Interfering in domestic politics

I cannot understand the law or the concept that foreigners cannot interfere with domestic politics.

We need to understand what is interfering and what is domestic politics.

If a foreigner said that it is morally wrong to have the prime minister's wife appointed to hold the top position in the sovereign wealth fund, is this interfering in domestic politics?

If another foreigner said that this practice is perfectly all right, is it interfering?

Does it matter if the interference is for or against the practice of the government?

If a foreigner said that Singapore is a repressive society, is he interfering in domestic politics?

If another foreigner (e.g. Nas Daily) said that Singapore is a free and democratic society, is he interfering in domestic politics?

It is very difficult to draw the line - and the line seemed to be drawn quite arbitrarily and unfairly by the people in power.

The "interference in domestic politics" should be confined to specific examples of actual abuse and interference in the election process, and should not be use for expressing opinions about what is good or bad in the society.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1512

Purpose of signing a petition

Should we organize a petition to ask President Halimah to stop the POFMA law, by refusing to give assent?

Many people said - there is no point. She will sign her assent to the law. She will ignore the petition.

The objectors miss the point. We know that she will give her assent. She probably has no power to refuse.

But the purpose of the petition is to register the strength of the opposition to the law.

We need everyone to come forward and sign the petition.

If we get 100,000 signatures, it will pass a message to the government.

If we get less than 10,000 signatures, the government can rightly say that the petition does not have the support of the people.

So, it is better to be positive and support the petition.

Provide benefits to all residents

Many people think that a benefit or free service should only be provided to locals and not foreigners.

I disagree with this approach. I prefer any benefit to be provided to all residents.

If we want the foreigners to pay some tax to enjoy the benefit, we can introduce the tax.

Actually, the employer already pay a levy for a foreign worker - and it justifies that they can enjoy subsidized health care, public transport, etc.

The exception are the E-Pass holders where the employer does not have to pay a levy. This is an anomaly that should be addressed.

I get very disappointed when people want to charge more for foreigners or to deny public services and benefits to them. This is a short sighted view.

If we charge higher prices to foreign workers for health care, guess who pays? It is the local employer.

WOTC - Abuse of free services

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

If the govt provide free services, will it be abused?

Here are the responses: (62 Votes)

52 % - It is possible to introduce measures to prevent abuse of free services and benefits. 
26 % - There will be some abuse, but it will not be a serious problem.
19 % - People should make a co-payment so that they do not abuse these free services and benefits.
3 % - Most people will abuse services and benefits that are provided free.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1341

WOTC - Poor people

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Are poor people lazy?

Here are the responses: (61 Votes)

66 % - Being poor, they are disadvantaged from having a good education.
20 % - Their poverty is largely due to their parents who have bad social habits. 
11 % - Their poverty is mostly due to their poor character and their association with other bad characters. 
3 % - They are generally lazy and do not work hard to improve themselves

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1340

A single payer system for health care

The Singapore Democratic Party advocate a single payer system for health care. What are the features of this system and how is it different from the current 3M system adopted in Singapore?

I describe the differences in the two systems in this post. Can you read and vote whether to move to a single payer system?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1509

Surge pricing should be regulated

Surge pricing was introduced by ride hailing companies, such as Uber and Grab. The largest regular taxi company, Comfort, is planning to implement it. Now a food delivery company, Deliveroo, is planning to introduce surge pricing.

How far should surge pricing be allowed? Can any business be allowed to introduce surge pricing, as it "reflects the market"? Should pricing continue to be regulated by the government?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=15

Strategy for non PAP parties

Do you agree with this strategy for the non PAP parties to contest the next general election?

If you do, vote Agree and share this post.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1507

Vote on these issues

https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx

WOTC - Tariff and protectionism

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is tariff and protectionism good for a country?

Here are the responses: (59 Votes)

44 % - It will make the country more costly and less efficient.
31 % - It allows the country to protect jobs 
15 % - It can replace VAT/ GST
10 % - It allows the government to collect revenue to reduce its budget deficit.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1339

WOTC - US China trade dispute

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What do you expect on the US China trade dispute?

