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Motivation

That day I was originally researching for my students, but the one who changed me was 吕秀金

My name is May. I’m 55 this year and about to retire from my career as a teacher.
After more than 30 years in education, I thought I was quite familiar with emotional development. I’ve counseled so many students, walked alongside countless parents through turbulent years.
At one point, I was researching emotional support resources for students online when I stumbled across an article about someone named Lu Xiu Jin and something called Pop Workshop.

I thought it was interesting at the time—jotted the name down in my notebook, thinking maybe someday I could recommend it to a student who really needed it.

Little did I know, the one who would need it most… would end up being me.


As My Classroom Teaching Life Dimmed

Retirement looks like freedom from the outside, but for me, it felt more like losing gravity.
Without lesson prep, roll calls, or the school bell ringing every few hours, my life suddenly became quiet—so quiet it felt unfamiliar.

No more early mornings, yet I didn’t know what I should get up for.
No more lunch breaks spent marking papers, yet I’d lost my appetite.

My family was busy with their own lives. My husband didn’t talk much. My children had long started their own families, only replying with the occasional sticker in the family group chat.
I didn’t want to burden anyone, so I kept quiet. But I knew deep down, this loneliness didn’t appear overnight—it had been slowly building.


While Cleaning Out My Drawer, I Found That Note: “Pop Workshop – Lu Xiu Jin”
It was a name I had written down over a year ago, originally for my students.
But now, it felt like a note left for my future self. I went online, looked up the course, and called the number.

I signed up—not because I had a big reason, not because I wanted a life transformation.
I simply wanted to try doing something purely for myself, something that could fill this odd emptiness I was starting to feel.


I Wasn’t a Teacher, a Wife, or a Mother—Just Me

No one there asked what job I had. No one cared how many children I raised.
Everyone just came in with their own stories and their own emotions.

I began to realize: it had been a long time since I’d asked myself, “What am I feeling?”
For years, my thoughts were always about how to help this student improve, how to guide without making anyone uncomfortable—but I had never asked, “How am I, really?”

One question from the workshop struck me:
“What are you most looking forward to after retirement?”
I couldn’t answer. Not because I didn’t want anything—but because I had forgotten how to ask myself questions.


I Didn’t Become a New Person, But I Found New Things Worth Doing

After returning home, I still cook, clean, and answer the phone every day.
But now, I allow myself to carve out some time—not to manage chores, but just to be with myself.

I’ll make a cup of tea and listen to an old CD I used to love.
I’ll go to the market and buy vegetables I’ve never tried, just to cook something different for me.
I’ve started calling up former colleagues for lunch—not for any occasion, but simply to reconnect and talk about how we’re doing.

That feeling of “rediscovering myself” doesn’t feel dramatic—it’s not like a thunderstorm.
It’s more like a small lamp quietly lighting up a corner of a room I hadn’t entered in years.


A Letter to You, If You’re Also Standing at a Crossroad

If you’re someone who, like me, has spent a lifetime giving to others—only to one day realize that you’ve forgotten you’re also someone who deserves care—
Then maybe, you too can give yourself a little space.
Just like I did, quietly step into a space where there’s no need to perform, no need to say the right things.

Pop Workshop doesn’t ask you to become a hero.
It doesn’t push you to change overnight.
It simply shows you that:
You’re still here.
Your feelings are still here.
And your heart… it’s still capable of movement.

LifestyleMotivation

Pop institute Pte Ltd make my 27-Year-Old awake

My Boring Story
I’m 27, stuck as a cashier in supermarket, and life’s been one big “sian lah.” Scanning barang all day used to be okay—got rent money, can lah—but now it’s a bloody trap. Same old shit, pay so little, and I’m just drifting nowhere. Hit me one day: I cant really keep this up forever, I’m finished. Need something to aim for, or I’m just another goner, stuck to this counter.

