WOTC - Protect interest of consumers

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is the govt protecting the interest of consumers?

Here are the responses: (64 Votes)

45 % - They favor businesses and allow them to take advantage of consumers.
44 % - The protection of consumers is rather weak.
9 % - They appoint various agencies to handle this task.
2 % - They are doing a good job.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=948

WOTC - Protect interest of worker

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is the govt protecting the interest of workers?

Here are the responses: (65 Votes)

57 % - They allow employers to depress salaries by employing foreign workers.
28 % - They neglect the interest of workers.
14 % - The allow employers to bypass the regulations in the Employment Act
2 % - They are doing well in protecting the interest of workers.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=947

View feedback by organization

Which agency, ministry or organization received the past feedback during the past 30 days?

These are the badly run organizations. It includes the Prime Minister's Office.

You can see the ranking here. Click on the organization to see the actual feedback.
http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/summ.aspx

Use data to better manage the bus services

I have posted several posts about the erratic schedule of the buses, e.g. bunching of buses.

In some cases, they are caused by traffic conditions. But in other cases, they are caused by human behavior.

For example, some drivers do not observe punctuality. They start late and bunch with the following bus.

Technology allows the management to know the underlying cause.

The movement of the buses are captured at the time of leaving the terminal and all along the journey. It is possible to write a script to identify the buses that are "not conforming". The supervisor can explain what happened.

If the supervisor has to explain, you can be sure that they will pay attention to prevent the erratic scheduling due to "driver behavior".

But if the management does not bother, the supervisors and the drivers will not bother.

There is another fault. I have observed that some of the buses do not appear on the "arriving bus" app. I suspect that the tracking device on the bus is not working.

This non-working device must have been happening for several years. I suspect that nobody looks into the data to see the buses with failed tracking devices.

It is rather sad that the technology allows these kinds of problems to be identified and for the supervisor to take remedial action.

But if nobody bothers, then nothing is done.

I have written to the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Transport on a few past occasions to tell them about the value of analyzing the data and use the results for better management.

Often, I do not get any acknowledgement. Sometimes, they acknowledge, promise to do something, and nothing gets done.

The indifferent attitude is now quite common in Singapore. Our high standard of the past has now disappeared.

Tan Kin Lian

Update the law on jay walking

I asked the question about the pedestrian crossing. The road is clear. How to cross the road?

About 50% said - press the button and wait for the green man. Why? We have to follow the law of jay waking, right?

The other 50% said - cross the road. I belong to the "risk taker".

I consider the law of jay walking to be a "stupid law". The law is stupid but it also assumes that there are many stupid people who will follow the law blindly.

The law should be changed. There is no point keeping a law that is ridiculous and force many people to disobey it.

Like to hear from you

Like to hear from you

Thank your for being a regular visitor to my websites.

TKL Youtube videos

I like to introduce you to my channel to view the videos containing my views on several social and business issues.
TKL Youtube Channel

#HearMeOut

I have now combined two platforms into one. You can now read the feedback on government policies and the service quality of organizations in this platform. You can also vote on the feedback to indicate if you agree or disagree with it. You can also submit your own feedback.
Read the feedback in #HearMeOut

Tan Kin Lian Books

I am offering a collection of 8 books, written by me, at a discount of 65% from the usual price. Click here to order them for only $25. Enjoy free delivery
Order the books

Videos on Financial Planning

These short videos teach young people the basics of financial planning, investment and life insurance. It is a must watch for young people. Parents should encourage their teenage children to view them.
Financial Planning videos

Performance of ministers
You can view the performance of agencies and ministers based on the votes submitted by the public. You can also submit your votes and win a prize immediately - Financial Planning for Retirement. It takes only 5 minutes
Click here.

Just a simple reminder.

Vote on issues in the Wisdom of the Crowd
Like my Facebook Page

Tan Kin Lian

Irony of CHAS

A doctor told me. The govt set up CHAS (community health assist scheme) to relieve the long queues in the polyclinics, which provide subsidized health care.

CHAS is available only to the low income groups. It is not available to citizens who are well off.

However, some of the "well off" retirees prefer to go to polyclinics to enjoy the subsidies. The charges at private clinics can be quite high.

Here is the irony.

The lower income people go to private clinics. After the CHAS subsidy, they pay a net amount that is comparable to the polyclinic charges. The "well off" retirees continue to visit the polyclinics.

That is the irony. Private care for lower income people, and public care for well off people.

Welcome to Singapore.

It is important to follow through effectively

PM Lee makes grandiose statements. But his follow through is terrible.

