SINGAPORE - Just a street away from Singapore's central bank, a cryptocurrency firm has set up what it claims is the first cafe in the city-state to be owned and operated by a business promoting its own digital coin.

The downtown pitstop, which launched on Thursday, sells "hand brew" coffee, sandwiches and eco-friendly beauty products and accepts bitcoin, its own virtual currency called Ducatus and other cashless payments.

Its push to promote the use of its own currency through commercial enterprise, rather than speculative investment, comes the same week the Monetary Authority of Singapore urged investors to exercise "extreme caution" towards the cryptocurrency market, which many feel is in a bubble.

"We just want to make sure people understand that cryptocurrencies are here to stay," Ducatus CEO Ronny Tome told Reuters, adding he had plans to open more cafes in other countries and team up with hotels and travel agencies.

"The way technology develops and grows right now, there is no doubt about that. Developments are rapid and the governments maybe have a little bit of an issue to follow through."

Tome said he welcomed Singapore's efforts to educate people about cryptocurrencies, including warnings against speculative behaviour, but did not think it would impact his business.

The booming global interest in cryptocurrencies means Singapore - which has positioned itself as a hub for financial technology in Asia - has to walk a fine line between encouraging technological innovation and reducing financial system risk within its borders.

While the central bank worries about potential losses for its citizens and money laundering through cryptocurrencies, it is carrying out extensive research into the blockchain distributed ledger technology that underlies bitcoin.

Anson Zeall, who heads a local association of cryptocurrency firms in Singapore, said that while the country promotes itself as an easy place to do business for fintechs, banks have been shutting down accounts of some cryptocurrency firms and exchanges in recent years.

Singapore's concerns echo those expressed by regulators in other jurisdictions such as Australia and South Korea.

Deloitte's head of financial crime for Asia Pacific, Tim Phillipps, expects policymakers' warnings will only increase as the virtual currency investment community broadens.

"The regulators generally around the world are worried about less sophisticated investors getting drawn in to what is a pretty murky and dark market," said Phillipps.

Merry Christmas. Even as you tuck into your turkey and trimmings, set aside some time to ponder what the holiday really means to you. BTWeekend offers food for thought with a personal essay by lawyer-author Philip Jeyaretnam, who writes about how Christmas should be a stimulus for genuine reflection and transformation in all of us.

Meanwhile, get into the holiday spirit with our guide in the magazine to the best movies and music to enjoy over the weekend . And if you're stuck for last minute gift ideas, check out our list and skip the gift wrap queue by learning how to wrap them yourself with our detailed DIY instructions. But however you celebrate the season, remember to make it a memorable part of the year.

Goodbye secrets and shame, hello bright and breezy. Pawnbrokers in Singapore are making bold changes that bring the age-old trade bang up to date, turning the quick cash business into fast-growing profits. In Brunch, in the main paper.

Disrupted explores Finland - otherwise known as Silicon Sauna - and what makes it a hotbed for inventions, as the northern European nation celebrates its 100th year of independence this year.

Gearhead, meanwhile, wonders if living wirelessly is all that it's cut out to be.

The Finish Line previews Saturday night's big match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, billed as the richest game in world football.

And what a wonderful whirl - this year has been a great one for cars, but which six should you be hoping for Santa to put under the tree for you? The Business Times' motoring writers choose their favourite cars of 2017.

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27-year-old Singaporean Tiffany Tan runs her own brand where she frequently works with some very reputable clients such as Guinness, SK-II, and Urban Decay.

Born and bred in Singapore, this artist is part of a rising demographic of millennials who are proving that dreams are worth pursuing and that not every artist is a starving one.

Tiffany Lovage

She'd been drawing for years before moving onto illustration, Tiffany shared.

Her competence as an artist started showing through her henna works, an art form she first forayed into after a trip to Little India.

She began posting photos of henna on herself and friends on her Instagram, and from there, her popularity swelled, and she began charging $20-$25 for each client.

"It is only through Instagram that people started knowing about my work because that is the only place I post my pictures. The rest was through word of mouth."

