Investments, Financial Security, Returns, Insurance, Marriage, Property

At my age bracket, these seem to be the most common conversation topics as I slowly catch up with various groups of friends. It is important to manage them well, however can there be too much emphasis such that it takes the fun out of life.

Today is Japan's national holiday, Showa Day 昭和の日! Thus, it is also public holiday for me here. I spent the morning visiting my insurance agent, asking him various & many questions to ensure that I am working hard, and that my money earned is working hard for me too.

I then met up with an university friend @ Icekimo started up by our university hallmate. Besides catching up on who's doing what, when is someone getting married, we also touched on business strategies.

I wanted to leave after a scoop of ice-cream, to come home to look @ my funds allocation. But I stayed on, as the girly white-pink atmosphere somehow threw me back to the age where you are more carefree, and not calculating how much returns or value something is giving you.

It was a nice way to spend my holiday which otherwise would have been spent on my investment portfolio. Also the boss was generous enough to let me serve some customers - I scooped ice-cream!

Yesterday evening I watched Blood Diamond, and was astonished by the cruelty of the 14-year civil that was ended only in 2003. As I watched on, I felt ashamed that I frequently waste food without thinking about the poverty that still exists around the world. Well, at least I started making donations on a regular basis. But there is definitely more to life than just money, finances and investments isnt it?

Deep thoughts the night before, but today I am aggressively studying investments again.

I have just booked a trip to Bali this weekend, so as to make use of the Golden Week holiday in Japan. Its time to espcape from city life, and explore something more relaxing. But then again, without proper management of funds, how can one truly enjoy a vacation in style, and without any worries?

Disco Fever @ Dinner & Dance

It was the 1st time I attended the annual D&D with Sg office - some of us decided to enjoy the event with a splash.

Well, here are some pictures from the evening. Although only 4 out of the Finance department dressed up, we were joined by many others in their Afro costumes. We decided that next year, we will go with the theme again. To my colleagues in Tokyo - some were a little puzzled over what D&D was, and thought it was rather bold. Still, it was interesting to see how some work hard, and enjoy playing hard at the same time.

Recently in Maui, Dalai Lama held a talk which was attended by 11,000! Apparently, Richard Gere visits India frequently to meet the Dalai Lama. It goes to show that no matter how rich or successful one can be, it can also be totally meaningless without truely understanding life, compassion or happiness.

Relaxing Holiday!

I went to the beach. I am not going to say too much about the scenary, but I enjoyed myself as I was playing with a childhood toy - blowing bubbles. A pity I didnt have my SLR with me, but soon a group of 6 energetic Malay kids were gathered around me, jumping up and down, trying to catch and burst the bubbles, and then trying to eat them.

With the mounting emphasis on climate change, I couldnt help but noticed a heavy vehicle emitting huge amounts of black exhaust "parked" at a carpark lot, for two hours. I didnt know what I could do, because going up to him personally, I might get a scolding (or beating?). Luckily I saw a newspaper article the next day which touched on climate change. I emailed the writer - Lynn. I was amazed that she replied within an hour. Anyway, in such scenarios, we can always contact NEA 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632).

Tibetan saint, Langri Thangpa once wrote:

Whenever I associate with someone, may I think myself the lowest among all and hold the other supreme in the depth of my heart!

...pratical or not, I think it serves as a good reminder.

Working in an IB, there seems to be a lot of ego uncalled for. I remember going out for drinks with my colleagues recently, and we were soon joined by others from Barclays and Macquarie. I think most of the guys couldnt wait to flash their platinum cards.

Pay for Frustration

The roller-coaster emotional struggles with customer service for the past two months never seem to cease.

A shopping experience @ Nine West @ Wisma frustrated me to the core on Saturday. Eventually I wrapped up spending $ only at Nike and SK II, where staff was couteous and knowledgeable.

I am beginning to wonder if the problem was me. Or are most Singaporeans contented with what is provided in Singapore and simply stomach it? A study in 2005 revealed that 80% of Singaporeans do not give feedback to companies. However I noticed a trend. Most of my fellow friends who are always ready to provide constructive feedback are those who have lived overseas; and know that - quite a shame - but we still have a long way to go to reach world class.

