Research on baby milk powder prices in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia

The prices are taken on the first week of June 2017 from the online website of stores in Singapore (Fairprice, Giant), Malaysia (Tesco, Sam Groceria) and Australia (Coles, Woolworths).
The prices in Malaysia and Australia are converted into SGD using the exchange rate of 0.32 and 1.04 respectively. The SGD prices are then adjusted to get the price per 100 g of powder.
The average price per 100 g is $2.10 in Malaysia, $2.75 in Australia and $4.70 in Singapore. Singapore is more expensive than Australia by 70% and more expensive than Malaysia by 123% (i.e. more than doubled).
I have also shown the 10 most expensive products and the 10 least expensive products in each country.
I hope that this information helps parents to choose the most suitable milk powder for their babies, without paying for the most expensive products on the shelves.

Click here for more details
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1367

Starhub Perpetual Securities, Indicative yield. 4.25%

** NEW ISSUE: STARHUB SGD PERP NC5 - PX GUIDANCE 4.25% AREA **
Issuer: StarHub Ltd
Issue : SGD Subordinated Perpetual Securities
Issuer/Issue Rating: Unrated
Format: Regulation S only and S274/275 of SFA
Issue Size: SGD benchmark
Tenor: Perpetual NC5
Price Guidance: 4.25% area (changes subject to market condition and demand)
Ranking: Direct, unconditional, unsecured and subordinated obligation of the Issuer
Settlement Date: 16 June 2017
Issuer Call Option: 16 June 2022 & at any distribution date thereafter at par, 100% of principal
Distribution: Fixed. Reset in Year 10 & every 10 years thereafter plus applicable Step up
Step up: 100bp from Year 10
Distribution Payment: Semi-annually in arrear
Distribution Deferral: At Issuer's discretion. Any deferred Distributions are cumulative and compounding
Dividend Pusher: Yes, with 6 month look back period
Dividend Stopper: Yes
Other Redemption: At par under tax reasons, accounting reasons, tax deductibility and clean up event
Use of Proceeds: General corporate funding requirements or investments of the Issuer and/or the StarHub Group (including financing new acquisitions and investments, refinancing of existing borrowings, working capital, capital expenditure and other general funding requirements)
Other Terms: SGD250k denoms; SGX-ST listing , CDP clearing, off S$2bn Programme
Governing Law: Singapore law
PB Concession : 15 cents
Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner: DBS Bank Ltd.

A sense of proportion

I observe that many people in Singapore lack a sense of proportion. They do not difference between what is big and what is small, what is important and what is not important. They give the same degree of attention to all the issues that they encounter.

I frequently quote the example of the naming of roads. We have Sin Ming Avenue, Sin Ming Road, Sin Ming Drive and Sin Ming Lane. All of these roads are of the same width. In other countries, the name "avenue" is probably used for a road of three or four lanes on each side, the name "road" or "drive" has two lanes and the name "lane" has 1 lane.  If there are many lanes of a road, they use the name lane 1, lane 2, etc to differentiate them.

In the past, our planners do have a sense of proportion. They give the name "avenue" to identify the major roads in Ang Mo Kio and the name "street" to identify the smaller roads that branch from the avenue. The same approach was used in Bedok North and Bedok South. Before that, they used "lorong" to identify the major roads in Toa Payoh, although lorong, which means street, may not be the appropriate word to be used for a major road.

Before that, we have lorongs that branch out of Geyland Road and they are numbered sequentially.

It is a nightmare to understand the names given to the roads and streets in Sengkang and Punggol estates. We have to carry a street directory with us all the time. Fortunately, we now have Google Maps.

Improve the signs in Singapore

Changi Airport has good signs - among the best that you can find in Singapore. But, they can still overlook some points.

When a traveler enters the departure hall, they need the signs to tell them where to go. Most travelers need to find the departure gate, lounge and GST refund counter (for tourist).

I have a ticket for get C26. The sign does not tell me where to go. It cannot be to the right, but it could be straight ahead or to the left. They should include the other gates in the sign.

The lounges can be found at both ends of the terminal. This should be shown in the sign. The current sign misleads the traveler to go to the lounge on the right, when he should be going to the one on the left.

Fortunately, there is an information counter at the entrance. This is helpful. In many shopping malls in Singapore, one has to search for the information counter, which is located in an obscure corner. But Changi Airport did this right.

I find the signs to be bad in most places in Singapore. Changi Airport has one of the best signs, even if it has some small shortcomings.

Show telephone number and name

Some organizations are quite inconsiderate. When they call the customers, their telephone number does not show as the Caller ID. They do not realize that most customers will reject these calls, as they could be unsolicited marketing calls.

They should show both their telephone number and name. The customers are more likely to take the calls.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1365

Employers prefer to employ foreigners?

I suspect that the employers prefer foreigners, because they do not have to be disrupted for reservist duties. This is unfair to our local males. I hope that the government recognize and address this problem.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1364

Wisdom of the Crowd website

There are four new issues for you to vote in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg.

When you submit 10 or more votes, you will win the prizes shown here:
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/page/115

You can view the results of the voting on the closed issues in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

Solving a Sudoku puzzle

Calling Soduku fans.

Do you have a puzzle that you cannot solve?

Enter the numbers in this website, click on "Solve" and let the website solve for you.

If you enter an invalid puzzle or an extremely complex puzzle, it will return "No solution". But most time, you will get the answer in 3 seconds!

You can also ask the website to generate a puzzle - with the number of blanks that you specify. You can then solve the generated puzzle.

