Moving up!

Tomorrow would mark the end of my nomad days! Having been in Singapore for the past 6 years, I have been living like a nomad, moving from one place to another. Despite being a landlord, sad to say, I have not stayed in any of the properties I bought. Finally, with my dearest partner, Ryan, my dream came true this year.

Infact many things came true this year,

Alpha Marketing was invited to exhibit at Marina Bay Sands - SMART Investment Expo this year. And we did not pay a single cent for the booth. We were invited, yeah, it was that great!

Ryan & Myself - Business Partners for life

Our booth was one of the most visited booth as we offer free maps and people going through our books and stop to talk to us about real estate in Malaysia.

Thomas Ong & Stephanie Ong, Malaysia Commercial Property Tycoon. Very nice couple too.

Hubert Ong, Thomas Ong & Desmond Lin - MISS members

Our banner is right behind the podium, even SMART Expo colour is the same as Alpha.

Thomas speaking on stage

A strong crowd of more than 200 people stayed back to listen to Thomas

Volunteers for the day. Yang Loong & Valen

 

Due to very encouraging response from SMART Expo and request by members, we have decided to organise another property tour, and this is none other than Iskandar Malaysia. During the expo, I have about 4 - 5 Alpha Ambassadors to assist us in giving out fliers and explaning to people of what we do, and almost everyone who signed up as member, asked us about Iskandar. So, we thought, why not we visit Iskandar to see for ourselves! And the take up rate was very good, a lot were left dissapointed too cause I only have rooms for 35 pax. 

 

 

 

Recently we have been approached by a few developers from Malaysia asking if we could share their projects with our members. But we have been very very cautious of not accepting just any deals that being proposed as Ryan and I have a relatively strict criteria for our investors. Having done a few co-investment deals for the group, I think we are getting more comfortable now than 6 months ago when we started. Got a lot of contacts along the way and I am definitely looking forward to expand Alpha and grow my investor base.

 

When I first started investing in properties, I only wanted to own 5 properties before I turn 30 years old. I am 27 this year and well, I have 4 in Malaysia and 1 in Singapore. The secret is, never stop believing in your dream. 5 is nothing as compared to those who own 30 over properties but I dont think I want to play the number game, Five is good for now. My new resolution would be another Singapore property in the next 2 years. :)

 

 

Mid of year 2012

The year 2012 has been a crazy year! And it is not even year end yet!

Earlier this year, Ryan got our bazi reading done and did a self evaluation fengshui of our current house. Don't quite remember what did Joey Yeap's disciple said but basically I would have some luck in networking, business and gambling/investing. Apparently business will come after us to expand our portfolio but real wealth would have to wait.

Career wise, I would have a smooth progression with potential of further promotion or increment. So far, it has been pretty good. But gotta monitor my health. Which is very true, I have been failing sick pretty often after my trip to Hong Kong last year. I have just recovered 2 months ago after a strict diet and medication.

In April, again I went to Kek Lok Si Temple for fun during my annual "cheng beng" prayer to my anchestors. Despite being born Catholic, I don't mind giving my respect at Chinese Temple, and again being superbly superstitious, I draw a divination lot and got it decipher by the monk. Apparently abundance of wealth and marriage luck in the air 0.o

Alpha also took one of the bigger step ever by organising her first and virgin property tour. It was a full 20 pax plus investors from Singapore! Definitely an honour to host them!

Marcus Chu of REIGN & Jacob Tay Co-founder of IProperty also part of the entourage. Guess what, even the Head of Wealth Management of BNP Paribas joined us and now he is our close contact! We are forever grateful to have met people like them!

There are a lot more whom we have met, Mr Ho Chin Soon, Milan Doshi, Juanita Chin, Thomas Ong, Trutz Winter and many more property investors who are very successful in their own respective way. This journey is trully a life changer!

To date, I have organised countless events thanks to great response from fellow investors. Be it property investment or gold/silver investment. My fee is very reasonable and I also work on a commission basis. SOmetimes I work for free just to get names into my portfolio.

