Cloud-based messaging app Telegram has been killing the IM game. It has always been recognised as an elevated version of competitor messaging app Whatsapp, what with their uncompressed photo-sharing capabilities, secret chat options, and chatbots that operate as virtual assistants to assist you with information about specific subjects, all at your beck and call (see @sgbusunclebot).
And with the abundance of locals choosing Telegram over Whatsapp thanks to its fun elements, collectives aplenty have begun operating their own channels to disperse information to their subscribers. A cross between a group chat and an RSS feed, the channel function has really come into its own. It’s usually category-specific, and can be joined through a quick search in Telegram, though it’s more commonly found through friendly invitations. Below, we’ve compiled some useful Telegram channels to join for real-time promotional and lifestyle updates, and even date ideas. And if that’s not enough, check out @tchannelsbot, a bot which combines our love for both channels and bots, to help you find even more obscure channels that’ll meet your various interests and hobbies.
Eat, drink, play with SG
Here to give you news about the latest happenings in town, Eat, drink, play with SG is SG Magazine’s very own Telegram channel. We’ll be dropping deets about what to do this month, run fun polls for you to display your voting rights, and even share giveaways when we’ve got them—and you know we’ve got plenty. Need we say more?
Dateideas Singapore
Created and operated by Dateideas Community, it’s pretty self-explanatory what this channel does. Usually a listing of current activities and promotions offered locally, look to this channel to find inspo for date nights with your S.O. And if you have any interesting date ideas to share, feel free to contribute some here.
Gov.sg
Searching for real-time updates on the Covid-19 pandemic? Then subscribe to the only verified channel in this list, Gov.sg. Approved by health ministries, get the full and legitimate rundown on the daily regarding the number of local Covid-19 cases and even details on controlling the spread of the virus in Phase 2 and beyond. So while there are many channels sharing information about the coronavirus, just note that this is one of the more credible sources.
Pocket Monsters Updates
Need your daily dose of Poke-updates? Pocket Monsters Updates provides the latest international updates from Twit@Pokemon and Twit@SerbiiNet, such as the latest release of trading card game sets, Pokemon Go Community dates to mark ‘em calendars for, and even facts about Pokemons so you can truly be in the know.
The Qurrent: Weekly Updates by Prout
Every Monday and Thursday, The Qurrent: Weekly Updates by Prout shares the latest LGBTQ+ news and event updates in Asia. Rest assured that the channel will always retain your privacy, as subscribers’ information are never shared. It’s a virtual safe space.
SG Budget Babes
Ran by the same Telegram collective that runs SG Cab Promos, SG Budget Babes offers the latest beauty and fashion sales and discount updates for locals. Once you join, you’ll know exactly which brands are holding sales, including popular e-retailers like Zalora and ASOS, as well as cosmetic brands like Innisfree and Kiehl’s.
SG Cab Promos
This is our new go-to channel for all private transportation-related promotions since pioneer taxi promo channel [SG] Grab/Taxi stopped providing the latest available cab promotions. Find promo codes for various ride-hailing apps including Go Jek and Grab here.
SG New Movies & Shows
If you need ‘em updates about debuting flicks on Netflix, or show release dates in Singapore, check out SG New Movies & Shows, a channel that shares all the important dates and details about films and shows arriving in Singapore. They’ll even release information regarding the most popular series currently on Netflix, so you can easily take your pick.
UglyFood Fresh Produce
Local online grocer UglyFood Fresh Produce is all about sustainable living, and its dedicated Telegram channel will help you do exactly that. Boasting deals and limited-time-only offers regarding their weekly surplus of fresh produce from suppliers, simply check their broadcast messages before heading over to the website to snap those ingredients up before ordering hours close.
