Wealth management products

 Wealth management products are sold in China. They offer higher returns compared to bank deposits but carry risks that are not understand by the investors.

Like collateralized debt obligations (CDO), they should not be approved for sale to the public.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6042

LRT has advantages over feeder buses

 The LRT has several advantages over feeder buses. They are explained in this video.
https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7307892580019195154?lang=en

Travel by bus/ LRT

 I went on a journey by bus and LRT in Sengkang.

The LRT is convenient, and move fast, compared to a bus. It does not have to stop at a traffic junction and can move quickly because there are no other vehicles on the rail.

For the towns with LRT, i.e. Sengkang, Punggol and Bukit Panjang, it is better to reduce the frequency of the buses, so that the residents will use the LRT for travel within the town and to the MRT station.

This will allow less buses to be used and reduce the operating expenses of public transport. https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7307456937703001362?

Is NTUC Income safe?

 Is it sound to place a large sum of money in an insurance policy from NTUC Income?

My answer is given here.
https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1352

Paid mail

 I suggest that senders be given an option to pay a fee of $0.01 to send an email and that the email be marked as "paid" mail. This will allow the receiver to filter out the unpaid email into the spam folder. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6036

Pay for individual article

 I suggest a platform be built to allow readers to pay for individual articles. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6035

Digital identity and digital payment

 I suggest that digital identity and digital payment should be promoted.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6037 

National service

 Question raised in Parliament by Leong Mun Wai about National Service.

https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7305919813203873032?lang=en

Food delivery robot

 Food delivery robot for rental $600
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6032

Country Garden (2007.HK)

 I share my personal view of Country Garden (2007.HK).

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6031

Big problems facing Singapore

 Singapore faced the following big problems that cannot be solved. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6030

Safe internet

 I suggest that a "safe internet" be developed to be under better control and avoid false and harmful content being spread. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6028

Total breakdown of digital payment

 Is any country prepared for the day that the entire banking system fails and digital payment cannot be made?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6026

Change trunk service to feeder service

 In this paper, I show the calculation to support my points:

a) Restructure of bus system can save $1 billion a year.
b) Waiting time for a feeder bus is 2 minutes.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6025

Allocation of COEs

 Is there an alternative to the COE system practiced in Singapore?

We can study the practice in the major cities in China. https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6024

Restructure the public transport system in stages

 I give my view on how to restructure and rationalize the public transport system in two stages to achieve cost savings and shorten travel time.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6016

Impact of automation on jobs

 I share my views of the impact of automation on loss of existing jobs and new job opportunities

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6014

Unable to transfer funds into my DBS bank account

 
I was not able to transfer my balance from Pay Pal to my account with DBS bank.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6013

Advertise on my Facebook page

I have been approached many times by marketers who offered an attractive regular revenue to list links on my page to products from their advertisers.

I declined these proposals. I suspect that it is a scam.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/latest.aspx?idorg=320 

Change to terminal bonus

This policyholder is unhappy that the terminal bonus has been reduced or cancelled due to poor performance of the insurance fund.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6011

Possible loss of immunity caused by covid vaccine

I met Mr. H for the first time at a corporate event. We talked about happenings in Singapore. Mr. H is 60 years old, retired from a corporate job, and now runs a business.

He told me that he was not vaccinated for covid-19. He had read, in detail, the documentation of the clinical trial for the Pfizer mRNA vaccine and was amazed to find some disturbing information.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6010

Regulate private hire like taxis

 Regulate private hire like taxis 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6009

Alternative shipping route to bypass the Straits of Malacca

This will have a serious impact on the port of Signapore

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6008

New public transport system

I extract these data to work out how to plan a new public transport system using feeder services to bring commuters to MRT stations and bus interchanges:

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6007

Allow president to serve international organizations

 I give my view on the proposed change to the constitution to allow the president to serve in foreign and international organizations in his private capacities. 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/bill-proposed-to-allow-president-ministers-to-take-on-international-roles-in-private-capacities

Restructure the bus system

I expect a potential saving of $1 billion a year and other benefits from restructuring the bus system
 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6005

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

 I give my views on the impact of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone on property prices, job opportunities and the exchange rate, as seen from the perspective of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6003

Country Garden (2007.HK)

 Can Country Garden (2007.HK) ride through this difficult period? If they can, the stock price can easily increase 200% from the current level.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6002

New Singapore Dream

 I suggest a new Singapore Dream to replace the 5Cs. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=6001

Loss from hacked bank accounts

 Should the bank or the customer be responsible for losses arising from hacked bank accounts? I give my views here. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5996

Excess deaths due to vaccine?

