MrTan Kin Lian :Leadership Guided by Values

Seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be received prior to confirmation of your seat.
Please make your cheque payable to “Marketing Institute of Singapore”.

Leaders have to make decisions and bring their followers
along with them. Good leadership is important in
business as well as in society. Good decisions will lead to
sustainable business models that have impact over a long
time and contribute to the well being of the enterprise.
A set of values can be the guide to make good decisions.
When leaders are able to articulate these values that
can be understood and accepted by the followers, the
decisions that are taken will be consistent with the values
and will have long term impact on the business.

The speaker Mr Tan Kin Lian will explain the set of
values that he has adopted in building a large business
organisation over a period of 30 years.
Mr Tan Kin Lian qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in
1975. He joined NTUC Income in 1977 as the Chief Executive Officer.
During a period of 30 years, he built up the business, assets and
sphere of influence.
From a base of $28 million, the total assets increased to over $17
billion as the time of his retirement on 1 March 2008. NTUC Income
is a leading life and general insurance co-operative in Singapore.
From 1992 to 1997, he was Chairman of the International Cooperative
and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF), an international
organisation representing 123 insurance groups in 65 countries.
Mr Tan was conferred the Friend of Labor Award in 1978, the Public
Service Medal in 1983, the Rochdale Medal Award in 1992, the
Financial Personality of the Year Award in 2000, the 2001 International
Management Action Award, the Public Service Star in 2004, Leading
CEO Award 2005 and the Friend of I.T in 2007.


27 JULY 2011, WEDNEsday
6.30pm - 9.00pm @ Rock Auditorium
(3 Temasek Boulevard #03-063/065 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983)
Member: $15 • Non-Member: $30
Guest Speaker: Tan Kin Lian
Tel: 6327 7593 / 592 I Email: membership@mis.org.sg I Website: www.mis.org.sg/membership
MIS Members enjoy free entry when they register with 2 non-members

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Thank you.



Tan Kin Lian

www.tkl2011.com

www.facebook.com/kinlian

www.tankinlian.com

www.tankinlian.blogspot.com


http://youtu.be/hQNIfDSteLA

Does the President have freedom of speech under the constitution?
www.youtube.com
Tan Kin Lian answers this question at Supporters' Gathering on 23 July 2011: Does the President have freedom of speech under the constitution? Other Q&A Vide...

Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Insight into Tan Kin Lian

This article writes about the history and values of Tan Kin Lian.

http://alexbinich.blogspot.com/2007/03/lord-of-dance.html

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Kin Lian: Fear of responsibility a serious problem
by Tanya Fong
04:46 AM Jul 28, 2011
SINGAPORE - At his first public talk since he put his name forward to contest in the Presidential Election, former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian yesterday cited Singaporeans' fear of taking responsibility as a "serious problem".

Mr Tan, who has said that his presidential campaign will be guided by his "personal values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service", was delivering a talk at the Marketing Institute of Singapore themed "Leadership Guided By Values".

During the question-and-answer session, Mr Tan was asked by an audience member how would he be able to "influence the political and economic climate of Singapore" through his leadership

Mr Tan replied that many people who approach him for help "find that I'm very different".

He said: "I take over and help them as best as I can. Sometimes I can't handle it but they know that I'll take over and ask someone else for help to find a solution."

Mr Tan noted that, too often, people finger-point rather than take responsibility.

He then gave an anecdote of how a Singaporean approached the police for help with another resident whose car was making a lot of noise every morning. The person was told by the police to approach the Land Transport Authority (LTA) instead, said Mr Tan.

He pointed out that the police should have taken over the complaint and sorted it out internally with LTA, so that the resident did not have to "run all over the place".

Adding that Singaporeans' fear of taking responsibility leads to the fear of making decisions, Mr Tan reiterated that values such as trust, honesty and courage are important for self-improvement.

Mr Tan said that these were the values that guided him in his 30-year tenure at NTUC Income, where he began his career in 1977. Instead of bowing to pressure to overcharge customers, he said, the insurance cooperative adopted a different business model by offering good products to customers, keeping operating costs low and reducing commission to agents while helping them to earn more through productivity.

He noted that the model helped NTUC Income grow to a large organisation with over one million customers and assets of S$17 billion.

Presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian. TODAY FILE PHOTO



talkback
1 - 3 of 19 responses to "Kin Lian: Fear of responsibility a serious problem"

Updated 05:59 PM July 28, 2011
I can never get it, this constant harping by TKL about wanting to be a voice of the people.

If TKL had truly wanted to speak for the people, then he ought to have run in the last GE2011. As a MP, there are established mechanisms to tap people's views e.g. meet-the-people sessions, parliamentary debates.

Why didn't TKL run for MP? All he did was to make guest appearances and speeches at SDP and NSP rallies. For those who heard him speak (look up Youtube), please assess honestly whether he is cut out to become our President.

George Yeo
Updated 05:25 PM July 28, 2011
It is very very obvious that the PAP govt is trying its best to 'gun down' TKL by using its proxies - including even university professors.

It is a load of rubbish to insist that the EP has to be apolitical in order to perform his duties. Although the present govt received only 60% of the vote it is performing none the less, although 40% of the voters are decided against it.

It is typically Machiavellian behaviour of the PAP to create the EP requiring the people of Singapore to vote him in, yet he is not supposed to speak and represent them in issues that greatly involve and affect them! Why not when the so called people's rep are not doing their job and are allowing themselves to be the rubber stamp of the govt, ignoring the interest of the people. Then there is also the issue of pork barrel politics of the PAP -sing the country's money to LITERALLY buy votes from naive and ignorant voters. The govt has NO MORAL AUTHORITY or STANDING to tell the EP what he can and cannot do. It is hypocritical behaviour.
The GRC system results in scores of PAP MPs entering parliament without the real support of the people. This is well known, no need to dwell on it here.

Any time Singaporeans would be better off with TKL than either TT or TCB. TKL gets my vote. BUT, I believe the govt would pull out all the stops to prevent him for entering the race or winning. LKY and his cronies are known for their dirty tricks, and TKL is indeed very brave to step into the ring for our sake.

Sam
Updated 04:27 PM July 28, 2011
Simple> Uh what did Nathan ever do as president anyway?

All these attacks on TKL... guess ppl are afraid he's going to get elected over Oil slick Tony.

Simple
Updated 04:23 PM July 28, 2011
I respect Tan KL for his help to some sggrieved mini-bonds investors. But he still has to share publicly why he chose the presidential over the recent political election to further his opposing views on government policies which he propounded at rallies of opposition party. Comparatively, the presidency route is more glamorous and less ardous. Is he motivated by these factors?

SIMPLE
Updated 04:11 PM July 28, 2011
I respect Tan KL for championing some aggrieved investors in the Mini-bongs saga. But that act of public service alone is not sufficient to qualify him to be a potential presidential. Apart from that and some sound-good speeches, not much is known about him, his character, temperament, and ambition. While I share many of his critical views of specific government policies in the media, at rallies of oppostion parties and his proclaimation to continue to do so if elected as president, I am doubtful of his choice of the presidential over the recent political election to further the cause and his push for political changes. The parliamentary route is comparatively more ardous and less glamourous but is the appropriate one for his purpose and even to push for a more robust presidential role. The use of the presidential platform to oppose the govertment is both disruptive and divisive for the country. Having said that, he is a more preferred candidate by default versus PAP-connected ones.

Mmm
Updated 02:13 PM July 28, 2011
But tan kin lian IS that ugly to begin with .....lol

Not Endorsed - Funny Pictures
Updated 02:06 PM July 28, 2011
ShittyTimes, Toaday, Mediacorpse - all mouthpiece / proPAPganda machine of the Lee Dynasty take it upon themselves to put up the worse, ugliest, funnies, caricatures of anyone that would run against their person of choice in any elections.

CheeSoonJuan / Chiam See Tong / JBJ and now TanKinLian pictures have been chosen to show them in the weirdest gesture, or criminal looking, or gaunt and old.

The EDITORS OF ALL THESE MEDIA should go to **** for their corrupt use of power.


Sniper
Updated 01:55 PM July 28, 2011
My experience was with the MP at the "meet the people session" in Sembawang, which I'm grateful to this day.

I reported my problem to the MP Mr Khaw. The case was originated as a "Seller and Buyer" dispute which was ended up in the small claims tribunal.

