Hey, 2018 is almost upon us. Taking the cue from his lovely wife, Heartland Boy thought that this is a good opportunity to set aside time to meditate, reflect and reminisce about the highlights of 2017. In no particular order, here are the top 10 highlights of 2017 for Heartland Boy.
1. Watched His First Ever Concert

The bumpkin kid finally had his first taste of a live paying concert. (NDP excluded)
Through her gym instructor, Heartland Girl managed to purchase tickets to one of the most sought-after concerts held in Singapore in 2017. Perhaps this was the only time Heartland Boy approved of her going to the gym so frequently. It was his first time watching a concert and boy was the money very well spent on Pen A tickets. Heartland Boy knows for sure that he will never get sick of watching the videos that he has taken during the concert.
Review of Coldplay A Head Full Of Dreams Tour In Singapore
2. First Overseas Trip As A Family

Scenic stroll for the family along Sai Kung Pier, Hong Kong
Excluding trips to Malaysia, his family has never travelled overseas together. In 2017, something magical happened as the entire family took a plane together to Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a country that many Singaporeans would be familiar with; hence it makes for a suitable first family holiday destination. A confluence of factors made this overseas trip possible. As a son, Heartland Boy is glad this milestone has finally happened because it is impossible to tell when the next opportunity would come by again.
Choosing Hong Kong For Our First Family Holiday Destination
3. Completed His Jakarta Posting

Bidding farewell to his company’s awesome drivers!
In October 2017, Heartland Boy repatriated back to Singapore to embark on a new role within the Group. Besides the appeal of learning the ropes in a new industry, Heartland Boy also thinks that too much time spent apart is also not healthy for his marriage. Therefore, he decided to cut short his overseas stint after spending 22 months in Jakarta.
This was a highlight in 2017 because Heartland Boy had completed all the objectives that he and his supervisor had drawn up since the beginning of his stint. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the day is truly satisfying.
What Heartland Boy Learnt From Working In Jakarta
4. Weekend Getaway To Luxurious Villa With Friends

A very happy getaway to Phuket, Thailand
Sometime during February this year, Heartland Boy and his group of friends, with their respective +1s, embarked on an overseas trip together. Even though it was such a short weekend get-away but they had such a blast at the villa together. Without his friends, Heartland Boy would never have the opportunity to stay in such a luxurious villa. The villa even comes with a mini-movie theater room! The fond memories and fun that they had means that they will definitely look back fondly about this trip during future meet-ups.
5. Public Appearance At Invest Fair 2017

Gave my first talk at Invest Fair 2017
During the 2017 edition of Invest Fair Singapore, Heartland Boy made a public appearance as one of the panellists. He was invited with some other bloggers to speak about investing at the various stages of one’s life (during your 20s, 30s and 40s). Heartland Boy shared his own challenges of investing in his twenties and the various strategies that he adopts.
This is definitely a major highlight of 2017 since this was his first ever public appearance as a blogger. The truth was that this was a unique opportunity to be able to learn from his seniors who have had more investment experience under their belts.
Heartland Boy Featured At Invest fair 2017 Singapore
6. Gave His First Investing Workshop

Organised my first workshop courtesy of InvestingNote
2017 is proving to be a year of many firsts as Heartland Boy accepted the request from InvestingNote to conduct a short workshop about his investment strategy. From the feedback that he had gathered, Heartland Boy was glad that the audience went away learning a thing or two about the investment strategy of Value Momentum. Honestly, the session was even more beneficial for Heartland Boy. As a result of the vigorous questioning during the Q&A segment, he has plenty to ponder as he continuously seeks to improve his investment strategy.
Re-Cap: Value Momentum Workshop
7. Celebrated Heartland Mum’s 60th Birthday at RWS

Hope That Heartland Mum’s wishes would come true this birthday!
2017 was also the 60th year that his mum has lived on planet earth. To commemorate this joyous occasion, Heartland Boy and his siblings held a celebratory dinner at Tunglok Heen Restaurant in RWS. Suffice to say, a dinner like this will never be able to measure up to the gratitude that the children have for her dedication and sacrifices.
Why The RWS Invites Membership Is Value For Money
8. Participated in SGX Bull Run 2017

We sure didn’t look this good after the race!
The last fun run that Heartland Boy did was the Nike Run 2012. During that time, he was still chasing after Heartland Girl. (metaphorically of course) Therefore, the 2017 SGX Bull Run made him reminisced about the courtship days again. The SGX Bull Run was one of the events organised by SGX to raise proceeds for the beneficiaries of SGX. It was even more special as both Heartland Girl and Heartland Boy were able to complete the run with fellow financial bloggers and their readers!
Win Tickets To SGX Bull Charge Charity Run 2017
9. Attended Dining In The Dark

If you are running out of ideas of where to go and eat, why not gather a group of friends and make a booking at this restaurant?
As part of a corporate training programme, Heartland Boy had the privilege of attending Dining In The Dark by Singapore Association of The Visually Handicapped in 2017. To be stripped of his eyesight was an experience that he has never gone through during his life. It was a very surreal and enlightening moment and he would readily recommend this as a very meaningful activity or CSR event.
Why Dining In The Dark Is A Good CSR Activity
10. Heartland Girl Got Her Clinic Up And Running

Heartaland Girl becomes a counsellor!
Finally, in 2017, Heartland Boy became a proud spouse of a budding entrepreneur. Heartland Girl successfully opened her psychotherapy clinic and began life as a private counsellor! Throughout this journey, Heartland Boy had ringside seat and witnessed how all her hard work and struggles had finally paid off.
That’s it folks. Do take some time to cherish the highlights of your 2017!
Hi Heartland Boy, what a fantastic 2017 you had! Love your articles and hope you write more frequently in 2018!
Happy New Year!
Hi My Sweet Retirement,
Thanks! Hope 2017 has been kind to you too! Thanks for reading my blog 😀
Hi Alison,
Glad that you chronicled your highlights of 2017. I’m never able to do it.
HAha…now that Heartland Girl has opened her clinic, may need to drop in for consultations.
Hi Fred,
Thanks. These are referral fees that I will never be able to collect for the rest of my life though. haha