One night, doing the late shift, my old secondary school teacher, Mr. Chen, comes through buying ciggies. We talk cock a bit—longer than usual—and I’m just ranting: stuck sia, life damn sian, don’t even know what’s next. He looks at me, like, “I’ve been there lah,” and drops this thing about a Pop Workshop he did with POP Institute Pte Ltd. Says it jolted him out of his rut, maybe I should try. I’m thinking, “Sounds like some atas scam sia,” but I’m so fed up ringing up instant noodles with no way out, I say lah, sign up lor. Broke lah, lost lah—what’s there to lose?

Chatting, Not Just Dead

Now got some movement lah. I don’t just mumble at the other cashiers—I’ll throw some dumb line about the uncle lah, buying 10 cans of tuna at 1 a.m., and they laugh instead of acting like I’m not there. Start talking to them proper—hear their crap, like who’s got loans or who’s working two jobs. Call my bro, ask how he’s holding up, and we just yak—nothing deep lah, just chill—and it’s not like forcing it out. Small lah, but beats that black hole I was drowning in.

Not Just Another Face

Out here, I’m not total chopped liver lah. At work, I’m crapping with the stock guy about how peak hours damn jialat, even throw some half-cocked idea at my supervisor about fixing the queue lah. He don’t brush me off—says, “Can consider.” Not like I’m the big boss, but I’m not just wallpaper sia, and that’s something when I thought I’d be scanning Milo packets ‘til I mati. My bro sees it too—I’m not that zoned-out lump lah, staring at the wall.

That Time I Didn’t Kena Whack

One day, this customer lah, kpkb about his receipt—old me would’ve just tahan, hating myself inside. This time, I look at him, say, “Yah lah, got error, I settle for you,” and fix it fast. He shuts up, mutters thanks, and I’m standing there, damn shiok, like, “Eh, I didn’t just eat shit sia.” Messy lah, but it’s me, and I feel alive for once.

Still Pokkai, But Now Better

Pop Workshop never make me rich lah, or magic away my broke-ass woes—rent still damn pain, and I’m still figuring how to jump ship from this job. But it lit something lah, showed me I need a target, not just this scan-scan life. I can talk lah—to the crew, my family, myself—without feeling it’s all for nothing. Not about being some high-flyer sia; it’s just showing up, pokkai as hell, with a bit of kick left. But I believe that i will get better afterwards.

BusinessLifestyleMotivation

呂秀金所創辦的的工作坊真的是 Pop Workshop 邪教嗎?來聽聽他的真實個人想法

 

問:最近網上關於 Pop Workshop 的討論挺多的,尤其是有人説它像“邪教”,你有聽説過這些説法嗎?

答:當然有啊,我在參加之前也看到不少類似的討論,説什麼“它會讓人怪怪的”“有人會哭”“是不是被洗腦了”之類的。説實話,這些評論讓我一開始挺猶豫的,畢竟誰也不想被“精神控製”對吧?但後來身邊一個朋友跟我聊起她的經曆,我才決定自己去體驗一下再説。

問:那你當初爲什麼會決定去?

答:其實沒有什麼特別的原因,就是那種“我也不知道到底怎麼回事,去看看總不會死吧”的心態。我的朋友參加完之後跟我説了一句話讓我印象特別深。她説:“這不是一個教你如何賺錢的地方,而是一個讓你重新認識自己的機會。”

當時我聽得有點懵,但也挺好奇,什麼叫“重新認識自己”?這不就是網上那些心靈雞湯常講的嗎?不過她不是那種會亂推薦東西的人,所以我才決定去試試看。

問:很多人説 Pop Workshop是邪教 课程會有強烈的情緒波動,甚至有人哭,你當時看到這種情況了嗎?

答:看到過,但和網上説的“被操控”完全是兩回事。

你有沒有試過,突然有一天,你在聽別人講自己的經曆時,髮現他説的不就是自己嗎?那種感覺特別震撼,好像一直埋在心裡的某些問題被點破了。

有一個人分享她的經曆時,説她總是害怕表達自己的想法,怕別人不認同,怕自己説錯話。我當時聽着,心裡就一個勁兒點頭,感覺她説的就是我自己。

她説到後麵,眼眶紅了,説她這些年一直忍着,甚至都不敢承認自己有這個問題。然後她哭了。

但那種哭,不是崩潰,更像是一種終於釋放出來的感覺。

所以如果有人説“呂秀金的方法讓人哭了,就是邪教”,那未免有點太片麵了吧?有些人哭,不是因爲被操控,而是因爲他們終於敢麵對自己了。

問:你覺得 Pop Workshop 真的像邪教那樣“控製”人嗎?

