FINANCIAL WIZ

Negotiation with over 190 countries is a daunting but enriching experience. This was what Ms Adeline Hong, then a Defence Policy Officer, felt about her 10-week stint at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

As the Ministry of Defence's representative in the Singapore delegation, her role was to speak up for the Republic's interest in security matters. "It's good exposure... I have to understand other countries' interests, and learn to work around them to safeguard Singapore's own interests while keeping up a diplomatic front."

Now the 28-year-old works with private fund managers to grow the SAVER-Premium Fund, a retirement fund for military servicemen. It is a different challenge, but her deep understanding of the world economy puts her in good stead.

The Defence Merit Scholar holds a Masters in Economics from Cambridge University.

When not scrutinising financial news, she enjoys reading all things inspirational and sharing them.

Her Facebook page is constantly peppered with uplifting quotes like "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how".

"I found them useful for myself at different points in time, and thought I would share to inspire others too."