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https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Fund-backed-by-Li-Ka-shing-sees-gold-in-Southeast-Asia?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220831190000&seq_num=20&si=44594 Fund backed by Li Ka-shing sees gold in Southeast Asia Horizons Ventures' co-founder Chau also eyes Japan 'women-centric' startups Horizons Ventures is spreading its wings to Singapore where the company has set up its first overseas office. (Courtesy of Horizons Ventures) FRANCES CHEUNG, TAKESHI KIHARA, Nikkei staff writersAugust 31, 2022 16:50 JST HONG KONG -- Horizons Ventures, the private investment arm of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, is diversifying its U.S.-focused portfolio by beefing up deals in Southeast Asia while targeting "women-centric" investments in Japan, its co-founder says. With over 140 active investments in 17 countries, the company has about one-third of its bets in the U.S. But the Hong Kong-based group has bolstered its presence in Southeast Asia with the launch of a Singapore office earlier this year. "We have started a Southeast Asia cluster with a different focus: We want to see if we could fast-track a lot of new technology into the incumbent manufacturers," said Solina Chau, the fund's co-founder and a longtime business partner of Li, in a recent interview with Nikkei Asia. Southeast Asian startups raised at least $25.7 billion in funding last year -- nearly three times that of 2020 -- yet deal volume posted a sharp decline in the second quarter of this year on the back of souring macroeconomic trends, according to financial news website DealStreetAsia. "A lot of [venture capital] funds raised funds before the market was hit hard, so everyone is sitting on funds and not investing," said the 61-year-old Chau, who described the current economic turmoil as a "shakeout event" that would see weaker players fall. Solina Chau, co-founder of Horizons Ventures in 2005, is a prominent businesswoman and a confidante of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. (Photo by Takeshi Kihara) Against these global headwinds, some deep-pocketed companies have seized the moment to ramp up investments in emerging Southeast Asian markets. In June, Sequoia Capital announced it had raised $2.85 billion for investments in India and Southeast Asia. "There is a strong sense in the emerging economies and fast-changing societies across India and Southeast Asia that 'now is our time,'" Sequoia said on its blog. "Many large companies with regional and global footprints will emerge from this region in the decade to come." Horizons, co-founded by Chau in 2005, made its name with early investments in videoconferencing company Zoom and voice recognition software Siri, both lucrative bets for the now 94-year-old Li. The spotlight has turned to Chau, who helms the company and is kicking off a new business strategy. Horizons has two dozen investments across Pan-Asia, with 12 in Australia, five in Indonesia and seven in India. The newly opened Singapore office is the company's first outside Hong Kong and aims to support its portfolio companies' development in Southeast Asia. But the expansion has stoked rumors about the company relocating altogether as Hong Kong witnesses an exodus of talent and capital amid strict COVID-19 measures and two years after the installation of a Beijing-imposed national security law. Chau dismissed the idea that Horizons was looking to decamp from tax-friendly Hong Kong. "Our company is small. We have 20-something people. How many people am I going to relocate?" Chau replied when asked about the speculation. "I was born and bred in Hong Kong. ... [And] until the tax structure changes, it is still a very interesting place to be." Beyond diversifying across locations, Horizons is also eyeing new investments centering on sustainability and women-focused projects. "Do you have science [that can produce] formula milk that is better than breast milk? What's better for the world and better for the women?" Chau said. "It's what we are working on and building a cluster on that." Across the 146 countries covered by the World Economic Forum's latest gender-gap report, Japan was at the top of the list for gender parity in educational attainment. But it fell drastically to the 121st spot in the subindex of economic participation and opportunity -- worse than Congo. "There's a lot of unsaid discrimination in Japan against women founders," Chau said, quoting the female founder of a Japanese company in Horizons' portfolio. "We have an interesting [investment] focus in Japan [that] is totally women-centric." Japan is a rising star in Horizons' portfolio as it boosts a commitment to women's empowerment with investments in three female-founded businesses: Japanese venture capital fund MPower Partners, space startup ALE and dermatology research group Nanoegg. The Japanese government is moving to boost the country's startup scene by creating a ministerial post to oversee innovation policies, with a plan to increase the number of startups tenfold in five years. The ambitious strategy involves channeling public funds into promising ventures, though the government already has a huge national debt. "It is another big bureaucracy to solve a big problem," Chau said of the ministerial appointment. "[A] check is very important but your corporations have money too." Tokyo should bring together academics, startups and big companies to kick-start the sector, she added. "Time and dedication from the government are as important as their money," Chau said. "Japan should be a dynamo in the innovative startup world. There is so much deep science, like Europe."