 

http://c-pearl.com/sudoku.aspx

 

Problem with MRT signalling system

James Lim said:
The real shocker is that there's actually no need for such signalling system for use on SMRT's NSL and EWL because both lines are driven by humans.

From an engineer perspective, the "Moving block" signalling system used by SMRT in its current "upgrade" uses sensors to create a bubble of safety region for the train to travel. If the train exceed the bubble, electricity is automatically cut off and the train can't move causing a jam. Such system relies heavily on sensor and all the train speed on the railway. Since it's man driven, some trains travel faster / slower than what the computer required unlike unmanned trains like CCL/NEL/DTL which computer dictates the speed. Sensors can fail easily (e.g. bird fly pass / something blocking the sensor and it think it's a train)

The fact is we don't need such a system for NSL / EWL and it's a giant waste of money. If SMRT had implemented a timetable system (use in Sydney trains / Japan trains) and each train follow the timetable to arrive at the destination with drivers PHYSICALLY looking ahead for safety, there is no trouble / signalling / track fault at all.

Sadly SMRT don't want to implement this system.

REPLY:
I sometimes wonder if we are spending a lot of money unnecessarily. However, we do not have sufficient information to make a judgment. The information is not shared with the public. This is governance, Singapore style. The elites knows all the answers. They also knows all the excuses when something goes wrong.

Include name of organization in Caller ID

The Singapore Civil Defence Force is arranging for its number "995" to appear on the mobile phones of called parties ('995' now displayed on phones' caller ID; June 1).

Apart from showing the number, it should also try to get its name reflected.

If the called parties know the identity of the caller, they are more likely to pick up the call.

Recently, I received a call from the Singapore Exchange and the number was not reflected. I did not take it, thinking it was someone trying to sell me something.

I am not aware of any telephone company that provides this service, but the SCDF might want to look into it.

Tan Kin Lian

Professional engineer moves to Kuala Lumpur

I met a woman who is a professional engineer and boss of a company that employs three staff.

She is moving to Kuala Lumpur where the business prospects are better., She finds the business in Singapore to be too competitive and the cost to be too high.

I agree with her. I told her that the government introduces many wasteful activities that are costly. Recently, they wrote to companies to appoint a Data Protection Officer under the Privacy and Data Protection Act. This requirement applies to all companies and associations, including those that do not have any full time staff.

Is Singapore not competitive for aircraft maintenance jobs

I met a young man in his mid 20s. He graduated from a polytechnic with a diploma in aeronautical engineering and went to serve his National Service. On completing his full time NS, he could not get a job. He had to work as a part time cashier to earn $6 an hour.

I find this strange. There should be business for the aircraft maintenance industry, due to the explosion in air travel, particularly for the low cost airlines.

This is an industry where Singapore should be competitive. The planes are costly, so the airlines should be able to pay a high fee for aircraft maintenance of a high standard.

He told me that the aircraft maintenance requires a lot of space and Singapore is short of space. That is why not many jobs are available in Singapore.

I do not accept this reasoning. Perhaps the cost of rental of space is a major factor. I do not think the aircraft maintenance companies are using foreigners, as the expected salary of this young man is quite modest.

There is a problem here. I do not know what is the real problem.

Show the name of the caller making a call

I find it ridiculous that companies hide their telephone numbers when they call their customers.

Recently, I received a call from a large company to my enquiry. My mobile phone showed the number as "unknown". I did not answer because I thought it was a marketing call? Why do they have to hide their number?

They should show their number. In fact, they should show the name of the company, i.e. "XYZ Company". Surely, the telephone operator can provide this feature? It is not difficult.

I read today that the Police hotline did not show "995" when they make a call to the public. They are now correcting it with this change. But why did it take the Police so long to realize this shortcoming?

If the telephone operator provide this feature, individual users may also opt for this service. If I call another party, I like my name to be sent to their mobile phone so they know who is calling. Currently, the number is shown, but a name would be better.

http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/scdf-hotline-number-995-will-display-phones-caller-id-june-1?xtor=EREC-16-4[Yah_Newsletter]-20170601&extid=ba7e2ff6adfd1039c89e0ac42e4dc009d9587878

Comedy of the Elected President - uniquely Singapore

The race for the Elected President starts on 1 June 2017 (tomorrow). It looks like another walkover. This will be an additional chapter in this unique Singapore comedy. It is run to watch the various acts over the past 25 years.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1296

Bad excuse for poor management of bus services

I saw this poster on the bus for one year. I see this as a sad example of the quality of Lee HL's government.

I see a hidden message. It says, "LTA is not able to use the data to plan better bus services because concession card holders do not tap out of the bus, so the data is not complete".

What nonsense! Even if the concession card holders do not tap out, there is sufficient data from the ordinary commuters to do proper planning.
I see that our bus schedules are somewhat chaotic - some services have many buses and are poorly utilised while other services are short of buses.

I wrote to the Ministry of Transport to ask for the occupancy rate of the bus services to be shown on a website and the data be used for planning. MOT passed my suggestion to LTA. Nobody bother to contact me to discuss this proposal.

Well, I blame Lee HL because he does not appoint the right people to head our agencies and allow their bad attitude to pervade the public service.

LTA should optimize the bus services

I waited for bus 162 at 5.30 pm today. It arrived after 15 minutes. During this interal, I saw 4 buses for 52 passed by, most of them quite empty. Bus 52 is not a feeder service. How can they afford to run so many buses at short intervals on this route.

