月度归档： 2022年7月

Surging inflation and changing lifestyle

Adapting to the new economic landscape to stay ahead.

By Foong Pek Yee

At 29,  and staying alone in a studio in Seoul,  Park  Na-Ra is into cooking her dinner these days.
The interior designer says the availability of smaller food packages  and lower pricing has made it convenient to cook simple dishes and, cost saving as well.
Park says she will plan her meals and buy the ingredients to avoid food wastage.
Like many young and working South Koreans, Park says she and her colleagues and friends have no choice but to  cut down on eating out because it can be expensive nowadays.
Eating out is a form of socialization and entertainment that is popular among South Koreans.
A simple meal:  But the  high cost of eating out saw many South Koreans opting for cheaper options like packed meals from convenience stores.
Amid surging inflation, retailers are also actively exploring ways to keep their businesses going.
And smaller packaging of food to keep prices low has turned out to be a viable option as people are increasingly more careful with their spending.
In June, the Korean Herald reported  that smaller packaging of meat, vegetables and fruits are well received by  South Koreans.
It reported that sales of vegetables went up by 25.1% and 17.3% in single person households and family households respectively in May.
It has been a norm for single people to eat out often before this.
According to Statistics Korea, there are  6.64 million single person households, comprising 31.7% of the total households  in South Korea in 2020.
Rising cost of living also saw many office workers going for packed meals in  convenience stores which is cheaper than eating in restaurants.
Hansot Dosirak  (a South Korean boxed lunch takeout chain ) reported its sales has gone up by 23% during lunch hours near Seoul’s office clusters in June against the same month last year.
The takeout chain also reported a 15% increase in sales across its locations nationwide, according to theinvestor in a report on  July 27.
The menu starts at 3,200 won (RM11).

South Koreans take lunch box to beat soaring inflation

Big demand for lunch box or packed meals during hard times.
By Foong Pek Yee
They call it lunchflation  in South Korea  – meaning
expensive lunch amid soaring inflation.
Office workers in particular head to convenience stores instead of restaurants for lunch these days.
 Convenience stores offer many types of ready-to-eat meals to meet customers’ preference, and budget.
The stores provide microwave ovens for them to heat up their packed meals on the spot.
Earlier this week, Arirang News reported a steep climb on monthly sales of lunch box in convenience stores in South Korea since January.
A simple meal:  But dine- in can be expensive for many South Koreans of late.
According to Arirang News, popular meals like kimbap (rice rolls) and jjajangmyeon (noodles in thick sauce) in restaurants saw a 9.1% price increase each in the first half of this year, on a year on year basis.
A roll of kimbap used to cost about 2,500 won (RM8.50) before and, customers usually order two rolls at least.
Said to be the cheapest item in restaurants , kimbap often comes with a bowl of soup and one or two types of banchan (side dish)  for each customer.
While almost all Korean restaurants provide plain water, some even include coffee free of charge and, the complimentary items are free flow.
A common one pot meal like kimchi chigae (kimchee stew) for one person and comes with about three types of banchan (side dish) used to cost about 8,000 won or RM27.
I was told  that the price has gone up to about 10,000 won (RM34) recently,
No longer affordable:  Many eat kimbap as a snack when spending is not a concern.
Airang News also highlighted that online sales for quick and easy food items went up by 50% to 70% in the second quarter compared to the first quarter this year alone.
And the current situation is not expected to change any time soon.

The power of old world charm

Bagan Ayer Masin Chinese fishing village in Pontian,  Johor, is almost 170 years old.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

