Integrated Shield plans

 Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) in Singapore offer additional coverage beyond the basic MediShield Life, with premiums varying based on factors such as age and the level of coverage. For individuals aged 70 and above, premiums can be substantial, especially for plans covering private hospital treatments. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), lifetime premiums for private hospital IPs can amount to S$323,900, excluding riders.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in IP premiums. Following the end of the premium freeze by the Life Insurance Association (LIA) on August 31, 2024, nearly all insurers raised their premiums for private medical IPs and riders. For instance, at least one insurer increased IP premiums for private wards by an average of 21% without riders and 35% with riders. For restructured hospital base plans, the increases were 14% without riders and 23% with riders.

These rising premiums have led some older policyholders to reconsider their coverage. Between 2020 and 2023, 2.2% of individuals over the age of 60 relinquished their IPs, reverting to the basic MediShield Life. This trend is attributed to the escalating premiums and the limitations of MediSave in covering the annual payments.

It's important to note that premiums vary among insurers and depend on the specific plan and coverage level. For precise and up-to-date premium information, especially for those aged 70 and above, it's advisable to consult directly with the respective insurance providers or refer to the latest resources from the Ministry of Health.

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16You and 15 others

Bus services to Johor Bahru

 I have travelled to Johor Bahru by bus many times and am familiar with the different buses to take.

Most people go by MRT to Woodlands station to take 950 or Kranji station to take 160, 170 or 170X.

Because 160 and 170 have to serve other parts of Singapore, their arrival time is erratic.

170X and 950 are shuttles to Woodlands checkpoint.

950 is more suitable as it starts from a bus interchange and takes a shorter route to the checkpoint. LTA allocates insufficient buses for 950 leading to long queues. The public has to wait 25 minutes to board the third bus on busy days.

170X starts from Kranji station that it does not have an adjoining bus interchange. The queue is long. 170X also takes a longer time to reach the checkpoint as it travels a longer way.

After the Woodlands checkpoint, all four services travel on the same route to the JB checkpoint.

If adequate buses are provided for 950, therr is no need for 160, 170 and 170X to operate on this stretch.

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95You and 94 others

Weight exercise for elderly people

 it is important for elderly people to build and maintain muscle strength. Here's why:

1. Preserving Mobility and Independence

Muscle strength supports balance, coordination, and the ability to perform daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects.

Strong muscles reduce the risk of falls and injuries, which are common among the elderly.

2. Combating Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, begins as early as the 30s and accelerates after 60.

Building muscle can slow down or reverse this process, helping maintain physical function.

3. Improving Bone Health

Resistance training stimulates bone growth and density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

4. Enhancing Metabolic Health

Muscle mass improves glucose metabolism, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

It also helps maintain a healthy weight by boosting the resting metabolic rate.

5. Supporting Cardiovascular Health

Regular strength training can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

It complements aerobic exercises for a balanced fitness routine.

6. Boosting Mental Well-being

Exercise, including strength training, releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

It enhances cognitive function and may lower the risk of dementia.

Tips for Elderly People to Build Muscle Safely:

Start Slowly: Begin with light weights or bodyweight exercises.

Focus on Form: Proper technique is crucial to prevent injuries.

Include Resistance Training: Use resistance bands, free weights, or machines.

Incorporate Functional Exercises: Activities like sit-to-stand movements or carrying groceries mimic real-life tasks.

Stay Consistent: Aim for at least two sessions of strength training per week.

Consult Professionals: Work with a physical therapist or fitness trainer to design a safe, effective program.

Building muscle is not just about aesthetics; it's essential for maintaining quality of life and health as we age.

Tan Kin Lian's views on Google Blog

 I am having some problems with Facebook and may have to move to a new platform.

I will post my views on Google Blog. If you wish to follow my views, you can read my Google Blog at

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/11702093?hl=en&tab=jj

I will be creating a new platform (tentatively TKL Blog) but this may take a few weeks to be ready.

Measnwhile, visit my Google Blog so that I can track your interest in following my views.

DBS card payment

I sent this feedback and suggestion to DBS on card payment

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6175

Stop credit card fraud

 I have written to the government to suggest that sll card issuers be required to adopt this protocol to sttop credit card fraud. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6174

General election 2024/5

 Vote unconditionally for a non PAP candidate in the general election for 2024/5. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6173

Public transport to Forest City

 This is how you can travel to Forest City by public transport from Singapore and return to Singapore. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6172

Stolen credit cards

 This is a method for the card issuer to stop thieves from using stolen credit cards to make payments. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6171

National Anthem of China

 Although I am familiar with Chinese, I find it difficult to follow the words and meaning of the national anthem of China. Here is my research.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6170

Cost of high speed rail

  A comparison of the cost of High Speed Rail. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6169

Dispute over government subsidies

All governments subsidizes their producers in various ways. 

