This week’s round-up is packed with wallet-watch alerts and can’t-miss happenings. ERP rates are on the move (and not in the direction drivers hope for), while COE premiums continue their relentless climb. Black Friday is making waves with new shopping trends, and there’s a local relaunch party offering free gourmet treats—and a shot at a trip to Paris. Plus, we’re digging into how job expectations are shifting, why trust matters more than ever in online shopping, and what keeps Singapore’s wealthy up at night about the next generation. Seven stories, all worth a look. Let’s dive in.
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ERP charges to rise at 4 expressways from January 2026
If you’re planning to drive during peak hours next year, keep an eye on ERP charges—rates will go up by $1 at 4 busy expressway spots from 2 Jan 2026. This update from the Land Transport Authority comes as traffic has picked up and speeds have dropped at several stretches.
Here’s where and when the new charges will apply:
Location / Time | Current Rate | New Rate from 2 Jan 2026 |
AYE (after North Buona Vista, towards Tuas), 5–530 pm | $0 | $1 |
Northbound CTE before PIE, 530–7 pm | $0–$1 | $1 |
KPE (ECP) after Defu Flyover, 8–830 am | $4 | $5 |
PIE (Kallang Bahru & slip road into Bendemeer), 730–10 am | $0–$1 | $1–$2 |
Bonus for December drivers:
- ERP rates will drop by $1 at 6 locations during the school holidays (24 Nov–31 Dec).
- Rates revert to normal on 2 Jan 2026.
So, if you’re heading out in December, you might enjoy a little savings before the increases kick in next year!
ALSO READ: “Every Road Pay”? Here Are The 5 Most Expensive ERP Timings To Avoid in Singapore (2025)
COE premiums climb again, with bigger car prices at a new high
If you’re thinking about getting a car, brace yourself: COE premiums have mostly gone up this round, and it’s the large cars (Category B) that really take the spotlight. The latest bidding closed with Category B premiums jumping 12.9% to a whopping $129,890—a fresh new peak.
Here’s a quick look at the latest COE results:
Category | Latest Premium | Change vs Last Round |
Cat A (Smaller cars, up to 1,600cc & 97kW) | $109,000 | ▼ 0.9% |
Cat B (Larger cars, above 1,600cc or 97kW) | $129,890 | ▲ 12.9% |
Cat C (Goods vehicles & buses) | $76,389 | ▲ 0.5% |
Cat D (Motorcycles) | $8,729 | ▲ 1.5% |
Cat E (Open, mostly for big cars) | $125,001 | ▲ 3.3% |
- A total of 4,568 bids were received, with only 3,187 COEs available.
- LTA is reminding buyers and dealers to stay prudent, as COE prices remain high and demand stays strong.
So, if you’ve got your eye on a bigger ride, it might be time to buckle up for a pricier journey.
ALSO READ: Guide to COE in Singapore (2025): What It Means, Bidding Process & Price Trends
Jobstreet by SEEK: 8 in 10 Singaporeans say work falls short of promises
Singapore’s latest workplace reality check is in: according to Jobstreet by SEEK, 8 in 10 employees feel their jobs don’t live up to what was promised, and most spot the mismatch within just three months. The report, which surveyed 800 locals, reveals that this “expectation gap” comes down to pay, unclear roles, and workplace culture.
Top reasons for job mismatches:
- Pay doesn’t match responsibilities (29%)
- Job scope differs from ad (25%)
- Work-life balance not as promised (19%)
What are employees willing to trade off for the right fit?
Trade-off | % willing to accept |
Less prestige for better culture | 49% |
Lower pay for better work-life balance | 30% |
Less flexibility for career growth | 25% |
- While 46% of employees rank pay as most important, nearly a quarter say they’d give up some salary for the right role—if the trade feels fair.
- Flexibility is now a baseline: half wouldn’t accept a pay cut even for full flexibility or a four-day work week.
Employers see things differently: Only 18% say they offer above-market pay, even though half believe they meet expectations. The most common benefits are reasonable working hours (55%), bonuses (52%), and flexibility (43%).
All in all, Singapore’s workforce is practical, but wants transparency, respect, and fair trade-offs. Employers and jobseekers agree on fairness in principle—just not in practice.
Amazon Singapore’s Black Friday: New gifting habits and big deals revealed
Black Friday has landed early at Amazon Singapore, with a 12-day sale from 20 Nov to 1 Dec 2025 and deep discounts across everything from toys to electronics, home, and kitchen. But this year’s YouGov study, commissioned by Amazon, shows that it’s not just about deals—shoppers care more about authenticity, transparency, and value when picking out gifts.
