Endorsement by Chang Chiu-Cheng

Prof Chang Chiu-Cheng writes this endorsement of Tan Kin Lian.

Dear Singaporean Voters of the coming presidential election:

I decided to write this letter of endorsement in support of Mr. Tan Kin Lian’s candidacy for

Singapore’s presidency due mainly to the following reasons:

1. While I worked as an Associate Professor and Director of Healthcare Economics and Management, ACES, Nanyang Business School, NTU, in Singapore, I had the privilege and honor to also serve as a Consulting Actuary and/or Advisor to various institutions in Singapore; one of them is NTUC Income Insurance Cooperative headed by Mr. Tan.

2. I attended a conference “CFO INNOVATION ASIA” in June, 2011 at Swissotel in Singapore as an invited VIP. During my one week stay, I talked to numerous people from taxi drivers, my friends, former colleagues, all the way to many CFOs, professionals, CEOs, and speakers. It suffices to conclude that Singaporeans for the first time in its history have shown their great interest in politics because of Mr. Tan’s candidacy.

3. Since I have so far worked in seven countries (U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and China) in my long career as an Actuary in financial service industry, Professor at various universities, Consultant and Advisor for Watson Wyatt and my own firms, I consider my working experience in Singapore most favorably memorable. In other word, Singapore among all those seven countries is the one I liked and admired most. In fact, I felt proud of having been working in Singapore and I do want to see Singapore further its already excellent international reputation.

Let me start with a seemingly simple fact: at age 27 Mr. Tan, without attending a college, got his FIA (Fellow, Institute of Actuaries, U.K.). Being a Fellow of four international professional institutions, I am fully qualified to say that Mr. Tan is a genius! This is because so many actuarial candidates even with advanced degrees including Ph.D.s could not pass the rigorous and unusually long sequence of actuarial exams. As you may agree with me on my long-term observation, only geniuses without college education such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Ted Turner, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison (who said repeatedly that diplomas are for the losers) etc. can revolutionize their industry for the good of the humanity. I am sure Mr. Tan if elected will make such a great country as Singapore an even greater one.

Before I got appointed as NTUC Income Insurance’s Consulting Actuary, one of my former colleagues at NTU who had previously served such a role told me that Mr. Tan is so sharp and tough that he could NOT work under him. With such a warning in my mind, I not only had to work harder but also observed more keenly how CEO Tan managed the cooperative. As a result of this observation and our working relationship, I found that Mr. Tan was the most hands-on executive, always well-prepared to ask sharp and penetrating questions, one of the most effective and efficient CEOs who put substance well ahead of form, and was direct and straight forward.

In addition to Mr. Tan’s FIA and CEO position, I also found that he has been leading a very healthy lifestyle. As an example when we happened to be on the same panel speaking to 4th Asian Healthcare Insurance Conference in Mumbai, India. As usual I’d run outside in the early morning but because of poor air quality and too many homeless people sleeping around, I turned back to our hotel to jog on treadmill and there Mr. Tan was jogging alone on a treadmill. During the conference I found that Mr. Tan was very creative and innovative and full of endless ideas and thoughts. It was my impression that even the most productive academician may have hard time to match his creativity and originality. This should not be surprising if you just recall his FIA without attending a college and his most hands-on working style. I always give my graduating class the quotation I created “The Best Approach to an Ageless Body and Timeless Mind is to constantly Exercise both in an Integrated Way.” In my opinion Mr. Tan is the best real life pursuer of the quotation.

While working as a hands-on CEO primarily Mr. Tan has managed to be very active in many professional societies and business organizations by holding important positions and also many directorships. Along the way he has received many professional and service awards. Putting Mr. Tan on a global scale he is really a great professional and public servant based on my seven- country working experience. And so when I read his personal values of honesty, fairness, positive attitudes,

courage and public service, I not only totally and completely trust in him but also believe that he will anxiously act and realize them just as those geniuses without a college degree revolutionize their industries. I also believe him entirely that he will be a voice of the people and act by the views of the people: Just look at this every time I called him it is he himself who answered the phone!

