Walter | Cooler Insights

Retiring in Singapore – how much do you really need?

August 24, 2014 • Blog, Personal Branding • 2 comments

PM Lee at National Day Rally 2014 (courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office)

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent National Day Rally speech got me thinking about the challenges of planning for one’s retirement. Are Singaporeans aware of how much funds they need to retire comfortably? Do they know what their true retirement living costs will be?

I like how PM illustrated the case of a fictitious 54 year old senior technician named Mr Tan, and how his estimated living costs of $2,000 per month could possibly be met. Through the example given, PM showed that a CPF Minimum Sum of $155,000 – to be adjusted to $161,000 next year – isn’t an unreasonable amount to be considered in one’s Retirement Account (RA). In fact it can only cater to a very basic lifestyle and is probably insufficient for those who retire earlier (at say 55 rather than 65 years of age).

Congratulations to all the winners of the Singapore Blog Awards 2014!

Adopting an equine theme (2014 being the Year of the Wooden Horse), this year’s Singapore Blog Awards – the seventh in the series – crowned a total of 14 winners. Organised by the tireless team from Singapore Press Holding‘s Omy.sg led by Ms Lee Kuan Fung (Head, Chinese Newspapers Digital Strategy, SPH), the awards helped build the careers of numerous social media stars over the years. Many have gone on to become long-time friends and buddies.

Officiated by Ms Sim Ann, Minister of State for Communications and Information, and Education, the awards this year was held at The Ground Theatre at *SCAPE in Orchard. Other than the prize presentation itself, attendees were treated to a rousing dance performance as well as a “best dressed” competition.

How Small Businesses can Beat Inflation

August 12, 2014 • Business and Management • no comments

Are we ready to wrestle with inflation? (courtesy of Alexis Foundation)

“Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair.” – Sam Ewing

Inflation. The sheer mention of the word brings forth shudders.

The Power of Empathy

August 10, 2014 • Business and Management • no comments

Have you wondered why…

a) People aren’t talking about your products – online or offline?

b) Nobody’s interested in your marketing messages?

c) Customer’s aren’t beating a path to your door?

d) Your employees are making a hasty exit?

e) Shareholders are pulling out their funds?

f) All of the above are happening – at the same time?

The Rise of the New East: Book Review

August 3, 2014 • Book Reviews, Business and Management • no comments

Ben Simpfendorfer of Silk Road Associates

Are China and India still the “factory” and “outsourced service provider” of the world? How big is the market for Muslim-friendly products and services? What are the promises and perils of trading in the East?

In a sweeping expose on the dynamic forces shaping the “New East”, Ben Simpfendorfer’s The Rise of the New East provides an in-depth view of how the economic resurgence of Asia and the Middle East are changing global markets. Spanning halfway round the globe – from Turkey to the United Arab Emirates to India, South East Asia and China – the book brings one on a fascinating tour of the complex business characteristics governing our neck of the woods.

Have you voted for your favourite blogger yet? (from Singapore Blog Awards 2014)

Yes, it is time yet again for the Singapore Blog Awards. Organised by Omy.sg, this annual competition cum celebration of what’s new, hot and happening in the blogging scene is in its 7th year running, with over $30,000 worth of prizes to be won.

This year’s awards has a total of nine Editors’/Judges’ Choice categories and three new Followers categories. Other than the old favourites like Best Family blog, Best Food blog, and Best Photography blog, a Best New Blog award category has been created to acknowledge newbie bloggers who started their blogs in the past year.

Author: coolerinsights