He listened very seriously. He didn't redirect me to police or CASE or anywhere. But advised me to wait one day for a phone call.

The next day I received a call from the "Ministry of Law". In short the case was satisfactorily settled and both parties were happy.

Why I'm writing this?

Please know : On this little red dot there are many people who love their people and country more than each of us would claim to be. They don't want to see their country insecure.

Every morning please kneel infront your alter and pray:

1. I shall develop empathy, kidness and love to all mankind and beings.

2. I shall be patient to everyone all the times, and

3. I shall keep in my heart and accomplish forgiveness to all.

Yoru mind will be at peace and serenity and your God will look after you wherever you are, whatever you are doing, and success will be there right infront of you.


Soong See Choo
Updated 01:19 PM July 28, 2011
For respect to the request by the organiser of the event nt toask anything regarding the Presidential Election , the original full question posed was condensed from this version to the one below. Real original version read : Mr, Tan Kin Lian, in the coming weeks mare Singaporeans look to you for your unique take on how the Presidential Election will shape up. What I like best about your blog is that you bring very up-to-date local political decisions, happenings and policies afeect each and every one of us .
Too often people are rigid on their style and flexible on their principles - the exact opposite of what you recommend.
Mr Tan, tell us, in what elegance way are you able to influence the ruling party (changed to "business climate and political climate") of Singapore for better governance through your leadership guided by values which you have share and presented so clearly this evening?

talkback
11 - 19 of 19 responses to "Kin Lian: Fear of responsibility a serious problem"
Soong See Choo
Updated 01:10 PM July 28, 2011
Here is the question posed to Tan Kin Lian in full:" Too often people are rigid on their style and flexible on their principles - the exact opposite of what you recommend. Mr Tan, tell us, in what elegance way are you able to influence the business climate and political climate of Singapore for better governance through your leadership guided by values which you have share and presented so clearly this evening? "

georgia tong
Updated 11:51 AM July 28, 2011
Govt sector is famous for their re-directing. Even within the same board / dept - they still will redirect you instead of finding out or get the person to call you back.

They can even get basic customer service pointer right. So don;t talk about taking responsibility. Definitely not their cup of tea.

Simply Disgusting
Updated 11:21 AM July 28, 2011
I agree it is not the fear of responsibility.

It is the simply COMPLETE ABSENCE of responsible responsibility. Look ! So glaring as hugh broad daylight - the leaders DO NOT OWN up to owning the responsibility of failing to handle the problem of floods, the problem of overspending of YOG budget, the problem of packed trains, skyhigh home prices etc.

Which Leader had SINCERELY done so - to admit straight directly from the bottom of his heart, that he has humbly failed. Even apologies are slanted..

And look, didnt someone just claimed Singaporeans 'ARE THRIVING'. Shockingly, what is THAT? Who is thriving? How is he thriving?

Goodness me, am I a child or what !!

De Leviathan @ Sg
Updated 11:15 AM July 28, 2011
For roles and responsibilities of the EP, these could be and are defined by the Constitution.

When its "Voice of the People" ... The Constitution would not be able to define this, or rather dictate the "scope" of what people want to say freely.

Obviously, the EP will be intelligent enough to reflect the "Voice of the People" only relating to his "Roles and responsibilities". Certainly, this should not be a "minority" voice. Whether or not the EP will "go wrong" whilst speaking up, it is a performance issue. Choose one who is logically with the right "values".

Due to "structural issues" with governance as pointed out by Mr Tan KL, is it then necessary to see where the thin line falls between the role and responsibilities of the Govt with "executive powers" and those of the EP with "custodial powers"? Our Govt now wants to keep them separate and distinct.

So if MPs and the Govt., given the "executive" powers; chose to "ignore" or "keep quiet", should the EP then speaks up as ""Voice of the People", while representing the majority (both technically, as empowered by the people's votes; and practically, as collecting and representing people's views)

Next is whether the Constitution should give the EP a "leeway" to say more outside his "authorised" roles and responsibilities which are defined by the Constitution. Again, if the Govt refuses to amend the Constitution in this respect, can the EP raise this up openly?

