HOIIO - A SIMPLE PHONE SYSTEM

Hoiio is a Singaporean company that simplifies VOIP (voice over internet protocol). It can help reduce your phone bill as it will transform your outgoing calls through its system into incoming calls. The result of the call quality is comparable to native phone calls.

Hoiio also provides a worldwide SMS service at economical rates. If I send an SMS from Malaysia to Singapore, the typical charge is SGD$0.31. However by sending SMS using Hoiio mobile app, the cost is only MYR 0.13 each!

Hoiio is currently available on Android, iOS and blackberry 10 devices. There is no contract to tie us down.

Upon your free registration, you will also be credited with SGD$0.50! Try it now at CREATE FREE HOIIO ACCOUNT

Sheng Siong Group: Still an attractive dividend play

Clear growth drivers going forward.  We hosted SSG’s CEO and CFO for pulse of Asia Conference in Singapore and a two-day NDR in Hong Kong, which drew keen interest from investors.  Population growth, store expansion, margin improvement and e-commerce will be SSG’s key growth drivers going forward.  SSG is a beneficiary of rising interest rates – a 1% rise in interest rates will raise  earnings  by 3%.

Revenue drivers in place, margins will improve.  With Singapore’s population projected to increase to 6.9m by 2030, SSG targets to expand its store network to 50.  Management believes that it can increase its network intensity further in the northern eastern and central parts of Singapore.  We also see margins improving going forward on better operational efficiencies and cost management.  Margin expansion will come from better product mix of fresh vs dry food, increasing contribution of house brands,more direct purchasing and bulk handling initiatives.  

E-commerce is kicking off and could be a game changer.  Developments for SSG’s e-commerce initiative have now accelerated.  SSG has completed the framework for e-commerce and is due to roll out the e-commerce pilot test soon.  We believe this can be a game changer for both SSG (better profitability) and consumers (time saver) alike as the pace of life in Singapore intensifies.

Maintain BUY, TP S$0.78.  We like SSG for its stable earnings base, consistent dividend payout and yield of 4.0%.  SSG currently trades at 22.4x FY13F PE, with an attractive ROE of 27.3%. Maintain BUY for a 15% upside to our revised TP of S$0.78, which is based on 25x blended FY13F/FY14F earnings. 

Aska Yang (楊宗緯) Autograph Session

When: Sunday, July 14, 4pm

Where: Bugis Junction, Bugis Square Level 1

Tickets: Free admission

The Taiwanese singer has touched the hearts of many with his pure and strong vocals. His latest album entitled "First Love <初。愛>" marks his third studio album since he left the singing competition One Million Star in 2007. 

The 35-year-old, who scored his big break as a contestant on reality TV competition One Million Star, will perform his new hits and sign autographs for fans with priority queue coupons (available in selected copies of First Love).

SIJE 2013 OPENING CEREMONY (040713) - MEDIA INVITE

I am among the first to see the show highlights at the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2013 opening ceremony on the 4th July 2013.

The event is opened by Guest of Honour, Dr Lily Neo, Member of Parliament, Tanjong Pagar GRC.

We were also treated to a stunning jewelry fashion show after the opening ceremony.

The expo highlight is an exceptionally rare violet-blue stunner, the largest natural tanzanite ever showcased here in Singapore and South East Asia. This 118-carat beauty priced at more than S$1 million is showcased by DeGem at booth G15 & G16.

Also showcased by DeGem is a rare 107-carat astonishing, fancy coloured diamond. Priced at USD$4 million, the soft cushion shape of this magnificent jewel is enhanced by its rich, champagne colour that sparkles brilliantly as the diamond turns.

Besides the jewelry booths from all over the world, there is a Japanese booth M15 by Eiko Kogyo Co Ltd that specialises in safes. On display is the secret safe LIFT priced at USD$10 000 which is operated by a power supply.

SIJE will be held at Marina Bay Sands Singapore Convention Centre Halls A & B from 4 to 7 July 2013. Exhibition hours are from 11.30am to 7pm. For more information, please check out http://www.sije.com.sg