1. Have you tried the Trace Together app?
2. Should the circuit breaker be extended by another month?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
1. Have you tried the Trace Together app?
2. Should the circuit breaker be extended by another month?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
WOTC - Closure of schools
Wisdom of the Crowd: 61% of the respondents like schools to be closed immediately.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1935
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1935
WOTC - Social distancing measures
Wisdom of the Crowd: 46% of the respondents support the social distancing measures. The remainder raised doubts about it.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1934
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1934
Are cronies favored?
The recent outbreak of infection in the worker dormitories have raised the following question - who are the owners of the dormitories and are the owners and directors connected to the PAP?
A search of the ACRA records will probably disclose that the owners and directors are former MPs or are members of the grassroots organizations under the Peoples' Association.
How will this be interpreted?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2828
A search of the ACRA records will probably disclose that the owners and directors are former MPs or are members of the grassroots organizations under the Peoples' Association.
How will this be interpreted?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2828
Friday, April 10, 2020
Income relief loan - a working example
I prefer an income relief loan to be given to workers who are retrenched or suffer a drop of income during an economic downturn.
The attached paper shows how the relief loan can work. It is based on a sample of 1,000 workers and is projected over a period of 12 months of the economic downturn.
The total amount required for the relief loan for 1,000 workers is $13 million. If this is computed for 3 million workers (i.e. the workforce in Singapore), the required budget is $39 billion.
This relief loan ensures that all the workers are able to maintain their income at 80% of the level for the past year and that the monthly income is sufficient to meet the living expenses.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2827
The attached paper shows how the relief loan can work. It is based on a sample of 1,000 workers and is projected over a period of 12 months of the economic downturn.
The total amount required for the relief loan for 1,000 workers is $13 million. If this is computed for 3 million workers (i.e. the workforce in Singapore), the required budget is $39 billion.
This relief loan ensures that all the workers are able to maintain their income at 80% of the level for the past year and that the monthly income is sufficient to meet the living expenses.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2827
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
1. Should the govt use mobile phone data for contact tracing?
2. Should living conditions in worker dormitories be improved?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
WOTC - Best way to do contact tracing
Wisdom of the Crowd: 52% of the respondents said that the best way of contact tracing is to develop an app to allow the NRIC or QR code to be scanned. 36% prefer that the authority use the mobile phone records to locate contacts.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1933
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1933
WOTC - Measures to stop the spread of corona virus
Wisdom of the Crowd: 41% of the respondents said that the best way to stop the spread of the corona virus is to provide more testing. 32% chose social distancing measures.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1932
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1932
How to manage the income relief loan
During an economic downturn, such as already happened during the covid-19 pandemic, the government can provide an income relief loan to every worker who is impacted.
I suggest that this relief loan be managed as follows:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2824
I suggest that this relief loan be managed as follows:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2824
Thursday, April 09, 2020
Time to wear a face mask
Many people criticized the ministers for stating that there was no need to wear the mask earlier and for now changing their mind.
I do not agree with the criticism.
In the early days, there was no need to wear a mask due to the low rate of infection.
When the infection rate increased, it became necessary to wear a mask.
We should make decisions based on the actual risk and not on some theoretically thinking.
We should also make our decisions based on our actual situation and not on the situations in other countries.
The risk was higher in other countries due to their climate and their rate of infection.
Now that the risk in Singapore has increased to a higher level, it is advisable to wear a mask. It may be compulsory to do so.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2823
I do not agree with the criticism.
In the early days, there was no need to wear a mask due to the low rate of infection.
When the infection rate increased, it became necessary to wear a mask.
We should make decisions based on the actual risk and not on some theoretically thinking.
We should also make our decisions based on our actual situation and not on the situations in other countries.
The risk was higher in other countries due to their climate and their rate of infection.
Now that the risk in Singapore has increased to a higher level, it is advisable to wear a mask. It may be compulsory to do so.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2823
How the F&B sector could have been helped
Here are the real problems faced by the food and beverage outlets. Does the three stimulus measures help them? Click here.
It would be difficult for these outlets to operate, in spite of the kind of financial assistance offered by the government.
If the government had adopted the measures that I proposed here, it might be more helpful to the businesses. Click here.
