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April 2024
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Hear from Our Leaders
» Message from Colin Chan, MD, Group Marketing
Highlights of the Quarter
» Good Goodbye movie launch and exclusive screenings
» CNY celebrations and Re-opening of Great Eastern House
» AGEL Mega Retreat 2024
Must-Knows
» Q2 Incentive Challenge
Good-To-Knows
» Q2 2024 Market Outlook – A Summary from Products & Propositions (Funds)
» SG Green Plan
» Calendar of Events
From Good to Great
» Bringing Lunar New Year Joys
» Celebrating with Senior Citizens
» AiS Heartstrings Challenge 2024 to Support Arc Children's Centre
» Being the champions of hope and transforming lives
Click here for past TGC issues.
Message from Colin Chan, MD, Group Marketing
Dear Leaders and Financial Representatives,
As Great Eastern dives into the second quarter of 2024, we would like to thank you all for your dedication, determination, and grit that you have shown this year. It is believed that the Year of the Wood Dragon is special as it fosters growth, progress, and abundance. Just like all of you, the wood dragons are full of energy, with a dream to change the world.
Sharing some exciting updates on the social impact front, we have initiated two marketing programmes: the GREAT Bundle of Joy and driving pre-planning through My Legacy.
Earlier this year, in his annual CNY message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong encouraged Singaporean couples to have more children, and to have them earlier. With many families considering children born in the Year of the Dragon to be auspicious, this year is a good time for them to welcome a little dragon.
Therefore, to make parenting more joyful, Great Eastern is helping young parents fulfil their legacy so that they can say a good hello when welcoming their little dragons into their lives. We have refreshed our GREAT Bundle of Joy to include more attractive offerings for both newborn and parents.
We are the first insurer in the market offering an end-to-end programme of this nature. The uniqueness of this programme is that it provides:
- Protection from the very first day of the trimester to the birth of the baby
- Free childhood vaccination in the comfort of one’s own home
- Free insurance offers and cash rewards to help parents build the right wealth and protection plans for their family
Beyond aiding just young parents, we aim to also help Singaporeans in general prepare for the future. To facilitate pre-planning for Singaporeans, we collaborated with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Public Service Division to drive pre-planning through MyLegacy@LifeSG (My Legacy), an integrated digital platform for Singaporeans to plan for end-of-life matters.
This includes Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Medical Directive (AMD) and Advance Care Planning (ACP), that are crucial tools for individuals to appoint people they trust to have control of their care and financial matters when they are unable to communicate them. It helps them communicate to their loved ones and healthcare team about their personal beliefs, values and how they wish to be cared for.
To promote this nationwide initiative, Great Eastern is offering complimentary certification clinics to help Singaporeans with their LPA and AMD applications through selected financial representatives. We are proud to have a team of trained financial representatives to help Singaporeans navigate the process and make informed decisions about their preferences for trusted individuals to act in their interest in the event of mental incapacity.
To raise awareness about this initiative, we co-sponsored a meaningful and heartwarming film titled Good Goodbye, prompting individuals to think about the type of goodbye they want to bid their loved ones. The movie released in local cinemas on 28 March. For those of you who attended the special screenings that were arranged from this month, we hope you and your clients had a great time and plenty to talk about thereafter. We will continue to bring you more creative opportunities in future to help spark more conversations.
Lastly, it is heartening to see your dedication and contribution towards the community. In 2023 alone we had more than 1,000 financial representatives volunteering in 29 community activities – including tree planting, river clean-up, blood donation, and financial literacy workshops. Through your collective efforts, we have established a strong culture of volunteerism and giving across Great Eastern. We hope that you will continue to be Great Eastern’s force of good.
Good Goodbye movie launch and exclusive screenings
Good Goodbye is an emotional film centred around the theme of palliative care, a critical aspect of Advance Care Planning (ACP). It features three powerful narratives that prompt individuals to think about the type of goodbye they want to bid their loved ones.
Directed by Singaporean filmmaker Daniel Yam and starring local actors such as Julie Tan, Tosh Zhang, Shane Pow, Yang Shibin, and Teo Ser Lee, the movie was released in cinemas on 28 March 2024. Andie Chen starred as a Great Eastern financial representative, shining a spotlight on difficult yet key conversations that need to happen between individuals and loved ones.
