Portfolio Summary for March 2025

As of 31 March 2025

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	46.47	4.48
UOB	400	38.09	3.34
OCBC Bank	700	17.30	2.65
SGX	3,200	13.37	9.37
ST Engineering	6,900	6.79	10.26
Powermatic Data	10,800	2.69	6.36
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.56	6.69
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.64	6.86
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.62	6.52
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.34	6.31
UMS	31,200	1.11	7.58
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.32	8.70
Nanofilm	36,100	0.65	5.14
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.705	3.38
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.445	3.36
China Sunsine	41,800	0.545	4.99
Kimly	27,000	0.315	1.86
HC Surgical	35,500	0.28	2.18

Portfolio Value = S$456,845
YTD Dividends Received = S$1,394
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$76

Trades
None

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.56	5.66
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.62	6.35
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.34	5.35
Nanofilm	12,500	0.65	5.89
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.705	3.84
HC Surgical	19,500	0.28	3.96
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.88	68.95

Portfolio Value = S$137,831

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.28%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$866

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.205

Portfolio Value = US$14,350

Trades
None


Commentary:

It is the end of the first quarter.  This will (again) be a short post, because I did not trade for my portfolios in March.  The markets remained choppy as political tensions and tarriffs took centre stage.  Gold hit above US$3,000 as investors sought safe haven.  Nobody is really sure where the market will head one day from the next.

My work in the new role is going on well.  My big boss from the United States made a stop here in Singapore, and I reported my accomplishments year-to-date to him.  My TL told me that he was happy with my progress so far.  (Lucky.)

At home, my older boy is coping well in his new secondary school (Hwa Chong Institution).  He was selected for fencing as his CCA.  (Sounds like an interesting sport.)  I am glad he was given the opportunity, as the slots were limited and the selection criteria was quite stringent.  My younger boy is also doing well in his current primary school (Ang Mo Kio Primary).  He is also given an opportunity to represent his school in the 2025 National Robotics Programming Competition.  I have also enrolled him for training and to compete in the World Robotics Olympaid (WRO), happening in Singapore during September 2025.  I hope he will put in his best effort and build his portfolio adequately for a shot at DSA (Direct School Admission) next year.

Until next time, take care!

---

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Portfolio Summary for February 2025

As of 28 February 2025

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	45.85	4.56
UOB	400	38.11	3.45
OCBC Bank	700	17.25	2.73
SGX	3,200	13.35	9.66
ST Engineering	6,900	5.43	8.47
Powermatic Data	10,800	2.81	6.86
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.60	7.09
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.64	7.09
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.63	6.78
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.34	6.52
UMS	31,200	1.03	7.27
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.22	8.31
Nanofilm	36,100	0.68	5.55
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.685	3.39
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.455	3.55
China Sunsine	41,800	0.475	4.49
Kimly	27,000	0.315	1.92
HC Surgical	35,500	0.285	2.29

Portfolio Value = S$442,097
YTD Dividends Received = S$1,110
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$53

Trades
None

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.60	5.90
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.63	6.49
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.34	5.43
Nanofilm	12,500	0.68	6.26
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.685	3.79
HC Surgical	19,500	0.285	4.10
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.855	68.04

Portfolio Value = S$135,707

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.28%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$866

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.215

Portfolio Value = US$15,050

Trades
None


Commentary:

February was a short month, and this will be a short post because, well, nothing much happened in my life. I did not place any trade for my portfolios. The bulk of my capital has been diverted away for another use, so I have to be selective with my remaining dry powder.

Most of the companies on my watchlist reported stable and satisfactory results. The exception is UMS Integration, which reported a 19 percent decline in YoY Revenue and a 32 percent drop in YoY Net Profit. On the other side, the three local banks remain highly profitable, logging record fiscal year revenue. Their share prices have reached levels not seen over the past few years. I will not buy the stock at these levels, despite the tantalizing dividend amount.

At the workplace, I had just completed my yearly performance evaluation. My colleagues had complained about paltry annual compensation this year. Some of my peers even had no salary raise. For me, my actual bonus was $400 above the target amount. Management attributed it to a challenging business environment last year. My salary increment is the lowest of all fifteen years I have been in the company. But at least it is not zero. I am zen about the whole thing. At my current job grade, any increment above zero is good enough for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to do something of my interest in this role.

At home, my wife and younger boy came down with the common cold. There seems to be a virulent bug (or bugs) floating around, as some of my colleagues also suffered from the illness. I wear a mask when I am out and about, and I place emphasis on maintaining good personal hygiene. I do daily static exercises in the morning and I run twice a week. I believe these habits helped me to keep fit. Good health should not be taken for granted.

