You can get information on the general election held in 2006 here, www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx. This is useful to compare against the results of the next election to be held soon.
Brief summary:
The 2006 Singapore parliamentary general election was held on 6 May 2006. 1.22 million out of the 2.16 million eligible Singaporeans voted for Members of Parliament and elected their next government. The People's Action Party (PAP), in its first election under Lee Hsien Loong, won 66.6% of the overall votes and gained 82 out of 84 seats. The PAP returned for a twelfth consecutive term in office under thePrime Minister.
The general election was held under the first-past-the-post system. The parliament was dissolved by President S R Nathan on 20 April, three weeks before the election. On Nomination Day, the PAP gained 37 seats in divisions which were uncontested by other parties. The main election issues included employment, cost of living, housing, transport, education, the need for an effective opposition voice in parliament, and the quality of the candidates.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
High paying home jobs
http://www.focus.com/fyi/finance/highest-paying-work-home-jobs/
1. web software engineer
2. financial planner
3. public relations professional
4. interpreter or translator
5. inside sales
6. technical writer
7. property manager
8. graphic designer
9. medical claim processor
10. travel agent
My observation
Technology has made it possible for more jobs to be done from home. You are paid for the work done, rather than for the time spent in the workplace.
1. web software engineer
2. financial planner
3. public relations professional
4. interpreter or translator
5. inside sales
6. technical writer
7. property manager
8. graphic designer
9. medical claim processor
10. travel agent
My observation
Technology has made it possible for more jobs to be done from home. You are paid for the work done, rather than for the time spent in the workplace.
Gold - a bubble?
Gold as the “ultimate bubble”
George Soros has repeatedly warned that gold is locked in the “ultimate bubble”,
and told investors it was “certainly not safe” in troubled times.
So why does his fund own so much of it?
Mobile phones
This infographic shows the popularity of various types of mobile phones.
85% of Americans own a mobile phone
25% of these are smart phones (i.e. 21% of Americans)
Within the smart phone market, the share is:
Blackberry - 35%
Apple - 28%
Windows - 15%
Android - 14%
Apple and Android saw increase in market share (over 2009). The other phones saw a drop in market share.
85% of Americans own a mobile phone
25% of these are smart phones (i.e. 21% of Americans)
Within the smart phone market, the share is:
Blackberry - 35%
Apple - 28%
Windows - 15%
Android - 14%
Apple and Android saw increase in market share (over 2009). The other phones saw a drop in market share.
Online Business In Ireland-Starting An Online Business | BusinessAndLegal.ie
- Ireland is a tiny country in the world market place yet starting an online business in Ireland opens up the opportunity to sell your goods or services to a massive world market.
- The barriers to entry in relation to setting up an online business are tiny and you can be up and running within days
- English is the language of international business and being the most commonly used language gives distinct advantages to those who wish to set up their own online business from home.
These three factors are enormous advantages for anyone in Ireland to start an online business and elsewhere on this site you will see a broad outline of the various methods of monetization to generate an income for yourself.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Case study - excessive deduction under investment linked policy
Here is a case study of an investment-linked policy that takes away 65% of the accumulated savings of the young policyholder. This is shocking. It is excessive, and is ripping of the consumer.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Case study: Poor yield on investment linked policy
This is the case of a young person who bought an investment linked policy from a life insurance company that has been very active in promoting this policy. The policy provides a poor yield. www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
My observation
Here is my advice to young people, especially those who have just started work. You will be approached by your friends, or your friend's friend, to buy an investment-linked policy, or a whole life policy with premiums payable for 10 or 15 years. You will be told that this is a good policy for financial planning.
Be careful. These policies will take away a large part of your future savings and leave little for you. You will be giving away your future financial security for the benefit of other people.
Read my book on Financial Planning (available at www.tankinlian.com/ishop) or attend the educational talk conducted by FISCA (see www.fisca.sg).
My observation
Here is my advice to young people, especially those who have just started work. You will be approached by your friends, or your friend's friend, to buy an investment-linked policy, or a whole life policy with premiums payable for 10 or 15 years. You will be told that this is a good policy for financial planning.
Be careful. These policies will take away a large part of your future savings and leave little for you. You will be giving away your future financial security for the benefit of other people.
Read my book on Financial Planning (available at www.tankinlian.com/ishop) or attend the educational talk conducted by FISCA (see www.fisca.sg).
Top 100 billionaires - Forbes Magazine
Type of industry:
26 - finance (hedge funds, investments, leveraged buyouts)
17 - consumer goods (Walmart, Estee lauder, etc)
13 - media and IT
Male 93
Female 7
Average age 64.7
http://www.smh.com.au/money/on-the-money/blogs/savvy-investor/moneys-funny/20100927-15st0.html
26 - finance (hedge funds, investments, leveraged buyouts)
17 - consumer goods (Walmart, Estee lauder, etc)
13 - media and IT
Male 93
Female 7
Average age 64.7
http://www.smh.com.au/money/on-the-money/blogs/savvy-investor/moneys-funny/20100927-15st0.html
What is good customer service?
1. Commit to quality service
2. Know your products
3. Know your customers
4. Treat people with courtesy and respect.
5. Never argue with a customer
6. don't leave customers in limbo
7. Always provide what you promise.
8. Assume that your customers tell the truty.
9. Focus on making customers - not on sale
10. Make it easy to buy
View the infographics in www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
See how different industries and companies rank in customer service.
2. Know your products
3. Know your customers
4. Treat people with courtesy and respect.
5. Never argue with a customer
6. don't leave customers in limbo
7. Always provide what you promise.
8. Assume that your customers tell the truty.
9. Focus on making customers - not on sale
10. Make it easy to buy
View the infographics in www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
See how different industries and companies rank in customer service.
Casino: Promises not kept
A blogger had said that the promises given by the government on the two casinos were not kept. Do you agree with this view? Go to www.easyapps/sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
IPO of GIC Fund
Mr. Tan,
I found the prospectus of the IPO document in MAS Opera. I will not be commenting on it as I don't have the stamina to go through the 540 page doc. Looks like it is primarily China and Japan properties. GIC supposedly said that they are positive properties so I am not sure why they sell the portfolio. Maybe they have better use of the funds? By the way, it is not a REIT structure. Dividend payment at managers discretion. My hunch is that GIC is looking to make management fees from other than the Singapore Government.
I found the prospectus of the IPO document in MAS Opera. I will not be commenting on it as I don't have the stamina to go through the 540 page doc. Looks like it is primarily China and Japan properties. GIC supposedly said that they are positive properties so I am not sure why they sell the portfolio. Maybe they have better use of the funds? By the way, it is not a REIT structure. Dividend payment at managers discretion. My hunch is that GIC is looking to make management fees from other than the Singapore Government.
Choosing the right mortage
Read these tips.
Advice given in my book on Financial Planning
Advice given in my book on Financial Planning
- Property should be within 5 years of family income (less cost of employing a maid)
- Repay the loan within 25 years
- Monthly repayment (including withdrawal from CPF) to be less than 25% of family income
My advice is - buy a lower price property that you can service comfortably. It can be smaller or outside of the prime areas. If not, rent a property.
Telemarketing calls
Telemarketing calls can be irritating. It can also incur cost to the consumer who is overseas. Here is the experience of a consumer who ask for the calls to be stopped and for the roaming charges to be reimbursed.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Robberies in the early morning
Read this message from the Police. I suspect that there is an increase of crime due to the large number of foreigners in Singapore and the difficult economic situation affecting some groups of people. I wonder if the losses of customers visiting the casinos also contribute to this situation?
