Monday, June 30, 2025

Career Coaching - Last Session


In my last career coaching session, I had the chance to unpack my thoughts and experiences over the past few weeks, both at work and as a new student.

It was a refreshing opportunity to reflect on my journey and explore what lies ahead as I navigate this transitional phase.

We also discussed my plan to engage in volunteer work, particularly with animals. I’m keen to explore citizen science projects with NParks and check out the Mandai Wildlife Docent Programme. These opportunities align with my love for animals and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the community while gaining new experiences.

My career coach brought up the AI Apprentice Program as a potential avenue, but I found it wasn’t quite the right fit. The program’s focus on programming languages and its target audience of younger individuals didn’t align with my current interests or goals. 

She also pointed me toward the Singapore Business Federation and the Singapore National Employers Federation, both of which are great resources for connecting with employers who value SkillsFuture course graduates. That was encouraging to hear, as it opens up possibilities for the future.

She also did a quick search for jobs related to my current studies in digital transformation and change management. To my surprise, there’s a decent demand for these roles in Singapore.

It’s reassuring to know the market values what I’m learning, even if I’m not ready to jump into a full-time job just yet.

For now, I’m taking things slow. I’m still optimistic about pursuing the Barista F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) lifestyle, which gives me the flexibility to explore without rushing into a career move.

I made it clear I wasn’t ready to polish my LinkedIn profile or CV yet, as I’m still figuring out my next steps.

We wrapped up with a feedback session, which was a great way to close things out. My coach encouraged me to reach out next year when I’m ready to re-enter the job market. It’s nice to know I have that support waiting when the time comes.

Friday, June 27, 2025

Final Last Day As A Full-Time Slave

It’s my LAST WEEK at work! 🥳 I’m finally pulling the plug on the corporate life. Cue the confetti and the slightly panicked realisation that I’m about to enter to my grand adventure into Barista F.I.R.E.

The Three-Year Master Plan
This wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment “I’m done!” tantrum. I’ve been plotting this escape for three years. Think of it like a heist movie, but instead of stealing diamonds, I was chasing financial independence.

The mission? Pay off the mortgage (done!), obliterate all debt (hello, AA credit rating—take that, younger me who used to have 7 credit cards), hit my CPF Full Retirement Sum, and save like a squirrel before a nuclear winter.

I even calculated my Personal Finance Ratio, which sounds like something a math teacher would make up to torture you, but it’s actually the secret sauce to knowing if you can quit your job without ending up moving back to your parent's place.

I used to think “adulting” meant buying overpriced bags and owning a car. But these days? Nothing gets my heart racing like watching my investment portfolio grow.

Forget travelling —give me a line graph trending upward and watch my CPF and savings account flex its muscles, that’s the real adrenaline rush. 😅

Why I’m Ditching the Desk
Don’t get me wrong, my job wasn’t terrible. I mean, I stuck around for 10 years, which is longer than most of my houseplants have survived.

But I’ve hit that age where I’m ready to trade OT nights for pursuing passions, learning new skills, and—most importantly—taking life at the speed of a sloth on a Sunday.

Enter Barista F.I.R.E., the glorious lifestyle where you work just enough to keep the lights on (and the coffee flowing) while spending the rest of your time living your best life.

For me, that means diving deep into the world of investments, studying “options” (not the life choices kind, but the stock market kind—way less existential). 

The Transition: Part-Time Gigs and SkillsFuture
To ease into this brave new world, I’ll be working part-time for the next three months while waiting for my successor to join in September.

Bonus: the government’s tossing me an allowance to keep studying, which covers my daily expenses. This means I don’t have to dip into my precious savings or sell my kidney to afford my mala obsession.

I’ll keep investing whatever I can scrape together and spend my days learning the dark arts of options trading. 

A Week of Farewells
This last week has been a stress-free dream. My colleagues have been treating me to farewell meals every day— my waistband is staging a protest, but my heart is full.

They even gifted me a lavish Longchamp bag, which I’m pretty sure costs more than all my adidas shoes. The love and support have made this bittersweet goodbye feel more sweet than bitter.

I’m walking away from the 9-to-6 with a skip in my step, a fancy bag on my shoulder, and a head full of dreams about what’s next.

