Month: May 2006

Outline of Small Business group discussion

Place: Singapore Recreation Club 060522.

1.  Retirement village concept, by KC Lau and Vincent Khoo.
2.  Retail business with imported products, by Christina Chan.
3.  Internet shopping mall and Flea market, by Annie Loh.
4.  Niche products marketing by Ronald Lee.

Although briefly touched upon, other ideas discussed included internet coaching/education and the use of SilverHairs’ knowledge and experience to companies, outside Singapore.

Terence Seah 

Job leads from Candy-June Wan

Please help to pass the word around to folks who might be interested and/ or suitable, that AWWA Educational Services is looking for relief teachers and teacher assistants.  AWWA (Asian Women’s Welfare Association) is a voluntary welfare organization and one of the services they provide is a school for children with special needs.  Relief teachers and teacher assistants are needed for a period of 6 to 7 months to cover for teachers/ teacher assistants who will be attending a full time Diploma course.  Most important criterion is the applicant enjoys being with children.  Details of the positions are as follows:

Relief Teacher Positions
Minimum ‘A’ Levels or Polytechnic Diploma.  Should have a credit in English at ‘O’ Levels.  Experience in working with the children with disabilities would be an advantage.   In addition to classroom teaching, individual will be involved in conducting group activities eg. field trips, outings, hydrotherapy etc. 

Teacher Assistant Positions
Minimum ‘O’ Levels with credit in English.  Experience in working with children with disabilities would be an advantage.  Duties and responsibilities include assisting teacher in the smooth running of the class and group activities.
Positions commence 26 June.  Morning session is from 7:45am to 1:15pm or afternoon session from 12:45pm to 6:15pm.  Please email application to violet_cheong@awwa.org.sg as soon as possible.
Candy-June Wan

Registered Participants for May 26 gathering

Next gathering will be held Fri, 26 May 1800 hrs – 2000 hrs at Han’s Cafe, #01-03 Great Eastern Centre. 

  1. 1. Linda Chionh
  2. Terence Seah
  3. Peter Thia
  4. Loh Lay Kheng
  5. Annie Kee
  6. Linda Chang
  7. Rama Muthu
  8. Gibson Tan
  9. Nelly Ng
  10. Ho Mei Fun
  11. Tim Liu
  12. Laura Wee
  13. Eyvonne Chew
  14. Joyce Yim
  15. Jade Phua
  16. Loh Yew Kwong
  17. Mollie Teo
  18. Seow Lee Li
  19. Ang Soo Kee,
  20. Charles Wee
  21. Thomas Kuan
  22. Anna
  23. Julie Ong
  24. Patrick Yeo
  25. Shirley Wong
  26. Irene Seet
  27. Veron Chua
  28. Khoo Soo Beng
  29. Christina Chan
  30. Kaushal Srivastava
  31. Josephine Tan.
  32. Lena Chin
  33. Man Singh

What can SilverHairsclub members do to help ourselves with regards to jobs, when we are fired or retired?

Dear SilverHairs,

In response to various discussion topics that come up during club gatherings, I am inviting a few people from the SilverHairsClub to join this discussion.  We do this discussion via email.  I hope all whom I have invited can express and give some idea as to how to move in this direction.  For this discussion, we need to be positive, as negatives are plentiful.  We also need to respect others’  ideas.

Patricia has a point.  Her viewpoint and interest are always in the minds of most Silverhairs.  And I feel exactly the same as you, in that we are all experienced, but that sooner or later, in our environment, the situations change.  We lose our jobs somehow, and then we have still all the committments in the world.  Many of us need to work, even during retirement.  Fact is we have the skills, but suddenly on retirement or losing our jobs, this demand is lost.

I have cc’d Andrew and others, because Andrew has also strong views on this, and let increase the list so that we can come up with something.  Personally, I think MOM have been trying hard with our group, but due to supply and demand, jobs for upper level management are not always forthcoming.  This explains why many SilverHairs have gone into direct selling. 

If you ask me, I see a very small market for our group in Singapore.  Why?  We have become expensive, and employers do consider us a burden.  Also, I believe the expectations between employers and our group do not align.  One thinking the other is too expensive and the other thinking they will not pay for the services.

But, I do see that there is a group of people and companies who have a demand for people with experience.  Singaporeans are in demand, but perception is we are not cheap. But, then we have the experience.  I do see demands in the Asian region, particularly China and India, where Asian companies wanting to set up offices overseas want the expertise and experience.

