Happy retirement chief

My Chinese name "Tai" 泰 stands for 国泰民安, or peace and prosperity in Singapore. However, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team of leaders paid a very heavy price for peace in our nation. Many things did not go the way that Mr Lee had envisioned, and he had to adapt and change along the way. Nevertheless, he did not give up and helped to shape Singapore to who we are today. Today, many challenges face our nation as we recover from the pandemic amidst an increasingly volatile and unstable world. Are we able to be as creative, adaptable and "anti-fragile" like Mr Lee and his team? Are we able to meet challenges head on and thrive for the next 50 years and beyond? Watching the LKY musical together with my fellow sg100 friends @willytankp and @abundancelifecoach , we can only pray and hope that our generation and our children can continue to fly the Singapore flag high. Adrian Pang and Kit Chan gave a tremendous performance during the play as LKY and his wife, and it was a small wonder that the musical received many rave reviews and was sold out. #majulahsingapura https://www.instagram.com/p/CjPbNdeO5LM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

When I was first introduced to @jacksimwto by @abundancelifecoach 3 years ago, I thought to myself, who would be crazy enough to pursue sanitation and advocate clean toilets for the world? But Jack did, and he has been doing it for 25 years and continues to do it till today. While many of us pursue fame, fortune or material things, Jack said "no, I have had enough" and turned his creativity and focus to creating awareness of the need for clean sanitation all over the world. He was invited by the China and India government to spread awareness of the need for clean toilets and sanitation, and became Time magazine's Hero of the Environment in 2008. During the event, I also had the chance to go up close and personal with Mr George Yeo, and found that he is a really humble and unassuming person. Many people in the government refused to meet Jack Sim when he was advocating for World Toilet Day, but Mr Yeo stepped up to do something, and the rest was history. UN declared 19th November to be world toilet day. 2 of my biggest takeaways from the movie: 1. You can create and leave a lasting impact, no matter how small or insignificant you think you are. 2. It is important to have a supportive spouse and family (I am pictured with Jack's wife, Julie) #behelpfulbehappy https://www.instagram.com/p/CjHD4EnPcPZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Last time, we used squat toilets in the open air, without any flushing system. Nowadays, we have hi-tech bidets with washing and warming systems! Last time, a HDB cost 5 digits. Now, 7 figures and more! The hot topic now: inflation and rising prices. Just a couple days ago, the inflation figures released indicated yet another increase to 5.1%. Many of us are worried about the rising cost of living, yet have few options to cope with this. Putting your money into stock markets? How many of us are affected by the stock market crash this year? Or how about going into properties? We end up trying to chase a running train of increasing property prices and crazy taxes... That is why tonight, my team and I will be sharing on 6 different low-risk ways to build passive income, so that you can beat the rising inflation and cost of living. The free webinar will be on zoom at 8pm-930pm tonight (Monday, 26 September). Simply click on the link in my profile to sign up! Please don't be caught with your pants down by the rising inflation!!! 😂😂😂 #choosehappyretirement https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci8-VAxv3dB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Typing this out as I do my number #1 on my comfy throne, I can't imagine that 4.2 billion people on the planet don't have access to this humble facility, that many of us, myself included, take very much for granted! That is why I am very happy to partner my good buddy, @abundancelifecoach, to sponsor a movie screening about Jack Sim, the founder of the world toilet organisation, who is a strong advocate for accessibility to clean sanitation and washrooms all over the world. Jack Sim has a very inspirational story, and I have already watched the film. I found it deeply moving and inspirational, and as someone who is a strong advocate of helping others and creating sustainable impact, this movie deeply resonated with me. The movie screening will take place next Thursday, 29th Sept, 7.30pm-9.30pm at NUS Shaw foundation auditorium. (Free shuttle bus from Kent ridge MRT). Jack Sim and Mr George Yeo will be present, and you can ask them lots of questions after the movie and listen to their stories in person. We have 300+ registered for the event, and I have managed to squeeze out 10 tickets for my friends on social media. If you want a COMPLIMENTARY ticket, simply drop me a PM, and I will send you the details. Do respond by Friday 9pm, or while the tickets are still available! #behelpfulbehappy https://www.instagram.com/p/Cizkev-v3e9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My wife is amazing! This was taken at the hidden canyon in Bali, and in spite of the slippery rocks and fast flowing river (due to recent rain), my wife, who is absolutely not the adventurous type, pushed on and completed the 1.5 hour trek. She slipped a