Monday, June 23, 2025

A Busy Day of Learning and Discovery


Today was a whirlwind of new experiences, balancing the excitement of starting a new chapter with my SkillsFuture funded course and diving into a fascinating research experiment at SMU.

Morning: Orientation for My Skills Future Course
This morning, I attended the orientation for my SkillsFuture funded course, marking the countdown to a major life shift.

I can’t believe I’m just one week away from leaving my job to return to full-time study after over a decade.

It feels surreal to step back into the classroom, and the orientation gave me a taste of what’s to come.

The class is huge—48 participants, all aged 40 and above, bringing a refreshing mix of maturity and professionalism.

You can already spot the different personalities emerging.

There are the “kiasu” types, eagerly flipping through course materials before the official start, determined to get a head start.

Others exude confidence, and I can tell this group will be full of outspoken, extroverted voices.

It’s exciting but a bit daunting, as I’m already bracing for lively debates and dynamic discussions.

One small annoyance? The teaching assistant shares my name, which is incredibly rare.

It’s going to be so confusing hearing my name called out constantly. 😖

I’m already imagining mix-ups during group work or emails going to the wrong person.

Still, it’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise thrilling start to this journey.


 Afternoon: Research Experiment at SMU

In the afternoon, I headed to SMU to participate in a research experiment titled Investigating People’s Attitudes and Behavioral Responses towards Project Wolbachia-Singapore.

The project piqued my interest, not just because of its innovative approach to tackling dengue but also because it involved testing an AI bot developed by the researchers.

I suspect they’re aiming to secure government funding for this tech, and I was curious to see how it performed.

The experiment was engaging and surprisingly educational. For about 20 minutes, I interacted with the AI bot, asking questions related to Project Wolbachia-Singapore. The bot was designed to provide insights into the project.

Afterward, I completed a survey evaluating the bot’s usefulness—could it replace a human in answering research questions?

I found it fairly intuitive, though it lacked the nuance a human might bring to complex queries. Still, it was a fun and thought-provoking experience.

Learning about the science behind Project Wolbachia—essentially using male mosquitoes to outcompete and reduce the female Aedes population—felt a bit like science fiction, but it’s a practical and necessary strategy for public health.

Oh I will also received $20 (paynow) for the participation.



Thursday, June 12, 2025

Why I’m Hesitant About S-REITS

Real Estate Investment Trusts (S-REITs) caught my attention last year due to their promise of steady dividends and exposure to Singapore’s robust real estate market. 

However, my experience with S-REITs in 2024, coupled with recent market insights, has left me cautious about diving back in. 

In March 2024, I ventured into S-REITs, carefully selecting trusts to align with my goal of generating passive income while avoiding excessive risk. 

I deliberately steered clear of REITs with significant China exposure due to concerns about economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks in that market. My portfolio included:

  1. Lendlease Global Commercial REIT
  2. Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT)
  3. Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (FLCT)
  4. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT)
  5. CapitaLand Ascendas REIT
  6. CapitaLand Ascott Trust
  7. Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT)

These choices were driven by their strong fundamentals, diversified portfolios, and reputable sponsors like CapitaLand and Frasers, which are well-regarded in Singapore’s REIT landscape. 

For instance, CICT, with its S$26 billion portfolio and recent acquisition of a 50% stake in ION Orchard, seemed like a solid bet for stable rental income. 

Similarly, MIT’s focus on industrial properties, which have shown resilience with positive rental reversions of 20.6% in 2024, appealed to me for its growth potential.

However, by November 2024, I noticed a troubling trend: despite consistent dividend payouts averaging around 6.9% across S-REITs, the capital value of most of my holdings was depreciating. 

The broader S-REIT market, as tracked by the iEdge S-REIT Index, had faced challenges, with a -6.28% total return in 2024 compared to the Straits Times Index’s 23.53%. 

Frustrated by the declining unit prices, I decided to sell all my REITs except MIT, redirecting the funds into trading for potentially higher returns. The results were mixed:

  • FLCT: Took a S$150 loss, a reminder that even diversified REITs can underperform.
  • Others: Generated small profits, which softened the blow but didn’t inspire confidence.
  • MIT: I held onto it at S$2.22 per unit, but as of June 2025, it’s trading at S$1.96, reflecting a paper loss.

The decision to sell was driven by my need for capital preservation and a desire to explore more dynamic investment strategies. 