What started as a passion has definitely grown into a business! On average I receive at least one email from client seeking my service to join them in organising or a cooperation. However, I need to be careful in who and which organisation that Alpha/MISS is associated with to avoid being seen as bias and losing our stand as an agnostic club. We don't charge any membership fee and MISS is open to everyone be it new or seasoned investor. 

One of the reason MISS is formed was to bring Malaysian investors residing in Singapore together to mingle with rest of the investors and educate those who are less familiar with Malaysia real estate. I heard too many unfortunate stories of Singaporean getting burnt in Malaysia real estate hence, being a Malaysian, I felt it was a calling to debunk the myth! You CAN make money in Malaysia! Get yourself educated, mingle with SUCCESSFUL investors who are familiar with Malaysia and take action. If you do not have enough capital, then co-invest with someone you can trust.

Sometimes you just have to put your skeptism away for a successful joint venture, if you cannot trust your partner, then do not put your money in. And do not over analyse until paralyse. Every investment has its inherent risk, if you cannot sleep then better don't invest. Investment is not for the faint hearted. 

As Ryan and myself have basically exhausted our borrowing capacity, we co-invest with other investors in commercial deal. Believe it or not, none of these investors are my friends whom I know before my real estate journey, rather, these are people whom I met at real estate event. They trust our findings and believe in us. Some merely know us for a week, and willing to join us in our investment! Isn't it amazing! One investor told me, "I don't know who is the developer, I don't know who is Thomas Ong, but if Melissa says it is a good buy, I'll buy". Like wow! Perhaps I should become a real estate agent! Trully an honour!

Another surprise came into my mail box.

An invitation to be part of SMART Expo and we get a table and publicity for free!

Usually event like this would cost S$2-3k for a booth or a table. And we are honored to get such privilege at Marina Bay Sands expo! Usually Alpha tags along with Mr Ho at his event. This time we got a direct access to go under Alpha's name!

And the last sweetener of the day!

I finally got a condo in Singapore!

Okaylah, I didnt buy myself, it is a co-investment with Ryan. Somewhere near city. Will be getting the keys in November the latest!

Thank you God for answering all my prayers and thank you fellow investors for propelling my business to another level!

Okay, gotta plan for my exhibition and redesign my website! Oh boy oh boy! It is good to be busy for your own business!

Year 2011

Haven’t been blogging for a long long time. I guessed, there aren’t many people who actually reads my blog, rather this blog captures all the past moments and my future aspiration.


Let's see, what happened in year 2011

- Broke up with my bf of 4 years. It was heart breaking and I always wonder if I would regret in future but what's done is done, it was a wonderful 4 years. No regrets as he brought out the best in me and I am who I am cause of him. However, knowing my competitive nature and go-getter, I need to get out the comfy and chilling zone. I need a guy who would push and spur me further. He was my best friend and it was the hardest decision ever.

Then: The funny guy

- Met an investor friend, turned business partner and lover. We are so similar in so many ways. Both are equally bad at housework, bad at roads/directions, hate durians, love business and investment. We can talk hours on property investment and our usual date revolves around meeting business partners, attending seminar or property launches. Our weekends are usually packed. In a way, I am glad I met him. He redefines the focus of my life, the only guy who always tries to challenge me, but still lose nevertheless. :D

Now: The serious guy



- Started Alpha Marketing Singapore

-  Ventured into event management (Mini scale private function)

-  Cousin Sam and best buddies Chan & Kamz got married

- Volunteered in a few charitable organisation, Rotaract and Junior Achivement

Merce Fund Raising Campaign @ Orchard Road

- Appeared on Singapore Business Times, Malaysia News Straits Times, Singapore Channel News AsiaOne and Ho Chin Soon book 5.

- Went to see Mickey Mouse and Stanley Ho

- Bought a car in Singapore on my own.



- Added 2 more props into my portfolio.

Well, I guessed, thats pretty much about it for year 2011.