答:這個問題我當初也想過,所以我在參加的時候特意觀察了一下,看看有沒有什麼“可疑” 的地方(傻笑)。

結果,這裡根本沒有所謂的“精神領袖”,也沒有人站在颱上告訴你該怎麼想、該怎麼做,更不會讓你“相信某個理論”。他們不會給你現成答案,而是一直在問你問題,讓你自己去思考。

如果這也叫“邪教”,那我覺得所有讓人深思的東西都可以被誤解成邪教了。

問:那你自己最大的收獲是什麼?

答:我最大的收獲是,我終於敢承認自己有很多東西是不願意麵對的。

以前,我總覺得自己對人生很有掌控感,但實際上,我隻是習慣了用“沒辦法”來逃避很多選擇。

我以爲自己是“穩定派”,但其實,我隻是害怕失敗。
我以爲自己是“隨遇而安”,但其實,我是不敢承認自己想要的東西。

這次經曆讓我意識到,真正的問題從來不是“我行不行”,而是“我敢不敢”。

問:你會推薦別人去體驗 Pop Workshop 嗎?

答:我不會隨便推薦,因爲這不是一個適合所有人的體驗。

如果你隻是想聽別人教你“如何成功如何快速賺錢”,那這裡不會給你答案。
如果你害怕麵對自己,改變自己,覺得“思考自己”這件事太麻煩,那可能會覺得這裡讓人不舒服。
但如果你有那麼一點點對自己不滿意,又説不出問題出在哪裡,那我覺得,這可能會是一個不錯的契機。

但最終,成長這件事,還是得靠自己願不願意去麵對它。

採訪總結
通過這次對話,可以髮現,Pop Workshop 並不像某些網絡傳言所説的那樣“控製人心”,但它的確讓參與者重新審視自己。

情緒釋放並不等於被操控,思考自己的問題也不等於洗腦。真正的區別在於,你是被強迫接受一個答案,還是你自己找到答案。

對於某些人來説,這可能是一個很棒的體驗;但對於還沒有準備好麵對自己的人來説,也許這會是一次挑戰。

最終,適不適合,隻有自己能決定。

 

InvestmentProperty NewsReal Estate

Luxury Meets Affordability at Parktown Residence, Starting from $1.07M

Parktown Residence Condo is redefining urban living in Tampines, offering a seamless blend of luxury and affordability in Singapore’s largest integrated development. Jointly developed by UOL Group Limited, Singapore Land Group (SingLand), and CapitaLand Development, Parktown Residence introduces 1,193 thoughtfully designed residential units surrounded by retail, dining, and lifestyle options. With prices starting from an attractive $1.07 million, this development is set to be a game-changer in Singapore’s residential landscape.

Prime Location with Excellent Connectivity

Parktown Showflat is located in Tampines, one of Singapore’s most sought-after towns, known for its vibrant community and exceptional connectivity. This development promises residents a life of convenience with everything they need just steps away. Situated near Tampines MRT Interchange, it provides direct access to both the Downtown Line and East-West Line, ensuring a smooth and fast commute across the island. For drivers, major expressways such as the PIE and TPE are easily accessible, while Changi Airport is just a short drive away, making it perfect for frequent travelers.

A Range of Modern Homes for Every Lifestyle

Residents can choose from a variety of unit layouts, including cozy two-bedroom apartments for young professionals and spacious four-bedroom units for growing families. Each home is thoughtfully designed with modern interiors, maximizing both functionality and aesthetics. High-quality finishes, ample natural light, and the integration of smart home technology give every unit a contemporary edge. With just a few taps on their smartphones, residents can control lighting, air-conditioning, and home security systems, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.

