The Risk Factor Podcast

Investment-Linked Plans (ILPs) have been part of Singapore’s financial landscape for decades — yet few products spark as much debate. Are ILPs a smart long-term solution that combines protection and investing? Or are they simply too complex, too charged, and best avoided?

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In this episode of The Risk Factor by the Singapore College of Insurance, SCI CEO Shalini Pavithran leads a practical, plain-language conversation to turn confusion into clarity. Together with two voices at the heart of the ILP discussion — Mr Chan Wai Kit (Executive Director, LIA) and Mr Eng Beow (President, IFPAS) — we break down how ILPs work, why they were designed this way, and when they can be suitable as part of a broader financial plan.

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In this episode, we cover:

• ILP 101: what an ILP is (and the difference between protection-focused vs wealth-focused ILPs)
• Why ILPs were designed to combine flexibility, protection and long-term investing
• What the charges really are — and how to read them properly
• Myth vs fact (Singapore edition): “ILPs are expensive”, “Buy term invest the rest is always better”, “It’s all about commissions”
• Real-world scenarios and what makes an ILP a good fit — or not yet the right fit
• The questions consumers should ask before committing (time horizon, risk comfort, objectives, review discipline)
• Whether you’re exploring an ILP, reviewing an existing plan, or simply trying to make sense of the conversations around ILPs in Singapore — this episode is designed to help you make a better-informed decision.

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Guests:

Mr Chan Wai Kit, Executive Director, Life Insurance Association (LIA)

Mr Eng Beow, President, Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS)

 

Watch the full episode here

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