Perhaps, this is the direction we can pursue.

Can each of you give your ideas on how to proceed from here.  What can the SilverHairsClub members do, with reference to this topic?

SilverHairsClub – for the over 45s.

Terence Seah
+65 9489-4360

SHC Flea Mart

Transferred to this category, for convenience.  Previously, the name was "SHC Garage sale 2006".

As we get into our SilverHairs years, friends become even more important.  And, new friends need to be developed.  The club encourages creativity among SilverHairs.  In March 2006, on a Sunday, we will organise a garage sale.  Place, date and time will be advised.  If you have a place to hold this garage sale, please write your suggestion here.

Strictly for SilverHairsClub members only.  No commercial items. You will be given a given one square metre space to place your garage sale items.   So, if you have any items you like to sell off, remember we have this date in March.

An event organiser will lead this activity.

Interested to have a space, please place your name here. No charge for space.

Terence Seah

 

13 Responses to “SHC Flea Mart 2006”

  1. terence Says:
    December 28th, 2005 at 3:07 pm e

    If you have something that you do not want, and that someone else may like to have, simply reply and put your item here. SilverHairsClub leaves it entirely up to both parties to connect on any item put up in this category.

    Terence Seah

  2. Administrator Says:
    December 30th, 2005 at 6:01 am e

    By Asian living standards, Singapore families do enjoy a better lifestyle than many others around us. Some of us do have the good things in life eg toys for our children, English and Chinese books for the kids, spare radios and TVs, kitchen utensils, used spectacles we longer put on, and unwanted dresses, pants and T shirts.

    I do carry them to Thailand, and give them to poorer families. If your family has something unwanted in the store room, and you would like to give them to someone who would need them, please SMS/email me. Thank you.

    Terence Seah 9489-4360

  3. Shirley Says:
    January 21st, 2006 at 5:32 pm e

    Hi Everyone, As my present flat is being placed on the market for sale, I need to accumulate cash to pay for rental of new place and also there would be no space in the. As such, I would be selling quite a few items. To start off, I am selling my Akita chest freezer. I bought it for $300 a few years ago and it is still in good condition. Interested parties may contact me for viewing and offer.

    Shirley 94599559

  4. Terence Says:
    January 27th, 2006 at 9:43 pm e

    Currently, we are looking for a place to hold a garage sale. But, I see garage sale is a luke-warm activity. Guess, maybe this is not something silverhairs like to do. This activity is intended to promote the getting to know one another, and promote team spirit among the Silverhairs.

    We will prepare to send out news update, and if the numbers are sufficient, we shall go ahead. Keep in touch.

    Terence Seah

  5. visionp Says:
    February 4th, 2006 at 1:01 am e

    Sophia Says:

    February 4, 2006 at 1:05 am

    I read with interest the proposals from the various members. Those who like stocks, investments, equity markets, food and cooking, dancing do get in touch with me.

    Sophia Lim visionp@singnet.com.sg

  6. Evelyn Tan Says:
    February 8th, 2006 at 11:20 am e

    Terence, Yes, it appears that a garage sale is not attracting attention. Perhaps we should change or rename it “Flea Market”. This would imply that anything under the sun which are moveable/portable can be sold. Besides, people who have hobbies like handicraft, paintings etc can also try selling their “works” if they wish to apart from sales of second hand or used items.

  7. terence Says:
    February 8th, 2006 at 1:26 pm e

    Yes, Evelyn. Sounds good. I shall adopt this name change then.

  8. davidas9 Says:
    March 27th, 2006 at 11:37 pm e

    Hi, I’m looking for an P4 computer, If anyone keen to sell, plse kindly keep me inform. Thks

  9. Patrick_Yeo Says:
    April 18th, 2006 at 1:23 pm e

    Hi Terence,

    How about having “Flea Market” on line. Since there are constraints in finding the location and then the trouble of moving the used items to and fro.

    Afterall, it is only restricted to our members only. Why not our members post their used items here and vice versa members can post what they are looking for here as well(example:David is looking for P4 computer}. Also those who wish to giveaway some freebies are also encourage to post here.

    Members can communicate each other to view the items

    However, the rules and regulations need to be implemented, mainly to avoid dispute between the sellers and buyers over the sold items (example:Pricing and Warranty, etc…)

    Only my suggestion.

