Authoritarian governance - not the best way?
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Last month i went to Taipei, a under a supposed "inferior form of governance" for a short holiday, I was surprised that it was better than Singapore in many ways.
1.The streets are relatively free of litter despite the fact it does not have fines for littering.
2. The transport system is relatively good and cheaper than Singapore.
a) The bus has a Flat fee of 15 Yuan ($0.70) which you can take from one end to another end.
b) MRT fare starts from 20 Yuan ($0.95)
There can be further discounts if you use an Ez link card like Singapore.
3. The service standard is better. The sales staff are polite and every 7-11 Store you go, they would greet you with "Huan Yin Kuan Ling" This could be due to cultural influence from Japanese.
4. The Taiwanese give seats to elderly readily. When using escalators, people naturally keep to one side, to give way to those who want to climb. When entering the MRT doors, the people give way to passengers who are leaving.
5. Because Taiwanese do not legislate laws at their whim and fancies, the authorities are better at persuading its people to change. They get celebrities like Jolin Tsai and Lin Yilain to record Radio ads to persuade people to give seats to elderly.
6. Taiwan has a more entrepreneur friendly environment. Because they are a little more chaotic, itÂ’s easier to set up a street stall and be rich from doing small business. In Singapore, the hawkers and shops owners give most of their takings away in rent. Its also easier and cheaper to make your business known as billboards are plastered all over the country.
7. Taipei is the first Asian city that has a comprehensive wireless nationwide network while Singapore is playing catch-up.
Can “good governance” produce these results? Or when the day “good governance” cannot fine our people, the country will be filled with litter? -
china under communist law is better than Sg.
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Taiwan money use $NT, not yuan.
Plus, Taipei mrt got a one-day unlimited ticket for 100NT.
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Yup, but what is written on their note is called Yuan.Originally posted by NUS_Superst@r:Taiwan money use $NT, not yuan.
Plus, Taipei mrt got a one-day unlimited ticket for 100NT. -
Ya but we buy things in Taiwan, we say 20NT, no one ever says 20 yuan. Sound weird.Originally posted by kilua:Yup, but what is written on their note is called Yuan.
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dude, its call yuan...everyone in taiwan calls their money "yuan" or "xin tai pi"Originally posted by NUS_Superst@r:Ya but we buy things in Taiwan, we say 20NT, no one ever says 20 yuan. Sound weird.
dun try to act as though u know.. -
I've been there last December for a 5 days tour in Taiwan.
A very good country. No tall buildings and the attitude there towards customers is excellent.
As usual, no where is perfect. My tour guide in a few instances started to talk about their country. He started to scold and criticize his government. Citing that his country every year has a poll. He mention that the finance minister is a nut promoted just because he helped the president before. Usually, he will say until he get worked up and he say needs a rest. LoL. -
In english, it is called NT. CCB, I live in Taiwan for 1 year plus, you think I dumb or what.
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Well, here the gov suck you dry no matter what the fark you do for a living...
People here aren't so gracious because of the not so gracious policies and rules people here has to live with year in year out... hence moulded to the mentality of 'No Free Lunches', 'Nobody Owes Anybody Anything', and "Gotta Be First, or Number One' in all daily routines - therefore no govong way to others.
Character of a society, tells on its government and governance style. -
Well, here the gov suck you dry no matter what the fark you do for a living...
People here aren't so gracious because of the not so gracious policies and rules people here has to live with year in year out... hence moulded to the mentality of 'No Free Lunches', 'Nobody Owes Anybody Anything', and "Gotta Be First, or Number One' in all daily routines - therefore no giving way to others.
Character of a society, tells on its government and governance style. -
Not really leh, the well to do and politicians won't be sucked dry. As a result of the recent tax cuts, they pay less tax now, they getting richer.Originally posted by ShutterBug:Well, here the gov suck you dry no matter what the fark you do for a living...
People here aren't so gracious because of the not so gracious policies and rules people here has to live with year in year out... hence moulded to the mentality of 'No Free Lunches', 'Nobody Owes Anybody Anything', and "Gotta Be First, or Number One' in all daily routines - therefore no giving way to others.