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6168

High speed rail - Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

 I hope that the High Speed Rail will proceed, and that governments of Malaysia and Singapore can agree on the partnership model. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6167

MHS insurance scheme

 I would like to seek your advice on NTUC Income MHS scheme which was introduced when you were CEO of Income.

When we purchased the policy, we were told the coverage was till 80 years old. But recently we received a letter from Income informing that they are discontinuing MHS. Can they do that? Isn't it a breach of their promise to cover policy holders till 80 years old?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6166

Malaysian Land Bridge

 The Malaysian land bridge can pose a big challenge to the transshipment business now done by the Singapore port. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6165

Display the destination stop number (DSN)

 
The Land Transport Authority replied to my suggestion on showing the destination sequence number (DSN) of each stop as the bus travels on the journey. The DSN is displayed on the bus.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6164

Size of HDB flat to start a family

 Should the ideal size for a HDB flat for a young couple starting a family be a 3 room flat (700 sf) or a 4 room flat (1,000 sf). How much should it cost?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6163

GST should be totally scrapped

 GST should be totally scrapped, as it is unnecessary and imposes a heavy burden on the people and a heavy administrative cost for businesses. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6162

Pricing of HDB BTO flats

I suggest a new approach to price HDB BTO flats to avoid speculation.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6161

Salary of government minister

What is an adequate salary for a government minister in Singapore

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6160

High Speed Rail - Singapore and KL

I suggest two options for the High Speed Rail between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6159

Purchase from Lazada Malaysia

 I bought many products from Lazada Malaysia, an online platform. This is how I bought them.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6158

The harm of social media

 Social media can be harmful. It has to be controlled to protect law and order.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6157

Living in Johor (from Singapore)

 Some people asked for my views of living in Johor, either after retirement or while working in Singapore.

I give my views here.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6156

Financial planning for young people

 This is my free PDF book on financial planning for young people

http://s3.tklcloud.com/TKLA/130715_Financial_Planning_for_Young_People_(PDF)

Travel to Johor through the causeway

Here are the tips to travel to Johor through the causeway (1st link). 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6154

Tavel to Johor through 2nd link

 Here are the tips to travel to Johor through the 2nd link (to Forest City, Gelang Patah, Sunway) etc. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6155

Tips to use Ali Pay

 I share the following tips for a foreigner to use Ali Pay in China. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6153

How to deal with the riots in the UK

 Someone asked me how the prime minister should handle the riots in the UK.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6152

Improve the use of the Thomson East Coast line

 We should make some changes so that more people will use the Thomson East Coast line and reduce the cost of operating the trunk bus services

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6151

Thailand land bridge

 The proposed land bridge across Thailand is likely to have a major impact on the shipping business of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6150

Promote work from home (WFH)

This is another way to promote Work from Home (WFH)

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6149 

60 year leasehold property

 A 60 year leasehold property in Bukit Timah at $1,500 psf is an attractive price. It is equivalent to a price of $2,100 psf for a 99 year leasehold property.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6148

Dishonest practice of auto-renewal

 Many news websites have a dishonest practice of auto-renewal.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/latest.aspx?idorg=319

Verified profiles

The authority in each country should set up a database of verified profiles for posting and commenting in social media. 

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6146

Singapore people pays too much taxes

 The people of Singapore have to pay many layers of direct and indirect taxes.

The direct taxes are income tax, goods and services tax, vehicle taxes (including COE, road tax, petrol tax, parking fees and ERP), levy on foreign maids, taxes on liquor, tobacco, gambling and stamp duties.

Some of these taxes, such as COE and stamp duty on properties are big ticket items.

The indirect taxes are the low interest rate paid on Central Provident Fund savings (where the excess earnings become revenue to the government) and the high cost of housing (where a large part of the cost is revenue to the government).

The sale of state land is another large source of revenue to the government but it is accounted separately.

The government collects more revenue than is needed to provide the public goods. It generates a large surplus in most years, which are transferred to the national reserves or to various endowment funds (which are difficult to keep track of).