As for 2012, I am looking forward to a greater year ahead! Hopefully could add one Singapore property to my portfolio and I am done for the year.

Happy CNY ppl.

Featured in Malaysia New Straits Times Property

Patrick of Patchay.Com and myself were interviewed by Nicholas Leong from NST Property few weeks back. It was a casual chit chat rather than a serious interview.

The content are more or less repetitive of my Business Times feature, but any publicity is good for business.

There is another developer launch coming up, price is relatively affordable. Please go to AlphaMarketingSg.com for updates on the deals. You can also sign up as member to get access to the articles.

Inefficiency

After 2 weeks, I am still featured on AsiaOne.com. ;)

I went back to KL yesterday (reached Kajang at 2am), thanks to the coach's delay (NICE owned by Plusliner Sdn Bhd - suppose to depart at 7.15pm but bus only arrived at 8.30pm) and horrendous jam at the causeway! It is pure common sense that Friday night has the most traffic that commutes between Singapore and Malaysia, yet our dear Immigration Department thinks one lane of immigration clerance is enough to cater for the masses of migration!

The traffic was very smooth from the bus terminal to Singapore immigration, but once we reached JB soil, I can see dozen buses ahead of mine! And the implementation of biometric scanning for foreigner adds to the anguish of travellers.

Sometimes I cannot comprehend why on earth we have idiots sitting at the driver's seat (as in governing our country).

Implementation of unnecessary system at untimely hour! It took me 3 precious hours just to cross the border!

On surface, the government of Malaysia seems to be welcoming Singaporean but I have no freaking idea, why did they introduce biometric scanning! Besides, system breakdown in Malaysia is a norm, Why can't they just CHOP, CHOP like every other country? The hassle of this would be detrimental to the development of Iskandar Malaysia. Iskandar Malaysia cannot take off without foreign money pouring in, in particularly Singaporean money.

Malaysia Government loves to come out with new unnecessary project and initiative that cost a bomb but adds NO VALUE to the Raykat, it is very apparent it is a stance to suck out more taxpayer's money. No country is perfect and free from corruption but can YOU please implement something that at least benefits the Rakyat like a

1) MRT vs 100 storey warisan merdeka.
2) Scholarship to those in need vs 1.8m Facebook project
3) Increase civil servant salary (so that they don't corrupt) vs 1Msia email project.

I don't mind corruption if things are done properly, but the crappy thing about Malaysia government is that, they award projects to Tom, Dick and Harry with a bt or bte at the back, blow the budget and yet deliver shoddy work. If you want to protect your bumiputeras, I do not mind, at least train them to deliver better quality and service.

And please, can you start work on the bullet train between Singapore and Malaysia already? I don't care who gets the tender, just make sure they get it done properly and don't cut corners.

Thank you for your defense

Good to know you are always there to support me in good and bad times. And good luck in being a landlord and getting a girl friend :D

Channelnewasia forum

Have been rather upset after my feature was being scrutinised and critised in a few Singapore forum recently, I do not blame the forumers for they do not know me well enough. But he defended me on the forum. I guessed noone could ever understand me as well as he did. He witnessed first hand how I cried every night missing my family and stressing at work, my anxiety in buying my first property, my sleepness night when my unit untenanted for 2 months and all my ups and downs at work.

Instead of smearing the name of your ex, isn't it great that your ex comes to your defend when you are defenseless? I believe in karma, what comes around goes around. Once again, a big thank you!

Why invest in Malaysia?

Ever since my feature was out, forumers have been debating if Malaysia is a better bet as compared to Singapore real estate? With all due respect, I think if I have the cash, I would invest in Singapore as compared to Malaysia. As land is scarce in Singapore, there will always be demand for reasonable price property. But due to constant Singapore Government intervention, the rich gets richer while the middle class stays put. So, the only way to get out from that category is by investing elsewhere. I am not going to debate why property is better than shares, cause I failed at shares. I did invest in shares for a brief moment but I can never understand why it went up on certain days and drop the next minute. It was beyond my control. I broke even in my shares trading.

