How to solve a future problem

Joke.

A petrol station display a large banner - FREE WATER TODAY. FREE PETROL TOMORROW.

A customer decided to come back the next day.

He saw the same sign.

This reminds me of one prime minister who promises to solve the problem of HDB flats by offering HIP2 and VERS. But you have to wait 30 years to find out.

A better approach towards democracy?

There is a difficulty with democracy. A high proportion of the voters do not bother to vote, as they are struggling with their daily lives. It result in low voter turnout.

Some countries, like Singapore, make voting compulsory and impose penalty for citizens who failed to vote. But the disinterested voters may not vote wisely.

The lowly educated voters can be bribed by rich people to vote for their favored candidates.

In many countries, the democracy is "bought" by people with money. It is not a good system. It is corrupt.

What can be done to improve democracy?

I am in favor of a system where there is a test before a citizen has the right to vote. They must first be interested to vote. They register for that right.

They must pass a test to ensure that they understand their role as citizens. This test can be made quite easy.

We may end with, say, only 30% of the citizens are interested to vote. This will still be a significant number. The result of the voting can reflect the wisdom of the people.

Political parties can educate citizens and get them to register and pass the test. It is a good outcome.

If we have a smaller number of educated citizens, we can hold referendums on important issues. We should not leave these decisions to Parliament, as the MPs may be protecting vested interests. It is better to have these issues voted by the people, i.e. those who are interested.

Will this system disadvantage the poor and the lowly educated? Yes, it does to a small extent. But these groups are already disadvantaged under the current system anyway.

What do you think?

WOTC - Like PAP government

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What do you like about the PAP government?

Here are the responses: (66 Votes)

71 % - You must be joking.
24 % - I feel safe in Singapore.
2 % - Run the economy well.
2 % - Provide high paying jobs.
2 % - They are not corrupt.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=874

WOTC - Dislike PAP government

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What do you dislike about the PAP government?

Here are the responses: (68 Votes)

38 % - Ministers earn high salaries but are not capable.
25 % - Imposing all kinds of charges and taxes
16 % - Ministers bully the people.
10 % - Ministers are arrogant
10 % - None of the above.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=873

WOTC - Invite foreign leader to talk about democracy

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it acceptable to invite a foreign leader to talk about democracy?

Here are the responses: (71 Votes)

80 % - We should encourage discussion on this topic.
17 % - No. It is interfering in our domestic politics.
1 % - We should listen to our own government leaders
1 % - We should not ask Dr. Mahathir to talk about it.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=872

WOTC - Cost of high speed rail

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

How much will the High Speed Rail cost Singapore (make a guess)

Here are the responses: (58 Votes)

33 % - $20 billion
21 % - $2 billion
19 % - $5 billion
19 % - $10 billion
9 % - $500 million

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=871

WOTC - $15 million compensation

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is the compensation of $15 million for the delay of the High Speed Rail fair?

Here are the responses: (70 Votes)

40 % - It is better to scrap the project entirely.
29 % - We should waive it entirely, for goodwill.
23 % - It is a fair sum.
9 % - We should insist on the full compensation of $150 million.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=870

WOTC - Deferment of HIgh Speed Rail

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Do you agree with the four year delay in High Speed Rail?

Here are the responses: (64 Votes)

38 % - We do not need the High Speed Rail to Kuala Lumpur
28 % - It is better to scrap the project, instead of keeping it in limbo
19 % - It is better to take more time to complete it.
16 % - The completion date of 2030 is too late

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=869

Motivating public sector employees

A senior civil servant in Hong Kong told me that she receives a good salary but does not get any bonus.

I think that this is a better system compared to Singapore.

In Singapore, the top civil servants and ministers receive a bonus that vary according to performance.

Most of them focus on achieving the highest performance score based on KPIs to earn the highest rate of bonus.

By aiming on the KPIs, they forget about the serving the people, which is not easily measured.

The KPIs usually require the performer to reduce cost or achieve the highest revenue. This is how many jobs in the public sector gets outsourced, so as to reduce cost. This has lead to lower or stagnant wages for public employees.

It is a bad policy to get people to work for personal greed. It is better to get people to work out of a sense of duty.

Should a teacher be motivated to teach well through a higher bonus, or out of a sense of duty? Should a police officer by motivated by bonus to carry out the duties expected of the job? Should a nurse take care of the patients better just because she can get a better bonus?

We should not use performance bonus to motivate public sector employees to do their work. They should do their work well out of a sense of duty. They should focus on serving the public well, rather than scoring better on the KPIs.

The payment of bonus based on KPIs has another danger. This leads to the concept that the employees can be left on their own, as they will be measured by KPIs and will be motivated to do their best to score better on their KPIs.

It leads to a culture of poor supervision. The supervisor will not pay attention to the work performance, as he thinks that the employees can be self motivated.

I prefer the Hong Kong system. We should pay public sector employees well, including a 13th bonus bonus, instead of adopting the system of performance bonus.

I do not like the system of focusing on KPIs and paying performance bonus, that is adopted in Singapore.

WOTC - 4G leaders

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which of these 4G ministers do you respect most?

