whether it’s an emergency fund, a dream vacation, or simply a financial cushion. Write it down and keep it in a visible place to serve as a constant reminder of your commitment.

Step 2: Start Small and Be Consistent

Begin with a manageable amount and gradually increase it each week. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Week 1: Save ₱50
  • Week 2: Save ₱100
  • Week 3: Save ₱150
  • …and so on.

Step 3: Track Your Progress

Download our free 52-Week Savings Challenge Template to track your progress. Mark off each week as you go, and keep the template in a place you see daily to stay motivated.

Step 4: Celebrate Milestones

Celebrate small victories along the way! Reward yourself after hitting key milestones without derailing your savings plan. This keeps you motivated and on track.

Step 5: Finish Strong!

By the end of the 52 weeks, you’ll have developed a significant savings fund and, more importantly, a sustainable saving habit.

The Filipino 52-Week Savings Challenge for 2025: Simple Steps to Build Your Savings Habit

Discipline: The Key to Success -- The challenge is as much about building discipline as it is about saving money. Discipline will be your guiding force through temptations and financial challenges. Stay focused on your goals, and remember why you started.


Sacrifices You Might Encounter -- Building a savings habit means making sacrifices. Here are a few you might face:

  • Cutting Back on Luxuries: Reduce non-essential expenses like dining out or buying the latest gadgets.
  • Delayed Gratification: Resist the urge to splurge now and focus on long-term savings.
  • Reevaluating Wants vs. Needs: Prioritize needs over wants to make meaningful progress.
  • Avoiding Impulse Purchases: Stay mindful of how small, impulsive buys add up.


Overcoming the Temptation to Quit

Saving can be tough, and there will be moments when you want to give up. Stay committed by keeping your end goal in mind. Your future self will thank you.


Why This Challenge Works

The 52-Week Savings Challenge is effective because it builds consistency. By saving small amounts regularly, you create a habit that feels manageable and rewarding.


Download Your Free Template

Ready to take on the challenge? Download the 2025 Filipino 52-Week Savings Challenge Template today and start saving! It’s a fun and easy way to develop a life-changing habit.

[Download the Free 52-Week Savings Challenge Template Here!]


Final Thoughts: Save More, Stress Less

Saving doesn’t have to be complicated. The 2025 Filipino Savings Challenge is about starting small, staying consistent, and watching your savings grow. Let’s make 2025 the year of building better savings habits.


Take the Challenge Today!

  • Start small.
  • Stay consistent.
  • Watch your savings grow!

Join us in this challenge and make 2025 your most financially secure year yet!


To Happiness, Prosperity and Holiness!
**Abbey and Will**


Sunday, December 29, 2024

Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations

ABBEY: Celebrating my birthday with a staycation at Swissotel The Stamford Singapore was the perfect treat! Timing worked out wonderfully as we were able to redeem our hotel stay and enjoy a relaxing celebration in style.


From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless. Check-in was quick and seamless—within minutes, we had our room key and were on our way to what would be a memorable stay.


Our room was absolutely massive and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and convenience. It featured a luxurious bathtub, a spacious living room with a plush sofa, and a large wooden table that easily doubled as a workstation. The best part? Two private balconies offering breathtaking views of Suntec City and Marina Bay—an absolute feast for the eyes!


Since this was a staycation, we fully embraced the art of relaxation. The enormous bed, with its soft, fluffy pillows and crisp, clean white linens, was pure indulgence. To top it all off, the hotel went above and beyond by leaving a personalized birthday greeting on the bed, accompanied by a decadent chocolate cake. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the day extra special.


With rainy and cloudy weather setting the tone, we spent most of the time lounging in the room, enjoying the cozy atmosphere. And to make things even better, our request for a late checkout was kindly granted, giving us a little more time to soak in the experience.


A huge thank you to Swissotel The Stamford for making my birthday so unforgettable!


Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations
Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations 

WILL: Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore’s tallest hotel, is not only famous for its breathtaking skyline views and annual vertical marathon but also for its exceptional hospitality. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, this hotel goes above and beyond with thoughtful extras that make your stay unforgettable.


As part of Abbey’s Accor Plus membership, we enjoyed a complimentary stay and decided to make the most of it by upgrading to the Signature Suite for his birthday. Here’s a detailed review of our experience.


Why Swissôtel is Great for Celebrations

Thoughtful Birthday Surprises:

    • We were greeted with a room decked out in celebration mode, rose petals, a birthday banner, and creative towel art.
    • Just when we thought the surprises were over, a medium-sized birthday cake was delivered during our stay. These extra touches made Abbey's birthday feel truly special.

Luxurious Signature Suite: With a King-sized bed, two private balconies, and stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the suite was perfect for a celebratory stay.


Spacious Workspace for Business Travelers: The large office desk in the suite caters perfectly to guests who mix work with leisure.


Comfortable Bed & Premium Linens: The bedding was plush and inviting, though the TV placement in the room could be improved for better viewing comfort.


Balconies with Stunning Views:The unobstructed view of Marina Bay Sands was breathtaking. However, the balconies lacked furniture, which could have enhanced the experience of soaking in the scenery


Convenient Location:Nestled within Raffles City, the hotel provides easy access to both luxury and mid-range dining options, perfect for celebratory meals.


Well-Equipped Gym & Sauna:For fitness enthusiasts, the gym offers modern equipment, and the sauna is a relaxing bonus (though I regret not having enough time to try it).



For Improvement - 

Awkward TV Layout: While the bed was comfortable, the TV placement made viewing awkward. You have to turn to your side to watch, which isn't ideal for relaxation. Additionally, connecting our own devices to the TV was not possible.


Balcony Design: The balcony offers an incredible view of Marina Bay Sands, but it lacks functionality. Without tables or chairs, it felt like a missed opportunity to fully enjoy the outdoor space.


Shower Tub Design:The suite features a combined shower and bathtub, which I find impractical. Using it as a shower or a tub alone didn’t feel as comfortable or intuitive as separate installations.


Swissôtel The Stamford is a top choice for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, thanks to its personalized service and generous freebies like cakes and room decorations. These thoughtful gestures make it an ideal spot to mark special occasions.

While it’s a fantastic option for celebratory stays, the hotel is also highly suitable for business travelers, given its central location, spacious workspace, and excellent amenities.


Would we return? For celebrations, yes—for the thoughtful extras alone. For business, definitely.


***
Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore