REACH (Telegram) 112 - What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
(SK)
12 Jan 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 9:45 am]
Dear Contributors,
Welcome Back! ๐
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Megan ๐
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 10:01 am]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
Parliament will sit today (12 Jan) at 12.00pm. Parliamentary questions will cover the performance of investment vehicles Temasek & GIC, the changes to the Integrated Shield Plan and funding for athletes. Four new bills will also be introduced, including the Health Information Bill, which will help streamline patients' medical records.
๐ฌ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
๐ Performance of GIC & Temasek
Ten MPs filed questions regarding the performance of investment vehicles Temasek & GIC.
Temasek, the Government’s investment company, and GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, manage the country’s reserves.
However, a Financial Times article published in December 2025 had questioned the performance of the two investment entities, saying that their recent returns have “compared unfavourably with many global peers”.
Questions were filed on whether the Government was satisfied with the performance of GIC & Temasek and about the metrics used to assess the performance of GIC & Temasek. Questions were also asked if the two entities will still be able to provide a steady stream of contributions to the Government’s Budget amid a more volatile investment landscape.
๐ Integrated Shield Plan (IP) Riders
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced in November that Integrated Shield Plan policyholders who buy new riders from next April will no longer be allowed to cover the minimum deductibles. A rider is an optional add-on that provides extra coverage beyond the main policy, paid fully in cash.
MPs asked questions about specific indicators of sustainability in private health insurance premiums and how families will be supported if these payments become unaffordable.
๐ Funding for athletes
Funding for athletes is another topic the House will discuss, coming on the back of the recent SEA Games in Thailand, which sparked discussion on whether there was enough support for Singapore’s sportsmen and sportswomen.
Six questions were raised about funding for Singaporean athletes. Among the questions tabled is whether the Major Games Award Programme, which provides monetary awards for SEA Games gold medallists, among others, can also include SEA Games silver and bronze medallists.
๐ Bills to be debated in Parliament
Parliament will also debate four Bills.
These include the Public Sector (Governance) (Amendment) Bill and Health Information Bill, the National Council of Social Service (Amendment) Bill and the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill.
Of note, the Health Information Bill will require all licensed healthcare providers, including private clinics, clinical laboratories and radiological services, inclusive of retail pharmacy licensees to contribute selected health information to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR). This move ensures that important health information for patient care is accessible to providers across the healthcare landscape, thereby enhancing quality and continuity of care for patients.
๐ Other Issues
Other parliamentary questions include questions about fire safety in light of the tragic high-rise fire in Tai Po (Hong Kong), the changes to Singapore "30 x 30" sustainability targets and efforts to combat money laundering.
๐๐ป https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/gic-and-temaseks-performance-ip-rider-changes-on-the-agenda-when-parliament-sits-on-jan-12
๐๐ป https://www.parliament.gov.sg/parliamentary-business/order-paper
๐๐ป https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/integrated-shield-plan-rider-co-payment-cap-deductibles-medisave-covered-5489971?cid=internal_sharetool_web_12012026_cna
๐๐ป https://www.moh.gov.sg/others/health-regulation/health-information-protection/
๐๐ปhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-law-proposed-to-mandate-sharing-patients-info-among-healthcare-providers
๐๐ปhttps://www.straitstimes.com/tech/proposed-law-changes-in-spore-to-cut-red-tape-in-data-sharing-speed-up-social-support-experts?ref=latest
๐๐ปhttps://www.channelnewsasia.
----
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 10:30 am]
Dear Contributors,
Pls note that the last link on the topic is as follows:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-sports-council-bill-mccy-mind-sports-esports-5443961
Thank you.
Megan
365, [12/1/2026 10:30 am]
Investment performances always have ups and downs, I would think GIC and Temasek has to take a more conservative investment approach compared to other private investment entities, so a lower investment return compared to them isn't surprising. They can't just all-in S&P500 then hope for the best like many retail investors boasting high returns from doing exactly that.
In the same way, when there's market downturn, they lose less than the private entities. From what I'm able to search, the only year they've taken a net loss is during the financial crisis of 2008.
Different market environment and conditions favor different investment strategy, and no one can miraculously pivot their strategies to exactly the ideal one everytime.