Going into March, I anticipate a slew of dividends to come in and buff up my capital. Dividends are the fruit of our sound equity investment, and ought to be cherished.

Signing off for now. Take care!

---

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Portfolio Summary for January 2025

As of 31 January 2025

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	44.61	4.49
UOB	400	37.51	3.43
OCBC Bank	700	17.40	2.79
SGX	3,200	12.27	8.98
ST Engineering	6,900	4.84	7.64
Powermatic Data	10,800	2.90	7.16
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.57	7.04
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.63	7.12
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.76	7.41
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.31	6.44
UMS	31,200	1.05	7.49
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.23	8.47
Nanofilm	36,100	0.715	5.90
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.685	3.43
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.45	3.55
China Sunsine	41,800	0.445	4.25
Kimly	27,000	0.325	2.01
HC Surgical	35,500	0.295	2.40

Portfolio Value = S$437,216
YTD Dividends Received = S$0
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$27

Trades
None

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.57	5.72
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.76	6.92
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.31	5.25
Nanofilm	12,500	0.715	6.51
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.685	3.74
HC Surgical	19,500	0.295	4.19
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.86	67.66

Portfolio Value = S$137,267

Trades
- Sold 5,800 shares of Kimly.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.28%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$547

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.24

Portfolio Value = US$16,800

Trades
None


Commentary:

This will be a short post because, well, there isn't much activity for me this month.  The Lunar New Year passed quickly.  My family only visited the parents on both sides.  We didn't visit any relatives or friends.  This is our typical routine, as my wife and I don't really enjoy socializing.

Donald Trump is inaugurated as the second-term U.S. President.  He vowed to press ahead with his nationalist policies.  In fact, with effect from today (1 Feb 2025), the U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on its closest neighbours Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 percent levy on China. [news]  And that does not seem to be the end.  Even as the Fed opted to keep the interest rate as it is, these political manoeuvres will surely rock the market with volatility.

I did not make any trade for my CDP portfolio.  As for my SRS portfolio, I sold off my small stake in Kimly.  I continue to lie in wait of an opportunity to load up on some of my watchlisted stocks.

At work, I embarked on my new role.  I have had meetings with various stakeholders in the company - Sales, Product and Engineering in order to understand their plans for 2025 and to discuss how Services (my department) can collaborate.  Already, my workload has increased several fold, since I still have to juggle the responsibilities to my existing Enterprise clients.  Nonetheless, I sense a spirit of renewal.  Work starts to become meaningful for me again.

At home, my older boy started his Secondary One education at Hwa Chong Institution.  He seems to be enjoying himself so far.  I still continue to drill my two boys to do revision on a daily basis (even on public holidays).  I want them to build the disciplined habit of incremental improvement.  That way, when the examinations come around, they will not be so stressed out by the sudden study load.

I just realized this is not such a short post after all.  Haha.  Anyway, earnings release season is upon us.  Will be interesting to see how the companies performed in the last quarter of 2024.  Another focus is on the dividend amount being declared.

Take care!

---

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Portfolio Summary for December 2024

As of 31 December 2024

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	43.72	4.46
UOB	400	36.33	3.37
OCBC Bank	700	16.69	2.71
SGX	3,200	12.74	9.46
ST Engineering	6,900	4.66	7.46
Powermatic Data	10,800	2.75	6.89
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.54	7.00
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.64	7.27
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.69	7.21
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.31	6.53
UMS	31,200	1.03	7.45
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.18	8.24
Nanofilm	36,100	0.755	6.32
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.68	3.45
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.445	3.56
China Sunsine	41,800	0.445	4.31
Kimly	27,000	0.325	2.04
HC Surgical	35,500	0.275	2.26

Portfolio Value = S$431,135
YTD Dividends Received = S$16,182
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$327

Trades
- Bought 2,300 shares of Powermatic Data Systems.

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.54	5.51
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.69	6.53
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.31	5.15
Nanofilm	12,500	0.755	6.75
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.68	3.65
Kimly	5,800	0.325	1.35
HC Surgical	19,500	0.275	3.84
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.87	67.22

Portfolio Value = S$139,776

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.28%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.205

Portfolio Value = US$14,350

Trades
None


Commentary:

The year 2024 has come to an end.  It has been pretty eventful, with major political shifts leading the headlines.  These include:

- Re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President;
- Topple of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladash;
- Topple of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria;
- Rise of the left-wing political alliance in France;
- Impeachment of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol;
- Inauguration of Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba; and locally,
- Inauguration of Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

With new leadership at the helm, change is a given.  In the economic arena, the U.S. Federal Reserve made its first interest rate cut since the ramp-up post-COVID-19 pandemic.  This ought to provide some relief to debt-laden counters like the U.S. focused S-Reits.  Meanwhile, the threat of bigger tariffs on Chinese goods by the U.S. and European Union is set to spark a trade war with China.  Speaking of the Middle Kingdom, the Chinese government has (finally) rolled out new fiscal initiatives to stimulate its faltering economy.  The effect will need time to materialise.  Companies relying on the Chinese consumer spending may have to hold their breath a while longer.

A polarization of the global world order is likely to encourage a us-versus-them attitude, growing nationalism, onshoring or friendshoring, and widen the rift among countries.  With the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict still ongoing, world peace seems like a faraway ideal.  With increasingly frequent and ferocious natural disasters, the climate crisis is only going to exacerbate the suffering of the impoverished and war-torn refugees.  The year 2025 may paint yet another bleak picture for the future of humanity.

Fortunately for me at home, things ended on a happier note.  Firstly, my wife and I fully repaid our housing mortgage loan, putting us one step closer towards financial independence.  My older boy passed his PSLE with flying colours, and secured a place in a prestigious secondary school.  None of us encountered any major illness during the year, for which I am grateful.

2024 also marks the year when equity markets soared to higher ground.  The S&P 500 Index hit a lifetime high on 6 Dec 2024, logging an impressive 24 percent for the year.  The local Straits Times Index also climbed over 17 percent for the same period.  Investors kept piling money into popular stocks.  FOMO and TINA ("There Is No Alternative") are at play here.

As markets consolidated in the final month, I executed only one trade for my CDP portfolio.  Bought 2,300 shares of Powermatic Data Systems as it tested 52-week low.  It has been a while since I last bought a stock.  I will continue to monitor and take advantage of pullbacks when available.

In 2025, the CPF Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) will be increased from $71,500 to $75,500.  I have set aside $4,000 to top up my CPF Medisave Account in January.  I will also set aside $15,300 to top up my SRS account in the first quarter of 2025.  As per past few years, I will continue to top up my Mum's CPF Retirement Account.  This is to maximise my own income tax relief. 

DBS NAV Planner shows my net worth has crossed S$1.45M:

I am pleased with the progress made in 2024.  I target to retire by the year 2034, when I reach age 55.  Thereafter, I want to travel and see the world.  This has been the main motivation for me to work hard all these years!

At the workplace, I will take on a new role, which encompasses more in-depth client engagement and technical consultation.  I am excited by the challenge, yet at the same time, there are butterflies in my stomach.  I wonder whether I will be successful or not.  Regardless, I have resolved to give it my best shot.

Have a wonderful New Year 2025!  And for my Chinese friends, if you do not hear from me, here's wishing you and your family a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year!

---

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Portfolio Summary for November 2024

As of 30 November 2024

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	42.43	4.37
UOB	400	36.36	3.41
OCBC Bank	700	16.28	2.67
SGX	3,200	12.72	9.53
ST Engineering	6,900	4.50	7.27
Powermatic Data	8,500	2.96	5.89
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.53	7.02
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.65	7.38
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.66	7.15
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.32	6.64
UMS	31,200	1.03	7.52
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.19	8.39
Nanofilm	36,100	0.78	6.59
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.69	3.54
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.45	3.63
China Sunsine	41,800	0.48	4.70
Kimly	27,000	0.325	2.05
HC Surgical	35,500	0.27	2.24

Portfolio Value = S$427,123
YTD Dividends Received = S$15,202
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$300

Trades
None

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.53	5.49
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.66	6.43
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.32	5.21
Nanofilm	12,500	0.78	7.00
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.69	3.71
Kimly	5,800	0.325	1.35
HC Surgical	19,500	0.27	3.78
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.865	67.03

Portfolio Value = S$139,369

Trades
- Sold 8,700 shares of Sheng Siong Group.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.26%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.22

Portfolio Value = US$15,400

Trades
None


Commentary:

Another month has swiftly passed us by.

I did not make any trade as my target prices were not hit.  The local Straits Times Index climbed 5.07 percent, particularly at the start of the month, buoyed by the positive mood in the U.S. stock market.  The S&P 500 Index ascended 3.62 percent from an already high base, reaching a lifetime high.

