Sentosa Outing

 This was before COVID 19 and back in 2019 around Dec period. 

It has been quite a while since mi and wife went for a date ever since our 2 daughters are born. 

We planned our leave on a Friday so that we can enjoy ourselves without our kids around who are at school while we go and relax for ourselves.

Let me share with you on how the day went and perhaps it may be how you would like to spend you day as well with your spouse / friends  as well.

We woke up as usual at 630 am and prepare our 2 daughters for school. By the time we went out of the house, it was 7:30 am. Off we go hand in hand with our 2 lovely daughters. After putting them in school, we were off to Sentosa.

I didn't book any tickets as we go into Sentosa as i figured if there's any online deal, i will just check on the internet when i reach the ticketing office. We compared and checked the pricing as per internet. The ticketing officer lady was nice to point out to us that we can get a better deal by purchasing the 90 tokens as we were going for the Trick Eye and SEA Aquarium. On top of that we get 25% discount as locals. Do purchase from the ticketing counter 😊 Here's the link below.

https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/deals/fun-pass/

We took our breakfast at Vivo City coffeeshop before going in on to the tram Sentosa Express monorail. After which we alight at the resorts world station and walk towards our first destination at SEA Aquarium. Here are below some of the photos we took. There were so many interesting creatures and not to mention the diver that is swimming around. There was also a Mascot which we manage to have a picture taken. 

Our First stop SEA Aquarium. 

Outing hours : 1.5 hours

Outing experience : 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

I will give another 1 star if there are interactive games to play in understanding about the creatures and diver not just sight seeing. It could be a talk and show around with a guide so that it becomes more interactive. This will greatly enhance the experience for people. 

From there we exit and went for our lunch before we went to Trick Eye Musuem.

There is a coffee shop nearby Trick Eye Musuem where we can eat and dine. As it was a week day there were not many people, nevertheless the food was good. I did not take any pictures of the place but you will not missed it by following the sign boards. In Sentosa you will not get lost, there are so many sign boards pointing to you the direction and they are huge.

Take a look at the pictures we have taken. We really to thank the customer service guy who help to take our pictures and provided us a power bank as well as our handphone batteries were running very low.

Kudos to Trick Eye Museum people for making our experience. Thumbs up. 

 

End of our 2nd Stop

Outing hours : 3.0 hours

Outing experience : 4.75 stars out of 5 stars

7 days Itinerary in Malaysia (Malacca, Genting, KL) for holidays in June 2024 or Dec 2024

Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary covering Malacca, Genting Highlands, and Kuala Lumpur:

Day 1-3: Malacca

Day 1: Arrival and Historical Exploration

- Arrival in Malacca, check into your accommodation.

- Explore historical sites such as St. Paul's Hill, A Famosa, Dutch Square, and Jonker Street.

- Enjoy local delicacies for lunch and dinner, such as chicken rice balls, Nyonya laksa, and satay celup.

- Take a river cruise along the Malacca River in the evening.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Heritage Sites

- Visit the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum and learn about Malacca's history and culture.

- Explore Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village with well-preserved wooden houses.

- Have lunch at the Portuguese Settlement and try authentic Portuguese seafood dishes.

- Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.

- Witness the sunset at the Malacca Straits Mosque.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

- Take a morning stroll at Bukit China, the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China.

- Enjoy brunch at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball.

- Explore the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary and the Malacca Tropical Fruit Farm.

- Spend the late afternoon shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a spa.

Day 4-5: Genting Highlands

Day 4: Arrival and Theme Park Fun

- Travel to Genting Highlands from Malacca (approximately 3-4 hours by car).

- Check into your accommodation at one of the resorts.

- Spend the day at Genting Highlands Theme Park, enjoying the various rides and attractions.

Day 5: Entertainment and Relaxation

- Explore other attractions at Genting Highlands, such as Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park or Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

- Relax and unwind at the resort's facilities, such as the spa or indoor entertainment options.

- Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.

Day 6-7: Kuala Lumpur

Day 6: City Exploration

- Travel to Kuala Lumpur from Genting Highlands (approximately 1-2 hours by car).

- Check into your accommodation in Kuala Lumpur.

- Visit iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and Merdeka Square.

- Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Bukit Bintang for shopping and dining.

Day 7: Cultural and Culinary Delights

- Explore cultural attractions such as the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia and the National Mosque.