This is how my proposal would work:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2822
It would be difficult for these outlets to operate, in spite of the kind of financial assistance offered by the government.
If the government had adopted the measures that I proposed here, it might be more helpful to the businesses. Click here.
This is how my proposal would work:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2822
Was the government too slow in responding to the crisis
Dear Mr. Tan
Was the government slow and complacent at the early stages and they are now in panic mode and have to implement extreme measures under the 'circuit breaker' ?
TKL REPLY
I hold a different view from most other people. I think that the govt acted too early in declaring code Orange.
I complained that the two measures, namely workplace scanning and manual recording of contact tracing details, were largely useless. The resources should have been used towards other more effective measures.
Even now, when the infection had spread more rapidly, I think that the 'circuit measures' were rather extreme. It comes at a very heavy cost to the economy.
Nevertheless, I hope that it will be effective in getting rid of the corona virus. It will probably require more than one month of lockdown, maybe two months.
If I were in charge, I would not call the 'circuit breaker'. I would find other ways to strengthen the social distancing and containment.
We have to wait and see.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2818
Was the government slow and complacent at the early stages and they are now in panic mode and have to implement extreme measures under the 'circuit breaker' ?
TKL REPLY
I hold a different view from most other people. I think that the govt acted too early in declaring code Orange.
I complained that the two measures, namely workplace scanning and manual recording of contact tracing details, were largely useless. The resources should have been used towards other more effective measures.
Even now, when the infection had spread more rapidly, I think that the 'circuit measures' were rather extreme. It comes at a very heavy cost to the economy.
Nevertheless, I hope that it will be effective in getting rid of the corona virus. It will probably require more than one month of lockdown, maybe two months.
If I were in charge, I would not call the 'circuit breaker'. I would find other ways to strengthen the social distancing and containment.
We have to wait and see.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2818
Quora: Will China sell N95 masks to the United States?
Reply by Pin Yang
I am a Chinese exporter of N95 masks for US market for many years.
The answer is ‘Yes, They will’, and ‘No, they cant’.The problem is that US was acting too late, Chinese can not accept new orders with too much order in hand.
Due to strict regulation placed in US, the only acceptable mask that they can sell is N95 certified masks, which only 13 factories can have the certificate to produce it in China.
I am a Chinese exporter of N95 masks for US market for many years.
The answer is ‘Yes, They will’, and ‘No, they cant’.The problem is that US was acting too late, Chinese can not accept new orders with too much order in hand.
Due to strict regulation placed in US, the only acceptable mask that they can sell is N95 certified masks, which only 13 factories can have the certificate to produce it in China.
UPDATE：08/04/2020 NOW THE CDC FINALLY ACCEPTED KN95 MASKS. Many country responded to covid-19 much earlier than US, so they came to the Chinese factories much earlier and purchased all future productions. For now, new orders will only be accepted in May-July, depending on the factory. On the other hand, normal medical (disposable) masks is not in short in China, people can get as many as they like.
New update, due to raw material price rocketed, the price for N95 masks has risen 10 fold of original. The price are confidential so i can just give you all a rough idea. I just had a US customer declined our quote, they cant rise the sale price due to state regulation of stabilizing market price. I have heard their domestic supply can get half price of what we quote, but i am not sure what was the quantity they can get from the US supplier, just hope they will be fine. Good luck to you all.
I have saw the news of New York hospitals were facing a major overwhelming situation. Probably this will be soon for other states. It is heart breaking. For those people who in need of masks and not price sensitive, i advise you go contact your Chinese friends and ask if they have any Chinese local to get some KN95 masks. Its Chinese equivalent of N95. It can not be sale in US supermarket but it was accepted by CDC to get for personal protection. Slightly overpriced but saves life.
New update, due to raw material price rocketed, the price for N95 masks has risen 10 fold of original. The price are confidential so i can just give you all a rough idea. I just had a US customer declined our quote, they cant rise the sale price due to state regulation of stabilizing market price. I have heard their domestic supply can get half price of what we quote, but i am not sure what was the quantity they can get from the US supplier, just hope they will be fine. Good luck to you all.
I have saw the news of New York hospitals were facing a major overwhelming situation. Probably this will be soon for other states. It is heart breaking. For those people who in need of masks and not price sensitive, i advise you go contact your Chinese friends and ask if they have any Chinese local to get some KN95 masks. Its Chinese equivalent of N95. It can not be sale in US supermarket but it was accepted by CDC to get for personal protection. Slightly overpriced but saves life.