 Singapore reported a high ratio of excess deaths in recent years. This ratio is the highest among the countries that were tracked. Is the excess deaths due to the covid vaccine?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5994

Selfie with Tan Kin Lian

 Have you taken a selfie with Tan Kin Lian?

You can collect a campaign poster. https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5993

Secrecy and transparency

 The PAP government believes in secrecy. Many important matters are kept secret.

Here are some examples:

1. How much are our reserves

2. What were the terms of the multi-year, multi-million dollar Formula 1 contract

3. What is the construction cost for HDB flats

4. What military equipment were bought and the prices paid

When important matters and decisions are kept secret, there is the risk that corrupt practices may be undetected. It could also lead to costly and wasteful spending.

On the other hand, full transparency may create problems also. Some of the "secrets" may be used by third parties, or contractors, to submit higher bids for contracts. Ordinary people, who are not qualified to judge, may pass irresponsible opinions.

What is the right balance between secrecy and transparency?

I believe that , on balance, transparency is a better approach.

I also believe that ordinary people should respect and trust the decisions taken by the people in charge, and should not argue over differences of opinion.

Tan Kin Lian

A walk through Forest City

 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/22qk6uqur4k4fy5el89f0/AwalkwithTKL-ForrestCity.mp4

Kra canal in Thailand

 Here is a recent video about the Kra Canal project in Thailand.

The new government in Thailand is discussing with China about this project.

The cost of $25 billion USD may not be a key obstacle, as the canal may be viable and can be funded by international capital. |

The economic impact on Singapore could be serious. (This is more than I had expected earlier).

There is also a geopolitical dimension. Singapore is closely aligned with America, which station its naval base in Singapore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbAqaUdQds

Anonymous profiles in social media

 Anonymous profiles in social media can be used to spread hatred, malice, falsehood and harm. It has to be controlled.
https://www.tiktok.com/@kinliantan750/video/7295891301759831304?lang=en

Presidential tips for young people

I am standing for the presidential election in 2023. Here are my presidential tips for young people. 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5831

How to cope with rising health care cost

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5828

Launch of Tan Kin Lian for President 2023

 Here is my speech at the launch of the campaign. Please help me to spread this message virally to your social media contacts using chat groups on various platforms. Thank you.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5824

 Make life better for Singaporeans.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5765

My life story - Tan Kin Lian

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5761

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Should PM Lee ask the home minister to allow Suet Fern's family to return to the wake of her deceased father without being detai
2. Should the government allow a terminally ill patient to opt to end his life?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Assisted death

 Should the state allow a terminally ill patient to opt for assisted death?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5759

WOTC - Arrest for an undisclosed reason

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 88% of the respondents said that it is justified to place the minister under arrest for a reason that is not disclosed now, but will be disclosed later.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2933

TKL Portfolio as at 29 July 2023

 I reported the gain on my portfolio of $4.04 million daily.

Many people expressed interest in the stocks that I invest in. I wrote this article to cover my position as at 29 July 2023.

I hope that you find it useful.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1340

Investing a portolio

I received questions regularly about my investment portfolio. In particular, many people suggested that I should realize my capital gain. I write this article to explain why their questions are not relevant.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1339

WOTC - Minister Iswaran

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 78% of the respondents said that, in the case of minister Iswaran, the evidence point to corruption and the arrest was proper.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2932

Register a 6 digit verification PIN

 I sent this suggestion to my bank (DBS) and to MAS.

MAS always gives a polite reply and most time do nothing. They are like that.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5758

Collapse of road leading to Forest City

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5757

Life insurance coverage for a young man

 I give this practical advice to a young man on his life insurance coverage.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1338

A ceremonial or active president?

 Do you prefer a ceremonial or an active president? Give your views in the article. https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5756

Sing Pass

 Sing Pass should be used for authentication only. The other functions should be passed to a separate app.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5755

Finder fee of 2%

 How I dealt with a finder fee of 2%.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5754

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Should the speaker resign from his post for uttering a bad language?
2. Is it proper to placed Iswaran under arrest at this time?
3. Minister Iswaran is placed under arrest for reasons that are not yet known to the public.