- Visit the vibrant street food markets of Jalan Alor or sample local delicacies at Central Market.

- Spend the evening at Kuala Lumpur's nightlife hotspots or enjoy a traditional cultural show.

Estimated cost for the booking of transport and hotels in Malacca, Genting, KL Malaysia

This itinerary offers a diverse mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, nature appreciation, theme park fun, and culinary delights across Malacca, Genting Highlands, and Kuala Lumpur. Feel free to adjust the schedule based on your interests and preferences!

Night Safari Outing with My family

 It has been at least 14 years since i went to Night Safari. My wife and my 2 daughters have not been to Night Safari before and we were fortunate enough to get free tickets to Night Safari from PAP. We collected out tickets on the 11-May-2024 at Teban Gardens and we boarded a chartered transport bus to Night Safari. The journey took 20 mins from Teban Gardens to Night Safari. By the time we got there it was 645pm. There were ushers (night safari members) who guided us towards the entrance of Night Safari. Take note of the show of the creatures of the night whereby you will need to scan the QR code to book the event if not even if you queue, they will not let you in. We manage to book the last slot timing 9:30pm and we went in at 9pm. Below is the timing of the show. Don't forget to book. 

We went for the tram ride at 7:30pm across the guided animals hideout. The difference between 14+ years and now was that there is the voice recording from the tram instead of a zoo keeper explaining on the animals. As it is night, we couldn't really make out all the animals shape and size. If we can have a close up view, it will be much better. I believe that if they can provide binoculars or try to pull the animal towards us, it will be a much engaging experience as we sit there and took in the surroundings. 

After the 30mins tram ride, we went for our dinner. Below is the extract from Night Safari. The choices are limited though. The food was good and who can resist ice cream from Haagen-Dazs. Both my daughters enjoy 2 scoop of vanilla as the chocolate was sold out. We have a 45 mins dinner before we make our way to the performance of the Creatures of the Night. Once the performance ended, we made our way back to the Bus Bays and waited for our chartered transport to take us home. We reached home at 11pm. All in all it was enjoyable and my 2 daughters took a short nap in the bus as we buckled ourselves on the way back home. Kudos to PAP for arranging this tour for us on Mother's day. 

What are the 10 key takeaways we can learn from Charlie Munger?

Charlie Munger, the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett's long-time business partner, is known for his wisdom and insights on investing, business, and life in general before he passed away at age 99. Here are 10 key takeaways we can learn from Charlie Munger:

1. Invest in Quality Businesses: Munger emphasizes investing in high-quality companies with strong competitive advantages and sustainable business models. Focus on businesses with durable moats that can withstand competition over the long term.

2. Value Investing Principles: Munger is a proponent of value investing, which involves buying undervalued stocks and holding them for the long term. He emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and thorough research in identifying undervalued opportunities.

3. Diversification: Munger advocates for a well-diversified portfolio to mitigate risk. He suggests spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographies to reduce exposure to individual risks.

4. Continuous Learning: Munger is a voracious reader and believes in the power of continuous learning. He emphasizes the importance of expanding your knowledge across various disciplines, including economics, psychology, history, and science, to make better decisions.

5. Rational Thinking: Munger stresses the importance of rationality and clear thinking in decision-making. He encourages investors to avoid emotional biases, such as fear and greed, and to make decisions based on logic and evidence.

6. Circle of Competence: Munger advises staying within your circle of competence and investing in areas you understand well. By focusing on businesses and industries you are familiar with, you can make more informed investment decisions.

7. Long-Term Perspective: Munger advocates for taking a long-term perspective in investing and business. He believes in the power of compounding and emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving investment success.

8. Margin of Safety: Munger, like Buffett, stresses the importance of having a margin of safety when investing. This involves buying stocks at prices significantly below their intrinsic value to protect against downside risk.

9. Humility and Open-Mindedness: Munger values humility and open-mindedness, encouraging investors to acknowledge their limitations and learn from their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility and being open to new ideas and perspectives.

10.Ethical Behavior: Munger emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical behavior in business and life. He believes in doing the right thing, even when it's not the most profitable option in the short term.

Overall, Charlie Munger's insights offer valuable lessons for investors and individuals seeking to make better decisions in both their personal and professional lives. By applying these principles, one can enhance their decision-making process and increase their chances of long-term success.