So far they still seem to be doing ok for long term at 5.7% annualized for 20 years, and 3.8% after adjusting for global inflation.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 11:00 am]
[ Poll : Which issue(s) are you most interested in for today's Parliament sitting? Share your reasons in the chat! (You may choose more than one option.) ]
- Performance of GIC and Temasek
- Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders
- Funding for Athletes
- Fire safety measures
- Changes to Singapore’s sustainability targets
- The Health Information Bill
- The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill
- Others (please share your views in the chats below)
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 11:02 am]
Dear Contributors,
Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference! You can choose more than one option and your vote is anonymous.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!
๐ฌ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
Thank you.
Megan
Kai Bin, [12/1/2026 11:05 am]
I voted for fire safety measures, especially after the tragic incident that occurred in Hong Kong last year.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 12:00 pm]
Dear contributors,
Parliament sitting is now live.
Catch the livestream of today's Parliament sitting here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/wVGcrDpDt_4?si=aOjpCCFpwsW7u-1B
RY, [12/1/2026 12:40 pm]
With the revision of the Medishield IP, many are expected and may downgrade policy, and switch to public hospitals going forward
Hope MOH may expand SG public healthcare svs, since there maybe influx into public hospitals, and longer waiting time are expected for subsidised patients
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 2:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 2:02 pm]
Dear Contributors,
Pls note that the last link on the topic is as follows:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-sports-council-bill-mccy-mind-sports-esports-5443961
Thank you.
Megan
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 2:12 pm]
400. I post in REACH (Telegram) LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [14/10/2025 12:24 pm]:-
6. As for outdoor open court picket balls, it is really very noisy - and could disturb the residents even during day time.
7. Wonder why not make picket ball court indoor - in CC like badminton court convertible into picket ball court - whoever book first.
8. Another recommendation is that, can picket bats be transformed into cushion or rubber material that will absorb noise rather than plain wood that produce a very sharp "piak piak" sounds that are very loud and irritable.
9. Can the picket ball be transformed into rubber material that can absorb noise rather than the plastic type like table tennis ball producing high pitch "piak piak sounds".
10. A simple change in design of the picket bats and balls - can go a long way to solve the ongoing irritant and conflict within the neighborhood.
----
Straits Times Published Jan 11, 2026, 03:53 PM Updated Jan 11, 2026, 08:34 PM
'Silent pickleball’: Mountbatten residents trial playing with foam balls to reduce noise.
“The general consensus is that there is no issue with playing pickleball at the neighourhood courts, but the issue is the very sharp ‘pop’ sound that’s being generated,” said Ms Gho, of when plastic balls strike hard paddles and ricochet off the floor.
“Understandably, some residents may feel uncomfortable that their daily routines are disrupted
Complaints about noisy pickleball games have surfaced periodically on social media, as a source of tension among some residents. by the noise.”
Mountbatten residents are trying "silent pickleball" using foam balls to reduce noise generated by the game.
MP Gho Sze Kee aims to minimise disputes with considerate play and a "give-and-take approach", and will hold a silent pickleball tournament in the coming months.
Foam balls reduce noise to conversation levels, and residents said they support their use for quieter gameplay and less neighbourhood disturbance.
“If we can minimise it, that’ll be a great win-win situation.”
RY, [12/1/2026 2:35 pm]
Ms Eileen Chong, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) whom spoke at Parliament just now, she has bring up many good points abt sharing of personal data and cybersecurity vs worldwide scamming
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:13 pm]
GIC and Temasek Holdings Performance
1. It is reported by Financial Times that both GIC and Temasek Holdings average annual return over 10 years about over 5% in nominal US terms - the weakest among 50 Global Peers evaluated by Global SWF.
While Canada funds achieve stronger returns 9.2% and 7.4% respectively.
2. I will like to say that 7.4% to 9.2% annualised return for a 10 years fund are very good performance.
But based on my knowledge, many private funds cannot achieve such high returns. In fact worldwide Insurance participating funds can only promise 3.25% to 4.25% annualised return for 10 years or longer like 15 years, 20 years.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:17 pm]
3. Hence, GIC and Temasek Holdings above 5% annualised annual return average over 10 years - seems to be quite respectable compared to the private Insurance Participating funds of 3.25% to 4.25% annualised return.