couple of times and was bruised (ouch!). But she didn't choose to stop half way, instead going all the way and finishing the hike. This reminded me of the time when I managed to convince (bluff) her to climb up mount Kinabalu with me, saying that it is easy and only takes 2 days and 1 night. A couple that goes on adventures together, stays together! #happycouplegoals https://www.instagram.com/p/Ciq09aevh6I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Years ago, when I first started on my investment journey, it was like swimming in pool of sharks, with the waters covered blood red myself threading water frantically... My initial investment of a couple of thousand dollars into a telecommunications stock (Singtel, FYI) took a hit when the stock price dived and I exited the market at a low... It was a painful lesson and I lost years of hard earned pocket money and ang pow funds. Does this sound familiar? This year, due to a combination of factors: pandemic, Ukraine war and risking interest rates, the stock markets took a dive and many people got burnt. I wished that someone could have shown me the ropes then, so that I didn't have to learn things the hard way. This is why I have partnered with @_irwinlaw to run a new series of webinar, focusing on ways to help you grow your investments safely. We came up with a Stable Table method, an easy to understand framework that will help you invest safely and maximize your returns. There are two ways of learning how to invest: do it yourself and pay the price or learn from the experience and mistakes of others. What will you choose? Join me in my FREE webinar on 16th August, Tue, 8pm-930pm on zoom by clicking on the link provided in the comments below! https://www.instagram.com/p/CgtsrhdvVha/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Have you ever organized a hybrid convention? If you haven't, trust me, it is very, very hard work. Perhaps twice that of having to organize a traditional on-site convention. How do I know? When @guan_and_only first approached me to be involved in the organizing team for this year's Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS) Convention 2022, I agreed, without fully understanding what I was signing up for. And that soon culminated in three months of preparation work, countless online and offline discussion sessions and a solid two day hybrid convention. But just like joy and happiness, when it comes to the APSS community, the more you give, the more you get. This sums up my two years plus as a member of the association. In spite of the two years of pandemic, I never regretted my decision to join the APSS. (Special mention to my mentor @abundancelifecoach for inviting me to join the community!) I have met many awesome speakers, trainers and consultants in this community, and have grown individually and professionally as a result of rubbing shoulders with some of the most experienced and accomplished in the business. And my next leap of faith: serving as part of the Exco in 2022/23! I am really looking forward to an exciting 12 months ahead of learning, serving and growing in this community! https://www.instagram.com/p/CgnS4K2vrQh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"For we live by faith, not by sight. For we live by believing, not by seeing." Cor 5:7 When we see storm clouds, we know that it will rain soon. But what do we believe? Do we believe that the storm will last forever? Or do we believe that the storm will pass, and that there is sunshine after the rain? The recent rise in covid cases in Singapore, culminating in the death of a toddler (God bless his soul and God's peace be upon the family), has seen some of my friends go into the "fear mode". Oh no, Covid cases are rising, let's all go into defensive mode! The recent weeks of stock market crash has also seen some "long term" investors bail out and take a short term approach to their current stock portfolio. Do we believe that we have already weathered the worst of the Covid storm? That as long as we do the necessary, we will be all right? Do we believe that our initial investment strategies will work, as long as we don't become distracted or consumed by fear, but have faith and hold on past this storm? Like the Bible verse says, we live by faith, and not by sight. What we see in front may be an incoming storm. But what we believe is what that will see us through this storm and beyond. Have faith, my friends. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXU5AgBAeR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

How did you react to this headline? 1. Oh no... 2. Is ok, all within control Ukraine war has thrown the global economic recovery post-Covid into a huge patch of uncertainty. And Singapore, being highly dependent on imports and the global economy, has seen prices rise in the past few months. This is also on top of rising interest rates which affects our mortgages and costs of doing business. However, in the bigger scheme of things, it is all part and parcel of the economic cycle. While there are many things out of our control eg whether the war will end or not, I have GOOD NEWS to share with you. There are many things we can do to prepare for a period of inflation and rising prices. But first, it has to start with AWARENESS. Knowing where we are in terms of finances, and how to invest and grow our money wisely. Building different streams of income so that we do not depend on one main source of income and put our eggs into one basket. (Covid taught us that lesson and we need to learn it well!) That is why my team (we call ourselves the Abundance team) Eugene, Irwin and I believe in empowering our friends and family with the knowledge of building low-risk, passive income streams, so that they can build their retirement nest egg and retire with ABUNDANCE. Join us in our next free webinar on 5th July, Tuesday, 8pm-930pm on zoom! (DM me for the sign up link!) The next time you read a similar headlines, you will be saying... don't worry, I have it covered. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfL4IxWPIya/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One of the best thing that happened to me during the Covid was to join the @asiaprofessionalspeakers , and then the organizing committee for the APSS Convention 2022. You know when they say, counting the dots backwards? I counted the dots backwards, and realized that they formed a beautiful picture that you see in these photos. Behind these smiles, are people of genuine servitude, coming together to put up a hybrid event (you know, hybrid events are serious hard work to put together!!) Packed with established speakers from all over the world, delivering value to over a hundred paid attendees. AND THESE FOLKS ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS, WITH BUSY SCHEDULES AS SPEAKERS, TRAINERS, CONSULTANTS AND COACHES TOO! My one biggest take away from this experience is that the more you do, the more you grow as a person. Thank you, Team APSS Convention! You rock!! (@guan_and_only you led the team like a true Iron Man! Thanks to @abundancelifecoach for introducing me to APSS and changing my destiny for good!) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce1wsikB9XD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hwachong peng you, Don't say I bojio. I got my ticket Liao, You lei? Sign up link in comments below https://www.instagram.com/p/CebW4i0v2I0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Joining the Asia Professional Speakers is one of the best decision I made in 2020, just before Covid hit and the world changed forever. Serving in this year's APSS Convention committee allowed me to have a peek into the behind-the-scenes work into putting a convention together. Let me say this, the work is Mind boggling. Under the capable leadership of Guan, we were able to put together a power packed convention with speakers and attendees from all over the world... It is simply amazing how a team of committed volunteers can do so much with so little. This is why in spite of a tough two years for many of us in the speaking industry, there is hope that our resilient attitude and adaptability will see us come out stronger from this pandemic. My personal favourite message is from @christian.chua , that we need to take a good hard look at ourselves and unlearn/relearn. Openness is the genesis of innovation. Indeed. To the speaking community, it is such an honour and privilege to serve you. I hope you have had a great day 1, and an even greater day 2 coming up in a few hours time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEoiVKPw8A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

3 more days. Mood: thankful, confident, hopeful. Thankful: What an era to be in. The klopp era has already yielded success on all fronts, collecting all the cups that is to be won, the EPL, CL, Carling cup, FA cup, World Club Cup. Beyond that, we have already laid a solid foundation for the future, starting from the bottom at youth level all the way to the first 11. We have a good team without any super sized egos, and a manager that is simply a genius. Confident: We start the CL final as slight favourites against a Real Madrid team that is very experienced in cup finals. Every department of ours is world class, and if we play to our full potential, we should win this. Many fellow reds feel heartache at coming so near, yet so far in the EPL. It is understandable. For myself, I don't feel that much of a heartache. Why? Because I know winning the EPL is just a matter of when, not if. This season we miss, we go again next. Similar to the cl final, if we lose against real Madrid, no problem, next season we go again. Such is the confidence I have in my team that I am zen like as we count down to the finals. (Cue image of Rafa's Buddha pose during the penalty shootout) Hopeful: We have a bright future. Even if Salah doesn't sign on and extent his stay with us, we have replacements coming up. I am already looking forward to a future coutinho in the mould of young Fabio calvaho, who should feature in some cup games next season. Diaz has proven to be a superb signing, and I am sure our management team are already in talks to bring more young and promising players on board. This is how we compete against the obscene wealth in man city and Chelsea. (It is as if they play with a cheat code, but no matter, it just makes our achievements all the more pronounced.) This Sunday morning, #wegoagain YNWA. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd_04IYB8Q5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

