It seemed like yesterday when I first walked into an agency office in Marina Square and that “yesterday” was in year 1990 when I was only 22.

​

Arm with just a “O” level cert, my working journey first began as a cook in Dynasty Hotel (now Marriott) for two years before an Internal Audit Clerk in a finance company with a monthly pay of $800. I was in awe with what I saw in that agency office. The emptiness of the seemingly big office and all the recognition plagues on the walls with alien words like Diamond Club and MDRT.

​

As I was still pondering over the decision to take the first step into this profession, my bossback than, Mr Tan Koon Chuan, asked. “What’s your concern?” I was worried about the stability this new job can offer as compared to my stable income of an Internal Audit Clerk.

​

His forceful reply was, “One sale will give you $800 commission, not one month, so what are you worried about?”.  With that, I took the leap of faith and the rest is history. 

​

As the famous Lao Tzu quote goes: “The journey of a thousand miles starts from a single step”. The brave step that I took gave me a lot of struggles in my journey. It took me five years to gain a comfortable pace. This business doesn’t get easier, I just got better -- as I acquired the necessary knowledge and skills of being a financial advisor. Eventually my goal of earning a stable “4-digit” income back thanfor myself and my family became a reality. 

​

The past twenty-nine years in this businesshave been wonderful. I have grown and gained a lot from the encouragement received from numerous good friends, clients and colleagues. More importantly my family and my beloved wife have given me unwavering support from the first day I entered the business. I will always remember her words “I know you are a contented person and will not chase for financial greatness, but you are right for me & our children and that’s good enough. I will support you in all that you pursue”

​

The countless events and experiences that I went through with my clients are priceless and these experiences made me realise the nobleness in my profession.

​

A word of advice for young planners. Hard work is one of the key ingredients for success in our profession, Commitment, hours of study, practical experience, learning from Industry Greats, and countless sharing from fellow colleagues will get you in the right track for success. This profession can offer you financial freedom, recognition, social standing and more importantly, improve the LIVES OF YOURSELF & PEOPLE THAT YOU CROSSS PATH WITH.

​

If this is what you aspire to achieve, let me “WELCOME YOU ON BOARD” and TOGETHER let’s make the lives of our fellowmen better.