Look at the project for cashless payments and social enterprise hawker centers. They are just two examples out of many.

To succeed, he needs to address the root of the problem. He should listen to views of other people, including those with different views from his.

I wish him better success the next time.

https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/spore-must-ensure-no-one-is-left-behind-as-country-progresses-pm

A new way to operate the social enterprise hawker centers

The social enterprise hawker center model seems to be a mess.

Is there a better way?

The govt agency, i.e. National Environment Agency, should decide on the rent to charge for each stall and the people who are qualified to be allocated the stall. They can also determine the prices allowed to be charged.

Is this difficult? No, it is not. Why do I say so?

If the agency carries out a survey, they will know what are the typical stall rentals in the food courts and hawker centers and the prices that are charged for various food items. This information is readily available.

If the agency is not familiar with this process, they can engage an independent survey firm to carry out the exercise.

After the information is collected, they can determine the stall rentals and the prices for the food items, by providing a suitable discount. They can invite the stall holders to apply.

If the economics does not work right, the stall holders will not apply. Even if the stall holders apply and are allocated, they will give up if the business is not viable. These indicators will allow the agency to change the rental and the prices.

The stall rentals and food prices can be adjusted every two years. This adjustment reflect the market for the "affordable" hawker centers.

An advantage of this system is that the adjusted rentals and prices reflect the market in general, and is not specific to a particular stall.

For example, some stalls may be successful and do a lot of business. A private enterprise owner may increase the stall rental to a high level, knowing that the stall holder has no choice. The owner wants to maximize the rental.

The govt agency should not operate like a private owner. The rental should reflect the general market and is not specific to certain stalls.

The consideration is fairness, and not maximization of profit.

What about the daily operation, including paying the bills for the management and cleaning?

The agency can ask for the operators to tender for the management of these services. They can do their calculation of the cost of employing the cleaners, the number required, etc. This is included in the tender price, together with their profit margin.

The social enterprise model can work, but the framework has to make sense for all the parties. The operator should not be given the freedom to maximize the profits and to pass the profits to related parties through outsourcing of the work.

We need a better approach.

Tan Kin Lian

Industrial robots

Surprise!

In spite of its large supply of human resource, China installed the largest number of industrial robots, followed by Japan, South Korea and the United States.

How can the United States compete globally without investing in robotics to reduce their high labor costs?

https://multimedia.scmp.com/…/china-2025-roboti…/index.html…

WOTC - Pension at 75

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should the govt provide a pension to elderly people?

Here are the responses: (71 Votes)

59 % - Everyone should get a modest pension from 75 years.
31 % - It should be modest and given only to poor people above 75 years.
10 % - They should rely on their CPF and personal savings.
0 % - It will encourage the elderly to be lazy

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=946

WOTC - Support charity

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should Singaporeans contribute to charity?

Here are the responses: (68 Votes)

32 % - We should support charity within our means.
31 % - I do not trust charity organizations as they are several fake ones going around
26 % - The govt should support charity more actively.
10 % - We do not have any money left, after meeting the high cost of living.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=945

Chasing after KPI for bigger bonus

Rachel Ash said.

Mr Tan
Our policy makers are habitually on the move to chase after new KPIs to ensure a plentiful of bonuses. Despite the fact that existing issues in this country has yet to be resolved such as once in 50 years flooding; over 90% are satisfied with our train services and according to our authorities - "our train services has improved despite the increased in number of breakdowns"; our dependency on our neighbor for fresh water but what do we do with our homegrown Hyflux; etc.

I discovered that they are very good at choosing ambiguous words for their purpose and then their selective meaning of the word which allows them to "lie but NOT lie".

To provide proof:

1. Our authorities created a new problem for the community with PMD which led to accidents and deaths; and have yet to solve the issue of the "last mile" in any meaningful way. Not forgetting failed OFO and etc bikes. Then they are going to trial run air-taxi in the not distant future. Will this solve the transport issues of the masses or provide the "rich" another convenience means not to be "mixed" with the masses.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/.../air-taxi-trials-to...

2. Our authorities claimed, they are trying to narrow the rich and poor gap in Singapore and blasted the Oxfam report. Any reason why estate duty was abolished just before the demise of our former PM?

3. Our authorities claimed, HDB 99 years was good so that they can be re-cycled BUT according to some who had researched all past requisition of HDB properties instead of turning them to newer HDB flats but were instead sold to private developers.

4. Our authorities claimed, to finding ways to increase jobs for the natives BUT has CEPA with India did anything for the general masses or for the big businesses?

