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Pooling resources in property investment This 27-year-old accountant wants more than just a fixed salary in her working life and property investment offers a way to financial security. Sat, Mar 24, 2012 The Star/Asia News Network By Daniel Sim Singapore-based accountant Melissa Low, 27, wants more than just a fixed salary in her working life and property investment offers a way to financial security. While many professionals in her age-group are enjoying life, Low spends her weekends visiting showrooms, properties for re-sale and seminars to enhance her knowledge. Growing up in Malaysia, Low has always been a go-getter. She was a scholar, an avid chess player and also a valedictorian in school. Despite being employed full time, she still finds time to follow in her father's footsteps in business ventures and property investment. Melissa graduated with a degree in accounting and finance from Nilai International College with the help of a scholarship from the Star Education Fund in 2003. One of her latest property purchases is a 37sq m (400sq ft) studio apartment in Johor Baru. Her investment acumen has been honed by previous business ventures. "I started with selling bags online but the market was too competitive. I also started a bubble tea business with a partner that I met online. But things didn't work out, so we closed it after six months," recalls Melissa. " I began reading property investment books by Milan Doshi and Ho Chin Soon. I was attracted to the idea of earning passive income from investing in property. "What's more interesting, is the fact that it offers me flexibility and time to focus on my work in Singapore while enjoying good rental returns with my properties in Malaysia," points out Melissa. Landlady The young landlady bought her first property two years ago. It was a 115sq m (1,200sq ft) condominium unit in Mont' Kiara in Kuala Lumpur. The property value has since appreciated more than 20%. Stock vs property "When I explored the possibility of investing in something that would give me a stable rate of returns over the long run, many people told me to invest in the stock market. I did that once but it was not my cup of tea," says Melissa. "Unlike the stock market where shares are traded through a piece of paper and prices fluctuate - and hard to predict - property is tangible and would not suddenly lose its value overnight. If the company goes bust, the shares would be worthless. On the other hand, if you can't sell your property, you can always rent it out while waiting for the property price to appreciate. "Buying property allows you to leverage on money borrowed from the bank where you can borrow up to 90% of the purchase price. This multiplies the buying power of your investment and makes your money work harder. Investing in shares usually involves little or no leverage at all, hence, it is more difficult for your capital to grow. "Investing in property is more focused on location. Based on your budget, you can choose to invest in high-end property or mid-range property. Then zoom in on the location with the property type you want, either with the help of a real estate agent or, in my case, I would Google property portals, such as www.starproperty.my. "But investing in property has its downside too, as it is not as liquid when compared to shares. A property buyer needs to be able to hold the property to generate a profit on a greater scale before selling it. "This is particularly true in times of an economic downturn and there is an oversupply in a particular location that you have invested." Calculated risk It is generally hard for some people to take the first step in property investment because they lack practical guidance and the willingness to take a calculated risk. "The difference between successful people and average people is that besides having ideas that are larger than life, successful people make things happen." For example, one investor would take up personal loans to invest in four units of a particular property development, if he thought the project was a good buy, reveals Melissa. "It is true that you can learn a lot on property investment through books and seminars. But it is different to have someone who not only recommends good properties but also invests with you. "Fortunately, I met Roy Teo who became not only my mortgage broker, real estate agent but also my mentor," says Melissa. According to her, Roy who has five years experience in property investment, changed her perception about studio apartments. Through Roy, she realised how profitable it was if she chose the right studio apartment to invest. To date, she has invested in four properties, one of which, is a commercial unit located near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). MISS Club Besides being an accountant and property investor, Melissa has also ventured into event management. In 2010, she started a club called Malaysia Investors in Singapore (MISS). She uses the social media such as Facebook to network with other Malaysians working in Singapore. They all share a common interest in property investment. MISS was formed by Melissa to leverage on group investment power where members can share their knowledge and pool their resources to get better deals. Currently, the group has about 260 online members who meet every three to four months. Millionaire property investors such as Juanita Chin and map-maker Ho Chin Soon are among the personalities invited to share their insight with MISS members.

He's a free man eventually and now write articles for ST... those who remember him will know who he is. He gives talk in HK etc on freedom of speech / the press... wonder if he'll be invited to his home country to give the same talks? ST featured him today.

I thought his right hand man Tharman PROMISED 30% increase over 10 years during GE2011? Now, PM lowered expectations by one third to 20% increase over 10 years?

