As of 24 September 2008, the AVA has detected melamine in an additional 5 products imported from China. Two are flavoured milk and three are confectioneries containing milk powder as an ingredient. They are : This brings the total number of affected products to 8. The other products that were earlier found to be contaminated with melamine are:
i) Dutch Lady Banana Flavoured Milk;
ii) Dutch Lady Honeydew Flavoured Milk;
iii) Silang - House of Steamed Potato - Potato Cracker;
iv) 徐 福 记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Butter Corn Flavour; and
v) 徐 福 记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Cheese Flavour
i) Yi Li Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection;
ii) Dutch Lady Strawberry Flavoured Milk; and
iii) White Rabbit Creamy Candy
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The milk scare - AVA list of affected products
Great Eastern Financial Strength in Times of Worries
Recent days have been real busy with the failing of top financial institutions in the world. Many of my clients were concerned about their policies with Great Eastern after what happened to AIG.
It was assuring to know that Great Eastern have more than enough capital and financial resources to honour all our obligations (ie claims, maturity proceeds, surrenders, and other liabilities) to policyholders at all times.
MAS requires all life insurance companies to have a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 120% for their life funds. Both Great Eastern Life and OAC have a capital adequacy ratio of over 250%.
Our life funds have insignificant exposure to sub-prime and Lehman securities. The majority of our life funds is invested in fixed income securities, including corporate and government bonds.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Essential Protector - Free coverage for your kids when you are covered
Essential Protector - Click here to download Brochure
Most of us spend much of our days indoors. The fact is that we spend more time on the road than we think. It can be commuting to and from work, picking up the kids from school, or even for leisure. This means that you are highly susceptible to traffic accidents.
Essential Protector not only helps you cushion the impact of a financial loss, it will ensure that your family continues with their lifestyle in the event of such uncertainties.
Up To 3 Times Your Capital Sum Insured for Accidental Death & Permanent Disablement
In the unfortunate event of death or permanent disablement, your loved ones may be left with no financial support especially if you are the sole bread winner. This lump sum payout will help ease hefty medical bills and take care of your family’s future finances.
If you are a passenger in a public conveyance or private motor car, or an authorized driver with a valid driving licence driving your private motor car during the accident, you will receive double# your capital sum insured.
In the event that the accident happened when you were a passenger or crew member of an aircraft or helicopter, you will receive triple your capital sum insured.
#Capital sum insured will not be doubled for motor cycling accidents.
Guaranteed Acceptance
As long as you’re between 17-65 years old and are free of mobility problems and physical disabilities, acceptance into this plan is guaranteed.
Cover Your Child For Free
Cover yourself and/or your spouse with Essential Protector and your child (below 17 years) will be granted free cover for Accidental Permanent Disablement. Best of all, this free cover is extended to not just one but for all your children.
5% Renewal Discount
Enjoy a 5% renewal discount every year regardless of your claim status from the 2nd year onwards.
Cover yourself and your whole family under Essential Protector now and enjoy added assurance with this complimentary First Aid Kit that's ideal for use at home or during travel. Gifts are limited!
**********
If you are interested, please let me know. I can mail out the hardcopy brochure to you.
Thanks.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Car Insurance Quotes
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The information below are required in order for an accurate quotation. Please state your renewal date too. Thanks :-)
PS: You can also send me your vehicle log card via email or fax.
PS2: If you are recommended by someone, please let me know too.
Personal Information
Name:
Sex:
Date of Birth:
Contact no.:
Address:
Email:
Occupation1:
Occupation2: Indoor/Outdoor
Company Name:
Vehicle Details
Vehicle Make/Model:
Parallel Import: Yes/No
Body Type: Saloon, MPV, SUV, Turbo, Coupe, High Performance
Sum Insured:
Vehicle No.:
Date of Registration:
Year of Manufacture
Personal Driver Details
License Date:
NCD (Upon renewal):
Claim Experience (past 3 years):
Existing Insurer:
Renewal Date:
Hire Purchase Company :
Thank you
Higher interests and returns for Great Eastern ChoiceSaver
Higher interest rates for your money starting from 2.8% to 4.4%
For Cash and SRS - minimum term is 5 years
For CPFIS-OA - minimum term is 6 years.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Centennial plan from Great Eastern!
New product launched by Great Eastern!!