5. Our authorities claimed, we need GST and increase GST to help the poor? Yes, very truth because the "rich" in Singapore are considered poor when compared to the developed countries rich.

6. Our authorities claimed, ........

Isn't it time for authorities to start admitting that there were flawed policies in the past and they should be working with every Singaporeans to build our Nation as one united people so as to achieve happiness and prosperity for our people.

Improve the library facilities

Dear sir,

Singapore government was great. In the early days, they sees a library as an essential facilities. They allocate land to build library. Today we sees such libraries at places like Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio.

The library of today is getting smaller. Perhaps times has changed. I however thought that Library could still play an important role. For example, Libraries could in-cooperate a innovation centre where the public could pay an amount to join as members to use some facilities. Such as computer render farms, 3d printers, soldier machine, electrical components etc. it could also setup a metal, wood and plastic workshop. Where a technical instructor could be employed to supervise the usage of machinery and equipment. Members could also do talks and share ideas.

at the same time, more seats could be made available to the public with free drinking water and vending machine. By bringing the people back to the integrated library. I believe we could kick start the innovation progress. I have seen people attending wood working, ceramic course at industrial park. I would believe that with proper insulation, these facilities could be brought into the neighbourhood library.

unfortunately, SLA has not provide land for libraries, most libraries rented expensive spaces in mall. People has to study in restaurant. I am not a financial expert, I do not calculate the cost. Perhaps this is a bad idea and not economical sensible.

Fong

Insufficient officers at checkpoint

On returning to Singapore through the 2nd link at 4 pm (before the rush hour) last Friday, I was delayed by 45 minutes at Tuas checkpoint. The clearing time at the JB end was 5 mins.

I found the reason to be lack of manpower. Two out of six counters on my section were closed. If these two counters were manned, the clearing time would have been much faster.

I think that is shortage of manpower. It is probably due to the freeze on manpower in the public sector.

If the ministry wish to recruit more officers, surely it will be taken up? There are many people who can't find jobs and have to be Grab drivers. Some of them would gladly be a immigration officer.

How stupid can the govt be? By stinging on the employment, it caused many people to waste nearly one hour of their time. During the peak period, it could be two or three hours.

We should recruit more people in the public sector to meet with the demand and larger population. The freeze on head count is very bad.

Tan Kin Lian

America is not a good example of a democracy

Many people think that America is a good example of a democratic country.

I used to think so myself.

However, since the last presidential election, I changed my mind.

I watched the speeches by Senator Bernie Sanders, who contested the Democratic primary election.

He explained that America government is controlled by the billionaires. They used their money to "buy elections".

How is this done?

In America, the election results are influenced to a large extent by advertising on television and the media. This cost a lot of money.

The candidates from both parties need the financial support of the big donors, who are usually the billionaires, to finance their campaign. The winners are usually the candidates with the most financial resources.

In return for the financial support, the elected politicians to return the favor. The pass laws that are favorable to the businesses, and bad for working people The give tax breaks to the super rich.

The ordinary people get disillusioned with the political process and reacted by refusing to vote. This worked well for the super rich.

Over the past three decades, the gap between the super rich, the top 0.1% and the ordinary people became wider and wider.

America has very high inequality, probably among the worse in the world, at least among the developed countries. This is hardly democratic.

A lot of ordinary people do not earn enough to meet the cost of living. Their society becomes quite fractious.

The people in power than pass laws and regulations to make it difficult for ordinary people to vote. This can hardly be called "democratic".

To be frank, Singapore is not a good example of democracy either. We have out own set of problems, such as GRCs. We also have high inequality.

In some respects, we are still better off than America, but in other respects, we are worse off. For example, we fared badly on the "freedom of the press".

But the media in America is not a shining example either. It is also "bought" by the super rich. They play a part in promoting the agenda of their owners, who are the super rich.

Maybe it is better to have the system like in China. Forget about flawed democracy. Forget about corrupt democracy.

Maybe not China.

The best example of a working democracy is Switzerland. They have quarterly referendums where they ask the people to vote on government policies.

Tan Kin Lian

Is the Changi Jewel target at passengers or the general public?

Will the Jewel in Changi be targeted at passengers or for the general public.

There is a logistic issue to be addressed.

If it is targeted at passengers, then the potential customers are the transit passengers and the inbound and outbound passengers. In that case, the general public will not be able to visit the Jewel.

It could be a disaster. Many transit passengers do not have much time to visit the Jewel. The outbound passengers are allowed to check-in only two hours before the flight. They will not have much time to shop or to visit the Jewel.