Customer service can be simple, pleasant to bring about satisfaction.




Another cool moment of Japan's brilliant customer service:

Of course we are not expecting this in Singapore - but Tokyo really has it good, you pay and often you get excellent customer service AND product.

Want some video of it? Here it is:



Pretty cool and funny as he pushed the HELP button. As long as the experience is pleasant and efficient, this will definitely bring about a bigger pool of satisfied customers and even greater job satisfaction for staff!

Singapore service standards: Praised by IMF-World Bank delegates

The survey was conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Close to 1,000 delegates took the poll, and 3 out of 4 (meaning app. 750) were very satisfied with hotel service standards and venue facilities. Over 83% also said they were likely to visit Singapore again for leisure. STB says "Singapore has what it takes to develop a world-class service culture". Since relocating back to Singapore, I noticed that the word "world-class" has been splashed several times on our home newspaper.

Based on my own experience, two months in Singapore now and a year in Japan, I have the following positive conclusion: "It is better off to have a goal/ intention than none." Indeed I have noticed apparent change in service standard of some. However, general customer service is still very frustrating as compared to Japan.

One recent experience I had was with Sistic - an online ticketing company. I wanted to give a birthday treat to my sister to Phantom of the Opera this April, and bought tickets via Sistic. Unfortunately, I received two email confirmations but with the Same Seat Number. I immediately sent an email to ask if they could check whether I accidentally purchased only one or the system made a mistake. I also painted a picture of how important the tickets are to my sister, stating that I could show my sister's Identification Card, and asked them to check availability of two tickets on April 6th.

The reply was "sorry the system shows you purchased only one ticket". I totally blew and replied that "This is not customer service....". I called them immediately, painting the picture, and inquired for alternative tickets, and one of the staff said "...So you made the mistake lah", again I blew..."I dont know whether I made the mistake or your system made the mistake, but bottom line is I need two tickets on that day". Apparently the call center previously won awards in 2004/05.

I forgot that I was no longer in Japan. Most of the time in Japan, I experienced either customer service or exceptional customer service. My bf who was recently in Tokyo told me that he was waiting for a train when his paper bag filled with items broke. A lady from a shop my bf didnt buy anything from immediately ran over with a new paper bag...

Personally, I wasnt surprised. For me, even visiting washrooms in most places in Japan was very pleasant. The cleaners are very polite and take pride in their jobs.

Still, at least we are trying to be world class, and this is a step forward -- meanwhile I will take these "opportunities" to practice patience and tolerance to counter the disappointments.

The Gathering

Maybe this picture is coming up a litte late? Yes this was taken during the Chinese New Year celebration back in February. Putting it up today as our extended family gathered today to visit our grandfather as a mark of respect and filial piety in conjunction with Qing Ming.

At the prayer's table, various sweets, food, fruits and coffee had been laid out. The rain made the temple crowd a little less pleasant that it could have been.

Grandmother

During Chinese New Year this time, the grandkids decided to come up with a special gift. Actually my brother Evan came up with this idea. We did a compilation pictures of all grandchildren.

Granny brought us up when we were younger. Back then, she always talked about how she would like to have 10 grandchildren in total. Well, our parents' generation sort of reached the target -- @ 9. The memory compilation hopefully made her very happy - as you can see above.

Recently in our extended family, we had a little crisis. Believe it drained some of us both on a mental and financial sense. In another light, it brought all families closer. Reading this, I know we should all feel very fortunate that we still have one another, and in fact, happy occasions to look forward to.

Looking back, a year in Japan felt like escapism. There was nothing much to worry about except language barrier. My only focus was work and exploration. Life could have been less stressful being away and alone. Being back now feels more like reality, there are decisions to be made, problems to listen to, stress of your loved ones sometimes you cant take away...

The 3rd generation - 9 grandchildren + Partners (Mark & Corina)