UGLOBAL . COM
81
He added : “ Australia is well known as an open market that is receptive to new ideas and opportunities . It is also a great place where quality of life is good and I can strike a balance between work and family .”
INVESTING IN AUSTRALIA ’ S SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM
Lee ’ s decision to pursue a new life in Australia began in 2017 . It was when he turned 65 and felt a reshuffling of priorities was due – but he ’ s not one to seek a retiree lifestyle .
“ I wanted to remain active in business while pursuing personal interests so as to maintaining a balanced lifestyle . I found that Australia was the ideal place that would allow me to do all those ,” he explains .
The road to the Australian SIV , however , was not paved with roses . Much like the rest of humanity , the Covid-19 pandemic proved fatal to his initial attempt .
“ The process of my first application was indeed challenging as there was quite a lot of paperwork to prepare . The Covid-19 pandemic made it even more difficult especially in communicating with the previous migration agent and obtaining the relevant information required for the application ,” recounts Lee . “ Covid-19 could be considered as a blessing in disguise . Using the lockdown , we made an assessment on the business plans due to uncertain market conditions . This prompted me to seek advice from another agent to explore other options .” countries , Lee had finally decided to pursue an investor ’ s residency in Australia . Even though Australia ’ s vibrant economy and ease of doing business were significant attractors , it was something else that sealed the deal for him .
“ I have always loved Australians ’ zest for life , worldview and energy ,” says Lee . “ I have worked with multinational corporations across Asia , Australia and the UK , and always particularly enjoyed working with my easy-going Australian colleagues and business partners .”
“ The process of my first application was indeed challenging as there was quite a lot of paperwork to prepare . The Covid-19 pandemic made it even more difficult especially in communicating with the previous migration agent and obtaining the relevant information required for the application .
”
The assessment and legal advice of agents from ANZ Migration and Moelis Australia led Lee to decide to go with the SIV investment route . In his initial attempt , he tried to get residency status by investing A $ 1.5 million , but it was eventually rejected . With better advice and a bigger investment , he was able to secure his SIV in just three months , and then he obtained residency after a similar period .
EMBARKING ON A NEW FUTURE IN AUSTRALIA
With newly-obtained legal rights to live and work in the country , Lee left Singapore with two family members to start a new life in Australia . With his investment resting in an approved hedge fund managed by an accredited fund manager , he ’ s looking forward to a balanced life full of business and pleasure . Grateful for his new home , he ’ s even factoring in Australia ’ s best economic interest in his future business plans .
“ My plan is to continue to look for new business opportunities such as attracting foreign investors to Australia . I am also planning to spend more time in community services and mentoring new business startups ,” he said .
* The name of the interviewee has been altered at their request