🌐 "Protecting Your Wealth in the Age of Scams: My Chat with MONEY FM 89.3"

 

I’m deeply honoured to have been invited by Nadiah Koh and MONEY FM 89.3 as a spokesperson for PhillipCapital to discuss one of today’s most pressing issues: the rise of investment scams.

⚠️ The Alarming Reality
Scam losses in Singapore surged to over S$1.1 billion in 2024—a staggering 70.6% increase from the previous year. At the forefront? Cryptocurrency-linked investment scams, where fraudsters impersonate trusted institutions on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to peddle "too-good-to-be-true" opportunities.
🔍 Key Questions We Tackled on "The Big Story":
1️⃣ What makes crypto scams so dangerous today?
2️⃣ Red flags every investor should watch for (hint: urgency + secrecy = 🚩).
3️⃣ How to verify opportunities without falling prey to slick marketing.

💡 Why This Matters
As a Financial Services Manager at PhillipCapital, I’ve seen firsthand how scammers exploit trust and FOMO. My mission? To equip you with actionable tools to safeguard your hard-earned money.

🙏 Thank You
To Nadiah Koh and the MONEY FM 89.3 team for amplifying this critical conversation—and to PhillipCapital for championing investor education.

👉 Let’s Discuss: Have you or someone you know encountered a suspicious "investment offer"? Share your thoughts below—awareness is our first line of defense.
Contact me @ ohlh@phillip.com.sg

 Click here to listen. 

🚀 From Chongqing’s Karst Peaks, Furong Cave to Retail Realities: Why "Walking the Ground" Beats Wall Street Noise 🏙️I not only walk but hike the high-altitude “Skywalk” @ Raffles City Chongqing.

 As a veteran with 20+ years in markets, I’ve always believed in Peter Lynch’s golden rule: “Know what you own.” Last week, I swapped my Bloomberg terminal for a pair of hiking boots and flew to Chongqing—China’s “Mountain City”—to do just that and discover the 8D Magic city.

🌄 Why Chongqing?
This isn’t just about hotpot and misty river views. It’s a microcosm of China’s consumer economy—a battleground for retail, REITs, and property giants. Here’s what I saw (and why it matters for investors):

📸 On-the-Ground Insights
1️⃣ Capitaland’s Raffles City Chongqing
Beast of Jiefangbei: With a total investment of RMB24 billion and a total construction floor area of 1.12 million sq m, Raffles City Chongqing brings together a 235,000-sq m shopping mall, 150,000 sq m of Grade A office space, 1,400 residential apartments, Ascott Raffles City Chongqing serviced residence and InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City hotel- a masterclass in mixed-use dominance.
What I observed: Packed F&B outlets, luxury brands (Louis Vuitton), and seamless metro integration.
Why it matters: Capitaland’s "live-work-play" model is thriving here.
2️⃣ Sasseur REIT’s Liangjie Outlet
Outlet Resilience: While luxury slows post-COVID, Sasseur’s EMA model (fixed + variable rents) keeps cash flows stable.
What I observed: Mid-tier brands (Nike, New Balance, POLO SPORT) continues to attract shoppers. A hidden yield gem ?💎.
3️⃣ Wulong Karst UNESCO Site
Tourism = Economic Pulse: Crowds at Hongyadong, Three Natural Bridges/Longshuixia Gap signal revenge travel is alive.
Sector link: China Tourism Group Duty Free (CTG) and domestic-focused consumer stocks.
🧠 Investor Takeaways
- REITs with Skin in the Game: Sasseur’s sponsor (57% ownership) aligns with unitholders
- Retail Darwinism: Malls like Raffles City thrive by curating experiences (not just square footage).
- Macro Meets Micro: According to statistics bureaus of Shanghai and Chongqing, Chongqing recorded a total retail sales of consumer goods of 283 billion RMB ($39.6 billion) in January and February of this year, surpassing Shanghai's 277.740 billion RMB ($38.8 billion) for the first time and becoming the top Chinese city in terms of total consumption during the first two month—it’s domestic consumption in overdrive.

🤝 Why Follow My Journey?
I don’t just analyze spreadsheets—I walk factories, malls, and mountain trails to connect dots others miss.
🔔 Tap into:
- Weekly market snapshots
- CEO interviews (like my chat with Sasseur’s leadership).
👉 Follow me here
💬 Let’s Discuss!
- Tired of managing your own investment and need help?
Swipe 👉 for my “proof of life” at Longshuixia Gap—no green screens here!

