Monthly Archives: May 2015

Is property investment a choice to consider?

Posted on May 29, 2015 by limkimtong

TODAY’s property column written by Sam Baker lists the gross rental yields of leasehold condos and freehold condos in various parts of Singapore. (TODAY, 29 May 2015) Gross rental yield is annual rental income divided by a home’s purchase price. … Continue reading →

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“David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell – A Book Review

Posted on May 28, 2015 by limkimtong

Malcolm Gladwell wrote about underdogs, misfits, and the art of battling giants. The writer drew on nine stories to illustrate how seemingly disadvantages and hopelessness could result in positive outcomes. His story telling style was riveting and he had convincingly … Continue reading →

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AVIVA MyPlus Plan Matured after Five Years

Posted on May 26, 2015 by limkimtong

DBS partnered AVIVA to promote the latter’s MyPlus Plan some five years back. I took it up during the second tranche offer period in April 2010. MyPlus plan is a 5-year single premium plan with fixed 2.25% annual payout along … Continue reading →

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January to March 2015 Financial Results (Final Part)

Posted on May 25, 2015 by limkimtong

Companies were reporting their financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2015. The following table provides information on net profit attributable to shareholders for the quarter and year-on-year change between 2015 against 2014. Dividend column shows dividend declared for … Continue reading →

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Living a simple life

Posted on May 24, 2015 by limkimtong

Two recent events set me thinking. One was the visit to the tranquil Tenryu-ji Temple with its Sogenchi Garden in Kyoto. The zen garden has a breathtaking view of a large pond, carefully manicured garden with Mount Arashimaya as backdrop. … Continue reading →

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Cultural thingy about Japan

Posted on May 23, 2015 by limkimtong

You have no chance to eye-ball any Japanese people. They try very hard to avoid eye contact with you. They are in the world of their own on train or bus rides. They do not talk on handphones when in … Continue reading →

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Would I sell my REITs?

Posted on May 22, 2015 by limkimtong

Federal Reserve’s Chairman announced tapering of bond-buying program in June 2013. That was the start of rising Treasury bond yields. Fed raising interest rates some time this year also affects real estate investment trusts (REIT) that borrow heavily for their … Continue reading →

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Planning document & Itinerary for Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo – May 2015

Posted on May 21, 2015 by limkimtong

For those interested in my planning document and transport taken to go to places, here it is. There is a need to tidy it up to reflect the actual itinerary (because of weather consideration, etc) 11 May (Monday) – Tokyo … Continue reading →

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Trip to Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo 2015 – A Travelogue

Posted on May 20, 2015 by limkimtong

If you wanted to see historical Japan, I would recommend a few days in Kyoto and a day-trip out to Nara. Tokyo, modern city of Japan, deserves a visit before returning home. My wife and I went on this Japan … Continue reading →

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Wonderful Kyoto

Posted on May 19, 2015 by limkimtong

Back from Japan trip of Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo. The Tenryu-ji Temple and the famous Sogenchin Garden within the temple (World Cultural Heritage Site) was peaceful and zen. This is in Kyoto, Arashimaya area. Mount Arashimaya is the background of … Continue reading →

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