SupremeSaver
Premium Source Cash, SRS, CPFIS-OA only
Sum Assured 110% of Single Premium
Coverage Death and Total & Permanent Disability
Term : 5 years
Capital Guarantee at Maturity 100% of Single Premium
Cash, CPF-OA, SRS
SupremeSaver
Premium Source Cash, SRS, CPFIS-OA only
Sum Assured 110% of Single Premium
Coverage Death and Total & Permanent Disability
Term : 5 years
Capital Guarantee at Maturity 100% of Single Premium
Cash, CPF-OA, SRS
Single Premium --> Projected Maturity
$8,000 to $39,999 --> Yield 3.18% p.a.
$40,000 to $99,999 --> Yield 3.28% p.a
$100,000 & above --> Yield 3.38% p.a
This plan is only valid till end of Jun 2008. For any questions, please call me at my mobile 900-800-34
Monday, April 28, 2008
SRS - benefits and information
Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is:
§ a voluntary scheme that offers attractive tax benefits.
§ SRS account can be started with from just S$100
§ Maximum contribution to SRS per year for Singaporeans is $11,475
§ Contributions to SRS are eligible for tax relief.
§ Only 50% of the withdrawals from SRS are taxable at retirement.
§ Withdrawal from SRS account can be made over a maximum of 10 years (starting from statutory retirement age) to obtain even more tax savings.
§ SRS account can be used for selected investments to obtain higher returns
§ Reduce Tax and Invest at the same time.
Example 1:
| | No SRS Contribution | With SRS Contribution |
| Earned Income Less All Relief(s) | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| CPF Contribution1 | $10,800 | $10,800 |
| SRS Contribution | - | $11,475 |
| Taxable Income | $69,200 | $57,725 |
| Total Tax Payable2 | $3,382 | $2,407 |
| Tax Savings | - | $975 |
| Tax Savings Over 20 Years | - | $19,500 |
| Potential returns from SRS investments over 20 years3 | - | $470,423 |
Example 2:
| | No SRS Contribution | With SRS Contribution |
| Earned Income Less All Relief(s) | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| CPF Contribution1 | $10,800 | $10,800 |
| SRS Contribution | - | $11,475 |
| Taxable Income | $89,200 | $77,725 |
| Total Tax Payable2 | $5,588 | $4,107 |
| Tax Savings | - | $1,481 |
| Tax Savings over 20 years | - | $29,620 |
| Potential returns from SRS investments over 20 years3 | | $470,723 |
1. Based on existing income ceiling of S$4,500 per month
2. Based on existing tax rates for individuals below 55 years for Year of Assessment 2007
3. Funds returns estimated on 7% p.a.
Examples above are for illustrations only.
Calculations for fund returns are done using a financial calculator. If you would like to know how much tax benefit you can enjoy, feel free to let me know, I will do the calculations for you.
Year of Assessment 2007
| Chargeable Income | Rate (%) | Gross Tax Payable ($) |
| First $20,000 | 0 | 0 |
| First $30,000 | - | 350 |
| First $40,000 | - | 900 |
| First $80,000 | - | 4,300 |
| First $160,000 | - | 15,500 |
| First $320,000 | - | 42,700 |
SRS Contribution cap = SRS contribution rate x Absolute Income base
Contribution rate:
- Singaporean/SPR -> 15%
- Foreigner -> 35%
Based on YA2007 and onwards
Maximum SRS contribution for Singaporean/SPR is $11,475
Maximum SRS contributions for Foreigners is $26,775
Pls note that all contributions have to be made before 31st Dec each year.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Free quotation for Personal Accident Plans
For free quotation, please fill up the coverage required using the form below, and fax to me at 6417-5522, Attention to "Melvin Lim" please. Thanks. I will revert to your request asap.