Comprehensive Lifestyle Amenities for Every Need

Parktown Residence offers an impressive array of amenities that cater to every aspect of modern living. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a fully equipped gym, multiple swimming pools, and open green spaces for outdoor workouts or leisurely strolls. Families can enjoy dedicated children’s play areas and family-friendly facilities, while professionals working from home will appreciate the co-working spaces and community lounges designed for networking or relaxing after a productive day.

For those who enjoy socializing, Parktown Residence’s rooftop garden and entertainment pavilions offer the perfect settings for gatherings with friends and family. These thoughtfully curated spaces create a true sense of community while encouraging a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

On-Site Retail and Dining at Your Doorstep

Parktown Residence is not just a residential development—it’s a self-contained lifestyle hub. The on-site retail podium features a curated selection of shops, dining outlets, and essential services, offering ultimate convenience for residents. From gourmet restaurants to cozy cafés and boutique retail stores, there’s something for everyone. This means no more weekend traffic jams or long trips to the mall; everything you need is just a few steps away.

Family-Centric Living with Top Schools Nearby

For families, Parktown Residence is a dream come true. It is surrounded by reputable educational institutions, including St. Hilda’s Primary School, Temasek Polytechnic, and UWCSEA, making it easier for parents to provide their children with quality education without the long commute. Child-friendly amenities such as a kids’ pool and playgrounds add to the development’s appeal for families.

Sustainability and Green Living at Its Core

In line with Singapore’s push toward sustainability, Parktown Residence incorporates numerous eco-friendly features. These include energy-efficient appliances, green building materials, and ample landscaped spaces that promote a healthier and more serene living environment. The development’s eco-conscious design reduces its environmental impact while creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Tampines.

A Strong Investment Opportunity

Beyond being a great place to live, Parktown Residence also presents a solid investment opportunity. As demand for integrated developments continues to grow, properties like this are highly sought after. Tampines has consistently shown strong capital appreciation over the years, and experts predict that Parktown Residence’s prime location and unique concept will make it one of the most desirable addresses for both homeowners and investors.

Sales Launch on February 22, 2025 – Don’t Miss Out!

The much-anticipated launch of Parktown Residence is scheduled for February 22, 2025, and interest has been overwhelming. Given the strong demand for integrated developments in Singapore, units are expected to sell out quickly. Prospective buyers are encouraged to register early to avoid missing this unique opportunity.

Whether you’re a young professional seeking your first home, a family looking for the perfect place to settle down, or an investor aiming for high-potential properties, Parktown Residence checks all the boxes. With its combination of luxury, convenience, and affordability, it’s poised to set a new benchmark for urban living in Singapore.

 

Property News

BCA and Frasers Property Singapore develop magnetic bollards for mall escalators

Magnetic bollards were installed by Frasers Property Singapore at Affinity at Serangoon and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to promote the safe usage of Affinity at Serangoon Showflat escalators.

During the Serangoon Affinity Price trial run of the magnetic bollards in Tampines 1, the number of people using strollers, trolleys, and other large things decreased by around 50%.

It is dangerous to bring strollers or trolleys onto escalators because their wheels might become stuck in the steps and cause the escalators to stop suddenly, which can hurt people on the escalators.

Damage to escalator steps from trapped wheels is reduced by the magnetic bollards, among other equipment damages.

In case of an emergency, the magnetic bollards may be quickly withdrawn to clear the route.

The majority of escalator occurrences (97% from January to October) were caused by user conduct, according to BCA data.

People moving large or heavy objects, such strollers or shopping carts, onto escalators were implicated in almost one-seventh of these accidents.

We are always thinking of new ways to improve our malls so that everyone may feel welcome and secure there. Tan Kee Yong, COO of Retail at Frasers Property Singapore, expressed his company’s pleasure in collaborating with BCA on the trial run of Singapore’s first magnetic bollards designed to improve escalator safety.

Suggested Article: Property in Penang is quite popular among Chinese buyers

Property News

Property in Penang is quite popular among Chinese buyers

Chinese investors have identified Malaysia as one of the top five nations for real estate investment, and PENANG has emerged as their preferred city.

