Lin Hanwei
Director, Financial Services
Lin Hanwei
Director, Financial Services
I started working at 14, and took over the household expenses at 19. More out of necessity as dad ran into financial troubles after my parents divorced. Looking back, it built my character and resilience in my early years. It also enabled me to chart my own path in life.
I thus signed on with SAF to fulfill a fascination I had, reading about the US Navy SEALs and UK SAS, since young. A motorbike accident ended that prematurely but I still consider myself fortunate having lived that dream for 7 years.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I entered the financial industry. Daunting at first, with all the same fears and reservations like everyone else, I was blessed with great mentors and an environment that allowed me to realise my full potential. I now try to provide that for others. Everyone deserves that opportunity in life.
I am also a living organ donor, click here to check out my CNA interview.
Newsletters
Articles Worth Sharing
Newsletter Issue 40 : Mastering the Skill of Learning New Skills Fast
Today's phone in our pocket has 100,000 times the power of the computer that landed man on the moon 50 years ago. Our world is evolving at breakneck speed today. The World Economic Forum projected that more new jobs will be created compared to the ones lost. Uncertainty remains about what these new jobs would be. But the time to change our approach to learning new skills has come. The time is now. The 4th Industrial Revolution has begun.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 39 : What is hurting Employees and Employers
There are many new things to deal with at this time while we are being isolated from life-as-usual. A new lifestyle, a new future and something that can be quite subtle - a new kind of burnout. It should do us well to be aware about this so we can learn to disengage when we need to. I wish you and your loved ones good health and may you continue to stay safe!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 38 : Holding Space in Difficult Times
Amidst a pandemic, the profound impact & discomfort of loss or the prospect of loss is felt almost universally. We may find ourselves and even those we care about feeling anxious & restless, which makes it challenging as we find ways to adjust not just physically, but also mentally & emotionally. At this time, emotional support for one another becomes ever more essential. Here, I'd love to share with you insights that can help us have a deeper understanding on the complex emotions that we may be dealing with, & the ways in which we can provide meaningful social support in our daily interactions through being present & holding space for others.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 37 : Covid19 - No turning back from a new future and reality
What the eyes cannot see is bringing countries to their knees as we write. The full impact of Covid19 is still unknown. It has ushered in a new reality for the World. Our lives will never be the same again. And Covid19 won't be the last. While we #fightasone, let's see how we can prepare ourselves and our children for this new future - together. Here are some good reads that I believe can help us rethink this new future and its possibilities. If you find these resources useful, please forward them to those you care about, especially at a time such as this. Cheers!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 36 : Make these 6 decisions
Here's wishing you and yours a very fruitful 2020, and the best is yet to come! Another year, and what better way to start it with a collection of thoughts that might turn out to touch your life for the better? I hope you could find something useful and share along with those you care about too. Cheers for a blessed 2020!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 35 : When the going gets Rough
When the going gets rough, it can at times be easy to lose sight of what we set out to attain in our lives, be it in our personal endeavours, work or finances. The process of going & pushing through such situations may not be most comfortable, but persevering and talking about how to handle them is necessary. These are perspectives I found useful and inspiring. I hope this gives you hope.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 34 : Trust, Relationships and Emotional Security
In many ways, relationships are key to our well-being, as trusting, fulfilling relationships lay the foundation for our emotional health and security. But to work through relationships and trust matters aren't always linear or clean - they can be messy and raw. Here are some articles that I found incredibly valuable that enrich us in our personal and professional lives.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 33 : These are simply worth sharing with you
Change is hard. To force change is harder. They usually don't last. Perspectives however, are easier to accept. They change our minds and maybe that's what we need more than change itself. I hope you enjoy these articles.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 31 : The Power of Tiny Gains
These are some rather transformative articles that could help you and those you care about. So please be free to share them. I hope you find them beneficial. If you like them, do drop me a note and I'll be very glad to know I've added value and touched someone.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 30 : How the World forgot to sleep
The lack of sleep being linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease isn't a happy story. Certainly not for those of us who are more conscious about building happiness in life. Please share this newsletter issue with those you care about. We can impact lives together!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 29 : Don't leave life without it
The Bucket List - chances are that you may not have made one. It is an interesting journey that we can take together. It's also a lot easier taking a peep at some of the most inspiring bucket lists that we have put together to share with you. Let's start one and live it out!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 28 : 8 Ridiculously Good Recipes That Only Take 15 Minutes
Since our taste buds are not working like black and white TVs. We know it's meant for some tasty good food. Yummy! Let's stay healthy, and also up our knowledge about making some nice interesting food. Here are some really good resources curated for you.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 27 : Life's most Powerful Lessons
There's a man in Singapore, that every time he concludes a business deal, he would go buy a plant and plant it somewhere. It's a simple way of giving back. He was also able to disengage and be with himself while doing something meaningful, albeit how simple it was. In this issue are some more examples of such life's lesson that we can benefit from. All we need, is to just take some time, slow down and breathe in the fresh air.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 26 : 3 Financial Wisdom from a woman with 3B Net Worth
