Gathering with Singapore club of Thailand

I am trying to organise a get together with SCOT.  There is one coming up on 14-15 Oct.  Keep in touch on this post.  Interested?, please put your name here.  The club meets gathering, but this is a good event to know Singaporeans living in Thailand.

From Singapore Club of Thailand:
The Oct event will be announced soon and I will make sure that you are in the mailing list. Tentatively, it will be an overnight stay in a mountain resort in the East of Bangkok on the 14-15 Oct.

As our group is large, we will be staying in tents of 2pp. Tents, mattress, blankets will be provided by the resort and there are hot water facilities too. It is a luxury camping experience. With the package, we get to play team games in water challenge, flying fox and rock climbing. Of course if someone in the group doesn’t want to join, they could pass their tickets to someone else. The games, I’m told can be played by both young and old :)

All meals will be covered by the resort.

Each person cost Bht1,500 excluding transport (as this is a self-drive holiday). I could arrange van transport for your group and it would probably cost no more than an extra Bht1000 per person for a 2-way trip.

Lastly, during the night, we will play some activities such as Bingo to raise some funds for our charity projects in Chiang Rai.  Hope that this sounds interesting.

Personal Car for Hire

Hi SHC,

Owning a car is expensive and also especially if it is not used much. As i am retired and am not in need of the car most of the time.  I am offering my car for rent to SHC members and also the service of easy pickup and return around Central MRTs. 

I also found out that it is perfectly legal to do, as LTA encourages such a private ownership scheme to rent out their vehicle during weekends.

If anyone has such a need call me or SMS me, and we can discuss the arrangements.

By the way , my car is a Sunny Auto 1.5, Year 1998, so it is about 7.5 years old and is running great.

Cheers, Ronald Wi

HP 91519301

 

Death by Fat

Over the weekend, I had Luo-bo-gao (carrot cake) and   Hao-jian (oyster omellete) at a famous hawker center rebooted (Tiong Bahru). It was good enough to die for.  If I have to go just then I can’t find a better time to do so.

My left brain tells me to go abroad for a leisurely RV resort lifestyle. The flashes of hao-jian stops my right brain. Lucky my stomach has non-voting rights.

So I still game to go. Provided the two is on the menu.

Disclaimer: I don’t sell  Luo-bo-gao or  Hao-jian.

Home Alone Again

The numbers are chilling. 22,000 seniors in single households is a rise of 47% in 5 years (see Straits Times Mon 7 Aug 2006, Review Section, Page 21. If you take away 4,000 singles you potentially have at least 18,000 couples assuming both are seniors.

How many senior studios are on plan? 200, 300 or 1,000 tops for the NEXT 5 years?! The global aging is onto us. Not in drips but like the smashing of a meteorite to ground. Just look at a "modern" city like Sydney.

There are 700 retirement villages in NSW alone supporting supporting 35,000 residents of age range 70 to 75. The residents break up into 50% female and 10% couples. If Singapore is to come to par with Aussie retirement lifestyle, then we need to project RVs for a 180,000 senior residents. 

The maths shouldn’t surprise anyone. Everybody knows that there are more kangaroos then people down under. We may be small in size but we have 4 million smiles. The news is shocking made all the worse by the fact that we consider senior at ages above  55 or 62 depending on what you are looking for.

Look at the bright side. Silverhairs should have no problem finding recruits.  Also better step on the accelerator on finding the ideal RV. Long quesues expected anytime soon.

On improving Silverhairs Forum

Like to share some thoughts on improving this forum site?

This forum tend to be very blog-like. It has large first postings and  typically short threads ie smaller number of short comments. I wonder if this is intentional.

One suggestion is to post a summary of the topic posting (say first 10 lines max) and the last 24 hours thread submissions (also in summary format). The bulletin should contain only current postings, say,  topics submitted last 72 hours or with freash submissions less than 24 hours. The rest is archived. This encourages depth in the thread. Typically then you will find many more comments of a meatier nature.

 

Eco Travel to Europe Anyone ?

Hi SHC members,

I am planning to make trip to UK, Europe not only to sight see , but also on a Eco-village discovery tour. Such Eco-villages are under  GEN ( Global EcoVillage Network) and are endorsed by United Nations. They have all- year volunteer programmes and also conduct courses on various topics on Eco-village Matters  that are also endorsed by UN. Overall, i would say, the intention is to travel not to just the towns but also the countryside, and  learn from people of different cultures, on the Main issue of living and doing something to care for the environment that is around us. Singapore, in many ways is quite pro-active in being ECO- friendly , from the ways we recycle water,  to be self sufficient and the concept of making a greener Singapore with rooftop gardens, etc.  A very few like Ivy Singh-Lim has even started Singapore’s most well-known back-to-nature countryside living and have expanded into the farming business “Bolloywood veggies”.