Here are the responses: (42 Votes)

60 % - Heng Swee Keat
17 % - Ong Ye Kung
12 % - Chan Chun Sing
10 % - Ng Chee Meng
2 % - Lawrence Wong

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=868

WOTC - Non PAP leaders

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which of these non PAP leaders do you respect most

Here are the responses: (75 Votes)

45 % - Chee Soon Juan, SDP
33 % - Chiam See Tong, SPP
20 % - Lim Tean, PVP
1 % - Tan Jee Say, SF
0 % - Goh Meng Seng, PPP
0 % - Benjamin Pwee, DPP

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=867

WOTC - Worker party MPs

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which of these Worker Party MPs do you respect most?

Here are the responses: (83 Votes)

54 % - Sylvia Lim
31 % - Low Thia Khiang
8 % - Chen Show Mao
5 % - Pritam Singh
1 % - Png Eng Huat
0 % - Mohamad Faisal

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=866

WOTC - PAP ministers

 I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which PAP minister do you respect most?

Here are the responses: (57 Votes)

77 % - Tharman Shanmugaratnam
9 % - Ng Eng Hen
7 % - Lee Hsien Loong
4 % - Teo Chee Hean
2 % - Khaw Boon Wan
2 % - K Shanmugam

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=865

Tan Kin Lian Books

Tan Kin Lian Books
I am offering a collection of 8 books, written by me, at a discount of more than 70%. Click here to order them for only $20. Enjoy free delivery

Order the books

Videos on Financial Planning
These short videos teach young people the basics of financial planning, investment and life insurance. It is a must watch for young people. Parents should encourage their teenage children to view them.

Financial Planning videos

Jobs for Graduates
Many young people are worried that they may not get a job when they graduate. I give my views here.

Jobs for graduates

Win a Mercedes Benz Coupe
Two young entrepreneurs have set up a website to encourage people to donate to charities. They offer a Mercedes Benz Coupe and other prizes to a lucky winner.

You can help these entrepreneurs, donate to your selected charity and win a luxury car. (If you don't need it, you can sell it for cash). Use this referral code: YOSYYSSA

Click here to buy your ticket.

This video explain this project.
​​​

Wisdom of the Crowd
I have also created a new way for you to login to the Wisdom of the Crowd website. You can enter your email address and password, instead of login with Facebook or Google. The voting flow has also been improved. Try it

Wisdom of the crowd

Remember, you can win these prizes by voting.

Tan Kin Lian

WOTC - Hub and spoke concept

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Do you like the hub and spoke concept for bus services?

Here are the responses: (62 Votes)

39 % - I do not mind the transfers as it is done at the same bus stop.
23 % - I prefer the current system with 350 bus services 
21 % - I like the concept as it simplifies the bus system.
18 % - I like the concept as it reduces travelling time.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=864

WOTC - Climate of fear

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

How can we remove the climate of fear in Singapore?

Here are the responses: (91 Votes)

56 % - Vote out the PAP.
34 % - More people should come forward and speak bravely.
8 % - Organize a large scale protest online.
2 % - Organize more protests in Hong Lim Park.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=863

Briefing by PDP Commission

I am attending a briefing by the PDP Commission on the use of the NRIC.

I sent this feedback to them for their reading prior to the briefing.

http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=336

Do you agree with my points?

Collection of TKL 8 books

Here is a special offer. A collection of 8 TKL books at a discount of more than 70%. Free delivery to an address in Singapore.

The price will be increased to $25 next week to cover the mailing cost. To enjoy $20, please book now.

More details and booking here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/offer.aspx

HDB Studio apartment

Dear Mr Tan,
The lease period for a HDB studio apartment is 30 years. Why must the occupant pay everything upfront in order that he can have the keys to the unit.

I consider it a 30 years lease for these reasons:
a) you cannot take loans from the banks
b) you can't sell it to the public
c) the value is depreciating each year
d) if you don't want the unit you must return to HDB.|

REPLY
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=601

WOTC - Cost of living at ND Rally

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Did PM Lee addressed the issue of cost of living in his ND Rally speech?

Here are the responses: (87 Votes)

86 % - No. He did not deal with the real issues that caused the increase in the cost of living.
9 % - No. His suggestions were not practical.
3 % - Yes. I agree with his remark that people should spend carefully.
1 % - Yes. He addressed it adequately.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=862

WOTC - Statement by Law Minister

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Law minister's statement on activists meeting Dr. Mahathir.

Here are the responses: (89 Votes)

45 % - I dislike many of the statements made by the law minister.
22 % - The law minister should have a more open mind.
21 % - The meeting is helpful to give more perspective and develop a better understanding between the two countries.
7 % - Singaporeans should not meet the leaders of foreign countries.
4 % - I agree with the law minister feeling of being sad and regretful.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=861

WOTC - Dialogue with leaders of foreign countries

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should Singaporeans talk to leaders of foreign countries?

Here are the responses: (87 Votes)

77 % - We need to have an open mind and encourage dialogue.
13 % - They will help to improve understanding between countries.
6 % - They will be traitors to Singapore.
5 % - The foreign leaders will interfere in our domestic politics.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=860

WOTC - Reduce the queue at the causeway

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

How can the long queue at the causeway be reduced?