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Wisdom of the Crowd

 Make your voice heard. Vote on these issues.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/active_issue.aspx

Wisdom of the Crowd

1. Will Iswaran's case develop into a serious matter?
2. Did Iswaran do a good job as trade and industry minister?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Levels of corruption

Here are the different levels of corruption.

I wonder which level applies in the CPIB investigation of Iswaran and Ong Beng Seng.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5753

If it is level 5, I think that it is not serious, and is creating a big issue out of a small matter.

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Should the president play a role in influencing government policies?
2. Which of these goals are most important for the people of Singapore
3. How can the president help to make life better for the people?
4. Should the president use his powers to ensure that the reserves are properly invested?
5. Should the president exercise his authority on the appointment of top civil servants?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

How to deal with hackers

 If you understand how hackers work, you do not need to be so scared. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5752

TKL for President - Musing #2

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5751

Give helpful feedback

When a person ask for my advice,

a) I look for what is right
b) I am supportive
c) I assume that that person had thought over the matter and is likely to be right

If I have to give a different perspective, I share my experience, so that he can see if it is relevant. I do not presume that I am right.

I avoid taking this posture
d) Think that I am smarter than he is
e) Look for worse case scenarios
f) Be a wet blanket.

Sadly, many people belong to the second category. I find them to be not helpful. After a while, I avoid them.

Tan Kin Lian
 

Paranoia over security arrangements

 Singapore businesses are too paranoid about security. They overdo their security protocols. They create unnecessary steps. They make life difficult for their customers and the public.

The overloaded protocols also caused the platforms to behave erratically and to crash regularly. This has happened to our banks, commercial organizations and the government websites.

I have encountered problems with online transactions frequently.

In spite of these measures, the online scams are rampant in Singapore. My friend, who followed the statistics, said that Singapore has the highest rate of online scams among the countries in the world.

I think my friend probably exaggerate in making this statement. We may not have the highest, but I think the frequency is quite high.

Recently, I encountered difficulty in accessing my bank account as their 2FA protocol does not work. I fell back to input a manual PIN, that is generated from their app. They asked me to get a 8 digit "challenge" by SMS, and enter it into the app to get a 8 digit response. I had to do this entry a few times, because it is difficult to remember a 8 digit number, and I have to flip from one screen to another to complete the process.

I also encountered a problem with my stockbroker. I submitted an order and was told that it was rejected due to "exceed limit". I checked. It was within limit. Their system was haywire. I was asked to wait for it to be corrected.

Even making an online purchase is difficult. When I logged into the Lazada website, they expected me to enter the user code and password (which are necessary), but also to get a PIN sent by SMS for a second level authentication. This was unnecessary and troublesome. Worse, the SMS did not arrive immediately. I had to check a few times.

I make purchases with Lazada Malaysia. They did not require a SMS PIN authentication. Nobody hacked into my account to make purchases. It is quite safe.

I suspect that the use of 2FA authentication, even for online purchases, is mandated by the government. The people who make these rules do not appear to have a practical mind.

If we continue to impose unnecessary and complicated requirements, we will make it difficult for businesses to transform their processes to adopt digital processes. They will face a lot of problem and give up.

We need a more practical approach towards these problems.

Tan Kin Lian 

Singapore economy

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 94% of the respondents are pessimistic about the near term prospects for the Singapore economy.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=2908

Set a limit for immediate bank transfers

 I have a suggestion to stop bank customers from being scammed by a large sum.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5748

Apply for a patent

 Is there a government grant to cover the expenses of apply for a patent?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5747

WOTC - George Goh v Tharman S

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 69% of the respondents would vote for George Goh in the presidential election over Tharman S.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=2913

WOTC - Tharman S as president of Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 36% of the respondents have a favorable opinion of Tharman as president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=2914

WOTC - George Goh as president

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 77% of the respondents have a favorable opinion of George Goh as president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=2915

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. How to protect the interest of minority in Parliament
2. Many bus services at each bus stop
3. Will there be a contest in PE2023?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

My lack of interest in the presidential election

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5746

Taking care of seniors in financial need

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5743

Giving a view on another person's writing

 https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5741

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. How do you describe China
2. How do you describe America
3. Will there be a contest in the presidential election 2023?
4. Will Lee Hsien Yang participate in the presidential election in 2023?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Make a proper introduction

 Often, a stranger would come up to me and said "Hello, Mr. Tan. Nice to see you".