Right now, for me it is just to travel and visit  other countries that i have not been to, while i am still strong and healthy. There are many such Eco-villages all round Europe, England, Italy, Spain ,  that have all-year round volunteer programmes,, that you will probably take a life time to visit. Right now,i t is almost the end of summer so it is the right time to visit Europe and then maybe Australia and New Zealand after Dec.   Estimated cost, will be the air tickets, train tickets, and basic meals cost, and hoping to save as much on hotesl by getting free lodging volunteering in the Eco-villages.  I think it is better than staying at some expensive hotel for a night, this way you can meet friends and  stay longer with them.  You get to see and experienced a lot more and you can learn a lot more, of the food, culture , ideas  and at the same time  leaving a healthy life in the countryside.   I believe the Eco-village concept should start with our own body first.  The first village is our body ( it holds our mind and soul )  that we have to keep healthy to serve us for the many years down the road.  So if anyone of you, is free, after retiring and feel you are healthy and strong enough to take on such travel, do consider, to join me.  You are invited to join me at any stage and at any place while i am on the move in Europe,as i may be there for 3 months or more.

Cheers, maybe i will learn how to make heathlier Sheppard’s Bread by then.

Trip to Malacca/Port Dickson

Malacca Resort/Eco Village Tour 10/8 – 12/8 (optional day 13/8) Day 1 – Eco Village ( near Palm Resort Golf Course, 2nd Link), Malacca Ayer Keroh Resort, stay at Hotel Puri (original Nyonya House converted into a 4 star Heritage Hotel ) Night eating in Malacca Town Hawker Centre ( Malacca Newton Centre).

Day 2 – Coasting along Tanjong Kling, Tanjong Bidara and arriving in Port Dickson, staying at the “out in the Beach Hotel” with glass bottoms.  Night enjoy local food along the Beach and Quiet evening.

Day 3 – Visit Port Klang and (Malaysia version of Sentosa Cove and Beach Homes ) Phase 1 completed and PHase 2 for booking.  Expressway back to Spore and stopover at A Formosa Resort for Lunch and evening stop over at JB for cheap bargains and dinner.

Welcome to all SHC members to join in, or form their own Car pool groups to join in. Right now i am driving with Dave and Andrew joining me.  Call me or sms me for more info or details 91519301.

Volunteers to teach “Selling/Auctions on the internet”

We have a few volunteers to teach and coach this topic.  There might be some of you who would like to offer the same service.   if you are experienced in selling on ebay, Yahoo or other auction sites, and willing to spend some time with other SilverHairs who may be interested, please raise your hands here.  Those with online payment experience also appreciated.

The small group would form among themselves in max 6 people.  The location will be their apartment/house, and they would have their own PC, broadband and digital camera.  Session 2 hours. 

So, if you would like to volunteer, raise your hands here.  Hopefully, you will get to meet new friends too with common interests.

Small groups training – Selling on the web

Hi SilverHairs,

Following different requests to conduct training sessions on :Selling/auctions on the web", we look at a few places to conduct these sessions.  There are a few volunteers, but we have not been able to find proper computer rooms.  At the same time, there was a feeling that large groups may not offer the degree of attention as small groups.  With these points in mind, we would go for small groups.

Please be organised in small groups of max 6 people, bearing in mind where you stay.  If someone forms a group of max 6 people, the volunteer trainer will go to your place, preferably your house.  You should have your own computer, a digital camera.  Please indicate the date/time, so that the volunteer can see if he/she is available.  Session 2 hours.  Strictly for SilverhairsClub members.  Must have some experience with internet surfing and emails.

This course is only for those SilverHairs who wants to learn selling/auction on the web, do not know how and want to learn from the experience of others.  No charge, just your time and interest.

Retirement Resort

Here is a very good discussion on minimum sum.
http://info.channelnewsasia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=33132&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=395fc2f5b76d2e1f0bab0686eabd4573

It is a complex issue in itself. But for the purpose of this discussion, the impact of this is that you will be obliged to keep back S$120K for which the government will pay you $711 per moth between the ages of 62 to 82. If that’s all you have, try not to die before or after that age.