One of Mr. Tan’s missions is to safeguard CPF and he is fully qualified for doing that. As a beneficiary of CPF I have published a number of papers around it and some of them even received international prizes. It suffices to say that CPF is a great social security system (SSS), especially if you compare it to many SSS of Western countries. I am sure that with Mr. Tan’s ingenuity and hands-on working style CPF will be continuously enhanced if he is elected. In fact, I keep thinking of Germany when a former Vietnamese orphan got elected to become Germany’s Deputy Chancellor, the second most powerful position in Germany. This fact greatly enhances Germany’s reputation. Likewise if Mr. Tan gets elected, Singapore’s great international reputation will be further enhanced. I am so envious of you Singaporean that I can not help but rephrase the slogans of

two large American insurers as follows: “Like a good neighbor, Mr. Tan is there.” “You are in good hands with Mr. Tan.”

In my long career as a university professor, consultant and advisor, senior executive of insurance companies, I have attended numerous conferences, seminars, forums, workshops, etc. but I have never seen a participant who has so UNSELFISHLY made so many contributions to the meetings as Mr. Tan has. This is consistent to Mr. Tan’s pledge that if elected he will be donating at least one half of his salary for charity purpose. I am sure that having served as CEO of NTUC Income Insurance Cooperative for so many years, Mr. Tan must have developed unusually strong compassion and sympathy with those who are less well off.

During the recent global financial crisis of 2008-9, hundreds of thousands of investors lost all their money due to the collapse of well-known financial institutions such as Lehman Brothers, Bear Sterns, etc. Many people told me that in Singapore it is Mr. Tan who helped those victims to recover their losses. This is possible because Mr. Tan, having mastered the pricing structure of these financial products, was able to persuade institutions selling these products to return at least part of the selling prices. Based on my international experience I tend to believe that Singapore is the only country in the world where such a modern day Don Quixote’s rescuing mission is accomplished!!! And who is the Don Quixote? I am NOT surprised at all that Mr. Tan can do this: Simply recall the following----Mr. Tan’s hands-on working style, compassion and sympathy, FIA, and being a genius.

Combining and integrating all the above points together, I hope that a picture has emerged showing clearly that Singapore itself has produced an unusual genius who can greatly elevate Singapore to another higher level of greatness. By all means vote for Mr. Tan for your own benefit and your country’s better future. Thanks.

Written by

Professor Dr. Chiu-Cheng Chang, Ph.D.

FSA, FCIA, FAIRC, FSII, CLU, ChFC

Former Associate Professor and Director,

Healthcare Economics and Management,

ACES, Nanyang Technological

University (1993-96)

Former Chairman, Department of

Business Administration,

College of Management and Director,

MBA program, Chang Gung University

Full Professor, Chang Gung University

(1996-2005)

Chair Professor in Risk Management,

College of Management, Asia University

(2005-2011)

Senior Advisor, Watson Wyatt

(2001-now)

Managing Director, East West

Consultancy, Inc. (1998-now)

Chairman and CEO, General Advisory

Services, Inc. (2006-now)

Memorial of Tan Jing Quee

I attended the memorial of political attendee Tan Jing Quee to learn more about the man and his involvement in the political history of Singapore. I have read about the detention of Dr. Lim Hock Siew, Dr. Poh Siew Kai and Mr. Chia Thye Poh, but did not know anything about Tan Jing Quee before.

It was a useful visit. I get to know more about the use of the Internal Security Act in the early 1960s against the detainees, where were accused of being a security threat. It was useful to hear the side of the detainees.

At the memorial, I was impressed with the speech by Dr. Lim Hock Siew and his political beliefs. He explained socialism is not the same as social welfare - it seeks to remove the exploitation of people by the owners of capital. It means giving people a fair wage that is sufficient for them to raise a family in dignity - a goal that I share.

Some of the people that were detained do not appear to be security threats, so it seemed that their detention might have been unjustified. However, this is only one side of the story, so I shall keep an open mind.