    Regards

    Patrick Yeo

  10. terence Says:
    April 24th, 2006 at 12:36 am e

    Let’s turn this section into a sell and buy. Post as you like.

    Great idea Patrick. Full support.

    Terence Seah

  11. Yew Kwong Says:
    April 26th, 2006 at 2:31 am e

    I take in unwanted (both working and non-working) computers and computer stuff through donation. I will also buy if they are cheap and affordable to salvage components which are then reused. These computers are eventually refurbished to full working state before distributing them to needy families/people. You can get one from me if you cant afford to own one but not in full set. Just the CPU. Monitor, keyboard, mouse and speaker have to buy on your own.

  12. Yew Kwong Says:
    April 26th, 2006 at 2:36 am e

    Got some audio CDs to give away. The Best of Kitaro, Eagles, Santana, Best of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s Rock Ballads, Bee Gees and Everlasting Love Song Vol 1. Collection at May 06’s gathering. yew kwong 97892492 lohyks@hotmail.com

  13. terence Says:
    May 13th, 2006 at 9:32 pm e

    Yew Kwong, In my earlier working days, I used to work with newspaper classifieds. Although i have never been very careful with all the unwanted things in my flat, i learn from classifieds that even things in the store room have value. If not for me, at least for others.

    I like the Bee Gees. Will collect during May gathering. Thank you.

Short Term living overseas

Transferred to this category for convenience:

The idea of living overseas for a short period of time, say 3 months, comes up once in a while when we start thinking about retirement.  What does it cost us to spend 3 months of our retirement in Singapore, compared to what we would have to spend over the same period.  And what are the other considerations?  Where are the countries?

We are looking for members who would like to chair this topic.  If you are already into this topic, give me a buzz, and we shall get the topic moving.

Terence Seah

 

12 Responses to “Living & travelling overseas”

  1. Evelyn Tan Says:
    December 31st, 2005 at 12:23 pm e

    We can live in Thailand for about $500 (SIN) per month, as stated at 30Dec meet – sorry I missed out the speaker’s name. I’m interested to know more as I do not mind staying away from SIN for short periods at such affordable costs. Who or where can I get more infor.

  2. terence Says:
    December 31st, 2005 at 12:54 pm e

    Evelyn,

    The person is Vincent Khoo. I guess the best way is to have a chat. May I would organise a discussion with him in January, and we could meet up.

    Terence

  3. Evelyn Tan Says:
    January 2nd, 2006 at 12:05 am e

    Terence, Thanks for identifying Vincent Khoo. It would be nice to meet up and discuss more on this issue. May I suggest we rope in Chow Weng (refer to Forum) who appears to be interested in this too. Also, if all of you feel my suggestions are worth considering(see my response to Chow Weng’s)we can meet at my home where we discuss details on what we’ll do, how, when and so forth. Must warn you though that my house, which is near Changi prison, is not within walking distance from any MRT but accessible by bus from Tanah Merah, Tampines and White Sands MRT.

  4. terence Says:
    January 3rd, 2006 at 12:34 am e

    Evelyn,

    There has also been requests to discuss Thailand, following Vincent Khoo’s talk that he can retire in Thailand for as little as $500 per month.

    I know Vincent for many years, and he is thrifty. I had spoken with him, and he would show us how he lives with $500 (12,000 Baht) in Thailand. It is possible, if we look at 2 or more persons sharing a place, travelling by bus and leaving outside Bangkok, without sacrificing all urban life.

    I remember there is a Tigerairways promotion Sin-Bkk promotion for $150 return for Feb and March. We have to make our way to Bangkok. A week would be just nice. For those who are interested, we can sit to have some coffee, have Vincent present, plan a week, and have a discussion on his more than 15 years in Thailand experience. I would also be keen to be part of this visit, and Vincent can share with us his secrets. Definitely no frills, exciting, and seeing and knowing Thailand, the travel agencies will not bring you to.

    I shall discuss with him a date for the meeting and revert. Likely 11 or 12 Jan.

    What do you think?