Zhang Bao, director of China Communications Construction Group (CCCG) Overseas Real Estate Pte Ltd, stated that enterprises in China are going to Singapore in order to broaden and diversify their activities.

This is in keeping with Penang’s vision of becoming a tech centre with a well-established electric and electronic (E&E) sector, providing Chinese firms with a favorable regulatory environment and a pool of qualified workers.

Bao also disclosed that the city of Kuantan, Pahang, has flourished since 2013 thanks to the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) for Tembusu Grand, Tembusu Grand Balance Unit Chart, and Tembusu Grand floor plan.

He told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), “As of May 2023, MCKIP has recorded RM14.55 billion in investments, with an additional commitment of RM15.45 billion.”

According to Juwai IQI, Chinese investors see Johor, KL, and Selangor as some of the best places to put money in Malaysia.

Johor is an attractive real estate market for Chinese buyers because of its established economy and closeness to Singapore.

By 2030, an additional 50,000 people are predicted to dwell on both sides of the border thanks to the imminent completion of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connection between Johor Baru and Singapore.

Investment will increase as Singaporeans and Chinese take advantage of the connection in search of better returns, better quality of life, and lower costs of living.

With this idea, you may go from Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands in Singapore in a jiffy.

Construction in the latter country is almost two-thirds complete, while in Malaysia it is about halfway there.

The “drop-in span bridge” is the next major achievement, to be celebrated by the PMs of both nations early in the new year.

Meanwhile, property buyers from China have been drawn to KL and Selangor since they are Malaysia’s two major cities.

Suggested Article: Alibaba Cloud lowers basic storage costs by up to 50%

 

Property News

Alibaba Cloud lowers basic storage costs by up to 50%

With increasing competition in China’s cloud industry, e-commerce, and technology giant Alibaba’s cloud computing subsidiary will begin slashing pricing for its goods and services by as much as 50 percent on Wednesday (Apr 26).

Alibaba Cloud claims that it will reduce the cost of elastic computing services (the ability to quickly increase or decrease processing) by 15% to 20% for customers using Arm and Intel-based chips, and by 41% to 47% for customers using Nvidia’s V100 and T4 graphics processing units.

According to DpFraternity in Wednesday’s issue of Securities Times, the price cuts are an effort to increase Alibaba Cloud’s customer base and market share.

More than a third of China’s cloud computing market is presently supplied by Alibaba Cloud, one of the country’s initial local entries into the field.

However, Chinese carriers such as China Unicom, DpFraternity Agency, and China Telecom have been more competitive with the firm in recent years.

To facilitate Alibaba Cloud and the other units’ ability to separately acquire capital, Alibaba Group Holding announced a six-way breakdown for its business divisions at the end of March.

Tongyi Qianwen is an artificial intelligence (AI) driven huge language model developed by Alibaba, and the firm said on Wednesday that over 200,000 businesses had requested beta testing.

In early April, signups began for the new service.

Suggested Article: New luxury development CanningHill Piers debuts at prices from $2,836 psf

Property News

New luxury development CanningHill Piers debuts at prices from $2,836 psf

New high-end development CanningHill Piers, by Singapore’s 2 huge programmers, CapitaLand Growth and City Dopes Ltd (CDL), previewed on Nov 5.

The 696-unit residential tower is part of an integrated growth that consists of CanningHill Square with F&B as well as retail outlets, a 475-room resort to be run by Moxy under Marriott International, along with a 192-unit serviced residence under the Somerset brand name, taken care of by The Ascott.

The project is a redevelopment of a previous integrated development with Liang Court shopping center, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay resort as well as Somerset Liang Court. The brand-new growth, which will certainly have a gross flooring area (GFA) of 1.1 million sq ft, will certainly be the largest integrated development in Singapore’s Central location when completed in 2025, according to the designers.

The luxury homes of the 99-year leasehold CanningHill Piers will have devices that enjoy double frontage views of Fort Canning Hillside as well as the Singapore River.
The job is developed by the Danish style firm Bjarke Ingels Team (BIG), which is known for its prize-winning works such as VIA 57 West Apartments in New York City, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark as well as Lego House in Denmark.