Tan Kin Lian eyes constructive relationship with the Government

Speech at Hong Lim Park on Jobs and Unemployment

Dear Kin Lian

Hi, the full video recording of your speech at the Transitioning.org rally is up at this link:



If it's helpful, you can use it for your campaign.

Thanks for standing up for us Singaporeans! Wish you all the best for the election!

Time for remembering

Dear Kin Lian,
You probably (hopefully) can recall me as the person you helped in 2003.


My family and I are very grateful for the interim help you gave when circumstances were less favorable back then. Now that my boys are young adults and are working as professionals, I have told them about you.


Though many would have accused you of being dictatorial, I differ in my opinion. I told my friends where in the world can you find a CEO willing to personally read his emails and respond within 1 hour? Your action tells me you are different from the others.


Now is the time for remembering: Naturally we will give you our votes. I wish you best of success in this Presidential Elections.


Peter

Moon Represent my heart - 4 languages

Tan Kin Lian sung this song in 4 languages (Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil) at a charity concert for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. 

Moderate and independent

Mr Tan,


I read Yahoo about the forum held by TheOnlineCitizen. The sensitive topic of ISA was discussed and good that you kept your cool. I think you are picking up more supports by the day. Voters will be able to tell that you are moderate and more independent than the rest. TJS may garner strong supports online for the time being, but in the long run (the days ahead) things may turn to your favour. Keep your cool and focus in your programmes. So far, the rest are not composed in their agenda and so far nothing concrete from them. So, you are doing well and it takes time for voters to realise when comparisons are made each time a debate is held.


If you have the chance, do discuss about the pension of politicians. Retired politicians are enjoying their pensions. Does the "pension" scheme apply to those retired politician if they retired from Politics but took on other jobs (still active in employment)? The scheme is there for those who retired, then that sound logical. But, if the scheme is also enjoyed by those retired from politics but are working yet holding key positions, then is that logically fair? These are all tax payers money!


I am sure if you are elected as President, this is something you should look into. But for now, is there any of the Presidential Candidates who are enjoying such pensions while they are still actively employed? Well, bring it up in you debate and campaign and/or even rally. At least, you are not enjoying such pension. Cheers.


Eugene

Silent majority

Dear Mr Tan


I know its going to be a tough fight ...
but please remember that there are many silent supporters rallying behind you ...
Singapore is sorely in need of a "independent" President with a "fighting" spirit...
Remember, you are the first to come up with the IDAC plan that forced a revolution in the car insurance industry ...
And with your many other accomplishments ...
Thus, it's no doubt you have the capability, foresight and hindsight to be a President ...


Gary
(By the way, I have also told all my relatives to vote for you)

How is Tan Kin Lian different from the other candidates?

In the Presidential election, you have the choice of four candidates. If you have not yet decided, I want to share with you the differences.

One candidate is closely connected with the Government and had been in a minister for more than 20 years. Do you want this person to be the President or do you prefer someone who is more independent of the Government?

Another candidate has stood as a candidate for an opposition party. He now wants to act as a check and balance on the government. Do you want the office of the President to be quarreling with the Government most of the time?

Another candidate was a non-executive chairman of a company and is not fully involved in the management. Do you want a President who does not have much financial experience to carry out the role of safeguarding the reserves?

If you want a candidate who can truly claim to be neutral and independent, give your support to me. I have never taken part in a general election under any political party. I can act independently of all political parties and not be obligated to the political interest. I can represent the views of various segments of the people; especially if you want your problems solved using a non-partisan approach.

I also believe strongly in public service. I am standing for election to serve the people of Singapore and not for the high salary paid to the President. If elected, I will donate at least half of the salary to charity and other useful purposes.

Keep in touch with the people

Dear Mr. Tan
Few pointers for your consideration to reach out to the voters.


The minibonds crisis
The regulators and cabinet aware of what had happened. Nothing done to help the investors. You took the risks to help them. This is one clear example. The EP besides his constitutional role, can play major role in check and balances to ensure the people taken care of.