4. But having say so, if GIC and Temasek Holdings if benchmarked against 50 Global Peers evaluated by Global SWF - both our Sovereign Funds seem to have underperformed.
RY, [12/1/2026 3:22 pm]
Mr Henry Kwek (Kebun Baru Single Member Constituency). also bring up quite many good points abt data sharing for PSGA
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:23 pm]
5. But on hindsight, scanning the investment climate across the World, there are higher and higher financial risks among traditional safe and conservative financial tools eg.
a. US Treasury Bonds - which are traditionally safe, guaranteed by Fed, repectable interest rate return - but getting increasingly risky as many government dump the bonds while private hedge funds are taking over demanding higher interest rate, making debt load of US Treasury higher and higher and default risk higher and higher at the backdrop of US$38 trillion debt and still rising.
b. China Big Tech, property investment are also risky - and many financial investors, banks got burned.
c. Also under the background of geopolitical tussling, investment climate is becoming less cosy.
Though where there is crisis, there will be opportunities.
The crux is where to find and pinpoint the opportunities to ensure a safe and reliable income return.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:32 pm]
6. Having say so, I will like to venture a suggestion :
Now both our Sovereign Funds are mainly ่ชๅ (that is we are employing local and foreign financial talents to do investment - under a very stringent sets of rules, guidelines and processes - to ensure our investment are safe and not indulge in too risky investment --- which is a respectable approach) - to safeguard our hard-earned Sovereign Wealth and our CPF while earning returns for our NIRC and grow our wealth.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:38 pm]
But having say so, as benchmark with global peers, we seems to be too conservative.
Hence I will like to suggest, how about both Sovereign Funds set aside 10% and adopt the approach of ๅๅ - ไปๅ。
That is, setting aside 10% - for GIC (I guess 10% of $1 trillion - $100 billion), for Temasek Holdings ($434 billion - $43.4 billion) - to appoint a few (to spread our risks) respectable, safe and reliable Global or Local Funds that has higher financial performance - to help both our Sovereign Funds invest.
Let see they can help both our Sovereign Funds ramp up our annualised returns to 6% or higher?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:43 pm]
Note:- As both of our Sovereign Funds are safeguarding our National Wealth and our CPF while earning respectable income returns - we should cap the approach of ๅๅ - ไปๅ to 10% and not higher, while the rest of 90% will still adopt the GIC and Temasek Holdings conservative approach of investment.
Hanny, [12/1/2026 3:49 pm]
I am really pissed with the way town council works
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:49 pm]
Can please elaborate.
Hanny, [12/1/2026 3:49 pm]
No mood
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:50 pm]
Hahaha.
No elaboration can't solve problems.
Hanny, [12/1/2026 3:50 pm]
Time for town council to be transparent with its process and procedures
Hanny, [12/1/2026 3:51 pm]
I don’t expect this group to solve my problem. Just venting my anger.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 3:52 pm]
Town council mainly to rectify problems or faults around our living areas.
Not difficult problem to resolve.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 4:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:02 pm]
Normally I submit any issues or problems via "OneService" Apps.
Issues will be logged and process flow will follow.
Acknowledgement usually within 1 day.
Depending on the complexity of the issues or problems - it take 3 to 5 days to resolve.
Most issues 95% I submitted via "OneService" Apps are resolved.
Except difficult issues like wrong demarcation of cycling path and pedestrian path - I thought won't be resolved, but few months later, I discovered it was rectified.
National issues like booking driving lessons with the driving centres - still yet to resolve.
Other than that, most issues I submitted via "OneService" Apps are properly resolved and closed.
You can rate their service satisfaction in "OneService" Apps after completion.
G, [12/1/2026 4:10 pm]
"Reasonable and within expectations"
Have expectations been set so low? It's doing worse than index funds
Why is it acceptable to accept such low expectations?
"https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/returns-generated-gic-temasek-reasonable-and-within-expectations-jeffrey-siow"
G, [12/1/2026 4:16 pm]
Performance of SWF has a direct impact on available money for govt budget. If they don't perform well, won't that mean we will be taxed more to fund more and more gov spending?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:16 pm]
Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Jan 12), he noted that GIC has achieved a real return of 3.8 per cent per annum over the past 20 years, while Temasek has reported a total shareholder return of 8 per cent per annum in US dollar terms over the last 20-year period.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:18 pm]
Temasek Holdings achieve a 8% annual return for 20 years is a very good performance - for a $434 billion funds.