Don't expect world leaders to be a holy man, no matter how good they are in their jobs http://sg.m.yahoo.com/?.tsrc=yahoo&mob...rue#/today/main

Hi all, Is it worth to buy a 2nd hand car with 4 years COE left? If the car is in pretty good condition, average mileage used and reasonable price (eg honda integar for 45k)? Thanks

Does this mean I can loan the pro rated 3 year value of a Porsche. Say a $350,000 Panemera. Can loan only the 3 years portion of its worth? No need to take the full $350,000 loan?? Sounds like a good deal. http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/...112-321364.html Porsches more affordable with new financing scheme SINGAPORE - German sports car maker Porsche's financing arm is teaming up with Hong Leong Finance to enter the high-value car loan business here, reported The Straits Times. Under the scheme -

"http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-management-news/2012/1/32057/s-pore-property-prices-to-decline-12-5-in-2012?cmp=topc&src=fp" this time don't know how many people are going to jump down from their overly inflated HDB flats bought within these few years..850k HDB flat in marine parade?

is there something wrong or is it I am DAFT government is encouraging and "forcing" employers to employ workers age 62 and above which this group would definitely be cheaper but may not be faster this effectively results in LESS AVAILABLE JOBS for younger Singaporeans who are already competing with FTs so is this observation correct or wrong there is something really wrong with our government's policy never think before implementation

This is the chap that kapo over 600k in the course of his work in MHA. From Straits Times: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_752175.html Civil servant jailed 8 years and 8 months for cheating Published on Jan 5, 2012 A civil servant who cheated the government by submitting forged approval documents for purchases of gift vouchers was jailed for eight years and eight months on Thursday. Liew Chee Meng, 35, an assistant executive with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), pleaded guilty to 22 charges of cheating involving $61,985 and six of converting properties representing his benefits from criminal conduct totalling $131,280. The fraud was committed over four years from 2007 to early last year. His duties included helping in the procurement of and processing payments for prizes used in activities and competitions organised by MHA's Strategic Planning and Development Division (SPPD) where he was attached to. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Tan Ken Hwee said Liew caused the MHA to procure some $617,087 worth of Takashimaya, CapitaLand and Isetan gift vouchers with the intention of using them for his personal benefit.

As per topic, please discuss. It seems that a good deal of rich old towkays were lowly educated bengs who simply knew how to hustle. Is it still possible nowadays? I think we can look at stuff such as (relative) importance of education, mindset, economic climate, barriers to entry, pressence of big players, regulations and so on

Hi fellow drivers, just curious, how long have you been with your old ride before you change to a new ride...? Besides, grown in family, cars due for 10 years, what other push factors that makes you change your ride..?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1173997/1/.html SINGAPORE: Heavy afternoon rain over three hours in the Orchard Road area on December 23 caused flooding and hit places such as Thomson and Cambridge, as well as the basements of Liat Towers and Lucky Plaza. National water agency PUB said on Friday that 152.8mm of rain fell from 2.20pm to 5.20pm. This is about half of the average monthly total of 287.4mm for the entire month of December over 142 years.PUB said it understands that the public is concerned about the adequacy of measures taken to date and takes its responsibility for flood management seriously. While it's not possible to completely eliminate flash floods, it'll do everything feasible to prevent it, mitigate it and keep the public informed. PUB said its officers have been working closely with the management of affected buildings to investigate the cause of the flooding and identify measures to prevent a recurrence. Explaining why the flooding occurred on December 23, PUB said the prolonged and heavy rain caused some parts of Stamford Canal to flow full. For Liat Towers, rainwater that drained off from the roof and the back area of the building overflowed into the basement area from an internal drain, as water could not flow out into the canal when it was full. The pumping system at Liat Towers is able to pump out the water from the open basement area when the canal is not full. But when the canal in front of Liat Towers reached 100 per cent, the pumps were not able to discharge that water in the basement into the Stamford Canal. However, the pumps were still able to channel some water onto the pedestrian walkway. At Lucky Plaza, rainwater drained into the basement via the steps. Liat Towers has put in place the flood barriers to protect its premises since the June 2010 flood, which PUB said had effectively prevented water collected on the pedestrian walkway from flowing down into the basement plaza. To increase flood protection for similar storm conditions, Liat Towers and PUB are looking into building a perimeter wall along their internal drain to prevent water from flowing back into the basement. As for Lucky Plaza, in-principle approval has been obtained from the relevant agencies. The management is in the process of putting in place the flood barriers. PUB will work with it to ensure that an effective flood prevention system is implemented quickly. The national water agency said that after the June 2010 flood in Orchard Road, it raised the road to increase flood protection for the area. This was completed in June this year. PUB said although the rain fall recorded on December 23 was higher than what was recorded in June 2010, Orchard Road remained passable to traffic. With the constraints in expanding Stamford canal given the highly urbanised development in the area, PUB is studying the feasibility of building a detention pond and a diversion canal for the Stamford catchment for the longer term. The study commenced in August 2011. PUB will share the details when it completes the study by May 2012. PUB added that it regrets the inconveniences caused by the floods to the public and businesses. - CNA/fa ========================================================== wtf? who cares about statistic? IMO, made a mistake 1) admit graciously 2) back analyse what went wrong 3) remedy the faulty section and make sure it don't happen again all these stupid numbers are damn irritaing what 24 yrs, 50 yrs, now its 142 years ! totally not sincere. reason and excuse are not the same thing. I also can say :" since sang ni la utama times, it has been 369 years since a detained personnel escaped from a toilet window.