The local bank stocks soared to new heights after reporting stellar Q3 results.  Despite the lower NIM, the banks were able to generate superb performance in wealth management.  DBS announced a share buyback plan, which will likely continue to support its share price.  Short of an abrupt selldown, I doubt I will buy more bank shares in the near term.

Donald Trump is going to step into the White House once more.  The tension between U.S. and China will only escalate further.  With Vladimir Putim deploying new weapons and threatening nuclear options, the Russia-Ukraine war is set to rise to a new level.  In a volatile world, safe haven assets like gold will see more supportive demand.  Bitcoin price is fast approaching the US$100,000 mark.  Breaking above this psychological barrier is a matter of when, not if.

Sheng Siong Group was the next to go from my SRS portfolio.  My SRS cash reserve has grown considerably.  Will be patient for an opportunity to re-deploy the capital.

Remember the Plan I wrote about last month?  It has been put into motion.  I have committed my funds and have been disciplined in the execution.  So far so good.  No major catastrophe.  I am still learning and fine-tuning.  However, at times, I feel a sickening feeling in my stomach.  I wondered why the heck did I embark on this uncharted path?  What if it does not work out at all?  Will I regret?  Questions abound in my head.  Nonetheless, the Plan requires patience and time to bear fruit.  I give myself one year to strive for positive results.  Whether the Plan is a success or a failure, you - my dear readers - will be the first to know!

Home-wise, the PSLE result was released on 20 Nov.  My older boy achieved an aggregate score of 5M (M for Merit in Higher Chinese).  Based on past intake, his score qualifies him to enroll into any Secondary School in Singapore, including Raffles Institution (RI), which is his dream school.  However, as my boy had participated in the DSA-Sec exercise, he is no longer eligible to join the S1 Posting exercise.  Initially, we thought that my boy will be placed in Catholic High School, which had granted him a Confirmed Offer.  To our surprise, my boy gained admission into Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), which had placed my boy on Waitlist.  While my boy did not get into his dream school RI, he was equally elated to join HCI, which had impressed him during the school's Open House.

Additionally, my boy was awarded the Edusave Scholarship for Independent Schools (ESIS) [link].  This means his school fee in HCI will be partially subsidised.  That is $200 less every month, which is quite a substantial amount.  My wallet is so happy.  A brand new chapter awaits!

We have come to the last month of 2024.  I am looking forward to my family's Taiwan trip in early December.  Going to spend eight days in the land of bubble tea and XXL chicken cutlet (yum).

Here's wishing you an early Merry Christmas, my friends!

---

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Portfolio Summary for October 2024

As of 31 October 2024

CDP

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
DBS	440	38.66	4.05
UOB	400	32.16	3.06
OCBC Bank	700	15.19	2.53
SGX	3,200	11.35	8.64
ST Engineering	6,900	4.54	7.45
Powermatic Data	8,500	3.38	6.83
TheHourGlass	19,600	1.56	7.27
Sheng Siong	19,100	1.59	7.22
Micro-Mechanics	18,400	1.70	7.44
VICOM Ltd	21,500	1.33	6.80
UMS	31,200	1.02	7.57
Credit Bureau Asia	30,100	1.09	7.80
Nanofilm	36,100	0.825	7.08
HRnetGroup	21,900	0.68	3.54
TalkMed Group	34,500	0.455	3.73
China Sunsine	41,800	0.455	4.52
Kimly	27,000	0.325	2.09
HC Surgical	35,500	0.28	2.36

Portfolio Value = S$420,442
YTD Dividends Received = S$13,875
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$270

Trades
None

SRS

Security	# shares	Price S$	%
TheHourGlass	5,000	1.56	4.95
Sheng Siong	8,700	1.59	8.78
Micro-Mechanics	5,400	1.70	5.83
VICOM Ltd	5,500	1.33	4.64
Nanofilm	12,500	0.825	6.55
HRnetGroup	7,500	0.68	3.24
Kimly	5,800	0.325	1.20
HC Surgical	19,500	0.28	3.47
NetLink NBN Trust	108,000	0.895	61.35

Portfolio Value = S$157,546

Trades
- Sold 5,700 shares of Credit Bureau Asia.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security	Amount	Coupon Now
GX22120S	S$14,000	3.26%
GX23010Z	S$15,000	2.95%
GX23110V	S$20,000	3.21%
GX23120Z	S$20,000	3.30%
GX24060A	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24070S	S$20,000	3.26%
GX24080W	S$20,000	3.19%

Portfolio Value = S$129,000

Speculative Play

Security	# shares	Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT	70,000	0.25

Portfolio Value = US$17,500

Trades
None


Commentary:

October came and went in a jiffy.  Markets stayed largely rangebound.  The local Straits Times Index declined 0.74 percent month-on-month, while the S&P 500 Index rose 0.89 percent over the same period.  As none of my stock price alerts was triggered, I did not trade for my CDP portfolio.  Eyes are on the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election on 5 November.  Be it Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the White House, markets will probably react (either direction) to the election result.  (The betting odds are in favour of a Trump victory. [link])

As planned, I whittled down my SRS portfolio by selling my stake in Credit Bureau Asia.  I will re-deploy the cash into the market at a suitable time.