Now, why Malaysia?

1. Strong Singapore currency.

Having a strong currency is an advantage as we (Singapore earners) can easily secure a nice condo in a prime area at half the price. But then again, the shortcoming would be further depreciation of RM against SGD, making the conversion no longer attractive. Unless you have some local business in Malaysia to offset against your income. Else enter into a hedge, again not feasible when your cash flow is minimal.

2. Proximity.

Would you invest in Indonesia? Thailand? Vietnam? Or even US? If you don’t see yourself investing in such country, so apart from Singapore, where else can you invest? Malaysia is just a ride/fly away. Besides that, let us analyse the potential country to invest internationally. Starting from the west to east.

- United States
Plenty of foreclosure, time to load up the property, but massive subprime debt, distance a problem, no leverage avenue for foreigners.

- Canada
No data

- Europe
Same as United Stated


- Africa
No data


- Middle East
Dare to invest in Middle East? Not me.

- China/Hong Kong
Overheating prices, worst than Singapore, dare to go in now? Currency control measure, currency fluctuation, language barrier (for me, I can’t read Chinese), not familiar with local legislation.

- Thailand/Vietnam/Indonesia/Philippine/ Myanmar
Underdeveloped countries, politic instability, chances of currency control is even higher, they have yet to get their fundamentals right where the basic infrastructure and human needs are yet to be met. The gap between the rich and poor is too wide.

- Malaysia
Government a bit screw up, but still acceptable. ETP plans, upcoming MRT line within Greater KL, possible high speed train from KL to Singapore. Once this high speed train is made possible, connectivity makes easy. Similar to Hong Kong MTR that connects to Shenzhen, bringing vast business opportunity between both country. Singapore can only grow at a certain extent due to its size, it’s economy has to expand beyond its own backyard. The tipping point for Iskandar Johor, KL and Singapore is the high speed train, then we will be known as a Mega Region as popularised by Mr Ho Chin Soon.

3. Population growth
While Malaysia is hit with high percentage of brain drain, we still have locals from the remaining 11 states to fill in the vacancy in KL. At the moment, the population of people in KL itself is 7.2million (quoted from Tim Murphy, Buying Asia), which equals the population of whole Singapore.

So, where would you invest now apart from Singapore?

Singapore Business Times 20 June 2011

I recently got featured on Singapore Business Times 20 June 2011 in the Starting Young forum sponsored by Citibank. Oh, I have also started a real estate book distribution in Singapore. The authors that I am representing currently are Ho Chin Soon, Milan Doshi and Juanita Chin.

Check this out
http://www.alphamarketingsg.com/

Here are the write up!

Accountant Melissa Low tells LESTER HIO she eyes mainly properties with positive cash flow




MELISSA Low's firm belief in investment lies not in monetary terms, but in investing in herself.


To this end, the 26-year-old accountant takes the time and effort to attend investment seminars and to pore over books and research before deciding what to invest in.


Her passion for investment lies in real estate and to date, she has three properties in Malaysia to her name, with one rented out at a 7 per cent yield while the other two are still under construction.


Besides her main passion for real estate, Ms Low has also diversified into an online and book distribution business, where she sells books concerning real estate. http://www.alphamarketingsg.com/


Q: How did you handle money when growing up?


A: I was very prudent with money. Since young, I had been financially independent. My venture into business started when I was as young as six years old, when my neighbours and I would organise house parties and charge an entrance fee to other neighbourhood friends. In school, I would organise games and events where again I would charge a fee for participation.


Q: What sort of financial planning have you embarked on?


A: I've placed 60 per cent of my assets in real estate. I also have a few insurance policies in Singapore and Malaysia. I also invest regularly in unit trusts, which so far have been giving me a 30 per cent return because I invested in commodity-linked unit trusts during the financial crisis.


Q: Do you spend more or save more?


A: It depends on certain months. When I buy property, I will certainly spend more, but I consider that as an investment rather than pure liability spending. I only shop when necessary or when there are bargains.