The alternative to generating a large surplus is to reduce the tax burden and lower the cost of living borne by the people.

Some of the government spending are unnecessary (such as the $550 million on ERP 2.0) or excessive (such as the very high salaries paid to political office holders). There are many other examples that have been quoted elsewhere

As the ordinary people struggle with the high cost of living, they should send a strong message in the coming general election that they want this important bread and butter issue to be addressed at its root cause.

Tan Kin Lian

Look beyond personal circumstances

 There are many people, especially among the better educated, who have accumulated some wealth over the past decades, and could comfortably afford the high cost of living today. I belong to this group.

However, I look beyond my personal circumstances and worry about the large numbers of people in our society, who have not accumulated sufficient savings and wealth, and cannot afford the high cost of living.

I also worry for the future generations who will not have the opportunities available to the earlier generation.

It is important that we elect a government that will address the root cause of the high cost of living, instead of giving small amounts of various vouchers that are inadequate and costly to administer.

Tan Kin Lian

Secure platforms to receive genuine messages

 I suggest that the government should build a secure platform for government agencies and approved commercial organizations tto send genuine messages, and prevent scammers from sending fake messages.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6143

Challenges for the prime minister

 The CNA headline said.

Handing over Singapore in good order: The legacy of Lee Hsien Loong

Singapore’s third Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s tenure has left its mark on the political and societal landscape of Singapore, with a pivot towards a softer, more collaborative approach to governance, analysts say.

TKL has a different view. This is a bad time for Lawrence Wong to take over. Singapore has a high cost of living. Many people are not able to get a well paying job that is sufficient to meet the high cost of living and high cost of housing.

Many businesses are also facing difficulties and have to retrench their workers or move to low cost countries.

The geopolitical conflicts will harm the world economy and that will affect Singapore badly.

It will not be easy for the new prime minister. Still, I wish him all the best.

Tan Kin Lian

High tax rates

 I prefer a country to have high tax rates, so that the public services can be provided for free or at low cost.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6142

CSI 300 (top China stocks)

 If you are interested in invest in the top blue chip stocks in China, you can buy the CSI 300 tracker fund listed in Hong Kong (under the symbol 3188.HK

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6140

Review of portfolio - 11 May 2023

 I held 80% of my porttfolio in China stocks. It appreciated by 3.5% yesterday.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6138

Green energy stocks in China

 I have invested in these 3 green energy companies in China.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J5TenvDprZg1Y0LZQt03p6eQcVIHpU7owch1avf_tgM/edit?usp=sharing

China stocks

 I invested in the China stocks with low price earning ratio (below 7 times) and good dividend yield (above 3%).

Here are the stocks that I invested. https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6137

Update on Country Garden

 I invested S$262,000 in Country Garden (2007.HK) and now see a loss of S$125,000.The stock is now suspended from trading.

Here is an update.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6135

Update on Baidu (0988.HK)

 I invested about S$420,000 in Baidu stock (0988.HK) a month ago. It dropped 7% (loss of S$30,000) and has since recovered and shown a profit.

Detail here:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6134

Mobile payment in China

 I share my experience in installing Alipay to make mobile payment in China, using a credit card issued in Singapore. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6133

ERP 2.0

 I see some potential issues with ERP 2.0

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6132

A new approach towards recruitment

 I suggest a new approach to recruit staff and workers.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6130

Review of Tesla stock

 Here is my latest view on Tesla. I now hold only 1 share. I prefer to wait a few months before reinvseting in this stock. provided that there are positive developments on their market position on electric vehicles and on the launch of new products.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6129

Trusted messages

 I am proposing to GovTech a platform to receive trusted messages from govt agencies and approved commercial organizations. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6128

Special access card for cross border workers

 I suggest that a special access card be issued to cross border workers and a special access gate be set up for their use.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6127

My experience as an actuarial trainee

I share my experience as an actuarial trainee, which is like an apprenticeship

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6126

Planning and the free market

 I give my views about planning and the free market.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6125

World Trade Organization

 The world trade organization promotes free trades and discourage countries from imposing tariffs or giving financial subsidy to their own producers. These rules are outdated and need to be revised. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6124

Apprenticeship

 I suggest this approach to implement an apprenticeship system. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6123

Improve job search

 We should improve the process of searching for jobs.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6122

My review of Nvidia

 I do not have any holding in Nvidia. The stock price had increased by more than 3 times over the past year. Is it a good stock to invest for the future?

