Encouraging investors to think about long term retirement needs has always been challenging. Many forget that in the past, people could rely on their next generation for retirement support, and that it could play a much smaller role or was not available at all.

And with an aging population and the increasing government fiscal burdens, one has to face the stark reality as to where the money will come from.

The government's old age allowances are just negligible, so the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) is a good start, although it would not suffice.

As to how to choose MPF service providers, Sally Wong, HKIFA CEO, says one should also look at the product range, funds' long-term performance and their risks, as well as the range and type of services.

Also, see how the fund"compares with the benchmarks and the peers," she says.

(HK Edition 12/13/2013 page8)