Trading offered the flexibility to capitalize on short-term market movements, which felt more aligned with my risk appetite given the volatility in the REIT sector.

Source: The Fifth Person


Expert Sentiments and The Fifth Person’s Optimism

The Fifth Person’s recent YouTube video on S-REITs provided a fresh perspective that’s both intriguing and challenging to my current stance. 

They argue that with interest rates likely peaking and expected to decline in 2025, S-REITs are poised for a rebound. Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs for REITs, which often carry significant debt, and make their dividend yields (averaging 6.9% as of February 2025) more attractive compared to Singapore’s 10-year government bonds at 2.7%. 

Their optimism is echoed by some market analysts. For example, The Business Times reported a 5.9% climb in the iEdge S-REIT Index from April 11 to 24, 2025, following a sell-off, suggesting a recovery driven by REITs with international and hospitality exposure.

Experts also highlight the resilience of certain S-REIT subsectors. Industrial REITs, like MIT, have shown strong performance, with rental reversions of up to 27.1% in Q4 2024 for trusts like Sabana Industrial REIT. 

Diversified REITs, which make up over a quarter of the market, offer stability through mixed asset portfolios, with CICT’s 3.4% net property income growth in FY2024 as a prime example. 

Additionally, the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s relaxed regulations and tax incentives, such as tax transparency for REIT ETFs, enhance the sector’s appeal. 

Morningstar analysts suggest that the current interest rate environment offers a good entry point, particularly for REITs trading at discounts to their net asset values (NAVs), which many S-REITs do at 5-15% below NAV.

However, not all sentiments are bullish. The same Fifth Person video acknowledges the sector’s struggles, with some REITs, like those exposed to U.S. offices (e.g., Manulife US REIT), facing challenges due to declining occupancy rates. 

The “Trump Tariff Tantrum” in April 2025 caused a -4.14% drop in S-REITs, though they outperformed banks during this period. 

This volatility reinforces my hesitation, as the market’s “lowest ever” prices in 2024, which many thought couldn’t go lower, have continued to decline into 2025.

Source: The Fifth Person


Why I’m Still Hesitant

Despite the optimistic outlook from The Fifth Person and some analysts, I’m not ready to reinvest in S-REITs. The market’s volatility, exemplified by my MIT holding dropping from S$2.22 to S$1.96, makes me wary. 

Last year, experts claimed S-REITs were at their lowest, yet prices have continued to slide, undermining confidence in predictions of a rebound. 

While the prospect of falling interest rates is appealing, macroeconomic uncertainties—such as potential tariff impacts and global economic slowdown—could still pressure REIT valuations. 

For instance, Syfe notes that REITs thrive in stable or falling rate environments with low inflation, but any unexpected economic shocks could disrupt this.

Moreover, my financial goals, shaped by paying off my HDB and reaching the Full Retirement Sum in May 2025, prioritize flexibility and higher-risk opportunities. 

Trading has allowed me to leverage my capital more actively. S-REITs, while offering passive income, feel too static for my current strategy, especially given their recent underperformance compared to alternatives like Singapore banks, which delivered stellar returns in 2024.

For now, I’ll hold onto my MIT units, hoping for a recovery, but I won’t add to my S-REIT holdings until volatility subsides and clearer signs of a sustained uptrend emerge.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Career Coaching - Session 4 & 5

In my recent career coaching sessions (3 and 4), my coach guided me through Singapore’s mid-career transition landscape and explored various government-supported programmes. 

We also discussed industry trends, and even touched on the past weeks' workplace challenges I’ve been facing. 

Mid-Career Transition Programmes in Singapore
One of the key focuses of our sessions was Singapore’s SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP), a train-and-place initiative designed to help mid-career individuals like me pivot to new sectors or roles. 

The SCTP offers industry-relevant training, career advisory services, and job placement support, which is particularly appealing as I look to switch industries. 

It’s open to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, with courses ranging from 3 to 6 months, and some even provide up to 90% course fee subsidies for those aged 40 and above under the Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES). 

We also discussed how I could use my SkillsFuture Credit ($500 base credit plus a $4,000 mid-career top-up for those aged 40 and above) to offset course fees. 

Singapore Government’s Focus Areas
My coach highlighted the Singapore government’s push toward high-growth sectors, particularly finance and AI, environment and sustainability, and healthcare. 