It is all calm and quiet on a late Sunday morning in the little  village.
The rain has stopped and the sun is out.
Fishermen are out at sea while tourists taking in the sights  – enjoying boat rides and visiting floating fish farms and a mangrove island nearby.
A passing buggy  along the alley in the village breaks the silence occasionally.
Besides sight seeing, tourists are also drawn to the homestay operators’ authentic seafood cooking,  overall friendly and unpretentious community  and relaxing environment.
Serenity: Bagan Ayer Masin is known for its beautiful sunset .
Recipe for success: Tourism and fishing in the new era.
Traditional landmark:  The main entrance to Bagan Ayer Masin.
New look :  A typical house on stilts in the village these days.
A thing of the past: The few remaining wooden plank walkways in the village.
In the middle of the sea:  A floating fish farm and its guard dog.
Evolving with time :  Bagan Ayer Masin opened up from the 1980s
The village started to draw tourists when it got electricity supply  in the 1980s.
The opening of the country’s North South Highway in the 1990s and the advent of social media changed the economic landscape of the tiny fishing village which is about 90 minutes drive from Singapore.
And the good connectivity also makes it ideal for day trips .
Holiday mood : Board ride is a popular itinerary.
Many of the villagers took the plunge into  homestay business – rebuilt their wooden houses into modern units  and  selling holiday packages since two decades ago.
At 63, Ming Zhu who ventured into the homestay business 20 years ago describes it as hard work and rewarding in many ways.
She is known for her authentic home cook food, prawn crackers, salted fish and  belachan (shrimp paste)
Warm and friendly :  Ming Zhu, her husband  (on her right) and Jen catch up at the couple’s home in Bagan Ayer Masin.  With them are their two grandchildren.
Visibly happy to meet Jen, 28, who got to know the couple  when he and a group of friends from Singapore holidayed in the village five years ago, Ming Zhu is now a grandmother of 10.
She says she stopped her homestay business 10 years ago and, the rooms are now occupied by her growing family.
Her husband in his early 60s, is the family’s third generation of fisherman in the village.
The couple have five children, including two sons who are also fisherman.
The little village has come a long way, but it is its old world charm that is  captivating.

Healing begins with a smile

CONNECTING with compassion and care enhances the healing process in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
By Foong Pek Yee
It is a Saturday afternoon at the  Goh Tiam Huat Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Centre .
While patients may be seated quietly  in the queue, the atmosphere is far from boring though.
TCM physician Goh Tiam Huat in between attending to his patients makes it a point to connect with those waiting for their turn.
Easy-going, his good sense of humor and infectious laugh is simply therapeutic.
And his happy demeanour lights up the atmosphere in the centre in Pekan Nanas in Pontian, Johor .
Goh is also a familiar figure in Pekan Nanas where he is active in community work.
While there are countless research and evidence on “laughter is the best medicine”, it is heartening to see Goh putting it into practice, elevating the mood of people around him.
The benefits from laughing and smiling include lowering the level of stress hormones, releasing  mood lifting hormones and boost a person’s immune system.
Goh, 38, who has  a  Masters in TCM from China’s Guangxi University points out that a  person’s emotions  determines  his or her state of health and well being to a huge extent.
And that health problems do not occur in isolation.
Citing examples, he says many cases are triggered by stress, lack of proper sleep, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, bad posture and accidents.
Goh draws my attention to the Chinese phrase with 12 words on the wall in his centre,  ” Patients enter the clinic in pain and walks out smiling ” and explains its significance in holistic treatment.
Well connected : The Goh Tiam Huat TCM  logo highlights the importance of  the spine for good health and well being.
Healing begins in the clinic and, winning the trust of his patients, giving them advice and having them to take responsibility for their own health  is part of  the healing process.
Growing up in Pekan Nanas New Village and from a humble background, Goh has come a long way.
Recognition : Goh won the Johor Youth Award ( Chinese Youth Activist )in 2018
Hall of fame:  Goh is all for  lifelong learning and community work and,  the certificates, photos and awards on display in the centre speak volumes.
He says his 82-year-old mother who has a good knowledge on Chinese herbs has a huge influence on him to take up TCM.
Goh says he started learning and practising TCM at the age of 16.
Developing his business and a firm believer in giving back to society at the same time,  Goh  sponsors activities and gives talks  in schools and active in community work in and around Pekan Nanas.
He was also the Pekan Nanas New Village chief (2015-2017).
Happy faces : Goh likes to interact with students in Pekan Nanas and does his level best to help them.
Goh and his 28-year-old wife Lim Yen Loo have two children.
Yen Loo who has a degree in International Business is also studying TCM with Goh as her mentor.
While majority of Goh’s patients are locals, he says his patient list also comprises people from Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Australia and  France.