Here are the responses: (64 Votes)

38 % - It will escalate into a bigger trade war.
34 % - They will reach an agreement but the tariffs will stay.
25 % - They will reach an agreement and the tariffs will be removed.
3 % - It will lead to a military dispute.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1338

Global co-operation on cyber security is long overdue

https://www.ft.com/content/54d55d42-7724-11e9-b0ec-7dff87b9a4a2

Hackers can cause potentially massive disruption to governments and militaries MICHAEL CHERTOFF highlighted an under-appreciated cyber security vulnerability in the global domain name system 

 Security researchers recently revealed that a previously unknown hacker group carried out a series of attacks on government agencies in 13 countries by redirecting agency computers to hacker-controlled servers.

This happened through the manipulation of domain name system (DNS) infrastructure. And it followed a US Department of Homeland Security alert disclosing a global campaign, subsequently linked to Iran, to redirect internet traffic and steal sensitive information also by compromising DNS infrastructure.

The DNS is an attractive target because it serves as a global address book, translating internet names we know into IP addresses that computers can recognise. The infrastructure supporting DNS is maintained by a number of core companies that administer internet domains, register new domain names, and host DNS “lookup” services which convert those domain names into IP addresses.

For years, hackers have abused the registration process to obtain new domain names which they then use to orchestrate cyber intrusions. Today, if attackers can hijack an existing customer domain at any of these companies, they can also reroute email and web-based communications, obtain confidential information and disrupt communications. And if they are able to compromise administrative infrastructure for DNS service providers themselves, they can cause potentially massive chaos, including for entire government and military domains.

Likewise, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which flood the system with traffic, can degrade large volumes of internet activity. Ecuador experienced a wave of DDoS attacks after the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange that reportedly took a number of government, banking, and related sites offline.

These recent alerts and attacks highlight an under-appreciated cyber security vulnerability in the global domain name system.

Two years ago, the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace, which I co-chair, called on both state and non-state actors not to threaten the integrity of the public core of the internet. We now need concerted international action to address the risk to essential DNS infrastructure and reduce the opportunity for bad actors to disrupt services critical to the way we communicate and trade today. 

How do we move towards a more resilient DNS ecosystem? An effective model must contain three elements. 

First, a risk-based cyber security approach that successfully defends core DNS infrastructure despite attempted attacks. 

Second, a proactive strategy to mitigate unauthorised DNS account takeovers and new illicit domain registrations. 

And third, a trusted relationship between DNS providers and law enforcement agencies, which would allow police to carry out investigations and curb misuse of the system. 

Thankfully, good work is already under way internationally to advance greater collaboration between governments and industry in managing cyber risk. 

The Organization of American States recently unveiled a set of best practices for protecting critical infrastructure in Latin America. Governments and industry need to build on such efforts by working together to advance a secure-DNS agenda. 

The dialogue could include consideration of differing mechanisms — regulation, self-regulation, procurement processes, and liability limitations, for example — as incentives for meaningful investment. For instance, countries might agree that the process for awarding contracts to DNS providers, particularly for administration of sensitive top-level domains, such as .gov addresses, should include the application of meaningful security standards. 

Likewise, to offer further incentives to invest, governments should consider limiting liability for providers whose security effectiveness can be validated independently. What is most important, however, is we take action now before it is too late. 

The writer, a former US secretary of homeland security, is executive chairman of The Chertoff Group

Why the current govt will fall

Rachel Ash said.
Mr Tan
Why do we keep assuming that the ruling party would continue to be the next government? Though I suspect, they would be, but a "lie repeated long enough may become truth".

It is still very early to conclude either with plenty of wild cards at hand:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1503

Build a sense of unity

DPM Heng Swee Keat said that a key challenge in Singapore is to build "a sense of unity amidst challenges". Click here.

I agree.

When he takes over as prime minister, assuming that this happens early, I suggest that he implements the following measures:

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1502

Wisdom of the crowd

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WOTC - Malaysia under the Pakatan govt

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What will happen to Malaysia under the Pakatan govt?

Here are the responses: (52 Votes)

58 % - They need more time to sort out the big problems inherited from the previous govt. 
23 % - They will be able to solve the current problems and improve the lives of the people.
13 % - Things will get better under the new prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.
6 % - Malaysia will go into a bigger mess with the economy and racial tensions.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1336

WOTC - Complaint over LKY's will

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it wise for LHL to allow the AGC to lodge a complaint over LKY's will?

