EV Wins but ICE Still Makes Better Sense

My car is nearing its 10 year certificate expiry, so I have been running the numbers before choosing its successor. The category A COE just closed at S$101 102 and a new petrol sedan would incur that full amount. Electric cars still need the same paper, yet the Enhanced VES rebate of S$25 000 and the ARF discount of 45 percent capped at S$15 000 trim the initial costs. That is why a BYD Atto 3 now parks on the road for about S$180 000 while a new car can easily cost more than S$160 000 once it carries a six-figure COE.

Powering the car flips the equation faster than I expected. The Q3 electricity tariff is S$0.2994 per kilowatt hour, and my block has just installed shared 7 kW chargers. With mixed home and mall top ups the Atto would drink roughly S$1 000 of power each year for my 17 500 km routine. Petrol at S$2.26 a litre pushes my current car to about S$2 500 a year, so the socket saves S$1 500 before touching other bills.

Road tax no longer punishes me for choosing batteries. A 150 kW crossover pays a little over S$1 000 a year, against the S$740 on my 1.6 litre saloon, meaning only S$260 is clawed back from the fuel saving.

Workshop costs lean the other way. Studies of local logs show electric servicing is roughly 30 percent cheaper in the first 3 years because there is no oil or gearbox fluid and brake pads last longer. Over a 10 year horizon that is another S$2 000 kept in my pocket.

Add everything and the EV starts S$20 000 higher but banks about S$1 800 a year in lower running costs. At my mileage I would cross the break-even point just after year 7. Drivers who rely entirely on public fast chargers, which cost around S$0.70 per kilowatt hour, would need closer to 9 years; high-mile reps would hit parity sooner.

There are softer factors. Having convenient access to charging points is important. Holiday drives up north will require planning but the Malaysian DC network seems to be growing, and the grid here is already cleaner than any petrol engine.

For me the sums and the silence of electric driving do not seem attractive enough. Until I am sure EVs can retain their value better than the latest iPhone, the familiar vroom of the ICE car still seems much more attractive.

The U.S. Just Flipped the Switch on Crypto

Quick recap. On 17 July 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives approved two landmark bills, the GENIUS Act (for stablecoins) and the CLARITY Act (for digital-asset market structure). Both passed with comfortable bipartisan majorities and are expected to land on President Trump’s desk within days. For the first time, America is offering crypto builders a clear “yes” instead of a murky “maybe”. 

A Stable Foundation at Last

The GENIUS Act focuses on one thing: making sure dollar-pegged stablecoins are as safe and boring as your bank account. It demands a simple 1-to-1 reserve rule, i.e. every token must be backed by actual cash or ultra-safe Treasury bills. No algorithmic tricks, no exotic assets. Issuers can choose two licensing routes: become a federally chartered “payment stablecoin bank” overseen by the U.S. Comptroller, or keep a state licence as long as they open their books to the Federal Reserve. Regular public audits and monthly reserve reports seal the deal. Overnight, the shadowy corner of stablecoins turns into something traditional banks can comfortably touch.

Clearing the Fog Around Tokens

The CLARITY Act tackles a headache that has haunted crypto for years. Is your token a security (ruled by the SEC) or a commodity (watched by the CFTC)? The bill introduces a straightforward decentralisation test. If no single party controls the network and the token is widely distributed, the CFTC takes charge. If a project still looks and feels like a company pitching shares, it stays with the SEC. Exchanges get a fast-track licence that lets them operate while the finer rules are hammered out, and the two regulators must publish harmonised disclosure and anti-money-laundering standards within nine months. In short, builders finally know which door to knock on and investors know which rulebook applies.

Why Markets Are Buzzing

Legal clarity is rocket fuel. Wall Street giants like JPMorgan, Citi and Bank of America have already hinted that they will roll out their own “bank-grade” stablecoins once the legislation is signed. Analysts estimate the stablecoin market could swell from today’s roughly US$250 billion to as much as US$2 trillion by the end of the decade. Institutional investors who once tip-toed around digital assets now have a federally approved on-ramp. Expect liquidity to deepen, borrowing costs to fall, and on-chain payments to feel as easy as swiping a credit card.