The inbound passengers are likely to be in a hurry to return home or to go to the hotel. They may not be keen to spend time at the Jewel.

If the Jewel is targeted at the general public, it will be placed outside of the immigration checkpoint. This means that the transit passengers have to go through immigration clearance to visit the Jewel and then re-enter through immigration again. Maybe the second process can be streamlined, so that it is not tedious.

For the Jewel to be successful, it has to be targeted at the general public. Incoming passengers can pass through the immigration clearance and visit the Jewel before proceeding home or to the hotel. Outgoing passengers can go to the airport early, spend time at the Jewel and then proceed to the check-in counter.

Which way will it be? Make your guess.

Is there a freeze in the headcount in the public sector?

I suspect that there is a policy to freeze the headcount for most agencies and ministries in the public sector.

This has resulted in outsourcing of work to private contractors.

I believe that this policy (if there is such a policy) is short sighted.

Here are my reasons:

a) The headcount in the public sector should increase with the population. If the population increased by 50%, we will generally need 50% more workers in the public sector. They have to serve the public.

b) The outsourcing of work generally leads to lower quality of service. We have seen it in many parts of the public sector. Some of the recent major problems, such as train breakdown and flooding, could be attributed to the deterioration of standard due to outsourcing.

c) As a major employer, the public sector could play an important role in setting the right level of wages and working conditions for the private sector to follow. If the public sector outsource the work, the workers will be employed by the contractors at depressed wages. We have seen it happen.

I wish to see the public sector change its policy and play an active role in creating well paying jobs for the people.

I am not suggesting that the public sector be overstaffed. But it needs to be adequately staffed. It should not be understaffed. The work should not be outsourced.

There is a challenge in managing the workers in the public sector. This can be handled by competent supervisors and managers, who knows the job. We have to retain these managers and leaders who have worked in the ministry or agencies for many years.

The practice of "helicoptering" scholars with no working experience into these organizations should be stopped, or at least minimized.

Tan Kin Lian

WOTC - Education policy

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which education policy do you prefer?

Here are the responses: (60 Votes)

58 % - Develop character and literacy.
30 % - Develop the other interests besides academic study.
8 % - Keep our current system with high standard 
3 % - Reduce the stress and competition, and moderate the standard.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=944

WOTC - Is HDB flat a good investment?

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is a HDB flat a good investment?

Here are the responses: (62 Votes)

66 % - It is advanced payment of rental and is not an investment.
13 % - It is good only for those who buy with a govt grant.
13 % - It is good only for the first 30 years.
8 % - After 40 years, it is difficult to sell the HDB flat.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=943

WOTC - Use of town council software

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it correct to disallow Aljunied from using the town council software?

Here are the responses: (72 Votes)

76 % - Aljunied residents contributed to the software and were cheated when it was taken away.
17 % - Aljunied has to spend money to develop an alternative software, which is wasteful.
7 % - This should be decided by the owner of the town council software.
0 % - Each town council should develop its own software to meet its special needs.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=942

WOTC - Dispute over Oxfam report

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What are your views about the dispute over the Oxfam report?

Here are the responses: (68 Votes)

82 % - I agree with the findings of the Oxfam report that there is high inequality in Singapore.
13 % - I find the outcomes to be quite bad for the ordinary people.
4 % - The Oxfam report is unfair to Singapore.
0 % - I agree with the ministers' views that the actual outcomes are favorable in Singapore.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=941

Singapore is a special country

Daniel Yong is a Singaporean who now lives in Australia. He said.

Spore is very SPECIAL. It's run by special people who command the world's highest salaries despite having no previous relevant experience (most are recruits from the military who have not had a real job in their lives), an education system that is so special it relies on model answers and rote learning, and a very special population conditioned / brain washed to do things in a set way... from young.

A country so special that high costs are seen as a sign of progress, that retirees can't be trusted with their own money. A country so special that the government has to get involved in small and large businesses such that everybody has to either work for the govt or in GLCs or in pte businesses which rely on govt contracts.

A people so special that they allow the govt to control every aspect of their lives. Spore is a special country moving from 1st world to 4th, while most other countries are moving from 3rd to 1st. I suppose sporeans know best what's good for them, for they are special.

Daniel Ong said.

The writer, Mr Daniel Yong has written this absolutely true and correct article about SINGAPORE and SINGAPOREANS. The fake meritocracy, abuse of power and open corruption is a fact of life.

