Connections - Financial Women's Association of Singapore

Connections
I N T H I S I S S U E
1 Greetings from President of
FWA Singapore
2 New affiliations between
FWAS & professional
partners
3 FWAS Brown Bags
4 FWAS Networking Events
5 FWAS Workshops &
Programs
6 FWA Mentorship
Programme with Nanyang
Business School
7 FWA ROCKS – 10 th year
celebrations
8 Women’s Leadership
Development Survey -
Mercer
9 FWAS Membership Benefits
10 Upcoming Events
Would you like to become a
member or renew your
membership?
Joining is easy! Members
benefit from invitations to
members-only networking
events, discounts, power
panel lunches, and access to
international links in the
United States, Hong Kong,
Tokyo and other cities with an
FWA charter.
Sign up or contact us at:
http://www.fwasg.org
FWA’s 10 th Anniversary Celebrations
FWA ROCKS & Celebrating Women
How time flies! We just had an amazing celebration
on 23 October 2011 for our 10 th anniversary charity
gala, FWA ROCKS – Bling It On! It was indeed a
dazzling evening of glitz, glamour and sophistication
graced by our FWA members and friends. We have
witnessed how much FWA has grown and matured
over the past 10 years: our mission remains the
same in providing a solid professional platform to
support and empower our members to grow and
achieve in the corporate world.
LOW Chin Loo
Our merriment was enhanced by the fund raised to support an excellent cause:
sponsorship of some physically disadvantaged children in the region in
receiving much-needed medical treatments in Singapore. These surgeries will
change these children’s lives significantly, and provide them with the first
crucial step to grow into men and women of dignity. A big THANKS to those
who have supported our charity dinner in giving these children hope for a
happier and healthier future.
Another momentous event this year was to celebrate financial women’s
outstanding achievements. FWA partnered with FinanceAsia to showcase 20
esteemed women named in their “Top 20 Women in Finance” award in an
elegant lunch on 4 November 2011. This event was indeed a showcase of
talented women leaders and their contributions to the industry.
The year so far has turned out to be a buzz of events bringing additional
values and fun to members and related communities. Since our last newsletter,
we have had 5 brown bags on topics ranging from latest investment research
and techniques—CNH and gold, work-life integration strategies; 2 networking
events with the Young Lawyers Committee and Chartered Alternative
Investment Analyst (CAIA); a lunch talk by the newly elected Singapore
member of parliament; launch of FWA’s new financial literacy program called
KEYS (Knowledge Enhances Your Success); 2 social events including a
cooking demonstration by Chef Julian Bompard and a yoga retreat; and last
but not least, the a two-month mentoring program with Nanyang Technological
University.
Despite the current volatile global markets outlook, FWA has been working
hard to add value to our members. We truly believe that we have a good
platform to bring like-mind people together seeking to add values to their lives
and others. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey as we expand our
programs to be more inclusive, diverse and inspirational!
LOW Chin Loo
President, FWA Singapore (FWAS)
Newsletter 15
July – November 2011

Page 2
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New Affiliation between FWAS and Professional Partners
FWA is proud to have formed new partnerships with two
professional organisations in Q3. We look forward to
organizing more joint events and sharing stimulating ideas
and events with our new partners.
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
http://caia.org/caia-community/global-chapters/singapore-chapter
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation
provides the finance world with the global standard of education and
professionalism that sets the CAIA members apart. Earning the CAIA
designation signals your commitment to staying on the finance industry's
cutting edge. CAIA Singapore was founded in 2005 with the objectives
of keeping its members informed about the latest trends in alternative
investment industry through seminars led by world class academicians
and practitioners.
Flexiwerkz
http://www.flexiwerkz.com/
Flexiwerkz is an online portal dedicated to promoting flexi-work options
and work-life balance for all. Its aim is to facilitate the development of a
meaningful flexi-jobs market place in Singapore. Flexi-jobs cover parttime
work, compressed work week arrangements, consultancy work,
project management, job sharing and even home-based jobs.
The site is previewed on www.flexiwerkz.com and will be launched in
mid-December with the following operating parameters:
Membership for individuals are free
Text-only flexi- job ads for companies are free
Apart from listing flexi-jobs, FlexiWerkz offers an information support
network for both individuals and companies:
Individuals can find a database listing professional development
courses, shared experiences on achieving work-life balance,
professional tips on how to switch to a viable flexi-profession.
Companies can search a database of flexi-workers’ CVs and access
results on surveys related to flexible working.
A FlexiWerkz Facebook Initiative—The Check List - features comments
by industry leaders on flexi-work, and if flexi-work arrangements are
offered at their companies. This is intended to be a good source of
industry opinions on flexible working as a business strategy. It is hoped
that the takeaways would be useful for individuals, as well as employers’
associations / government hoping to facilitate the development of a
meaningful flexi-work jobs market in Singapore. Since launch in
October, 2011: Featured quotes from: OSIM, Cold Storage, Tanglin
Trust School, UNIFEM and Jardine Matheson. (See:
www.facebook.com/flexiwerkz)
Flexiwerkz
Make life work, not work life!