Ripple Effects Across Asia (and Singapore)

Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS) was early to the party: it finalised its own 1-to-1 reserve rules for stablecoins back in 2023. That gives local fintechs and global exchanges a head start. Once U.S. banks begin issuing their dollar tokens, Singapore-based payment firms can plug straight into those deep liquidity pools, settling cross-border trades in seconds instead of days. The MAS also widened its licensing net for overseas digital-token services this June, making sure anyone courting Singapore users plays by Singapore rules. With U.S. clarity arriving, the two regimes are suddenly much more compatible, great news for businesses that straddle both hubs.

What Happens Next?

Presidential Signature (late July 2025). The bills become law, and Treasury, the Fed and the banking regulator issue interim guidance within ten days.

Rule-making Sprint (through mid-2026). Lobbyists will fight over details such as how “cash-like” reserves must be and exactly where to draw the decentralisation line, but the broad framework is locked in.

Bank Launches (2026). Expect JPM Coin 2.0, PayPal USD upgrades, and, closer to home, DBS or OCBC to float SGD-backed tokens that interoperate with their new U.S. cousins.

Global Race. Europe’s MiCA rules and the U.K.’s fresh Financial Services Act will likely tweak their own playbooks to stay competitive. In the meantime, Asia-based start-ups have a 12 to 18 month window to build the compliance tools, FX bridges and analytics dashboards that the next wave of institutional users will demand.

The Take-Away

For many years, Washington’s message to crypto was “come in and register… somewhere.” With the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, that maze turns into an expressway. Stablecoins evolve from quirky internet dollars into fully regulated payment rails that banks, asset managers and corporates can trust. If you are building in Singapore, or anywhere else, the opportunity is obvious. Focus on interoperability, real-time compliance, and cross-border settlement. If you had not been in crypto, now is the moment to jump on board.

Trump Signs Executive Order for Crypto-assets

 The deal is done... or is it?

Throughout his career, Trump has been known for leveraging his position to negotiate deals that benefit his personal interests and those of his companies, whether through branding, real estate ventures, or business partnerships. He often seeks to position himself in ways that maximize personal or corporate gain, sometimes at the expense of broader policy goals or public perception.

For example, Trump’s real estate deals have often been structured to create tax advantages or favourable financing terms for his businesses, and his brand has been a central component of his wealth. Even during his presidency, he continued to hold business interests that he did not divest, leading to concerns about conflicts of interest and how his personal wealth could intertwine with policy decisions.

Given this track record, it is crucial to factor in the possibility that his interest in crypto might be influenced by both broader economic strategy and personal financial considerations.

Why the crypto policy shift?

Firstly, crypto investors, companies, and executives made significant contributions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. These financial support could be seen as a motivating factor behind his pivot toward pro-crypto policies. For Trump, these donations represent not just support for his political goals, but also an alignment with an industry that has shown potential for explosive growth. The crypto industry is inherently speculative and can be seen as a high-risk, high-reward area - exactly the kind of sector where Trump, with his business background, might see opportunities for personal and political gain. In other words, supporting crypto could be a way to align with wealthy donors, investors, and executives who stand to benefit from an environment that is more favourable to digital assets.

Then, the Trump’s promise to keep 100% of Bitcoin holdings acquired by the U.S. government further emphasizes this financial angle. Given his history of maximizing financial leverage, Trump could see these assets - whether seized or acquired through other means - as potential vehicles for both wealth accumulation and political leverage. Holding a national crypto stockpile could also serve as a way to ensure that the U.S. maintains influence over the global crypto market, an area where Trump might want to position himself as a key figure. If the U.S. government were to amass significant Bitcoin holdings, it could potentially benefit Trump’s network of allies or supporters in the crypto industry.