    Terence Seah

  5. Evelyn Tan Says:
    January 4th, 2006 at 4:03 pm e

    Hi Terence, Looks like you and Vincent have started a “hive” of activities! This is good! When you are able to “hit” people with topics/subjects that excites them and get such responses, the SHC will become effective and vibrant. Keep things up! Yes, I’m definitely interested about the talk/discussion which you’re planning to organise for those who are interested. Meeting on 11Jan (anytime of day) or 12 Jan evening is fine with me. If its a small group of around 10 persons & you need a place where we can talk freely, make notes, photo copy etc, we can use my home where I have an informal “office”. You can call me at 65452386 if you like. Looking forward to getting more news and hearing from you. Thanks! Evelyn

  6. terence Says:
    January 9th, 2006 at 6:55 pm e

    Following Vincent Khoo’s comments that he can live in Thailand for SGD 500 per months, there has been interest to discuss how one can live overseas for this amount.

    Vincent has organised a 1st meeting to take the brainstorming process further. The group includes Evelyn, Ann, Vincent, Richard, Li Mei, K C Lau and Terence. 1st meeting organised at Doby Ghout MRT, 11th January.

  7. Kaushal Says:
    February 24th, 2006 at 9:06 pm e

    Hi Vincent,

    I missed the meeting on 11/01, however I am interested to know what was discussed in the meeting and would like to attend the next meeting.

    Capt. Kaushal Srivastava

  8. KC Lau Says:
    February 28th, 2006 at 8:48 am e

    Anyone interested in joining the 1 week tour to Thailand from 21/3/2006 – 27/3/2006?

    It is a short trip for orientation on retiring in Thailand which is much cheaper than here.

    There are 3 seats left, please response immediately to 9684-2286

    Best regards,

  9. Administrator Says:
    March 1st, 2006 at 4:11 am e

    Trip itinery:

    1) Day 1 Arrive Go straight to Chonburi, have lunch then check in . Rest Dinner, then look around environment.

    Day 2 ) Morning Breakfast , Visit Bangsaen – seaside resort for locals, move around , Dinner , see other accommodations.

    Day 3) Breakfast , visit hospital etc , visit local market, have lunch , move around , Dinner, massage etc.

    Day 4) Breakfast, visit local Hospital etc. Visit local market. Have lunch, move around. Dinner, massage etc.

    Day 5) Breakfast , visit ‘Wat’ Thai Temple, visit big dept store a) Big C b) Tesco.Lotus

    Day 6) Breakfast, visit ‘Ang See La’ – local seaside, seafood, visit ‘Sattahip’ see big Chinese Temple.

    Day 7) Breakfast, get ready to go home , to Bangkok, then Singapore.

    Vincent Khoo

  10. Administrator Says:
    April 23rd, 2006 at 11:13 am e

    Vincent is organising another trip. Date: Tue May 23 – Mon May 29. Vincent can be contacted at 65 9194-5377, 661 555-9950. You can also SMS him.

  11. terence Says:
    April 24th, 2006 at 12:34 am e

    During communications with Silverhairs, and in our SilverHairsClub monthly meeting, the ability to stretch the dollar has been raised as a key focus, during the SilverHairs years.

    The SilverHairsClub hopes to be this platform where members can meet one another and make more friends. As we get to know one another, we feel more comfortable to go out together. Hopefully, some of us will become friends, and spend short periods of time eg 3 months outside Singapore. Hopefully too, we have the money, and stretch these dollars.

    Some of us support Vincent Khoo’s idea of short term stay outside Singapore. I am supportive of this idea too.

    If other SilverHairs have ideas on Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, please share your thoughts here. If you are an organiser, better still.

    Terence Seah

  12. terence Says:
    April 24th, 2006 at 12:46 am e

    There is a list of traveller friends. If you have that travelling bug in you, and you love organise trips, join the list of traveller friends.

    Search for “list traveller”. Try this, I think it works.

    Terence Seah

MediaCorp Looking for Guests for ‘A Privileged Life’

I received a request to participate in the above MediaCorp program.  However, I am not able to do so during the month of May/June.  As we all know, retirement is an issue close to our hearts.  As a member of the SilverHairsclub, please email if you would like to participate.  I would ensure your name gets to Joanne Ng of MediaCorp.

“Dear Mr. Seah,

MediaCorp Studios is producing a 4-part series sponsored by HSBC tentatively called ‘A Privileged Life’, and the production team is currently looking for keen, available and relevant guests to appear on the show. |

The show focuses on retirement planning strategies, and will share with viewers the aims and aspirations of people from all walks of life as they prepare for their retirement. The episodes will not just revolve around those approaching the age of retirement. Instead, there will be an emphasis on how young people today too are adopting a long term view of their futures and funding needs. We wish to give a relevant and fun spin to the show, and produce something that viewers can relate to and enjoy, rather than just another programme about managing one’s finances.