If there are any questions, feel free to check with me.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Travel Insurance
+++
- Up to S$1,000 for delay baggage
- Up to S$5,000 for loss or damage of luggage
- One-way Trip cover for those travelling overseas to stay for a long period of time
- Annual Travel Plan to provide cover for the whole year, regardless of the number of trips you make
- Fire cover for your home contents whilst you are overseas
- Up to S$300,000 in the event of accidental death and permanent disablement
- Up to $600,000 in the event of accidental death on public transport
Round the clock - 24 hours Travel & Medical Assistance
Take advantage of our 24 hours Travel & Medical Assistance through International SOS Pte Ltd, which provides a host of information and services including:
- Arrangement of appointments with doctors
- Arrangement of emergency medical evacuation
- Arrangement of hospital admission
- Arrangement of repatriation of mortal remains
- Embassy referral
- Emergency travel assistance
- Foreign exchange information services
- Inoculation and Visa requirement information
- Interpreter referral
- Legal referral
- Lost luggage/passport assistance
- Medical service provider referral
- Telephone medical assistance
- Weather information services
New benefits:
- Up to S$300,000 reimbursement of medical expenses incurred overseas including treatment by Chinese Physician (subject to a maximum limit of S$350 in the aggregate per trip)
- Daily hospital allowance of up to S$200 if hospitalized overseas or in Singapore upon return
- Up to S$6,000 reimbursement for one relative or friend to accompany your children home in event of your hospitalization overseas
- Enhanced coverage for trip delay, cancellation, curtailment, overbooked flight/missed connections and hijack
- Coverage for trip postponement, interruption, hostage/kidnap and rental vehicle excess
- Free automatic extension of cover up to 30 days in the event of return trip being delayed under specified circumstances. For instance, hospitalization or been quarantined overseas
- Loss of personal money and travel documents of up to S$5,000
Brochure -1: Coverage and Benefits Details - click picture to zoom in
Brochure -2: Premiums and details you need to know - click picture to zoom in
For asap activation or brochure, please email me here
10 ways to overcome the shrinking dollar
Straits Times just published a very good article yesterday on inflation corroding the value of money. It gave suggestions on how to stop our money from shrinking. Click on news-article below to zoom up for reading. The article highlighted that if inflation is at 5%p.a., it will take just 10 years for the money to be reduced to $5,987 only. Huge sums of money in ordinary savings accounts will be affected most.
The gist of the article and towards financial independence is to ensure our value of monies will not reduce overtime...Imagine someone earning $3,000 monthly, and inflation is 5%p.a, meaning the actual pay is only $2,850 monthly. Calculate this, and you will find a loss in the money value of $150/mth, multipy that by 12 months...and the money loss is $1,800 yearly.! And this salary/money will keep on depreciating in value if there's no income increment and inflation keeps on maintaining the pace.
Singapore CPI was at 6.6% in Jan 2008, below is a new article for your reference.
Singapore's inflation hits 25-year high of 6.6%
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 February 2008 1328 hrs
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 February 2008 1328 hrs
All of us, from low to high income, need to protect our hard earned monies from corroding due to inflation , and price hikes (e.g. recent articles on rice being sold out and prices going up). Inflation is part and parcel of our life, it grows as our economy, Asia, China and India grows, we really need to ensure that we stay ahead of this race
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Singapore Divers, Diving Accident Insurance with SOS
Dear friends, personal accident plans are designed because no one can predict what the future holds. And it may be important to protect ourselves and loved ones from the consequences of an accident...its one way to shelter yourself and your loved ones from life's uncertainties.
In an unforeseen accident, the last thing an individual wants on the mind is financial commitments...but to concentrate on recovering....and above all, to have a peace of mind, knowing that a personal accident plan is in place.
Other than functioning as a Personal Accident plan, this plan also provides coverage for some sports that has a higher risk compared to others
Plan main features:
- Medical reimbursement, including treatment by chinese physicians
- Hospitalisation daily cash
- Evacuation and repatriation - SOS
- Exclusive 20% extra coverage for women
- Full benefits option for motor cyclist
- Extensive 24 hour worldwide protection with special terrorism coverage
- Coverage for death
- Major permanent disablement
- Other permanent disablement
- Total disability
- Partial disability
Section 1: Sports covered
- Winter sports or ice-hockey
- Horse riding or polo-playing
- Bicycle racing
- Canoeing, sailing or windsurfing
Section 2: Sports covered
- Mountaineering, rock-climbing, caving, pot-holing or hunting
- Hang-gliding, sky-diving or parachuting
- Scuba diving
- Boxing, wrestling or any martial arts activities,
- Military or police serving of a peace-time nature
- Please check with me if there are doubts or need more information.
- Email: Melvin.Lkw@gmail.com
For scuba diving, the Life Assured must is a registered member of a recognized national diving association or federation and is diving in accordance with the rules and regulations of that association or federations.