I changed to bus 70 at Yio Chu Kang station. It arrived after 20 minutes. The queue was very long.

The Land Transport Authority is now responsible to set the schedule of the bus services, as all revenue goes to them. They pay the bus operators a fixed fee to run each bus, based on their tender price.

Is anyone in LTA monitoring the punctuality and the load factor for each service? I suspect that nobody is paying attention. (Previously, the bus operators would be monitoring it to optimize the profit).

It is not difficult for LTA to appoint somebody to be responsible for this operation. They can use the data collected on the bus service to optimize their operations.

I hope that someone in LTA is paying attention to this matter.

Wasteful to issue many credit cards that are hardly used

Rex Hsu said:
There is another widespread practice by banks which absolutely confuse you. Many banks issue 3 or more different visa/mastercards. Card A can get special discount at retail and dining, Card B can use for mrt discount, card C can use for petrol discount, Card D is a ladies special card, each card also can have a supplememtary card, each card carries a different annual fee, which you can ask to waive by phone call (if you remember). Many banks tell you, get a great discount for joining after that can cancel one card, or both card to avoid annual fee, no problem. My wallet is full of cards, i dont know which card to use, even the same bank issue 2 cards at a time to you. Such is the confusion and low productivity in Singapore.

MY COMMENTS
It is a wasteful practice. The product managers have KPI on number of cards issued. So they work to issue many cards (and allow waiver of annual fee) to meet the KPI. I get the impression that Singapore is a wasteful society.

How can Singapore Airlines improve its service through innovation

What can Singapore Airlines really do to restore their profits? They have already formed two subsidiares, Tiger Air and Scoot, to compete with the low cost airlines. They have to remain in the premium travel category. Perhaps they should cut cost and improve their efficiency? At the same time, they should make it innovative for passengers to enjoy their flying experience?

Their cabin crew continue to provide good service. But they really need to know what the travellers really appreciate today. It is not the same as 50 years ago. Times have changed.

Here are some of my ideas.

1) All travellers now carry mobile device.
2) Allow them to charge the mobile devices on the plane.
3) Allow them to watch movies, news and music on their mobile device.

This is only possible if WiFi is safe to use on the plane. I assume that it is, as some planes already provide it for a fee.

Access to the Internet will be expensive, so it has to be charged. But WiFi for access to the server on the plane should be free.

The passenger will probably enjoy their mobile device better than the console on the plane - which they find difficult to navigate.

Do you agree? Any suggestions from your experience?

Show the operating hours of Transit Link office

I have a PAssion card which can be used for public transport. I have to activate the card at a Transit Link office before 31 May. (I had the card with me for a long time but did not use it).

I searched the Internet for the operating hours of the Transit Link office. I could not find it. Someone, Transit Link did not consider this information to be important. They stated that their hotline operates form 8 am, so I thought that their office would be open at 8 am.

I took a bus to Yio Chu Kang MRT station where there is a Transit Link office. I arrived at 8.30 am. The sign said that the office is closed indefinitely. I have to go to another Transit Link office.

I took the MRT to Ang Mo Kio station. I know they have a Transit Link office there.

I went to the interchange and asked for direction to the Transit Link office. The customer service counter was open but they cannot activate the card. The counter for activation will open at 10 am. I could not wait 1 more hour, so I have to come tomorrow.

It is quite common to see the ordinary people waste a lot of time to do simple things. They have to wait for several hours in the polyclinic. They waste time, like I did, with unhelpful information on services.

If the Peoples Association were to wonder why there is a low activation rate for their PAssion card (and I assume that this is the case), they should learn from my feedback.

Beware of this type of life insurance promotion

Several investment linked policies, offered by a few insurance companies, follow this structure. It is easy for the consumer to fall into the trap, and to regret their folly.

1. The agent tells them about a limited period promotion, which offers bonus units for their investments.
2. The customer ask many questions about the promotion, but FORGOT to look at the important aspects of the underlying policy.
3. They were not aware about the high annual and penalty charges.
4. When they realize the fact, it was too late. They have invested more than $10,000 and would have to suffer a part of it when they terminate the policy, or to suffer a large loss each year.

This product analysis shows how the charges work.
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=449

New issues for voting at Wisdom website

Here are the issues for you to vote:

1) Will Donald Trump complete the first term in office?
2) Did Donald Trump back down on global trade at the G7 summit?
3) Should single mothers be allowed to get subsidized HDB flats?

Give your vote at
www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

How can Singapore Airlines improve its revenue and profits

Singapore Airlines is facing big challenges. They suffered an operating loss during the last quarter. Their service is not as good as previously. Their prices are too high. The cost is probably too high also.

Here are some suggestions on how the airline can improve its customer service and experience and hopefully increases its revenue.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1361

Analyses of financial products

This page contains the analyses of several insurance products and investments that are commonly sold in the market. Some are good for consumers, others are bad. The analyses are available only for FISCA members. There are analysis of many products. Only the most recent ones are shown. You can search for the old ones by typing the name of the product in the search box.

http://www.fisca.sg/Article.aspx?Category=Product%20Analysis

Are you a first time or second time buyer of a HDB flat?

The HDB allows a citizen to buy a subsidized flat two times. On the second time, the buyer has to pay a resale levy. This rule may look simple, but can be quite complicated to manage. It is giving headache to the front line staff of HDB and also to the general public.

Read more at:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1360

Survey on Chee Hong Tatt and Paul Thambyah

Minister of state Chee Hong Tatt criticized Paul Thambyah for making unsubstantiated allegations on local doctors unhappiness with the employment of foreign doctors.

a) Was the MOS fair in his criticism?
b) Was Paul Thambyah a courageous person?