Catch it on news last night. This rare diseases fund is a very good initiative started by MOH, to help families cope with high medical and treatment cost for rare diseases. One of the family interviewed face a monthly medical bill of up to $24K, which is beyond imagination for even a typical middle income family. I hope more can be aware of this RDF, and help to spread the news, so that families in need can benefit from the scheme. It would be good if we could contribute to the fund to help the needy. More information on the RDF is available on www.kkh.com.sg/rarediseasefund New hope for patients with rare diseases with the launching of a new fund https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-hope-for-patients-with-rare-diseases-with-the-launching-of-a-new-fund SINGAPORE - Singaporeans with three forms of rare diseases now have access to financial aid to help with medical expenses which can run into thousands of dollars each month. Launched on Tuesday (July 2) by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SingHealth Fund, the Rare Disease Fund (RDF) will, for a start, fund five medicines used to treat the three conditions - primary bile acid synthesis disorder, Gaucher disease and Hyperphenylalaninaemia due to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency. New charity fund to provide financial support for Singaporeans with rare diseases https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/charity-fund-health-rare-disease-treatment-cost-11682554 SINGAPORE: A new charity fund has been set up to help Singaporeans with rare diseases who cannot afford treatment costs. Jointly established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the SingHealth Fund, the Rare Disease Fund will combine community donations and Government-matched contributions to financially support Singapore citizens with specific rare diseases, MOH announced in a press release on Tuesday (Jul 2). Singaporeans with 3 rare diseases will get funding help for treatment https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singaporeans-3-rare-diseases-will-get-funding-help-treatment Launched yesterday by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SingHealth Fund, the Rare Disease Fund (RDF) will, for a start, support the use of five medicines to treat the three conditions - Primary bile acid synthesis disorder, Gaucher disease and hyperphenylalaninaemia due to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency. The hope is that over time, more rare diseases and medications will be added to the list, an MOH statement said yesterday.