A major disruption in 24 years is understandable - and forgivable AS A Singaporean who has spent a good part of the past 10 years in Japan, and now in Spain, let me offer a different perspective to last week's train disruptions in Singapore ('Commuters delayed as Circle Line breaks down', last Thursday; 'MRT breakdown chaos', last Friday; 'PM orders inquiry as trains break down again', Sun-day) . Japan has one of the most efficient transport systems in the world, yet it is also prone to the occasional disruption, whether it is caused technically or for other reasons. In Barcelona where I live, the transport system is vulnerable to workers' strikes, which sometimes mean disrupted service for long periods. Yet in both places, the public react calmly and do not point fingers at their government in anger. By contrast, I read my friends in Singapore who rant online about operators, the Ministry of Transport and even the minister. This reflects a population pampered by an efficient society who have grown intolerant. A major breakdown in 24 years of operation is understandable - and forgivable. We can improve the current systems by revising ways of communication so commuters can be better informed in an emergency. For example, when a disruption occurs in the train network in Japan, information about the incident is immediately available on the website of the company, various news websites and a banner is displayed on Japanese tele-vision channels. This allows affected passengers to check the latest information online with their mobile phones, and lets them consider alternative routes before they travel. This will allow us to maintain our world-class transport reputation. Samson Guanglin Lee Barcelona, Spain

The real question is how many PRs we have to date and what percentage of their children siam NS throughout and not only the last 5 years... From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1166966/1/.html 8,800 PRs served NS over last 5 years Posted: 22 November 2011 1500 hrs SINGAPORE: Over the last five years, about 8,800 males who had become permanent residents under the sponsorship of their parents were enlisted for and served National Service (NS). About 6,100 of them have taken up citizenship. Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen gave the figures in a written reply to a parliamentary question from Nee Soon GRC MP, Dr Lim Wee Kiak. In that same period, about 4,200 males who had become permanent residents under the sponsorship of their parents renounced their PR status prior to serving National Service. Dr Ng said the failure of these permanent residents to serve NS will be taken into account when they subsequently apply to study or work in Singapore. These PRs were warned about the consequences of their action at the point of renunciation.

Just wonder, who did they survey ...... CNA news : Singapore workers happier than two years ago: survey SINGAPORE: Singapore workers are happier than they were compared to previous years. The overall average Work Happiness Indicator score was 57.4 out of 100, the highest since the survey was started two years ago. Singapore workers scored 55.5 in the 2010 survey and 56.4 in the 2009 survey Nearly 2,400 people (2,385) took part in the survey from August to September this year by JobsCentral, an online jobs portal. Sixty per cent of respondents also indicated they are satisfied with their current job. Advancement opportunities, reasonable work demands and salary were the top three most important work attributes for happiness. But the same three attributes were also rated poorly in terms of satisfaction level. The happiest group of workers, according to gross monthly salary, were those who earn between S$8,000 and S$9,000 per month. This group scored 67 points, much higher than the overall average of 57.4. Those who earn more than S$10,000 per month (the highest salaried group in the survey), scored 58 points. The unhappiest workers according to the survey were those who earn between S$6,000 and S$7,000 per month (55 points). - AFP/fa I will be happy also if I earn $8000/- to $9000/- a month. But what is the percentage of Singaprean earning that amount of money...