Here are the results of two surveys on this matter.
www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

Survey on Baby Milk Power

Here are the results of two surveys.

You can view more survey results at www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

The truth about the interest rate paid by the Central Provident Fund

For many years, the Central Provident Fund has been paying an interest rate of 2.5% on the ordinary account and 4% on the special account. Many commentators pointed out that the CPF savings are invested by GIC which was able to earn a much higher return than the interest rate paid by CPF. They asked for transparency in the investment of CPF.

Here is the truth about the return provided by CPF to its members. And a suggestion on how to improve the current situation and make it more transparent and trusted.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1359

Should Singapore have cancelled the joint naval exercise with India in the South China Sea?

Should Singapore have canceled our joint naval exercise with India in the South China Sea to avoid aggravating the misunderstanding with China? There are several options for you to vote on this issue in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Is policy A or policy B better?

I have often been asked for my views on whether policy A or policy B is better. The implicit assumption is that the consumer have to buy either A or B. It is like having to pay tax, i.e. they have no choice.

The consumer is asking the wrong question. A better question is - how should I plan for my future and to protect against the risk of premature death (by accident or illness) and to have sufficient savings for my retirement.

The answer to this important question can be obtained from:
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=484

Excellent follow up by Singapore Exchange

I congratulate Singapore Exchange for providing an excellent follow up to my feedback about the Central Depository. They called me to discuss my feedback and the actions that they can take to address them.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1358

I hope that other big organizations in Singapore, including the government agencies, will follow this excellent example.

Congratulations, SGX.

Is our health care system a success?

This professor describes Singapore health care system as a success in providing affordable care. I disagree with him. I find our health care to be too costly for the nation and for the people. The charges for treatment are also too high and the out of pocket payments take away a large part of Medisave and personal savings.

The quality of the health care is good, but it is too expensive.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/…/commentary-singapore-s-hea…

Does an insurance policy cover terrorism?

If a person is insured under an insurance policy and dies from a terrorist attack, such as the one that occurs in Manchester or Jakarta, will the family be able to claim under the insurance policy?

You can find the answer here:
www.fisca.sg

Issues affecting the future leadership of Singapore

There are three important questions affecting the future leadership of Singapore. Go to the www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg website and vote on these issues.

We need many votes from ordinary people.

Login process for Corporate Pass should be simplified

I waited 6 years for IDA (now IDMA) to introduce the Corporate Pass. They now wants to make it compulsory for organisations to use the Corporate Pass, rather than the individual's Sing Pass.

The login for Corporate Pass is quite complicated for users. They require the user to provide the organization's UEN code and the user's personal code. This is a bad approach.

After that, they still have to go through a 2FA authentication. And search a complicated website for the transaction that they wish to provide.

This is sad. Singapore will still have to face a big challenge in introducing online transactions. This login system will discourage users.

ALTERNATIVE
What is a better login system? They should just follow Google or Facebook to allow people to login with their email address. THey can even allow the user to login with the Facebook or Google profile.

After logging in this easy way, they can present to the user the organization that they are authorised to access. In most cases, it will be a single organization. But some users may access a few organizations. This can be selected from a drop down list.

If a higher level of authorization is required, they can ask for the 2FA for this person. This should be made optional for first level access. It can be made compulsory for submitting transactions.

Unsatisfactory happenings with Uber

I encountered a few unsatisfactory happenings with Uber.

I called a UberX this morning. The app showed my pickup address is my home, which is correct. It showed that a car would arrive in 5 minutes.

I waited for the car for 25 minutes. During this interval, the app showed the arrival time as 2 min, 1 min, 3 min, etc. Finally, the driver called me and said that he is waiting for me at the pickup point which is a different location. I don't know why Uber gave him a wrong geo location (instead of my address). The driver than canceled the booking.


I found next that Uber charged me $6 for the canceled booking. I went through the app to get a refund. The app accepted the request and said that a refund of $6 would be given to me as a credit to be used for the next trip. It should appear in my app under Payment.

I went to check the credit. It did not appear.

There were two previous occasions where this "disappeared credit" had occurred. Two months ago, I canceled a booking after discovering that Uber gave a wrong pickup point (as their GPS was not working correctly). The charged a few of $6 to me and later give me a refund after my explanation. The refund appear in my account but disappeared after a few days.

I used Uber in Malaysia. The driver canceled the booking after 20 min. I reported to Uber and they credited MYR 5 to me. The credit never appeared in my account.
I had a difficult time to contact Uber on these issues. I find their business practice to be unsatisfactory.

Issue official mobile phones to policemen on patrol

The Police is issuing mobile phones to its personnel on the front line.

This is a good idea. A mobile phone is needed today, just like a pistol or baton is needed as a standard equipment for a policeman on patrol.

It will also be possible for the control center to know where the policeman is at any time, and whether they are on the move as they should be.

There could be abuse, i.e. the policeman would be browsing the social media or listening to music or making personal calls when they should be working, but this risk is already present, as they could be using their personal mobile phones.

These unathorised activities could be better monitored with the official phones.

Dealing with fake news

Governments around the world are addressing the issue of fake news. They are targeting the Internet giants, such as Facebook, Google and Yahoo. I think that this is a fair approach.

http://www.todayonline.com/commentary/can-governments-stop-fake-news

These giants are big enough to deal with the governments on what is "fake new" and "honest opinions".