Most poignantly there are voters who even support the obvious criminality of the government! 

Speaking personally so as to take responsibility for my statements and NOT drag others with me I will say it again: The PAP, the Pests And Parasites must go. I don't care what the die hard PAP supporters will say. We are free to choose. And, are entitled to our political views.

My firm and irreversible position: Unless we change the government and vote in The New Government that is HONEST, COMPETENT AND CARING, SINGAPORE will decline or even become a failed state.

The words of Mr Daniel Yong will then be The Gospel of our doom!

Again, The Solution: Vote PAP OUT! In a free and bona fide democracy PM LHL and several of his ministers and MPs would be forced to resign or even jailed. Yes, the PAP is a criminal otganizstion.

WOTC - Oxfam study on inequality

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

So you agree with Singapore's ranking in the Oxfam study on inequality?

Here are the responses: (57 Votes)

53 % - The Oxfam study is generally reliable. 
35 % - The Oxfam study reflects the Gini coefficient.
7 % - The Oxfam study uses questionable indicators.
5 % - The Oxfam study is biased against Singapore.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=938

WOTC - Jewel Mall in Changi

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Do you look forward to opening of the Jewel in Changi in 2019?

Here are the responses: (60 Votes)

52 % - It is a waste of money.
20 % - We already have too many malls, why build one more?
18 % - It will be just another mall.
10 % - It will be exciting.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=937

Call for commission of inquiry

It seems that the National Environment Agency has been sleeping and has just woken up.

https://www.todayonline.com/…/nea-do-stock-take-social-ente…

I call for a Commission of Inquiry to be formed to look into whether the social enterprises have acted honestly in managing the hawker centers and whether the NEA has carried out its work diligently.

If the social enterprise has abused their privilege to extract large or illegal profits for themselves or their associates, they should be charged for corruption.

Ridiculous to ask customers to place a deposit for a tray

In U-turn, Jurong West Hawker Centre to charge customers 20 cents deposit for trays

Customers at Jurong West Hawker Centre will soon have to pay a refundable deposit of 20 cents for every tray they use, the operator of Jurong West Hawker Centre announced on Thursday. The date for when this change — which comes a week after news broke that hawkers were up in arms over its tray return scheme — will kick in will be announced at a later stage, once all details have been finalised, the operator added in a media statement. Hawker Management said that after meeting with the tenants and receiving “constructive feedback and views” on “all outstanding concerns”, it decided to change the tray return scheme to a deposit system.

My comment.
I find it quite ridiculous that the customer has to pay a deposit of $0.20 for the return of tray. This is creating useless work in collecting a deposit and getting a refund.
I don't understand why some people are so stupid. It seems to be a common disability in Singapore.

https://www.todayonline.com/…/u-turn-jurong-west-hawker-cen…

Taxi drivers up in arms over Grab services

Malaysian taxi drivers threaten to hold protests over Grab services

About 200 taxi drivers have gathered in front of Malaysia's Finance Ministry on Thursday to protest over the government’s plan to hold talks with e-hailing company Grab to provide complementary transport services to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station users. They also demanded that Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng explain a statement by his political secretary Tony Pua on talks to be held between the Malaysian government and Grab on the feeder services.

My comment.
I empathize with the taxi drivers who have to make a living. They are placed at a disadvantage when competing with Grab because they have to meet strict licensing regulations.

However, on my recent trip to Malaysia, I found the service of the taxi drivers to be unsatisfactory. I found that Grab provides an excellent service at a low cost.

I hope that the taxi drivers can join the GrabTaxi or JustGrab platform. Customers are likely to pay a higher fare for the service of a taxi. But they want the convenience of booking a taxi, rather than the uncertainty of hailing a taxi on the road.

The taxi drivers have to use technology to improve their service.

https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysian-taxi-drivers-threaten-hold-protests-over-grab-services?cid=emarsys-today_TODAY%27s%20morning%20briefing%20for%20Oct%2019,%202018%20%28ACTIVE%29_newsletter_19102018_today

WOTC - Use of town council software

Should Aljunied residents be denied of the use of the town council software?

Here are the responses: (62 Votes)

42 % - The Aljunied residents should be adequately compensated for their financial loss caused by the sale.
35 % - The sale of the software to a connected party is improper.
15 % - The sale transaction should be overturned by court.
8 % - It was the majority decision of the participating town councils to sell the software to AIM for $2.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=936

WOTC - Contempt of court

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Was Jolovan Wham and John Tan in contempt of court?