Let’s first concentrate on staying in Singapore. In five years time, you will find it impossible to maintain even a basic conventional lifestyle in Singapore for that sum unless you take a vow of poverty.

Here is the best Plan B for Spore retirees. This is in the form of new Elder Studios coming in at a projected $190K per unit by some estimates. You can downgrade releasing the difference in capital value to supplement your savings. You would be wise then to minimally put savings up to $500K in annuity to create an additional $2K per month for life. Together with the CPF minimum sum provision you will have up to 2.7K per month from 62 to 82 and $2K for the balance of time. You should be able to maintain a reasonable standard of living in Singapore.

If you cannot raise this amount here are few additional tips. If you need to, sell your car to scrap together this amount. If you do not wish to downgrade, you can consider putting your existing property into a reverse mortgage to raise the shortfall.

If you are still short of this sum then you can turn a page to a still controversial proposal Plan C. Terence has provided the lead. We expect that the new Elder Studios will eventually come under a new management corporation (MC) structure. Unlike present MC which tend to focus on maintenance of fixed assets and running of the estate, this MC will have extended mandate to run the estate like a retirement village or full service apartments. The MC like any organisation can then have economies of purchase. They can also provide extended services like maid services, common kitchen and transportation. If this can be achieved then we can see a stretching of the dollar and our hope for a more leisurely lifestyle here.

I would like to hear views, opinions, experiences and recommendations on living and retiring abroad. Many members have expressed interest in an alternative lifestyle.

We have been told that it is possible to live in Thailand for under SIN$500. Places like Chiangmai, Chonburi and Krabi have been cited as possible locations. Some members have even visited possible locations for a taste of the possibilities.

Here is a chance for us to collate details and share  information specifically on middle and long term experience of living abroad.

Another no frills trip to North Thailand

I am planning to enjoy the cold weather in North Thailand during the month of Nov.  This is a no-frills trip, don’t expect 4-star hotels or always proper sit-down dinner.  The last time I was there was about a year ago.

Some SilverHairs have already requested to change the venue of the last Chonburi trip.  Unfortunately, Vincent Khoo, a long time retiree, has some assignments and unable to organise a Northern Thailand trip.  Well, this time, we have someone who is crazy about mountain views, camping and sleeping at National Parks at between 10 – 20C temperature,  visiting fresh markets, sitting besides the Mekong river at 5pm, loves fresh clean air, enjoys smelling beautiful orchides, good and cheap beers, loves a cup of instant noodles, loaded with plenty of vegetables, enjoys country living and dinner on the grass at a hill resort.

His name is Sompho, speaks good English, and I would say he is great at helping us "SilverHairs" feel young.  Dont worry, no mountain climbing.  He works in Singburi province, but will take the time to bring us around.  I am agreed to join this trip.

November in North Thailand is a great time, the rain has stopped, weather should be pretty dry and temperatures should be in the 20’s.  Sweaters required. 

The schedule is not confirmed yet.  But, it is likely to be like this.  Arrive and meet at ChiangMai airport on Thur Nov 2, 12nn, and depart ChiangMai airport Thur Nov 9 by 12nn.  Itinery would include mountain resorts which you are likely not to have visited, the Golden triangle, Mekong river.

If you are interested to join this trip, please reply and register here.  We hope this trip will serve as a great platform for SilverHairs to know one another better.  This trip is strictly for SilverHairs members only.  No Children.  Closing date: 25 Aug 12nn. Max number of persons: 2 vans.

Terence Seah

My Sunday morning thoughts

Here are some thoughts in my mind. 

1.  This is about how to move the SilverHairsClub forward.  When the founders started this group, we were expecting a few tens of members.  Today, the group has grown big and sometimes, our gatherings get disorganised.  But, we would work towards improving this.

  • We have been successful with monthly weekday meetings, averaging 50 people.
  • Last month, our first weekend gathering was attended by 75 people, and this appeared too big to manage.  Our target is still to find places, which is convenient by MRT or public transport.
  • We have also another segment of members who prefers to meet online.  Our first online gathering is Sat Aug 5 at 2230 hrs at www.star-conference.com

I must admit running out of ideas, which I usually pick up during the monthly gatherings from fellow SilverHairs.  So, if you have ideas, please drop your suggestions here.

2.  The other issue is management.  I was hoping that we can easily manage ourselves with small group gatherings.  The group has grown, and this is a positive problem.  But, I can no longer handle it among a few of us.  We have a admin staff from India, to help manage the database, and that’s about it.