During mid-October, I experienced an epiphany, which urged me to take action on a plan.  Implementing the Plan requires patience, sheer discipline and a sizable financial commitment.  I am good with the patience and discipline bit.  It is the financial commitment that I have concern about.  While my retirement will not be in jeopardy (since I am still earning a regular wage from my job), it means I will not be able to grow my portfolios as fast as I hoped.  The strange thing is, I have been cruising along life just fine, and this relevation struck.  I haven't felt such an intense feeling about something for so long.  It is as if the Divine is telling me, "Go for it."  Looking back, there were unrelated events in my earlier years which, when seen in hindsight now, seem to have been arranged to prepare me for this decision.

My life journey has come to a fork - either I venture forth on this unlit, uncharted path, which I have no role model or mentor, or I stay safe trodding along the highway of mediocrity, well within my comfort zone.  It will take years of consistent, persistent effort before I can see the fruit of my labour.   In fact, I may face utter failure too, with money lost and nothing to show for the endeavour.  That said, I know in my heart of hearts that I will regret in my old age if I do not give it a shot.

Over the last two weeks, I have been making preparations.  I had spent time reading up, understanding the risks involved, engaging in careful thought about my strategy, debating internally on the merits, experimenting a little, before formalizing the entire Plan in writing.

I know I am ready, come hell or high water.  The first phase of the Plan begins in November.  Game on.

Sounds like a mid-life crisis, isn't it?  Haha.

At work, my TL told me the senior managers have created a new job grade higher than the one I am currently in.  The role requires someone with experience and tenure to drive strategic engagement with clients.  I was nominated as the sole employee in APAC to trial for this role.  On hearing the announcement, my first reaction was, "OMG, I don't feel competent enough to take on the role."  Nonetheless, my TL insisted that I take up the challenge.  She thinks that there is no one else more qualified, and she is confident I will do a good job.  Naturally, a higher job grade comes with higher renumeration.  Not wanting to let my TL down, I agreed hesitantly, wondering what kind of a deep hole I am getting myself into.  Management still needs some time to hash out the responsibilities and KPIs.  Will await more details.

At home, I am so happy the school examinations are over.  I can finally sit back, relax and look forward to our family overseas trip in December.  I trust my kids to have done their best.  So far the result for my younger boy is satisfactory.  All four subject scores are in the AL1 band.  As for my older boy, we have just completed the DSA school selection.  The outcome will only be known when he gets back his PSLE result around late November.  My boy opted for RI (WL) > HCI (WL) > CHS (CO), in decreasing order of preference.  I doubt any student will give up a coveted Confirmed Offer in RI and HCI.  Moreover, we have no idea where my boy stands in the Waitlist queue, so the chance of my boy getting into RI or HCI is minimal.  We are mentally prepared for him to enroll into CHS. ("My Blood is Green!")

Lately, my wife and I have been discussing our retirement schedule.  It is on track, and we should be able to quit our full-time jobs by age 55.  Most of our liabilities (house, healthcare costs, children's university fees) have been sorted out or adequately covered by insurance policies, so we are not worried.  I am pondering whether we should still stay partially employed, albeit in a less demanding job with shorter hours and lower pay, but my wife is not so keen.  Haha.

Until next time.  Happy Halloween, my friends!

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Money-making was a matter of luck: Ray Dalio

The Straits Times correspondent Sumiko Tan had a short lunch interview with Ray Dalio, billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, which is currently the world's biggest hedge fund.  You can catch the video below:



Over the short six-minute conversation, Ray Dalio remained candid and humble.  In his own words, he described how making money as a hedge fund manager was really a matter of luck.

The money-making part was a matter of luck for me, because it turned out that the game I liked to play is the markets, and happens to be if you play that game well, then it's very rewarding.

Ray Dalio

While I am not a professional investor, and I don't aspire to be one, I feel fortunate to be able to invest in the public equity market too.  I am lucky to be able to build up my portfolios, which will help to cover my expenses when I retire from work someday.

Hope you find the interview interesting too.

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