See the big picture

I observe this characteristic among many Singaporeans.

They work very hard and seek a perfect solution to the task that they are responsible for. They define clear boundaries between what each person is responsible for, instead of working as a team to achieve the bigger goal.

Even among government ministries and departments, there is a tendency for each officer to be responsible only for his own area. The public has to run around many departments to get things done.

Let us work more towards the common goal. Let us see the big picture.

Part time work for seniors

I gave a talk to 22 participants at a training program organised by the Center for Seniors.

I encourage them to consider the following option, after their retirement from their current jobs:

* take a part time job
* close to the home, to avoid travelling cost and time
* accept the market rate
* contribute well to the employer
* the employer will value their contribution and pay them more or give them a full time job.

The participants agreed on this approach.

They find a rate of $6.50 to be adequate, and that a rate of $10 to be attractive.

Money market rates are softening

In previous months, I was able to get a return of slightly more than 3% on my savings in the money market.

I read that the interbank rates have dropped by 0.5% during the past month. This means that the return on the money market will also fall. Fixed deposit rates have also dropped by about 1% during the past month.

I will still keep my savings in the money market fund, as I do not wish to invest in the stock and property market at the current high level.

Walk down Orchard Road at night

I hosted a dinner at Orchard Hotel. After the dinner, I walked down Orchard Road to the MRT station. It took about 10 minutes.

I saw some interesting sights of that stretch of Orchard Road, as I passed by some bars and karaoke lounges. These are experiences of a tourist, which is usually missed by Singaporeans who drive.

If you have the chance, do walk down Orchard Road.

Tribute To Our Pioneers and Unsung Heroes

The services of volunteers are often taken for granted.

It is refreshing to have people like Dr. Lee Kum Tatt to acknowledge and show appreciation to those who had worked with him, honorary and voluntarily, and contributed to make Singapore what it is today. The satisfaction and joy derived from such activities is something that money cannot buy.

The message is to have more people to continue to serve others as one of the important missions of our lives for the good of our future generations if not for Singapore.

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Tan Kin Lian

Expensive taxi ride

I took a taxi from Stamford Road to Orchard Hotel. It cost me $7.70, inclusive of the CBD surcharge. I find it to be too expensive for such a short journey.

I wanted to take a bus, but I could not find a bus that takes me close to the destination.

Better to take public transport

I drove to Cricket Club for a lunch and to Changi Road for a meeting.

My experience?

* the traffic is congested at the Central Expressway and in town
* I could not find a parking space at or near the building in Changi Road

My conclusion: better to use public transport or taxis. It has less hassle.