Subscribe to SGE portal and TKL website
You can follow these instructions to subscribe to Singapore General Election Portal using Google Reader.
Subway on the street
New York City has introduced a new concept of uses buses that can travel fast and have short waiting time to load and unload passengers. They are using the concepts of the subway - prepaid fares and dedicated bus lanes. The cost of this system is less than 1% of the subway system. It can be implemented in a short time (compared to years to build a subway line). The bus service Bx12 in New York has proven to be successful. It is well received by commuters and has fast travelling time. Source; New York magazine.
Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Child Custody For Mothers – How to Win Child Custody Review | Child Joint Custody
Child custody for mothers is a source of concern and anxiety for mothers whose relationshp has broken down and where there is a child or children involved. “Custody Strategies for Women” is a book written by 2 experienced practitioners in the whole area of child custody..from a legal as well as psychological viewpoint.
Book review dealing with child custody for mothers
GIC IPO
A consumer asks for my views about whether the IPO from the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, that is expected to be launched soon. Is this a good investment? I am not able to give an opinion. I asked an analyst to make a summary of the investment.
DBS Vitamin Account
The Vitamin account is a structured product. An investor invested $40,000 in October 2005. On the maturity date in October 2011 (5 years), the investor will receive the full principal plus the performance of the underlying references (which amounts to NIL). During the 5 years, the investor obtained a total payout of 4.1099% or about 0.8% per year. This is a poor yield for an investment that is locked up for 5 years. It is a structured equity-linked product.
Many investors had invested in structured products, such as the Vitamin account, for 5 years and received a paltry return. It is advisable for investors to avoid all types of structured products, including the capital guaranteed, capital protected, equity-linked, currency-linked or credit-linked products. The experience of nearly all the products issued by the banks over the past ten years had been disappointing.
Many investors had invested in structured products, such as the Vitamin account, for 5 years and received a paltry return. It is advisable for investors to avoid all types of structured products, including the capital guaranteed, capital protected, equity-linked, currency-linked or credit-linked products. The experience of nearly all the products issued by the banks over the past ten years had been disappointing.
Termination of Private Shield
I terminated my Incomeshield as I preferred to be insured under basic Medishield. I received this letter from NTUC Income:
"If the insured is also covered in the integrated plan and the policy is terminating without switching to another insurer or change, of plan .... the insured will continue to be insured under the MediShield scheme with th eCPF Board, as long as he/she is eligble for the scheme. The MediShield cover willbe renewed automatically each year after the premium is deducted from the Medisave account".
In short, the transfer to Medishield is automatic. If the insured wishes to terminate the MediShield cover, a separate termination form has to be submitted to the CPF Board.
"If the insured is also covered in the integrated plan and the policy is terminating without switching to another insurer or change, of plan .... the insured will continue to be insured under the MediShield scheme with th eCPF Board, as long as he/she is eligble for the scheme. The MediShield cover willbe renewed automatically each year after the premium is deducted from the Medisave account".
In short, the transfer to Medishield is automatic. If the insured wishes to terminate the MediShield cover, a separate termination form has to be submitted to the CPF Board.
By-election in Ang Mo Kio
Will a by-election be held in Ang Mo Kio to find a new MP to take over from Dr. Balaji? Read the view from the Prime Minister in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
CPF Investment Scheme
A CPF members can invest the savings in the ordinary and special account under the CPF Investment scheme to earn a better yield (hopefully) compared to the interest paid by the CPF. Here are some details of this scheme.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
From 1 January 2011, the approved funds must meet the following 4 criteria:
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
From 1 January 2011, the approved funds must meet the following 4 criteria:
- Lower expense ratios
- 3 per cent cap on sales charges
- Three-year track record
- Top-quartile performance ranking among their global peers.
Poor customer service
Telephone operators have too many customers and too many products and insufficient staff to provide customer service. Here are some complaints: www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
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Banking services
Nine things your banker won;t tell you.
1. Your whole deposit isn’t available immediately
1. Your whole deposit isn’t available immediately
2. A post-date on a check means nothing
3. Fees are the big money maker
4. You can get some fees waived – just ask
5. Your refusal to opt in for “overdraft protection” doesn’t apply to checks
6. Your online account information may not be accurate
7. Bankers are salespeople
8. You should shop around for financial products and services
9. The system is likely to decide on your loan application
The most important advice is - shop around for financial products and services, including insurance policies. Make sure that you compare like with like. Do not buy any "special product that is offered to you - they usually over charge the consumer and make a bigger profit for the issuer and the distributor!
Attract attention to your website
Here are a few tips to attract attention to the website:
Search engine
Guest post
Regular updates
Credibility
Simplicity
My blog (www.tankinlian.blogspot.com) and website (www.tankinlian.com) has most of these features.
Search engine
Guest post
Regular updates
Credibility
Simplicity
My blog (www.tankinlian.blogspot.com) and website (www.tankinlian.com) has most of these features.
Retirees duped by structured notes
Read this report.
It explains the situation in America. The banks are held accountable for selling structured notes without explaining the risks to elderly investors. If a similar approach is taken in Singapore, many people would have been compensated for their losses.
It explains the situation in America. The banks are held accountable for selling structured notes without explaining the risks to elderly investors. If a similar approach is taken in Singapore, many people would have been compensated for their losses.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Corporate Manual Portal
The Corporate Manual Portal is now launched. It can be accessed at the Easysearch portal, www.easysearch.sg.
The home page gives instructions of how you can access the Demonstration Company, by entering the user ID (DC0, DC1, DC2, DC3). The password is 123456.
The Guide can be found here.
The home page gives instructions of how you can access the Demonstration Company, by entering the user ID (DC0, DC1, DC2, DC3). The password is 123456.
The Guide can be found here.
Rebuild the trust in life insurance companies
Dear Mr. Tan,
Are you afraid about offending the insurance companies and their agents by talking about life insurance policies that take away too much of the savings? I know that certain people are monitoring your blog.
REPLY
I intend that the messages in my blog go to the top managers and agents of the life insurance companies. I hope that they will be educated about the fine line between making an honest profit and cheating their policyholders. If they know the difference, perhaps they will introduce new insurance plans that give a better deal to their policyholders, rather than surreptitiously take away too much. It is important that life insurance companies uphold the image that they can be trusted to take care of their policyholders.
Are you afraid about offending the insurance companies and their agents by talking about life insurance policies that take away too much of the savings? I know that certain people are monitoring your blog.
REPLY
I intend that the messages in my blog go to the top managers and agents of the life insurance companies. I hope that they will be educated about the fine line between making an honest profit and cheating their policyholders. If they know the difference, perhaps they will introduce new insurance plans that give a better deal to their policyholders, rather than surreptitiously take away too much. It is important that life insurance companies uphold the image that they can be trusted to take care of their policyholders.
Ranking of Nanyang Technological University
Survey: If you have any views about the reason for the drop in ranking, please reply in this survey.
Dear Mr. Tan
Would you like to conduct a survey on NTU’s dramatic drop in university ranking? The following questions may be asked.
1) Who caused the dramatic drop in ranking
a) The management
b) The academic staff
c) The non-academic staff
d) The students
2) What can be done about it?
REPLY
According to the newspaper report, the drop in ranking is due to the change in criteria. Perhaps, there are some internal factors in the university that may account for the ranking. Let me invite views from readers of my blog.