Character of a society, tells on its government and governance style.
After 41 years of progress, we work more hours than we used to, we have more stress than we used to, we have less married couples than we used to, we have less children than we used to and we make less than what we used to.
Since 1965 to 2005, price levels have gone up 300%, an average salary of $800 in 1965, would be equivalent to $2,400 in today's term. I wonder how many folks get $2,400 working in Macdonalds or cleaning public toilets. -
2.pl assess a country as a Set menu,or as a package.Always look at both sidesOriginally posted by kilua:Last month i went to Taipei, a under a supposed "inferior form of governance" for a short holiday, I was surprised that it was better than Singapore in many ways.
1.The streets are relatively free of litter despite the fact it does not have fines for littering.
................
Can “good governance” produce these results? Or when the day “good governance” cannot fine our people, the country will be filled with litter?
of the coin.
3.If you have talked to more people in Taiwan,then you will
know more.I wont say more.Pl find out yourself.
4.read more Taiwan News direct
. -
Pardon me but I don't quite agree with your statement.Originally posted by maurizio13:Not really leh, the well to do and politicians won't be sucked dry. As a result of the recent tax cuts, they pay less tax now, they getting richer.
After 41 years of progress, we work more hours than we used to, we have more stress than we used to, we have less married couples than we used to, we have less children than we used to and we make less than what we used to.
Since 1965 to 2005, price levels have gone up 300%, an average salary of $800 in 1965, would be equivalent to $2,400 in today's term. I wonder how many folks get $2,400 working in Macdonalds or cleaning public toilets.
The tax cuts, in the long term, helped the poor very much.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/ESVPortal/iit/iit-se-a1.1.15+tax+rates+for+resident+individuals.asp
From the first $7500pa being taxed at 2% on 1997 to the current first $20,000pa tax free. In another words, in 1997, you are being taxed from the first dollar that you earn. Now, you are able to earn $20,000 ($1,666 per month) without paying any tax. What's more, with so many tax relief, you practically can earn up to $25,000 (depends) without be taxed.
Just a question, have you studied tax before?
Working more hours, more stress and less married couples is very true but I though this is a big problem globally? When we get more and more advance, this things will happen?
As for the third statement, not everything has raise till 300%? Pardon me if you are just trying to give a rough estimation to make your point. -
Does 33% CPF ring a bell in terms of "indirect taxation?"Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:Pardon me but I don't quite agree with your statement.
The tax cuts, in the long term, helped the poor very much.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/ESVPortal/iit/iit-se-a1.1.15+tax+rates+for+resident+individuals.asp
From the first $7500pa being taxed at 2% on 1997 to the current first $20,000pa tax free. In another words, in 1997, you are being taxed from the first dollar that you earn. Now, you are able to earn $20,000 ($1,666 per month) without paying any tax. What's more, with so many tax relief, you practically can earn up to $25,000 (depends) without be taxed.
Just a question, have you studied tax before?
Working more hours, more stress and less married couples is very true but I though this is a big problem globally? When we get more and more advance, this things will happen?
As for the third statement, not everything has raise till 300%? Pardon me if you are just trying to give a rough estimation to make your point. -
x10 My friend told me many +ive this abt taipeiOriginally posted by kilua:Last month i went to Taipei, a under a supposed "inferior form of governance" for a short holiday, I was surprised that it was better than Singapore in many ways.
1.The streets are relatively free of litter despite the fact it does not have fines for littering.
2. The transport system is relatively good and cheaper than Singapore.
a) The bus has a Flat fee of 15 Yuan ($0.70) which you can take from one end to another end.
b) MRT fare starts from 20 Yuan ($0.95)
There can be further discounts if you use an Ez link card like Singapore.
3. The service standard is better. The sales staff are polite and every 7-11 Store you go, they would greet you with "Huan Yin Kuan Ling" This could be due to cultural influence from Japanese.