Most of us here in this forum are blessed with good jobs, able to afford car and above average salary. I believe in 取之于社会, 用之于社会. Whatever we earn from the society, we should give some back to the society. Although there are many charity organisations like NKF, Cancer society, Old folk home, hospital getting Government funding and also public donations. Some poor and elderly people still fall thru the cracks and not able to get any help from any Government agency and most Charity organisations. I am not related to any of the charity organisations but like to bring awareness to one, Ray of Hope https://rohi.sg/case/list which is less well known to the Public. This is also the purpose of this thread. Many of the cases at Ray of Hope is much more urgent and serious than Give.Asia. Some genuine & urgent cases as below: https://rohi.sg/case/details/Your-donations-will-give-Abi-hope%21 https://rohi.sg/case/details/Save-my-wife-who-is-suffering-and-diagnosed-with-Stage-4-cancer- https://rohi.sg/case/details/HOPE-will-keep-her-going I hope people here can help to donate any amount to help these people and cases at https://rohi.sg/case/list. $10, $20 means a lot to these people. Thanks https://rohi.sg/case/details/HOPE-will-keep-her-going The Struggle Previously, ROHI has helped raise $1,000 for the living expenses of 78-year-old Madam Yang (https://rohi.sg/case/details/Bring-hope-to-an-elderly-grandmother). Although we were heartened to hear that the family is now reunited after her daughter’s discharge from the halfway house, there are more issues for Madam Yang to be worried about moving forward. Madam Yang’s health has also taken for a dip and she still suffers from the side effects of her medications. She often suffers from swollen joints as a result of her arthritis. Recently, her right toe was also amputated as there was a growth on it. The real struggle comes when Madam Yang, who is a Malaysian is not entitled for medical subsidies and grants. Madam Yang told us that even with the $600 Guardian Care Assistance that she receives every month, the assistance is insufficient to cover the family’s expenses, especially when she needs to visit the hospital multiple times a month. Quoting Madam Yang, “To me, receiving treatment is never a priority. I would rather spend the money on my family”. Help Needed – Give Hope When the case workers first met Madam Yang, she told us how helpless she feels, especially when she is not in the best state of health to work. Apart from her long list of medical conditions that include severe arthritis, breathlessness, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and suspected digestive and throat issues, she is also the main caregiver to her 14-year-old grand-daughter as her daughter is struggling with stage 2 leukemia and depression. Even with so much to handle, a resilient Madam Yang chose to remain positive and remains positive for her family. Financial Breakdown ROHI would like to raise $1,700 to help the elderly grandmother with her arrears (Medical, Town Council and SP Services - $450) and living expenses ($250 x 5 months). Payment for Madam Yang’s arrears will be made to the relevant agencies directly.

Anybody know anything about this fund. Been invested in it for many years and its given some good returns from 7% pa a few years ago to2.5%pa recently. But over the last 6 months it has done nothing in fact it is now beginning to go down. What has changed???? Any thoughts. Also DBS used to have an Enhanced Income Fund, I think that's what it was called. But it doesn't appear anywhere I can see. Any ideas if it has changed names and what the new name is???

as an old man, I am keen to re skill and re learn to be prepared for the possible disruption in my job. Anyone here have taken the opportunity the govt has provided in terms of Cybersecurity and is there a list of the organisation that is keen to soak up the graduate after taking the course?

There are similar clauses for commercial insurance companies, she noted, but added: 'The relationship between the CPF Board and the CPF members, however, is not just a legal contract but... a social contract as the board has a social responsibility to manage CPF funds prudently in order to help Singaporeans meet their retirement needs.' She wanted to know what are the safeguards for protecting CPF members against the risk of the fund's insolvency.