Many of the individuals appointed to leadership positions under Trump’s potential administration are aligned with pro-crypto ideologies or have close ties to financial sectors with strong crypto interests. Appointing figures such as Scott Bessent (a hedge fund manager with ties to the crypto industry) to lead the Treasury Department signals that Trump is looking to support the financial structures that benefit from cryptocurrency's rise. As Trump himself has seen the financial benefits of maintaining close ties to wealthy business leaders, it is possible that some of his crypto-friendly moves are designed to protect or enhance the interests of key business figures or entities connected to him or his broader political network.

Finally, Trump’s ventures - real estate, branding, and licensing deals - could also potentially benefit from the rise of cryptocurrency. The growing intersection of traditional finance and crypto means that Trump’s companies could eventually tap into blockchain technology, digital payment systems, or other innovations tied to the crypto sector. For example, real estate transactions using crypto could become more common, and Trump’s properties could become key players in this new financial ecosystem. By promoting favourable crypto policies, Trump might be positioning his businesses to capitalize on these trends.

Given Trump’s business history and potential financial entanglements, there is an obvious concern about conflicts of interest. If U.S. policy shifts in favour of crypto, benefiting companies or individuals with ties to Trump, there could be questions about whether his personal financial interests are unduly influencing public policy. 

The fact that crypto executives contributed heavily to his campaign could raise concerns about whether the policy shift is a direct result of those contributions. Critics might argue that the administration is aligning its policies to benefit donors and major players in the crypto space.

If Trump or companies associated with him have financial exposure to cryptocurrencies (either through direct investments or partnerships), there might be concerns that his policies could unfairly favour those assets, especially in light of his past efforts to position himself for personal financial benefit through public office.

By appointing figures like Paul Atkins, who has a history of opposing heavy regulation, Trump could be signalling that his administration is more likely to push for a "hands-off" approach to crypto regulation. While this may benefit the industry by fostering innovation, it could also benefit Trump’s financial interests if he has personal stakes in businesses that stand to gain from less regulatory oversight.

While the executive order reflects a broader strategic interest in fostering crypto innovation and securing U.S. leadership in the digital asset space, it is important to acknowledge the potential financial motivations driving these decisions. Trump’s history as a dealmaker who leverages his position to benefit personally means that the shift towards pro-crypto policies may not solely be motivated by ideological or economic factors related to national interest. It is possible that personal financial interests, donor support, and the potential for future wealth creation could be influencing his stance on crypto.

In this light, Trump’s pro-crypto policies may not just be about promoting the U.S. as a leader in blockchain innovation but also about creating an environment where his financial networks can continue to thrive. Given his track record, it would be prudent to critically assess whether these policies are more about advancing personal or political gain than about the broader economic benefits they claim to offer.

OCBC 365 Credit Card: Dismal Cashback When Minimal Spending of $800 is Unmet

The OCBC 365 Credit Card offers attractive cashback rates, including up to 6% on dining, groceries, and online shopping. However, its $800 minimum spend requirement for eligible transactions each month can be a significant hurdle at times.

While the cashback potential is high, meeting the $800 minimum spending threshold can be sometimes difficult. Recently trying to optimise my spending, I ended up with in a situation where regular expenses like dining and groceries did not add up to $800, and not all purchases qualify for cashback. For instance, spending on medical bills, entertainment, and certain services do not count. 

The pressure to increase unnecessary spending then arises, which can lead to financial strain or debt accumulation.

The real downside of not meeting the $800 threshold is the dramatically reduced cashback. If you fail to reach the required spend, there is only 0.3% cashback on all eligible transactions, which is far less than the card's usual 6% for dining, groceries, and online shopping, or even the 3% on recurring bills.

This sharp drop in cashback can make the card less worthwhile, especially for those who may not regularly hit the $800 mark. Therefore, if you’re unable to regularly meet the minimum spend, the rewards earned may just not be attractive.