These align with the nation’s economic goals, such as the “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to produce 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs locally by 2030 through advanced agricultural technologies. 

The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is also shaping job roles across industries, from sustainable finance to green urban planning. Healthcare, meanwhile, is expanding to meet the needs of an aging population and growing demand for care services.

Finance and AI: Technology in Finance Immersion Programme (TFIP)
The Technology in Finance Immersion Programme (TFIP) caught my attention as a robust option for pivoting into tech roles within the financial services sector. 

Managed by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), TFIP is an 18-month Attach-and-Train Career Conversion Programme supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It includes up to six months of structured training followed by on-the-job experience with leading financial institutions.

The programme covers in-demand areas like:

  • Agile IT Project Management
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Software Engineering


Environment and Sustainability: SkillsFuture Environmental Services Courses

We also explored courses in the Environmental Services sector, which supports Singapore’s sustainability goals. 

SkillsFuture offers programmes like the WSQ Diploma in Environmental Services, focusing on areas such as waste management, pest control, and cleaning operations. 

These courses are often shorter (3–7 months) and cater to roles like Environmental Control Officer or Waste Management Specialist. While these are critical to Singapore’s green agenda, I found many of them leaning toward blue-collar roles, which don’t quite align with my career aspirations.

However, there are more professional-oriented options in the green economy. For instance, NTU’s Advanced Professional Certificate in Sustainable Urban Environments targets mid-to-senior leaders and covers green building technologies, renewable energy, and urban resilience. 

This could be a better fit for someone like me looking for strategic, high-impact roles in sustainability rather than operational ones. The course duration is 3–6 months, with up to 90% subsidies for eligible mid-careerists.

Digital Agri Tech: A Personal Interest
The Digital Agri Tech programmes sparked my curiosity the most. These align with Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal and focus on leveraging technology for sustainable agriculture. 

Unfortunately, detailed information on current courses is scarce. Back in 2021, NTUC LearningHub and Republic Polytechnic launched initiatives to train professionals in smart farming technologies, such as IoT-enabled farming systems and data-driven crop management. 

These programmes aimed to prepare individuals for roles like Agri-Tech Specialist or Farm Operations Manager, blending tech and agriculture.

My coach mentioned that similar courses might still be offered through NTUC LearningHub or polytechnics like Republic Polytechnic, often under the SCTP framework. 

For example, a course on Agricultural Business Management could cover government policies, financing, and tech-driven farming practices. These programmes typically require a diploma or relevant work experience and offer subsidies via SkillsFuture Credit or MCES. 

I’m keen to explore this further, as the idea of combining tech with sustainable agriculture feels innovative and meaningful, though I’d need more details on course availability and job prospects.

Healthcare: Not for Me
Surprisingly, my coach suggested I consider roles like Clinic Manager or Social Services Manager in healthcare, citing my organizational skills and brief marketing stint in the sector. 

However, I was quick to shut that down. My previous experience in healthcare was a nightmare—office politics were intense, and I didn’t feel the compassionate drive needed for patient-facing or care-focused roles. 

While healthcare is a growing sector with SCTP courses like Healthcare Assistant (3–7 months) or Therapist Assistant (3.5–7.5 months), requiring minimal academic qualifications (e.g., one GCE ‘O’ Level pass), it’s not a path I want to revisit.

Beyond Blue-Collar: Other Possibilities
Since I’m not keen on blue-collar roles in Environmental Services or healthcare, my coach and I brainstormed other professional pathways. Beyond TFIP and sustainability-focused programmes, SkillsFuture offers courses in:

  • Sustainable Finance: Courses like those offered by IBF cover ESG principles, climate-related risk analysis, and global sustainability standards (e.g., ISSB and GRI). These are ideal for roles in financial institutions focusing on green investments.

  • Digital Economy: Programmes in AI ethics, data science, and full-stack development (e.g., Republic Polytechnic’s Specialist Diploma in Full Stack Web Development) cater to tech-driven roles across industries. These are typically 3–6 months and align with Singapore’s digitalization push.

  • Built Environment: Courses like the Specialist Diploma in Sustainable Built Environment at Temasek Polytechnic focus on green architecture and smart cities, offering a professional track in sustainability.
These options feel more aligned with my skills and interests, particularly in tech and sustainability, and I’m excited to explore them further.