wow.. first close already hit target even more bullish than 2007 looks like only one way up for real estate! Chiong ah!! EXCLUSIVE: Blackstone in unprecedented $10bn first close BY: EVELYN LEE PUBLISHED: 28 JANUARY 2015 The Blackstone Group is on the cusp of breaking another fundraising record with its latest real estate opportunity vehicle, Blackstone Real Estate Partners (BREP) VIII, PERE can reveal. The New York-based private equity real estate giant is expected to amass approximately $10 billion in the fund’s first close in March, according to three people familiar with the fund. Blackstone declined to comment. The $10 billion fundraise is an unprecedented amount for a first close for a fund that is on track to be the largest property vehicle ever raised. Seeking at least $13 billion in commitments, BREP VIII is currently the largest real estate fund in market, with a target that is more than double that of the second-largest property vehicles, Starwood Capital Group’s Starwood Distressed Opportunity Fund X and Lone Star Funds’ Lone Star Real Estate Fund IV, according to PERE Research & Analytics. Both of the latter funds have equity goals of $5 billion. Blackstone registered BREP VIII with the US Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month, but has been marketing the offering since the fourth quarter, PERE’s sources said. One of the early investors in the fund is the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, which committed up to $50 million at its board meeting earlier this month. In an investor call last July, Blackstone chairman Stephen Schwarzman said the firm would likely be back in the market with its next flagship global property fund by early 2015. The predecessor vehicle, BREP VII, which had an original target of $10 billion, collected a total of $13.3 billion at its final close in October 2012. The largest real estate fund ever raised, Blackstone gathered only $4 billion in the first close for that fund, and took about nine months to reach the $10 billion mark. BREP VII had available capital of $4.08 billion as of September 30, according to its third-quarter earnings report. Schwarzman said at the time that the firm hoped that BREP VIII that would be at least as large as the prior fund. One source said that the fundraise could gather as much as $15 billion to accommodate all of the interest from investors. The BREP series has been focused on acquisitions of high-quality real estate assets globally at a discount to replacement costs and that typically involve large, complex situations. With BREP VII, Blackstone has targeted opportunities in the US, Europe and Asia, sometimes investing in deals alongside its regional property funds. Last year was a busy year for Blackstone on the real estate fundraising front. Last March, the firm raised the largest-ever European opportunistic property fund, BREP Europe IV, with $5.5 billion in commitments. In an unusual move, Blackstone went on to reopen the fund and expand it by an additional $2 billion last fall. The firm also gathered a record $5 billion for its debut Asia-focused real estate fund, BREP Asia, in December. Additionally, it raised $1.7 billion in the first close for its debut core-plus fund, Blackstone Property Partners, in mid-November. “As a firm, we’ve moved away from the episodic fundraising of years’ past, which caused AUM to ebb and flow somewhat,” said Blackstone president Tony James during the July earnings call. “Now, given the breadth and balance of our product line, we’re always in the market."

A $60 million hedge fund led by a high-profile Wall Street executive lost all but $200,000 of its assets in about three weeks, a stunningly quick fall for the well-heeled investors in the fund. The collapse of Canarsie Capital LLC caught the attention of Wall Street because it was run by the longtime former head of risk management at Morgan Stanley — Kenneth deRegt —along with Owen Li, a 28-year old former Galleon Fund Management trader. Among the fund’s wealthy investors, according to a person familiar with the matter, was Richard Axilrod, a top lieutenant to Louis Bacon of Moore Capital Management. Messrs. Li and DeRegt didn’t return requests for comment and telephone calls to the firm weren’t picked up. Mr. Axilrod declined to comment. In a letter to investors sent Thursday morning, the fund said that Mr. Li was stepping down and that Mr. deRegt would take over the fund’s unwinding, according to a person familiar with the matter. The details behind the fund’s fall aren’t clear. In a letter to his investors earlier this week, Mr. Li—who named the fund after the Brooklyn, N.Y., neighborhood where he grew up—said he was writing to express his “sorrow and deep regret for engaging in a series of transactions over the last several weeks that have resulted in the loss of all but two hundred thousand dollars.” According to a March 2014 regulatory filing, the fund had a “gross asset value” of $98 million, which included leverage, or borrowed money, according to a person familiar with the matter. The fund managed $60 million, not including borrowing, at the start of this year, the person said. In March, Morgan Stanley, Carnarsie’s sole prime broker, executing and financing the fund’s trades, told the fund it was uncomfortable with its risk practices, people close to the situation say. Canarsie at the time hired an independent consultant to look into Morgan Stanley’s concerns, one person familiar with the firm said. About a month later, Morgan Stanley told Carnarsie it would need to move its assets to another clearing firm because of remaining questions about the fund’s risk profile, the people said. Several months ago, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. began clearing for Canarsie, some of the people said. Mr. Li launched Canarsie in January 2013 and focused on investing in technology, energy, financial and consumer growth stocks, people close to the situation say. In 2013, he ended the year up 50%, one investor said, partly stemming from heavy leverage, or borrowing, by the fund and big investments in social media, including FacebookInc. and Twitter Inc. In 2014, Mr. Li invested in some less-successful IPO stocks, includingFireEye Inc. and Splunk Inc., both of which foundered last year. In his letter to investors, dated Jan. 20, Mr. Li said the fund’s losses happened after “I engaged in a series of aggressive transactions over the last three weeks that—generally speaking—involved options with strike prices pegged to the broader market increasing in value, but also involved some direct positions.” In his letter, Mr. Li didn’t elaborate on the soured trades. He wrote later on in the letter, “I acted overzealously.”