However, Tiffany Lovage is not limited to Henna - that is simply "an extension of Lovage's illustration as an alternative canvas".

After all, the world is her oyster, and Tiffany is proving that to be true through her various stunning works on makeup palettes and Star Wars stormtrooper helmets.

Most of the work that she handles is done solo, with Tiffany only seeking help from other artists is required.

Being an artist in Singapore is a tough decision, let alone running a business surrounding it.

In order to make it work, Tiffany had to give up her full-time job as manager of art gallery Kato Art Duo and her part-time teaching jobs.

However, throughout everything, her family has been nothing but supportive as she leads an "honest life".

Nevertheless, having dived nose-first into the brand does bring its own uncertainties.

"I never know when the next paycheck is coming in and my work hours are irregular from balancing life and multiple jobs at the same time."

However, I have many friends in the illustration industry, or rather, community, who are very supportive of each other's growth.

"I did get a lot of advice and support from these more seasoned individuals while launching my own brand."

As with her original henna popularity, much of Tiffany Lovage's growth was organic.

"My collaborations with brands like Guinness and The Disgruntled Chef stemmed from either social media or word of mouth," shares Tiffany.

"I have been involved in a number of brand launches and events and it has been an honour to have my works used as a part of visual communication for the brands."

Blooming Into The Future

"What's most exciting for me with Tiffany Lovage are all the collaborations that I have done, and will be doing," Tiffany gushes.

It's exhilarating to have my illustrations used as collaborations across brands and I hope to see it span further.

"There isn't one single thing that made me fall in love with art," she reflects.

"Rather, it is the idea that visual art is an alternative form of communication that can be interpreted and expressed in a plethora of ways [that amazes me]."

"Life is short. Don't waste time doing things you don't enjoy."

This article was first published onVulcan Post

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) have issued a joint statement, in response to a Stomp query, regarding a circulated photo that shows one of its officers near a state car.

Several Stompers had earlier alerted Stomp to various photos of the incident, which occurred on Dec 20 at 4.15pm along Prinsep Street.

Here is the joint statement in full:

"At 1615 hrs on 20 Dec 2017, a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer was conducting his routine patrol along Prinsep Street when he noticed two vehicles waiting along a stretch marked with double yellow lines.

"The officer approached the vehicle, to request the driver to drive off. This is in line with LTA's approach to enforcing double yellow lines regulation.

"The driver informed the LTA enforcement officer that he was there to pick up the President who was leaving the place.

"In the midst of the engagement, the President arrived and the driver drove off.

"There was no summons issued.

"The Police Security Command (SecCom) provides security protection for the President of Singapore and other senior political leaders.

"As part of the security protection operations, the vehicle convoy is to be positioned close to the event location in compliance with traffic rules, to facilitate swift evacuation during contingencies.

"In this case, the SecCom ground commander had made a decision for the convoy to wait there for the President as there were no street-side parking lots available in the immediate vicinity which would have allowed the convoy to come quickly to the scene in the event of an emergency.

"The police have reviewed this incident with LTA.

"SecCom officers have been reminded to park the convoy in compliance with traffic rules, without compromising their mission to ensure the safety and security of those they are escorting."

Three women aged between 31 and 39 have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a series of pickpocketing cases at Orchard Road, Singapore's main shopping belt.

On Dec 21, 2017, police were alerted to three separate cases of theft reported at shopping malls along Orchard Road, according to a statement from the Singapore Police Force.

Two victims reported that their wallets were stolen from their handbags and the third victim reported that her handphone was stolen from her bag while shopping.

Through extensive follow-up and investigations, police identified and arrested the three suspects on Dec 22. Three handphones, one EZ-Link Card, one internet banking dongle and cash amounting to $1,117.20 were recovered and seized

Preliminary investigations suggest that the three women had collaborated to  distract the victims before stealing their valuables. They are also believed to be involved in several other cases of pickpocketing.

The three suspects will be charged in Court on 23 December 2017 with the offence of Theft with Common Intention. If convicted, they face a jail term of up to 3 years or with fine, or with both.