Here are the responses: (91 Votes)

45 % - Introduce joint clearance in one building.
41 % - Improve the speed of processing of the checkpoint computer system.
10 % - Build a third link to Johore on the eastern side.
4 % - Wait for the new checkpoint to be ready in a few years time.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=859

Explain the odds

Many people do not understand the concept of odds.

They think that if they are lucky, they will strike the Big Sweep.

But the odds is 1 in 3 million. Three million tickets are sold and only 1 person will win the Grand Prize.

It is different when they take part in this Draw:
https://www.given.company/web/user/draw/detail?drawId=1

So far, less than 600 tickets have been sold. The odds of winning is 1 in 600.

Compared to the Big Sweep, there is 5,000 times better chance of winning the Mercedez Benz.

Sure, you have to pay $20 for a ticket compared to $3 for the big sweep. Still the odds are very much better for this Draw, compared to the Big Sweep, say 800 to 1.

If I ask you to beat head or tail on a twist of the coin and you win $800 when you are right and lose $1 when you are wrong, will you take this bet? This explains the odds of 800 to 1.

Of course, more tickets will be sold for this Draw when it closes on 2 November. Even if 5,000 tickets were sold, the odds are very much better for the Mercedes Benz draw. By that time, the odds will be to 80 to 1. It will still be better to participate in this draw rather than buy the Big Sweep.

Great response from CEO of Starhub

1. I sent this email to the new CEO of Starhub:

Dear Mr. Kaliaropoulos,
I have been a loyal Starhub customer for over two decades.
I congratulate you on your appointment as CEO of Starhub.
I wish to give you this feedback. I hope that you can get your customer service head to improve the situation.
http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=321

2. I received a reply within two hours.

Dear Mr. Tan Kin Lian,

Thank you for your feedback and I am sorry for your frustration with our Call Centre experience. Totally understand your point of view and admit, that we must find an easier, customer friendly manner to communicate in a timely fashion versus what you and other customers experience.

I have asked the Head of our Customer Experience Team to review these practices, scripts and approach when customers call us.

I sincerely thank you for reminding how our customer service should be. We will address and make the necessary changes.

Warmest Regards
Peter K

3. My reply to Mr. K
Thank you Mr K.
I appreciate your prompt response and attention.

4. Comment
I wish our local CEOs reply to their customers. And our ministers reply to the citizens.

Jobs for graduates

At a forum, a young girl asked this question to the panelists - 1 in 2 graduates from private universities could not find jobs for 6 months. 1 in 5 from the public funded universities faced this problem. What can be done to create these jobs?

I have addressed this problem in this speech on May Day. There are three ways to create jobs for Singaporeans:

a) Reserve jobs in public sector for Singaporeans
b) Make private sector employers prefer Singaporeans through wage subsidies (and levies for foreign workers)
c) Train young people for available jobs.

You can watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxjarpg7e-o&t=642s

Win a Mercedes Benz Coupe

You can watch this short video. It will convince you to spend $20 to buy a ticket to donate to a charity that you select and also stand a good chance to win a Mercedes Benz Coupe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8-Jjuf5MBQ

Link to website:
https://www.given.company/web/user/draw/detail?drawId=1

Referral code: YOSYYSSA

Improved process - Wisdom of the Crowd

I found the voting in the Wisdom of the Crowd to be too slow - so I got a senior developer to sort it out.

He found that the delay was caused by a badly constructed statement to retrieve records from the database. He sorted it out.

The voting process is now fast. The delay has gone.

I tested it with a new email address, using the new login method. It worked well.

I was surprised to receive a prize for completing a cumulative 20 votes. An email was sent to me immediately and automatically. On clicking the link, I download the prize - which explains about selecting life insurance.

If you wish to try it, here is the link to the login page at the website.

http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/login2.aspx

You have the choice of login by clicking the Facebook or Google logo. If it does not work, you can enter your email address and password. If you are a new user, a new account will be created automatically.

Help this start up to succeed.

Hi
Watch this video
https://youtu.be/Y8-Jjuf5MBQ

URL of website:
https://www.given.company/web/user/draw/detail?drawId=1

Please use this Referral Code when you buy the ticket: YOSYYSSA.

WOTC - Should HDB lessee pay the property tax?

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it fair to require the HDB lessee to pay the property tax?

Here are the responses: (73 Votes)

62 % - A lessee should not be required to pay the property tax.
18 % - It is a condition of the lease.
12 % - It is all right for the lessee to pay the property tax for a long term lease
8 % - it is all right as there is no monthly rental payable on the lease.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=858

WOTC - Own or lease a HDB flat?

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Did the buyer own or lease a HDB flat?

Here are the responses: (82 Votes)

34 % - The description of ownership is misleading.
26 % - It is a long lease and does not confer the normal rights of owners
23 % - It cannot be considered as ownership due to the many restriction.
17 % - They can be considered as ownership because of the right to sell the remaining lease 

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=857