A problem of no one checking and monitoring the 'balance sheet' ..... Yahoo news : Surging debt at Malaysia's shadowy fund emerges as new sovereign risk SINGAPORE/HONG KONG, June 2 (Reuters) - Lurking beneath Malaysia's solid investment-grade sovereign rating is a risk posed by a $14 billion investment fund that is not even generating enough cash from operations to cover interest costs. Regarded as a cross between a sovereign wealth fund and a private investment vehicle, with Prime Minister Najib Razak chairing its advisory board, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is struggling under the burden of $11 billion in borrowed money. The government says it only guarantees around 14 percent of the debt. The investment community assumes it would provide more if needed, and it is the potential strain on Malaysia's debt position from these contingent liabilities that raises concern. "We don't know how well 1MDB is doing," said Christian de Guzman, senior analyst of sovereign risk group at ratings agency Moody's Investors Service. "It does pose a risk in terms of the amount of borrowing they have made over the past few years." Controversy has dogged 1MDB almost since it was first set up months after Najib came to power in 2009, and used for funding projects that form part of his Economic Transformation Program. Critics have questioned its investment choices, the size of its debt, $2.25 billion parked in a Cayman Island fund, hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue earned by Goldman Sachs for handling its bond issues, delays in its accounts, changes of auditors, and a perceived lack of transparency. A $1.9 billion bridging loan that fell due in November has been rolled over twice, most recently two weeks ago, in order to give 1MDB more time to launch a $2 billion initial public offering that would reduce debt incurred buying 15 power plants. In a statement published on May 23, 1MDB said the IPO for its power division will take place in the second half of this year. In 2013, 1MDB, with liabilities of more than $13 billion, generated cash flow of 860 million Malaysian ringgit ($267.75 million) from operations, far below the annual interest outgo of 1.62 billion. It would have made a 1.85 billion ringgit loss, but for a 2.7 billion ringgit revaluation of its property portfolio. (http://link.reuters.com/vuc59v) Report very long, to read more, link: https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/surging-debt-malaysias-shadowy-fund-210000142.html errrrr.............. in the first place, is there any 'balance sheet' to be checked ....

http://www.todayonline.com/business/faster-interbank-transfer-service-start-march-17 SINGAPORE — A new electronic interbank service allowing almost-instant fund transfers by individuals and businesses will be available from next week, announced the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) today (March 10). Fast And Secure Transfers (FAST) will be launched on March 17, said ABS. Last month, it estimated that FAST would be made available by June. The service, accessible on Internet and mobile banking platforms 24/7, allows customers to transfer up to S$10,000 a transaction between banks in minutes, shortening a process that can at times take up to three days. Several banks, such as OCBC, are also making it available at their ATMs. Only Singapore Dollar transactions are allowed. Participating banks, including the three local banks and most major international banks based here, said the convenience FAST provides is vital as demand for electronic payments and transfers continues to grow. A total of 14 banks are offering the service. “Fund transfers via our retail and corporate Internet banking platforms grew by more than 13 per cent from S$396 billion in 2012 to S$450 billion last year. We expect this to continue to grow,” said Head of DBS Singapore Sim Seng Lim. The charges and conditions for the service differ among the 14 banks. Retail customers at DBS, OCBC and UOB would not be charged for using the service, said the three banks. For corporate customers, OCBC and UOB plan to charge S$5 a transaction after a limited period of complimentary service, while DBS said it would offer preferential rates to businesses. Foreign banks, such as Maybank, HSBC and RHB, are offering the service for free to retail customers. Maybank’s corporate clients will be charged S$0.20 a transaction. Anybody tried this today? Those who don't have a different bank account I can offer my bank account for you to try and transfer funds into. I have DBS, POSB, UOB, OCBC, Maybank, HSBC. Pls PM me for details :)