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Brown Bag Lunch Talks
A staple in our regular FWA line-up of events, Brown
Bag Lunch & Learn talks enable finance and
professional women to keep abreast of markets and
product developments, soft skills and life skills
network to grow professionally and personally
An Update on Latest Investment Research and
Techniques
13 May 2011
Our speaker, Mr. Bernard Lee, Founder and Chief Executive of
HedgeSPA Pte Ltd – a SMU-incubated initiative seeded by the
Singaporean Prime Minister’s Office and Visiting Associate
Professor (Practice) and Deputy Director of the Sim Kee Boon
Institute for Financial Economics at the Singapore Management
University (SMU), reviewed some of the latest research on
alpha, liquidity and “herding” behavior among investors.
Attendees learnt the latest investment tools and techniques and
their applicability during the financial crisis and assessed the
accuracy through a case study.
Singapore Election Digest by MP Sylvia Lim
29 May 2011
FWA was pleased to have a return guest, Ms. Sylvia Lim –
Chairman of the Worker's Party and newly elected MP. Sylvia
shared her personal observations about the evolving political
landscape and new challenges for ruling and opposition parties.
The audience included guests from all industries outside finance.
About 30% of the audience was non-members. The event
resulted in a handful of membership sign-ups and renewals.
Sylvia spoke for about half an hour followed by a lively
“Questions and answers” session. Feedback was very positive.
In the words of a member: “It was a great talk – warm, honest,
interesting, insightful and refreshingly unscripted!” – a view that
was shared by everyone there.

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Determining and Understanding the Needs for CNY
Products from a Corporate Perspective
3 August 2011
Mr. Damian Glendinning, President of the Association of
Corporate Treasurers in Singapore and Treasurer of Lenovo,
shared the hot topic of the CNY from a corporate perspective.
Since the introduction of the offshore CNY (more commonly
known as CNH), the internationalization of this Asian currency
has been a topic of great interest in the financial industry.
Mr. Glendinning alluded this development to the rapid growth of
the Chinese economy. Being one of the largest economies in the
world, it requires its own FX rates and policy. Conditions are now
ripe for a change, due to the bigger role of CNY in the world.
The speaker also discussed the main reason why CNY isn’t an
international currency. With domestic exchange controls in place,
the growth of CNY is restrained. However, the Chinese policy
makers have been chipping away these control measures, and
have been experimenting the wider usage of its currency.
However, other practical issues need to be addressed including
invoicing in CNY and hedging risks. In conclusion, market
participants can look forward to more liberalization measures
ahead, more authorized CNY trading centres and easing of rules
for moving CNY onshore and offshore.
Gold: How Much Further Can it Go?
26 August 2011
With spot gold soaring to near US$ 2,000 per ounce,
Mr. David Thurtell, Director and Global Head of Metal Research,
Citigroup, described 5 key factors driving the gold price rally: (i)
producer de-hedging, (ii) ETFs, (iii) slowing (and then reversal) of
central bank sales, (iv) weakening of USD and (v) petro-dollar
inflows. With surging liquidity, coupled with worries about a world
economy slowdown, Middle East unrest, Eurozone sovereign debt
crisis and a US ratings downgrade in the picture, the search for a
safe haven has propelled gold to new heights.
Gold supply has displayed a power shift. Whilst South Africa and
NAFTA nations have slipped heavily in the mining stakes,
Chinese output has been rising strongly. The main reason –
China’s preferred strategy to accumulate gold reserves by
sponsoring new domestic mines rather than paying market prices.
Whilst the underlying factors that driven gold prices, any signs of
an economic rebound or resolution in the debt crisis will likely hurt
gold prices.
Price trends
USD/oz. gold
1200
1000
800
600
400
Gold price - USD/oz.
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200
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Data: Global Insight
Distribution of demand and supply – 5 years average
Industrial
12%
Demand, 2005-2009
Identifiable
investment
25%
Jewellery
63%
Official
sector
10%
Supply, 2005-2009
Recycled
gold
31%
Mine
supply
59%
Source: GFMS
8
5