I dont think we can continue as it is now.  So, I was thinking we could have a team to manage the membership, especially with diversified interests.  If this is what you like, please put your name here.

3.  The club’s taboos are no discussions on politics, sex, racial issues and religion.  The others are no direct selling and MLM promotions during the gatherings.  We respect individual’s activities and business, so we appreciate members understand the club’s taboos.

We hope members do not collect email addresses during the gatherings, and then send unwanted emails to these members after the gatherings.

4.  How to get more friends to join your interests and activities?  Friendship is one of the few sought-after items, as we move away from our working lives and into the world of SilverHairs.  From  my experience, not that I have retired yet, it is very difficult to find fellow SilverHairs to join in my activities.  We need to see one another face to face, we need to know one another and we need to agree and understand the other person.  That’s why the monthly gatherings are important.  This is a place to meet.

I personally think friendship is very important, more so when we get older.  I like to establish a group of friends whom I can travel, cheaply, when I want to see the world.

There are many ideas and suggestions on what SilverHairs can do.  Personally, I think this will remain ideas and suggestions.  I hope you will take time to meet new friends, as it will take time to kick off our ideas and suggestions.  Please keep a regular date for the monthly SilverHairsclub gatherings.

Ronald Wi- Profile

I have just retired upon reaching 55 from active work, so finding myself with a lot of time to pursue the
many things i want to do.

Ready to Travel now : Making trips to Malaysia, Thailand, China and Europe, backpacking or budget tour. Very much like to visit the retirement vilage that Vincent and you have talked about, to learn about other cultures, lifestyles and people.
 
Interested activities: Golf, cycling, sailing, bowling, sking,snorkelling,fishing,table-tennis, tennis, badminton, football, darts, nooker/pools ,all table/card games, karaoke, music listening or jamming along,etc. Food, all kinds, local, Burger or Mexican mainly to hunt around or pot-lucking. Currently also re-searching into Qi Qong, and Feng Shui as a study.

Others: Researching into internet small businnes and Investments (CFD in forex,shares,Indices -this is only available with the latest big player IGmarkets, a remisier who works in POEMS says the rates and info
are much better).

Very interested also to explore the idea of the Retirement village in Malaysia, Thailand, etc to study possibility of a time share setup, that way you can spend a few months here and there.

Glad to know all of you here, and Cheers to the founders and committee members of SHC and their good efforts.

Ronald Wi (Allrounder)

Gathering at Hans Cafe

Hi Terence,
I agreed with Charles that we might able to make use of Han Cafe for our
next meeting judging from the increased size of attendees every meeting.

We might hv to consider another location instead, maybe try finding a
function room in Community Centres and pay a minimal amt for usage.  It
would be better that Silverhairs club start collecting minimal charges from
members turning for meeting so that this amount can roll over for the next
meeting of which I am sure most of the member would mind paying.

There were lots of new members present in our first weekend Silverhairs
meeting but as what I shared Yew Kwong, some groups might prefer to stick to their own group.

As I was chatting with some of new members, below are some of the activities
that they would like Silverhairs to organize apart from brisk walking and
cycling.

1) Fishing
2) Karaoke
3) mahjong
4) back-packed Europe holidays
5) Line dancing
6) Batam/Bintan holidays
7) Many mores which I cant recalled right now and the list right nw at my
office table as I intend to post in the forum but unfortunately was delayed
due to work constraints but I will post those that I left out here later…….

Terence, maybe you can help to post them in the Forum so that other members
interested can group together for these activites….

But as Yew Kwong, we can start to organize these activities but helpers are
definitely a must to ensure that activities would be successful.

Nevertheless, it is a good sign to see many new members coming forward to
join the Silverhairs club.

Dolly Lim

Shirley Khoo – Profile

hi, i have just joined SHC and would like to find out if there are any dog lovers amongst U all. If so, I would like to know if there are any doggie walks/activities that me, 54 yrs young and my 3 yr old Jack Russell terrier can join in?? please email me at musubi@singnet.com.sg

Looking forward to meet up with U all soon. Currently still working but will join in the members meet whenever I can.

Am glad to be introduced to this site!

Warm regards to all at SHC!

Call Centre job – Contact Lena Wang

I need to advise you that if there any of the members who are interested in working on a "permanent temp basis" either for half-day or full day, please ask them to contact me and I’ll arrange for an interview with my Call Centre Manager (under our third-party call centre).

