The 3As of Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajKMkIXN1eg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The bonus myths - how paying for results backfire

Read
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=467
Our corporate and government leaders are also paying big bonuses to themselves, based on performance.

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.