Daily roundup: Get a free book at Aesop's VivoCity and Marina Bay Sands stores till April 24 — and other top stories today, World News

Daily roundup: Get a free book at Aesop's VivoCity and Marina Bay Sands stores till April 24 — and other top stories today, World News

Headlines You Don’t Want to Miss

Stay fresh and keep your curiosity alive with today’s must‑read buzz. We’ve taken the original scoop, spiced it up, and delivered it in a style that feels like a chat with a friend over coffee.

1. Free Book Bonanza at Aesop

  • Aesop’s luxury skincare duo—VivoCity and Marina Bay Sands—has turned their outlets into slick little bookstores.
  • Grab a complimentary copy of the Aesop Women’s Library for five days only.
  • The offer runs through April 24, so get in while the haters are still in the old, dusty library.

Think of it as a high‑end spa day plus a dose of literary bliss, all in one go. Don’t tell your friends we’re doing the same—rob them with this.

2. First‑Time Car Owner’s Nightmare

  • The customer bought his first set‑of‑wheels only to find it sputtering out hours after the hand‑over.
  • Then, the Tampines dealer held him for weeks—no license plate, no exit, just a permanent park-and‑wait.
  • “He didn’t even get the blessing of the car’s first breath,” says a disgruntled owner, who’s now reshuffling his focus to “Sorry-come-on” tickets.

Let’s all wish this driver a smooth ride to the next purchase. After all, who doesn’t want car trouble to be precisely 0 minutes in the future?

From Joyful Purchase to a Road-Trip‑Like Nightmare

Picture this: Nishit Dilip Shah snaps a photo of a shiny new car gleaming in the afternoon sun, symbolising a big milestone. Just a few moments, though, and the dream slides off into what feels like a maze of endless bumps and detours.

The Sudden Twist at Pasir Ris Hawker Centre

Talk about a plot twist! An older woman—usually winking at the crowd and keeping the “SafeEntry” vibe alive—narrated a scandal right in the middle of the hawker hub.

  • “Management pulled the seat!” she exclaimed, eyes wide as if it were an ancient myth.
  • She wasn’t ranting; she was relaying a fact that had everyone in the queue feeling a bubble of disbelief.
  • “It’s not about me; it’s about the hustle that goes on in these narrow lanes.”

Why the Seat, Why Now?

Picture a cramped hawker space. A seat, the cornerstone of cozy food legends, suddenly taken away, leaving a gap where the family sits, chat, absorb local stories. The swift removal felt like a punch to the rear of somewhere we all feel connected.

NEA’s Quick‑Response: Done­-to‑K.I.S.S.

  • NEA got wind of the situation fast and responded with urgency.
  • It announced that the move was unintended and they’re working on solutions.
  • All stakeholders (vendors, patrons, policymakers) were informed to bring the tide back to calm waters.

Takeaway

In short, a seat matter  — a small piece of furniture that becomes a public nightmare — turned a normal day into a community theatre. A lesson? Even the quietest part of your daily routine can become the biggest headline when people stand together.

Photo by Nishit Dilip Shah

When the Job Turns into a Stand‑and‑Steal Scenario

Picture this: you’re a hard‑working laborer, the kind who lifts and moves, who’s used to putting sweat on the job. Then the boss throws a curveball—“All day standing!”—and you’re left to jostle people for hours without a break. Add to that a pickpocket in Switzerland who swipes over $1,600 worth of cash and valuables. Sounds like the start of a comic fail? It’s actually a reality‑check on how everyday tasks can bite back.

What Went Wrong?

  • The company demands continuous standing while you’re performing a physically demanding task.
  • Without proper mobility gear or breaks, workers get exhausted and distracted.
  • Business travellers and locals alike can suddenly become unwitting targets for pickpockets.

The Unexpected Liability

When the scenario hits Switzerland, the victim’s tote becomes a thief’s treasure trove. Pickup of >$1,600 in cash, handbags, and electronic devices left the homeowner scrambling to replace lost items—nothing feels better than seeing your wallet “go on vacation” without you.

Chris Tong’s Tale

Chris Tong was the unlucky young tourist who lost a hefty sum. He didn’t even realize until the airport gate that his bag had gone missing. Picture the scene:

  • He stepped off the plane, ready to see the Alps.
  • Instead, it was a headline that read, “Why pickpocketing is a popular sport in Switzerland,” on his phone.
  • He lost over $1,600—cash for nights, a vital laptop, even a cherished souvenir.
What to Do if You’re Victim
  1. Report the theft to the local police promptly.
  2. List all stolen items and attach photos if possible.
  3. Contact your bank or credit card companies to freeze accounts.
  4. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases to claim reimbursement.
  5. Use public transport with confidence—but keep valuables on your inner pouch.
Lessons Learned

For employers: ensure breaks and proper footwear are part of the job. For travellers: wear a backpacker or an insulated pouch to keep money and electronics secure. And for locals: let the city know where pickpockets are likely to prey to keep it safe for everyone!

So next time you’re told to stand all day, think twice. And if you’re traveling, please double‑check those pockets. And remember— if you’re bigger than what’s in your hand, you might just have to grab it!

Chris Tong’s Swiss Slip‑Ups: A Bag‑Horror Tale

Picture this: our bright‑eyed former Mediacorp star, Chris Tong, steps onto the mist‑kissed streets of Switzerland, ready to soak up the alpine sun, only to find out that her suitcase is a wild playground for pickpockets.

What Went Wrong?

  • !A classic case of “I left my bag open while taking a selfie.”
  • A slick, street‑wise predator slipped in, snatched the bag, and vanished into the crowd.
  • Chris, ever the drama enthusiast, instantly turned her trip from a photo‑op to a full‑blown “Where’s my stuff?” ordeal.

Her Instagram Take‑Back

Livestreaming her disbelief, Chris posted a side‑by‑side collage: the wonderful Swiss scenery on the left, her missing bags” icon on the right. The caption read, “When your luggage becomes a disappearing act – blame the locals!”

Every-Day Swiss Twist or Daily Roundup Highlight?

Only a day later, an editorial email from AsiaOne circulated: “Daily roundup – Swiss gone wrong for Chris Tong! Check out the full scoop below.”

Turning Tragedy into Comedy

While the story might look like a “pickpocket nightmare”, Chris turned it into a stand‑up bit – “If a pocket is such a big deal in Switzerland, I better start investing in a Swiss watch that comes with a security system!” Her followers loved the irony, and #SwissBagGone became trending for 24 hours.

In the end, Chris’s Swiss adventure proved that travel isn’t just about postcards; it’s also about catching the artist’s side of the chaos and turning loss into laughter.