Investideas: You have a very special nick. Why are you using this nick and what does it mean ?

Many years ago, when internet and email were becoming necessities, I was thinking of a user name to register for a yahoo mail. At that time, I was a gambler. I fantasized about winning $5,000 in a day from the casino that I frequented. It was run by Conrad International. My house mate added the word Finance at the back, trying to sound professional, and so I got “cif”.

What can you tell us about your background ?

I studied biotechnology in school and I started my employment with a pharma company. Then I joined a consulting company as a junior position but after a while they decided that a retrenchment was necessary. That was 3+ years ago.

InvestIdeas: How long have you been investing / trading ?

I bought my first shares in 1999 but I cannot remember what it was. It was a period of dart throwing. I remember though that I danced with Sembcorp in a pendulum-like action, left and right to the $1.80 price, buying and selling for coffee money. Then I read about Buffett and Graham, and I lost money experimenting with their ideas of investing.

InvestIdeas: What are your favorite books on trading/investing?

Graham and Fisher. The Wiley Classics are very good reads too.

Continue reading at the forum to find out more about his investment vehicle and current holdings.