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Passion Unleashed: Rediscover Your Passion in
Life and Work-Life Integration
27 September 2011
Women working in finance or in the corporate world are always busy,
especially when they embrace multiple roles and responsibilities at
work and at home. Mr. Soon Loo, Life Coach, Executive Trainer
and Director of AdvanEdge Coaching, shared with the audience that
despite busy-ness, women should look after themselves, find their
passion and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
…”Life is short, so Live it!”
Through a few short and powerful exercises, the speaker guided the
audience on how to find their core values and passion through selfreflection,
expression and reinforcement through sharing and
visualization.
The speaker also shared how to achieve work-life integration by
bringing the SAME core values into our professional and personal
lives – work, family, community, world, etc. so that we can be
congruent and happy in fulfilling these same values in each
environment and situation.
The audience felt energized by the lively talk. From the sharing of
various real-life examples, they were inspired by the possibility of the
application of the same principles in their integrated lives.

Page 6
Networking Events
Connections
More networking events for FWAS members to enjoy a wider connection with different
professional circles and have fun
FWA / Young Lawyers Committee Networking Event
An event sponsored by:
Gallery Helios, JAM, Lollapalooza and Truffs
30 June 2011
In our fun networking event with the Young Lawyers Committee
(YLC) from the Law Society of Singapore, all guests were treated
with lovely champagne from Lollapalooza and delightful chocolates
from Truffs at Gallery Helios, a beautifully restored peranakan
house.
As an ice-breaker, Mr. Simon Wong, Neuro-Linguistic Programmer
(NLP) trainer and coach, conducted a presentation called “The Inner
Game”, and shared his journey and experiences in coaching
executives.
FWA / CAIA Networking Event
An event sponsored by Certain Cellars
8 September 2011
A delightful evening full of wine, food and new friends at Certain
Cellars was the epitome of our networking event with CAIA
(Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst). This networking session
also marked FWA’s tie-up with CAIA where both associations
shared visions to create joint events going forward, as well as
support from FWA for the CAIA certification program.
With generous sponsorship from Certain Cellars, all guests were
treated with fine wines from Beringer and Avignonesi and a
sumptuous range of cheeses, “bak kwa” (jerky) and local delights
including curry puffs! Chris Fussner, owner of Certain Cellars,
brought our guests for a tour of his “cellar” which show-cased an
impressive wines and champagnes collection from around the world.
Let’s toast to more!

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Senior Ladies Networking Lunch
Venue sponsorship by UBS
7 October 2011
This networking event marked the very first FWA initiative to bring
together senior women in banking, insurance and asset
management with professionals and leads in HR, and Diversity
and Inclusion.
The event started with an update on FWA activities from President
LOW Chin Loo, followed by a sharing session from Nell Cady-
Cruse, Chief Risk Officer at Standard Chartered Bank who talked
about the personal and professional benefits of spending quality
time with other women peers as often conscientious women might
overlook this in lieu of other business meetings.
Over 100 senior women joined the event. It was obvious that this
session facilitated open and enjoyable dialogues among the
participants on a wide range of topics including women diversity,
financial industry development and progress, work-life integration
strategies, while sparking some ideas for speakers/ topics in their
own companies.