There are just too many things that we know to be good for us, but have not yet become a part of us. Applying wise financial habits may be one of them. Here are some to learn about by seeing them from the eyes of a very successful woman - Oprah Winfrey. Change requires conscious efforts. I hope some of these thoughts will begin to be a blessing in your life. Cheers.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 25 : Come 15th May, Singaporeans have One more thing to be proud of
In case you missed the news, besides the big 3 - US, Russia & China, tiny Singapore would be the next to send a human into Space using a helium Stratospheric balloon capable of lifting an SUV. This is a 5 years arduous journey filled with many inspiring stories. A Visionary who saw the possibilities, followed by 150 applicants to be Singapore's first Astronaut, and finally an extraordinary individual to make the trip, laying his life on the line. Yet his project isn't about Space. It's about creating a better mental model for Singaporeans - that with the heart, mind and grit, we can do great things. Enjoy this historic moment.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 24: The Interesting secret
Or rather, this issue is about learning the secrets of being interesting. Even calling it a secret is a little too much. In today's world of overwhelming information overload, it's about paying attention to certain things that some people do to make themselves more interesting than others. We can all do better in life with a little dose of this knowledge. So let's dig in!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 23: The way we Think
In this issue, I'd like to do something different. All of the highlights are very interesting videos from TED talks about the way we think. The videos are between 15 to 30 minutes, but they are well worth your time I promise. Hope these resources will help create marginal changes in your life every so often. Let's be enlightened together!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 22: Why Happiness is linked to Deep Talk
Research seems to point to the fact that those who engages in deeper conversations with others are happier people. This is what I call a happy finding. It levels with what makes us human. We speak, we listen, we feel, we learn, we take and we give. And deeper conversations allow us to lift each other up.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 21: Half of the jobs in 2020 are not yet known
In the last issue, we discussed how robots will change our lives in the future. It has become increasingly important for us to keep our minds on the ball, stay sharp and stay progressive. If half the jobs in 2020 are yet to be known to us, how can we prepare ourselves and our children today? To face a fast changing future, we need to first understand it. We need to try and take a peek into this future and start to embrace change.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 20: Your Life is About to Change
We have come to a very unique juncture in time, where we are transitioning into the 4th industrial revolution. This is a time where technology as we know it will start to escalate in its rate of change. Our lives and jobs will surely be impacted. But how? It is time to consider this and take stock of where we might stand now and three to five years later.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 19: The Indispensable Power of Story
From a parent to a child, between friends and professionally in the workplace - there's something special about the role of story telling. And we've a lot to learn from the world's great story tellers. Some of the best are comedians, public speakers and politicians. But there's more. I hope the following articles will help you get started in this interesting journey of learning and exploration.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 18: Retirement dream vs reality
It's been a while since the subject of Retirement was discussed. In this issue's video, it's quite interesting to see how children have different ideas about Retirement. I'm sure all of us have our ideas as well. Yet life can mercilessly erode these dreams. But not if we are really serious about them. So how serious is your retirement dream?
Read moreNewsletter Issue 17: Some things don't change
The future seems to come at us at a faster pace than before. It brings along with it many questions. Will automation take over our jobs? What new jobs will be created? And which existing ones will be obsolete? How can we survive? Yet some things don't change. Understanding the things that will change and those that won't can help us carve out a better future.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 16: 2 Tips from a 116 year old
Most of us find it hard to change even when we know we need to. If only it's as easy as a walk in the park. But once in a while, a certain change of perspective is all it takes. Hopefully, today can be one of those time for you. We can gain some insights and wisdom from these articles that are worth sharing.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 15: The thing about Time management
Do we need to get better at time management? Or do we need to instead think about Time itself? More specifically, what it means to us - with the very limited time that we have. The answer would be different for each of us. But I'm rather certain that taking time to ponder about Time itself can be a fruitful thing to do.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 14: What you need to beat Diabetes
The World Health Organization's latest report says diabetes has quadrupled in the past 34 years. It's certainly something that we should care about. Not just for us, but also our loved ones. Here's a starter to help us understand and prevent this disease better.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 13: Hipster Hawker Stalls - Yummy!
Health is important, so is a good life and great food! One of the great thing about being in Singapore is that there's always new food places to explore. In this issue, I'd like to bring you to a couple really good yummy places - wrapped up with a hilarious video you don't wanna miss.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 12: Oh how beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Singapore is growing as a cultural center. But why is Art important? And how can Art, in its many forms make our lives better? Deep within all of us, there's a need for expression and appreciation. There's certainly more for us to explore and learn about Art. Do not miss the video below. Oh how beautiful this is ~ a celebration of art and life!
