Signs at MRT stations

I am confused with the Exit and Way Out signs at MRT stations. What do they mean, and why two different descriptions? Are they put up by two separate agencies, i.e. LTA and SMRT - each want their own way?



Here are the signs captured in the same station - City Hall.

Tan Kin Lian

Security checks at buildings

The security checks at most buildings in Singapore are carried out mindlessly. They require visitors to queue up, pass their ID for scanning or recording (or retention) and are given a visitors pass. They have to return the visitors pass to get back their ID on leaving the building.

This is intended for security but is tiresome for visitors. I am sure that a terrorist will know how to bypass the security checks. Even if a terrorist comes to the security desk, he is likely to be allowed through as the guards are too busy with paperwork.

I found an exception at Republic Plaza. They implemented an effective and hassle free security checks. The people working there use a pass to go through the gantry gates. The visitors go to a gantry next to the security desk and tell the guard where they are going.  The security guard talk to the visitor and look into the eye. This is a better way to identify a terrorist (and not record his ID).

Well done to Republic Plaza.



Tan Kin Lian

SIA charge higher fares originating from Singapore

Dear Mr. Tan

I read  your comments about the fee of $150 to process a refund, which you said is excessive. I agree with your views.

I like to bring up another point of Singapore Airlines. They charge a high fare for a trip from Singapore to another destination, say X, when the fare from X to Singapore is much lower. Why should SIA charge more in fare ex-Singapore? Are they trying to get naive Singaporeans to pay more, out of ignorance or loyalty to our national airline?

REPLY
I agree with your views. In the past, I was not able to find out the fares of other airlines, so I pay the fare charged by SIA.
I have since found a good website that shows the fares of various airlines. This website is easy to use. I am now able to find out easily, if there are better fares offered by other airlines. I can also find the total travel time, and the options of arrival and departure times.
Now that I have a convenient choice, SIA will have to offer better terms, before I fly with them again.
 The website is: www.webjet.com.sg

Bias in reporting in St Times

Read a view from a reader in SGEP

Scam e-mail

Sometimes, you get this type of message from someone you know. It is a scam. The scammer stole the email address and send this message to the contact list.

Really hope you get this on time, very sorry I did not inform you about my trip to Spain, at present I'm in Barcelona and  I'm facing some difficulties here because I misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept. I need you to assist me with a loan of 2850 euros to settle my hotel bills and to get myself back home. I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively, I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with, I'll refund the money back to immediately I return, let me know if you can be of any help as soon as you can. I don't have a phone where I can be reached. Please let me know immediately.

 

Pinnacle Notes Series 5

Kin Lian,
Finally some good news for Pinnacle Notes Series 5. Pinnalce Notes Series 5 which is CDO product matured on 12 April 2011 and customer recieved 100% of their principal plus interest. For your update.


REPLY
Congratulations!

Financial Savvy Test #23

Take a test of your financial knowledge by answering the questions below. You can find the answer from www.tankinlian.com/information.aspx - type in the keyword to search for the relevant FAQ

1. What is a low cost investment fund? Keyword: low cost investment fund
2. How can I invest my accumulated savings for my lifetime needs? Keyword: accumulated savings

What is a Paralegal? | Careers In Law

Paralegals work under the supervision of a lawyer and can be found in private and public law practices, government and state offices and practically anywhere you will find a lawyer providing legal services.

Even though a paralegal will have many of the skills and training of an attorney, and in many situations much more experience, paralegals cannot act as lawyers or hold themselves out as attorneys.(See also types of lawyers and careers in law)

So they will have no right of audience in court, cannot give legal advice or swear/witness legal documents.

Paralegal training

via careersinlaw.org

Higher stamp duty for PR and non-residents

Hi Mr. Tan
I understand that more then 30% of buyer in our property are foreigner.
I not against foreigner from buy our property, but I against foreigner HOT money from speculating in  property and hence drive up property price.
Since we have a seller stamp duty, why can the GOV impose a higher stamp duty to curb foreigner from flipping our property. Just addition 5% on-top of the currently stamp duty I think would stamp out most of these unwanted short term activity.
I hope the GOV would consider benefit of its citizens first. Do not forget the people who entrust them with this power in the first place.
Low

Types of Lawyers | Different Types of Lawyers | Careers In Law

Criminal defense law

Criminal law careers will break down into criminal prosecution or criminal defense work where you would be the defense attorney seeking to defend the legal rights of your client who is being prosecuted for a criminal offense. See also careers in law.

Civil law

While civil law is a huge categorisation including business and commercial law, property, wills and probate, litigation, environmental, employment, divorce/custody, family law, personal injuries, contract, real estate, immigration, constitutional, refugee law and many other areas.

Commercial law

Commercial law, whilst falling under the civil law category, also offers a huge range of legal careers in such areas as intellectual property, bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate restructuring/takeovers, partnership, small and large business, consumer law and many others.

via careersinlaw.org

Singapore Airlines and refund fee

Singapore Airlines levy a refund fee that is excessive. Read this letter in TKL website or click here.

FISCA - articles and talks

You can visit the new website of FISCA here: http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=5
There are several interesting articles on financial matters available to the public (click on Information tab). There are also two education al talks on investments and financial planning (click on Event tab) that are sponsored by SGX.