Important : This plan is not suitable if an individual engages in the sports/activities in a (1) professional capacity., (2) participates regularly in any hazardous activity or sports.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Schools step up checks as more kids hit by HFMD
Looks like its getting serious ..
But the childcare centres, schools are taking steps to prevent it from spreading
Below is an article from Straits Time today, pls click the picture to zoom it for your reading.
Eldershield information
About ElderShield
What is ElderShield?
ElderShield is an insurance scheme introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to help people who become severely disabled. ElderShield provides $300 cash payout every month (for up to 60 months) to those who are not able to do at least 3 of the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The 6 ADLs are washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility and transferring.
This money can help to pay for a type of care that is suitable to the patient's needs (e.g. home nursing services, day rehabilitation, nursing homes, etc).
Who Is Eligible For ElderShield?
All CPF Members (
An Affordable Insurance Scheme
Premiums for ElderShield are affordable.
Moreover, it is hassle-free as ElderShield premiums will be deducted from your Medisave Account. You may also choose to pay using the CPF Medisave Accounts of your spouse, parents, children or grandchildren or pay by Interbank GIRO, Cheque or Cash.
Background on ElderShield
Benefits Illustration of ElderShield Basic & Upgrade
ElderShield Basic & Upgrade
Benefits | ElderShield Basic Plan | Upgraded ElderShield Plan |
| Monthly Benefit Payout | $300 | $400 |
| Duration of Benefit Payout | Up to 60 months | Up to 72 months |
| Maximum Potential Payout | $18,000 | $28,800 |
| ElderShield Supplements | NIL | PH can purchase supplements from any of the 3 insurers as long as they have a basic ESH plan |
| Insurers | Great | Great |
More recent news on HFMD - Hand, foot & Mouth Disease
More recent news on HFMD
Main features of plan
- Hospital Cash cover arising from dengue fever, Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and Food poisoning (up to $100/day)
- Transport allowance (up to $60/accident)
- Medical reimbursement (Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment included)
- Daily companion allowance arising from accidents up to $80/day
- continue reading about plan - click here
- Transport allowance (up to $60/accident)
- Medical reimbursement (Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment included)
- Daily companion allowance arising from accidents up to $80/day
- continue reading about plan - click here
Below are recent news on HFMD:
- Singapore reports 2,727 HFMD cases - March 14, 2008
- HFMD: 585 hit, childcare centres on alert - March 27, 2008
- Main culprit for latest HFMD cases more deadly - March, 2008
Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention - HFMD
Symptoms
- fever
- sore throat
- ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
- headache
- a rash with vesicles (small blisters-- 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance.
- loss of appetite
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms.
Treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children under age 12 years.
Salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.
HFMD in Singapore
HFMD is present all year round in Singapore. Outbreaks do occur in childcare centres, kindergartens and schools. HFMD became legally notifiable on 1 October 2000. Although usually a mild disease, it has been associated with fatalities usually due to complications involving the heart and nervous system.
Advice for parents
Parents are advised to consult a doctor early if their child has symptoms of HFMD. They should also be alert to any change in their child's normal behaviour, e.g. irritation and sleepiness. Should they refuse to eat or drink, have persistent vomiting or drowsiness, parents should bring their child immediately to hospital.
Prevention
Children should be kept away from crowded public places (such as schools, preschools, play groups, markets and public transport) if they show signs of infection. Family members are advised to follow good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing, to limit the spread of the infection.
- Read more - Article 1 Health Promotion Board: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD
- Read more - Article 2 More HFMD cases reported this year
- Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here
Monday, March 31, 2008
Junior Protector for children - Hand, Foot and Mouth disease
Pls click on picture to zoom.
File size approx 600KB
New plan especially for kids' protection.
- Hospital Cash cover arising from dengue fever, Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and Food poisoning (up to $100/day)
- Transport allowance (up to $60/accident)
- Medical reimbursement (Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment included)
- Daily companion allowance arising from accidents up to $80/day
- and more, pls click here to email me for enquiries.
- Thanks!
Junior Protector
Overview
Our precious little ones mean everything to us. Which is why we do everything we can to ensure their safety and protection. At the same time, we also want the assurance that should accidents occur, we will be financially prepared to handle it.
Guaranteed Acceptance with up to $45,000 Cover for Major Permanent Disablement
Every child can be protected under Junior Protector. Acceptance is guaranteed+ for children age 1 to 16 years old, and this plan is renewable up to age 75.