The challenge is how to stop the spread of "fake news" after it has gone viral. The platform operator may delete the source of the fake news but they have to trace it all the way down the distribution chain.

Unhappy with lower payout under AIA policies

All my life I have believed in the concept of insurance, and that it can help when I am have falling ill or provide relief for my children when I finally leave this world behind.

I am writing an utterly bitter experience with AIA so those of you who consider insuring yourself with them, can hopefully benefit from my unfortunate incident. 

Let me share a little bit about my mother with you. She used to make coffee for a living, not rich but very thrifty; supporting the livelihood of 7 children. She loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. 

http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=482

Wisdom of the Crowd issues and results

The results of the voting on these issues are now ready for viewing:

1. What is the best age to get married?
2. Will you get help to find a suitable partner?
3. Do you agree with the proposed ban on advertising for baby milk powder?

You can view the results in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

JustGrab fare is misleading

JustGrab fare is misleading and is 50% higher than the return journey.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1353

Improve the user experience for online transactions

Singapore has been very slow in adopting online processes. Many countries, such as China or Japan, are miles ahead of us.

I blame the Monetary Authority of Singapore and other government agency for this sad situation. They are too concerned about security and have introduced impractical processes and steps that discourage the public from using online processes.

Here are the reasons why it is difficult to use online proceses in Singapore and the simple steps that can be taken to remove these obstacles.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1352

Lower the price of baby milk powder

What can the government do to set the environment for the free market to bring down the prices of baby milk powder? They have taken the step to ban the advertising of the premium products. Perhaps they should take additional steps.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1351

Investment policy of GIC and Temasek Holdings

How should GIC and Temasek conduct its investment policy?

Here is a view from a fund manager. I agree with him.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1350

Ridiculous and inconsiderate process by CDP

I wish to share this ridiculous and inconsiderate process by the Central Depository (CDP) of Singapore Exchange.

I am embarassed to say it, but this is typical of the mindless approach adopted by many large organizations in Singapore.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1346

This young man ask if he should be insured under an Early Stage Critical Illness insurance

Hi Mr Tan,
Recently I faced a dilemma whether should I continue my AXA Early Stage CI or not which covers me until 75 for a guaranteed fixed $1,246.50 annually inclusive of GST.

This is especially so when comparing with the rates offered by SAF Aviva Living Care and Living Care Plus program.

I am a student, age 26. I will be graduating soon.
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=478

Thomson View townhouse available for rental 1 Jan 2018

Thomson View townhouse available for rental 1 Jan 2018. You can watch the video.

http://tklcloud.com/Leasing/ViewListing.aspx?idlisting=2

If you wish to list your property for rental, click on Register and follow the instructions. Listing is FREE.

This portal allows you to show a video of your property (hosted on Youtube). It allows the prospective tenants to view the property without a physical viewing.

To search for properties to rent, go to www.tklcloud.com/leasing

Two buses arrive in a convoy

When I arrived at the bus stop in Upper Thomson Road, I checked the app for the arrival time of Bus 163. It said 14 minutes.

I was looking out for Bus 163 when I walked towards the bus stop for 2 minutes. So, the gap must be 16 minutes.

I wondered - will there be a "ghost bus" that will arrive within the next 14 minutes? This is a bus that has a failed GPS tracker.

The next 2 buses for service 163 arrived in a convoy after 14 minutes.

With the modern technology, we are still have buses arriving in a convoy? Surely, these buses could be tracked and directed to maintain a gap in arrival times?

I wonder if LTA is paying attention to the big data that they collect on the bus arrival time. Surely, they could spot these problems and rectify them?

Why spend so many million dollars for advanced system and not use the data analysis to improve the service standard?

Investing for the long term - two stories

I have exceptionally good luck on two major investments. It was helped by the principle of "investing for the long term". If the market is bad, we can wait. When it reaches a peak, we can take a good profit.
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=476

Should I buy a larger flat on my first purchase?

Mr. Tan,
The government allows a citizen to buy a new flat (BTO) at a subsidized price and a second flat in the future at a subsidized price, i.e. each citizen is allowed the subsidy for 2 purchases.

Many people have bought a new flat and sold it many years later to make a profit. They can then buy the flat a second time.

Should I buy a larger flat (up to 7 years of salary) as I will have the chance to make a large profit on its sale?

Read my reply here:
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=474

12.45% return

Dear Mr Tan,
Recently I enquired about a 12.45% interest, 6-year structured deposit as advertised by OCBC bank.

REPLY
Some people may be misled to think that the return is 12.45% per year. It is the total return for 6 years, so the annual return is only 2% per annum.

There are also some other factors that the investor should take into account. The capital is guaranteed but the interest rate is not.

Read more about this product in
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=468

Suggestion to take somebody's lunch

How does the Crowd view the suggestion by PM Lee to "take somebody's lunch"?

You can see the results of their votes here. A vast majority has a better suggestion for PM Lee. Read it.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=93

Has GST been good for the economy?

Has GST been good for the economy? If not, what is the damage that it has caused?

A vast majority of the Crowd has spoken! And they have given a clear statement of its worst impact! Read here:
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=91

DINK - double income, no kid

Singapore has been dealing with this problem for three decades. Many people are remaining unmarried or have decided to have no children. In Japan, they are called DINK - the spouses have double income, i.e. both are working, but no kids. Many Singaporeans are DINKS.

One key factor is the financial challenges. But there are other challenges that have to be addressed, from the social or personal angles.

What are the problems? Give your vote on the marriage issues in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg.