Dear Mr. Tan
Would you like to conduct a survey on NTU’s dramatic drop in university ranking? The following questions may be asked.
1) Who caused the dramatic drop in ranking
a) The management
b) The academic staff
c) The non-academic staff
d) The students
2) What can be done about it?
REPLY
According to the newspaper report, the drop in ranking is due to the change in criteria. Perhaps, there are some internal factors in the university that may account for the ranking. Let me invite views from readers of my blog.
Half truths about Life Insurance [2]
An insurance agent is highly trained to use emotional and other reasons to persuade a consumer to buy a life insurance policy that gives a poor yield for the years of savings. Some of these reasons are half truths. Be aware about these half truths. Search for "half truths" in www.tankinlian.com/ask.aspx.
Whole life policy with multiple benefit coverage
An insurance company may introduce a new policy with special features, but the consumer should not be distracted by these frills that they overlook the high cost of the main policy (as reflected by the high deduction from the accumulated premiums).
Dr. Balaji
Letter from the Prime Minister
I send my personal condolence to the family of Dr. S Balaji.
I send my personal condolence to the family of Dr. S Balaji.
Tan Kin Lian
Activate a credit card
I received a new POSB credit card to replace the previous card. The mailer asked me to "Activate the card immediately". I search for instructions in the mailer on how to activate the card. There was no such instruction. Why does a bank give instructions that are confusing to the customers?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bus to Speaker's Corner
I had to give a talk on financial planning at SMU and then proceed immediately to Speaker's Corner to give my talk on "Minimum Wage". I did not want to drive there, due to difficulty in finding a parking space. I hesitated to take a taxi, as they might not be available during certain hours of the day. (Yes, our taxi service is not reliable).
I finally decided to take a bus, but was not sure which bus to take. I searched Google Map on my smartphone and learned that Service 33 is available for this stretch. While waiting for this bus, another bus came along. I asked the driver, who told me that the bus will pass Hong Lim Park. It was quite easy to take the bus
.
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I am quite sad that the public transport system in Singapore is quite complicated and unreliable. I wish that the Land Transport Authority will take the lead to make it easier for people to move around.
Train announcements
The SMRT has introduced a jingle to announce the arrival of a train. It goes "training is coming ...." in a musical way. This is well done.
I have taken the NEL on a few occasions. There was an announcement at some platform, "The happy, happy platform ..... ". I was puzzled at this announcement. I heard it more than 1 dozen times and still cannot catch the words and message. It is a bad announcement. Does anyone know what is the message?
I have taken the NEL on a few occasions. There was an announcement at some platform, "The happy, happy platform ..... ". I was puzzled at this announcement. I heard it more than 1 dozen times and still cannot catch the words and message. It is a bad announcement. Does anyone know what is the message?
SDP rally at Speaker's Corner
You can see some photos of the event. It was well attended with 400 participants. Go to www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Property rules- 30 August 2010
A property consultant has summarised the new rules that apply to HDB and private properties that take effect after 30 August 2010. Go to www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Dollar cost averaging and ETF
Mr Tan,
Hi! Thanks for organizing last saturday's invest for the long term talk. I have never invest before. It was informative indeed. However, I have a few questions for you on ETF.
1) I want to invest an initial amount of $20,000 in STI ETF and continue to invest for the long term (20 years). I do not want to constantly monitor and track my investment. Do you think I should adopt dollar cost averaging (DCA) or invest in a lump sum?
2) If I am investing for the long term using DCA, should I care about the buying price (buy low)?
REPLY
If I were to take this decision, I would invest this sum in 1,000 units (about $3,000) every 3 months over the next 2 years to gain some dollar cost averaging. The reason for this decision is that the market is somewhat on the high side and the global economy is still uncertain (in my view), but we do not know if it will continue to go up or may correct downwards over the next two years. So, it is better to do some averaging. However, it is a difficult decision to take.
Hi! Thanks for organizing last saturday's invest for the long term talk. I have never invest before. It was informative indeed. However, I have a few questions for you on ETF.
1) I want to invest an initial amount of $20,000 in STI ETF and continue to invest for the long term (20 years). I do not want to constantly monitor and track my investment. Do you think I should adopt dollar cost averaging (DCA) or invest in a lump sum?
2) If I am investing for the long term using DCA, should I care about the buying price (buy low)?
REPLY
If I were to take this decision, I would invest this sum in 1,000 units (about $3,000) every 3 months over the next 2 years to gain some dollar cost averaging. The reason for this decision is that the market is somewhat on the high side and the global economy is still uncertain (in my view), but we do not know if it will continue to go up or may correct downwards over the next two years. So, it is better to do some averaging. However, it is a difficult decision to take.
SIA Bond - no mention of maturity date
Dear Mr. Tan
The two advertisements I saw, one in Sunday ST and one in today's TODAY, did not state the maturity of the bond. I read somewhere that it is maturing in Sep/Oct 2015. I tried googling and found a few articles relating to the issuance and the two online reports I read did not mention maturity at all.
REPLY
Perhaps you can ask for the prospectus as a potential investor? It should have been stated in the document. Try to see it from the angle of an investor, i.e. whether the information is put in a format that an investor can understand easily.
FOLLOW UP
I found the prospectus on MAS Opera. Maturity date is 30 Sep 2015. The prospectus is similar to other prospectus, it's 113 pages and full of the usual financial and legal jargon. I am used to reading these docs but find no joy reading it. My point is why the full page adverts do not include bond mat date?
The two advertisements I saw, one in Sunday ST and one in today's TODAY, did not state the maturity of the bond. I read somewhere that it is maturing in Sep/Oct 2015. I tried googling and found a few articles relating to the issuance and the two online reports I read did not mention maturity at all.
REPLY
Perhaps you can ask for the prospectus as a potential investor? It should have been stated in the document. Try to see it from the angle of an investor, i.e. whether the information is put in a format that an investor can understand easily.
FOLLOW UP
I found the prospectus on MAS Opera. Maturity date is 30 Sep 2015. The prospectus is similar to other prospectus, it's 113 pages and full of the usual financial and legal jargon. I am used to reading these docs but find no joy reading it. My point is why the full page adverts do not include bond mat date?
Starting A Business In Ireland-Starting Your Own Business In Ireland | BusinessAndLegal.ie
Starting a business in Ireland in the current climate is very difficult. The state of the economy, the scarcity of financing and the low consumer confidence means that starting your own business in Ireland is difficult and scary.
Starting Your Own Business In Ireland
However there is an easy way to start your own business in Ireland right now and this is in the whole area of internet or online business. Before you immediately jump to the conclusion of “get rich quick schemes” and “scams” bear with me for a little bit.
Judgment Mortgage-Registering A Judgment Mortgage | BusinessAndLegal.ie
Judgment mortgages are de rigeur in Ireland at the moment with considerable numbers of people finding themselves in difficult financial circumstances.A judgment mortgage will only arise after the obtaining of a judgment against a debtor on foot of a debt. The effect of then registering a judgment mortgage on a debtor’s property will be to give the registrar of the judgment mortgage priority over unsecured creditors of that debtor.
Temporary Child Custody | Temporary Child Custody Forms | Child Joint Custody
A temporary custody order determines how the child is cared for by whichever parent is given the temporary custody order. This will give that parent the right to decide on issues such as healthcare, education and day to day care of the child. Different states have different guidelines and rules in relation to granting temporary custody orders.