 Ideally they should have some Customer Service experience. Full-day rate is in the region of $50 for a typical 9am-6pm workday.

My office tel. no. is 6416-6688, Lena Wang.

July cycling photos – Charles Wee

The last July cycling photos are here:  https://silverhairsclub.com/SHC/cycling060708/

SilverHairsClub supports healthy activities.  Charles Wee has led many cycling activities.  Please contact him at the SHC monthly gatherings.

SHC July gathering – registered participants

Venue: Hans Cafe, at Great Eastern Centre, China Square, Sat July 15, 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs.  Please register and an email invitation will be sent to you.  Registration close on Friday July 14.  No fees.  When you arrive, please write your name on a label sticker.  Chairwomen: Ms Dolly Lim.

Registered partipants include:

  1. Chow Weng
  2. Dolly Lim
  3. Charles Wee
  4. Loh Yew Kwong
  5. Gibson Tan
  6. Richard Kwok
  7. Patrick Yeo
  8. Terence Seah
  9. Margaret Lee
  10. Alan Tan
  11. Thomas Tay
  12. Lim Sock Hoon
  13. Tan Kia Oh
  14. Jason Tiaw
  15. Irene Lim
  16. Helena Lee
  17. Bernard Lam
  18. Molly Chua
  19. James Ho
  20. Teresa Hwang
  21. Alex Kee
  22. Jacqy Lim
  23. Loh Koot Khin
  24. Goh Teck Koon
  25. Tessie Lim
  26. Freddy Lim
  27. Zeenat Syed Masood
  28. Michael Tan
  29. Irene Low
  30. Dave Tan
  31. Richard Lim
  32. Benson Koh
  33. Lena Wong
  34. Jade Phua
  35. Maria Tan
  36. Michael Tay
  37. Annie Tay
  38. Marie Lim
  39. Victor Lee
  40. Jenny Ho
  41. Alice Foo
  42. Serene Wong
  43. Alice Phan
  44. Irene Phua
  45. Christina Chan
  46. Helen Kwek
  47. Michael Lee
  48. Henry Kong
  49. Christina Tan
  50. Teresa Chuah
  51. Jacinta Putrasahan
  52. Chow Weng
  53. Yvonne Ang
  54. Winnie Lim
  55. Seshadri Venugopal
  56. Geoffrey Foo
  57. Janet Tham
  58. Peter Lee
  59. Jane Tham
  60. Katherine Soh
  61. Chee Vui Choon
  62. May Lee
  63. Amy Daniel
  64. Josephine Yap
  65. Aktar Thaker
  66. Evelyn Tng
  67. Andrew Tan
  68. Anthony Choy

July updates – SilverHairsClub

July updates – SilverHairsClub

The SilverHairsClub is intended as a platform for Singaporeans, over 45, to meet new and more friends.

You are invited to attend the July gathering is ON on Sat, Jul 15, 2006.  Time 1400 – 1630 hrs. Venue:  China Square. Click here for Pictures of June monthly gathering.  This is the first weekend gathering, for working SilverHairs.  There will be a presentation on Job opportunities in a sector of the Tourism and IR sector by a fellow member.  Please let us know if you are planning to come, and we will send you an invitation email.  No charge, except for own drinks.  Simply register here.

1.  Membership promotion:  The membership promotion is currently on from July to Aug 2006.  New members will be joining the July gathering too.

2.  Cycling recent activities – Cycling Pictures.  For participation, please contact Yew Kwong (cycling) at lohyks@hotmail.com or h/p 97892492 or Charles Wee (Nature walks) at cwee99@singnet.com.sg.

3.  Small business activity – Following a starter group request, the setting up of an internet shopping mall has been completed. SilverHairs are invited to participate to offer their services or products via 2GreenDots.com.  If you like a shop of your own, please let us know.  Promotion of the site will start in Sept 2006, and launch Jan 2007.  If you like to participate in the management of this shopping mall, please contact Terence Seah.

4.  SilverHairsClub Games Day – Set for Sun, Sep 17, 2006 – 0830 hrs to 1230 hrs at Changi. Closing date for participation 15 Aug 2006.

5.  Website www.SilverHairsClub.com:  You are welcome to put your thoughts and opinion on the website.  Just register on site, and you are ready to go.

Look forward to seeing you on Jul 15.

Terence Seah
+65 9489-4360

2GreenDots – 1st step

Annie and Silverhairs,

I have been following up with your ideas on small business for yourself and Silverhairs.  Also, from our various gatherings, I see that many Silverhairs are looking out for something to do.  Annie, Veron, Yew Kwong, KC and Linda, you have provided the neucleus to get this idea moving for the club.