Page 8
Workshops and Programs
.... FWA offers a range of full day/half day programs for
members to obtain deeper awareness on a specific topic
Yoga Retreat led by Kate Porter
17 September 2011
After a week of stress, what better way to de-stress than to indulge in a
truly elegant retreat set in the beautiful urban resort at the Nassim
Road.
Within this beautiful historical black and white bungalow, the retreat
brought Kate Porter – a well-known yoga teacher to guide the
participants on how to use yoga to bring energy and flow back into their
bodies. The yoga session was also followed by a presentation by a few
leading osteopaths on the importance of spinal health, handling sports
injuries and while discussing issues raised by participants.
All participants enjoyed little breaks around the rejuvenating pool area.
A lifestyle coach and nutritionist also shared strategies to develop and
sustain a healthy lifestyle. Last but not least, the session ended with a
deeply relaxing yin class, culminated in meditation and yoga nidra.
KEYS WORKSHOP
Knowledge Enhances Your Success
30 July 2011
FWA partnered with IPP Financial Advisers to offer the inaugural KEYS
Workshop – a comprehensive one-day workshop designed to enhance
participants’ financial knowledge along 4 key areas: (i) introduction to
financial planning, (ii) investment planning, (iii) insurance planning and
(iv) estate planning.
The workshop served to enhance financial literacy for beginners. By
taking positive and conscious steps, everyone can build and enjoy a
happy and financially sound future.
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FWA New Mentorship Programme
with Nanyang Business School
MENTORING: FWA-NTU Mentorship Program
August - September 2011
The FWA Mentorship Program has a new partner – the Banking and
Finance Club of Nanyang MBA, Nanyang Business School. 15 wonderful
ladies from the FWA volunteered to mentor 31 students over a two-month
period from August to September 2011.
The NBU mentees were carefully matched with mentors in a pre-program
selection process, to ensure matching with a mentor of their career
aspiration whether this was in corporate and investment banking, asset
management, private banking and business strategy/entrepreneurship.
The event officially kick-started with a meet-your-mentor session at “Black
at Change Alley”. The group opening session was a warm interaction
between mentors and their mentees. The mentees were encouraged to
reach out to mentors through meals, coffee chats, emails or any forms of
meetings agreeable between the two parties. The program ended on
30 September 2011 with very positive feedback from the mentees.
FWA ROCKS – Bling It On!
10 th Year Anniversary Celebrations
FWA celebrated 10 years with a glistening charity gala and raised $266K in support of the KK Regional Outreach to
Kids (KKROK) Fund.
As a sub-fund of the KK Hospital Health Endowment Fund, the KKROK fund differs from other causes which
generally provide medical outreach to the needy in their home countries. KKROK was established because there
was a large unreached group of needy children with complex health problems who cannot be operated on their
home countries due to lack of surgical expertise and medical facilities there. Since its inception in 2002, the Fund
has helped almost 100 children from Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Myanmar and Malaysia start life afresh.

Page 10
Women’s Leadership Development Survey – Mercer
APAC Survey Report
Connections
Despite growing interest in workforce diversity among organisations in Asia Pacific (APAC) countries, the majority –
73% – do not have a clearly defined strategy or philosophy for the development of women into leadership roles,
according to the Women’s Leadership Development Survey, conducted by Mercer in conjunction with Talent
Management and Diversity Executive magazines.
The survey, which was conducted in December 2010, received responses from more than 200 human resource,
talent management and diversity leaders at organisations across APAC.
According to the Mercer survey, organisations in APAC do not have sufficient programmes to maintain adequate
levels of talented women in the leadership pipeline. More than two-fifths (42%) of the employers surveyed indicated
that their organisations do not offer any activities or programmes targeted to the development needs of women
leaders.
Programmes considered most effective today in supporting women’s leadership development:
1. Flexible work arrangements/options
2. Mentoring
3. Coaching
4. Diversity sourcing and recruiting
Factors most likely to prevent women from advancing:
1. Work-life balance
2. Willingness to relocate
3. Lack of executive sponsor
4. Insufficient breadth of experience
5. Lack of global experience

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Join FWA
Enjoy benefits including networking with successful women of the
Financial Industry and access to members-only events
Go to:
http://fwasg.org/?p=section&sub=article&a
rticlegrppk=&articlepk=56 to complete an
online application.
Upcoming Events
FWA Year-end Party at the
Hermitage
Date: Friday, 9 December 2011
Time: 7:00 pm onwards
Venue: The Hermitage
One Marina Boulevard
Open to All
Upon successful application for membership to the Financial
Women's Association of Singapore, you will be entitled to the
following benefits:
1. Invitations to members-only networking events
2. Up to 50% off the cost for Speaker Luncheon events
3. Members-only discounts for joint venture events (e.g. Smart
Investor, International Alliance etc.)
4. Access to international links in the United States, Hong Kong,
Tokyo and other cities with an FWA charter.
FWA Singapore is a strictly non-profit organisation. Apart from
subsidising member events, your S$100 membership dues will help
defray the costs for:
1. Registering the association
2. Joining fee for the International Alliance
3. Administration of FWA
4. Other miscelleaneous costs associated with event planning
Open to Members Only
Save-the-date
FWA Year-end Party at Hermitage
Catch up with friends, make new ones and join us as we celebrate a
successful year at FWA on 9 December 2011.
We want to know where you are!
Do let us know your new contact details if they change. Send an email to membership@fwasg.org.
We welcome your ideas and suggestions!
We value your ideas and inputs! Should you have any suggestions or ideas for upcoming editions of this newsletter, please contact the Editors
FWA Connections: Jovina Ang at jovinaang@hotmail.com, Avan Chan at aqua_avan@yahoo.com.sg or editor@fwasg.org.
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Disclaimer
All information contained in this newsletter is general in nature and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. While every
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained, we cannot warrant its accuracy, and assume no responsibility or
liability for any errors and/or omissions therein.