Contact me @ ohlh@phillip.com.sg

Why Sasseur REIT Could Be Your Next Smart Investment Move: Key Insights from CEO Cecilia HL Tan🏢 and Helen Qiu from Sasseur investment relations.

 🚀 Why Sasseur REIT Could Be Your Next Smart Investment Move: Key Insights from CEO Cecilia HL Tan🏢 and Helen Qiu from Sasseur investment relations.

I had the privilege of sitting down with CEO of Sasseur REIT,Cecilia Tan for an exclusive interview. As a veteran in the stock market, I’ve met many leaders—but Cecilia’s clarity on Sasseur’s vision and execution left a lasting impression. 

While market volatility has spiked and many stock prices have hit below their 52 weeks low, opportunities await those who are prepared and can stomach the risk. 

 📸 Snapshot of interview

Cecilia and I discussed Sasseur’s growth roadmap, risk management, and the untapped potential of China’s domestic retail market. 

💡 3 Reasons to Consider Sasseur REIT

1. Sustainable DPU: Backed by a resilient business model (EMA structure) that’s weathered storms like COVID-19.

2. Enduring Growth: China’s booming domestic consumption—think rising middle class and "revenge spending."

3. Sponsor Strength: A private listed sponsor with 18 outlets nationally, offering Sasseur a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on acquisitions

🎯 Key Strategies Driving Value

1. Portfolio Expansion: Asset-Light & Scalable

Sasseur’s four outlets in China are just the start. Their asset-light model—15 year master leases with minimal capital injection—allows rapid scaling. 

2. Lease Structure Built for Resilience

- 70% Fixed Rent: 3% annual escalation (in place since 2018), renewed every 10 years.

- 30% Variable Rent: Tied to tenant sales, processed centrally for transparency.

3. Conservative Balance Sheet

With gearing at 24.8% (well below the 50% regulatory cap) and interest coverage of 4.6x.

⚖️ Risks vs. Rewards: A Balanced View

Growth Drivers:

1. Boosting occupancy rates through proactive asset management.

2. Cutting debt costs via diversified funding (e.g., RMB loans to hedge FX risk).

3. Accretive acquisitions using ROFR (Right of First Refusal).

Risks to Watch:

1. FX Volatility: RMB vs. SGD swings.

2. Interest Rate Sensitivity: Mitigated by fixed-rate debt.

3. Macro Shocks: Tariffs, Regulatory shifts, climate change (new A/C systems deployed!), or another pandemic.

 

🧠 Leadership Lessons from Cecilia

1. Sustainability Over Hype: Grow DPU in both up and down cycles.

2. Risk Management is King: Monitor interest rates, FX, and tenant health.

3. Transparency Builds Trust: Communicate openly.

 

🤝 Why This Matters for Investors

Sasseur is a disciplined operator in the world’s second-largest economy, with a sponsor that’s all-in on alignment. 

This post reflects my personal views, not financial advice. 

Disclaimer: https://lnkd.in/grKNS4wB

CICT Follow up-Value in current volatile Market

While STI broke the 4000-mark on 28 Mar2025, powered by the banks upward price movement and after Trump tariffs, I see value in the Singapore reits. 

In this post, I will follow up on CapitaLand CICT why it matters to you as an investor.

🏙️ *Behind the Scenes at CICT: 

How Transparency & Innovation Power Singapore’s Premier Commercial REIT* 🌟 

As an SGX REIT Ambassador, I’m privileged to collaborate with forward-thinking firms like CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT). 

Recently, CICT shared exclusive insights (and stunning visuals! 📸) into their operations—here’s why their approach sets the benchmark for institutional excellence: 

(PS: I asked several questions and was pleased the IR team Mei Peng get back to me. This small detail speaks volume about the attention to details and help build confidence that they care) 

**Inside CICT’s Operations** CapitaSpring where the City rises

1️⃣ **”A REIT’s success starts with its people.”* 

CICT’s commitment to transparency isn’t just rhetoric—it’s embedded in their culture. During my recent dialogue with their Investor Relations team, we discussed: 

- **Sustainability Initiatives**: Energy-efficient retrofits across their SGD 24B portfolio. 

- **Tech-Driven Asset Management**: AI tools such as IOT sensors for predictive maintenance, Facial recognition gantry, Destination-controlled lifts, Plug-and-work anywhere, Smart cleaning robot, Smart parking management system

- **Resilient Occupancy Rates**: despite macroeconomic headwinds. 