Q: Do you use credit cards?


A: Yes. Having credit cards can be good for loan application if you pay your bills on time. The Central Credit Reference Information System or Credit Bureau Singapore keeps track of your credit record, which can be helpful when you apply for a loan, as a clean record can help you secure one much more easily.


Q: What got you interested in investing?


A: I was influenced by my dad, who is an entrepreneur himself. I was taught to be independent and work hard for what I want in life. When I joined the corporate world, I realised I was living paycheque to paycheque, and having an investment plan assures me of a side income as well as a way out of the rat race, as I have control of my finances.


Q: When and how did you get started investing?


A: I first invested in a bubble tea business when I was 23, which folded after six months. I then decided to earn passive income instead, and hence I started to actively search for real estate properties in Malaysia.


Q: What do you currently invest in?


A: Real estate is my main investment. I also invest in my own business, Alpha Marketing, which sells and distributes real estate books and research articles online.


Q: What is your investment strategy?


A: My objective is to buy properties with positive cash flow. At the moment, I only have one property in KL with a yield of 7 per cent and two under construction, one of which will be ready next year, and the third one due four years later.


Due to the new cap of 70 per cent margin of financing for third properties onwards, my investment activities has slowed down tremendously.


Secondly, I buy properties in prime locations and target the middle to higher income tenants, as I do not want the hassle of dealing with problematic tenants due to the distance as I am currently working in Singapore.


Q: How would you describe your risk appetite?


A: Prudent. I do my homework before putting my money down. I buy properties for yields and am not much of a speculator.


Q: What has your best investment been so far?


A: An office lot in the city centre of KL. I bought it for RM700 (S$284) psf, the project beside the office was launching at RM1.2k, that is already a gross RM500 psf gain.


Q: What has your worst investment been so far?


A: Most probably my bubble tea business at Wisma Causeway, KL. It was mismanaged and not quite optimised despite it being located strategically. It was also a hassle to manage as I was in Singapore. Long distance management is not suitable for a retail business.


Q: Any tips to share from experience in investing?


A: Do a lot of research and mingle with the right crowd. Networking is important.


Invest in financial education, attend seminars and set an objective when you invest.


Before you start parting with your hard earned money, set aside a few hundred dollars to be educated, be it through books or seminars. Take action only after you think you are ready.


In terms of real estate, look for undervalued, distressed and fire sale properties.


Q: What are your long-term investment goals?


A: To have five properties giving me positive cash flow before I turn 30.


Q: If you were a millionaire, where would you put your money?


A: I would invest in real estate and would like to set up hotels. It will be killing two birds with one stone, as I like businesses and real estate. Owning a hotel would be good.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know there are a lot critics out there questioning how did I do it, owning 3 properties in short one year.

First and foremost, I do not inherit any riches from my parents, infact I am funding my youngest sister's education to a private university in Malaysia. My capital purely derives from my salary as an accountant in an MNC, if you must know, I work in IKEA Singapore. Before that I was an auditor in KPMG Singapore.

My bubble tea business only cost me about S$2k to set up, if you convert into RM, thats about RM5k, how did I do it? Magic. Being an accountant, I know my numbers. My business was just breaking even when I close it down. Was thinking to revived it but again distance is an issue.

How did I managed to afford 3 properties?
1. I earn in S$, thats 2.4 times for you :) Don't blame me, blame the currency.
2. I don't go for long holidays, the further I have been to is Hong Kong, and even that is sponsored :D.
3. I bought undervalued property (not very much undervalued but still below market).
4. My dad's a contractor, so I save a lot in renovation as he only charges me for the material and labour :D (ES Interior - 012-3983903 ask for Mr Kingston Low)
5. I have got the guts to sign on the dotted line. I dont have much liquid cash in all honesty, you can rob me but there is no money in my bank account.

Cheers :D

Palazio Mayland

My dream came true early!
Palazio Mayland, Johor Bahru - Studio 484sf, Under construction.

Show unit 484sf

Construction until 9th floor.

