35 Years of Commitment, A Story of Passion & Dedication

Change is the only constant, but commitment is a choice.

Thirty-five years ago, I stepped into the financial industry, not fully knowing what the journey would bring. I was young, hungry, eager, and determined to build a future. I had no idea that this career would become my lifelong passion—a path filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons.

Now, looking back on three and a half decades, I realize that my greatest achievement isn’t just the financial success I have attained. It is the people I have impacted, the clients I have served, and the team I have built. This is my story—a story of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering belief that true success is measured by the lives we touch.

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The Only Thing That Never Changed Was My Promise

When I first joined the industry, I started with a company called Wing On Life in 1990. It was a different time, with different products and a different way of doing business. The world was changing fast, and so was the financial industry. In 1995, AXA Life took over Wing On Life. Then, in 2022, HSBC Life acquired AXA Life Singapore.

Through all these changes, people often asked me, “Why don’t you switch companies? You could earn a lump sum—maybe two or three times your annual income!”

The answer was simple: my promise to my clients was more important than any paycheck.

Every time a company changed, my clients would ask, “What happens to my policy?” And every time, I assured them: “One thing will never change—my commitment to you.”

Companies change, markets fluctuate, and products evolve. But integrity? That stays the same. I promised to stand by my clients from the beginning, and I have kept that promise for 35 years.

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Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

Success isn’t a straight road. It is a journey of ups and downs, victories and setbacks, moments of doubt, and bursts of confidence.

There were times when business was slow. There were times when the economy was uncertain. There were moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough. But every challenge shaped me into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient person.

Some people fear change. I have learned to embrace it. Change may be painful, but it is always an opportunity for growth.

What kept me going during tough times? My belief in what I do.

Financial planning isn’t just about numbers and policies. It’s about securing a future for families, protecting dreams, and giving people peace of mind.

I have seen clients send their children overseas for university because of the plans we made together. I have seen families feel secure during retirement because we built a financial foundation years ago. And yes, I have also been there for clients during their most difficult times—when sickness struck, when hospital bills piled up, when life took unexpected turns. Knowing that I played a small part in helping them through those moments made every challenge in my career worth it.

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Building a Team, Building a Family

One of my greatest joys over the last 35 years is not just my personal success but the success of my team.

I have mentored and developed more than 100 financial planners. Many have moved on, a handful have stayed. In fact, I have 5 team members who have been with me for over 30 years, 4 for more than 20 years, and several more for over a decade.

This is not common in the industry. People come and go, seeking bigger opportunities, higher paychecks, or new challenges. But I have built something different—a team that stays together not because they have to, but because they want to.

Why do they stay? Because we built a culture of trust, integrity, and shared success.

We are more than just colleagues. We are a family.

We believe in putting clients first. We believe in supporting each other. We believe that success is not just about making money—it is about making a difference.

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The Philosophy of ‘Small is the New Big’

In today’s world, bigger is often seen as better. More people, more sales, more growth.

But I believe in a different philosophy: Small is the new big.

I don’t want to build an empire of hundreds of financial planners. I want to build a close-knit, high-quality team of dedicated professionals—people who care about their clients, who take pride in their work, and who are committed to excellence.

I believe in quality over quantity. I would rather have 30 to 40 great people than 300 average ones.

With a focused, passionate team, we can do more, serve better, and create real impact.

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A Legacy Beyond Wealth

At the end of the day, what matters most is not how much money I have made, but how many lives I have touched.

When I retire from this industry, I won’t take my earnings with me. What I will take are the memories of the people I helped, the team I built, and the values I stood by.

I will take the knowledge that I helped families achieve financial freedom. I will take the joy of knowing that my clients feel secure because of the plans we created together. I will take the satisfaction of knowing that my team members grew under my mentorship, found success, and built meaningful careers.

This is the real reward of my 35-year journey.

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Final Thoughts: The Best is Yet to Come

People often ask me, “What’s next?”

For me, the journey is not over. I will continue refining my skills, growing as a person, and embracing new challenges. I will continue to support my team, guide my clients, and uphold the values that have defined my career.

And most importantly, I will continue to stay true to my promise—the promise to serve, to lead, and to make a difference.

To anyone reading this, whether you are in financial services industry or any other field, I leave you with this lesson: Success is not just about how much you earn—it’s about how much you give, how many lives you touch, and the legacy you leave behind.

Commit to excellence. Stay true to your values. And never forget—your success is measured not by the wealth you accumulate, but by the impact you create.

The best is yet to come!