Healthcare
710000 people benefit. We know our Government is very efficient, moving forward Singaporeans need to know the breakdown. Benefitting 710000 people maybe garneing 7100000 voters to EP of choice. What happen to the sandwich class?


Transparency in the system
This requires mindset change in the government. They have shortcomings yes we agree but must act fast and not wait for 5 years why loose more seats than act on it like we see in the National Day Rally on Transport,sing, Education etc. EP will hear the voice of the people and if need be alert the PM to act on it rather than wait for next GE


Mr Tan, you need to let Singaporeans know besides your constitutional role, how you intend to play a active role to be in touch with the people and should they give feedback how you plan reply. Maybe the media could consider having a monthly column for the President.


David

Tan Kin Lian nomination day speech

Here is my speech in the four official languages of Singapore

Deferment of national service - tertiary education

Mr. Tan,
Please share your views about deferment of national service for male citizens to complete their tertiary education. The ministry of defense reject most request for deferment but grant them to only special situations - in one specific case for 12 years. Should deferment be allowed more generally, so that the educational prospects of our male citizens are not hampered?

REPLY
This issue needs to be studied. We have to consider the needs of National Service and also the needs of the male citizens. With a proper study, and getting the inputs of the relevant parties, i.e. Mindef, parents, young males - we can find a better solution.

Regardless of the outcome, it is important that the policy should be implemented fairly. Nobody should be given special favor - otherwise, the people will lose trust in the government and their leaders.

Straits Times Presidential Rountable

http://newasiarepublic.com/?p=31875

Tan kin Lian interview with TheOnlineCitizen

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/08/tocs-exclusive-interview-with-tan-kin-lian/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGGAXCzjGC0&feature=player_embedded

National Service

Mr. Tan
Are you proposing that girls and non-citizens should do national service?

REPLY
My preference is for our male citizens to be given a higher allowance for their full time National Service, similar to the salary that is paid to a full time soldier. Part of this increase in allowance can be contributed to their CPF account.

Another alternative is to give a higher housing grant to a person who has completed full time National Service. This can be an amount that compensates them adequately for the two years of time that is spent in National Service, and also for the disadvantage in starting work later. An amount of $30,000 may be suitable.

There is already an existing scheme where the Governments provide a housing grant for first time applicants to buy a flat. This housing grant should be given differentiated between those who have or have not served National Service.

We can also give girls and permanent residents a similar opportunity to serve full time National Service in non-combat jobs, e.g. nursing, administrative work and community service.  They can also enjoy the same privilege as given to male citizens. We should turn National Service from being a burden to a privilege.

This is just my idea. If there is a President Personal Council, the people can submit their other views to be evaluated. A panel of impartial people can vote on the various suggestions and choose those that have the widest support.

Tan Kin Lian

Donating half of the salary

Dear Mr. Tan,


Good to highlight in your campaign that contributing part of the President's salary is a way to acknowledge (1) the overly high salary for President and not vote buying, (2) as a form of public service where there is no need for such high salary, (3) to help those needy who are left behind by the economic development and growth chasing approach in Spore.

Perhaps, you may be able to propose plans/ programmes on how to help those who are falling behind the economic race (or the less privilege).

Wet market and MRT stations, Bus interchange and Shopping complexes, are some good points of contact for campaigning.

Foreigners who are taking up citizenship should be required to serve National Service, both men and women. Men serve in the Armed Forces on the normal duration as Sporeans while women serve as nurses for a shorter period. That would take care of our shortage of nurses in Structured Hospitals, hence, there is no need to hire so many foreigners as nurses. That applies to foreigners and if proved to be successful, then you could extend to local Singaporeans (women) to serve NS as nurses and that will close the gap of women climbing faster at work (at least 2 to 2.5 yrs advantage) and ahead of men with mandatory NS.

Serving as NS nurses for foreigners is an excellent approach to address the current hot topic in Singapore. I am sure many Singaporeans will agree with you on that. But, may not be wise to include the local Singaporean women at this juncture as you may lose votes instead. So just focus your policy on the foreigners who want to take up citizenship.

