These were the top three aspirations of Singaporeans, according to a recent OCBC Bank-commissioned survey conducted by research agency AC Nielsen. The results were released yesterday.

The top three aspirations ranked above even health and family. The survey involved telephone interviews with 500 Singaporeans aged between 18 and 64.

It was undertaken to help the bank better understand the goals of Singaporeans, so it can try to help them meet those goals.

The bank plans to share the findings via its 'Ask OCBC' booklets, which will be given out on a quarterly basis.

At the top of the dream list was travel. One in two respondents, or 51 per cent, wanted to explore the world.

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Said Ms Ng Li Lian, OCBC's head of marketing services: 'We thought that money and retirement would be highest up on the priorities list, but it turned out to be travel.'

Next on the Singaporean dream list was self-improvement, followed by making money, buying a house and good health.

Then came family and children, charity and volunteering. Completing the list of 10 dreams were owning a car, starting a business and retiring early.

The AC Nielsen survey is the start of a process through which OCBC aims to find out more about Singaporeans' aspirations.

Ms Ng added: 'It's a method through which we can reach out to customers in a more meaningful way, on their own terms rather than on our terms.'