I could not recognize him and wondered if he was a former colleague, neighbor or business associate.

I asked him, and he said "I followed you on Facebook".

It would have been better if he had introduced himself properly, and do not presume that I know his background. It would only be fair to me.

A 76 yo person sent me a private message to suggest that I should contest the presidential election. He introduced himself as being 76 yo and a complete stranger to me. It was proper for him to introduce himself in this way.

I find it easier to reply to a person who made a proper introduction.

I often get private messages from strangers who asked "Are you free to chat" or "Tell me about yourself". I delete all of these requests for being presumptions.

The girl from Angola send me an email and a private message from Facebook. She explained in fair detail about her family circumstances and requested for a donation that would allow her to study a course and get a job. She sounded sincere. I asked a few follow up questions and decided to help her in a small way (smaller than what she asked for).

It is important for a person to make a proper introduction before engaging with another person.

I hope that this advise is useful for you.

Tan Kin Lian

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. How do you describe China
2. How do you describe America

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Delivery from Shopee

http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5735

Overcharged by travel agent

 I asked my friend's secretary in Jakarta to arrange return train tickets from Jakarta to Bandung.

As she was not familiar with purchase of train tickets, she approached a travel agent in Jakarta.

The travel agent overcharged me by loading 150% to the actual cost of the tickets, i.e. they charged IDR 1 million (S$85) when the actual tickets cost IDR 400,000 (S$37). Furthermore, they did not give me the full train schedule and only offered an inconvenient time for both trips.

I learned later that I could have searched online for the tickets, get the actual price and select the most appropriate departure time. If I needed to reserve the tickets in advance, it could also be done.

I do not blame the secretary because she was not familiar with the purchase of train tickets. I guess that this is how travel agencies make a quick buck from unsuspecting travelers.

Tan Kin Lian 

Lava bands

 A tout sold me three lava bands at the volcano in Tanghuban Perahu Nature Park in Bandung.

He spoke English and followed me for a while, giving useful information about the volcano crater and the site. He was not intrusive, unlike the other touts.

He asked for a higher price but I bargained it down to RM 200,000 (S$17) for 2 pieces. He gave a smaller piece as an "extra".

He said that the lava band helped to reduce stress. I did not believe him at that time, but it did not matter. Later, I checked Google and found that the lava stone absorbed negative ions, and did have that effect of reducing stress.

My Indonesian friend, who accompanied me to the volcano, suggested that I should allow him to do the bargaining and get a better price as a local.

I thanked him for his offer, but told him that I do not mind paying a higher "tourist" price to help the local vendors, who had to make a living.

Tan Kin Lian

Angola girl (2)

I helped a family in Angola
 http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5734

WOTC - Tharman S

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 36% of respondents have a favorable view of Tharman S as president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2914

WOTC - George Goh

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 76% of respondents are positive about George Goh as president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2915

Facebook page could not load due to "technical error"

 My problem with the Facebook Page.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5732

Twitter

 I will be using Twitter more often to provide updates to my activities and investments. 
Go to this page and click on Follow

https://twitter.com/kinlian

Wisdom of the Crowd - Presidential election, 2023

 65% of respondents said that they would vote for Tan Cheng Bock, while 35% said that they would vote for Tharman Shanumgaratnam, if these were the two candidates for the Singapore presidential election, 2023.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2912

Corporate bonds

 Here are my notes about investing in corporate bonds.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1336

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Who will you vote as president (3)
2. What are your views about Tharman as President of Singapore?
3. What are your views about George Goh as president

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

WOTC - Presidential election - PAP, Non

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 85% of respondents said that they will vote for a non PAP endorsed candidate for change and accountability.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2909

Sharp increase in Tesla stock price over the past month

 https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1335

Presidential election, 2023

 Previously, a private sector candidate for presidential election has to meet the requirement (3 years as CEO of a large company) within 15 years prior to the writ of election.

I do not qualify because I have passed 15 years since my service as CEO of NTUC Income.

For some strange reason (which I do not know why) this has now been changed to 20 years. By this new criteria, I would have qualified.

Is someone playing tricks on TKL? Hehehe.

I think Tan Cheng Bock would also qualify. So, I will give way to him.

I also think that Lee Hsien Yang will apply also, although many people think that the selection committee will reject him. (I don't think that they will).

A few people have asked me to join in, in case all the other candidates, including George Goh, are disqualified.