Read moreNewsletter Issue 11: Secrets of the Heart - Uncovered
It is always quite refreshing to discover new things about our health. In this case, Vitamin C is one of those surprises. Do watch the video below till the end ~ it could be a life saver. But please seek your doctor's opinion as well.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 10: The result of reading
The more we read, the more we can share. And sharing is caring. Here are a few interesting articles I'd like to share with you in this issue of my newsletter. Remember to pass it along to those whom you care about too.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 9: This isn't the bucket list
It isn't the bucket either. One good news is that more people are now surviving cancer. The other good news is that life expectancy has increased from 75 to more than age 80. But hold that thought for a moment - it's only good news if one is financially prepared to survive such a critical challenge.
Read moreNewsletter Issue 8: Creativity
We may have thought that creativity is a realm belonging to a selected few. But is it? In this issue, we explore together some interesting stories that may strike a chord of inspiration for you. You can be creative too.
Read moreWall of Trust
Testimonials & Referral Notes
MY WILL EXECUTOR!
I’ve always known Hanwei to be competent and dependable since our army days. We lost contact for some time so I was really glad to reconnect on Facebook and also find out that he’s doing insurance. I have since entrusted him with all my family’s policies from when I was single till now with 2 kids. My wife and I have so much faith in him that we decided to make him the primary executor of my will. My wife is the secondary. He thought we were crazy to do that! I trust him not only in life, but even after that. Come for dinner at our place again soon!
Mikki Lau, Senior Sales Manager
Azbil Singapore
DOWN TO EARTH
My first impression of Hanwei was that of a patient and honest person. He listened intently and answered all my questions with a down to earth demeanour. There was no trace of corporate fluff. And that was what ultimately helped me decide to join him and his team.
Since then, he has exceeded my expectations by showing that he is not only a good mentor but also a compassionate boss. I can tell from my interactions with him that he cares for his subordinates. Hence, I can look forward to a successful and prosperous working relationship.
Daryl Ang, Financial Consultant
ALWAYS THERE FOR ME
I have known Hanwei for more than 10 years. Since his days in the Army, I had known him to be a highly disciplined and determined individual with strong leadership skills. He was a strong team player who displayed great initiative and possessed outstanding management abilities. So when he left Service and pursued a civilian career, it was natural for me to let him manage my financial and insurance portfolios as I knew I could trust him. And my decision was right. He stood by me since the day he went into this business as a rookie and continued to do so even when he became a Director. He was always just one phone call away and ever so responsive to assist me with my queries and needs, and to provide assistance for my family as well. The fact that he continued to assist with my past policies after he switched company goes to demonstrate his personal responsibility and professionalism. This is service at its best. I hope he continues to do well and provide for the well-being of the society.
LTC Terry Toh, SAF Officer
HERO!
I first met Hanwei 3 years ago for a soccer game. He came across as a sincere and composed person.
Throughout my time spent with him, he has shown immense capability in managing difficult situations through his systematic and detailed approach to matters as well as his composure and highly disciplined character. He is also extremely well like by his peers, definitely an asset to any team!
As a friend, I've been deeply impacted by his compassion and selflessness.
Hanwei always takes the effort to understand one's situation and provide a listening ear. We spent good times chatting about anything under the sun!
Being Singapore's first living donors from the same family to donate to complete strangers, action speaks louder than words about the magnitude of his heart. A true hero talks less, does more. I'm privilege to call this hero a true good friend.
Elroy Lim, Management Consultant
Ernst & Young (former)
STERN FACE!
Hanwei has a stern looking face but he is actually quite friendly and very close with his team. He is like the ‘to-go’ person whenever i have something that I do not know. His knowledge of stuffs is something I admired about.
Another thing which I respected him a lot is he really keep up to his words, for e.g he will help to solve whatever problems within the same day even though he is busy with his stuffs.
Really appreciate to be able to work under such a great director!
Seow Huey, Financial Planner
FROM PLANNER TO FRIENDS
Having known Han Wei for the last 8 years, he has become a dear friend rather than just my financial advisor. He listens attentively and recommends products that addresses my concerns rather than push whichever plan that is in vogue. From education savings to retirement planning, our annual reviews give me confidence with the cover that my family has should something happen to me. That's the reason why I chose to stick with him rather than the insurance companies who may not have a varied product range and my interest at heart.
William, Airline Pilot
TRUSTED MENTOR
I have known Han Wei for a few years now, he is efficient, detail-oriented and very competent.
Knowing and understanding him as a individual makes me feel that he is someone that I look up to and whom I can trust.
I decide to join him in the financial industry as a financial advisor in mid 2019, because I know that I will definitely excel with his mentoring and guidance.