10 years ago in the month of May, I made my first successful summit attempt up My Kota Kinabalu. I have always been an avid climber since joining the Tahan mountain trekking team during my junior college days in @hwachong.official Many people will think that I am crazy, putting myself through 20kg backpacks and gruelling exercises up and down Bukit timah hill and 30 storey block of flats. But one thing mountain trekking taught me is the value of 1% growth. If we just grow 1% daily, by the end of the year, we will have grown a total of 37x! How do you conquer a mountain? You reach the top by taking one step at a time. Even if it is just a tiny step. Don't stop, and don't look back. In more ways than one, mountain trekking epitomises my own professional journey. From being a pharmacist to a life coach and financial advisor, I have had to start from scratch at various points of my life. It is like climbing up and down the peaks and valleys of the mountain path, and having to deal with unpredictable weather elements. However, no words can describe the sense of excitement and accomplishment when we eventually stand at the summit and look back in awe and wonder at the beautiful journey we have taken, all the highs and lows, peaks and valleys along the way. For those of you in the midst of conquering your own mountains, I urge you, keep on keeping on. It will all be worth it. Trust me. #keepgoing https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd1YnJChPHQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Quick thoughts on our final game of the season. It has been the season of kosong pratas, and more. As we head towards our final game of what has already been a record setting season, I am just thankful. Thankful that I got to witness arguably one of the best Liverpool side (started supporting during Roy Evans era in 1997). Thankful that we are blessed with Klopp. Thankful that we have one of the best sets of fans in the world. Thankful that our club is so steeped in history, but yet, are making history. While the destination of this season's trophy is out of our hands, we can do our part and force the issue by winning our game. And of course winning our 63rd game of the season and bring home Big ears. We already had so many beautiful memories to last a lifetime, and still, have two more games to go. My fellow reds, let's sit back, enjoy the ride and at the end of it all, stand proud and applaud our mighty heroes. YNWA. #wegoagain https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyK_VDJ4Ix/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." What a simple, but yet extraordinary meeting yesterday. During the worship, I really felt the presence of God, and teared. It has been a long time since we gathered together in such a large group, and I am happy to see familiar faces and new faces once again. During this pandemic, some of us were met with great challenges to our businesses. Most of us had to pivot and change in one way or another. But one thing is always constant. That God is good. As brothers and sisters in Christ, doing businesses in the marketplace, it is really tough. Not only we have to meet the expectations of people, but we have to be mindful that we are representing our lord Jesus in this marketplace. And very often, as business owners and entrepreneurs, we can feel very lonely. Thank you pastor zhuang for being our spiritual covering, feeding us with fresh mana and constantly encouraging and praying for us. Thank you David Loke for serving so faithfully and reaching out individually to connect with the members. Thank you Colin Koh, for your extraordinary generosity and love towards the community, and being the big kor kor to many of us here. And to each and every member in this community, you guys are super heroes. Let's continue to encourage and pray for one another, and help one another in this journey of kingdom building in our business and family. And of course, thank you Jesus for watching over this beautiful family. (I warmly invite fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are business owners or entrepreneurs to join me in this lovely community!) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdb8YuEv-BO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It's official, I am now a part of the @sg100foundation committee! In case you are wondering, "What is SG 100?", don't worry, you are not alone. 3 years ago in 2019, when I was first invited to an SG 100 event at Toa Payoh Safra by @abundancelifecoach , I had the same exact question running through my mind... As someone who has been involved in grassroots work since 2011, championing the cause of the less advantaged and connecting with youths, I am familiar with voluntary work. Sg 100 is a grass roots organization. It is a ground up initiative with the vision of laying a strong foundation for future leaders of Singapore through mentoring activities. Recently, we are privileged to have Minister @lawrencewongst grace our post budget dialogue. Present at the event were student leaders from top schools in Singapore, and I had the chance to connect with some of them too. Many people talk about success in life and measure it in terms of achievements. While those are important, what is more important to me is to leave behind a good legacy. If you resonate with this vision, I warmly invite you to join hands with me, to ensure that our children and grandchildren will inherit a thriving Singapore. Majulah Singapura! #sg100 #sg100foundation #behelpfulbehappy https://www.instagram.com/p/CdZoTYWvKHq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=