Here are the responses: (54 Votes)

57 % - He should have settled this matter privately within his family.
39 % - He has no grounds to complain over the will.
4 % - It was necessary for LHL to ask the AGC to lodge the complaint over the alleged involvement of his sister in law in the completion of the will.
0 % - LHL was not involved. it was a decision taken by the AGC on his own.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1337

WOTC - Implement fake news law

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Will the govt implement the fake news law actively?

Here are the responses: (47 Votes)

70 % - They will use the fake news law actively to stifle criticism of its policies.
15 % - They will find the law to be quite messy to handle.
13 % - They will use the fake news law mainly on the social media platforms.
2 % - They will only use the fake news law as a last resort.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1334

Relief to companies affected by the tariffs

It is interesting to watch China's response to the US tariffs. They provided assistance to the affected companies, so that these companies can continue to operate and keep the jobs for the workers.

They do not let these companies shoulder the brunt of the tariffs and go bankrupt.

I hope to see the assistance being implemented in an effective way. This would reflect the quality of the people in the govt.

I have seen other countries, which shall remain unnamed, implement their relief measures in a convoluted and costly manner, and does not achieve the goal. It reflects an incompetent and ineffective govt.

I have also seen other countries, that shall remain unnamed, that allows a large home grown company to go bankrupt. They do not know how to provide the relief measures.

The leaders in these unnamed countries should also watch how China deal with a bigger problem, and see if there are lessons that can be learned.

Wisdom of the Crowd

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Looking for a non-fussy girl

I have a discussion with a young man in his early 30s who works as a project engineer.

He is a local, still single and does not have a girl friend.

He tried dating in the past, but he found that the girls were "fussy" and complained about his habits. After a few attempts, he gave up.

I suggested to him that he should find a matchmaker.

Many young people now use the services of a headhunter to find a suitable job for them.

They can also use use a match making or dating service to find a suitable potential partner.

I also gave him another suggestion.

He can ask his parents or elders to help him to find a suitable partner.

The first step is to ask for help, and to tell other people to help to look around. This first step is important. If it does not happen, the second step will not appear.

If any girl who is now in the late twenties and are alone wish to meet this young man, who is by the way quite a nice person and good looking, send an email to me.

Do not worry that the girl is not a raving beauty. The young man is not fussy. I will pass the contact to the young man.

But there is only one criterion. The girl should not be "fussy". The girl should be willing to look at the positive aspects of this young man.

Reduce youth unemployment

The best way to reduce youth unemployment is to create more jobs.

More jobs can be created by reducing the working hours. If the working hours is reduced by 10%, there will be a need for 10% more workers.

Do you agree with the following measures to find good jobs for young people?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1500

WOTC - Solve youth unemployment

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What is the best way to solve youth unemployment?

Here are the responses: (36 Votes)

53 % - Reduce the working hours, so that more jobs can be created.
39 % - Let them find their jobs from the free market economy.
8 % - Allow companies to retrench older workers so that the jobs can be given to young workers.
0 % - Let them work as gig workers and engage in hired cars and food delivery.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1335

WOTC - Will the US tariffs affect the China economy?

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Will higher tariffs imposed by US affect the China economy?

Here are the responses: (47 Votes)

36 % - The problems will be temporary and China will be able to adjust.
28 % - America will face a bigger negative impact from the tariffs.
23 % - The China economy is resilient and can make the necessary adjustment well.
13 % - It will cause serious problems to China.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1332

A Korea movie - National Bankruptcy Day"

My friend sent me his description of a movie that he saw on a flight. It is entitled "Default" or in Korean "National Bankruptcy Day". It tells a dramatization of the events leading up to the 1997 financial crisis in Korea which lead to the country calling in the IMF for loans to avoid bankruptcy of the entire country.

Several terrifying themes came out of that movie.

One, the level of ignorance, arrogance, incompetence, and vested interests among the high level government officials which allowed for poor banking practices to happen which laid the groundwork for the crisis is shocking. What is also shocking is the incompetence and outright lying that occurred in an attempt to conceal the matter which in turn led to even greater damage. They so far as to front the press and say that they are not going to the IMF and that there is no financial crisis.

