By Siow Li Sen

Q: How was money when you were a child?

A: My dad was generous with me where money was concerned. And although we were not very wealthy, I was able to afford those things that I wanted badly, as dad would always make it happen.

Q: When did you begin investing?

A: I am no good with personal investment. I have always left it to my husband, who is much wiser and better than me in this aspect. As he always says: 'You work, I invest.'

Q: Do you have a target? And does this target move with changes in your circumstances?

A: My target is mainly with the business I manage. And yes, it does move with changes in circumstances.

Q: You are a busy career woman. How do you manage your investments?

A: As I said earlier, my investment is concerned mainly with the business I manage, as I am fully committed to ensuring that the return on investment is there.

My husband is the one that invests - in both properties and stocks. There are stocks he bought, some over 20 years ago. With properties, my husband and I are fortunate that there are properties that we bought many years ago, including the one that we are now staying in, which was bought when we were newlyweds in the 1970s.

Q: Being a Singaporean, do you have a property bias? You have been in China for many years now. Is investing in property there a good thing?

A: When we buy properties in Singapore, we know what to expect in terms of quality. This is often not the case in China.

In the early years when China first 'opened up', we bought properties and were shortchanged in terms of quality standards. During those years, China had a 'two-tier' policy, under which foreigners could only purchase properties designated for foreigners. And, of course, these prices were very much higher than the local housing.

Subsequently, reforms were introduced and foreigners can now buy or live in local housing. Therefore, prices for 'local housing' have escalated, while the prices we paid for 'foreigner housing' have not appreciated as much.

Q: You have two daughters. Does your investment plan include providing for them until a certain age before you tell them they are on their own?

A: I do not think that I will ever tell my daughters that they are on their own. They may be financially independent but, being Chinese and being a parent, I would like to think that if ever there is an urgent need, I can be there for them.

I believe in providing my daughters with opportunities for good education.

Q: One daughter married recently. Did you give her a BIG present such as a home or a lot of money?

A: My elder daughter Vivien got married last year.

She and her husband bought a home of their own with their CPF, although my husband and I did assist with some financial help in their initial payment. Since I am away most of the time and my younger daughter is still staying in Melbourne, I have persuaded my son-in-law and my daughter to stay with us. They can then use the rental to pay for their monthly housing instalment.

Q: Do you make your own investment decisions or do you consult your husband?

A: Most of the investments are done by my husband. The only one that I have made on my own accord is investing in a hair and beauty operation in Beijing, which has grown from one shop to four shops. And I need not commit my time to this project. This investment was done with my husband's blessing.

Q: Do you see differences in the way men and women approach investing?

A: My personal feeling is that men tend to be more impulsive, and maybe are more 'short-term' focused, while women tend to take a longer-term approach. Perhaps this is because women generally are more tolerant and patient.

Q: What kind of retirement do you envisage? Do you have a date for retiring?

A: Right now, I cannot imagine myself retiring. I hope that when I slow down in my work, or if I have to make way for 'fresh' blood, or someone younger to take over, I will still be able to work. It may not be for money. I need to keep myself occupied both mentally and physically.

I want to be able to look forward to doing something every day and be able to enjoy the thought of still 'contributing' in some form to society.

Q: What has been your best investment?

A: Investing my time and energy in my job. The fruits of my labour, the bond with my colleagues are my joy and satisfaction.

Q: And the worst?

A: Investing my time and emotions in 'friends' who turn out to be unfaithful to the relationship and friendship. To me, time is money and emotions are priceless.

Q: If one of your investments goes sour, do you curse and swear and ruthlessly cut the loss? Or go into depression? Or do you see it as part of taking risks, and go on to something else?

A: When I handle an investment in the business, if one investment goes sour, I will quickly cut losses and move on. I will not allow myself to moan over it, although I may have regrets. We all take risks every day, be it financial or otherwise.

Q: What would you say is a weakness when it comes to spending money? What do you splurge on?

A: I love shopping for apparel and jewellery. I also love buying things for my family members and friends. Sometimes, when I get into one of those 'moods', I will splurge and buy many things that I do not really need. It is a weakness that I am trying to control

This article was first published in The Business Times on Jun 11, 2008