Behind the old bamboo blinds

 

Unveils what it takes to stand out in a crowd.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

THE little cafe in Pekan Nanas, Johor, is a breath of fresh air.
Nestled in a residential area, Pekan Nanas Platform Coffee and Homestay is simply impressive.
It gives the feeling that much thought has been given to the setting -a seamless blend of creativity and business.
To begin with, I was drawn to its easy to navigate menu strategically and artistically displayed.
Run by a husband and wife team, Hui Peng says they set up  Platform Coffee and Homestay in 2013 and,  she is proud to note their venture turns nine this year.
A story : The deco makes good conversation starters with her guests.
Highlights: A map showing interesting places in and around Pekan Nanas.
Creative juices flowing: Guests are easily drawn to the menu.
Full view:  A corner at the porch for those who prefer outdoors.
Welcome: A pair of ceramic ducks- turned-guards at the entrance to the sitting room.
Eye catching:  For guests’ attention.
Hui Peng, 45, who runs the cafe has drawn on her six years of experience working in a hotel in Singapore.
Friendly and attentive, she says she was in the personalized service department and that her duties included meeting and greeting arriving guests at the airport.
And at this cafe, guests can choose their ceramic cup/mug which were handmade by Hui Peng and her husband.
She says the ceramic deco in the cafe are mostly made by her husband.
A collection: Hui Peng says the items on display, except those on the top shelf, were made by her and her husband. The pieces on the top shelf were made by their mentor.
We are open: The front entrance to the sitting room.
The cafe’s environmental friendly and retro theme itself is a selling point.
Hui Peng says the ambience is popular among guests.

A place to cherish, explore and reflect

An island with a story to inspire .
By Foong Pek Yee
THE cranking sound from the bumboat’s  engine triggers a feeling of anticipation inside me.
It is June 11, 2022 and we are on our way to Pulau Ubin – the treasure trove of Singapore’s rich heritage.
The 1,020 – hectare island promises a glimpse of Singapore in a bygone era, bringing to focus how the city state has evolved over time into the most competitive economy in the world.
According to Singapore’s Economic Development Board,  Singapore which  marks 57 years of independence this year ranks first in Asia for quality living and, first in Asia for expatriates to live in.
A journey :  It is just a 20-minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin.
Hot spot: The little commercial hub in Pulau Ubin is often the meeting point for visitors
In the mood for discovery : Pulau Ubin offers a different kind of experience for kids from urban areas.
Show time:  The stage for opera shows during festive seasons like Tua Pek Kong Festival since time immemorial
Old is gold:  The signboard showing the way to Fo Shan Ting Tua Pek Kong Temple which is perched on a hillock.  The temple was built in 1869.
Taking in the  sights:  Bicycling is popular on  the island.
That’s the way:  The road leading to Butterfly Hill.
Relaxing: And watching the world go by.
On the spot :  Information on tropical plants. This is assam or tamarind fruit which is widely used in Asian cuisine.
Of significance: Little red shrines are common in predominantly Chinese areas.
Big crowd:  Good business during weekends .
In demand: Bicycle rental is good business on the island.
It was in 1824 when the then Second Resident of Singapore, John Crawfurd landed on Pulau Ubin and declared the island a British Territory.
In 1942, the Japanese Army occupied the island which was known for granite mining in its heyday.
Other economic activities on the island in the old days included rubber planting and prawn rearing.
With education always close at heart, the Chinese residents on the island raised money to build Bin Kiang School in 1952 and, dwindling enrolment saw the school closed  in 1985.
The 1990 population census reported less than 200 residents on the island.
Today  Pulau Ubin  is a tourism destination  and  popular among natural and cultural heritage lovers in particular.
For elderly Singaporeans, it is a place to take a walk down memory lane.
An elderly man in our bumboat recalls his younger days at the Outward Bound School that was opened in 1967.
He reckons that it is good for young people to get to know more about the island.
The beautiful and well kept island is certainly more than meets the eye.
One for the album:  A  photo montage on activities on Pulau Ubin
Interesting and useful : Information and guide on Pulau Ubin  for visitors
It is a showcase on the public and private sectors’ efforts  to preserve the country’s rich heritage.