Safe-to-fail

There is a controversy in the Straits Times about an article written by a journalist arguing that we should accept the "safe-to-fail" situation. Some readers said that it would lead to complacency.

I wish to share my view. "Safe-to-fail" does not necessary lead to complacency. We do what we can, and do not have to over-worry about the unlikely events, if these events do not lead to disaster. This will foster a spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship.

We have a weakness in Singapore which has been described as the "kiasu" attitude. It is an attitude of extreme caution that lead to the unwillingness to take responsibility, and waiting for the boss to decide. This pervades many stratas of our society, including the mindset of our leaders.

It is time for us to be bold and be willing to change. I am not advocating complaceny, but a balanced approach towards making changes.

Tan Kin Lian