Being the sole insurer co-sponsoring Good Goodbye, Great Eastern hopes to inspire meaningful conversations about palliative care and the importance of adequate pre-planning.
Following its successful launch in March, financial representatives and their clients attended dedicated screenings across 13 sessions hosted by several agency groups. The events provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the poignant themes of the film and reflect on the vital role of end-of-life care and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) planning.
The feedback that we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the film's authenticity and its sensitive depiction of complex human experiences. The movie underscored the importance of holistic approaches to end-of-life care, sparking meaningful conversations among the audience about how to better support clients and families during such crucial moments.
Reflecting on this event, let us carry forward the spirit of Good Goodbye in our professional endeavours, embracing the opportunity to provide informed and empathetic guidance to those we serve. Catch this film at Cathay Cineplex in April if you have not yet got the chance to!
CNY celebrations and Re-opening of Great Eastern House
We celebrated the auspicious start of the Year of the Dragon with our esteemed agencies across various Great Eastern offices in the region. We are excited to embrace the festive spirit, fostering stronger bonds and sharing the joyous festivities with our partners.
Huge congratulations to Great Eastern House and its agencies for the grand opening of the newly renovated offices. After months of redesigning and renovation, the new phase of agency offices is finally ready – and we were able to pull it off during the auspicious festivities as well.
May the Year of the Dragon bring you every abundance and prosperity.
AGEL Mega Retreat 2024
Networking night
Association of Great Eastern Leaders (AGEL) is an elected Premier Association and Advisory Council, comprising mainly the Senior Distribution Leaders, who are dedicated to support and promote the growth and development of Great Eastern Agency Leaders.
To provide a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration with Agency Leaders, the AGEL committee organised a 3D2N AGEL Mega Retreat to Kuala Lumpur in March 2024 attended by 200 leaders.
The event started with a night of networking where Agency Leaders connected with their peers and exchanged ideas. This was followed by a full-day seminar which included specially invited speakers - from Great Eastern Singapore Executive Senior Director Colin Ong and Senior Director Stuart Shee and from Great Eastern Malaysia Tan Lay Seong and Koh Sheng Yi.
The various keynotes and presentations inspired the audience. The positive vibes and energy from all leaders made the event truly memorable.
Speaker - Great Eastern Singapore SD Stuart Shee
Speaker - Great Eastern Singapore ESD Colin Ong
Speaker - Great Eastern Malaysia Koh Sheng Yi
Speaker - Great Eastern Malaysia Tay Lay Seong
Q2 Incentive Challenge
Sharing some exciting news for all our representatives: Following the tremendous success of the Rise & Shine Challenge last quarter, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Q2 Rise & Shine The Brightest Challenge.
This quarter, in addition to the producer category, we will introduce a new leader category. Given the crucial role that leaders play in driving the success of the sales team, this new category will recognise leaders’ efforts. As part of the new criteria, any Manager/Director with 5/10 qualifying producers under them will qualify for the 3D2N Tokyo trip alongside their team members.
Q1 Qualifiers will also have the chance to qualify in Q2 to bring along a partner for the Tokyo trip or opt to receive spending cash instead and enjoy a single room stay for an unforgettable experience.
We hope this will motivate and incentivise you to strengthen the camaraderie and teamwork. The Tokyo incentive trip promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your team to immerse in the rich culture of Japan and celebrate your success together.
Get ready to Rise & Shine The Brightest in Q2 and embark on this incredible journey with your teammates. Let us work together to achieve new heights of success and create lasting memories in the vibrant city of Tokyo.
Start gearing up for an exciting quarter ahead!
Refer to circular ref.no. 010/24/ABD/2024Q2RISE&SHINETHEBRIGHTESTCHALLENGE for full details
Q2 2024 Market Outlook – A Summary from Products & Propositions (Funds)
The global economy appears headed for a soft landing, with most major economies avoiding sharp downturns. Central banks are preparing to cut rates later this year as inflation continues to ease. The timing of these cuts is uncertain, with the US likely taking a more cautious approach due to a strong labour market. Europe and some emerging markets are expected to ease rates sooner. China faces slower growth and may need to stimulate domestic demand. Political risks and the persistence of inflation remain concerns, but financial markets are currently optimistic, with a focus shifting towards economic fundamentals. Overall, the outlook is cautiously positive, with central banks prepared to intervene if necessary.