Circuit breaker in Singapore
The measures implemented under the 'circuit breaker' in Singapore are quite extreme. In some ways, it is more serious than a lockdown.
It disallow meeting of people who are not in the same household. It requires all non-essential workplaces to be closed for one month. It imposes stiff penalties for not following the social distancing rules.
Most people think that this is unavoidable, given the spread of the infection in Singapore.
I agree that we need to take measures to contain the spread, but I would prefer to adopt the measures in Taiwan. These measures include:
a) Mandatory wearing of face masks in public
b) Provide hand sanitizers in all public places
c) Provide stations for testing of the corona virus.
d) Community monitoring of the social distancing rules.
e) Use of phone records for contact tracing
I also prefer the temperature scanning to be done at all public places and to stop the manual recording of contact tracing details. Let the resources be diverted to preventive measures to contain the corona virus, such as those adopted in Taiwan.
More importantly, Taiwan did not mandate the closing down of workplaces, which cause a big disruption to the economy.
Never mind. We are now in 'circuit breaker' mode. We should take the next few weeks to implement the measures adopted successfully in Taiwan. Hopefully, they will help to contain the spread and allow the 'circuit breaker' to be disabled on 4 May.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2817
It disallow meeting of people who are not in the same household. It requires all non-essential workplaces to be closed for one month. It imposes stiff penalties for not following the social distancing rules.
Most people think that this is unavoidable, given the spread of the infection in Singapore.
I agree that we need to take measures to contain the spread, but I would prefer to adopt the measures in Taiwan. These measures include:
a) Mandatory wearing of face masks in public
b) Provide hand sanitizers in all public places
c) Provide stations for testing of the corona virus.
d) Community monitoring of the social distancing rules.
e) Use of phone records for contact tracing
I also prefer the temperature scanning to be done at all public places and to stop the manual recording of contact tracing details. Let the resources be diverted to preventive measures to contain the corona virus, such as those adopted in Taiwan.
More importantly, Taiwan did not mandate the closing down of workplaces, which cause a big disruption to the economy.
Never mind. We are now in 'circuit breaker' mode. We should take the next few weeks to implement the measures adopted successfully in Taiwan. Hopefully, they will help to contain the spread and allow the 'circuit breaker' to be disabled on 4 May.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2817
Relief loans for businesses
In a severe economic downturn, many businesses have to reduce their operating expenses to match the loss of revenue. They have to retrench their workers.
I suggest that they should ask all their workers to take partial no-pay leave, e.g. 30% of the working week. The workers will suffer a reduction in their income, but they can apply to the government for a relief loan for the period of the downturn.
The government should also extend to the business a relief loan to cover their rental, payroll and utility expenses. This relief loan is available for the period of the downturn. It will carry a modest interest rate, e.g. pegged to the rate of inflation.
This allows the businesses to continue as before and keep their workers partially employed. It will cause minimal disruption to the businesses and allow them to be ramp up their activities when the upturn returns.
The relief loans can be managed by the banks and are covered by a 100% government guarantee. A reasonable cap can be set to prevent abuses.
With the 100 guarantee, there is no need for the banks to carry out a strict evaluation of the loans.
However, the bank can extend additional loans to cover other expenses, and that can be on commercial terms and be subject to their evaluation.
There will be some abuses, but the extend will be small and they can be managed at a later date. It is important that the relief loans be available quickly and with only modest first level evaluation.
I believe that this approach will be helpful to protect employment and businesses.
Several countries have adopted this approach in granting assistances to businesses affected by the severe economic downturn.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2816
I suggest that they should ask all their workers to take partial no-pay leave, e.g. 30% of the working week. The workers will suffer a reduction in their income, but they can apply to the government for a relief loan for the period of the downturn.
The government should also extend to the business a relief loan to cover their rental, payroll and utility expenses. This relief loan is available for the period of the downturn. It will carry a modest interest rate, e.g. pegged to the rate of inflation.
This allows the businesses to continue as before and keep their workers partially employed. It will cause minimal disruption to the businesses and allow them to be ramp up their activities when the upturn returns.