Goh Silin, Financial Planner
Financial Services
MY LIVER DONOR
Hi Hanwei,
Good morning, this is Eddie Tan Beng Leong, kindly allow me to send you a short message in mandarin, sorry as mandarin is my first language.
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Eddie Tan, retired
Liver recipient
DAD'S LIVER DONOR
In 2019, my father was hospitalised with acute liver failure. As the pillar of our family, he was a strong, stoic and loving father who overcame many challenges to provide the best for us - such a scenario was unthinkable. His condition deteriorated fast and a liver transplant became the only option left. It would seem that life throws in challenges like these when we least expected it.
Few people have the courage and altruism Hanwei displayed when he bravely stepped up to volunteer as an organ donor. We were touched by his generosity and we were impressed by the strength of his character. While Hanwei has humbly downplayed his sacrifice, it has meant the world to my family; it gave my father a new lease of life.
A takeaway I had from this experience was the importance of getting the appropriate insurance protection - we never know how the future will unravel. I was going to start my full time work soon, and I wanted to make sure that I got the appropriate protection early on!
Trust is very important to me and I knew I could count on Hanwei to recommend me what suits my needs best. Hanwei has taken the time to help me understand the various aspects of my policy. With his professionalism and years of experience, I know that I am in good hands.
Leslie Tan, Financial Analyst
FROM FRIENDS TO BEYOND
Hanwei has been our long time friend and trusted financial advisor. We really appreciate him taking time to understand our needs and showing genuine concern for our well-being. He would never recommend plans he doesn’t believe in just to earn a quick buck, unlike many others in this field. This is testament of his strong work ethics and integrity, which are rare qualities these days.
We are so proud of him that he has matured a lot over the years, and has learnt to treasure the more important things in life, so much so that he would unconditionally donate part of his liver to a total stranger for a 2nd chance at life. I also admire his resilience and positive attitude which have helped to see him through life’s challenges. Rich with life’s experiences, respectful and accepting of differences, and a deep belief that everyone has the potential to be the best they can, Hanwei will be an excellent mentor and supportive leader. And, he is really great with kids!!!
Effy
Full time mama
ALWAYS HAVE MY BACK!
There is this saying, in life we never lose friends, we only learn who the true ones are. That is who Han Wei is to me. We met about a decade ago through one of my colleagues and today, he is one of the closest friends I have which I know would always have my back. Right about 3 years ago, I was probably at one of my most challenging phase of my life and he was there every step of the way to help me out of the situation I was in.
That aside, I really respect his professionalism and integrity when it comes to work. He was really patient in explaining his craft, and would never suggest or sell anything to you that he doesn’t believe in. One of his biggest advice to me to date would be a mindset change to see it as a privilege and not a burden to be able to provide for people who depends on you.
Nelson Leong, Airline Pilot
Anytime, Anywhere.
Really someone to count on when you're in need.
Many people advocate the importance of having insurance but never want to be in a situation where you will need it. Unfortunately, there have been times where I have needed to use it. Fortunately I've had Hanwei to count on.
Anytime,Anywhere.
The last thing you want is to start remembering your coverage or what to do in an emergency. For those days, Hanwei has always been there for me to take the stress off my shoulders to address all the requirements and ensure everything goes smooth.
There are many insurance agents out there.
There are very few that have a human touch like Hanwei.
Jeya G
Principal Engineer, ST engineering
Meet my mentor
Hanwei has been my mentor since day one I stepped into this industry and I cannot be thankful enough for the guidance and advice he has given over the years.
He is a highly knowledgeable and selfless leader who ensures the growth of those under his wings. What I admire most about Hanwei is his work ethics in that he puts his utmost effort into everything he does and this has inspired me to constantly push myself to do better.
Thanks Hanwei and to many more years ahead as we grow the Quest Associate family!
Edwin Seet
Senior Financial Planner
DETAILED AND CLEAR!
Han Wei has helped me find financial products to suit my needs without burdening premiums. Even when I switched to become a full-time mom, he continued to advise me on how to prepare for retirement and ensure sufficient savings are accrued with whatever financial resources that I have. As a banker, I can appreciate the detail that he goes through to ensure his customers know what each product means for their needs. His consultations are clear, direct and most importantly does not attempt to upsell me stuff that I don't need.
Adeline, Corporate Banker
BUDDY FOR LIFE
I met Hanwei during our training days in the army. We have known each other for 14yrs and counting. Coincidently he was also my buddy. I can describe him as a man with focus, determination, discipline, meticulous, neat, patient, outgoing and honest.
I had a few financial advisor before Hanwei became one. But the way he approach my financial planing and insurance coverage was really into details. And hard selling was never his style. It is good to have a friend like him to be so passionate in this line. ?????
Charlie, SAF