Keep in touch, cheers.

Voice of the People - adequate pension

Dear Mr. Tan
You said you will be the voice of the people. Can you be the voice of the old Singapore Harbour board/PSA PENSIONERS? Port Pensioners with low pension who retired many, many years and who had been receiving the "SINGAPORE ALLOWANCE" are now not receiving the yearly top up of $20/- for the last 5-6 years.

Government Pensioners who are receiving the "SINGAPORE ALLOWANCE" on the other hand have their pension topped up by $20/- yearly without fail. Payment of this allowance is one Government policy that should be the same and equal and fair to both the SHB/PSA Pensioners and the Government Pensioners.

All of us living in Singapore have the same cost of living, paying the same taxes, GST, transport cost, etc. Govenment Pensioners are also enjoying Medical Benefits but not the SHB/PSA Pensioners. Why one policy with two different rules?

Why this unfairness? Why this discrimination? Could you obtain this top- up of $20/- for the Port Pensioners? Can you voice out this to the Government and fight for the SHB/PSA Pensioners?

I am sure they and their families will support you in your coming President Election. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU.

REPLY
I will use the same approach shown in this reply:
http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2011/08/president-personal-council-mental.html

President Personal Council - Voice of the People

Dearest Mr Tan K.L.,
I hereby would like to hear from your views on singaporean citizens with mental disabilities e.g. agoraphobia.

How will you voice out in the parliament for this batch of citizens? Will there be assurance of subsidies on medication / additional welfare?
Or assistance provided to help those who can eventually contribute to the society in simple jobs assignments & meantime earn a small amount of salary for survival?
Or charity organised for this particular batch of mental disabilities? etc.

REPLY
I will be the voice of the people and raise issues that are of concern to large numbers of people.

For issues of this type, there are special interest group comprising of people who are directly affected and who knows about the issues and the types of assistance that should be provided. These groups can present their views to the President Personal Council.

The Council will study and evaluate the proposal and seek clarification, if necessary, from the advocates. It will put the proposals to be voted vote among a panel of impartial people.

Among all the issues that are considered by the Council, the top one or two issues that has the highest score will receive the attention of the President. The President will study the recommendation of the Council and select the issues to be raised with the relevant minister.

Tan Kin Lian

Response to PM Lee's views on the Presidential election

 I would also like to take this opportunity  to thank  Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his insightful statement that the Government will work with whoever's elected. I am also encouraged by his remarks that the new head of state will be above politics and enjoy the respect of citizens. 

I will bring my personal values of honesty, fairness, courage, positive thinking and public service to the office of the President. I have always been on record that I am neither pro-PAP nor pro-Opposition. I am pro-People of Singapore. 

I will be the Voice of the People but I am non-partisan and I am above politics. Unlike the other candidates, I have never participated in a general election under a banner of a political party!


Tan Kin Lian

Straits Times Roundtable - Burden of National Service

At the Straits Times Roundtable held on 16 August, I posed this question, "Dr. Tony Tan, we all know that national defence is important for our country. But, when you were Minister for Defence, were you aware about the  national service placed an unfair burden on our male citizens. They have to serve national service and faced difficulty in competing with foreigners and girls for jobs as they start two years later. They also have to be disrupted regularly for reservist duty. What could you have done before or what would you do today, to reduce this burden?".

Dr. Tony Tan replied at length about the importance of national service to our country but did not address the question about the unfair burden being shouldered only by the male citizens. I wanted to follow up on this matter, but the moderator replied that time has run out and he closed the discussion.

There are many measures that can be taken, if the Government recognizes the unfair burden. They could pay the NS men an adequate salary, rather than a small allowance, or can contribute towards their CPF savings for the full time national service. They could give a bigger housing grant to NS men for the purchase of HDB flat (rather than offer the grant to eligible people, regardless of whether they had served national service).

I written on this matter for the past 25 years. I will continue to bring up this issue, until the unfairness of this system is addressed and the burden is more fairly spread among the males, females, citizens and non-citizens.

Tan Kin Lian