Temporary child custody..
Changing Child Custody – Joint Custody of Children | Child Joint Custody
The first thing that must be recognised is that changing child custody arrangements is a relatively straightforward process provided one thing exists-the agreement of both parents.
Changing child custody is straightforward if..
Filing For Child Custody – 4 Key Tips For Winning Child Custody | Child Joint Custody
Tip 4
From a personal side of the case, avoid badmouthing your former spouse in front of the kids, or leaving with the kids for a long period of time without telling your ex.
You don’t want to give the other side anything to pick up on, that could make you look unreliable or negative.
Obey all the custody laws that you become familiar with from your research and advise from your lawyer.
Learn what is a joint custody agreement in this post.
Useful info. about filing for child custody..
Saturday, September 25, 2010
HDB Compounding mistakes
Letter from HCM
So the talk now is that HDB owners are not allow to own Landbanking during the first 5 years. It is suppose to be for land banking that invest in residential property related land parcels. I can see the arguments leading eventually to Property funds, Reits, and even listed property companies??
By not drawing the regulations properly at the beginning, HDB is now fixing leaks as and when water seeps in.
HDB --- ownership is strictly for Singaporean owner-occupier. No ifs or buts.
For whatever reasons, as long as the owner is not staying in the HDB for more than xx months, the owner has to sell the flat within x months, either in the open market or to the HDB at the posted HDB repurchase price.
HDB can resell the flats or deposit the flats in a HDB rental company (HDBrent). HDBrent is the only agent allowed to rent HDB flats out to either Singaporeans, PRs or foreigners.
HDB owners can invest in anything they wish.
HCM
So the talk now is that HDB owners are not allow to own Landbanking during the first 5 years. It is suppose to be for land banking that invest in residential property related land parcels. I can see the arguments leading eventually to Property funds, Reits, and even listed property companies??
By not drawing the regulations properly at the beginning, HDB is now fixing leaks as and when water seeps in.
HDB --- ownership is strictly for Singaporean owner-occupier. No ifs or buts.
For whatever reasons, as long as the owner is not staying in the HDB for more than xx months, the owner has to sell the flat within x months, either in the open market or to the HDB at the posted HDB repurchase price.
HDB can resell the flats or deposit the flats in a HDB rental company (HDBrent). HDBrent is the only agent allowed to rent HDB flats out to either Singaporeans, PRs or foreigners.
HDB owners can invest in anything they wish.
HCM
Don't spare the rod
Today, some parents spend a disproportionate amount of time and effort to justify punishing their children.
Teachers often dare not act decisively...
School heads are nervous...
The bell tolls for a future Singaporean generation that demands instant gratification, defies rules with impunity, breaks laws recklessly, is impatient, has a skewed sense of righteousness, and regards civic responsibilities with disdain.
Ho Kong Loon
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_582306.html
Teachers often dare not act decisively...
School heads are nervous...
The bell tolls for a future Singaporean generation that demands instant gratification, defies rules with impunity, breaks laws recklessly, is impatient, has a skewed sense of righteousness, and regards civic responsibilities with disdain.
Ho Kong Loon
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_582306.html
Bus service in Singapore
Letter from Chan Whye Chuen
I READ in your newspaper
about Transport Minister Raymond Lim's ride on a Service 960 bus (Sept 15)...In case, Mr Lim, based on the above visit, concluded that the service has improved, kindly allow me share my experience...
Altogether, I lost 65 minutes that day at the two bus stops.
Although this may not be a daily occurrence, it has happened frequently enough.I would have continued to live with it had I not seen your report.
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100924-0000066/Service-960,-another-view
Transport Minister observes bus frequency situation
According to a Channel NewsAsia report, the Ministry of Transport said
the situation in the area has improved since the changes were implemented.
http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/09/14/transport-minister-observes-bus-frequency-situation/
I READ in your newspaper
about Transport Minister Raymond Lim's ride on a Service 960 bus (Sept 15)...In case, Mr Lim, based on the above visit, concluded that the service has improved, kindly allow me share my experience...
Altogether, I lost 65 minutes that day at the two bus stops.
Although this may not be a daily occurrence, it has happened frequently enough.I would have continued to live with it had I not seen your report.
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100924-0000066/Service-960,-another-view
Transport Minister observes bus frequency situation
According to a Channel NewsAsia report, the Ministry of Transport said
the situation in the area has improved since the changes were implemented.
http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/09/14/transport-minister-observes-bus-frequency-situation/
Fake shares and investments
Downturn sees 'boiler room' share scams make a comeback. They sell fake or worthless shares, and also pretend to sell legitimate shares, which the purchaser never receives certificates for. Many young people are being conned into these bad investments. Read: www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Insurance and peace of mind
Many people buy insurance for peace of mind.They are willing to pay an additional premium to get the protection, such as the case of a rider to protect the NCD in case of a claim. But some insurance companies have questionable practices, such as the case mentioned in this letter. See www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
SDP rally at Speaker's Corner
You can find a report of this event in the Singapore General Election Portal, www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Rebranding and trust
Read this letter written by a father to a son who has just graduated and will be starting work. It reflects the words of wisdom from a father who has learnt the lesson of blind trust and wish to pass it to his son. Please pass this letter to your friends who are starting work soon.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Fathers Rights In Child Custody Litigation | Child Joint Custody
However this has been changing in the last few decades and more liberal and progressive judges are affording greater importance to fathers child custody rights. This will vary from state to state and from judge to judge but there has been a progressive move towards recognizing fathers custody rights in a fairer fashion.
The United States Census bureau reported about years ago that fathers were awarded custody in 15% of cases and this figure has risen steadily. If you are a dad who has suffered the breakdown of a marriage or relationship with your child involved then you need to educate yourself as to the possibilities of a satisfactory child custody outcome for you, your child and former partner..yes, even her.
Winning Child Custody-Child Custody Proceedings | Child Joint Custody
Winning child custody is the top priority for anybody caught in a child custody battle. Child custody arises when it comes to arranging how a child is to be cared for on a day to day basis and who makes the decisions in a global sense about the child after a relationship breaks down.
Joint Custody Laws – What You Need to Know About Child Joint Custody Laws | Child Joint Custody
This involves both parents making the important decisions in the child’s life, even though one of the parents may have sole physical custody.
There are essentially 2 types of joint custody when it comes to the care of children in a failed relationship.
1) Joint Legal Custody
This involves both parents making the important decisions in the child’s life, even though one of the parents may have sole physical custody.
2) Joint Physical Custody
This involves the child living with each parent in turn according to an agreed schedule.
The schedule will be decided upon by the court if the parents can not agree and the paramount issue and influencing factor is always what is best for the child.
Joint Custody Agreement – What You Need to Know About Joint Custody of Children | Child Joint Custody
When making a child custody agreement, one of the first things to consider, is if you and your ex spouse are going to have a joint custody agreement. Joint custody agreements involve both parents sharing the task of making decisions for their child.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Torchlight with locator lamp - for travel
I took a torchlight with locator lamp for my travel. It was useful. I was able to locate the torchlight at night.I prefer to use the torchlight, instead of the switches in the hotel room - which was quite unfamiliar to me.
The locator lamp consumes low energy and allows the torchlight to be seen in the dark of night. The torchlight is rechargeable, so there is no need to change battery. The torchlight is available here. A discount is given for a bundle of 4 torchlights. You can pass them as a gift to a friend.
