Majulah Singapura! For many of us, these two words stir up emotions of nostalgia and thankfulness as we recall the days of singing the national anthem in school or marching in a parade during National Service. The phrase “Majulah Singapura” means “Onward Singapore,” and the national anthem was selected when we attained self-government in 1959. Living in modern, comfortable, safe, and secure Singapore, it is easy to forget that in the early years, observers doubted the survivability of our little city-state. Racial riots, lack of natural resources, high unemployment, widespread poverty, trade dependence in the midst of our separation from Malaysia, threats from neighbors including armed incursions and bombings, coupled with our limited military capabilities, cast dark clouds over the future of the new country.

Fast forward 59 years, and the world knows Singapore as a model of effective governance, visionary leadership, and resilient people. We are a young nation, yet we have much to be thankful for in how we have grown and matured together through the years. For us in the industry, we are especially thankful that the government’s leadership has placed our little red dot on the world map of global wealth management.

Similarly, the AIWM is young—it’s only 13 years old—yet as an industry, we have grown and matured rapidly through the years.

I’ve had the privilege to serve as a committee member for the past six years. Reflecting on the accomplishments we have achieved together, one of the initiatives I hold dear is the development of our philanthropy and giving-back efforts. The #couragefund and #feet2foster campaigns were heartfelt initiatives that marked the beginning of our journey in making a meaningful impact beyond the financial world. From there, alongside 8 member firms, we established the eight AIWM-Member Bursaries for SMU students, fostering the next generation of wealth managers. On Children’s Day, 4th October 2024, we will be having AIWM’s inaugural Charity Pickleball Tournament with the twofold objective of raising awareness and funds for the children at the Marymount Centre. Come join us and pick up the fastest-growing sport for a great cause.

These endeavors, among others, have reinforced our commitment to being good stewards of our resources and influence to create positive change in our community.

In tandem with our philanthropic pursuits, I had the privilege of initiating the semiannual Professional Excellence Educational Workshops. These workshops have become a cornerstone of our mission to enhance professional standards and elevate the competence of our members. By providing valuable insights and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we continue to equip ourselves to navigate the ever-evolving complexities of the wealth management industry.

Furthermore, my recent interview with Citywire highlighted the committee’s unwavering dedication to certification and training efforts within AIWM. (https://citywire.com/asia/news/aiwm-mulls-compulsory-certifications-for-members/a2446361) These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. I encourage all members to read the interview to understand the future direction of our association, as we continue to champion professionalism and excellence. Please also sign up for our AIWM Regulatory and Compliance Update scheduled for 12th September 2024, where, in partnership with Bank of Singapore, industry veterans will share their expertise and insights as we delve into the realms of cybersecurity, addressing and managing key issues faced by our firms.

As we look to the future, I urge each of you to participate in shaping the next chapter of AIWM. The Annual General Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, 26th September 2024, presents a vital opportunity for all members to engage with the community and show your support to the incoming committee members who will introduce themselves at the upcoming AGM.

In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your support over the years. And to the committee members whom I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside—Jolene, Chiara, Cynthia, David, and Bernard—thank you for your dedication, time, and energy put into serving the members over the years.

Happy 59th National Day to one and all!

With my best regards,
Edwin Lee