http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story/state-funded-bus-fleet-double-1000 http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story/public-transport-satisfaction-lowest-2007 More good years to PTO!! Increase bus fare plus govt funds... Huat ah!!! Think we can kiss our CPF $$ goodbyes!!!! Is this part of the $1.1b or new funds?? Govt must clarify. But clarify oso no use. Peasants will nvr hear the truth.

From YAHOO --this morning http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singaporean-criti...-031112290.html Singaporean in US hit-and-run needs help with S$630k hospital bill. Contributions to Al-Matin can be made by: - Cheque to "Mohamed Hussain bin Ahmad" (Al-Matin's father), mailed to 257 Pasir Panjang Road Singapore 118623 - Bank transfer to DBS Savings 288-5-002558 (an account opened by Yang specifically to raise funds for Al-Matin) Yes I am sending a cheque out

Bought above from a bank after recomendation from the RM. 2,3 months down the road , keep receiving calls from the first RM and others to sell asthey claim am already making profit and is time to sell and buy into other product. I felt the sales commissiion payable to the first RM is not able to recover from the profit and uf i sell, have to pay commision again. At the end , there us no profit gain. Also, when check with them on the commission percent, different RM offer different rate from 4 to 2.5. Anybody encounter same?

PAP MP Dr Lam Pin Min wants MOH to set up special fund to help PRs who cannot afford their medical bills Posted by temasektimes on April 12, 2012 The recent announcement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to reduce the healthcare subsidies for Singapore PRs have brought mixed reactions from Singaporeans. While some welcome the move, others felt the subsidies for Singaporean citizens should be increased instead. However, at least one PAP MP Dr Lam Pin Min is extremely worried about the impact of the new measures on PRs. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, GPC Chair for Health Dr Lam Pin Min feels some PRs may need help to adjust to the changes and hopes the Ministry can set up a special fund to help PRs who cannot afford their medical bills and have no where to turn to for support. His comments triggered a chorus of disapproval from netizens who lampooned him for

You think it's a good fund? I think I will hold it for 10 years and invest 1K per month for the next ten years. is this a good idea? I believe countries like singapore malaysia indonesia and thailand will be the powerhouses of the world in 10 years time, what say you? can it grow to one million by the time I hit 50 years old?

Reviewing of Central Provident Fund scheme Published on Aug 22, 201 By Janice Tai The government is reviewing the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme as life expectancy in Singapore increases to 85 and beyond, said BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development on Monday on the sidelines of the Ee Peng Liang Memorial Fund Forum at the National University of Singapore. At the forum, NUS alumnus Mr Ng Kok Hoe, who was awarded the Ee Peng Liang Memorial Fund Scholarship last year to pursue doctoral studies in Social Policy at the London School of Economics, presented findings from his research. He found that the number of elderly who are living with their children in Singapore is declining. He said that this finding is significant because living with their children boosted the incomes of the elderly and improved their income security. As our retirement income system is built on the fact that children will provide for their parents and grandparents, he questioned the sustainability of our current retirement income system. In his speech at the forum, BG Tan noted that Singapore is currently meeting the challenges of increasing longevity. One of the ways in which the government is tackling such challenges is encouraging family support. He said that we have schemes such as the Minimum Sum Topping-Up Scheme (MSTU), for members to voluntarily top up the CPF accounts of their family members, especially those who are not working or unable to work. ................................................................................ ................................................................... Siao liao .............. Review can only mean two things. 1. Up withdrawal age from 55 to be in line with retirement age of 62 or 2. Increase minimum sum scheme again ............. maybe set at $1M. Hip hip Hurray!!!!

hope they will do it in tonight's rally as i am going.