I think that there will be a contest, as the PAP does not want a walkover.

I have no interest in participating in this presidential election for personal reasons.

I hope that one of the alternative candidates will qualify and give a strong competition to the PAP endorsed candidate.

Tan Kin Lian

WOTC - Singapore economy

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 94% of respondents have a negative view of the Singapore economy over the next six months.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2908

WOTC - Presidential election

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 47% of respondents expect that there will only be 1 candidate for the presidential election. 40% expect that there will be a contest but the PAP sponsored candidate will win.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2907

The Sun and the Storm

Once upon a time, in a serene and picturesque meadow, the Sun and the Storm engaged in a lively discussion about their unique perspectives on life. They were opposites in nature, representing the forces of positivity and negativity.

The Sun, with its warm and radiant rays, believed in spreading light and cheer to all living beings. It was a symbol of positivity, hope, and optimism. The Storm, on the other hand, was tempestuous, dark, and carried a gloomy atmosphere wherever it went. It symbolized negativity, uncertainty, and pessimism.

Eager to prove the strength of their respective mindsets, the Sun and the Storm decided to hold a competition. They chose a small village nestled in the meadow as the battleground for their contest.

The Sun decided to begin the competition by blessing the village with its bright and nurturing rays. It shone down upon the inhabitants, embracing them in its gentle warmth. The villagers, infused with positivity, felt inspired and joyful. They engaged in productive activities, helped one another, and spread happiness throughout the community.

As the Sun's radiant presence continued, the village flourished. The crops grew abundantly, and the animals thrived. The people's faces glowed with contentment, and a harmonious atmosphere enveloped the village.

Observing the village's transformation, the Storm grew restless. It believed that it could outdo the Sun's positive influence with its power to disrupt and bring about change. So, the Storm unleashed its might upon the village, covering the sky with dark clouds and unleashing a torrential downpour.

The villagers, now facing adversity, felt gloomy and uncertain. The fields flooded, and their hard work seemed in vain. The Storm's negative energy weighed heavily upon them, sapping their motivation and filling their hearts with despair.

Despite the Storm's relentless assault, the Sun continued to shine. It remained hidden behind the dark clouds, waiting for its chance to reclaim its rightful place in the sky. Slowly, the Storm exhausted itself, and the rain ceased. The Sun emerged, triumphant and radiant, from behind the retreating storm clouds.

As the Sun's warm rays touched the village once again, a miraculous transformation took place. The villagers' spirits lifted, and their resilience ignited. They came together, rebuilding their homes, replanting their fields, and helping one another recover from the storm's aftermath.

The Sun's positive energy infused the villagers with hope, optimism, and determination. Through their collective efforts, they not only restored the village but also made it even stronger than before.

In the end, it became evident to all that the Sun's positive mindset had triumphed over the Storm's negativity. The fable of the Sun and the Storm taught the villagers and anyone who heard their story that a positive mind can overcome any obstacle, inspiring resilience, unity, and a brighter future.

The moral of the fable: A positive mind, like the Sun, brings light, hope, and strength even in the face of adversity, while a negative mind, like the Storm, can only disrupt and hinder progress.

Difference between a positive and negative mind

 I write this story about a serving robot to explain the difference between a positive and a negative mind.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5727

WOTC - Temasek and FTX

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 73 % of the respondents said that Temasek Holdings should claw back the bonus paid during the past two years to the executives involved in the decision to invest in FTX.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2906

WOTC - President of Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 58% of respondents expect another person (other than HC, George Yeo or Lee HY) to be the next president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2905

WOTC - COE

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 92 % of respondents prefer the authorities to set a market price for the COE quotas and distribute the quota by ballot (instead of the current bidding system).

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2904

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Who will you vote as President of Singapore (1)
2. Who will you vote as President of Singapore (2)

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

WOTC - Land for religious organizations

 80 % of respondents said that the balloting system for land used by religious organizations ensures that the land is priced at market, but is not inflated through bidding

tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2903

WOTC - Business mail

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 50% of the respondents said that business mail should be sent to a secured business mail platform, 40% by ordinary email and 10% by login to the individual organization's website.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2902

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Who will you vote for at the presidential election, 2023
2. Which candidate will you vote for president 2023?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

WOTC - Bus service at Tuas checkpoint

 Wisdom of the Crowd - 100 % of respondents said that it t is better to have more bus operators at Tuas checkpoint to provide alternative choices to commuters and avoid a monopoly.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2901

WOTC - Priority in queues for seniors

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 77 % of respondents said that seniors should be given priority as a sign of respect and also for their health

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2900

Invest in SDR of Thai stocks listed in SGX

 Someone asked for my views about investing in SDR (stock deposit receipts) of Thai companies, recently listed in SGX and promoted by Singapore banks.

