Reduce tax on "green cars"

A friend told me that environmentally friendly "green cars" are more fuel efficient. There is a potential saving of 25% on fuel.

With high prices, we should encourage "green cars" on our roads.

However, there is an obstacle. Due to our tax system, "green cars" cost about $20,000 more than the conventional cars.

With an average monthly consumption of $200 in petrol, the monthly saving is only $50. It will take 30 years to recover the additional cost of the green car.

In the USA, green cars cost about S$5000 more than conventional cars. It will take less than 10 years to recover the investment.

I suggest that our tax system in Sigapore should be reviewed and a lower tax burden be placed on "green cars". This will encourage more people to use "green cars" and save on petrol.

Silence not golden for shareholders

Today (18 April) has this headline: "Silence not golden for shareholders".

It says, "As the Commercial Affairs Department investigates corporate wrongdoing, silence prevails, leaving investors in the cold".

The CAD is investing Accord Customer Care Service and Citiraya. In both cases, shareholders have not been informed about the nature of the investigations. The uncertainty has dragged on for several weeks. It is not clear whether the company or CAD should be releasing updates.

My friend told me that, in the USA, they have a faster way to resolve these issues. Action is taken quickly, and the issue is settled within a short time. In some cases, the CEO gets replaced quite quickly. In other cases, the matter is settled.

I hope that the authority in Singapore can find a way to resolve these issues more promptly.

Vehicle Navigation System

I installed a Vehicle Navigation system in my car. It cost about S$1,500.

It works well. The system allows me to set the destination. It guides me along the way. It shows the roads to take and when to turn. It is easy to use and quite reliable.

I will look for a way to help to introduce this system more widely in Singapore. I may buy a few units and offer it as a lucky draw prize for owners who insure their vehicle with us. I may offer a discounted price for our motorists.

Abusive customers

In recent years, an increasing proportion of customers are getting to be impatient, rude, abusive, demanding and unreasonable. Some employees do not want to work in the frontline to face customers.

This situation appears to happen in other countries as well. Recently, I was in Healthrow Airport. I saw a sign at the Information Desk. It goes along this line:

"Our customer service officers will do their best to serve you. Please do not abuse them. It is our duty to protect our employees. We will take legal action against any customer who harrass our employees".

Financial Planning for All

Many people need financial planning.

They have to make supplementary savings for their retirement. In many countries, the savings in national and company schemes are inadequate. As jobs become less stable, many people need to change their jobs several times during the working life. This makes personal savings more important.

I have recorded an interview to give educational advice on financial planning. This can be found in www.income.coop. Click on "Ask Mr Tan".

Bus from Heathrow to Oxford

I took a bus from Heathrow to Oxford. The cost was Pds 15 for a single trip. When I returned, I paid another Pds 15.

I asked the driver what was the return fare. It was Pds 18. So, I paid Pds 12 extra by buying two single tickets.

Lesson: ask about the return price, before you start the firt leg of the journey. If there is great value, it is better to buy a return ticket. Even if you do not use it, you can sell it to another person!

Visit to Dubai

I visited Dubai. It was my first visit.

I was amazed at the development of Dubai. It is like Singapore, but using 21st century technology.

They are building many new cities, such as media city, internet city, knowledge village, etc. They get the international companies to be based there. The Dubai Marina is a grand residential city, and is nearly completed.

They are also building several large residential projects, such as Palm Jumeria, The World. These are built on reclaimed land in the Gulf. The scale of these projects is tremendous. Each has over 5,000 new residential houses and apartments.

My friend who live in Dubai said that the transport system is not adequately planned. I think that the Dubai planners will also find a 21st century solution to this issue. They have the vision and will to do it.

It is an exciting international city.