Better than many private funds notably Insurance Participating Funds that can achieve 3.25% to 4.25%.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:21 pm]
Bearing in mind that Temasek Holdings do take risks in their investment - such as FTX, Indonesia fish farming - that we achieve total loss.
High return do come with high risk.
Hence Temasek Holdings achieving 8% return for 20 years fund is very respectable.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:23 pm]
Having say so, GIC are holding, accumulating and growing our CPF and national wealth - will need to be conservative.
And cannot afford to take too risky investment.
I think I support Minister Jeffrey Seow explanation the need for GIC to continue with the conservative approach of investment.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 4:25 pm]
Dear Contributors,
In case you missed it, here are some updates from the parliamentary proceedings so far:
➡️ On the Integrated Shield plan rider changes: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/surge-capacity-may-be-implemented-if-more-turn-to-public-hospitals-following-ip-rider-changes-moh
➡️ On the new active mobility-related bill introduced in Parliament:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pma-medical-certificate-erp-2-obu-parliament-5852346
➡️ On investment returns generated by GIC and Temasek: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/returns-generated-gic-temasek-reasonable-and-within-expectations-jeffrey-siow
G, [12/1/2026 4:25 pm]
Why compare with private funds and not other SWFs?
https://www.ft.com/content/2171fbb4-b8e3-413d-8f31-98ec909fd74a
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:25 pm]
I will also like the Government to consider setting aside 10% of both Sovereign Funds to allocate to trusted, safe, reliable global or local funds that have been performing well to help to further boost our earnings.
G, [12/1/2026 4:26 pm]
Even so, GIC have underperformed against GIC's own reference portfolio
G, [12/1/2026 4:29 pm]
So gambling away SWF and then reporting 8% is "respectable"?
Temasek lost S$375mil on FTX.. That's basically the cost of the vanity founders memorial project
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:31 pm]
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP) and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan reported stronger returns of 9.2% and 7.4% respectively.
Hence Temasek Holdings achieving 8% against Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan of 7.4% is a good performance though slightly lower than 9.2% of CPP.
But like what I say earlier, higher return come with higher risk.
As long as Temasek Holdings is able to perform in such level consistently, I think is a good result.
G, [12/1/2026 4:36 pm]
Not sure where the 8% came from.
"According to Global SWF, Temasek and GIC averaged only 5% annual returns in US dollar terms over the past decade — well below their peers like the Canada Pension Plan (9.2%) and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (7.4%). "
https://glosema.group/news/are-singapores-investment-giants-falling-behind-global-peers/
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:37 pm]
Read the business time Parliamentary speech by Minister Jeffrey Seow which you attached.
G, [12/1/2026 4:37 pm]
Jeffrey claim 8%
Global SWF say 5%
Someone not telling the truth
365, [12/1/2026 4:39 pm]
Past decade vs past 20 year, different lengths of time
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:41 pm]
I think swf average out GIC and Temasek Holdings.
G, [12/1/2026 4:41 pm]
This number is from the last decade
G, [12/1/2026 4:42 pm]
But this number is from last 2 decades
G, [12/1/2026 4:42 pm]
So need to compare within same time frames right?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:42 pm]
Though I agree longer duration usually bring higher returns.
G, [12/1/2026 4:42 pm]
Should not compare 8% over 20 years with 7.4% over 10 years
G, [12/1/2026 4:44 pm]
You misled by comparing returns over 20 years vs returns over 10 years, then use the 20 years returns to claim "good performance"
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:44 pm]
As when both Sovereign Funds are setup, their financial investment is always invested 20 years as their approach.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:46 pm]
But as both of our sovereign funds have overlapping funds maturing, annually, the realised return, nirc we received and can spend from income realised by Temasek is indeed 8%.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:50 pm]
That's swf investment strategy target 10 years investment returns but taking higher investment risk.
Our sovereign funds use 20 years return at lower risk but still generate good returns annually.
I feel more comfortable with both our sovereign funds approach of 20 years investment horizons as compared to swf 10 years horizons especially in this more turbulence geopolitical climate.
