WOTC - Travel through checkpoints

 Wisdom of the crowd: 50 % of the respondents said that the authority should segregate the daily travelers (who live in Johore and work in Singapore) to make it easy for them to pass the checkpoints.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2725

Review of PayPal

 I made a review of PayPal as Elon Musk wants to introduce a payment service in Twitter. This service will compete with PayPal.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1253

Will Elon Musk sue Twitter board?

 Will Elon Musk sue the previous board of Twitter for damages, if he has prove that the bots represent (say) 25% of the reported users?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5530

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Which method do you prefer to receive mail from businesses
2. Should the NRIC be kept confidential?

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

Receive business mail virtually

 I suggest that the IMDA set up a platform for recipients to receive their business mail virtually.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5528

WOTC - China's approach to regional countries

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 92% of the respondents said that China does not want to be bullied by America and seeks peaceful cooperation with other countries.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2724

NRIC as an identity

 Singapore had a good system to identify a resident using an identity card (i.e. NRIC). We should strengthen this system and use it to our advantage.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5527

Elon Musk takes over Twitter

 After completing the purchase of Twitter, Elon Musk removed 4 top executives of Twitter.

Analysts asked - how is Musk going to manage Twitter? He already has too many matters that need his personal attention in Tesla and other companies.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5526

WOTC - Removal of term limit

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 90% of the respondents said that the removal of the term limit for Xi Jinping does not mean that China is becoming more authoritarian.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2723

WOTC - Queues at checkpoint

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 82 % of the respondents said that the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) should improve the system to reduce the long queue, which is bad for travelers.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2722

WOTC - Prime Minister of UK

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 40% of the respondents expect Rishi Sunak to be the next prime minister of the United Kingdom. Although it is less than 50%, he has the highest score among the 4 potential contenders.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2721

Why does Xi Jinping remove his rivals?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5525

Drop in REIT price

 This article shows the drop in REITS prices for the past year to 26 Oct 2022.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1251

Drop in bond and stock prices

 30 year US treasury bond yield 2% at the start of 2022.

10 months later, the yield jumped to 4.23%.
The bond price dropped by 38%.
For the same period, Nasdaq dropped by 33%, Dow Jones Industrial by 20% and S&P by 22%.

Bonds are not safe. They can drop in price sharply, due to higher interest rate.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1250 

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Is the USD a ponzi scheme?

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

Is the USD a ponzi scheme?

http://www.tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5524

How does the Communist Party run China?

 In this short article, I describe how the Communist Party of China runs the country through its Politburo.

http://www.tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5523

WOTC - General election in Malaysia

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 55.6% of the respondents expect a coalition to form the next government of Malaysia. The remainder expect the Barisan Nasional to form the government.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart.aspx?ID=2720

Alternative reserve currencies

 The role of the USD as the dominant reserve currency may change soon.

http://www.tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5522

How to resolve labor dispute

 I disagree with the idea that organized labor can solve dispute with employers through strikes. It is a costly way to resolve disputes.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5521

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Why was former President Hu removed from the CPC congress?

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

Is Xi Jinping getting rid of rivals?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5520

Premium for integrated plans - age 61 to 90

In this article, I compare the premium for integrated plan for private ward (public and private hospital) for policyholders from age 61 to 90.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1249 

Premium for integrated plans (for non-subsidized wards)

 In this article, I compare the premium rate for the integrated plans for non-subsidized wards (in public hospitals and private hospitals).

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1248

Shortage of hospital beds

 What is the reason for the recent shortage of beds in the general hospitals?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5519

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Will Xi Jinping become a dictator and is a danger to China and the world?
2. Is it better for the top leaders in China to comprise of different factions?

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

Sharp drop in Hong Kong market

 I bought more shares due to the sharp drop in the Hong Kong market. 
https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1247

Integrated plan that covers private hospital

 Singaporeans are caught in a dilemma. They are advised to stay with Medishield Life, as the premium is affordable. Lately, Singaporeans read that there is a shortage of bed in public hospitals and it could take a few days before a bed becomes available.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1246

Xi Jinping appoint his allies into PSC

 Many western media reported that Xi Jinping has consolidated his power and appointed his allies into the Politburo Standing Committee, which is the top decision making body of the Communist Party of China.