We can make this possible for all of us, and we have plans and resources to promote these ideas.  As a result of the many meetings in the last few months, we have got someone in India to design up a website.  This is an internet shopping mall site for Silverhairs.  It is called 2GreenDots.com.

2GreenDots (funny name) is now a working site, 99% ready.  We start fresh today.

For SilverhairsClub, the design team has also thought of something different from typical internet shopping malls.  This is the specialty shops, which Silverhairs can use.  Silverhairsclub members can have a shop name of his/her own.

Examples,
Annie Loh can have "Annie’s Jewellery",
Yew Kwong can have "Yew Kwong IT shop",
Linda Chong can have "Linda’s Corner",
Sophia can have "Sophia cook books",
Veron Chua can have "Veron office services",
KC Lau can have "KC computer shop"n
Patrick Yeo can have "Patrick’s tourism outlet",

Every registered Silverhairs can have a shop in 2GreenDots shopping mall.

Restrictions:
2GreenDots shopping mall will be moderated.
Strictly no messages eg Make instant money, MLM ads, duplicate advertising, fishing ads.
Ads which are related to politics, phonography, racial are prohibited.  These ads will be removed.

All services available in 2GreenDots.com are free to SilverHairsClub members.

To start:
Prepare your own pictures on your PC.
Go into 2GreenDots.com
Register yourself, need your email address.
Upload your pictures, and write your own description.

2GreenDots is new, recently conceptualised, so we give it a go.  We set a target date for every shop to be running by end July 2006.  The quicker you prepare your products and services, the better.  Official launch date is 1 Jan 2007.

So, if you have your own products and services, and like to so through 2GreenDots, please send me an email, indicating your name of shop.  The website designer will then add your shop name to the site.  Closing date:  10 July 2006.

Have fun, and as I said before, Silverhairs years can be meaningful and exciting.  Like many of you, I am a firm believer that retirement is something we look forward to, but with today’s economic conditions, some level of economic activity can keep us through our SilverHairs years.  A healthy Silverhairs lifestyle eg walking and cycling is essential too.

 
Terence Seah

No frills trip to Thailand (Chonburi)

Vincent Khoo is currently leading a group on a one week trip to Chonburi.  This is the 2nd trip organised this year.  Chonburi is one of the largest provinces in Thailand, with a large Chinese community.  Vincent has based the group at a beach side resort, with access to supermarkets, hospitals, public transport and a wide variety of food and amenities.

The trip follows an earlier SilverHairsClub discussion on how to stretch the Singapore dollar during one’s retirement years.  The target set is SGD 500 per month, inclusive meals and board.

Vincent’s next trip is to Chiangmai.  Members interested, please contact Vincent by SMS at +661 555-9950.or +65 9194-5377.  He does not have email access. 

SilverHairsClub – June updates

June gathering – Thu, Jun 29, 2006 – SilverHairsclub monthly gathering, 1800 hrs, ends 2100 hrs. Han’s Cafe, #01-03 Great Eastern Centre.

July gathering – Todate, we have not been able to meet SilverHairs’ request to have a weekend gathering.  Let’s try this out.  The 1st weekend gathering is now set for Sat, Jul 15, 2006. Place not confirmed. If you would like to suggest a place, able to take 100 people, please drop a note here.

Cycling and walking activities – Charles Wee and Loh Wee Kwong have been very active, organising nature walks and cycling.  A great way for SilverHairs to meet more friends, as well as learning to keep healthy and see unseen Singapore.  Cycling, contact(Yew Kwong at lohyks@hotmail.com or h/p 97892492).  Walking, contact (Charles Wee at cwee99@singnet.com.sg).

Jobs – It’s nice to see fellow SilverHairs sharing job opportunities available on this website.   Every job offer is an opportunity.  Please use category :Jobs" and note  "Strictly no direct selling or MLM".

Small business opportunities – Since the start of our monthly gatherings in Singapore, some SilverHairs are looking to partner other SilverHairs to start a small business together which can take them through retirement.  Risks and caution advised.  Strictly between SilverHairs.

Games Day – Date has been set for Sun, Sep 17, 2006 – 0830 hrs to 1200 hrs at Changi. If you have still not register, please contact Patrick Yeo or myself.  You can drop a note here too. 

Terence Seah, Tel 9489-4360

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

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