Taking lower risk than higher risk will ensure our capital and wealth are safeguarded.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:53 pm]
Having say so, I will urge the government to consider my suggestion to set aside 10% for both Sovereign Funds to engage trusted well performing funds management to further boost our earnings.
I support our government explanation and approach of both Sovereign Funds current investment approach - that will ensure our sovereign wealth and CPF are more safely invested.
G, [12/1/2026 4:53 pm]
Comment doesn't make sense.
Comparisons above vs other SWF are historical, not future projections / risk appetite
Fact is, over the last 10 years, GIC and temasek have underperformed quite badly vs other SWF
365, [12/1/2026 4:55 pm]
Investment opportunities might be another factor, I would expect both to have their individual access to private investments not available for other investors.
In terms of scale, Canada has more advantages, coupled with their natural resources that some of their organizations can profit off of.
Glosema group article also points out that GIC has a more conservative approach, "lower in risk and rich in diversification". This naturally trends to lower performance than the peers, especially since the last 5 years have seen some huge recovery and boom in equities growth post covid, which favors profiles with a riskier appetite.
Compared to their 20 year timeline, 2008 is almost 20 years ago, though not quite yet. After 2008, it's been unprecedented continuous growth until covid hit in 2020, so most of the growth is definitely weighted between these 12 years.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:55 pm]
I have a chance to learn from a very strong mathematician.
He use statistics, with graph and charts to show historical trends - and indeed proven that our 20 years investment horizons is a proven investment model for safe and trusted investment.
Consistently deliver the promised returns year in and year out.
He told me this is math - empirically reliable and always proven - that can ride over few swan events like COVID, financial crisis.
365, [12/1/2026 4:57 pm]
If there's any statistics for other funds to compare their 20 year to 10 year annualized returns, I would be interested. Post 2008 recovery had a long bull run. I would expect most funds to have their 20 year to beat their 10 year.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 4:58 pm]
Yes, going with math model, both our sovereign funds is almost sound averaging out 20 years instead of 10 years.
365, [12/1/2026 4:58 pm]
There's multiple differentiator and reasons, but private investment opportunities I think has to be one of the bigger ones
365, [12/1/2026 4:59 pm]
If we take the US for example, their military industrials is raking in big for them, I doubt other nations can invest in it
G, [12/1/2026 5:01 pm]
Difficult to find readily available public stats for 20 yr SWF historical performance.
So when Jeffrey threw out that 8% over 20 year stat, it's just a standalone stat with little significance when it cannot be compared.
It's like saying so-and-so is xyz cm tall.. so what?
G, [12/1/2026 5:03 pm]
Regardless, SG's SWF needs to perform a lot better since their returns significantly fund govt spending.. If they continue to perform at current low levels, then won't it be safe to say that taxes need to be raised to continue the current trend of increasing govt spending?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:03 pm]
I also have opportunities to speak to a few very experienced fund managers.
They say the averaging funds if pitch at 20 years can almost guarantee the return promise if the investment portfolios are very well diversified - because money if don't fall on one portfolio will go to other portfolios.
So both our sovereign funds approach of 20 years plus GIC well diversified investment though at a lower return compared to Temasek more targeted investment at high growth areas - will certainly make our investment risk lower.
Hence I am very comfortable with our Minister explanation and both our sovereign funds approach in investment.
One defend, one attack.
365, [12/1/2026 5:04 pm]
8% is to show that we are still safe long term wise, we still have buffer.
I never follow what was spoken and referenced in parliament, but GIC website shows return over 20 years ending 31 Mar 2025, denominated in USD to be 5.7%
365, [12/1/2026 5:04 pm]
Not sure if the 8% is after conversion, or if it's a couple months ahead adjusted for
G, [12/1/2026 5:05 pm]
jeffrey say 8% is temasek
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:05 pm]
Yes.
Math model don't lies.
Also actual return don't lie.
G, [12/1/2026 5:06 pm]
Yes, govt spending also don't lie. Money need to come from somewhere.
If SWF continue to underperform, and govt want to continue increasing spending, then how?
Need to raise taxes right?
G, [12/1/2026 5:08 pm]
https://www.mof.gov.sg/policies/reserves/net-investment-returns-contribution/
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:10 pm]
1. A good thing is our sovereign wealth is compounded.
2. That's every year, as we earn income, half is allocated to nirc to spend, half put back as capital.
3. That means, our sovereign capital become bigger and can be invested to earn higher return, in which our nirc also become bigger every year to fund our higher government spendings annually.