TOP: July 2012

Moving on

Alec and I broke up the week after CNY, it was my call. It was not easy, he was part of my life for the past 4 years, day in and day out, he was always there for me. But somehow or rather, the feeling has faded, he loved me too much that I took him for granted, dictate how we should move forward. I was the captain of the relationship, I didnt want us to be an ordinary couple, I was trying to change him. He did change for my sake, but still I am not satisfied. I am selfish, self-centered. My parents gave me a long lecture when they found out.

Alec has great bond with my family and my extended family that is. Marriage was just a formality, we were married in their eyes. I am always in Alec's priority list, he places me above all things, his work, his time, himself.

Alec,
I am sorry for breaking up your heart, I know you were planning to propose next year, but I can't be giving you fake promises when I know I am not ready to marry you.

It might be the stupidiest decision I have ever made but what's done is done.

Summer Suites @ Jalan Sultan Ismail

Okay, no time to update. Here, a picture of what Alec and I have bought this month. Summer Suites at Jalan Sultan Ismail. Will blog more when I have got the time.

Summary of Q4-2010

As the year is coming to its glorious end, I shall recapped what I have managed to achieved this year. First and foremost as I have proudly declared over and over again on my blog is my very first major purchase. VK!

The very first time I wrote multiple cheques with 5 digits on it (downpayment, legal fee, renovation & furnishings), the very first time I screw my lawyer upside down and came to realised that lawyer afterall isnt that smart, not even if they speak the best Queen's English nor they sat for the toughest exams around. And, a lot investors too concurred with my findings, sigh, pathetic. Most importantly, the very first time being a landlord =D.

Aside from investment, I have left audit and joined my client, Ikea (yes, yes, meatball) for a finance role. I still remember 2 years ago, I was sent to audit ikea temporarily, it wasnt even in my portfolio. My then client (turned colleagues) were very nice and friendly, documents were given promptly and the environment was really good. Nice workstation, nice culture and I jokingly asked if they are looking for people for any role. Promptly after the engagement ended, I requested to be on the ikea audit permanently, and I have to keep reminding my manager to book me on her job. Well, and two years later, they have a vacancy and asked if I would love to join them, I was hesistant at first due to conflict of interest but got the green light from my audit partner to go after a grace period.

Networking wise, I have made lotsa investors friend from PMC and on facebook. It is great to have so many generous investors who dont mind to give you a few pointers on investment. But there are also the stingy ones that keep asking but refused to share their focus area and a few noobies that ask ridiculous question which is easily found online. I usually ignore those ppl, not that I am snobbish but clearly, you have no idea what you are getting into without enough research, how could you be a property investor when you don't know the different between freehold and leasehold?

Relationship wise, what relationship? I am free as an eagle! :P (I am so going to be murdered ;D). The other day, mum just told me so and so is getting married and so and so gave birth while I was busy surfing the net, and the obvious reply would be 'Oh, okay' right. The next thing you've guessed it, she asked me when is my turn. I turned around and looked at her, nonchantly I said, after I have 5 properties. Of course, she called me crazy for being so materialistic and demanding! But I further explained that, I am going to buy 5 properties myself on my own! (Indirectly saying that I don't need a man, aside from cleaning and companionship ;D).

I guessed that pretty sums up my whole year apart from the day to day 9-5pm usual stuff.

And for my new year's resolution! Hmm... I would need to shed a few kilos to fit in that dress of mine, try to jog at least twice a week to prepare for my expedition to climb mount kinabalu again. ( I climbed up 5 years ago without much preparation, think I didnt do well hence the second round). To learn as much as possible from my bosses so I could do better in my work, read up on commercial properties and perhaps JV with other investors to buy into commercial. Be more dilligent in keeping my face wrinkles free! (I can see fine lines around my eyes!) and improve my salsa dancing!

P/S: I am still attached to the guy I met online 4 years ago in case you got the wrong idea, but I always welcome new proposals as I need to QC my current companion to match against the market benchmark :D

Merry Christmas everyone!