The police advises members of the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and to safeguard their belongings in crowded places, especially during this festive season.

a1admin@sph.com.sg

A total of 23 women and nine men were arrested between Dec 18 and 22 for suspected vice activities.

Police conducted a five-day operation along Jalan Besar Road, Cross Street and Kampong Bahru Road. The suspects were arrested for offences under the Women's Charter, Employment of Foreign Workers Act, Common Gaming House Act, and Remote Gambling Act.

Of the 32 arrested, 18 women were arrested for suspected involvement in providing sexual services at private apartments and hotels.

Police advise landlords and hotel owners to ensure that tenants do not carry out vice activities in their premises. Unlicensed brothel operators can be fined up to $10,000 and face up to five years' imprisonment. 

Any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person can be jauled up to five years and fined up to $10,000.

a1admin@sph.com.sg

More often than not, we would opt to get our gifts wrapped in the store after buying them. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that.

But really as someone who receives presents and yes, actually keeps the wrapping paper, getting a present personally wrapped by your loved one is much more personal.

In a way, you'll feel more appreciative of the gift because someone actually bothered to put in the time to make it look pretty and presentable.

To help you up your gift wrapping game, we met with Mr Dennis Lee, the senior sales associate and a gift wrapping enthusiast at Robinsons.

He showed us a quick way to wrap a gift without using any tape - it's simple enough for you to execute, so check out our video for the tutorial!

We also got a few little pointers from him about the do's and don'ts of gift wrapping, and how you can elevate your gift with simple decorations. Read on for more.

When you've run out of wrapping paper:

If you can't pop out to the stationery shop, you can use items around your house like newspapers, magazine pages, craft paper, hand towels and even napkins to wrap the gifts. If your paper isn't long enough, simply tape them together so that you have a bigger canvas to work with.

Common mistakes made when gift wrapping and how to avoid them:

1. Not properly measuring the right amount of paper needed

Always measure the dimensions of the gift, and give off at least a gap a centimetre wide or long.

2. Exposing any tape

Always keep the tape beneath the wrapping paper.

3. Using yellow-tinted scotch tape

Hide the yellow-tinted tape beneath the paper, or use double-sided tape.

4. Leaving the ends of the paper sticking out

Before wrapping the gift, tape down a half or one-centimetre fold on the inside of your paper, so it doesn't flap out.

How to decorate your masterpiece:

Leaving your hard work bare would be fine if you're going for an old-school classy wrap. But if you want to elevate it, there's an endless sea of possibilities - it's all up to your creativity. In the meantime, here's Dennis' take on what you can do.

Use flowers (either fresh or dried) or twigs to decorate your gift. Sticky-tape it beneath a ribbon so it's concealed, or use a hot glue gun. You could also use Washi tapes which do the job, but look good.

You could also use herbs like rosemary, which you can find in your kitchen. The plus side for using these is that they actually smell good as well as look good.

This article was first published in Her World Online

Xiamen Air confirmed on Monday that three of its crew members were investigated by Singapore police after a brawl broke out during a meal.

The airline said that after Flight MF855 from Fuzhou to Singapore landed on Saturday evening, the crew went to a hotel for a meal.

During the meal, three male crew members quarrelled and were taken away by local police.

According to a report in Legal Evening News, the three men were the co-pilot, purser and safety officer. A verbal dispute arose between them and then progressed to a physical blows, including one of the men being beaten on the head with a bottle, the report said.

Zhang Qihuai, a Beijing-based lawyer specialising in civil aviation, said that the airline's station in Singapore was informed by the police on Sunday that the three men had been arrested.

According to the news report, the crew members have now been released on bail, but were told not to leave Singapore until their court trial in early January.

Xiamen Air said it would improve its management of international flight crews, and would deal seriously with all rule violations.

A freelance model suddenly experienced numbness in half her body, along with a splitting headache during a karaoke session with her friends on Dec 12.