This quarter, we maintain a "neutral" stance on global equities. While some regions like the US and Japan show promise, others face headwinds. High valuations and inflation concerns require caution, despite potential support from economic growth and looser monetary policy. Earnings growth will be crucial, but rising interest rates could dampen the later part of the year. The outlook for global bonds has been downgraded to "neutral". While dovish central banks and a potential peak in yields are positive, concerns about inflation and a shallow rate-cut cycle could limit significant price appreciation. The asset class remains attractive for income generation, but investors should be prepared for a potentially narrow trading range in bond yields.
SG Green Plan
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is our national sustainability movement, positioning us to achieve our target of net zeroemissions by 2050. It is a living plan which continues to evolve.
Here are the key updates and initiatives announced by ourGreen Plan Ministries during the Committee of Supply 2024.
For more details, please do refer to:
https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/files/SGP2024_infographic.pdf
Source: https://www.greenplan.gov.sg
Bringing Lunar New Year Joys
In the spirit of community and compassion, Senior Director Francis Tan, Siew Hong and dedicated team members from the Life Attitude Group recently organised a heartwarming volunteering event to celebrate CNY with 30 senior citizens from Geylang East for the Aged. This event brought smiles to the faces of the elderly and fostered a sense of belonging within the community.
The event kicked off with a delightful tea party where the seniors were treated to a variety of snacks and beverages. As laughter filled the room, Francis, Siew Hong and team members ensured that every senior felt cared for and appreciated.
To liven up the atmosphere, volunteers entertained the seniors with songs, games with prizes, and a fun-filled session of crafting CNY handicrafts. The interactive activities encouraged the seniors to unleash their creativity and connect with one another.
As a gesture of goodwill from Great Eastern, each senior received a red packet and a CNY goodie bag filled with essentials and treats. The bags included mandarin oranges symbolising prosperity and good fortune, bottles of chicken essence for vitality, golden ingot chocolates representing wealth and abundance, milo sachets for energy, biscuits for snacking, toothbrushes for oral hygiene, and wet tissues for convenience. These carefully curated items not only catered to the practical needs of the seniors but also conveyed warm wishes for their well-being and happiness.
Capturing the precious moments of the day, Francis, Siew Hong and team members took photographs of the smiles, laughter, and of the spirit of kindness and community.
Reflecting on the significance of the volunteering event, Francis shared, "It's truly heartening to witness the joy and gratitude on the faces of our elderly friends. As a team, we are honored to have the opportunity to brighten their day and create unforgettable memories together. This experience reinforces our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others and thereby evoking empathy and compassion within our community."
Celebrating with Senior Citizens
In another heartwarming display of community engagement, financial representatives of Henry Kencana & Associates brought smiles to the faces of around 150 senior citizens by organising a vibrant Chinese Lunar Celebration at the Shan You Wellness Community. This two-hour event entertained and fostered a sense of connection and joy among attendees.
The celebration started with the distribution of goodies specially prepared for each senior citizen. These tokens of appreciation not only symbolised the spirit of the Lunar New Year but also served as a gesture of gratitude for these seniors' invaluable contributions to the community over the years.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as financial representatives engaged seniors in lively rounds of Bingo. Laughter filled the room as participants eagerly marked their cards in hopes of winning prizes. It provided an opportunity for interaction and friendly competition, bringing generations together in a shared experience of fun and entertainment.
There was also a karaoke session to bring out their hidden talent. From classic ballads to upbeat numbers, seniors enjoyed singing their favourite songs and expressing themselves, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Amidst the games and singing, a delicious lunch spread was served. Seeing everyone eating together brought a feeling of unity and togetherness, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and community spirit.
The event not only celebrated a cultural tradition but also highlighted the importance of coming together to spread happiness to those in need.
Through their dedication and commitment to service, the financial representatives of Henry Kencana & Associates exemplified the company's philosophy of giving back to the community. Their efforts not only brightened the day of the seniors but also left a lasting impact on all those who attended the event.
AiS Heartstrings Challenge 2024 to Support Arc Children's Centre
In a heartwarming initiative to support children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, Senior Director Stuart Shee and his team at Advisor in-Sync have launched the AiS Heartstrings Challenge 2024. The aim of this initiative is to raise SGD100,000 by end-December 2024 for the Arc Children's Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing holistic support for children and their families facing such challenges.