100 professions in Singapore to earn $5000 per month

Earning $5000 per month in Singapore is achievable across various professions, but it often depends on factors such as education, experience, skills, and industry demand. Here's a diverse list of 100 professions in Singapore that have the potential to earn around $5000 per month or more:

1. Software Developer

2. Marketing Manager

3. Sales Engineer

4. Human Resources Manager

5. Financial Analyst

6. Nurse

7. Teacher

8. Accountant

9. Graphic Designer

10. Project Manager

11. Business Analyst

12. Pharmacist

13. Operations Manager

14. Social Media Manager

15. Mechanical Engineer

16. Electrical Engineer

17. Data Analyst

18. Civil Engineer

19. Web Developer

20. Digital Marketing Specialist

21. Customer Service Manager

22. Product Manager

23. Operations Executive

24. Investment Analyst

25. Compliance Officer

26. HR Executive

27. Interior Designer

28. Architect

29. Quantity Surveyor

30. Marketing Executive

31. Financial Advisor

32. Software Engineer

33. System Analyst

34. IT Manager

35. Logistics Manager

36. Quality Assurance Engineer

37. Registered Nurse

38. Physiotherapist

39. Occupational Therapist

40. Speech Therapist

41. Dental Hygienist

42. Marketing Director

43. Sales Manager

44. Supply Chain Manager

45. Procurement Manager

46. Financial Controller

47. Management Consultant

48. Risk Analyst

49. Investment Banker

50. Compensation and Benefits Manager

51. Talent Acquisition Specialist

52. Content Writer

53. Real Estate Agent

54. Insurance Agent

55. Personal Trainer

56. Dietitian

57. Event Planner

58. Legal Counsel

59. Paralegal

60. Research Scientist

61. Laboratory Technician

62. Environmental Engineer

63. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

64. Biomedical Engineer

65. Marketing Research Analyst

66. Copywriter

67. Software Quality Assurance Engineer

68. Systems Administrator

69. Cybersecurity Analyst

70. Network Engineer

71. Financial Planner

72. Tax Consultant

73. Immigration Consultant

74. Business Development Executive

75. Customer Success Manager

76. Public Relations Manager

77. Brand Manager

78. Market Research Manager

79. IT Security Analyst

80. IT Project Manager

81. UI/UX Designer

82. Frontend Developer

83. Backend Developer

84. Full Stack Developer

85. Content Marketing Manager

86. SEO Specialist

87. Payroll Specialist

88. Compensation Analyst

89. Claims Adjuster

90. Claims Examiner

91. Financial Auditor

92. Supply Chain Analyst

93. Logistics Coordinator

94. Health and Safety Officer

95. Construction Project Manager

96. Structural Engineer

97. Marine Engineer

98. Aerospace Engineer

99. Operations Supervisor

100. Retail Store Manager

This list is not exhaustive, and earnings can vary based on individual qualifications, experience, industry demand, and other factors. Additionally, salaries may be influenced by economic conditions, market trends, and company policies. It's essential to conduct research and seek advice from professionals in your desired field to understand the earning potential and career prospects in Singapore.

User How to maximize tax reliefs in Singapore

Maximizing tax reliefs in Singapore requires careful planning and knowledge of the available deductions. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of tax reliefs: Take note maximum reliefs are capped at $80k per year. 

1. **Contribute to Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS):** Contributions to the SRS are eligible for tax relief. Consider making contributions up to the maximum allowable limit to reduce your taxable income.

2. **Claim tax relief on CPF contributions:** Both employee and voluntary contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) are eligible for tax relief, up to certain limits.

3. **Utilize the Earned Income Relief:** This relief is available to all tax residents in Singapore, and the amount varies based on your age and employment status. Ensure you claim this relief if you're eligible.

4. **Maximize Parent Relief:** If you support your parents, you may be eligible for Parent Relief. The amount depends on factors such as your parents' age, living arrangement, and whether they are disabled.

5. **Claim Handicapped Parent Relief:** If you support a handicapped parent, you may be eligible for additional relief on top of the Parent Relief.

6. **Utilize the Parenthood Tax Rebate:** Parents with children may be eligible for the Parenthood Tax Rebate, which provides additional tax relief.

7. **Claim Course Fee Relief:** If you or your spouse or child is pursuing approved courses, you can claim tax relief on course fees paid, subject to certain conditions.