Here are the responses: (59 Votes)

54 % - It is just their personal opinion; most people will form their own opinion.
19 % - It implied that the Singapore judiciary is not independent.
19 % - It will cause people to lose confidence in the Singapore judiciary 
8 % - Being less independent does not mean that it is not independent. It is a matter of degree.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=935

WOTC - Suspension of Access Medical Group from CHAS

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Do you agree with the suspension of Access Medical Group from CHAS?

Here are the responses: (59 Votes)

32 % - Many other doctors are also abusing CHAS.
25 % - It is an appropriate action for non-compliance.
22 % - The CHAS compliance scheme is not effective.
20 % - The abuse is quite small, considering the large number of patients served.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=934

COI on secial enterprise hawker centers

I suggest that a Commission of Inquiry be formed to look into the operation of the social enterprise hawker centers.

They can look into the following:

a) Are the social enterprises making a profit from the cleaning and washing? They charge each stall $1,000 a month but the actual cost is likely to be much lower.

b) Are the other charges reasonable, or are they excessive?

c) Should the additional charges be based on the actual cost of operations?

d) Did they call for an open tender for these services? Is the award made properly? Are related businesses being favored?

e) Are the civil servants negligent in oversee the operation of these SEHCs?

Improve the signs in Singapore

I had dinner at the Black Society Restaurant at Vivocity. Many of my guests were not able to find the restaurant, although they were given the address #02-156. The signs in the mall were poor. It is too big.

I tried to locate it by looking at the numbers of the units. Some units did not have any number.

It would be useful if they have signs at strategic locations to indicate the range of unit numbers in each direction. This method is used in hotels. It is quite helpful.

My guests also had trouble to find their cars. But one guest use a good method. He was a basement 2 and he removed the lift lobby as G. He searched for the lift lobby G on level 2 and took the lift down to basement 2. He found his car easily. I took a lift from him..

We need to improve signs in our malls and all over Singapore. Somehow, Singaporeans are bad in giving helpful signs.

Voting in the Wisdom of the Crowd

The results of the Wisdom of the Crowd should be interpreted with common sense.

Some of the topics are politically inclined and the voting will be biased according the the participants.

Many of the participants are likely to be anti PAP but I have also observed the actions of members of the IB (i.e. the internet brigade set up by a rich political party). They have a way of rounding up their gang to cast their votes in favor of the PAP.

There could also be other participants who are unbiased, i.e not pro-PAP or anti-PAP.

There are other topics that do not have any political overtones. They are likely to reflect the preferences of the people at large. For example, topics on how to improve the education system, reduce cost of living or give better job security.

It also depends on how the choices are framed. I try to give options that gives choices for all possible sides of the spectrum.

I may not be perfect. But I try my best to be fair in framing the choices.

Some people will criticize the choices are not comprehensive. That is their opinion. They are free to create their own poll.

Some people will criticize the framing of the question or choices unfairly. Their purpose is primary to defame this website. I delete their comments.

I will interpret the results with some caution, i.e. knowing that there would be bias due to the inclination of the participants. I find the results to be quite illuminating.

I like to thank the regular participants for your contribution.

WOTC - Combat climate change

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is Singapore acting effectively to combat climate change

Here are the responses: (67 Votes)

39 % - We talk a lot but do little.
27 % - The Singapore govt takes the opportunity to increase tax revenue.
22 % - We are slow in introducing solar and other renewable energy.
12 % - Yes. We have implemented emission control and other measures

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=933

WOTC - A positive culture

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Do we have a positive culture in Singapore?

Here are the responses: (66 Votes)

79 % - They are worried and uncertain about the future.
9 % - They are negative and tend to imagine the worst possible case.
6 % - Yes. Many people are positive and optimistic. 
6 % - They are positive in believing statements from the govt.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=932

Converting civil servants' pension scheme to CPF

Dear Sir,
I am a researcher working in National Taiwan University. I am working on a project analysing impacts of pension integration in East Asia. I just found your blog article entitled "civil servants and pension scheme" (24/4/2001). This is the only article I have found so far discussing this issue.

Here are his questions and my answers.

1.What's the rationale behind the Singapore government's decision to merge civil servants pension scheme into CPF in 1973?

The government wanted every worker, including civil servants, to join the CPF scheme. They can use their CPF savings to purchase a house and to be used for medical treatment and other approved purposes.

Although they did not expressly state this reason, I personally guess that they did not like to have the unknown liability of paying pensions for a lifetime, when life expectancy is improving. They also did not like the liability of lifetime medical benefits which were provided to all civil servants at that time. When the civil servants convert to the CPF scheme, they lose their right to the lifetime medical benefits.