Received all six book prizes

Some participants have submitted more than 60 votes and received all the six book prizes shown here.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/page/115

You can also receive these prizes by participating in
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Independent expert to evaluate financial products

I have updated this article to show how the use of an independent expert can help consumers to avoid the financial products that give them a poor return and take unfair advantage of their ignorance to benefit the financial instituion. In layman terms, the financial insitution is "ripping off" the consumer.

Read this article.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1340

Have a restful and peaceful vacation

For Singaporeans who live in a crowded city every day, a short break in a farm can be quite relaxing and a good change. You do not need to go all the way to Australia or New Zealand to have this experience.

You can visit a farm in Malacca. It offers a restful and peaceful enviroment and a change to really relax. What's more, you can enjoy the best in our local food, Malacca style.

What's more. It is so inexpensive, compared to staying in a farm in Aussieland.

Where to stay? Try this.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1335

How to avoid bad financial products

Many life insurance policies sold in the market are bad for consumers. They should be avoided.
Which are the products that are acceptable, and which are not?

Join FISCA (www.fisca.sg/register.aspx) and have access to the product analysis that you can find here:

http://www.fisca.sg/Article.aspx?Category=Product%20Analysis

If your product has not been analyzed, you can send the benefit illustration to me (kinlian@gmail.com) for it to be analyzed.

Questions on marriage

What is the best age for young people to get married, leaving aside the financial challenges? Should they search for a spouse on their own, or get help from friends, parents or a professional counsellor (or matchmaker)?

Give your views in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Change will take time

Many Singaporeans have a mindset that is based on "black or white". The education minister Ong Ye Kung said that skills are as important as a degree. A few people - "In that case, why does the public service ask for a degree for their jobs?"

Read my views here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1341

Get independent expert to verify advertised claims

The regulator is putting up a new regulation to stop manufacturers from making nutritional and health claims when they advertised their products.

This is necessary, as consumers have no way to verify the reliability of the advertised claims.

However, this ban has its negative aspects, as the advertisers will not be able to bring out the special features of their products, if these are true.

The regulators can take another approach. Read here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1340

Should schools start later?

There was a report that Nanyang Girls started school 45 mins later than other schools to give their students more time to sleep. This seemed to work well.
https://www.facebook.com/cnainsider/videos/1371549616201045/

Should other schools make this change? Give your view and vote in www.wisdomofthecrowd.aspx

Errant claims on CHAS

There was a news report that some clinics were suspended for making "errant claims" for non-existent consultations under the CHAS (community health assistance scheme). Were these mistakes or deliberate attempts to cheat the government?

Should doctors who deliberately cheat on the CHAS be charged for cheating? Give your views here: www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Right to free speech

Many people think that they have the "ight to free speech" and that this right is absolute. They are not aware that this right has to be balanced by responsibility towards other people in society. Read here:

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1337

You do not need a degree for many jobs

Many people hold the view that a degree is necessary and is a basic requirement for a career in the future.

I agree to some extent. A degree is necessary for certain types of jobs. It is not necessary for many other jobs in the economy, now and in the future.

A degree is costly in time and money. It will take 3 years of a person's time. It will cost a lot of money.

Read my views here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1338

The troll who cried

A few years ago, I encountered a troll who kept attacking me mindlessly. At that time, Facebook did not provide the facility to ban the troll.

I told him that he brought shame to his parents who did not teach him any manners and to respect other people.

His reaction surprised me. He told me that he was deeply hurt by my comments and cried. His mother had passed away recently. I should not blame his mother for his behavior.

I felt sorry for him for a while. I wondered - if he is so sensitive, why did he enjoy hurting other people by his senseless behavior?

I wonder how many trolls (aka idiots) that I have banned from my page are like him - deeply sensitive, feeling deeply hurt when they are attacked back, but have no regard for the feelings of other people?

I know that this behavior can be found all over the world. I don't know if the behavior of our people is worse than those of other cultures, but I will say that it is most deplorable.

Alternative to getting a degree

Over the past years, I have seem many people who do not make the grade to be accepted into local universities, still have the dream to pursue a degree. Their parents support them financially and send them to overseas universities.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1338

Buy a recumbent gym bike

https://www.facebook.com/kinlian/videos/1500987099973937/

Failure of the education system

Some people have the mistaken notion that "free speech" gives them the right to give to other people's Facebook page and insult them directly and meaninglessly. They find it "fun" to be a troll. When they are banned from that page, they complained that they were only expressing their view and the right to "free speech" is being denied.

This is a sad reflection of the failure of the education system, of parenting and of society. After spending a large part of the national budget on education, we get many people who are uneducated, ill mannered, uncouth and are absolute idiots.

Read more:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1337

Product Analysis - life insurance policies

Dear Mr. Tan
Is Vivolife a good policy? It came from the company that you use to run.

REPLY
Go to www.fisca.sg, click on Article, then type in Vivolife.

You will get a review here:
http://www.fisca.sg/Article.aspx?Keyword=vivo%20life

If you want to view the analysis on other policies, just type in the name of the policy. Or go to the tab "Product Analysis".
http://www.fisca.sg/Article.aspx?Category=Product%20Analysis

Learn about insurance through videos

Dear Mr. Tan,

I am worried to read about the many cases of rejected claims. After paying so much premium for "peace of mind", I don't know if I will be covered when something really happens to me. What is your advice?

REPLY
Watch the educational videos in www.tankinlian/video.aspx . You will learn the tips on what types of insurance to buy and what to avoid. You should watch all the videos over a few days. You may have to watch the videos a few times to understand the underlying message.

