Better, faster and more

Someone asked my views about the slogan "cheaper, better and faster" to ensure that the workers in Singapore will continue to have jobs in the competitive global environment.

My first thought was, "this is an innovative slogan". However, on further analysis, I am worried about this slogan. If our workers can be cheaper, better and faster, surely this will lead to more profits. Will the workers have any share in this profit? But the slogan said that the workers will be "cheaper", i.e. earn less.

I think that the slogan should be "better, faster and more". "More" means that the workers can earn more by helping to produce the increased profits when they are "better and faster".

I also believe that there should be a balance between "working harder" and "have a better quality of life". There is no point in working too hard at the expense of health and family.

Tan Kin Lian

Fourth generation leaders

I am disappointed to read that the Prime Minister is searching for a fourth generation team to lead Singapore into the future. Surely the people of Singapore should have a say in this matter?

I think that it is better for a team to be honestly tested in the real life situation and be accepted by the people, rather than to be selected by the current leaders.

The system adopted in many democratic countries offer a better choice of leaders, and a better bond between the leaders and the people.

On a positive note, I am encouraged by the statements of the Prime Minister addressing the concern of the people about the high cost of HDB flats and the high cost of living. I hope that this will be followed some change of policy in these two important aspects of our life.

Tan Kin Lian

Gender of a computer

Read this story.

Improve the last mile in public transport

A short version of this letter was printed in the Straits Times.

Super Sudoku

I have created many very difficult puzzles, which I am naming as Super Sudoku. They are meant for the Sudoku experts. Each puzzle will take an expert more than 30 minutes to solve manually, without the aim of automated solvers.

Here are samples of these puzzles. Take my challenge and see if you can solve them within 30 minutes.

If you like these puzzles, you can order the PDF copy of my books at only $4 per volume. Each book contains 128 puzzles. You can buy a complete set of 4 volumes at $12 only. You will be given the PDF copy and will be allowed to print one copy only.

Observation by David Cherbronnier

David Cherbonnier has made some insightful comments about what is needed to put things right in Singapore. Read his comments here.

Dependent adults - victims or spoiled brats?

Read this article.

And here is my view. They are the results of the failed capitalism and false prosperity (build on asset bubbles) of the past two decades.

Asset prices went up too high. The current generation is affluent. But the next generation cannot afford these prices. And their earnings will be low - due to globalisation, international competition and other reasons. So, they have to depend on the generosity of their parents.

They are not spoiled brats. They are placed in an unfair world. This is largely the fault of the previous generation.