Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Meritocracy

So the past week what have we learnt? I know I have learnt much more of the man that is so respected around the world. I learnt how he and his team built this mud flats to what it is today. Many may argue that it is not just him who have built Singapore, but it was his ideology, vision and foresight to make what Singapore what it is today. It took careful planning, meticulous execution and constant monitoring to ensure the peace and freedom we have today. Its having a purpose in life! And Mr Lee dedicated his whole life to that purpose.

But more importantly, it is about meritocracy. Its about efforts put in by individuals to ensure their own success. It is about creating equal opportunities for all gender, race and religion. It is creating these opportunities so that efforts can be rewarded. And its understanding that education is so important in a country like ours that does not have natural resources. 

But that also have a downside, with education the entrepreneurial spirit is lost. In the beginning when having a degree is something to look up upon, the few roles in upper management are taken by these degree holders. But when more and more people graduate with a degree, the few roles are now being competed by many. And with few supply for the higher demand of higher paying jobs and roles, it boils down to much frustration. And too many Singaporeans have also been indoctrinated by the Poor Dad syndrome that we fail to see other opportunities. 

For those who ain't familiar with Robert Kiosaki's 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' book, let me just briefly explain it as best as I can. Robert Kiosaki had his own dad who believes that as long as you study hard, you will get a good job and good pay and you will stay employed for the rest of your life. He is poor dad. Robert Kiosaki also has a Rich Dad who is actually a friend's dad that is a business man who taught him the way with money and to let money work for you. Robert Kiosaki learnt a lot from his rich dad and the rest is history.

Many have also complained about how things are getting more expensive, about how difficult its going to retire in Singapore. Economics 101 tells us that inflation is an indicator of the health of an economy (Naysayers will say it is something we are all led into believing, then read my Conspiracy Theory post) and so if we know that fact then don't we all know things WILL be more expensive in future? So instead of complaining, ask yourself what have you done to your best capabilities to ensure your retirement is safe guarded? Is your best capabilities enough? What other positive actions can you do to ensure it is enough? There are things you can do today to ensure your retirement is secure. 

Please speak to me and we can explore all the things that can be done today. Do something today so that yourself tomorrow will thank.

So meritocracy, the effort you are going to take today to speak to me will ensure your succeeful retirement in future. 





Monday, March 23, 2015

With a Heavy Heart

And with a heavy heart, Singapore woke up to the news that our founding father has passed. A chapter of our history has closed but not forgotten. Though I have never met Lee Kuan Yew personally but everywhere you go you see the things that have been accomplished by him and his team.

A little red dot on the world map yet our economy challenges the big boys. Our passport, amazing! Our currency stable. Safety, unsurpassed.

And yet, everyday somebody out there curses all the things that have been done. Reading the FB post on people's wall, I am heartened to know that many is still appreciative.

I only wish I can be a fraction of what he is, to have touched so many lives in Singapore and the world. As a financial consultant my vision is to be able to touch as many lives as possible to help families understand the importance of financial planning. But the going is not always easy. People still scorn us, they think we are trying to sell them a product. Some will accept, some will not

Just like the policies of Singapore, not everybody will accept. The magnitude of how many lives LKY has touched is enormous and his legend will continue.

Now it is up to us to keep this going...