Two, the IMF was actually taking orders from the US government as a very high level US Treasury official was actually controlling the negotiations behind the scenes. This was against the IMF's own charter. The aim among the terrible conditions imposed in order to get the IMF bail out, was that the IMF (US) imposed rights for hostile takeovers and other draconian measures such as severely weakening worker rights. Also the exchange rate was to be raised thus putting thousands of locally businesses out of business and favouring foreigners. The short of the matter was, the US (through the IMF) would get to control Korea and allow foreign (mainly US firms) to come in and raid the country of its wealth. The US went so far as to get signed guarantees from the 3 leading presidential candidates (it was coming election time in Korea) that they would not oppose the said conditions or reverse the agreement. It shows the level of involvement at the highest levels of government and the US betting on all three candidates. If this isn't election meddling I don't know what is.

Three, also shocking is that both the elected Korean officials and the IMF couldn't care less about the lives of ordinary Korean people. And I also suppose that the same applies to the various countries' peoples that the IMF / US deals with. Many ended up jobless, broke, committed suicide and such.

Four, is that those who within government even Bank of Korea officials who tried to whistleblow were shut down and threatened. They even tried to leak the report to the press by calling a press conference. The next day, not a single newspaper reported on the matter. Talk about control of the press.

And lastly, even as the chaos was about to explode publicly, the corrupt officials would run their own agenda by rushing through the agreement with the IMF. I wonder to whom their loyalty was to. Was it to Korea or to the US?

Also another point that was made clear in the film was that while these corrupt officials would seek to ruin the country through involving the IMF, they would at the same time conduct secret meetings with their "pals" in the private sector and warn them so that they could profit from the impending crash. This is a clear example of the rich and elitist taking care of their own. Many of those government officials would then go on to get highly paid positions within the same or related private sector companies.

Although this is a drama, he said that the key players appear in the movie, their names and positions within the Korean bureaucracy is show at the bottom. E.g. so and so, deputy chief minister or so and so, deputy secretary of the Treasury (US). He believes the key events and the characters mentioned and what they did are true. Or else this movie would have resulted in massive lawsuits from those named and who were in office at the time.


ABOUT HYFLUX
He wonders why would Singapore not want to save Hyflyx. Is it simply poor decision making or incompetence or if there's something more to it. Also would the Singapore government ever tell Sporeans when the CPF money is all gone? The fact that many such things are hidden is very concerning.

Worrisome features about POFMA

I attended a forum organised by Function 8 about POFMA, the fake news law.

The panelists point out the following worrisome features about POFMA:

The law can cause more harm than good. Citizens should be aware about it.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1499

Wisdom of the crowd

Vote on these issues and win a prize.
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WOTC - Tariffs on China

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should America impose tariffs on China alone?

Here are the responses: (38 Votes)

37 % - The manufacturers will shift production to other countries and it will not help the American economy.
32 % - Tariffs are bad as it will prices for American consumers.
18 % - America should impose tariffs on all imports to bring revenue to the govt and bring jobs back to the country. 
13 % - China is the biggest culprit in unfair trade practices and should be required to pay the tariffs.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1333

WOTC - Reservist duty

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should reservist duty be reduced from 10 years to 5 years?

Here are the responses: (49 Votes)

43 % - We should reduce it to 5 years to reduce the disruption to the career and exposure to dangerous training. 
37 % - We should reduce reservist training to 3 years. 
10 % - We need to keep it at 10 year to maintain a credible defense force.
10 % - We can keep the current training regime but compensate $500,000 to the family on the death of a NS man or reservist while on duty.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1330

How can POFMA be improved?

I wish to suggest what is wrong with the fake news law or POFMA and what can be done to improve it.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1495

Let the court decide on what is fake news

Under the POFMA or fake news law, any of the 20 ministers can make a determination that a news is false and require the news item to be corrected or taken down.

I suggest that this determinaition should be made by the court, rather than a minister. This will ensure that there is consistency in making the determination.

If I am not mistaken, the minister for law has said that this approach would be time consuming.

I disagree.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1494

Wisdom of the crowd

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WOTC - Focus on jobs

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Heng SK gives a top focus for jobs for Singaporeans.

Here are the responses: (46 Votes)

46 % - He was a key person who negotiated the CECA agreement that caused jobs to be lost for our locals.
41 % - I am doubtful that he really intends to work on a solution.
7 % - I agree with this goal and will support him to achieve it.
7 % - I am hopeful that he will be able to achieve this goal.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1326

WOTC - Death of Aloysius Pang

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should the minister of defense take responsibility for the death of Aloysius Pang?