I wrote my view here.
https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1334

Trash bins

There is a shortage of trash bins in public places. It is difficult to find a trash bin when it is needed.

Some people said that the trash bins could be a security risk as terrorists could plant explosives in bags that are kept in the bins. I find this reason to be incredible. Terrorist could leave explosives in crowded places that could cause more harm.

Anyway, there are not many incidences of exploding trash bins for this to be a real risk. It is more likely to be imaginary.

The real reason could be the shortage of workers to remove the trash from the bins.

I like to suggest how the disposal of trash can be better organized to solve the shortage of labor and also to achieve the goal of recycling.

a) Provide large trash bins for different types of materials (i.e. different bins for paper, glass and metal) at trash centers located near street corners.
b) Stop collecting of trash at the houses. The householders can deposit their trash centers.
c) Many people go to the bus stop for their daily travel. It is not difficult for them to carry the trash bags to the trash centers along the way.
d) Those who drive cans top their cars near the trash centers.
e) Encourage the households to have separate trash bags for different types of trash (for recycling).
f) Collect the trash from the trash centers a few times each day.

Ordinary people have been used to throwing trash down a chute in a HDB block or in a bin outside their house. They can change their habits to bring the trash in a bag to the trash center.

We need a more efficient way to collect the trash.

Tan Kin Lian
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5725

WOTC - Trash bins

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 83 % of respondents said that trash bins are necessary for people to throw their trash at convenient public places.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2899

Have medical test centers in the neighborhood

I wish to share my experience in visiting the Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC) for treatment as a public patient and give some suggestions on how the process could be improved.

I spent 4 hours at the SNEC clinic to take 2 tests and be seen twice by the specialist(i.e. eye doctor). The technicians performing the two tests took about 20 minutes and by the specialist saw me for 15 minutes. The remainder of the time was sent waiting.

I will break down the process as follows:

a) Carry out tests
b) Review by the specialist

With modern technology, it should be possible for the tests to be taken at a test center in the neighborhood. The images could be seen by the specialist remotely.

If there is a need for the specialist to talk to the patient, it can also be done through teleconferencing. If a live interview is needed, it can be arranged at the test center or a visit to the medical center.

My suggestion is to have a network of test centers in the neighborhood, that are connected to the medical center.

It is better to have adequate testing equipment, manned by medical technicians at test centers. This will reduce the travel and waiting time for the patients and still produce a satisfactory review by the specialist.

We can use modern technology in an efficient manner. It applies to the test centers, to the database system to keep the relevant patient records and to an efficient appointment system.

The use of the test centers in the neighborhood is especially useful to handle the elderly patients who may find it difficult to visit the medical center.

My suggestion can probably be applied to other treatments, i.e. other than eye treatment. However, I am not familiar with these processes, so I will leave this matter for others to comment.

If surgery or treatment are required, the patient will have to visit the medical center to be seen by the specialist. Still, it is useful for the tests to be carried out earlier, using the neighborhood testing centers.

Tan Kin Lian
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5724

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Will there be a contest for the presidential election in 2023?
2. Which is the prospect for the Singapore economy during the next 6 months

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Feeder services to MRT stations

 The current bus network comprise of over 300 services that provides a comprehensive coverage of the whole of Singapore. It is possible to get from one part of Singapore to another part on a direct service or by making one or two transfers.

While this system is necessary in the old days before the MRT network was fully developed, it is probably redundant and costly to operate.

The bus network can now be replaced by a new network of feeder buses to bring commuters to the nearby MRT station, where they can use the MRT network to travel a long distance to their destination. If the final destination is far from the MRT station, the commuter can make another transfer on a feeder bus.

The current network of over 300 services can be replaced by a new network of 120 feeder buses, with an average of 2 feeder services serving each town. The feeder buses travel a short distance within the town and can be at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes during peak and off peak hours.

The cost of operating the feeder bus network is likely to be much lower than the cost of operating the current network of over 300 bus services.