The locator lamp consumes low energy and allows the torchlight to be seen in the dark of night. The torchlight is rechargeable, so there is no need to change battery. The torchlight is available here. A discount is given for a bundle of 4 torchlights. You can pass them as a gift to a friend.
Understand your blood test report
I have just taken a blood test with my GP. This cost about $50 and is much cheaper than a full health screening. My doctor will be explaining the findings of the blood test to point out any adverse features. However, I shall also be checking against this useful guide.
Collapse of the US Housing Market
What are ninja loans? Find out how they help to cause the collapse of the US housing market. Go to www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Business simulation training
If you are interested to gain experience and skill in pricing, marketing and setting capacity for your product line, read BEST simulation training in www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Universal Life [2]
I have extracted a few articles from the Internet about universal life and compiled them into a document. It shows the key features of universal life. This type of policy is now quite popular in a few countries and may be introduced in Singapore. It is good to learn about the features of this policy, but consumers should be aware about the charges as shown in the benefit illustration (i.e.effect of deduction and distribution cost). If the charges are low, this type of policy can be suitable, as it has flexibility and pays an interest rate that is higher than bank deposits. Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Singapore Democracy
Several letters were published in response to the letter from Gerald Giam asking for more active democracy in Singapore. Read the letters in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Immigrants into Singapore
Which countries provide the largest number of immigrants into Singapore? Read www.easyapps.sg/sgep/aspx.
Customer service from Singapore Airlines
I booked for an air ticket for Bali. Later my wife decided to join me. All the flights were full, so she is placed on wait list.
I send an request to the SIA call center to ask them to assist me to get a ticket for my wife to join me. They arranged the ticket and sent a confirmation to me. I sent them my appreciation for this helpful and good service.
I send an request to the SIA call center to ask them to assist me to get a ticket for my wife to join me. They arranged the ticket and sent a confirmation to me. I sent them my appreciation for this helpful and good service.
Speaker Corner - Talk on Minimum Wage
I have accepted an invitation to give a talk on Minimum Wage as follows:
Date: Saturdy 25 September 2010
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Speakers Corner, Hong Lim Park.
There will be other speakers who will talk on other topics. You can be there at 5 pm or later, to hear the speeches. Turn up and make it a big gathering. This event is organised by the Singapore Democratic Party.
Date: Saturdy 25 September 2010
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Speakers Corner, Hong Lim Park.
There will be other speakers who will talk on other topics. You can be there at 5 pm or later, to hear the speeches. Turn up and make it a big gathering. This event is organised by the Singapore Democratic Party.
“Better” focus for the world
If you are interested to find out what is the “better” focus for the world, you are invited to read the chapters “Conversation with Guru Harry” in Tommy Wong’s book “Wisdom on How to Live Life”.
The book can be ordered here.
Election system
The public wants some changes in the election system. Read the results of a survey in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tangram and Shape Quiz on OS3
The free versions of tangram and shape quiz on OS3 are now available on the Apple Store.
Search for
Easy Tangram Lite
Bright Tangram Lite
Easy Shape Quiz Lite
Bright Shape Quiz Lite
You can also search for
Tan Kin Lian & Associates.
View here.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Search for
Easy Tangram Lite
Bright Tangram Lite
Easy Shape Quiz Lite
Bright Shape Quiz Lite
You can also search for
Tan Kin Lian & Associates.
View here.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Inequality of Wealth Distribution
America has a big inequality in the distribution of wealth. The author of this paper carried out a survey of 5,000 around 5,000 people that has a demographic distribution and political inclination that represents the the population. The key findings of this report are that the ordinary people grossly under-estimated the actual inequality in the distribution of wealth and preferred a distribution that more closely reflect Sweden (which has high welfare and taxation).
The findings of this survey is relevant to Singapore, where the inequality of wealth distribution is worse than America, as reflected by the Gini coefficient. Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx (Building a Better America).
The findings of this survey is relevant to Singapore, where the inequality of wealth distribution is worse than America, as reflected by the Gini coefficient. Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx (Building a Better America).
Importance of meditation
If you are interested to find out why meditation is important, you are invited to read the chapters “Second Conversation with Guru Harry” in Tommy Wong’s book “Wisdom on How to Live Life (Book 2)”.
The book can be ordered here.
Survey: contingency fees
Read this paper on Contingency Fee for Professionals.
Should Singapore adopt a system of contingency fees for laywers and doctors? Give your views in this short survey.
Should Singapore adopt a system of contingency fees for laywers and doctors? Give your views in this short survey.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Fathers’ Rights – Child Custody Issues That You Must Be Aware Of | Child Joint Custody
Fathers rights in child custody battles are one of the main child custody issues facing dads of children caught in the crossfire of a custody dispute. The first issue that concerns dads is the fear and apprehension that they will automatically lose custody of their child to their mum.
Affordability of housing
This article suggests that a person can spend up to 40% of the monthly income for the monthly mortgage payment for a home. This is too high.
My benchmark is 25% of the monthly income on a loan not exceeding 25 years. Based on my benchmark, which is explained in Practical Guide on Financial Planning, the price to pay for a propery should not exceed 5 years of the combined income. If the couple are both working, the cost of employing a maid should be deducted from the combined income. The negative consequence of putting too much earnings into a home are also explained in my book. There is a need to accumulate savings to meet unemployment, which is now a high risk in Singapore.
My book is available at www.tankinlian.com/ishop. There is a 40% discount under a 5 book bundle.
My benchmark is 25% of the monthly income on a loan not exceeding 25 years. Based on my benchmark, which is explained in Practical Guide on Financial Planning, the price to pay for a propery should not exceed 5 years of the combined income. If the couple are both working, the cost of employing a maid should be deducted from the combined income. The negative consequence of putting too much earnings into a home are also explained in my book. There is a need to accumulate savings to meet unemployment, which is now a high risk in Singapore.
My book is available at www.tankinlian.com/ishop. There is a 40% discount under a 5 book bundle.
Licence fee demand by SPH
SPH has demanded a licence and investigation fee from a local website for posting its article in their website. It seems to be quite unreasonable. There is a new for a law to be passed to determine if such action by a media company is acceptable or undesirable. Read www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Make CPF Life more attractive
Many member are not taking up CPF Life because they find it difficult to decide between the four options. They are also suspicious that it offers low value to the consumer. CPF Life will be made compulsory for those who turn 55 in a few years time. It is likely to be unpopular. I have written this article to suggest how to make CPF Life more attractive to the public. Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Minimum Wage in Singapore [2]
Read www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx for letters and articles about the reasons for and against implementing a minimum wage in Singapore.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Child Joint Custody-Joint Custody of Children | Child Joint Custody
The child has 2 custodial parents therefore but many states in the U.S. recognise 2 types of joint custody–joint physical custody and joint legal custody.
Joint Legal Custody
This involves both parents essentially having the right to make all decisions relating to the child and both parents would have access to hospital records and any other official or indeed unofficial records relating to the child.
FISCA talk - invest for the long term [2]
In my book on financial planning, I advised consumers to invest for the long term in a low cost investment fund. many consumers asked me, "Mr. Tan, I like your idea, but how do I implement this plan? What type of investment fund should I choose? How do I make the investment?"
The FISCA talk "Invest for the Long Term" is designed to cover these questions. The speaker will tell you about the ETFs and other funds that have low charges that are suitable for long term investors. They will also cover a few blue chip shares that can be invested as a proxy for the investment fund.