Here are the responses: (37 Votes)

38 % - He should resign.
30 % - He should apologise personally to the family and to the nation.
19 % - He should reduce the reservist duty from 10 years to 5 years to reduce this kind of dangerous exposure.
14 % - He should punish the commanders responsible for this training death.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1329

A crazy decision

I find it rather strange that the Singapore Medical Council, which is appointed by the Ministry of Health, formed a disciplinary committee which imposes an excessive penalty on a doctor. And the SMC now has to appeal to the court to reduce the penalty.

What is happening in Singapore? We seem to be doing crazy things. Where is our common sense, sense of right and wrong, and sense of proportion?

I am afraid that this is the outcome of "following standard operating procedure". It can cause bad decisions.

See this feedback from a doctor:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1486

Simplify Medisave and make it voluntary

I saw a 10 page booklet explaining about Medisave. It tells what Medisave can be used for and the limits that apply.

As the booklet is in 4 languages, it covers 40 pages.

As there are limits, it means that for each treatment, the patient can use Medisave to pay for some of the cost and has to pay for the other cost in cash.

It is certainly quite troublesome, complicated and costly to administer.

Is there a better way?

Here are my suggestions:

a) Make Medisave voluntary. Allow the member to contribute to the Medisave account to earn an attractive interest rate of 4% per annum.

b) Allow Medisave to be used in full for any kind of approved medical treatment. The cost of the approved treatment can be capped by the Ministry of Health. The doctor or clinic cannot ask the patient to make a "balance payment".

Vote here.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1489

Jobs for locals

The govt faces a conflict of interest when they want to help locals gets jobs. They may end up helping foreign workers get employed.

Do you agree? Vote on this topic.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1488

Distortion in residential property market

The govt offers a grant for a citizen to buy a new or resale HDB flat. This grant is very attractive, as the buyer can realize it when he sells the flat after 5 years.

There is no such subsidy when the family rents a flat.

Furthermore, the high contribution rate forces citizens to buy a HDB flat, because they cannot use the contribution to pay the rental.

This distorts the market. It forces people to buy a HDB flat or property when it is more sensible for them to rent a flat. It is a reason for the price of property to go up so high. It distorts the market.

High property prices is bad for the long term health of the economy or the living standard of the people.

This policy has to be changed. Vote here 

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1487

Unwise to buy rider to cover the deductible under an integrated plan

For a long time, I have been advising consumers not to buy the rider to cover the deductible under the integrated plan.

Here are my reasons:

a) Assume that the chance of a claim is 1 in 10 years and the deductible is $3,000, the true cost of the rider is $300. But the insurance company has to load by at least 50% to cover the marketing and administration cost. So, the customer has to pay $450.

b) To make matters worse, some of the policyholders will be making excessive claims, as it is being covered. So, the actual cost will be higher than $450 to cover the inflated claims.

When I was running an insurance company, I had advised the policyholders not to buy the rider. I told them to self insure this risk.

Guess what? Most policyholders disagree with me. They do not feel comfortable about taking this risk, even though it is small. They insist on buying all the insurance that is available.

If I do not offer the rider to cover the deductible, they will probably go to another insurer. So, I have to offer this rider to meet the market demand, even though I advised against it.

Even well educated people cannot see the logic of my advice. They insist on getting full cover.

Over the past years, the cost of the integrated plan, including the rider, has gone up by a lot. Some people complained that the premium increased by more than 10% a year for many years.

Well, I did warn them. But they do not want to listen to my warning. So, they are now in a dilemma.







Tan Kin Lian

Wisdom of the crowd

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WOTC - A corrupt govt

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it acceptable to describe the LHL govt as a corrupt one?

Here are the responses: (42 Votes)

81 % - It is acceptable, provided that the supporting reasons are given.
12 % - It is unacceptable and should be avoided.
5 % - It should be removed as "fake news".
2 % - The person who make this statement should be charged for sedition.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1328

WOTC - Health of Heng SK

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is Heng SK physically fit to take the strain of leadership?

Here are the responses: (41 Votes)

39 % - The challenges require his personal attention and will be harmful for his health.
34 % - His health condition will return and cause uncertainty
20 % - He will be able to manage the stress by delegating the responsibility to his team.
7 % - He has fully recovered.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1327

Claim settlement policy of insurance company

Some people wondered why I advised against taking travel insurance, when I had promoted the sale of travel insurance in the past.

The key point to note is - what is the claim settlement policy of the insurance company.