I stumbled across an article on the internet, and learnt that you are the founder of the SilverHairsClub, and what caught my attention was a quote in which you said ‘Personally, I think a true and meaningful retirement means finding more time for oneself, being visibly active and financially ok.’ Based on your background and your alternative views on what it means to retire, we feel that you fit the bill, and would make an interesting and appealing guest to feature on the show. Viewers would indeed love to see how it is financially possible to retire comfortably and actively, as well as how retirement need not necessarily entail giving up your profession to kick back and relax. 

Production is slated to take place from mid-May to end-June, but we should only need one and a half days for the shoot.

If you, or any members of the SilverHairsClub, is interested to be a part of the programme, do let me know via email or a phone call.

We are looking to feature people with interesting stories to share, with different takes on retirement and retirement planning.
If you know anyone who for instance, has always taken an interest in a hobby, and left their professions to make that hobby a full time commitment eg. Toy collector turned toy retailer.

Any assistance you could offer with the matter would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Joanne Ng
English Entertainment Productions, Mediacorp Studios

Tel: (65) 6350 3763,  9671 0184, JoanneNg@mediacorpstudios.com

Terence Seah

SilverHairsClub – Updates May 2006

May gathering – We have found a place to hold the May 2006 SilverHairsClub monthly gathering. This place can accommodate more than 100 people. The SilverHairsClub provides a platform for Singaporeans over 45, to meet new friends. Knowing one another is key to successful activities. This will be the largest gathering of SilverHairs.

Date/Time: Fri, 26 May/ 1800 hrs – 2000 hrs Venue: Han’s Cafe, #01-03 Great Eastern Centre. Fee: No charge. Please let us know if you are coming.

Photos of the April gathering: https://silverhairsclub.com/SHC/SHC060420/.

List of travellers – Travelling together is a joy. Only, if we know one another. It takes time to know one another. Maybe not now, as some of ours are still working. Maybe wait until we retire. For some, better travel while our legs can take us around. Need to keep costs down too. Let’s start a list of travellers. And, if you are going somewhere, and want to look for fellow travelling friends, come here to this list too.

Registered to date: Charles Wee, Terence Seah, Veronica Wong, Gibson Tan, Ann Giri, Lily Ho, Jessie Lu, Seow Lee Lee, Patricia Lam, Eyvonne Chew, Peter Thia, Vincent Khoo.

SHC Games Day – Here is the list of people who have registered to participate in the SilverHairsClub Games Day. https://silverhairsclub.com/2006/04/241. If you would like to participate, Patrick Yeo will be keep to hear from you. Do let us know.

Cycling activities – Date/time: Sat, 20 May 06 at 4 p.m Venue: East Coast Park Contact: Yew Kwong at lohyks@hotmail.com or h/p 97892492. April photos of cycling activity: https://silverhairsclub.com/SHC/cycling060422/

Small Business groups meeting – Registered: Roger Liang, Linda Chionh, Ang Soon Yee, Ivy Loh, Eyvonne Chew, KC Lau, Ronald Lee, Yew Kwong, Christina Tan, Christie Chee, Shirley Wong, Katherine Soh, Yeung WingChuen, Laura Wee, Sarjit Singh, Ann Giri, Patricia C, Christina Chan, Veronica Wong, Chow Weng, A Rasheed, SB Khoo

Event organiser and moderator: KC Lau.

Date/time: May 22, Monday. Time 4pm. Invitation emails will be sent to registered participants via email.

Participants in the small business group

Registered to join the Small Business Group:

  1. Linda Chionh
  2. Ang Soon Yee
  3. Ivy Loh
  4. Eyvonne Chew
  5. KC Lau
  6. Ronald Lee
  7. Christina Tan
  8. Christie Chee
  9. Shirley Wong
  10. Katherine Soh
  11. Yeung WingChuen
  12. Laura Wee
  13. Sarjit Singh
  14. Ann Giri
  15. Patricia C
  16. Christina Chan
  17. Veronica Wong
  18. Chow Weng
  19. A Rasheed
  20. SB Khoo
  21. Julia
  22. Irene Seet.

Event organiser and moderator:  KC Lau.

The group has identified the place.  The Date is May 22, Monday. Time 4pm.  Registered participants will be informed via email.

Terence Seah

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