Go to www.fisca.sg and register for the talk on Saturday 25 September, 3 to 6 pm at SMU. Spend 3 hours and $30 ($20 for members) and be educated about your own financial well being.
The FISCA talk "Invest for the Long Term" is designed to cover these questions. The speaker will tell you about the ETFs and other funds that have low charges that are suitable for long term investors. They will also cover a few blue chip shares that can be invested as a proxy for the investment fund.
Go to www.fisca.sg and register for the talk on Saturday 25 September, 3 to 6 pm at SMU. Spend 3 hours and $30 ($20 for members) and be educated about your own financial well being.
Remove means testing
Is there a way to remove means testing and make life simple for people in Singapore? It will reduce the cost of living and help people from spending money unnecessarily as they are not aware about how the system works. Read www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Bloggers views on Minimum Wage
Minister Lim Boon Heng gave a speech on why there should not be a minimum wage in Singapore. A few bloggers have given their response to the arguments put forward by the minister. Read their interesting perspective in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
I will be speaking on this topic in Speaker's Corner on Saturday at 6.45 pm.
I will be speaking on this topic in Speaker's Corner on Saturday at 6.45 pm.
Presentation Skills Course
Presentation Skills Course-Overcoming Your Public Speaking Anxiety
Presentation skills and your ability to communicate your message are critical to succeeding in work, business and your social life.
But many people are very poor communicators or at best average. And regrettably many people have a fear of public speaking and suffer from public speaking anxiety.
via squidoo.com
Escalation of Medical Bills
Some patients were shocked to find that their medical bills had escalated to a few times of what was originally indicated. They were caught by the consent form that they had signed, and were not aware of the clause that allowed additional billings to be added.
Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx (Excalation of Medical Bills).
Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx (Excalation of Medical Bills).
Corporate bonds in SGX
Retain investors can invest in corporate bonds in SGX from 1 October 2010. They have a yield that is better than government bonds and bank deposits. The trading on SGX will give liquidity and transparent pricing to the investors.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1082468/1/.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1082468/1/.html
Access to subsidised wards
I have written a letter to the Straits Times to ask the Ministry of Health to clarify if citizens have the right of access to subsidised wards or if they are restricted by some rules that restrict downgrading to subsidised wards, and what are these rules. I hope that my letter gets published and that the Ministry will give a reply to clarify this matter.
Living with peace and equianimity
If you are interested to find out what how to live with peace and equanimity, you are invited to read the chapters “Conversation with Guru Harry” in Tommy Wong’s book “Wisdom on How to Live Life”.
The book can be ordered here.
Talk on Minimum Wage
I have accepted an invitation by the Singapore Democratic Party to give a talk on minimum wage at Speaker's Corner, Hong Lim Park on Saturday 25 September at 6.45 pm. There will be other speakers earlier in the evening from 5 pm. Do turn up to hear these speakers.
More details here.
More details here.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Means testing in public hospitals
A consumer asked if it was possible for a person above the means test level to be treated in subsidised wards B2 and C) in public hospitals. He was under the impression that this was not allowed.
I checked the Internet and found this document. Patients at higher income can be treated in subsidised wards, but they enjoy a lower level of subsidy. There was so much publicity about means testing that gave the wrong impression to many people, including me. The final decision was not well publicised - so many people still had the wrong impression.
I spoke to a senior doctor in a public hospital. He was also not aware about how means testing had been implemented. He thought that it was still under consideration. When I told him about the actual situation, his reply was "because I was not pesonally involved in this matter, I am not aware about its actual implementation".
I lamented. Why do we have practices that are so complicated that even those who are supposed to be implementing these decisions are confused? Can we simplify matters for the citizens?
Tan Kin Lian
I checked the Internet and found this document. Patients at higher income can be treated in subsidised wards, but they enjoy a lower level of subsidy. There was so much publicity about means testing that gave the wrong impression to many people, including me. The final decision was not well publicised - so many people still had the wrong impression.
I spoke to a senior doctor in a public hospital. He was also not aware about how means testing had been implemented. He thought that it was still under consideration. When I told him about the actual situation, his reply was "because I was not pesonally involved in this matter, I am not aware about its actual implementation".
I lamented. Why do we have practices that are so complicated that even those who are supposed to be implementing these decisions are confused? Can we simplify matters for the citizens?
Tan Kin Lian
Minimum wage in Singapore
In this article, I have given my reasons in support of a minimum wage to be implemented in Singapore. I have also explained why the negative aspects of the minimum wage are likely to be less serious than feared. Apart from helping the lower income workers, a minimum wage will lead to a more sustainable economy.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Wikipedia
I want to talk to someone who has experience in contributing and updating contents in Wikipedia. If you have experience, please send e-mail to kinlian@gmail.com.
Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation-What is the difference? | Child Joint Custody
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation on the other hand generally describes the situation where the child is alienated from a parent but may have a reason for such alienation such as abuse or neglect.
Regardless of which definition you are happy with the situation that you are likely to encounter in a bitter child custody dispute is one where the child becomes a cheerleader for the alienating parent and a spokesperson for that parent’s bitterness or hatred.
Child Custody Tips-7 Tried and Tested Tips to Win Your Child Custody Battle | Child Joint Custody
The following child custody tips are grounded in experience and in what works best in most situations but does require a bit of maturity and give on both sides.
• Avoid exposing your children to unhealthy or harmful environments when they are with you. Make sure that your children are not exposed to overt displays of affection with a new friend or partner. Most courts oppose to children being exposed to other relationships too early. And if you really want to win custody of your children, you should spend more time with them as a parent. If you spend more time with someone else rather than your children, you are likely to have difficulty persuading the court that the best interests of the child are on your mind if you are commencing a new relationship.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Singapore Girls and Pregnancies
Read a collection of letters and views of the public on the employment terms of air stewardesses by Singapore Airlines. www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Minimum Wage Policy
What do Singaporeans think about a minimum wage policy? What do they think about the Workfare Income Supplement that is implemented in Singapore, in the absence of a minimum wage policy? 49 people responded to a survey. Read their views in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Contingency fee for professionals
We should encourage lawyers and doctors to practice on a contingency fee basis. They should charge their fees only for a successful outcome. If they outcome fails, they should only be allowed to cover their expenses.
This system will help to reduce the escalation in the cost of health care. It will also help consumers to seek redress where they have incurred a large financial loss due to the negligence of a business corporation.
Read my views in www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
This system will help to reduce the escalation in the cost of health care. It will also help consumers to seek redress where they have incurred a large financial loss due to the negligence of a business corporation.
Read my views in www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Case study - revised policy charges
Read this case study of a case where the insurance company revised the policy charge fro an ILP policy. www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Getting permanent residents to be become citizens
The suggestion by SM Goh to encourage permanent residents, especially those from Malaysia, to become citizens did not go down well. Read this article in www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
My view
I have always advocated a positive approach - make it attractive for people to be citizens. Over the past decades, the government had made adopted the wrong policy of making it a burden to be a Singapore citizen, especially for males who have to serve national service and be placed at a big disadvantage in the workplace. This key issue has never been resolved. The small measures, such as the $9,000 for current NS men, did not go far enough.
My view
I have always advocated a positive approach - make it attractive for people to be citizens. Over the past decades, the government had made adopted the wrong policy of making it a burden to be a Singapore citizen, especially for males who have to serve national service and be placed at a big disadvantage in the workplace. This key issue has never been resolved. The small measures, such as the $9,000 for current NS men, did not go far enough.