+ Upon satisfaction of the terms of declaration
Hospital Cash Cover Arising from Dengue Fever, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Food Poisoning
With the increase in cases of dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease, and food poisoning in recent years, Junior Protector has extended the coverage to provide hospital cash cover arising from these 3 ailments.
Up to $30,000 Education Assurance Fund for added security
Upon the accidental death of the policyholder (parent), this fund helps to ensure that the child’s future education and daily expenses are well taken care of.
Unique Daily Companion Allowance Arising from Accidents
You may need to take additional leave to take care of your child in hospital at times. With this special feature, you will receive up to $80 daily to cushion the financial drawbacks of taking time off work.
| Key Benefits | ||
 |  | Protection 24 hours a day, all year round, anywhere in the world |
| Up to $30,000 lump sum payout in the event of a fatal accident | |
| Up to $3,000 for Reconstructive Surgery | |
| Covers death and total permanent disability due to terrorism | |
| 5% Renewal Discount from the 2nd year onwards | |
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD
1. Health Promotion Board: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71. The throat and tonsils develop small ulcers while the hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by a rash with characteristic vesicles (very small blisters). This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.
Symptoms
- fever
- sore throat
- ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
- headache
- a rash with vesicles (small blisters, 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance
- loss of appetite
Blisters on the soles of the feet.
(Photograph courtesy of KK Women's and Children's hospital)
Read more about the article here
Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here
2. More HFMD cases reported this year
Posted: 27 March 2008 1856 hrs - Channelnewsasia
SINGAPORE: There has been an increase in the number of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases this year.
The Health Ministry (MOH) has received 3,721 reports so far. It is alerting doctors to be vigilant and to detect new cases early for treatment.
It is also working with the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to alert schools to step up measures against HFMD.
If necessary, the Health Ministry may require the closure of pre-schools under the Infectious Diseases Act.
HFMD is spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets. This includes saliva, faeces and blister fluid of an infected person.
Symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers and rashes with blisters on the palms and soles.
Children five years old and younger are the most vulnerable.
MOH has discovered high circulation of the Enterovirus 71 among infected persons since mid-February.
The re-emergence of the virus is of concern as there could be serious health complications.
Read more about the article here
Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here
3. ARCHIVE 2006: More dangerous strain of HFMD on the rise in Singapore
By Joanne Leow, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 March 2006 1621 hrs
SINGAPORE : A more dangerous strain of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is on the rise in Singapore.
Of the over 2,000 cases reported since the beginning of this year, some 75 percent have tested positive for Enterovirus 71 (EV71).
EV71 can cause complications involving the heart and brain which can result in death.
The Health Ministry is concerned about the recent increase in HFMD cases in the region which have resulted in eight deaths in Sarawak and one death in Brunei.
There has been a sharp increase in the weekly average number of HFMD cases this year, doubling from 174 cases per week in February to 331 cases weekly in March.
But Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says it is not the figures he is so worried about, but the EV71 strain of the disease which was associated with seven deaths here in the years 2000 and 2001.
Young children are the most susceptible with two-thirds of the cases in Singapore aged less than five years.
The disease is spread through direct contact with an infected person and indirectly through contaminated articles.
Greatlink Ideal Investor
New Investment plan from Great Eastern !!
Maximize your returns with the lowest costs.
- ZERO policy fees
- ZERO Insurance charges
- ZERO Surrender charges
- ZERO fund Switching - free & unlimited
This is a pure investment plan - acceptance is guaranteed!