How I know? Because my Tiong Bahru area today flooded jialat jialat even though the previous passages of 50 years had spared my area.

Hi, What is the worst possibility can happen buying 5-6 years old car like nissan sunny? I mean that something can not/ hard be known during test drive or car inspection? example: 1. is it possible the engine faulty and when do inspection, the experience mechanic not know? so after drive 1-2 months the engine breakdown? or engine hardly to breakdown, only the gear box? or engine = gearbox? 2. is it possible the car body main steel frame crack and when do inspection, the experience mechanic not know? because quite often i saw 4-5 adult squeeze sit on behind seat for sedan like sunny or altis

guess parts of the 2million were recovered as he came clean, also from the sale and recovery of the porsche GT3 An M1 account manager was jailed six years in total for criminal breach of trust and money laundering. Matthew Yeo Kay Keng, 35, had siphoned $2 million in two years from the telco by selling stolen phones to third parties. RELATED STORIES * Telco sues over 'M1ssing M1llions' Between 2008 and 2010, Mr Yeo misappropriated 3,085 handsets. He created subscription contracts for mobile services supposedly for corporate customers. He then sold off the handsets at close to retail prices to resellers after pretending he would personally deliver the phones to customers. M1 discovered the offenses during an internal reorganisation. Mr Yeo is also said to have told M1 that he also spent the money on a Patek Philippe watch worth $50,000, three Rolex watches worth $8,000 each, and four Audemars Piguet watches worth between $15,000 and $30,000 each. He also bought Porsches and even invested $300,000 in a science-fiction movie project. http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNew...028-307465.html

Median income of S'poreans increased over past 10 years By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 11 October 2011 1935 hrs Photos 1 of 1 Singapore workers SINGAPORE: Singapore has one of the highest employment rates internationally and the median income of workers also increased 11 per cent in real terms, over the past 10 years. These were some key findings in a paper released by the Manpower Ministry on Tuesday. Singapore faced three recessions in the past 10 years, yet Singaporean workers are earning more. But almost all of the income growth occurred in the later half of the decade. From 2001 to 2010, the median monthly income grew 11 per cent in real terms, or 29 per cent in nominal terms. However, income for households at the bottom 20th percentile grew only 8.1 per cent in real terms, or 34 per cent in nominal terms. The government has pledged to raise average Singaporeans' median incomes by 30 per cent in real terms over the next 10 years. To achieve this, the median income must grow by threefold from the current level. Analysts said this is not something that is impossible. "What we need to do is to try and aim for growth of between 5 to 10 per cent over the coming decade before we can actually achieve the aspiration that has been set. Singapore's economic condition is actually determined to a large extent by circumstances beyond our control. So, this really has to depend on the global economic climate that would allow such an ambitious growth performance," said Associate Professor Randolph Tan, head of the Business Programme at SIM University. There were also more Singaporeans working over the decade. The number grew by 1.8 per cent per annum. There were 1,712,600 Singapore citizens in the labour force in June 2010, making up the majority or 58.3 per cent of the labour force. This is faster than the growth in citizen population aged 15 & over of 1.6 per cent per annum over the same period. Government transfers had a redistributive effect on household income. In addition, Singapore has one of the highest employment rates internationally - with nearly eight in ten Singaporeans (aged 25 to 64) employed in 2010. This employment rate surpassed economies such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the US, Canada and the UK. The ministry explained that although Singapore's labour force participation rate is not higher than in many advanced economies, the unemployment rate amongst those in the labour force is low. With the strong economic recovery, the unemployment rate declined to 3.1 per cent in June 2011, down from a high of 4.5 per cent in 2009 during the recession. The unemployment rate was lower among better educated citizens, as well as older citizens. However, once out of work, older Singaporeans were more likely to stay unemployed longer. The long-term unemployment rate of older citizens aged 50 & over was 0.8 per cent, compared with 0.7 per cent for all citizens in 2010. With continued emphasis and investment in education and training, more Singaporeans are also holding higher skilled jobs. In 2010, 23 per cent were degree holders, up from 14 per cent in 2001. Including those with diploma & professional qualifications, the share was 41 per cent compared with 28 per cent in 2001. Forty-nine per cent of citizens employed in 2010 were in professional, managerial, executive & technical (PMET) jobs, up from 42 per cent in 2001. - CNA/cc ----------------- The above good news prove, once and for all, that citizens are champion grumblers.