The relief loans can be managed by the banks and are covered by a 100% government guarantee. A reasonable cap can be set to prevent abuses.
With the 100 guarantee, there is no need for the banks to carry out a strict evaluation of the loans.
However, the bank can extend additional loans to cover other expenses, and that can be on commercial terms and be subject to their evaluation.
There will be some abuses, but the extend will be small and they can be managed at a later date. It is important that the relief loans be available quickly and with only modest first level evaluation.
I believe that this approach will be helpful to protect employment and businesses.
Several countries have adopted this approach in granting assistances to businesses affected by the severe economic downturn.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2816
Loan relief scheme to cover loss of income
Most countries prefer to give financial assistance to the unemployed as a benefit.
They face the difficulty of managing the abuse.
I prefer to give them a loan to cover the loss of income. They have to repay the loan in the future, with a modest rate of interest. This will tide them over a period of unemployment, but may be capped for 6 to 12 months.
As this is a loan that needs to be paid back, the abuse is reduced somewhat, but not totally.
In the future, a part of the distress loan can be written off or forgiven, but that can be done at a later date, subject to evaluation.
In the case of Singapore, the loan can be charged against the CPF savings or against a property bought with CPF funds.
This loan facility will be available to all workers, regardless of income level. They are available to the higher income workers as well.
The loans can also be extended to the self employed, including professionals, who suffer a loss of income during an economic downturn. The loss of income can be capped at a level that is appropriate to the occupation or trade.
If all income earners have access to a loan to cover the loss of income, there is no need to extend other types of assistance, such as grants to cover utility, rental, mortgage payments and loan repayments. Life can continue as before. There will be minimal need to monitor against abuses in these other relief schemes.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2815
They face the difficulty of managing the abuse.
I prefer to give them a loan to cover the loss of income. They have to repay the loan in the future, with a modest rate of interest. This will tide them over a period of unemployment, but may be capped for 6 to 12 months.
As this is a loan that needs to be paid back, the abuse is reduced somewhat, but not totally.
In the future, a part of the distress loan can be written off or forgiven, but that can be done at a later date, subject to evaluation.
In the case of Singapore, the loan can be charged against the CPF savings or against a property bought with CPF funds.
This loan facility will be available to all workers, regardless of income level. They are available to the higher income workers as well.
The loans can also be extended to the self employed, including professionals, who suffer a loss of income during an economic downturn. The loss of income can be capped at a level that is appropriate to the occupation or trade.
If all income earners have access to a loan to cover the loss of income, there is no need to extend other types of assistance, such as grants to cover utility, rental, mortgage payments and loan repayments. Life can continue as before. There will be minimal need to monitor against abuses in these other relief schemes.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2815
Wednesday, April 08, 2020
Stimulus packages face problems
I read about the problems in administering the three stimulus packages introduced by the government to deal with the covid-19 crisis
I quote some examples in this article and suggest a better way to provide the financial assistance that could avoid these problems.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2814
I quote some examples in this article and suggest a better way to provide the financial assistance that could avoid these problems.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2814
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
Job support scheme
In his third stimulus budget for 2020, finance minister Heng SK announced that the government will be providing a grant to cover 75% of the payroll for April 2020, i.e. the month that all non-essential workplaces have to be closed due to the circuit breaker. This grant is given on condition that the employer does not put any of the employees on no pay leave or retrench them.
In a webinar on the economic stimulus, one participant asked the question - if I have 10 workers and I placed 2 of them on no-pay leave (which was already arranged ahead), will it affect the grant for the 8 workers that are still being employed?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2809
In a webinar on the economic stimulus, one participant asked the question - if I have 10 workers and I placed 2 of them on no-pay leave (which was already arranged ahead), will it affect the grant for the 8 workers that are still being employed?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2809
Rebate on property tax
I notify my two tenants that I will be giving them a rebate of 3% of the rental for 2020. This is a small sum but it is all that I am getting from Heng SK's budget.
One of them replied - thank you. this is coffee money. I know him to be a good friend, so I know that he is not laughing at me.
Heng SK gave rebate of 30% of the property tax. As the property tax is 10% of the annual value, it is 3% of the annual value. As the rental is approximately the annual value, this is how I calculated the 3%.
