MAGAZINE CONTENTS
COVER STORY
44 Banking on the right bet?
Ridwan Abbas delves into the industry to find out what
investors are really getting into when it comes to land banking.
In every issue
06 KEEPING SCORE
08 SMART MOVES
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
12 SHELTER FROM THE STORM
While equity remains an underweight asset class, there are still pockets of opportunities to explore
16 FROM BUSINESSMAN TO RELIEF WORKER
Serge Pun of Yoma Strategic lends a helping hand to Cyclone Nargis-afflicted villagers in Myanmar
20 SPORTS WEAR FABRIC IS ITS BUSINESS
Polyester fabric maker China Taisan wins in the sports apparel boom
22 THE ART OF RESTORATION
Switzerland-based Nobel Biocare targets Asia Pacificís untapped aesthetic dental industry
24 FOUR MILLION RABBITS AND COUNTING
China Kangda Food expands its rabbit farms to increase production capacity
26 PLASTICS MAKER GOES IPO
China-based Combine Will joins the rank of SGX-listed companies
28 FINDING VALUE IN DARK TIMES
A strong Singapore currency may be a signal to invest offshore
30 OPTIMISM AMIDST THE OIL SPIN
A material slowdown in China triggered by the possible lifting of oil price subsidies may just be the needed break for a US equity market rebound
32 AMIDST INFLATION AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES
An update on how global equities are holding up in light of rising prices and slowing economic growths
34 FAVOURING ASIAN EQUITIES
Why investors should keep overweight exposure on Asian stocks
36 WARRANTS MAKE THEIR MARK
Warrants market posts healthy growth in the first six months of 2008.
38 NEW PEAK FOR BUSINESS PARKS
Occupancy rates at business parks are expected to breach 90 per cent by end of first half 2008
39 THE IMPORTANCE OF GREEN IT
Jo-ann Huang finds out how a sustainable eco-friendly IT framework can reduce energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions
41 ANALYSTS’ CALL
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
51 A PASSION FOR ASIA
Invesco Hong Kongís Maggie Lee talks about the long-term story for Asiaís infrastructure sector
54 A TALE OF TWO BANKS
Andrew Chiok interviews the heads of wealth management at UBS AG and BNP Paribas
57 OUTLOOK FOR ASIAN BONDS
SSgA provides details on why investors should opt for Asian bonds
58 INCOME FOR LIFE
An annuity is the way to ensure that youíll never
run out of money.
60 THE AUTHENTIC FA
More than just selling a product, the financial adviser should be able to forge strong personal ties with clients.
62 THE RICH AND THE INSURED
The fundamental needs for insurance coverage never change
64 S-T-R-E-T-C-H YOUR DOLLARS
Combat rising costs with these practical money
saving tips
66 THE HR CONNECTION
Organisational culture can spell the difference between a companyís success and failure.
68 SOLUTIONS FOR CAPITAL MARKETS
Serisys expands operation in Asia
70 MARKET INDICATORS
74 WARRANTS BRIEF
75 SCORE BOARD
EXECUTIVE CLASS
83 HOME IS WHERE THE CAR IS
Hayden Properties launches a high-rise luxury residential property with elevated parking concept
86 TRADITIONAL THERAPY WITH A MODERN TWIST
Acupuncture that is painless, hygienic, quick and mobile
88 ASTRONOMICAL INDICATIONS
Horological innovations that are set to awe watch aficionados
91 MID-AUTUMN GOODIES
Appetising mooncake flavours to tempt your palate this festive season.
93 NATIONAL DAY SPECIALS
Hotel packages for gastronomical and relaxing treats
94 CHATELAINE OF YOUR CHATEAU
Be the mistress of your own historic pile in picturesque France
96 PRODUCT FEATURES
 Market sentiment remains mixed on where the US economy is headed. While many thought the residue of the sub-prime saga has subsided, the collapse of IndyMac tells a different story.
But while the US economy is still in a quandary, the Singapore dollar has gradually found its steam. This edition looks into the rising local currency and how it’s bringing opportunities for investors to seek asset classes not only in the home front, but also offshore.
Getting more for the value of their money, some investors have become attracted to investing in properties abroad. One of which is land banking. Proponents of this type of investment have established quite a regular attendance in several trade shows recently. The scheme allows investors to purchase a plot of land in far-away Canada or UK and hopefully make their profit when the value of the land appreciates after re-zoning.
While the idea seems a very good way to diversify and let money grow passively, the risks are also high. Our cover story this month probes into the promises of land banking and what retail investors should know before plunking their money into it.
Analysts and fund managers continue to view equities with an underweight rating. Yet given the pessimistic scenario, confidence in the prospects for Asian economies is very encouraging. Our story on page 12 uncovers some gems that show strong fundamentals despite the overall gloom.
As Singapore celebrates its 43rd National Day this month, we also feature some offering by several hotels for this special day.
Enjoy the read!
Azhar Khalid
President, Singapore Publishing
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