2.How did the government convince civil servants to accept the change? Had there been any substantial resistance?

If I remembered correctly, the government gave generous terms of conversion. Many civil servants found the CPF scheme to be more attractive. This option was given to the civil servants who joined prior to the cutoff date. Civil servants recruited after the cutoff date were given CPF benefits. They did not have the option of getting a pension.

3.Does the change has any impact on the recruitment, retaining, morale and performance of public sector workers?

The government pays the top civil servants extremely well. There was no problem in recruiting people into these top layers. For the lower levels, they were generally quite happy to receive the CPF benefits, as they perceived that they could get a lump sum at age 55. However, the government has now implemented a hold back a large portion of the CPF savings until age 65 and later. This deferral of the withdrawal of CPF savings is extremely unpopular. But it applies to all workers, and not just the civil servants.

4.How did people in general saw the change? Did they support or oppose the change?

Many workers are now unhappy with the CPF scheme as the interest rate is quite low, at 2.5% on the ordinary account and 4% on the other accounts and they have to keep a large part of the CPF savings to be withdrawn as a life annuity. Many of them prefer to take out their CPF savings at age 55, as they need to use it for other purposes.

Note - I am giving my views out of memory. So, I could make some mistakes.

Presidential system compared to Parliamentary system

A man from the Philippines sent an email to ask me this question:

John - What is the best political system for Singapore Presidential System or Parliamentary System? in Presidential System the President is the head of state and head of government the President is elected by the people not the parliament and there is a term limit for the President. in Parliamentary System the President is head of state and ceremonial no powers and elected by people or can be elected by parliament the Prime Minister is head of government there is no term limit for Prime Minister. What is the best political system of Singapore will you choose Presidential or Parliamentary?

TKL - Singapore follows the Parliamentary system like the UK. I prefer the Presidential system adopted in the US, Philippines, Indonesia and many other countries.
The Presidential system is more flexible; the Parliamentary system is old fashioned.

John - Why Presidential System is flexible for Singapore do you want Singapore to become a presidential system like my country the Philippines and reject Parliamentary System like UK.

TKL - The president is elected directly by the people. He appoints his ministers from anywhere in the country and is not restricted to politicians. There is also better separation of power between the legislative branch (congress or parliament) and the executive branch (president and ministers).

Govt spending to improve life for the people

Whenever I suggest that the govt should provide a certain service, some people will come forward to say that the govt will take this excuse to raise taxes.

I guess that this group represents up to 30% of the public. They have been conditioned to think that every service should be paid for separately.

This fear is not justified.

The govt has already raised a lot of money through GST and various types of taxes. They have a large budget surplus, after spending extravagantly on many infrastructure and grandiose projects, that they have to return the surplus in SG bonus to the citizens.

There is no need to raise additional taxes to fund useful welfare and other projects that improve the lives of the people.

What are some of the useful things that the govt can provide?

a) Provide free shuttle within a town
b) Allow better access to subsidized health care
c) Reduce rental on hawker stalls
d) Employ more teachers so that parents do not need to engage private tutors.
e) Pension for low income people above 75 years

All of these can be funded just by being more prudent on our spending on the grandiose projects.

We need a new govt that can run this country more responsibly.

Tan Kin Lian

WOTC - Private patients in public hospitals

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should public hospitals be allowed to take private patients?

Here are the responses: (61 Votes)

43 % - No, the public hospitals will favor private patients at the expense of locals.
38 % - No, the public hospitals should only serve locals due to lack of capacity.
11 % - Yes, the private patients represent less than 1.5% of all patients.
8 % - Yes, this is a way to retain the good specialists in the private sector.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=931

WOTC - Free shuttle service

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should the govt provide free shuttle service within a town?

Here are the responses: (65 Votes)

54 % - It will improve the public transport network.
17 % - It is all right, as the commuters will pay for the MRT or express bus rides.
15 % - It will lead to abuse.
14 % - It is too costly.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=930

Changi Airport is too expensive

I searched for a flight from Singapore to Penang and back.

The Changi airport tax is $48. The Penang airport tax is $12.

For short distance on budget airlines, the fare can be as low as $30. So, the Changi airport tax of $48 is too high.

Airlines will bypass Singapore. Passengers will also choose other airports.

But Singaporeans are stuck and have to fly out of Changi. It is too troublesome to go to Senai, Johore.

So, Singaporeans are stuck with high cost. Sad.