I joined two webinars arranged by a chamber of commerce on the stimulus budgets.
One participant asked the question - how do I distribute the property tax rebate to my tenants? He must be asking a equation that is on the mind of several tens of thousand of owners of commercial properties.
It is really a small sum that the government is giving to the landlords. And they now have to figure out how to distribute it to their tenants. This will be required by law.
I am sure that many tenants will find it to be too small to be of any use. It will probably caused many misunderstanding between the landlords and the tenants.
At the very least, the government should give a rebate of 100% of the property tax for 2020. Even so, this would be less than one months of rental.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2808
One of them replied - thank you. this is coffee money. I know him to be a good friend, so I know that he is not laughing at me.
Heng SK gave rebate of 30% of the property tax. As the property tax is 10% of the annual value, it is 3% of the annual value. As the rental is approximately the annual value, this is how I calculated the 3%.
I joined two webinars arranged by a chamber of commerce on the stimulus budgets.
One participant asked the question - how do I distribute the property tax rebate to my tenants? He must be asking a equation that is on the mind of several tens of thousand of owners of commercial properties.
It is really a small sum that the government is giving to the landlords. And they now have to figure out how to distribute it to their tenants. This will be required by law.
I am sure that many tenants will find it to be too small to be of any use. It will probably caused many misunderstanding between the landlords and the tenants.
At the very least, the government should give a rebate of 100% of the property tax for 2020. Even so, this would be less than one months of rental.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2808
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
1. Are the three stimulus packages helpful to businesses?
2. What do you think about the circuit breaker measures?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
WOTC - Fast spread of covid-19
Wisdom of the Crowd: 62% of the respondents said that the increase in infections is caused by the rapid spreading of the disease now. 21% said that it is due to increased testing. 18% said that more people come forward to be tested.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1931
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1931
WOTC - How can a company cut expense during a downturn
Wisdom of the Crowd: 71% of the respondents prefer the company to ask the workers to take no pay leave and the govt to provide a loan for the loss of income, if the company has to reduce cost during a downturn. 26% prefer the company to retrench its unproductive workers.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1930
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1930
Monday, April 06, 2020
Unethical business practice
I want to share an example of unethical business ethics.
At an early date, I bought a temperature gun for $9. It worked well. I immediately placed an order for 3 more guns. The order was accepted.
Two weeks later, the supplier cancelled the order. They claimed - out of stock.
I looked for another supplier and placed an order for 3 pieces at a slightly higher price. The order was accepted.
The same outcome happened. Two weeks later, the supplier cancelled the order claiming - out of stock.
The same equipment are not being offered for 4 to 5 times of the previous price.
I suspect, in both cases, the suppliers found that they could sell their equipment at a higher price. So, the cancelled the order, after accepting it and collecting the money.
The website refunded the money, but it was an unethical business practice.
At an early date, I bought a temperature gun for $9. It worked well. I immediately placed an order for 3 more guns. The order was accepted.
Two weeks later, the supplier cancelled the order. They claimed - out of stock.
I looked for another supplier and placed an order for 3 pieces at a slightly higher price. The order was accepted.
The same outcome happened. Two weeks later, the supplier cancelled the order claiming - out of stock.
The same equipment are not being offered for 4 to 5 times of the previous price.
I suspect, in both cases, the suppliers found that they could sell their equipment at a higher price. So, the cancelled the order, after accepting it and collecting the money.
The website refunded the money, but it was an unethical business practice.
Why was there a sharp increase in infection since 24 March?
I asked my 100 year old crystal ball - where was there a sharp increase in the number of infections during the past two weeks, since 24 March?
Could it be due to the large number of students who returned home from the UK and the US? Among them, a large number are reported as "imported cases". Could these people be responsible for the increase in infections?
My crystal ball said - but these people were placed under quarantine in the luxury hotels. How could they have spread the virus, when they were under quarantine?
Why then is there a sharp increase?
This is the reply from the crystal ball. Do you believe it?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2805
Could it be due to the large number of students who returned home from the UK and the US? Among them, a large number are reported as "imported cases". Could these people be responsible for the increase in infections?
My crystal ball said - but these people were placed under quarantine in the luxury hotels. How could they have spread the virus, when they were under quarantine?
Why then is there a sharp increase?
