Kopi-Oh Times

Singapore … Powerless by 2010

Temasek is set to sell its last Singapore power generation company by 2010, PowerSeraya. They have separately sold off Tuas Power to the Chinese and Senoko Power to the Japanese. Together, these 3 companies make up 90% of the electricity generation in SIngapore.

http://www.temasekholdings.com.sg/media_centre_news_releases_071008.htm

So by 2010, Singapore electricity prices are at the mercy of the electricity seller. I cannot understand the wisdom in Temasek’s move to sell key installations like electricity generation. Yes, utility companies are not as attractive as financial services companies when it comes to investment returns. But for heaven sake, just look at how much Merrill Lynch share price has fallen since the 2 times Temasek invested into them.

Merrill Lynch & Co Inc (New York Stock Exchange) - USD8.34 (21 Nov 2008 close)

Five ways to Mental Well Being

It is important to maintain our mental well being. Everyone faces ups and downs in their lives, and we need to keep our wits around us to overcome the daily challenges.

Here are some ways to build a basis for your mental well being.

1. Connect - with the people around you, at home, work, school or in your neighbourhood. Think of these people (family, friends, colleagues and neighbours) as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these relationships will support and enrich you every day.

2. Be active - go for a walk or run. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, pick up a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of health and fitness.

3. Take notice and be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

4. Keep learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a
challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.

Before you begin trying all the above, sit down … relax and have a cup of nice Kopi O. That does wonders for me.

Learn To Protect Your Own Money, Banks Are Not To Be Trusted

I believe most Singaporeans would have read about the Singaporeans who held DBS investment policies in Lehman Brothers will most probably never get their capital back.  The irony is, DBS HK had been the first to act and the Hong Kongers are lucky to get their money back, and also, they have responsible people managing their accounts.

Have you ever thought that if DBS’s or any local SG bank’s exposure to those bankrupt financial companies would be?  You know, the shares market is bad for banks and alike.  Will our banks be in trouble?

To Singaporeans, the thought of a local bank collapsing will be brushed off by many.  

“It will never happen, its backed by the Singapore Goverment.” will be the reply.

However a call from my brother over at England, make me think twice.  He had tried to reach me several times, I had 4 missed calls…. it was the 5th that I managed to pick up the call.

No matter what, we, as citizens, should also learn how to protect our own assets, whether or not the Government will help to bail out, if anything should happen to any of the local banks.  

Over at England, 4 out of 5 local banks are in trouble.  My brother also sent me a link subsequently on Mr Wang’s blog, talking on the exact same issue we spoke during the call. 

http://mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-protect-your-money-in-singapore.html

Give it a thought.