The model, Ms Karen Stella Wong, 28, was promptly conveyed to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) where she went into a coma and subsequently died three days later, reported Shin Min Daily News.

According to Ms Wong's father, Mr Laurence Wong, 60, doctors certified her cause of death as acute intracerebral haemorrhage, a condition where bleeding occurs within the brain tissue.

He told The Straits Times that Ms Wong had no known medical history and it had just been a regular outing with her friends when tragedy struck.

Mr Wong reiterated:

"My family has no history of acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Once in a while, she got a headache like normal people do.

"The SGH doctor said that even a common headache could be a symptom, but no doctor would ask a normal guy with a headache to go for a scan."

Under the Human Organ Transplant Act first enacted in 1987, Ms Wong had to donate her organs upon her death.

The Human Organ Transplant Act states that all Singapore citizens and permanent residents above the age of 21, of sound mind and who have not opted out, will have their kidneys, hearts, livers and corneas removed upon their death if they died in a hospital, their organs are suitable for transplant and there are suitable recipients for the organs.

Mr Wong said that he struggled with the idea at first, and was surprised when told that his daughter's organs had to be donated.

He eventually came to terms with it, donating Ms Wong's two kidneys and liver.

Said Mr Wong:

"I heard they managed to do transplants on three patients, and I feel it's a blessing that at least she can save three people."

Ms Wong was cremated on Dec 20.

Mr Wong revealed that his main concern now was his wife's wellbeing, citing:

"My main worry now is my wife. They were like sisters. How is she going to handle it? I put her up in a relative's house for the time being,

"It's very difficult for me. I cried for two days. No matter what, I told myself I must be strong for my wife and my mother. My mother does not know yet. She does not read newspapers."

He added that his daughter was a cheerful individual who loved to joke:

"She didn't give me much problems.

"I just recall the last moment she left the house - she said 'daddy I'm going out', and she was still joking with the maid and my mother."

Three Singaporeans died and one other was injured in a traffic accident during a family's vacation to the United States on Friday (Dec 22).

The family had been travelling north towards the Grand Canyon in a silver Hyundai at 2.21pm local time, when they collided head-on with a green Dodge van while crossing the painted median, a spokesman for Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Trooper Kameron Lee, told The Straits Times.

The car subsequently crashed into a third vehicle, while the van fell into a ravine.

The van driver, who is from Spain, also died at the scene.

Mr Lee added:

"The driver of the Hyundai and two passengers were pronounced deceased at the scene.

"One additional passenger of the Hyundai was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center."

According to Today newspaper and The Straits Times, the survivor of the crash is Ms Justlyn Yeo Jing Hui, a first-year student at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

She is reportedly in a stable condition.

The highway was closed for seven hours following the accident.

Said Mr Lee:

"Five people were injured in total."

It is understood that the Singapore Consulate-General in San Francisco is assisting the family's relatives who have flown to the US.

'Marry Christmas' anyone?

This spelling error at a station on the Downtown Line which went viral on social media has prompted an apology from SBS Transit.

The photo, which was initially posted on Reddit by user pesantkie, shows the erroneous greeting message at one of the transport operator's MRT stations.

Read also

'Mary Christmas' wish from Malaysia Airports goes viral

Many netizens poked fun at the error.

One user shared, "I don't know if Christmas wanna marry me though" while another wrote, "Autocorrect broke down".

In response to queries from The Straits Times, SBS Transit senior vice-president of corporate communications Tammy Tan said that the transport operator was very sorry for the error in spelling and had since corrected it.

"We hope this has not marred the festivities for any of our commuters. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas," she added.

On Dec 24, a similar mistake occurred in Malaysia, where a red Christmas bunting said "Mary Christmas" and "Happy New Years".

The red bunting was put up at an airport in Kota Baru.

A photo of the bunting later went viral on social media, drawing criticism from netizens who were disappointed over the typographical and grammatical errors.

In a statement on Facebook, Malaysia Airports said, "We wish to assure you that this does not involve any other airports."

It also apologised for the mistake and thanked the public for highlighting the issue.