Treating cancer at a late stage
If you know of anybody with late stage cancer, do ask the family to read this article and make the right choice. Go to www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Easy Ads portal
A new portal (Easy Ads) will be launched on 1 October 2010. It will provide free advertising for the public for a period of 3 months. A useful feature of this portal is the easy way to search for an advertisement based on location, price range and other factors. This can replace the flyers that are now littering the letterboxes of HDB flats.
This will be of special interest to owners who wish to rent out a room or their apartments to tenants (and to avoid paying the agent fees). Tenants can also use this protal to look for available premises, based on distance to their workplace. Parents can also look for suitable tutors based on location. Owners can look for household repair services.
More details can be seen at www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
This will be of special interest to owners who wish to rent out a room or their apartments to tenants (and to avoid paying the agent fees). Tenants can also use this protal to look for available premises, based on distance to their workplace. Parents can also look for suitable tutors based on location. Owners can look for household repair services.
More details can be seen at www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Case study - rejected claim under private Shield
It is best for a retiree to be insured under Medishield and be treated in a subsidised ward. This case study shows the risk and the stress of having an expensive hospital bill being rejected under a private Shield plan. Read: www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Mio TV
Two thirds of customers give a poor rating to the Mio TV service. Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Pre-election rally
There is an interesting pre-election rally to be held on Saturday at Speaker's Corner. Go to www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx to find out more details.
Direct link: http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4110-democrats-to-kick-off-ge-season-with-pre-election-rally
Direct link: http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4110-democrats-to-kick-off-ge-season-with-pre-election-rally
Difficult experience with website of Singapore Airlines
I had a difficult time in making a redemption of my frequent flyer miles at the Singapore Airlines website. This is the first time in 30 years of flying that I try to claim this privilege - as I allowed the redemption miles to expire in the past.
I could not remember my PIN, as the account was created long ago. The previous PIN that I used had since expired and had been changed. I finally managed to find the right PIN to login.
The website was confusing and difficult to use. The webpages behaved in an unexpected manner and keep changing due to some "context". This was developed to be a sophisticated website, but it was a nightmare to me. I finally managed to find a tab called "Online Redemption". It seemed to be what I needed. When I clicked on the tab, I got a blank page. I tried it many times and keep getting a blank page.
I finally decided to call their helpline. There was a long wait to get through to a staff. While waiting, I hear many irrelevant messages and frequent warning that any booking through the call center will incur an administration fee. What a way to treat a customer!
After a long wait, the call was answered by a human voice. I told the staff about the difficulty that I faced in making an online redemption, and in understanding their complicated website. She finally helped me to make the booking of my flight, using my frequent flyer points, and waived the administrative charge. She explained that I got a blank page most probably because the login had expired after a few minutes. How would I, as a customer, know?
If great organisations continue to develop complicated websites with sessions that expire after a short time (for whatever security reasons), they are giving a difficult time for their customers. They must realize that their customers do not visit the website daily to learn about their sophisticated features and complicated behavior.
Tan Kin Lian
PS: The call center staff was helpful, but she had to spend a lot of time giving me warning about the charges that will be incurred and the penalty that will happen, if I were to change the flight. Why spend so much time on these negative matters? It leaves a bad taste with the customer who has to worry about booking of hotels and other matters relating to travel. Why not change the slogan to: a stressful way to fly!
I could not remember my PIN, as the account was created long ago. The previous PIN that I used had since expired and had been changed. I finally managed to find the right PIN to login.
The website was confusing and difficult to use. The webpages behaved in an unexpected manner and keep changing due to some "context". This was developed to be a sophisticated website, but it was a nightmare to me. I finally managed to find a tab called "Online Redemption". It seemed to be what I needed. When I clicked on the tab, I got a blank page. I tried it many times and keep getting a blank page.
I finally decided to call their helpline. There was a long wait to get through to a staff. While waiting, I hear many irrelevant messages and frequent warning that any booking through the call center will incur an administration fee. What a way to treat a customer!
After a long wait, the call was answered by a human voice. I told the staff about the difficulty that I faced in making an online redemption, and in understanding their complicated website. She finally helped me to make the booking of my flight, using my frequent flyer points, and waived the administrative charge. She explained that I got a blank page most probably because the login had expired after a few minutes. How would I, as a customer, know?
If great organisations continue to develop complicated websites with sessions that expire after a short time (for whatever security reasons), they are giving a difficult time for their customers. They must realize that their customers do not visit the website daily to learn about their sophisticated features and complicated behavior.
Tan Kin Lian
PS: The call center staff was helpful, but she had to spend a lot of time giving me warning about the charges that will be incurred and the penalty that will happen, if I were to change the flight. Why spend so much time on these negative matters? It leaves a bad taste with the customer who has to worry about booking of hotels and other matters relating to travel. Why not change the slogan to: a stressful way to fly!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Case study - learning from a talk
This consumer learned how to compute the distribution cost and the effect of deduction from a talk conducted under FISCA. He was shocked to learn that his friend had sold him several policies that gave a poor deal to him.
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Contests in the general election
The National Solidarity Party and the Reform Party have announced their intention to contest in the general election, including the constituencies that they will be fielding their candidates. www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx
Reform Party
http://votingrp.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/rp-wants-to-give-singaporean-option-to-choose/
National Solidary Party
http://www.nsp.sg/national-solidarity-party-plans-field-some-30-candidates-next-ge
Reform Party
http://votingrp.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/rp-wants-to-give-singaporean-option-to-choose/
National Solidary Party
http://www.nsp.sg/national-solidarity-party-plans-field-some-30-candidates-next-ge
Rechargeable torchlight with locator lamp
The rechargeable torchlight has been designed to have a locator lamp that lights up at night and uses low energy. It is easy to look for the torchlight at night. It uses rechargeable battery, to reduce the cost of battery. This is now available at a special discount (for a bundle of 4 torchlights) in i-shop. www.tankinlian.com/ishop.
Compensation for injury
How much should a consumer claim for compensation for a fall caused by unsafe conditions in a supermarket premise? How should the consumer make the claim? Is it necessary to use a lawyer? This FAQ set down some of the principles that are used to determine the compensation. www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
Shuttle service to Integrated Resorts
What does the public think about the decision by the Casino Regulatory Authority to stop the shuttle service from the HDB heartlands to the resorts? 99 people responded to the survey. The results are available at the Singapore General Election Portal, www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
The Fear from Public Speaking-Do You Suffer A Fear of Public Speaking? | Presentation Skills Course
Why You Have A Fear of Public Speaking
Before we talk about fear from public speaking, let’s talk about what public speaking is. Public speaking in everyday life, especially at work, is any time that you have to make a verbal or written statement to a group. This can be an idea that you present at a meeting, a memo that goes out to employees, or even an informal get-together in the lunch room. If you are afraid to speak out in these situations, then you have a fear of public speaking.
Workfare Income Supplement
Dear Mr. Tan
Can you tell me about the Workfare Income Supplement? How much can I get and what is the criteria?
REPLY
You can find the information in this FAQ. It is applicable to an employee who earn less than $1,700 a month and live in a property with an annual value less than $11,000. The amount of the supplement is calculated on a complicated formula and is subject to a maximum of $1,050 for a person age 35 to a maximum of $2,800 for person at age 60. This is the maximum, so that actual amount paid to you may be much lower. Self-employed people at low incomes are also eligible for the supplement.