I guess that the potential savings could be $50 million a year.

At a later stage, it should be possible to replace the manned feeder buses by an autonomous feeder buses. As the feeder service is short, it should be quite easy to convert the buses to run autonomously. These autonomous buses can run on electricity.

While this will reduce drivers, it will create jobs to provide customer service and technicians to service the buses.

Under the new system of feeder buses, it may be difficult for the wheelchair users to make many transfers. Their needs can be better met by providing a network of wheelchair ready vehicles to bring them to medical facilities. This can be called on demand or by a service that operate at hourly or half hourly intervals.

I hope that the Land Transport Authority will think about this option for the future.

Tan Kin Lian

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5723

WOTC - Spratly Islands

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 73 % of the respondents said that it is better for China to take a soft approach on the Spratly Islands and not affect the livelihood of the Filipino fishermen

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2898

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. How is likely to be the next president of Singapore?
2. How should the Temasek executives involved in FTX be penalized?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

Iswaran is playing tricks on TKL

 Why do I keep saying that "Iswaran is playing tricks on TKL" ?

Here is the reason.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5722

Giving advice

 I avoid giving advice on a subject that I am not familiar with. 
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5721

My prediction for global stock markets

 This is the reason why I continue to be invested during the uncertain times.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1333

Charge for sending emails

 I suggest that email platforms should impose a charge for users to send emails.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5720

CPF Life

 Should I transfer my money from retirement account to CPF Life?

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1332

How a scammer steals from a bank account

Many people are quite illogical. They are fearful of scams but they do not pay attention to how the scams are carried out. They spread fear and advised people wrongly, due to their ignorance.

The scammer cannot steal your money from the following:

a) knowing your email address
b) when you ordered food with a QR code

To access your bank account and steal your money, the scammer needs to know your account login credentials (i.e. your sign in code and password). Most people have set up a 2FA, so the scammer need to have your physical phone (to generate a 2FA token) or to receive a one time PIN sent by your bank.

This is how a few recent scams worked.

The scammer sent an email to the customer purporting to come from the bank. This email contain a link to a fake website that looked like the bank's website.

The customer (who does not suspect the scam) clicked on the link to enter the login credentials (code and password). The scammer uses the credentials to access the real website of the bank. The bank sends a PIN to the customer.

The customer enters the PIN into the fake website. The scammer now has the PIN which they can access the real website.

I have set up a 2FA using the bank's digital token. My bank does not send a PIN. The scammer needs to have my physical phone to access the digital token. But, my phone is protected by my fingerprint (which the scammer does not have).

The chance of a scammer accessing my bank account is extremely low. It may happen, but most likely it will not.

I encourage people to take the trouble to learn how how a scammer carries out the scam, rather than have a blind fear and spread fear through ignorance.

Tan Kin Lian

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. How should the public receive their business mail from organizations?
2. Singapore allows land for religious organizations to be given by ballot
3. How should the COE quota be handled?

Vote in
https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/vote.aspx

How to deal with scam emails and phone calls

The incidences of scam emails and phone calls are rampant in Singapore. We need to understand the root cause and take the appropriate measures to deal with it.

For the past two decades, the Singapore authorities (and in particular the Ministry of Finance and the Monetary Authority of Singapore) have mandated government agencies and financial institutions to avoid sending  business communication  (i.e. statements, invoices, notices) by email, on the ground that emails may be hacked. 

These institutions stored their business communications in their websites and send email notifications to remind the public to login to the websites to retrieve these communications.

This practice has created an unintended consequence. The scammers realized that they could send false notifications to the public and direct them to their scam websites. The public did not realize that they were logging into the scam websites and the scammers were able to capture their login credentials. The scammers used the credentials to login to the real websites. 

It can be harmful if the credentials are to access bank accounts and allow money to be transferred.

To eradicate these scams, we have to deal with the root of the problem. The organizations should not store their business communications in their own websites. Instead, they should send these communications directly to the email accounts of the recipients or into a secure website (which I will name as the Business Mail website). 

Each person has an account in the Business Mail website, and the business communications from all participating organizations will be sent to this account.

The public is likely to login into one account regularly, maybe daily, as it contains the communications from all the relevant organizations. It is like opening the paper mail that is sent to his home address. 

When the Business Mail platform is created, there is no need for the individual organizations to send email notifications to the public. The public will not be scammed into accessing the scam websites. 

Tan Kin Lian