G, [12/1/2026 5:12 pm]
So that also means when the actual income earned is lowered, and govt still wants to increase spending, then taxes need to be raised to fund the increased govt spending right?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:12 pm]
4. Higher return means our nirc will grow bigger to fund higher taxes.
5. I feel comfortable with our government and sovereign funds approach to grow our wealth.
6. Slow and steady win the race.
Greed sometimes will burn our capital not to mention higher return.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:14 pm]
7. Having say so, I propose government do a fine tune to the current approach - ie. Set aside 10% of both Sovereign Funds to appoint few reliable high performing funds management to spread the risk to earn a bit more - hopefully boost our annual earnings to 6 % - our medium target.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:21 pm]
Btw I was briefed by some experience fund managers that given the current more challenging geopolitical environment, 10 years investment horizons is actually a higher financial risk - may not be a sufficient timeline to move investment funds around the various financial portfolio to reap higher returns and run away from more dangerous investment tools.
They told me 15 years to 20 years is a better timeline to earn almost guaranteed higher and safer investment returns.
I think our Minister explanation and both our sovereign funds 20 investment horizon is a math proven, sound and reliable approach.
G, [12/1/2026 5:25 pm]
Isn't this conflating projection vs historical returns?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:27 pm]
As both our sovereign funds have overlapping and mature funds every year - indeed it is a true realised return.
G, [12/1/2026 5:27 pm]
How does current more challenging geopolitical environment affect what happened 10 or 20 years ago?
That's like saying things happening today has the ability to change what happened in the past
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:28 pm]
Read global financial news.
Study economics.
Be conversant with statistics.
And prove the theory through hands on investment.
If not listen to experience funds manager explanation.
And look at empirical results.
G, [12/1/2026 5:29 pm]
So are you saying a 20 year projection or 20 year look back into history?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:31 pm]
Btw, any bank RM in this forum?
I think you can explain better.
G, [12/1/2026 5:32 pm]
You use "horizon". Do you mean looking into the future or looking back into the past?
This kind don't need RM to explain
G, [12/1/2026 5:35 pm]
If "horizon" you mean looking into the future, then how does that relate to 10 / 20 year historical performances of SWFs?
If by "horizon" you mean looking back into the past, then how does "the current more challenging geopolitical environment" affect events in the past?
G, [12/1/2026 5:36 pm]
You don't make any sense at all
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:36 pm]
I think 365 got a good grasp of what I mean.
G, [12/1/2026 5:36 pm]
365 comments are understandable and makes sense. Yours does not
G, [12/1/2026 5:43 pm]
If this govt wants to spend more and more money, then they better make sure their revenue generators perform better.
Don't hide behind comments like "bottom-up investor" and then ask Singaporeans to accept the low historical returns.
Because we know, if the govt didn't earn enough through and the NIRC cannot adequately support their spending, then they will take money from Singaporeans through taxes to fund their budget
Higher taxes just results in artificially increased costs of living
365, [12/1/2026 5:51 pm]
Generally a longer time period captures more ups and downs that a profile will experience compared to a shorter time period. It demonstrates the resilience of an investment profile. A shorter time period demonstrates how well it is performing in the current environment.
If we were to compare it as a standalone, is that the strategy is resilient but not as well suited for the current environment, might be slow to pivot. I honestly would expect this because there's only so much risk they can afford to take, they would rather take the win less than lose more choice.
If we can compare across funds to see if there's any general patterns between the funds, then we can attribute it to the financial environment changes (such as all markets down during 2008 financial crisis and covid).
I'm more curious on how the 20 year MA has trended to account for the overall resilience. We will expect this number to go up in 2029 since it will exclude the poor performance of 2008 by then.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:52 pm]
Good explanation.
You in financial field?
365, [12/1/2026 5:53 pm]
As to whether this is sustainable for budget, I really can't tell without the numbers to crunch. Just because they could use 50% of the expected long-term real returns in the past, doesn't mean they have been using the full 50%.
365, [12/1/2026 5:54 pm]
Just studied it in poly, but never delved into the field, so at most just a learned layman
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:54 pm]
Oh I also layman.