Worse, the Changi airport tax is expected to increase over the next few years to fund the development of Terminal 5. We are pricing Changi out of the market!

Three changes to the education system

I wish to give three suggestions to the minister of education, Ong Ye Kung.

It is a good goal to reduce stress for students.

But reducing the examination in the early years is not the solution. If the schools do not conduct the examinations, many parents will send their children to tuition centers for the exams. This is already predicted by many observant citizens.

The first suggestion will take several years to implement and goes beyond the scope of the education minister.

We have to provide adequate salaries to non office jobs, so that the young are happy to take up jobs, such as teaching, nursing, police officers, security, technical, service, hospitality, retail.

Many people are needed for these jobs. We should give them to locals first, before looking for foreigners. Locals will be willing to do these jobs, if the pay is adequate.

We have to change the pay structure. The govt can take the lead for the private sector to follow.

The second suggestion can be implemented quite early. We have to reduce the content that a student has to learn in each year. We should not press them with a heavy work load.

I remembered, when I was in school, that I learned the concept of ratios in secondary one. Today, it is learned in primary four (I stand corrected). There is no need to teach too much at an early age to the children. We can take the time.

If the content is reduced, many students can pass the exam in each year, without too much stress. There is no need for parents to send them to tuition centers to catch up.

The third suggestion concerns giving the top prize - a prestigious scholarship, to the best students. We have already observed over the past decades that top academic results do not lead to top performance in business or government. We need a broader set of skills and experience.

Instead of giving expensive scholarships to a select and privileged few, it is better to use the budget to reduce the cost of education for the many.

How do we identify the future leaders in government and business? Let them prove themselves when they start their work. There is plenty of time for the real leaders to emerge.

Tan Kin Lian

Increase in price of rice

Minister Lawrence Wong gave a speech. He said that the price of rice may increase by 30% in 2050. I suppose that he meant this to be in real terms, after removing inflation.

This is a real increase of less than 1% per year. There are other cost of living that make a greater impact, e.g. price of housing (which he is responsible for).

It seems that he is blowing up a small issue to detract by a big issue.

WOTC - Reduce examination

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

The education minister is reducing exams to reduce stress.

Here are the responses: (55 Votes)

49 % - We have to address the root cause of the issue - by assuring every citizen that they can get a good job in many fields.
31 % - It will not reduce stress in the education system as parents will want their children to score well in the PSLE.
11 % - It is a good move and is likely to achieve its goal.
9 % - Similar attempts have been tried by previous education ministers which did not work.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=929

WOTC - Port Dickson By-election

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Will Anwar Ibrahim win Port Dickson by-election?

Here are the responses: (54 Votes)

50 % - He will get 65 to 80% of the votes
26 % - He will get more than 80% of the votes.
20 % - He will get 50 to 65% of the votes.
4 % - He will get less than 50% of the votes.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=928

Error not rectified for two weeks

Two weeks ago, I logged in to Scoot website. I wanted to change my profile. I got a message "Internal Server Error". They promised to look into the problem and fixed it.

Today, I logged in again to change my profile. I got the same message "Internal Server Error". They did not fixed the problem for two weeks.

What is their IT staff doing? What is their customer service staff doing?

Nobody seems to care. This seems to be the standard in Singapore Airlines today. It mirrors the behavior in many government agencies and govt linked companies.

Proverty and wealth

WOTC - Electronic arrival card

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Singapore is introducing electronic arrival cards

Here are the responses: (43 Votes)

53 % - It is better to scrap the arrival cards, following the practice in mny countries.
23 % - The new system will cost money and cause trouble when it breaks down.
19 % - It will imptove productivity
5 % - We are a Smart Nation

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=927

WOTC - Donate to victims of natural disasters

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Will you donate to the victims of natural disasters?

Here are the responses: (35 Votes)

43 % - I will make a donation within my means.
43 % - I do not trust the aid agencies that are involved
11 % - I do not have the spare money to donate.
3 % - I will be more than generous.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=926

WOTC - Help a startup

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Will you help a new start up?

Here are the responses: (34 Votes)

62 % - If I like the concept, I will help to make it succeed.
32 % - I do not have time to take an interest
6 % - If I do not know the founder, I will not be involved.
0 % - I prefer to see the startup fail.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=925

WOTC - Use of QR code

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Are you familiar with the use of QR code?

Here are the responses: (35 Votes)

29 % - I have a QR code scanner installed in my mobile phone.
29 % - I use it occasionally
26 % - I do not know how to use a QR code scanner
17 % - I have seen other people use it.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=924