I give my view here.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6121

Alternative to the tender system

 This is my alternative to the tender system to award government contracts. It can also be used in the private sector.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6120

Review of Baidu (9888.HK)

 Review of Baidu (9888.HK)

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6119

Review of Xinte Energy (1799.HK)

 Review of Xinte Energy (1799.HK)
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6118

Review of China Suntien (0956.HK)

Review of China Suntien (0956.HK) 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6117

Medical care for pensions

 This retired senior civil servant is unhappy with the government who is not treating is retired civil servants fairly. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6116

Central bank digital currency

 I expect that a country will successfully implement its central bank digital currency (CBDC) using this approach.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6115

How I qualified as an actuary

 I share this story of how I qualified to be an actuary while studying parttime and doing a full time job. 
https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7348350970499288338?lang=en

Actuarial knowledge

 Actuarial knowledge is not difficult, but you need to be good in mathematics and logic. It can be quite interesting and useful to acquire this knowledge.
https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7348591430702550279?lang=en

Build HDB flats in advance

 The government should build HDB flats in advance of demand. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6111

Verify identity on online platforms

 I suggest the following approach to identify a person uniquely using a phone number that is verified with SingPass. This verified identity is to be used for online platforms. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6110

Build HDB flats in advance

 I prefer that HDB build flats in advance of demand

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6108

A personal perspective of Taylor Swift

 This is my personal perspective of Taylor Swift. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6107

Exclusive arrangement with Taylor Swift

Singapore arranged with Taylor Swift to perform in Singapore exclusively. 
 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6106

Give your full name

 Give your full name in WhatsApp messages. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6105

Baidu stock fell 10%

 I suspect that the hedge funds are attacking the China stocks for geopolitical reasons.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6104

How to sell NTUC Income shares

 Several shareholders have asked me for advise on how to sell NTUC Income shares. I am not familiar with the current arrangement. I asked them to seek advise from the corporate secretary of NTUC Income.

I checked with Google Gemini. Here are some relevant information.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6103

Governance of Singapore

 I suggest the following changes to improve the governance of  Singapore
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6102

Flat rate tax

 I prefer that a flat rate of tax be applied to all income, rather than a variable rate that is applied to differnt bands of income. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6101

Supply of green fuel to aircrafts

 It is a bad idea to create a monopoly to supply green fuel to aircrafts, as it might lead to corrupt practices. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6100

Expressway services

I suggest that the trunk services for long distance travel be replaced by expressway services.
 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6099

China and the Asian Tigers

 China and the Asian tigers made significant economic development due to the inflow of foreign capital, technology and its largely authoritarian government. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6098

SG Wallet and SG card

 I suggest that the government introduce the SG wallet and SG card for digital payment. It will soon become the dominant form of digital payment in Singapore. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6097

My views of budget 2024

I am disappointed with Budget 2024. It failed to address the top two challenges facing Singapore.

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6096

Fear of retrenchment

 I send this suggestion to DPM Lawrence Wong on how to address the fear of retrenchment felt by workers in Singapore. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6095

My message to transport minister

 I sent this message to the minister for transport.

Dear Minister,

I have three suggestions on SimplyGo and ERP 2.0.

Integrate fare systems earlier than 2030

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6091

Use of SimplyGo for retail payments

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6094

Suggestion to phase in ERP 2.0

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6093

I hope that you find them useful.

I am available to explain these suggestions to you or your officers.

Tan Kin Lian

Use of Simply Go card for retail payment

 I will suggest to the transport minister to use this approach to make the SimplyGo card actively used for retail payments.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6094

Suggestion to phase in ERP 2.0

I will suggest to the transport minister to adopt this approach to phase in ERP 2.0
 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6093

Comparsion of online prices

I compare the prices of a branded product quoted in online platforms in Singapore and Malaysia
 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6092

Integrate transport fare systems earlier

 I suggest that the transportt fare systems should be integrated earlier than 2030
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6091

Communist system

 I explain the communist system and why I prefer this system to liberal democracy.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6090a

Democracy, socialism and communism

 In this article, I explain my perspective of the difference between democracy, socialism and communist. I also explain why I prefer the socialist economic system and the communist political system.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6089

Cost of constructing MRT lines

 The cost of constructing the MRT line in Singapore is several times higher than other Asian countries.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6088

Cost of commuter train fares in major cities

 The cost of commuter train (MRT) per km is Singapore is similar to other major cities in Asia. It is less than half of the western countries.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6087