2️⃣ **Why This Matters to Investors** 

*”Quality assets + disciplined management = long-term value.”* 

My earlier post raised questions about CICT’s post-pandemic recovery strategy. Their response? A **proactive pivot** to mixed-use hubs and premium ESG-certified spaces. These photos reflect their operational rigor—a key reason they’re a core holding in investors’ portfolios. 💼 

3️⃣ **Your Takeaway** 

*”Trust is built brick by brick.”* 

For investors, CICT’s transparency and execution offer **predictable dividends** (5% yield) and downside resilience. For me, partnerships like this reinforce why due diligence matters. 😇 

🌟 **Why Trust Matters in Singapore’s Investment Landscape** 🌟

 

🌟 **Why Trust Matters in Singapore’s Investment Landscape** 🌟

I’m honored to have been invited as a panelist speaker at the SGX Reits Connect Experience, where I shared key insights alongside industry leaders and investor relations teams from Suntec ESR Group and CICT CapitaLand. Here’s what I learned—and why it matters to *you* as an investor:

🔑 **3 Pillars of Investor Confidence** 🔑
1️⃣ **Trust is Non-Negotiable**
Meeting Suntec, CICT’s Investor Relations team—Eugenia Ong, Melissa Chow, and Mei Peng—reinforced how **deep expertise** builds conviction. In my practice, I prioritize management credibility because your trust is the foundation of every investment decision.

2️⃣ **Transparency Drives Opportunity**
Face-to-face engagements with SGX-listed REITs aren’t just meetings—they’re gateways to undervalued opportunities**. By bridging remisiers and firms, we amplify awareness and unlock potential for clients.

3️⃣ **Collaboration is the Secret Sauce**
My lunch with Reitas CEO Ms Nupur Joshi, CFA, SAS Chairman Mr. Luke Lim and SRS President Mr Nallakaruppan S at Penang Kitchen wasn’t just about nasi lemak. It was a masterclass in relationships. Like a perfect nasi lemak—where chili, chicken, and rice harmonize—**Singapore’s REIT ecosystem thrives when brokers, firms, and investors align**.

💡 **Why Work With Me?** 💡
As your trusted partner, I combine:
✅ **20+ years of market-tested strategies**
✅ **Tailored portfolios**—from defensive healthcare REITs to high-growth data centers.
✅ **Clarity over complexity**: Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, I simplify opportunities like the **6.9% average S-REIT yield** vs. T-bills.

📈 **Ready to Invest with Confidence?

📲 View my profile: [ https://lnkd.in/dWxD6Vb]

Let’s connect and start a conversation today!

😊 Contact me @ https://bit.ly/contactEric
or email @ ohlh@phillip.com.sg

Great connecting and collaborating with fellow practitioner Tolmas Wong and Jeremy Tan too. Thank you SGX Group namely Andrew Ler, John Lim, Amanda Huang, Shimona Wong for organising this for us. Appreciate it. 👍

#SGX #Suntec #CICT #SReits #SingaporeInvesting #REITs #WealthBuilding #ESR #Capitaland

🏢 Suntec REIT & CICT – Key Takeaways from My Visit 🏢

 

As an SGX REITs Ambassador and financial services manager from Phillip Securities, I recently visited Suntec REIT and CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) CapitaLand—two of Singapore’s prominent REITs.

Here are some insights investors should take note of:

🔹 Suntec REIT (Established 2004)
✔️ Focus: Commercial offices, retail, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions)
✔️ Geographic Exposure: Singapore, Australia, UK
✔️ Key Strengths: Prime office assets, international diversification, and a strong foothold in the recovering MICE sector.

🔹 CICT (Singapore’s Largest REIT)
✔️ Focus: Integrated commercial properties (retail, office, mixed-use developments)
✔️ Geographic Exposure: Primarily Singapore, with select assets in Australia, Germany
✔️ Key Strengths: High-quality properties, stable rental income, and exposure to Singapore’s thriving retail and office market.

📈 What This Means for Investors
✅ Diversification – Suntec offers global exposure, while CICT provides a strong Singapore-centric portfolio.
✅ Growth Potential – Both REITs are positioned to benefit from retail footfall recovery, rising office demand, and active asset management strategies.
✅ Attractive Yields – With strategic acquisitions and asset enhancements, these REITs continue to create value for investors.

If you're looking to navigate the REITs landscape and explore opportunities, let’s connect! 📩

📲 View my profile: [ https://lnkd.in/dWxD6Vb]

Let’s connect and start a conversation today!

😊 Contact me @ https://bit.ly/contactEric
or email @ ohlh@phillip.com.sg

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Huge thank you to SGX, Suntec and CICT for this opportunity.