Like many schemes in Singapore, you have to read a complicated table and apply many criteria to arrive at an amount - that is really quite small.
Tan Kin Lian
Can you tell me about the Workfare Income Supplement? How much can I get and what is the criteria?
REPLY
You can find the information in this FAQ. It is applicable to an employee who earn less than $1,700 a month and live in a property with an annual value less than $11,000. The amount of the supplement is calculated on a complicated formula and is subject to a maximum of $1,050 for a person age 35 to a maximum of $2,800 for person at age 60. This is the maximum, so that actual amount paid to you may be much lower. Self-employed people at low incomes are also eligible for the supplement.
Tan Kin Lian
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Voting at General Election
97 people responded to the survey to indicate how they will vote at the next general election. The results of the survey can be found at www.easyapps.sg/sgep/latest.aspx.
Risky to invest in gold bars
An investor found that it was risky to invest in a gold bar under this investment scheme and decided to skip the investment. www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Public Speaking Courses | Public Speaking Courses Online | Presentation Skills Course
In fact, the first thing that a public speaking course will teach you is how to be more confident. This is because in a public speaking course, you have to get up in front of people and make a speech. However, the difference between confident public speaking courses and going it alone is that you have the support of your instructor as well as that of your classmates.
Presentation Skills Courses-Overcoming Your Public Speaking Anxiety | Presentation Skills Course
Presentation Skills Courses
While presentation skills courses are generally college level courses, these kinds of classes can be taken on the Internet. Presentation skills courses generally last for a semester, but the great thing about them is that they can be taken from home.
What You Will Learn in a Presentation Skills Course
Because a presentation skills course is more hands-on, you will learn differently than in a class where you study a textbook and take a test. In a presentation skills course, you will be graded and critiqued on how you actually deliver a real presentation.
Criteria to assess world leaders
If you are interested to find out a “better” criterion in assessing the performance of world leaders, you are invited to read the chapter “Conversation with Guru Harry (Part 2)” in Tommy Wong’s book “Wisdom on How to Live Life”.
The book can be ordered here.
Getting medical treatment
Here are some tips to consumers on whether to buy basic Medishield or a private Shield policy to meet the high cost of medical treatment and why a more expensive Shield plan will usually require the consumer to incur a higher co-payment for the medical bill. Read: www.tankinlian.com/latest/aspx.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A few senior moments
As we grow older, it is time to celebrate the occasion - even though we may lose some of our hearing and memory. Here are some humorous situations to laugh at. Go to www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx
Public Speaking Strategies For Success | Presentation Skills Course
Public Speaking Strategies for success
Here are a few public speaking strategies for success that will help you become a more interesting presenter:
Public speaking strategy #1
Start your speech ‘high’ or ‘low.’ These are two ways that you can start a speech that will help you make your point, depending on the subject matter. For example, a motivational speaker will take the approach of starting their speech with what is known as a ‘wake-up call.’ A wake-up call is usually delivered in the form of funny props and loud noises that literally jolt the audience and grabs their attention.
Whole Life vs Term Insurance
Watch this youtube video to explain why you should buy term insurance and invest the difference.
Asking for Advice
Here is a guide for you to seek advice from an adviser on a financial, medical or legal matter. Be prepared to pay a fee for the time spent. You can reduce the time that is spent by doing your homework and presenting the facts in an organised format to the adviser.
You should also follow this guide if you wish to seek free assistance from me under "Ask Mr. Tan". Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
You should also follow this guide if you wish to seek free assistance from me under "Ask Mr. Tan". Read www.tankinlian.com/latest.aspx.
The Notebook Mall
I wanted to have a flat screen monitor for my old PC. I searched www.thenotebookmall.com and found someone willing to sell it at half of the price of a new monitor. He bought the monitor at a PC show and did not use it. The owner was glad to find a buyer. I was glad to have a flat screen monitor at a good price.
Portable mini-projector
I am looking for a portable mini-projector (new or used). It is to be used to project from a notebook to a wall for a small meeting. Any suggestion? Send to kinlian@gmail.com
Buy or rent a property?
This article gives the advantages and disadvantages of owning a property. Many people have the option to rent a property when the prices are too high.
Need to stabilize property prices
A country can be prosperous when the property prices increase, reflecting confidence of the citizens and foreigners in the country. However, this situation can get out of hand, resulting in an asset bubble and property that became priced out of reach of the citizens. This harmful impact is recognized in China, and steps are being taken to address this problem. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said, "“It is the key responsibility of all levels of governments to stabilize housing prices and to guarantee availability of housing”. He did not say that this matter is beyond the control of the government and can be left to the market forces.
A property bubble can also be caused by excessive speculation as the speculators made big profits at the expense of the desperate home owners.
Singapore's prosperity is also largely built on an asset bubble. We have to be prepared for the economic consequences when the bubble burst.
A property bubble can also be caused by excessive speculation as the speculators made big profits at the expense of the desperate home owners.
Singapore's prosperity is also largely built on an asset bubble. We have to be prepared for the economic consequences when the bubble burst.
Free Public Speaking Tips | Public Speaking Tips Online | Presentation Skills Course
Here are a few free public speaking tips you can use right now in everyday situations:
1. Use humor to diffuse a situation
Speech coaches will tell you to use humor in a speech to get the audience’s attention, but you can also use humor in a tense situation (as long as it is tasteful) to lighten the mood. Most people are more open to your ideas when you come across as easy-going.
2. Visualize your audience in their underwear
This is another one of the older public speaking tips, but it does work. It doesn’t mean that you should picture your coworkers in their underwear – just realize that everyone in human; and you shouldn’t be intimidated by someone’s outward demeanor. This is one of the free speaking tips that you can use to build confidence in yourself.
Good free public speaking tips
The Importance Of Public Speaking In The Workplace | Presentation Skills Course
The importance of public speaking in your daily life can never be underestimated. While many people think that public speaking is only useful for politicians when they are running for office, situations where public speaking skills are needed arise much more often than you might think.
Public Speaking Disaster-How Not To Do It! | Presentation Skills Course
Here is a public speaking disaster which is to be avoided at all costs. A good public speaking course will help you to avoid many of the basic mistakes made by Mr. Phil Davison (a holder of a Masters degree in communications) in this video. Mr. Davison did not win his election battle and one would wonder how much impact this video had on the voters in his constituency..
This is some video-how NOT to do public speaking..
Sunday, September 12, 2010
FISCA Talk - Invest for the Long Term
This talk attracted many participants last month. It will now be repeated.
Invest for the long term SMU - School of Business (Seminar Room 3.1 - Level 3)
Date: 25 September 2010, Saturday 03:00 PM
This event is available to all FiSCA members at a special members price of $20. The public can participate at a price of $30 per person. We encourage the public to join as FiSCA members as the annual fee for members is only $36.
An outline of the talk:
Invest for the long term SMU - School of Business (Seminar Room 3.1 - Level 3)
Date: 25 September 2010, Saturday 03:00 PM
This event is available to all FiSCA members at a special members price of $20. The public can participate at a price of $30 per person. We encourage the public to join as FiSCA members as the annual fee for members is only $36.
An outline of the talk:
- Principles of long term investing, compounding and dollar cost averaging
- Earn a better yield by investing in equities
- Reduce risk by investing for the long term in a low cost, diversified fund
- How to access information from the SGX website
- How to get information about ETFs, REITS and blue chip shares (with high dividend yield)
- How to open an account with a stockbroker (using a remisier or an online account)
- Expenses of investing
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