Key trends for 2025:
Shopper priority | % shoppers who value this |
Hunt for deals (for self) | 57% |
Hunt for deals (when gifting) | 28% |
Value transparency in pricing | 38% |
Prefer verified sellers | 31% |
Rely on trusted reviews (ages 25–34) | 50% |
Sale highlights:
- Up to 50% off on top brands (LEGO, Miele, Dyson, and more)
- Special deals on beauty, baby, home, electronics, and groceries
- Exclusive in-person Holiday Giftorium at Suntec City Atrium, 22–23 November
- Flash vouchers and extra credits for gift card purchases
Pro tip: Prime members get free and faster delivery, plus extra perks for just $4.99/month (with a 30-day free trial).
RedMan relaunch party: Free tastings, games and a shot at tickets to Paris
RedMan by Phoon Huat is throwing a 2-hour party to mark its revamped Star Vista outlet on Saturday, 22 Nov 2025, and everyone’s welcome! The event runs from 12pm to 2pm, and all you need to do is make any in-store purchase to join the fun.
What’s on at the RedMan party?
- Complimentary tastings: Wine, champagne, gourmet cheeses, mini pizzas, charcuterie, and classic French bakes
- Fun and games with prizes to be won throughout the event
- Live music and a lively party vibe
This celebration also marks the very first in-store launch of Le Petit Depot, the well-loved French grocer known for its authentic imported goodies. After years online, Le Petit Depot is making its physical debut with a full range of gourmet products from France.
Spend & Win:
- Spend $50 or more (including at least one Le Petit Depot item) for a chance to win a pair of flight tickets to Paris worth $3,000.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 22 Nov 2025
- Time: 12 pm to 2 pm
- Location: RedMan by Phoon Huat, #B1-14/15, The Star Vista
Whether you’re in for the food, the games, or that shot at a Paris getaway, it’s one foodie event you won’t want to miss!
Milieu Insight: Trust and reliability now drive e-commerce loyalty in Singapore
Singapore’s online shoppers are raising the bar. Milieu Insight’s latest research finds that loyalty in e-commerce is no longer just about discounts and fast delivery—shoppers now want platforms they can trust.
What matters most for e-commerce loyalty?
Loyalty Factor | % of Shoppers Prioritising |
Trust in seller/platform | 41% |
Reliable service & fast delivery | 50%+ |
Delivery cost & affordability | 76% |
Strong buyer protection & clear ratings | 72% |
Discounts/free shipping | 60% |
Key findings:
- 47% will avoid sellers after just one late, missing, or damaged order.
- 86% expect platforms to hold delivery partners to high standards.
- 87% are satisfied with recent return/refund experiences—good after-sales support boosts trust.
- Even when prices are higher, 43% stay loyal if the experience is consistent and fair.
Shoppers also like:
- Easy returns (44%)
- One-click checkout (32%)
- Value-added perks like loyalty points or vouchers (30%)
Younger shoppers are leading the way on livestreams and AI features, but everyone agrees: practical, seamless service now trumps flashy new tech.
In today’s Singapore, brands win repeat customers by making every online shop reliable, fair, and worry-free—not just by slashing prices.
Sun Life survey: Many wealthy Singaporeans fear their fortunes won’t outlast their children
A new survey by Sun Life finds that even Singapore’s High-Net-Worth (HNW) families worry about how long their wealth will last. Over two-thirds (67%) fear their fortunes won’t survive beyond their children’s generation, despite Singapore’s status as a top Asian wealth hub.
Key findings from the Sun Life report:
- 67% are concerned their wealth won’t go beyond their children.
- Only 50% are fully confident their kids will respect their wishes on wealth transfer.
- Just 43% feel fully prepared with legacy plans if something happened today.
- Top goals: long-term wealth creation (61%), philanthropy (58%), supporting family needs (56%).
- Biggest worries:
- Heirs lacking financial knowledge (75%)
- Family conflicts over assets (59%)
- Market ups and downs (53%)
Barriers to legacy planning:
- Legal and tax complexities (37%)
- Lack of professional advice (36%)
- Difficult family conversations about money (35%)
Most HNW families see financial literacy as part of their legacy. Many are taking steps like open money discussions (67%) and teaching financial basics (61%), but less than half have a formal legacy plan in place.
Wealth alone isn’t enough—Singapore’s affluent families are starting to see that education, values, and open communication are key to a legacy that really lasts.
That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s What’s Happening This Week to keep up with the latest in finance, business, and beyond.
This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.