While the OCBC 365 Credit Card offers great rewards for those who can consistently meet the $800 minimum spend, failing to do so leads to disappointingly low cashback. For some, the difficulty of hitting this threshold may outweigh the benefits, making it important to carefully evaluate if this card suits your spending habits.

Investing in Pre-Launch Crypto Coins

Diving into the world of pre-launch crypto coins, or presales, is like stepping into a treasure hunt filled with both potential fortunes and lurking pitfalls. For adventurous investors eager to get a head start on ground breaking projects, this avenue offers both thrilling opportunities and significant risks. The landscape of pre-launch crypto coins is dynamic and offers tantalizing yet unpredictable chances of striking it rich.

The Allure of Pre-Launch Crypto Coins

Bargain Prices: Imagine scooping up digital tokens at a markdown before they hit the mainstream market. That's one of the prime attractions of pre-launch coins—they offer the chance to buy in at a potentially lucrative discount, setting the stage for impressive gains if the stars align.

Exclusive Early Entry: Early birds gain access to promising projects, unlocking the door to potential high returns and enticing perks like bonuses or additional tokens. This exclusive vantage point could be your ticket to substantial profits if the project takes off.

Skyrocketing Returns: History has shown that successful pre-launch coins can experience explosive growth. For instance, savvy early investors in giants like Ethereum and Ripple reaped remarkable rewards as these coins soared on major exchanges.

Navigating the Risks

Fraud and Scams: The crypto realm can be a minefield, teeming with scams and fraudulent schemes. With regulation still catching up, investors must arm themselves with thorough research and vigilance to dodge these traps.

Wild Volatility: Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride—pre-launch crypto coins can experience dramatic price swings, testing investors' nerves as their holdings fluctuate wildly.

Project Viability: Not every venture crosses the finish line. Many new cryptocurrencies struggle to gain traction, and investing in a project that doesn't make it could result in a total loss of your capital.

Liquidity Challenges: Want to cash out quickly? Not so fast. Pre-launch tokens might not be easily tradable, leaving investors in a bind if market sentiment sours.

Cybersecurity Concerns: With the crypto world under constant threat from cyberattacks and hacking, safeguarding your funds and ensuring strong security measures in projects becomes paramount.

Spotlight on Recent Presales

ApeMax (APEMAX): Dive into "Boost-to-Earn" staking with ApeMax, where rewards flow even during the presale phase. Its integration with Binance Smart Chain promises efficient transactions.

Bitcoin Minetrix (BTCMTX): Harness the "Stake-to-Mine" mechanism to earn Bitcoin on the Ethereum network, aiming to ease sales pressure through this innovative feature.

eTukTuk (TUK): Transforming developing nations with eco-friendly blockchain solutions, eTukTuk is revving up plans for Power Staking, a Layer 2 Sidechain, and impactful charity initiatives.

Meme Kombat (MK): Embrace the thrill of Play-to-Earn gaming intertwined with meme coin excitement, offering enticing staking returns and a presale haul of over $9 million.

Sponge V2 (SPONGEV2): Following the success of $SPONGE, Sponge V2 is creating buzz with plans for a Play-to-Earn game and exchange listings, building on its predecessor's momentum.

Rolling the Dice: Can You Get Rich?

The quest for riches through pre-launch crypto coins is fraught with uncertainty, hinging on project success, market tides, and investor timing. While some have hit the jackpot, others have faced stark losses. Approaching these investments armed with caution and a deep understanding of the risks is essential.

Venturing into pre-launch crypto coins promises a thrilling ride, with the potential for dazzling rewards shadowed by considerable risks. Prospective investors must embark on this journey with diligent research, a keen eye on project viability, and readiness to accept full investment loss. While the path to fortune is unpredictable, a savvy and informed approach can help navigate this exhilarating yet perilous landscape.