Appreciation dinner for Chiam See Tong

I attended the appreciation dinner for Chiam See Tong last night. He has been active in politics for 35 years and, like J B Jeyaretnam, was a "beacon for democracy" in Singapore. It is an impressive record and showed a man of conviction, determination and love for Singapore. Admirable.

International Exposure - ICMIF

Here is a message from a former colleague:

Dear Mr. Tan,
I also hope for a President who will truly promote an inclusive society which does not over-emphasise elitism, status and wealth.

Last but no least, I believe a President will be a face of Singapore, besides the Prime Minister and his cabinet, with which the international community will respect and relate.  I recalled you have held top positions in international insurance bodies in the past so I believe you will be able to fulfil the role of the President of Singapore well.


Here are the facts from www.tankinlian.com
From 1992 to 1997, I was the chairman of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation, an international organisation representing 123 insurance groups in 65 countries. (www.icmif.org).   The total assets of the members of this international federation totalled USD 1.5 trillion (which is probably larger than the total reserves of Singapore). They employed a total of 260,000 people. More details can be found here: http://www.icmif.org/who-we-are  

New projects need money

In this article, the writer points out the many promises that the Government has made before and after the election. The projects will cost a lot of money and need to may draw down on the past reserves. It is important for the elected President to be able to scrutinize which projects are necessary and good for the people, and which are unnecessary and waste of money. Do you agree?

Certificate of Eligibility

It is quite difficult to fill up the form to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility, especially for an applicant (like me) who has to seek for approval under the special category of a comparable position. I have to provide the financial figures and other detailed information for four years (i.e. 2003 to 2006) and be careful not to make any mistake.

I also have to get certificate from the company secretary and the auditors and make a statement before the commission of oaths. I also have to get three referees to give a testimony of my character. Running around to get other people to sign the statements and documents is a big hassle. They are busy people, so I have to make appointments. And I am also busy!

I have to fill up the form in three separate copies (and be careful not to make a mistake). I don't know why the election department accept my application form in one copy and make photocopies for the three person committee to study. (Maybe, they do not realize that a photocopy machine exists!).

This is why I have still not been able to submit my application for the certificate of eligibility yet.

Tan Kin Lian