Reflecting on Workplace Challenges
On a personal note, I shared some frustrations about recent office dynamics with my coach. She was a fantastic listener, offering perspective without judgment. 

I mentioned ongoing employee satisfaction issues, and she suggested our HR team could benefit from a third-party workshop to address them. 

While it’s a good idea, I’m mentally checking out since my last day is end June, so I don’t plan to get involved. It felt great to vent, though, and my coach’s empathy made the session feel like a safe space.

Next Steps
My coach and I agreed to combine the last two sessions in July and focus on narrowing down trends beyond 2025, particularly in AI programmes and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) modules, to align with emerging tech-driven opportunities. 

We’ll also work on developing a career action plan to map out my transition steps, including specific courses and job applications. Additionally, we’ll complete the post-programme survey to reflect on the coaching experience and provide feedback.

For now, I’m grateful for the clarity these sessions have brought and the financial support from SkillsFuture to make a transition feasible.

Friday, June 6, 2025

Walking Away from Workplace Negativity

The past two weeks at work have been nothing short of exhausting. Between a colleague’s outburst during a client meeting, a difficult client refusing payment, and the persistent issue of under-resourcing, I’ve been stretched thin. Rumors are swirling about cash flow problems at the company, and yesterday, 

I overheard whispers of a new performance system that might mean no salary increments next year for half the employees. After a decade of pouring my heart into this company—treating it like my own—it’s heartbreaking to see it unravel due to poor management and questionable decisions.

Even though I’m leaving in two weeks, the weight of the past few weeks has been heavy. Since resigning, I’ve been juggling the emotional turmoil of my team, unreasonable client demands, and the pressure to wrap up or transition projects before I go. 

I’ve been working late into the night, surviving on minimal sleep, which is a big deal for someone like me who thrives on rest and has never struggled with insomnia. It’s been a lot to carry on my “skinny shoulders.”

We’ve hired someone to take over half of my role, but I’m skeptical about how long they’ll last in this environment. Still, I keep reminding myself: this isn’t my problem anymore. 

I need to focus on my own path forward. Writing this down is my way of processing it all and reinforcing why financial freedom is so critical. 

Having the ability to walk away from an unfavourable workplace without worrying about money is a privilege I’m grateful for. It’s a stark reminder to avoid returning to the corporate grind if I can help it.

As I count down to June 27—my last day—I’m filled with anticipation. I’m ready to leave this stress behind and embrace work and activities that align with what matters to me at this stage of my life. 

This experience is a reminder to prioritise my well-being and pursue a path that brings joy and purpose. Even though I know I should have done this last year, staying for another year to help out also help me to achieve my financial goal (FRS). 

Here’s to new beginnings, lighter shoulders, and the freedom to choose my own way forward.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Singapore’s Corporate Lingo Jungle


A recent Her World article capture the cringe-worthy reality of Singapore’s corporate lingo culture through the lens of a former office worker turned freelancer. The article is damn hilarious and I can relate to it! 😂

“Please revert” and “Do the needful” 
Reading this article, I couldn’t help but nod along. I’ve been in those meetings where buzzwords fly like confetti, and you’re left wondering if anyone knows what’s actually being said. I'm annoyed by how people in Singapore’s corporate world misuse the word “revert.” It’s a uniquely Singaporean quirk that drives me up the wall. People say, “Please revert to me by EOD,” when they mean “Please reply to me by the end of the day.” Argh! “Revert” means to return to a previous state, like reverting to an old software version, not sending an email response. This misuse is so common in Singapore’s offices that it’s practically a national pastime, but it makes me cringe every time. Just say “reply” or “get back to me”—it’s not that hard!
 
“Let’s leverage our existing resources”
When I hear “leverage existing resources,” it feels like a polite way of saying, “Do more with less, and don’t complain.” The expectation to “leverage” what we have—our time, skills, and tools—means working late nights and weekends to meet deadlines. The article’s call to ditch buzzwords speaks to me on a deeper level. Jargon like “leverage” obscures the need for real solutions, like hiring more staff or streamlining projects. 

“Do You Have More Bandwidth?”
Then there’s “Do you have more bandwidth?”—a phrase that translates to: “Can you take on more work with the same pay, time, and mental capacity?”. This buzzword perfectly captures my current overload. Every time I hear it, it’s another task piled onto an already full plate, with no extra resources to make it manageable. It’s the same pressure the article’s author faced—constantly expected to do more.