Litigation tied to Porsche's failed attempt to buy a controlling share of VW could now threaten the proposed VW/Porsche merger which was announced last year. In a VW prospectus on the merger, the litigation was listed as a risk factor that could delay or even derail the merger plan. Last December, VW obtained a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG, the sports car division of holding company Porsche SE. According to the plan, VW will have to pay for the rest of Porsche AG as well as buy the Porsche Holding dealer network, the largest in Europe, by 2011. The lawsuits threaten VW Group's ability to fund the deal without going into substantial debt. Porsche SE is accused of breaching market rules during its (failed) hostile takeover of VW which took place before the companies announced what amounted to a reverse takeover of Porsche by Volkswagen Group in 2009. Lawsuits filed by hedge funds, who claim to have lost more than 1 billion in what they contend was a manipulation of the stock market, were listed as a risk factor in the VW prospectus. "The merger may not be possible at all, or may only be carried out at a later date," reads the prospectus. How much of a risk the litigation is, analysts are not sure. But one banker did say the level of risk as described in the prospectus was "unusual."

SINGAPORE: Charity fundraisers are common in Singapore. But an initiative to raise money to help care for the dying has highlighted a less charitable side of the nation. The sunflower is a symbol of palliative care and Dover Park Hospice began selling them at Raffles Place on Monday to raise funds. Those who donate S$5 can either plant a flower nearby or take it away. But on Tuesday morning, volunteers arrived to find empty grass patches as all the 1,000 sunflowers planted the day before had been taken away. Stefanie Yuen

i got no car, very gian but no dole to own one, so now in company, i get to drive the company mini lorry Kia h100...like very fun....my colleagues keep teasing me say i newbie to driving , find it fun to drive, so everytime need to get things ask me drive, i dun mind cos can get outta office. anyone get to drive interesting vehicles while on job?

According to the Shin Min Daily news, 3 conditions needed before any withdraw of fund can be released. 1) must pay minimum S$600/- or more for administrative fee before any withdrawal 2) must wait for 21 days for check to be released. 3) if want faster release of fund withdraw, rope in a new member. The above was translated according to today's newspaper reporting. The 3rd condition is an outright insult to our intelligence and is also a tell tales sign of not enough money to pay if every member demand money at the same time. ( Just like the opposition party or some of us always claims, our government got no money to pay every Singaporean if we want our CPF money back at the same time)

Posting on behalf of my friend.... A basic car wash fund raising...

hi all, I m sure, many others recv the same cheques that i hv gotten from a huge local bank. it came in as a form of "pre-approved" fund transfer cheques, to my name and ready for banking in to use. So whats the problem ?? Six mths ago i recv the same cheques via post, seeing that I dun need this , so i just tore it and dump away. Suddenly, a NEW fund trx acct line , with my name + acct number, pops up in my cc statement. Wait a min, i didnt have that acct !! After calling the cust svc, it was claimed that this acct existed due to those cheques, and is in an inactive state as i didnt bank in. Boy, I was pretty mad, its like sending me a pre-approved cc without my application / knowledge. He quickly offered to remove that acct no. from my future statement (ie it wun appear anyore !!) I told him off and gave him 7 days to remove it from my acct ( not just erasing it from the bill !!). Now case closed ! Ytd, I recv. the same 3 cheques again ! Immed. i called the cust svc again, and they claimed that there is NO way for me to stop them from opening new fund tfx acct for me ! Here, are what they are doing iaw MAS guidelines (opening pre-approved fund transfer accts w/o owners knowledge/agreement) ? Any bros in the $$ ind can help / advice ? ty ty mice

On request of some of the other members, I like to request Mods to help set up a collection fund for the Grandis baby who has lost her family. Donation can be made at the regular MCF meetup and then Mods to help bring the $ to the wake or something. Can help?

As above subject, investment gurus , you feedbacks will be very much appreciated.