Soong See Choo
Updated 10:15 AM July 28, 2011
Tan Kin Lian is one unique personality who can help unite present government and Singaporeans to weather the dark storms ahead with values of sincere honesty, human-center fairness, positive attitude, courage to stand up in altruitic community service spirit, not to enrich oneself but to enhance others quality of life. I endorse him as next Singapore President with respect and honesty.

Sam
Updated 09:18 AM July 28, 2011
At least TKL won't be like Nathan, the bo-sia president, who just bent over or close one eye to the MIW.
Report Abuse
Pathetic
Updated 09:09 AM July 28, 2011
It is not the fear of responsibility!! It is the lack of taking responsibilities by the authorities who is creating the frustration in its people!!

Darren
Updated 08:01 AM July 28, 2011
Mr Tan KL has spoken out truely of what many felt. He has a correct principle in handling of daily issues by authorities that we faced. It is therefore important to have an honest leader to lead those given the duties to look after the people of our nation and exercise fairness and willingness to serve.
I believe he makes a good choice for the coming EP. Lets make our own future and choose a leader with honesty and strong believe that our predecesors have. This is the chance that we may have to re-build our nation for peace and stability for all our people.

Alan
Updated 07:35 AM July 28, 2011
He said: "I take over and help them as best as I can. Sometimes I can't handle it but they know that I'll take over and ask someone else for help to find a solution."
Mr Tan noted that, too often, people finger-point rather than take responsibility.
He then gave an anecdote of how a Singaporean approached the police for help with another resident whose car was making a lot of noise every morning. The person was told by the police to approach the Land Transport Authority (LTA) instead, said Mr Tan.
He pointed out that the police should have taken over the complaint and sorted it out internally with LTA, so that the resident did not have to "run all over the place".
Don’t do anything about it?

Source from links :
http://www.todayonline.com/TalkBack/Singapore/EDC110728-0000076/Kin-Lian--Fear-of-responsibility-a-serious-problem


http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110728-0000076/Kin-Lian--Fear-of-responsibility-a-serious-problem


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Two candidates, two approaches
by Ng Jing Yng
04:46 AM Jul 23, 2011

In contrast, former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian yesterday publicly called on Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to "take urgent steps to revamp the public transport system in Singapore by increasing the capacity and encouraging more effective competition among the public transport operators".

In recent years, Mr Tan Kin Lian has suggested ways to improve public transport. Yesterday, he also asked the authorities to give "urgent consideration" to his earlier proposals, including greater regulation.

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Elected president can be voice of the people

ASSISTANT Professor Wan Wai Yee ('Don't politicise role of president'; last Thursday) argued that the president should stay within the powers of the Constitution and avoid 'politicising' its role. However, she did not explain what she meant by 'politicising'.

If someone offers a view that is different from the stand taken by the Government, will it be considered 'politicising'? To find solutions that are best for the people, it is better to openly discuss issues and consider various points of view, before coming to a decision.

The Government and the president are elected by the people to perform their duties as stated in the Constitution - but the ultimate aim is to improve the lives of the people. The president is required to carry out certain specific duties that are intended to act as a check and balance on the Government, primarily to prevent abuse of power and corrupt practices.

To exercise this power effectively, the president needs to be in touch with ordinary people who are affected directly by these issues. In doing so, the president may hear views that fall outside of his constitutional duties but are still important to the people.

I agree with Prof Wan that it is the primary duty of Parliament to discuss these issues and pass the necessary laws to implement the solutions. We should, however, be aware of the structural weaknesses in our current governance where, for a variety of reasons, many of the hot-button issues affecting the livelihoods of the people were not actively debated in Parliament. It was only days prior to the last general election that the Prime Minister realised the extent of the people's unhappiness and apologised twice for the shortcomings of his government.

It is likely that the newly elected Parliament will continue to face the same structural issues and obstacles.

The elected president can play a useful role in being an additional channel for the people to bring legitimate issues to the attention of the Government. To regain the trust of the people and restore pride in our country, the Government has to show that it is willing to hear the voice of the people and consider their views. The elected president can help in these tasks.

Tan Kin Lian

The high cost of living. It is not sufficient for the Government to explain that the higher prices are due to external factors. The people expect the Government to find effective ways to deal with this problem. This is what voters elected the Government to do. What can the current Government do about the high cost of living in Singapore?