Sorry, there is no short cut. It is better to equip yourself with the knowledge to make the right decision.
www.tankinlian/video.aspx

Ministers who don't reply to emails

I spoke to a friend, who is around my age, early this morning.

She was most annoyed with the attitude of our ministers. They don't reply to her emails.

She mentioned specifically Tharman S, Lee HL and Teo CH. I told her that many people liked Tharman but she had a very different opinion.

She liked K Shanmugaratnam, who is in touch with what is happening and is willing to help on her issues. I wonder if this is personal to her.

I agree with her that most ministers just ignored emails sent to them. They are arrogant. They also do not reply to my emails or even acknowledged them. They have so many assistants and are not able to give a simple reply?

In contrast, I always reply to emails (except spam marketing emails). Here is an example that someone remembered for more than ten years.
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1336

Prompt reply and personal attention

I believe in giving a prompt reply to an email (except for spam advertising mail). I received this email today.

Quote
Hello Mr Tan
I just recently realised that your email address is on Facebook and would like to write you this note.
(I had no idea how to write to you after you left Income)

Years ago when I was a university student, I was a member of Income Car Co-Op. You were still the CEO of NTUC Income back then. (I am now almost 40 years old, and I was around 22-23 years old back then).

Guess what he said:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1336

Unified point of sale terminal

Finally, serveral parties in Singapore are working on a unified point of sale terminal.
http://www.todayonline.com/…/govt-aims-half-fb-outlets-go-d…

Constitutionality of legislation on elected president

Dr Tan Cheng Bok has confirmed that the court will be hearing his application to determine the constitutionality of the legislation passed in Parliament. I like to wish him success and all the best in this effort.

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/05/08/dr-tan-cheng-bock-announces-application-to-seek-courts-determination-on-constitutionality-of-legislation-for-reserved-election/

High Speed Rail between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

Earlier, it appeared that China will get the contract to build the HSR between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Recent developments cast some doubts about it. The contract to build Bandar Malaysia (where China Rail was a partner) was cancelled by the Malaysian Government.

Which country will win the contract? Give your vote in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Changes to the Elected President

The majority of the people voting in The Wisdom of the Crowd prefer the previous system of elected president that existed for 20 years during the tenure of President Ong, President Nathan and President Tan.

They do not like the recent changes to the Elected President.

See their votes in the chart below.

You can view their votes on other issues at www.wisdomofthecrowd.result.aspx

Wisdom of the Crowd book

This book explains the development and concept of the website.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/pdf.aspx/7

Only 30% of local students are allowed to enter the local universities

Is it a right policy for the government to set a cap of 30% for each cohort to enter the local universities?

Give your vote in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Barack Obama and the French Presidential election

Former president Barack Obaman endorsed Macron for the French Presidency. Is he interefering in French politics? Should be avoid doing so?

Give your views in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Fraud involving E Pass

Is the government aware about the fraud involving E Pass? This abuse was quite rampant a few years ago. Has it been curbed?
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1334

Buying life insurance with an averse medical history

Hi Mr Tan
I would like to seek your opinion on this insurance matter. I have a past history of high blood pressure and trying to get a term insurance with CI, TPD and death or even an early CI if possible for around 10 years. However those companies who I went to either don't cover me or just propose a term insurance only covering death. In your opinion, what is my best option to be covered as there are so many different kinds of insurance available.

The answer can be found here:
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=472

TKL Speech - Finding a job

Mr Tan

Your speech on Labour Day 2017 is very informative and practical. Singaporeans will benefit from it. The link is here.

Labour Day 2017 (Tan Kin Lian) - Jobs for Singaporeans First
https://youtu.be/30bGzHvNqiY

Have a good day
Chee Meng

Improve productivity with Visa Paywave

I had dinner at a restaurant at Aperia Mall in Kallang Bahru. I went to pay by credit card.

I asked the cashier if I could pay by Visa Paywave. They do not provide this facility.

The cashier told me that she had used Visa Paywave before as a customer, but it took a long time to print the receipt. She does not know why her restaurant did not want to introduce Visa PayWave.

My son said that he frequently paid by Visa Paywave, but there was no delay in getting the receipt.

Visa had introduce PayWave for a few years already. The adoption was very slow.

Most people are still paying by cash or credit card. The credit card had to be connected to the bank (for credit approval) and the customer have to sign the receipt. This is time consuming.

Visa Paywave would have reduced the time and increased the productivity of the cashier. But it is not widely implemented.

This is sad. There is the facility to improve our productivity and reduce our cost. But the business community is not responding to it.

Time for us to learn from China

When I first visited China in 1987, they were very poor and backward. Singapore was way ahead.

30 years later, China became very advanced. In many areas, they are ahead of Singapore.

Singapore has also progressed but not to the same extent. In fact, we continued with many unproductive and wasteful practices that make us high cost and uncompetitive.

PM Lee blame the Singaporeans. I think he and his ministers shoulder the greater share of the blame.

We need to have the energy and innovation that now characterized China. It is time for us to wake up and realize that we are far behind.

We cannot continue to think that we are "the best". We have slipped a few notches. We now have to learn from China.

Giving some excuse

My server in the Cloud was not responding. I logged into their website to reboot the server. It did not accept my password. I had encountered a similar problem before. At that time, it was due to some problem in their Cloud software. Coud it have happened again?

I called Starhub to report the situation. The staff asked me to hold the line.