I find this narrative to be dishonest.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5518

Who sabotaged the Nordstream pipelines?

I have evidence

https://youtu.be/Kk-PImIEV7E

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Where do you prefer to buy daily necessities?

2. Which pricing model do you prefer?
3. How do you find the promotions in online websites?

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

Shortage of hospital beds

 Here is my suggestion to cope with the shortage of hospital beds.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5517

Hyflux could have been saved

 Hyflux went bankrupt in 2019. 34,000 small investors lost nearly $1 billion in investing in their preference shares and perpetual bonds.

I gave many reasons in 2019 why Hyflux should be saved. They are stated in these articles:
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/latest.aspx?idorg=294

If Hyflux was saved in 2019, they would have been a very profitable company today. Singapore would have retained a prized asset - a home grown company that is a world leader in water desalination.

34,000 small investors would have not lost their savings.

This episode is a sad reflection of the poor state of leadership by our ministers in charge.

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Should a past president be given immunity against past crimes?
2. What should be done about the overcrowding of hospital beds?

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

WOTC - President of Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 75% of the respondents said that Lee HY has a good chance to win if he stands for election as president of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2719

WOTC - Neighbors

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 80% of the respondents said that it is useful to know the neighbors and build contacts with people who live nearby.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2717

WOTC - President of Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 86% of the respondents said that Lee HY is not likely to stand for election as President of Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2718

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Do we need detailed checking at land checkpoints?
2. Is the governance of China better than "democratic countries"?

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

Boost the birth rate in Singapore

 This is my proposal to provide $1,100 a month to the mother for each child up to 6 yo. This is an incentive to boost the birth rate in Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5516

Increase birth rate in Singapore

http://www.tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5515

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Should ICA improve the system to reduce long queue at the checkpoints?
2. Is China being more authoritarian by allowing XJP to be president for life?
3. Is China becoming more aggressive towards other countries?

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

WOTC - Know your neighbors

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 69% of the respondents only know their neighbors who live next door. 31% hardly know their neighbors.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2716

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Who will form the next government in Malaysia
2. Who will be the next prime minister of UK

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

WOTC - Peaceful demonstration

Wisdom of the Crowd: 78 % of the respondents said that people should be allowed to demonstrate (without a police permit), as long as it is peaceful and involve less than 50 people.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2715

Review of Baidu (9888.HK)

 Here is my review of my holding in Baidu (9888.HK). So far, it is showing a big loss.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1244

WOTC - Display a placard

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 95% of the respondents said that people should be allowed to display a placard to advocate change so long as it does not cause public disorder or hurt the sensitivity of other people.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2714

Covid zero policy

 My friend explained that China adopts a practical approach to its covid zero policy and minimize the disruption to the economy.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5514

WOTC - War in Ukraine

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 93% of the respondents said that Russia is not losing the way in Ukraine; it is making a tactical retreat to consolidate their forces and wait for reinforcement.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2712

WOTC - Use of nuclear weapons

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 69% of the respondents said that Russia will use nuclear weapons if it loses the war in Ukraine.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2713

End of war in Ukraine

 My crystal ball CB said that the war in Ukraine will end by March 2023.

Why?

- Ukraine does not want to continue fighting, as most of their infrastructure are destroyed.

- The European countries are tried of supporting Ukraine, after their people suffered a freezing winter.

- America wants to focus on bringing down inflation. Biden has indicated a willingness to talk to "rationale" Putin.

- Russia continues to state that they are open to negotiations.

What will happen to the annexed regions?

CB said that Ukraine and Russia will agree to an armistice and a demilitarized zone will be set up to separate the territories that they each occupy. Russia will keep the annexed regions, but it will not be recognized by Ukraine or the western nations. This is similar to the situation between North and South Korea, which did not have any hostility for 70 years.

What if the war does not end by March 2023? CB promised to revise his prediction.