This is the reply from the crystal ball. Do you believe it?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2805
Respond in a timely manner
We need to respond in a timely manner. We should not respond too late (i.e. behind the curve). However, we should also avoid responding prematurely, as it may cause panic and disruption.
There is a cost to responding too late. There is also a cost to responding too early.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2800
There is a cost to responding too late. There is also a cost to responding too early.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2800
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
2. Should Singapore start a factory to make face masks immediately?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
Compare Taiwan and Singapore's approach
Let me compare the different approaches adopted by Taiwan and Singapore.
a) Both form a high level committee to deal with the problem. Singapore has a ministerial task force. Taiwan has the Central Epidemic Command Center. Look at the qualification of the people in the two organizations.
b) Taiwan uses data base technology, artificial intelligence and access to digital data for contact tracing, in spite of privacy laws. Singapore records contract tracing details manually.
c) Taiwan encourages the use of face mask early. Singapore discouraged the use of face mask until recently.
d) Taiwan has a neighborhood warden system to enforce quarantine and deliver meals and assistance to those in need. Where are the residents committee in Singapore doing in this respect?
Read the details about Taiwan's approach here:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/03/19/taiwan-shows-its-mettle-in-coronavirus-crisis-while-the-who-is-mia/
Are the leaders in Taiwan doing a better job?
Give your vote here:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2799
a) Both form a high level committee to deal with the problem. Singapore has a ministerial task force. Taiwan has the Central Epidemic Command Center. Look at the qualification of the people in the two organizations.
b) Taiwan uses data base technology, artificial intelligence and access to digital data for contact tracing, in spite of privacy laws. Singapore records contract tracing details manually.
c) Taiwan encourages the use of face mask early. Singapore discouraged the use of face mask until recently.
d) Taiwan has a neighborhood warden system to enforce quarantine and deliver meals and assistance to those in need. Where are the residents committee in Singapore doing in this respect?
Read the details about Taiwan's approach here:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/03/19/taiwan-shows-its-mettle-in-coronavirus-crisis-while-the-who-is-mia/
Are the leaders in Taiwan doing a better job?
Give your vote here:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2799
WOTC - Low spread of the corona virus in Singapore
Wisdom of the Crowd: 44% of the respondents said that the prompt and early action by the government was the main reason for the low spread of the corona virus in Singapore. 33% said that it was the warm weather.
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1929
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1929
WOTC - Best approach towards the corona virus
Wisdom of the Crowd: The respondents voted the country with the best approach in dealing with the corona virus as follows - Taiwan (43%), China (32%), South Korea (14%), Singapore (11%), Hong Kong (0%).
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1928
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=1928
The faulty crystal ball
Earlier, I made a prediction that the global stock markets would make a recovery on 9 April.
I said that I obtained the prediction from my 100 year old crystal ball. Now, it does appear that the crystal ball might be wrong.
I asked my crystal ball again - why did you make a wrong prediction?
Here is the answer:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2798
Sunday, April 05, 2020
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
1. What if the ventilators in your hospital are fully used?
2. Are medical products from China defective?
3. Do we have capable and dedicated ministers?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
Naming of roads - Sunrise Estate
In many parts of Singapore, the roads are given names without proper logical structure.
I show below the map of the Sunrise Estate, off Yio Chu Kang Road. The roads are now named as
I show below the map of the Sunrise Estate, off Yio Chu Kang Road. The roads are now named as
Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues
2. Are medical products from China defective?
Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx
Use scare resources fairly and effectively
Many hospitals around the world are facing this difficult decision. They ICU and ventilators are fully occupied. They have new patients who need ventilators. What should they do?
They have no choice but to turn away the new patients. Sorry, we do not have any bed for you.
In some hospitals, they have to take away the old patients to release the bed and ventilator to a younger patient, who has a better chance of survival. It is a very difficult decision.
Someone has to decide. If you are in charge, how do you decide?
Tough right? Here is my answer.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2795
They have no choice but to turn away the new patients. Sorry, we do not have any bed for you.
In some hospitals, they have to take away the old patients to release the bed and ventilator to a younger patient, who has a better chance of survival. It is a very difficult decision.
Someone has to decide. If you are in charge, how do you decide?
Tough right? Here is my answer.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=2795
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)