8. **Maximize Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) relief:** Contributions to the SRS are eligible for tax relief. Consider making contributions up to the maximum allowable limit to reduce your taxable income.

9. **Utilize the Foreign Maid Levy Relief:** If you employ a foreign maid, you can claim relief on the levy paid, subject to certain conditions.

10. **Claim Life Insurance Relief:** Premiums paid for life insurance policies that qualify for tax relief can be claimed, subject to certain conditions.

11. **Maximize the NSman (Self) Relief:** National servicemen who are Singapore citizens can claim this relief.

12. **Claim Working Mother's Child Relief:** Working mothers can claim this relief for their first, second, and third child if they meet the eligibility criteria.

13. **Maximize the Working Mother's Child Relief:** Working mothers can claim this relief for their first, second, and third child if they meet the eligibility criteria.

14. **Maximize the Handicapped Brother/Sister Relief:** If you support a handicapped sibling, you may be eligible for this relief.

It's essential to review your eligibility for each tax relief and keep documentation to support your claims. Consider consulting a tax professional or using tax software to ensure you're maximizing your tax reliefs while staying compliant with Singapore's tax laws.

Smartphone comparison and performance rating for Huawei / Oppo / Samsung / Apple / Sony

Comparing smartphones from different brands involves considering various factors such as performance, camera quality, design, battery life, software features, and price. Below is a general comparison and performance rating for Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, Apple, and Sony smartphones:

Performance Rating:

- **5 stars**: Exceptional performance, leading-edge hardware, and smooth user experience.

- **4 stars**: Very good performance, capable hardware, and overall smooth user experience.

- **3 stars**: Good performance, satisfactory hardware, and decent user experience.

- **2 stars**: Average performance, basic hardware, and some lag or slowdowns in usage.

- **1 star**: Below-average performance, outdated hardware, and noticeable lag or slowdowns in usage.

Huawei:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Kirin series), ample RAM, smooth performance, EMUI offers extensive customization options, competitive pricing.

- **Cons**: Limited availability of Google services on newer models due to US trade restrictions.

Oppo:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Snapdragon/Dimensity series), ample RAM, smooth performance, ColorOS offers feature-rich user experience, competitive pricing.

- **Cons**: Some users may not prefer ColorOS interface.

Samsung:

- **Performance Rating**: 4.5 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Exynos/Snapdragon series), ample RAM, smooth performance, One UI offers feature-rich user experience, sleek designs, excellent camera technology.

- **Cons**: Some budget models may have less powerful hardware compared to flagship devices.

Apple:

- **Performance Rating**: 5 stars

- **Pros**: Exceptional performance with Apple's custom-designed A-series chips, seamless integration of hardware and software, smooth user experience with iOS, high-quality camera technology, premium design and build quality.

- **Cons**: Higher price points compared to many Android competitors.

Sony:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Snapdragon series), good RAM management, clean and intuitive user experience with near-stock Android, advanced camera technology, sleek and minimalist designs.

- **Cons**: Limited availability of Sony smartphones in some regions, higher price points for flagship models.

Please note that performance ratings are subjective and based on general assessments of hardware specifications, user experience, and industry reviews. Individual preferences and usage scenarios may vary, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a smartphone. Additionally, always research and compare specific models within each brand to find the best fit for you.

Money Basics to 20 year old / 30 year old / 40 year old / 50 year old / 60 year old

Here's a breakdown of money basics tailored to different age groups:

Money Basics for a 20-Year-Old:

1. **Budgeting**: Learn how to create and stick to a budget. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going.

2. **Saving**: Start saving early, even if it's a small amount. Aim to build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

3. **Investing**: Begin learning about different investment options such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Consider starting a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA.

4. **Debt Management**: Be cautious about taking on too much debt, especially high-interest debt like credit cards. Pay off any student loans or other debts as soon as possible.

5. **Financial Education**: Take advantage of resources like books, online courses, and financial seminars to improve your financial literacy.

Money Basics for a 30-Year-Old:

1. **Career Development**: Focus on advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. Consider further education or training if it aligns with your goals.

2. **Emergency Fund**: Continue building your emergency fund to cover at least 3-6 months' worth of expenses.

3. **Investing**: Increase your investment contributions and diversify your portfolio. Consider seeking professional advice or using robo-advisors for investment management.