Hospital escorts

 I learned from this video an interesting story about how China creates jobs for unemployed young people.

One new job category is an "escort" in the hospital. The escort helps the patient to find the way to get various tests and treatments. https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5513

Volatile price movement of Tesla stock

 Here is my post on the volatile price movement of Tesla stock during the past one year.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1243

How to deal with stolen identity

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5512

Paranoia over personal data

 I consider our paranoia over personal data to be out of place.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5510

WOTC - Trust Bank

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 50% of the respondents said that customers will join Trust Bank (set up by Fairprice) to enjoy better interest rates on savings.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2711

WOTC - F1 in Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd - 80% of the respondents voted against holding the F1 race in Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2710

WOTC - Cost of HDB flats

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 65 % of the respondents said that it is too costly for Singaporeans to own a HDB flat now.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2709

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Will Lee Hsien Yang stand for election as President in 2023?
2. What is Lee Hsien Yang's chance if he stands for election as President in 2023.

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

WOTC - Settlement of Ukraine conflict

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 79% of the respondents said that America is blocking a settlement of the Ukraine conflict.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2708

Motor insurance in Singapore for 2019 to 2021

 Most people have the impression that motor insurance is unprofitable for the insurance companies in Singapore. This is not the case.

The eight companies show a total profit of $91.7 million for 2021. The average for the three years is $90.3 million.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1242

WOTC - Social unrest in Europe

 Wisdom of the Crowd - 85 % of the respondents said that the social unrest in Europe will get out of control in the next few months.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2707

WOTC - Sanctions on Russia

 Wisdom of the Crowd; 70% of the respondents said that the western nations will keep the sanctions on Russia until Russia leaves Ukraine.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2706

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. How well do you know your neighbors?
2. Is it useful to know your neighbors well?

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

Know your neighbors

 Is it useful for people to know their neighbors?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5509

WOTC - Law on maintenance of parents

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 79% of the respondents do not support the law on the maintenance of parents.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2705

WOTC - Property market in Singapore

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 50 % of the respondents said that the property market in Singapore will remain strong, due to demand from immigrants and limited supply. The other 50% said that it will fall in line with global markets.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2704

Adolf Hitler was elected under a democratic system

 We are told that Adolf Hitler was an evil dictator that was responsible for the deaths of millions of people during the Second World War, and the killing of the Jews. He was elected under a democratic system and was popular with the people.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5508

America has to rebuild its industrial base

 America faces a dilemma. They have to onshore some of the manufacturing jobs that were lost to low cost countries in past decades. Their industrial base has largely disappeared. They have to rely on the supply chain from overseas.

What is the solution?

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5507

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Should people be allowed to display a placard to advocate change?
2. Should people be allowed to demonstrate peacefully?

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

Borrowings by poor countries

Poor countries need to borrow money from rich countries to fund their infrastructure and economic development. They have to pay interest on the borrowings and return the capital at the end of the term.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5506

WOTC - Why do Chinese Singaporeans support China?

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 81% of respondents said that Chinese Singaporeans support China because of two reasons.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2703

WOTC - Support for Russia

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 81% of the respondents said that China will continue to support Russia, but China wishes to see a negotiated peace in Ukraine.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2702

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Is Russia losing the war in Ukraine?
2. Will Russia use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine?

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

WOTC - War in Ukraine

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 75 % of the respondents said that Russia is doing well and will win the war in Ukraine. (This was before the recent success of Ukraine in the war).

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2701

Sharp increase in utility bill

 I have been paying my utilities bill through GIRO for the past years. The average monthly bill was $400.

I was shocked to receive an email that the amount owing for Sep 2022 was over $2,000.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5505

WOTC - Trust bank

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 55 % of respondents said that the Trust Bak set up by Fairprice will not be profitable as there are already too many digital and traditional banks in Singapore.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2700

A global recession, so what?

