Shit-listed companies
30 reasons not to work at ACP Computer Training & Consultancy
I have been working at ACP Computer Training & Consultancy full-time (for more than a year).
Companies like this give foreigners a big incentive to begin their careers in Singapore because they typically hire them for lesser salary amounts. But here are 30 reasons why you should not join them:
1. Everything is messed up. No working plans. Everything depends on MD. He plans and involves folks in projects on a whim, and has no qualms changing existing plans at the very last minute. They begun operations as a computer repair shop and as such they do not possess basic software development knowledge.
2. Stupid management – they do not know IT & management.
3. Tight and unplanned tasks because plans are always changing.
4. High employee turn-over resulting in numerous projects being messed up. No proper documentation procedures in place.
5. NO increment awarded, NO bonus given either.
6. Verbally they agree to allowing employees take time off work as and when required, but often rescind their promises thereafter.
7. NO experienced developers and NO experience project managers on teams. Everyone is a fresh graduate with null development experience
8. No big projects. Just customising CMS and LMS, as such opportunities for practical development hardly come around.
9. MD and GM does not know about IT and Management- dealing with them is very difficult.
10. Quality of work produced is often less than 10%.
11. Your employment can be terminated at any moment without a valid reason offered.
12. More project managers than developers. Sometimes you will receive tasks from two or more PMs.
13. You may be tasked to clear the trash within the office if the pantry lady isn't present.
14. You can become a scapegoat anytime for the mistakes committed by the higher-ups.
15. Employee is requested to expend his annual leave quota when taken ill, obtaining MCs is discouraged.
16. You spend much more time and effort dealing with office politics compared to getting the job at hand done.
17. Most of the plans do not happen as previously articulated on the drawing board.
19. If they are made aware of your intention to quit the company, they will serve you a termination letter with notice instead of permitting you to tender a resignation letter.
20. You cannot plan your annual leave in advance because they can choose to cancel things altogether or simply provide disapproval at the very last minute.
21. Office hours begin at 8.30am and if you are late they will deduct your salary accordingly.
22. If you work overtime. you will not be compensated . If you are arrive late fallowing day they will still proceed to deduct your salary.
23. There is no team lunch, or team gathering organised by the company.
24. If you leave the company, expect no farewell meal.
25. Nobody leaves happily. In my 2 years’ working experience. I have witnessed nearly 15 people quitting the company.
26. Their Facebook fan page has garnered around 220 likes for the past 15 years and all of a sudden it shot up to 5500 likes in a single day. Clearly the company paid somebody to accumulate thousands of fake likes.
27. Most of the time you have to lie to clients on behalf of the company.
28. No taxi transport claims are permitted during the day. If anything take a bus instead.
29. There is minimal exposure to new technologies. Do not expect to learn much there.
30. Skills accumulated (if there are even any to begin with) will hardly be relevant in firms which demand genuine coding abilities.
http://www.transitioning.org/2017/07/23/30-reasons-not-to-work-in-acp-computer-training-consultancy/
Consumer watchdog puts beauty chain on alert list after complaints; one customer allegedly charged S$370,000
SINGAPORE: Singapore's consumer watchdog on Wednesday (Oct 15) warned the public about a beauty chain after receiving dozens of complaints, including one case in which a customer was allegedly charged at least S$370,000 (US$286,000) for products and packages.
Between Aug 1, 2024, and Oct 14 this year, CASE received 53 complaints against DNA Brands Co, which operates beauty salons under the Beautique brand and retail stores under The Mineral Boutique brand, among others.
Most consumers said they were misled or pressured by sales assistants into purchasing excessive packages or products, involving a total amount of more than S$980,000, said CASE in a news release.
In half of the complaints, over S$10,000 was spent on packages and products. At least 40 per cent of the complainants were 60 years old and above.
Complaints against the Beautique brand involve its outlets in Ang Mo Kio, Orchard Plaza, The Centrepoint and Toa Payoh while those against The Mineral Boutique brand involve its outlets in NEX, Jewel and Wheelock Place, said CASE.
"CASE invited the company to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement to stop the unfair trade practices, but it declined," said CASE president Melvin Yong.
"CASE has referred the matter to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for investigation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act."
"Unfair practices remain a persistent problem in the beauty industry."
Consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution when approached with high-pressure sales tactics, especially for big-ticket items such as beauty and wellness packages, said CASE.
It added that consumers should take time to carefully consider the offer, compare prices with other retailers, and seek a second opinion where possible.
CASE also encouraged consumers to ask for clear written information on the products and services being offered, including their purpose, pricing, and validity period. Consumers should also request and keep receipts and documentation of all transactions.
CASE also advised consumers to patronise CaseTrust-accredited beauty, spa and wellness businesses, which offer a five-day cooling-off period. During this time, consumers may obtain a refund for unutilised services if they decide not to proceed with their packages.
CaseTrust-accredited businesses are also committed to maintaining a stress-free treatment environment, with a strict “no selling” policy during treatments.
"At the same time, we continue to call on the government to introduce a mandatory cooling-off period for prepaid beauty packages, so that consumers have recourse when faced with unfair practices," said Mr Yong.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/case-dna-brands-co-beauty-salons-beautique-mineral-boutique-warn-alert-5402721