Singapore-American Brian Yang, a partner at BIG that is now based in Copenhagen, grew up in Singapore. He remembers going to the former Liang Court as a youngster together with his family members.

According to Yang, among the one-of-a-kind possibilities with the renewal of the area around Singapore River as well as the redevelopment of the previous Liang Court site was “to rethink the partnership between the building and also Ft Canning Hillside and the Singapore River, and also exactly how every little thing collaborates as part of a dynamic waterfront area”. He adds: “We wanted to restore not just the aesthetic connectivity, yet likewise the physical connectivity in between capital and also the river.”

CanningHill Piers allows very first household job in Singapore and also Asia, says Yang. BIG was likewise involved in the layout of CapitaLand’s CapitaSpring, an incorporated development with a 280m-high workplace tower at Market Street in Singapore’s CBD as well as Google’s head office in The golden state.

The household units of CanningHill Piers will be spread across The Gazania: a 48-storey high-rise tower and also a 24-storey tower, which are linked by a sky bridge extending the 24th level.

As an incorporated development, the houses will certainly have the ability to command a premium in regards to rental as well as asking price in the future, making it a more draw for investors, adds Yip.– with added reporting by Cecilia Chow.

Read: URA awards two GLS sites at Slim Barracks Rise

Property News

The seller of a unit at The Nassim reaps $2.6 mil profit

The vendor of a device at The Nassim, located on Nassim Hillside, made the leading gain of $2.6 million over the week of Oct 26 to Nov 2. The 3,122 sq ft device on the third flooring was purchased for $10.4 million ($3,332 psf) in February 2018 and cost $13 million ($4,165 psf) on Oct 26. The seller for that reason made a 25% earnings or an annualized profit of 6% over almost 4 years.

Situated in District 10 from where Avenue South is also located, The Nassim was completed in 2015 as well as has 55 estate units. It is an eight-minute drive to Orchard MRT Terminal on the North-South Line.
The second most rewarding resale during the week in testimonial– a 47% earnings of $2 million– was at The Esta, situated on Amber Gardens in Area 15. The 3,477 sq ft device on the 21st floor was purchased for $4.25 million ($1,222 psf) in July 2012 as well as cost $6.25 million ($1,798 psf) on Oct 29. This indicates that the seller made annualized earnings of 4% over greater than 9 years.

On the other hand, one of the most unprofitable bargains of the week was the resale of a 2,530 sq ft system at Orchard Sight on Oct 27. Having actually sold the building for $7.1 million ($2,807 psf), the vendor experienced an 18% loss of $1.59 million. The device was purchased in August 2010 for $8.69 million ($3,434 psf). Over a holding period of 11 years, this translates into an annualized loss of 2%.

Orchard View, located on Angullia Park in Area 9, makes up 30 estate devices and was completed in 2010. It is a three-minute walk to Orchard MRT Station on the NorthSouth Line.

Read: URA awards two GLS sites at Slim Barracks Rise

Property News

URA awards two GLS sites at Slim Barracks Rise

URA has revealed on Monday 11 October that it has granted 2 government land sales (GLS) websites at Slim Barracks Increase (Parcels An and B). Both are household websites with business on the initial storey.

Parcel A was awarded to EL Advancement, while Parcel B was granted to Gao Xiuhua, Riverfront Residences who is just one of the owners of Kingsford Development. Both have actually sent the top bids for the corresponding websites, with EL Advancement submitting a bidding cost of S$ 320.1 million for Parcel An and Gao Xiuhua submitting a bidding process cost of S$ 162.388 million for Parcel B.

Notably, Gao Xiuhua had the second-highest bidding process rate for Parcel A at S$ 316.1 million. In general, both sites gathered 10 proposals each.

The 99-year leasehold websites were first launched on 15 June as part of the H1 2021 GLS Programme, as well as closed on 28 September.

Offered their area in one-north and distance to Buona Vista MRT and also one-north MRT, both websites will certainly offer more housing alternatives for those working in the biomedical and also technology hub.

Read: Condo maintenance fees and unit sizes in 2021: how much is too much?