The author recounts her time in Singapore’s high-pressure offices, where saying “can” was the only way to survive, even when swamped. She highlight how buzzwords like “synergise” or “deep dive” are used to sound professional but often muddle communication. Escaping to freelancing, she now revel in a jargon-free life, working in pajamas far from Zoom calls and “low-hanging fruit.”

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Financial Literacy Course

I just completed an online self-learning course on "Personal Finance and Wealth Management: Strategies for Protection and Growth" offered by Republic Polytechnic through SkillsFuture.

Priced at just $8, I was surprised by the affordability and curious about the content, as courses like this were rare in the past.

Description of the course:
This module aims to equip learners with the essential knowledge on how to protect and enhance their wealth.

Learners will acquire an extensive knowledge of their financial risk profile and gain the necessary skills to make informed decisions on the different types of investment products.

Additionally, learners will be equipped with a deep understanding on how the economic factors and market trends can influence investment decisions, which will further enhance their ability to safeguard and grow their wealth.

Here’s a quick rundown of the 10 modules in the course:

  1. Understanding and Preparing a Budget – A practical guide to creating and sticking to a budget.

  2. The Role of Savings in Personal Finance – Exploring why saving is a cornerstone of financial stability.

  3. Setting Financial Goals and Managing Risks – Defining short- and long-term goals while understanding financial risks.

  4. Introduction to Investment Types and FX Markets – A beginner-friendly look at investment vehicles and foreign exchange markets.

  5. Equity and Bond Markets – Diving into stocks and bonds, including how they work and their risks.

  6. Commodity, Derivatives, and Real Estate Markets – An overview of alternative investment options and their unique characteristics.

  7. Loans, Credit Cards, and Debt Management – Strategies for managing debt and using credit wisely.

  8. The Role of Insurance in Healthcare – Understanding how insurance protects financial health.

  9. CPF Accounts and ESG Factors in Investments – Insights into Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) and the growing role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations.

  10. Retirement and Estate Planning – Preparing for a secure retirement and organizing your legacy.

=========

My Key Takeaways
While many modules provided valuable insights, a few stood out for their relevance and new information that deepened my understanding of personal finance.

Module 3
I could relate to several types, particularly:
  • Exchange Rate Risk: The weakened USD has directly impacted my investments, making me more cautious about currency fluctuations.

  • Interest Rate Risk: With rates dropping below 4%, I’ve noticed reduced returns on fixed-income assets, which has prompted me to rethink my portfolio allocation.

  • Political Risk: Recent leadership changes have made political risk feel especially unpredictable, influencing my investment decisions.

The module also explored factors influencing risk tolerance, which shapes our investor profile—whether we lean toward aggressive, moderate, or conservative strategies.

After reflecting on my own approach, I identify most with the moderate investor profile. I’ve set clear limits on the losses I’m willing to accept in trading and stock investments, striking a balance between seeking growth and protecting my capital.

Module 5
This module introduced me to the characteristics of various types of shares, and one concept that stood out was treasury shares.

I wasn’t familiar with these before—learning that they are shares a company buys back and holds in its own treasury was a valuable insight. This knowledge has helped me better understand corporate financial strategies and their impact on stock valuations.

Module 6
I learned that derivative instruments are financial contracts whose value comes from an underlying asset, index, or rate.

They’re used for hedging, speculation, or arbitrage and can be traded on exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC).

These instruments are powerful for managing risk or optimizing strategies but carry significant risks due to their leverage and complexity. Example: Call Option, Put Option, Protective Put Strategy, Covered Call Strategy.

Understanding their mechanics has given me a new perspective on how they can influence investment portfolios and corporate strategies, making me more mindful of their role in wealth management.

Final thoughts
The self-paced format allowed me to learn at my own convenience, which was perfect for balancing with a busy schedule.

However, I believe the course could be improved by splitting the modules into basic and advanced levels.

Modules on foundational topics like budgeting, savings, debt management, insurance, and CPF are perfect for beginners, serving as low-hanging fruits that everyone should master before tackling riskier areas like investments (modules 3–6).

Additionally, I found it odd that ESG factors were grouped with CPF in module 9. ESG considerations align more closely with investment decisions, as they are a key factor in assessing riskier investments, and should be covered alongside modules 4–6 for better coherence.