When I run an insurance company, the policy was "prompt and fair settlement of claims".

If you can find an insurance company that practice this policy, you can buy insurance from that company.

However, if the insurance company's policy is to make the most profits from the business, you should avoid that company. They will find reasons to reject claims, even if the reasons are not fair and not reasonable.

I have seen many examples of unfair rejection of claims. So, I advise people to avoid buying insurance for small losses. It is better to self insure the loss and take the risk when it occurs.

We all lose things now and then. Sometimes, we lose a mobile phone. We bear the loss and buy a new one. We do not need to buy insurance for this kind of common losses.

The same approach applies to travel insurance.

If you are worried about accidents, buy a personal accident policy for a large sum.

Some of them might cover evacuation for an accident that occurs overseas

If this is not covered, do not worry too much about it. This event is quite rare. I think that many more people die from an accident that have to be evacuated.

Rejected travel claims

Do not buy insurance to cover small losses, such as loss of belongings or flight delay. Sometimes, it takes a lot of trouble to make a claim.

Just cover for the big losses, such as loss of life or serious injury due to accidents.

I share some examples of rejected or troublesome claims that people seek help from me.

a) The policyholder was pickpocketed in Russia. He lodged a police report (which was recorded in Russian). He submitted a claim under travel insurance. The claim officer insisted that he get the police report translated into English from a certified translator. He does not know where to find one, and how much does it cost.

b) The policyholder contracted a disease while on travel. The symptom was discovered on his return to Singapore. The claim was rejected, as he could not prove where it had occurred.

c) The policyholder suffered a long flight delay. He submitted a claim under travel insurance. The insurance company sent a letter to the airline to confirm that there was a delay. The airline did not reply. The claim was not paid for a few months.

All of these claims are for small amounts. It does take a lot of trouble to get the claim paid.

There are other cases where the claims are paid without much hassle. Perhaps, the rejected claims come from inexperienced officers, or from insurers that set a KPI to their claim officers to keep below a certain quote of claims.

Making a claim on travel insurance

Most people insist on buying travel insurance to cover the the risk that something may go wrong. They pay a premium of $50 to $100 for each travel. The chance of a claim occurring is quite small. So, they pay the premium and are happy that all went well.

When they fall ill and have to miss a flight, or suffered a long flight delay, they make a claim. Sometimes the claim is paid. Sometimes it is rejected due to some exclusions or conditions that were not fulfilled.

Some of these claimants approach me for help. I ask them to accept the decision of the insurance company in the rejection of the claim.

If they are still unhappy about the rejection, they should see a lawyer.

They said that a lawyer is expensive. Of course! The lawyer has to make a living. The legal fees may be more than the amount of claim.

These claimants probably expect me to deal with the claim for free. I cannot afford to spend the time, as it can be quite protracted. I can only give some general advice.

I do not buy travel insurance. If anything happens, I bear the loss - e.g. medical expenses or lost items. It is too troublesome to make a claim. It is more troublesome to argue with the insurance officer who finds a reason to reject the claim.

I do have a personal accident insurance for $1 million that covers me against death or serious injury in Singapore and around the world. Do not think that accidents only happen when you travel. It can happen in Singapore as well.

For people who likes to buy travel insurance, just treat it as paying a tax. And if you are able to make a claim, treat it as striking lottery.

Wisdom of the crowd

Here are additional issues for you to vote
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx

WOTC - Leaks at Jewel at Changi

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

What are your views about the leaks in the Jewel at Changi.

Here are the responses: (43 Votes)

47 % - The quality of construction and worksite supervision has dropped to an unacceptable level.
23 % - The problems should have been fixed before the official opening.
21 % - It is just teething problem that can be expected from a new project.
9 % - Apart from this small glitch, the rest of the project came out well.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1325

WOTC - Fake news law

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Is it necessary for the govt to pass a law to control fake news?

Here are the responses: (49 Votes)

51 % - The real intent of the new law is to suppress criticism of the failing of the govt.
35 % - There is no need to pass a new law as the existing laws can deal with the situation.
10 % - It is necessary to deal with a problem that will become bigger as time passes.
4 % - A new law is needed by it is better to follow the practice of other democratic countries.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1324

Affordable housing

The prices of new HDB flats are too high. Even after a large government grant, the net cost to the buyer will take away a large part of the CPF savings and disposable income. One factor is the need to pay for 99 years of the lease of the flat.