4. **Insurance**: Review your insurance coverage, including health, life, and disability insurance, to ensure adequate protection for yourself and your family.

5. **Long-Term Goals**: Start planning for major life events like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for your children's education.

Money Basics for a 40-Year-Old:

1. **Retirement Planning**: Assess your retirement savings and make adjustments if necessary. Consider increasing contributions to retirement accounts and exploring other retirement planning options.

2. **Debt Reduction**: Focus on paying off any remaining debt, especially high-interest debt. Create a debt payoff plan and stick to it.

3. **Estate Planning**: Begin estate planning by creating a will and establishing powers of attorney. Review beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies.

4. **Healthcare Costs**: Plan for healthcare costs in retirement by researching Medicare options and considering supplemental insurance coverage.

5. **Mid-Career Changes**: Evaluate your career satisfaction and consider making changes if necessary, such as pursuing a new job or starting a business.

Money Basics for a 50-Year-Old:

1. **Catch-Up Contributions**: Take advantage of catch-up contributions to retirement accounts if you're behind on savings. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts to accelerate savings.

2. **Healthcare Planning**: Research long-term care insurance options and plan for potential healthcare expenses in retirement.

3. **Debt Elimination**: Prioritize paying off all remaining debt to enter retirement debt-free and reduce financial stress.

4. **Transition Planning**: Start thinking about transitioning to retirement, including deciding when to retire and how to structure your retirement income.

5. **Financial Advisors**: Consider consulting with a financial advisor to review your retirement plan and ensure you're on track to meet your goals.

Money Basics for a 60-Year-Old:

1. **CPF**: Understand your CPF benefits and when you're eligible to start receiving them. Consider how CPF fits into your overall retirement income plan.

2. **Withdrawal Strategies**: Develop a withdrawal strategy for retirement accounts to ensure you have enough income to support your lifestyle throughout retirement.

3. **Healthcare Considerations**: Research Medicare options and supplemental insurance coverage. Plan for potential healthcare costs in retirement.

4. **Estate Planning**: Review and update your estate plan, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations, to reflect your current wishes.

5. **Legacy Planning**: Consider your legacy and how you want to distribute your assets to heirs or charitable organizations.

Regardless of age, the key to financial success is developing good money habits, setting clear goals, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plan as needed. Remember, it's never too late to take control of your finances and work towards a secure financial future.

Endowus Singapore CPF instrument

Endowus is an investment platform that allows Singaporean investors to access a range of investment options using their Central Provident Fund (CPF) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) funds. Here's how you can invest through Endowus using CPF and SRS:

1. **CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)**:

   - Endowus offers access to the CPF Investment Scheme, which allows CPF members to invest their CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds in approved investment products, including unit trusts, bonds, and shares.

   - You can use your CPF OA funds to invest in Endowus' various investment portfolios, which are typically diversified across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts).

   - Endowus provides a streamlined investment experience, allowing CPF members to invest their CPF savings efficiently and in line with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

2. **Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)**:

   - Endowus also facilitates investments using funds from the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS), which is a voluntary savings scheme to help Singaporeans save for retirement.

   - You can contribute to your SRS account and invest those funds through Endowus' platform. Similar to CPF investments, Endowus offers diversified investment portfolios tailored to your risk profile and retirement objectives.

   - Investing through SRS provides tax benefits, as contributions to SRS are tax-deductible, and only 50% of withdrawals from SRS are taxable at retirement, providing potential tax savings.

It's important to note that investing through CPF and SRS involves certain rules and limitations set by the CPF Board and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable to understand these rules and seek professional advice if needed to ensure that your investments align with your financial goals and comply with regulatory requirements.

Personally 

I have been using my SRS to invest in the S&P 500 whereby i get tax savings. Since my run time will be 17 years + before i start to withdraw my SRS account money. I thought it is great to invest in the S&P 500 using Endowus where i can save tax and also invest my money. Do take note as of today the first $40k that you withdraw from SRS will not be subjected to any tax when you hit the SRS withdrawal age. Do note that if you withdraw the money in SRS before your SRS withdrawal age. 5% of it is subjected to 100% tax. The rest will add on to your annual income tax bracket accordingly. 

My referral link is as below. If this article is useful and you are looking at investing through SRS, do refer to my link to sign up so that we can both earn the reward of $20 in Endowus Fee credits. 

https://endowus.com/invite?code=WIGOG