Provides Free Accidental death coverage
Your wide choices:
- 28 ILP funds
- multi-manager approach
- multi-style strategies
- funds available spread across different assets/classes/themes/sector/regions
- auto-rebalancing features for Lifestyles Portfolio*
- pls check with me for more info. Thanks. -Email me for info
Funds available:
- GreatLink Cash Fund
- GreatLink ASEAN Growth Fund
- GreatLink Enhancer Fund
- GreatLink Global Supreme Fund
- GreatLink Pan Asia Fund
- GreatLink European Equity Fund
- GreatLink Global Equity Fund
- GreatLink Global Optimum Fund
- GreatLink Global Technology Fund
- GreatLink Global Growth Trend Portfolio
- GreatLink Global Bond Fund
- GreatLink Global Value Equity Fund
- GreatLink Far East Ex Japan Equities Fund
- GreatLink Singapore Equities Fund
- GreatLink Global Intersection Fund
- GreatLink Stable Bond Fund
- GreatLink LifeStyle Secure Portfolio
- GreatLink LifeStyle Steady Portfolio
- GreatLink LifeStyle Balanced Portfolio
- GreatLink LifeStyle Progressive Portfolio
- GreatLink LifeStyle Dynamic Portfolio
- GreatLink Real Estate Securities Fund
- GreatLink Lion Japan Growth Fund
- GreatLink Lion China Growth Fund
- GreatLink Lion India Fund
- GreatLink Lion Global Flexi Fund**
- GreatLink Lion Asian Balanced Fund
- GreatLink Lion Vietnam Fund**
**Cash or SRS only
Friday, March 28, 2008
Great Eastern Declares Special Bonus - Coincides 100 year
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Great Eastern Declares Special Bonus of
$287 Million for 2007
This One-Off Special Bonus Coincides with
the Company’s 100th Anniversary
Singapore, 19 February 2008: Great Eastern is pleased to announce that its insurance subsidiaries, Great Eastern Life Assurance Co Ltd and Overseas Assurance Corporation Ltd, will give a One-Off Special Bonus for the year 2007.
This One-Off Special Bonus will be given to Participating Regular Premium Whole Life and Endowment Policies bought on or before 31 December 2006. It will be given in addition to the usual annual Reversionary and Cash bonuses declared for Participating life policies.
The bonus amount ranges from 25% to 100% of the usual annual Reversionary bonus or Cash bonus for Whole Life policies and from 25% to 50% for Endowment policies. It will be distributed from April to August 2008.
This Special Bonus for the two companies in Singapore amounts to $287.4 million.
The rates for the 2007 annual Reversionary, Cash and Terminal bonuses remain the same as 2006. These annual bonuses payable for 2007 (excluding the Special Bonus) amount to $799.1 million, comprising $593.7 million for regular bonuses and $205.4 million for Terminal bonuses. The combined bonus payout, inclusive of the Special Bonus, will amount to $1.09 billion.
The payment of this One-Off Special Bonus is in line with our commitment to give the best value to our customers. The strong investment returns of the Participating Funds in recent years have contributed to a stronger surplus position for the Participating Funds. Part of this surplus will therefore be distributed back to policyholders in the form of this One-Off Special Bonus.
This is the second time that Great Eastern has declared a special additional bonus, over and above the usual annual Reversionary bonus and Cash bonuses declared for Participating life policies. For the year 2004, Great Eastern Life gave a Special Bonus to all Participating Regular Premium Whole Life and Endowment Policies bought before 2002, as a result of higher investment income from the sale of OCBC Bank shares under the Selective Capital Reduction exercise by the Bank. That Special Bonus amounted to $214.8 million and cost $110.5 million.
Director & Group CEO, Tan Beng Lee, said, “Great Eastern is very pleased that it is able to celebrate its 100th anniversary with our loyal policyholders with this Special Bonus. In 2007, Great Eastern reached and even exceeded its 2008 PAT goal of $500 million. Our Profit After Tax was $546.9 million for 2007, about 9% higher than our target of $500 million for 2008.
We will continue to provide the best possible returns to our policyholders and to pursue service excellence to meet rising customer expectations.”
Great Eastern FY profit up 15% to record S$547m
Great Eastern FY profit up 15% to record S$547m
By Loh Kim Chin, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 February 2008 2032 hrs
SINGAPORE : Insurer Great Eastern Holdings said its full year profit rose 15 percent to a record S$547 million, but its fourth quarter earnings fell 18 percent due to the lack of a one-off gain.
For the three months to December, Great Eastern earned S$145 million.
With the record performance, Great Eastern is giving a one-off special bonus for 2007 to its policy holders. This will apply to premium whole life and endowment policies bought on or before December 31 last year.
In Singapore, the special bonus amounts to some S$287 million.
The combined bonus payout, including the annual bonuses of S$799 million for 2007, will amount to nearly S$1.1 billion for the whole year.
Great Eastern reported an 11 percent rise in gross premiums totalling nearly S$6 billion in 2007. But it took a S$44 million charge on its portfolio of collateralised debt obligations.
Profit from insurance operations jumped 33 percent to S$537 million. - CNA /ls
please click here to continue reading on the Media Release
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