The government can make housing affordable by adopting this approach:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1478

Wisdom of the crowd

Vote on these issues
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx

WOTC - Govt response to feedback on fake news law

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Govt's response to the negative feedback on the fake news law

Here are the responses: (37 Votes)

46 % - The govt is applying a draconian solution to an imaginary problem.
27 % - The feedback from the public and international sources show the weakness of the govt's approach.
24 % - The response from the govt is still unsatisfactory.
3 % - The govt is listening to the feedback and making the appropriate changes.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1323

WOTC - Extremist view posted online

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Young people are more open to extremist views posted online.

Here are the responses: (42 Votes)

55 % - Young people are better educated, compared to the previous generation.
29 % - They are not aware of the risk of extreme views.
10 % - They are able to make the correct judgment on these views.
7 % - They are likely to be misled.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1322

Allow Hyflux to fall into foreign control?

Two white knights have expressed interest to buy Hyflux. They are a utilities company in the UAE and a global investment fund.

Presumably, these potential investors see some value in investing in Hyflux.

What about the funds that are based in Singapore, including our govt agencies? Do they not see any value in preserving a home grown unicorn?

Are we prepared to have Hyflux fall under foreign control?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1474

US consumers paid for the tariffs

There is a study in America that after Trump imposed the tariffs on China imports, the prices charges by the exporters remain unchanged, so the US consumers have to pay the higher prices, i.e. due to the tariffs.

The US manufacturers raised their prices to match the higher prices from the imports (which include the tariffs).

The study concluded that he US consumers paid for the tariffs.

Read more about the impact here:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1473

Wisdom of the crowd

Vote on these issues

https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx

WOTC - Bad business practices

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should the govt protect consumers from bad business practices?

Here are the responses: (35 Votes)

91 % - The regulator should ensure that business practices are fair and acceptable.
6 % - This should be left to the market.
3 % - The regulator should approve business contractual terms.
0 % - Consumers should pay attention to the contractual terms.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1321

WOTC - ILS at Seletar Airport

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Does Malaysia have a legitimate concern over the ILS in Selectar?

Here are the responses: (35 Votes)

49 % - Both countries should work in closer cooperation and not create wasteful quarrels.
26 % - Malaysia has a legitimate worry over the impact on Pasir Gudang.
17 % - The worry over Pasir Gudang is just an excuse.
9 % - The instrument landing system is needed to guide aircrafts during bad weather.

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1320

Why CPF failed in its mission

Singaporeans save a large part of their earnings in the Central Provident Fund, including the contribution from their employer.

But they do not have adequate savings for their retirement needs.

What happened? What cause this leakage?
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1472

SDP Health care plan - universal health care system

The health care plan proposed by SDP is a universal health insurance plan that provide comprehensive benefits with a modest co-payment and takes care of the full cost of treatment without any cap.

It was designed by several practicing doctors who really understand the problem and flaws in our health care system.

The plan was submitted 10 years ago and has been updated a few times.

Read the details here:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1471

SDP Health care plan

The health care plan proposed by SDP is a comprehensive insurance plan with a modest co-payment and takes care of the full cost of treatment without any cap.

It was designed by several practicing doctors who really understand the problem and flaws in our health care system.

The plan was submitted 10 years ago and has been updated a few times.

The SDP plan is a better plan than the messy medishield life, deductible, integrated plan, rider, exclusion that is under the current system.

Socialism and communism

Many people have a mistaken impression of socialism and communism. They are largely influenced by the western media and are not able to tell the difference between the different types of government.

I like to refer them to this explanation. It is worth reading and careful analysis.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=1470

WOTC - Spending on infrastructure

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Should the govt spend more on infrastructure and buildings?

Here are the responses: (39 Votes)

90 % - We should control spending on infrastructure and public buildings and reduce the tax burden on the people. 
5 % - We should display a more modest image internationally.
3 % - We need to have impressive infrastructure and public buildings.
3 % - The large spending will improve the international image of Singapore. 

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1319

WOTC - Slogan for non PAP coalition

I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Which slogan is better for non PAP coalition?

Here are the responses: (47 Votes)

62 % - Vote for transparency and accountability
30 % - Vote for a better future
9 % - Vote for change
0 % - Don't vote PAP

See the pie chart at: 
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1318