 Many people expect a global recession in 2023. It is not a bad situation. It may be good for the world. We only need a way to adjust to the new situation.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5502

WOTC - Pedestrian crossing

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 76 % of the respondents said that pedestrians should be allowed to cross the road even when there is a red man at the pedestrian crossing, as the road may be free of traffic.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2698

WOTC - Trust bank set up by Fairprice

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 68 % of the respondents said that they will not support Trust Bank because the prices in the Fairprice supermarkets are too high.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2699

WOTC - Wearing of masks on public transport

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 63 % of respondents said that wearing of masks on public transport should be voluntary, as the infection is now mild. Commuters who are at risk will wear the mask for their own protection.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2697

Do not switch a life insurance policy

 Avoid switching from one life insurance policy to another. You will pay the hefty upfront cost (usually two years of premium) again.

https://fisca.sg/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ID=1240&Name=Avoid-switching-from-one-life-insurance-policy-to-another&View=A

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Is it good for Singapore to sponsor the Formula 1 Grand Prix?
2. Will many customers join Trust Bank set up by NTUC Fairprice?

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

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Is it good for Singapore to sponsor the Formula 1 Grand Prix?

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

WOTC - Implementing changes to national policies

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 86 % of the respondents said that changes should be made voluntary at the initial stage to gather the experience before making them mandatory.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2696

Foreign workers sleeping on the walking path

 Yesterday, I walked from my home to Grassroots Club. On the way, I saw a few foreign workers sleeping on the pathway. It was early in the morning, at around 8.30 am.

I do not know how to lodge a report to the government.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5501

Humanoid robot

 Tesla will be unveiling its humanoid robot on 30 Sep 2022. It is expected to be used in the Tesla gigafactories to do the tedious work that humans are not willing to do.

I wish to give my view about what the humanoid robot will be like.
https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5500

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Are high HDB prices a serious problem for young Singaporeans?

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

WOTC - Will the Russian economy collapse?

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 94% of the respondents said that the Russian economy will remain strong and robust, in spite of the sanctions imposed against Russia due to the Ukraine conflict.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2695

Do not overreact to stolen personal information

 My friend in Australia said.

Optus informed that it had been a victim of a cyberattack. The telecom company sent me an email yesterday:

My personal identity information were stolen.

TKL replied.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5499

Indonesians are polite people

 The Indonesians are polite people. This is reflected in their language.

They call an adult male as Pak. I am Pak Tan. Pak is short for "bapak" or "father".

It shows respect to call another person, including a stranger, as "pak".

My Indonesian made call my grandson Paul as "bang". It is short for "abang" or "elder brother". She called Paul "bang" even though Paul is the youngest in the family.

I visited Indonesia every month prior to covid. I find friendly and polite people all over the place, including those working for the government.

I am sure that there will be some nasty people, but they appear to be not common. At least, I have not encountered them.

Super Mall - many stores have been updated

 Many stores have been updated into the malls in Super Mall.

You can download the app from Android Play Store or IOS App Store. Look for Super Mall - Great Shopping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVN8RW5FcKI

WOTC - Ukraine war

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 75% of the respondents said that China will help Russia in the Ukraine conflict, but will do it quietly.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2694

DBS Bank has a lazy and bad attitude.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5498

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

 

1. Which country is blocking a settlement of the Ukraine conflict

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

Excellent customer service from SingX

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5497

WOTC - Who will win the war in Ukraine

 Wisdom of the Crowd - 82% of the respondents expect Russia to win the war in Ukraine on its own or with the support of China.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2693

Can China help to end the military conflict in Ukraine?

 The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, asked China to help find an end to the war in Ukraine.

She believed that China can influence Russia to negotiate with Ukraine to find a peace settlement.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5496

Reserve currency

 I expect that China will soon take this bold step to make its currency as a reserve currency.

https://tklcloud.com/Feedback/feedback2.aspx?id=5494

Wisdom of the Crowd - New Issues

1. Will the West lift its sanctions against Russia soon?
2. Will there be social unrest in many countries in Europe due to high cost of living?

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

WOTC - National service

 Wisdom of the Crowd: 61% of the respondents wish to see full time National Service reduced to 1 year or abolished totally.

https://tklcloud.com/Crowd2/chart3.aspx?id=2692