A while later, the server was restored and started working well. When the staff came back, I told him that the service is now okay.

Starhub - Thank you. Is there anything else that I can do for you?
TKL - Can you ask your backend to check if the there was a disruption of the Cloud service earlier and they had to reboot their software to restore it?
Starhub - (gave some excuse why this could not be done).
TKL - You asked me if there is anything that you can do for me. I asked you to check what had happened. If you are not willing to do so, it is okay with me. Bye.

It would have been better for him to take my message and conveyed it, rather than give some excuse to block my request.

Structural obstacles to employ Singaporeans

Instead of asking Singaporeans to "steal another person's lunch", the PM should look into what are the structural obstacles that make it difficult for Singaporeans to get a job and to stay employed.

I like to pass the following points to him. I hope that one of his loyalists will help to convey this message.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1333

Accident claim rejected due to Parkinson's disease

My father in-law purchased an accident plan with reimbursements from two insurance companies. Later on in life, he was diagnosed with mild Parkinson's. Late last year, he had a fall while trying to open his house door. He was hospitalised for hip replacement surgery. In his two policies, he is entitled to claim for reimbursement for the accident and there are specific percentages specified for various fractures or injuries. One insurance company has replied that they cannot pay the claim because of Parkinson's.

Can I ask for your opinion? Is the insurer right in rejecting the claim?

Answer
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=471

Should I buy long term care insurance (supplement to Eldershield)

A consumer asked me - I am covered under permant total disability under a term insurance policy. Should I buy long term care insurance (i.e. private eldershield)?

He is asking the wrong question. The correct question should be - do I need to buy long term care insurance? Am I paying a fair premium? What is the chance of making a claim? Should I be insured, or self-insured?

The anser can be found in this article in the FISCA website - should I buy a supplement to Eldershield?

http://www.fisca.sg/Article.aspx?Keyword=eldershield

My view on the FAS saga

I wish to share my observation on the saga involving the Football Assocation of Singapore and the donation of $500,000 for the development of the football management system under the FAS?

Was there some irregularities or even fraud? Who were the parties involved?

My views can be read here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1332

Difference between long term care and permanent total disability

A consumer bought a term insurance policy (which also covers permanent total disability) and a private Eldershield policy. He asked me if there is redundant coverage.

It is difficult to answer his question. Actually, he is asking the wrong question - most consumers ask the wrong question anyway.

Here is an explanation of the issue and the answer to his complicated and wrong question:
http://www.fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=470

Issues with longer term impact on Government policies

Some of the issues voted in the Wisdom of the Crowd have longer term impact on the government policies for Singapore. You can read the voting on these selected issues at
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/selected_issue.aspx

PM Lee - how about creating jobs for Singaporeans?

To PM Lee,
Sure, the economy is picking up, but jobs are going to foreigners, right?
http://www.straitstimes.com/…/economy-picking-up-but-jobs-r…

Why don't you get your manpower minister to find ways to create jobs for locals? He can take some tips from my article here. He does not have to pay any $$$ to me for these tips, okay?
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx…

Sentence meted out in the City Harvest Church case

The majority of the Crowd wants to original sentence meted to the accused in the City Harvest Church case to be increased. Another significant proportion wants it to be maintained. A small percentage agree with the reduced sentence given out by the court of appear. This is bad news for the accused. You can view the detailed vote in www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

GST is killing Singapore.

GST has been very bad for Singapore. We have been going down a slippery slope for the past three decades since the introduction of GST. During this time, the cost of doing business has increased and Singapore has become uncompetitive globally. While GST is not the only cause of this decline, as there are other factors, it does play a major part.

I blame Lee HL and Teo CH for introducing this disease to Singapore three decades ago.

Here are my reasons:
http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1331

May Day Talk - how to find a job

I have been asked by Gilbert Goh to give a speech on May Day. It will be held at an indoor venue - not Hong Lim Park. The audience are mainly people who have lost their jobs and have problem in getting a similar job.

I am giving the points in this article. I will be asking them to realize the facts of the case and to make a change.

They can drive a taxi or Uber car, or they can accept any of the jobs that are in demand, although these do not pay well now and the working conditions are not good. The pay and work conditions can improve.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1330

Are you satisfied with the MRT system?

Slightly more than 50% of the voters, i.e. the Crowd, are dissatisfied with the MRT system. See the chart below.

You can view more details of the voting on this issue and on other issues at www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx

You can also submit your vote and win a prize after every 10 votes. Details of the prizes can be found at:
www.wisdomofthecrowd/page/115













You can vote at www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

Looking for a job

If you have difficulty looking for a suitable job, you should read this article.

http://www.tankinlian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1330

Election to the Council of the Football Association of Singapore

The election will be held on 29 April, in 2 days time. Which team will win the election? Give your vote here: www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg

.NET Developer

I have a vacancy for a developer who is familiar with Microsoft .NET C# or VB. Interested party can send resume to kinlian@gmail.com.

Bus schedule in great disorder

I missed bus 163 by less than a minute when I arrived at Upper Thomson Road.  The app shows the next bus arriving after 14 minutes. This was strange, as the interval during peak hours is about 8 minutes.

The next bus arrived after 30 minutes. During this interval, about four buses under other services passed the stop - service 52, 410, 165, 980. Where is bus 163?

The bus schedule and punctuality must be in disorder. Why is this the case? We have technology to monitor the punctuality of the buses and the occupancy rate. If the buses are full, the Land Transport Authority should ask for more buses to be added. But, they do not seem to know. They probably did not analyze the data.