The Singapore Recalcitrant

This blog has many well written articles about the social and political situation in Singapore.

Why I joined the Opposition - Gerald Giam

My friends in the PAP tell me that it is more effective to change Singapore from within the PAP than from outside.

I believe that changes to the finer details of policies are possible from within, but fundamental changes to the way the country is governed can only come if the top echelon of leaders in the party either radically change their mind, or are replaced.

Neither is about to happen anytime soon.

http://geraldgiam.sg/2010/01/why-i-joined-the-opposition/

Quality of Life Index

According to this report, Singapore ranked 70th in the Quality of Life Index by International Living. Singapore needs to improve its ranking to be a good place to live in, for its citizens.

France topped the list, followed by Australia, Switzerland, Germany and New Zealand. This is explained here.

Market correction?

Read this report.

China based Singapore listed firms

Read this report about the S-chips.

Social studies - a compulsory subject

The Ministry of Education is making social studies into a compulsory subject. This is helpful in getting our young to be more social responsible and less self-centered (or selfish).

I suggest that a more important step is to reduce the competition in the school to go for the top places and win scholarships. This competition is unhealthy and brings negative consequences. My views are elaborated here.

I believe that a better approach is to educate our young to be literate, numerate, have social skills and character. We can find the leaders after they start work and solve real life problems. This view is shared by many people in this survey.

Ethical financial consultants

There are ethical consultants and bad consultants in the financial services field. The ethical consultants offer advice and products that are in the best interest of their clients. The bad consultants think of their own benefit and offer products that give bad value to their clients.

The tied consultants can only offer the products that are available to them to be sold. If they work for a financial institution that offer ethical products (i.e. transparent and fairly priced), they can earn a honest living. However, if the financial institution designs products that are meant to deceive or mislead the consumers, the consultants face a dilemma. Do they act ethically, in the interest of their clients, and avoid these products? Alternatively, do they sell these products, as they are "bribed" with attractive commissions?

It depends on the ethical and moral values of each individual consultant. Some are upright, but others are not. In our current market environment, it is more likely to find an bad consultant - but there are good ones around.

Some consumers will trust consultants that they know personally. However, there are many cases of such consultants betraying the trust and taking their friends for a ride. If you are not able to differentiate between an ethical or bad consultant, it is best to avoid them altogether.

Tan Kin Lian