Hey all, I'm looking for COE car, maybe 1997 to 1999, that is left with 4-5 years COE to drive around, until 20 yrs old. This is for my FIL to use. So no high expectation, as long as the car is in good working order. Small cc engine will do, 1.0 cc to 1.4 cc. I'm not sure what car models are left in the market with my requirements. I'm thinking of Nissan March 1.0 cc. Any other model I can consider? If you have one to let go, PM me. If u know any car dealer who has this kind of COE car, let me know as well. Is Nissan March a reliable car???

What!?

Guys, Just came upon this link and was a astonished by the Good brand new condition of an AE86 Toyota Corolla that is kept by the owner in Belgium for 25 years and the car look so pristines brand new. Here is the link. Confirm will make those old Toyota Corolla timer droolssss...... http://speedhunters.com/archive/2011/08/06...e-capsule-.aspx

When I read this article, I really . I am not privy to whatever James Bond stuff that goes on behind the scenes but since 9/11 we have had multiple security screw ups like Mas Selamat, Ah Took, people clearing customs with the wrong passport, corpse water and so on. Makes me feel that we had 10 peaceful years more because the terrorists consider us small fries and the Yanks have been busy pounding them. IIRC, Mas Selamat got exposed because of a tip off from the US. S'pore's 10 peaceful years didn't happen by chance: PM Mr Lee acknowledges role of Home Team, S'poreans in staying calm in turbulent times Updated 11:55 AM Sep 12, 2011 by Carolyn Quek SINGAPORE - Singapore has had 10 peaceful years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, but that did not happen by chance, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday as he looked back on how the country has been affected by the events of Sept 11, 2001, on the last decade. Noting that security forces here and the various Home Team agencies have worked hard to keep the country safe, Mr Lee said: "We pre-empted, we detected, we arrested and detained people who would have done bad things to us and done us a lot of harm - not just hurt and kill Singaporeans but brought damage and torn apart our whole society and racial harmony." The Prime Minister, who was speaking at the Teck Ghee Lantern Night celebrations in Ang Mo Kio, also said that the event affected not only the United States, but also changed the world, triggering a battle with terrorists. But Singaporeans have lived calmly and the country's racial harmony has been strengthened, and this is something to give thanks and be grateful for, added Mr Lee. "Our different communities have worked together to come closer together, to build trust with one another, to be able to feel more Singaporean, even though we know that there are tensions and problems in the world outside. And so over 10 years, we've had peaceful years, and we've come closer together." Mr Lee said he was also glad to see many families from other races coming together for the lantern festival last night. "When we celebrate the lantern festival or when we celebrate the other community festivals in Singapore - whether it's Hari Raya or Deepavali - we all celebrate together regardless of race, language or religion and tonight I am very happy to see many Malay families, Indian families, bringing their kids here and celebrating with us this lantern festival. "It reminds us how happy we have been and it reminds us how hard we have to work to keep this harmony together for many years to come," said the Prime Minister. Mr Lee, who was accompanied by his wife, Ms Ho Ching, for the festivities, was also presented a calligraphy scroll at the event and took part in a lantern walk with residents. Link

more than 6 years ago, the Singapore identity was still very strong it has since eroded at speed i couldn't have imagined there was a time i felt proud of being a Singaporean, with our relatively low crime rates and high standard of living... now i feel nothing there was a time i got emotional listening and singing to the tune of "count on me singapore", "stand up for singapore", "home", etc... the songs are still nice to hear, but somehow the meanings are different to me now there was a time i got excited watching the national day parade on tv... these 3 years i have skipped watching it there was a time i felt a sense of responsibility when i was recalled to serve in-camp trainings... now i felt silly the success of IRs, record GDP, AAA rating in Asia... all these don't instill pride in me anymore... all i'm looking for is that familiar sense of belonging here the usage of new media like facebook, twitter, youtube to spread unflavourable news doesn't help, cos they can only make me feel angry or disgusted... the PRC joker saga, the curry saga, the pinoy and mr gay saga... when will all these end?