Stuart Shee, known for his passion for philanthropy and community engagement, has rallied his team members to organise a series of runs as part of the AiS Heartstrings Challenge.
Stuart Shee and his team have shown unwavering determination and commitment to their cause. Their efforts have resulted in more than SGD10,000 raised before the start of Dragon Year through participation from donors and sponsors. As the campaign progresses, Stuart Shee and his team are gearing up for more runs and fundraising events to reach their ambitious goal of SGD100,000. Their collaborative spirit has garnered widespread support, inspiring individuals, and organisations to contribute towards this noble cause.
The AiS Heartstrings Challenge 2024 is not just about raising funds; it is about coming together as a community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. By participating in the runs and supporting the cause, individuals could show solidarity with those facing adversity and to spread hope and positivity in challenging times.
Stuart Shee and his team are grateful for the overwhelming response received so far and are committed to continuing their efforts until they achieve their fundraising target. Their dedication serves as a shining example of the power of collective action and the impact that a group of passionate individuals can have when united by a common goal. By rallying together, they are not only raising funds but also spreading love, hope, and support to those who need it the most.
Being the champions of hope and transforming lives
Today, dedication and commitment can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need. There is an inspiring couple, Paul Chan and his wife Miriam Poon, who is creating ripples of good within the community. Paul is the Director of Financial Services at Great Eastern and the Board Chairman of HAGAR Singapore Chapter, while Miriam is a Senior Financial Planner at Great Eastern.
HAGAR is an organisation dedicated to the recovery of women and children who have endured extreme abuses. Paul and Miriam’s unwavering support and active involvement in HAGAR have brought hope to many survivors of human trafficking and exploitation and rallied communities to join the fight against these atrocities. For instance, since 2014, HAGAR has been working closely with the government to strengthen public awareness and enforcement capacity and provide victim care to women and girls trafficked into Singapore.
HAGAR tackles human rights abuses in several forms such as human trafficking, forced labour, gender-based violence, forced marriage, and domestic servitude. The journey starts with a survivor, an individual who has experienced severe trauma resulting from slavery, trafficking, or abuse. From the moment that individual comes under the care of HAGAR, the organisation works with them to assess what their needs are and offer a full range of extensive and individualised services to rebuild dignity, trust, and resilience. HAGAR helps them to find safe places to live in, provide trauma care and counselling, legal support, education, vocational skills training, and job placements, and finally assisting them with community reintegration. The whole journey encapsulates each step taken by a survivor toward healing and eventually for them to be a champion for change in their own life and in the community.
As an international organisation committed to the recovery and reintegration of survivors of human trafficking, slavery, and exploitation, HAGAR relies heavily on the support of passionate advocates like Paul and Miriam. With Paul's leadership as the Board Chairman, the organisation has seen significant strides in its mission to restore the dignity and rights of survivors through the years. Paul also sits on the HAGAR International Board as a director.
Having been volunteers and donors for almost 30 years now, one of the most notable aspects of Paul and Miriam's involvement with HAGAR is their proactive approach to fundraising. Through various initiatives and events, they have consistently mobilised support and resources to support HAGAR's activities. Recently, their efforts resulted in raising of $20,000, a testament to their dedication and the generosity towards the community.
Beyond just fundraising, Paul and Miriam actively raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking and exploitation. They leverage their platforms and networks to educate others about the realities and urgent need for collective action. By shining a light on these dark corners of society, they empower individuals to become advocates for change and to join the fight against modern-day slavery. Over the years, they have also developed strong bonds with the beneficiaries, offering practical support, encouragement, and prayers in their times of need.
Their involvement in HAGAR is not just a philanthropic endeavour but a personal commitment borne out of a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those who have endured unimaginable suffering.
Their compassion, leadership, and unconditional service is an inspiration for all, proving that our actions go a long way in impacting lives.
In support of HAGAR's life-changing work with marginalised communities, the MDRT Foundation contributed USD50,000 in 2020 and most recently, USD15,000 in 2024.
This year marks HAGAR's 30 years of restorative work, transforming broken lives. You can show your support to empowering vulnerable women and children by participating in their flagship events, such as the HAGAR Charity Golf Tournament and the 40.3+ Freedom Race. Visit https://hagar.org.sg/ for more details on how you can be a part of this transformational work together with Paul and Miriam.