Did some study in Uni.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 5:58 pm]
But I do see a few real cases.
1. 10 years financial horizon - the investment return + and minus the targeted earnings. Not very accurate as the investment timeline too short.
2. 15 years horizons - almost always exceeded the targeted earnings.
3. 20 years horizons - the intermediate locked earnings achieved - almost will be able to well exceed the targeted earnings.
That's why I very confident the Minister Parliament statement is true and both Sovereign Funds investment approaches are on the right track.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 6:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
365, [12/1/2026 6:11 pm]
As much as I want to, I can't think of a good direct benchmark from public data. At best is to compare trend lines between the funds and not their actual returns, due to too many other factors in play. Comparison between multiple trend lines tell a better story on performance, if majority trend upwards and we are the only 1 or part of a few trending downwards, then it's alarm bells.
Private investment opportunities like I previously mentioned, currency strength, available reserves leading to different risk appetites, and even their geopolitical standing.
What's the worse for US if they take a loss? Print more money, hand out more bonds, and take the entire world with them through inflation. Much different consequences than if our own funds were to take a loss.
We do have losses such as FTX, but it's the nature that there are gains and losses through all investment strategies. Could be a small portion being allocated to these exploratory opportunities, as long as it doesn't tank the entire fund, I find it to be normal. The problem lies again in not knowing the numbers, a couple hundred million loss does seem huge to us, but how much is it in terms of percentage of overall assets?
If I have the data, my own benchmark would be how much for the 50% are we utilizing, and has that been increasing, decreasing or remaining stable? Granted there is good reason that the total AUM is not public information, I think it should be safe to at least reassure Singaporeans by giving us the utilization rate, or at least into allocation tiers.
G, [12/1/2026 6:33 pm]
HDB flats are not soldier barracks leh
"MP Ng Chee Meng (PAP-Jalan Kayu) noted that there were three serious fires that resulted in deaths in 2025.
He suggested conducting fire drills at public housing estates so residents get "more hands-on education besides head knowledge"."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/review-early-findings-hong-kong-investigation-wang-fuk-court-fire-5852651
Caleb, [12/1/2026 6:36 pm]
no need spam. Can just pin this msg will do.
G, [12/1/2026 6:38 pm]
"Questions were filed on whether the government was satisfied with the performance of GIC & Temasek..."
When the board of directors in GIC are
Chairman:
Lee Hsien Loong
Deputy Chairman:
Lawrence Wong
Directors:
Gan Kim Yong
Heng Swee Keat
Lim Hng Kiang
...
https://www.gic.com.sg/who-we-are/board-of-directors/
Khai Mun L., [12/1/2026 8:14 pm]
I don't bother with the financial performance during these 'boom' times.
Why these critics never complain why we not follow the average market losses during the downturns. Instead, sg made profits
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 8:16 pm]
Hmm ..
That's a good observation.
Averaging out the returns will give us sustainable and consistent income annually.
Whereas a year return to measure and conclude our sovereign funds not doing well this year while other funds are doing well is not a good comparison.
Khai Mun L., [12/1/2026 8:19 pm]
And our sovereign funds are not actually 'not doing well', they are still making profits.
It's like I won 3rd prize in 4d, but still complain i underperforming because i didn't get the top prize
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 8:22 pm]
Yes.
In fact I like both our sovereign funds approach in investment and safeguarding our wealth and CPF.
It is time tested and proven.
I also use similar model to invest my passive income.
One defend, one attack.
For decades, the income return is respectable and consistent though I don't do as well as GIC and Temasek percentage return.
But still respectable and safe.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 8:28 pm]
่ทฏ้ฅ็ฅ้ฉฌๅ。
Long distance runner see the real potential of the horse stamina.
A short sprint though very fast can win in short term - but cannot last.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [12/1/2026 8:29 pm]
We are running a marathon, not a sprint.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 8:52 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan ๐
365, [12/1/2026 8:59 pm]
Yeah agreed on this, they obviously have to manage the risk, and lower risk is naturally lower returns, but also lose less in a downturn. Since this is tied to budget, the better metrics will be the utilization rate, if it's near the 50% cap consistently then it's a cause for concern.
REACH Singapore, [12/1/2026 9:04 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan ๐
====