4. The Taiwanese give seats to elderly readily. When using escalators, people naturally keep to one side, to give way to those who want to climb. When entering the MRT doors, the people give way to passengers who are leaving.
5. Because Taiwanese do not legislate laws at their whim and fancies, the authorities are better at persuading its people to change. They get celebrities like Jolin Tsai and Lin Yilain to record Radio ads to persuade people to give seats to elderly.
6. Taiwan has a more entrepreneur friendly environment. Because they are a little more chaotic, itÂ’s easier to set up a street stall and be rich from doing small business. In Singapore, the hawkers and shops owners give most of their takings away in rent. Its also easier and cheaper to make your business known as billboards are plastered all over the country.
7. Taipei is the first Asian city that has a comprehensive wireless nationwide network while Singapore is playing catch-up.
Can “good governance” produce these results? Or when the day “good governance” cannot fine our people, the country will be filled with litter? -
I don't quite get you man. Its not indirect taxation. It's a must. I'm not sure how you guys think about it but I think its the most important thing that we must have. I foresee more problem if there is no CPF.Originally posted by NotFromVenus:Does 33% CPF ring a bell in terms of "indirect taxation?"
Who is the end user of CPF in the end? -
In Singapore,
1) armed crime is almost nil
2) pornography is still illegal
3) you dont have shop using teenage girl dress in bikini selling drinks
4) We all can speak fluent english
5) No major strike
6) Parliment is not like a boxing ring
7) We can call Singapore a country
You dont have local girl working in KTV
9) You dont get kill because of alcohol
Having visit Taipei is not good enough for you to judge a country. Please do more travelling to the rural area and see for yourself if everybody in Taiwan is that IT savy as you said.
But I am comment that Taiwanese chic are happening, especially those air stewardess.
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How do you spend money you saved 30 years ago? 30 years ago you can buy more things with the same amount than now.(inflation)Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I don't quite get you man. Its not indirect taxation. It's a must. I'm not sure how you guys think about it but I think its the most important thing that we must have. I foresee more problem if there is no CPF.
Who is the end user of CPF in the end?
How do you want to invest your money now?
Why does our banks gives us low interest rates for our savings so that they can give out loans at higher interest rates?
Why do you think you will live past the age of CPF withdrawal ??
Are you responsible for your own welfare as it is already now ? Aren't we ourselves paying for our own 'Discounts' now? -
hmm..ur points and TS points don't seem to tally...his is more of culture and values...urs is like technicality terms..Originally posted by Gazelle:In Singapore,
1) armed crime is almost nil
2) pornography is still illegal
3) you dont have shop using teenage girl dress in bikini selling drinks
4) We all can speak fluent english
5) No major strike
6) Parliment is not like a boxing ring
7) We can call Singapore a country You dont have local girl working in KTV
9) You dont get kill because of alcohol
Having visit Taipei is not good enough for you to judge a country. Please do more travelling to the rural area and see for yourself if everybody in Taiwan is that IT savy as you said.
But I am comment that Taiwanese chic are happening, especially those air stewardess.
1) armed crime is almost nil -> no arguements in Singapore but taiwan doesn't do tht too
2) pornography is still illegal -> no porn in sg, is that good or bad point for u? its denying human expressions and desires
3) you dont have shop using teenage girl dress in bikini selling drinks -> excellent, creative marketing strategy
4) We all can speak fluent english -> absolutely no! we can't speak shi.t on english and mandarin. At least taiwanese speak relevant gd mandarin. English hardly gives an advantage there
5) No major strike -> strike which mean voicing resentment, which leads revision and improvments
6) Parliment is not like a boxing ring -> yeah. some say passion, some say violent, others say stupid
7) We can call Singapore a country -> or a city somewhere in middle east or china, heck, an online friend asked me if Singapore was part of russia You dont have local girl working in KTV -> clearly u have been living in a hole, or a hdb
9) You dont get kill because of alcohol -> alcohol leads to liver damage, i dun really get u
i agree on ur last 2 paragraphs, but u stating Singapore vs taiwan attributes is clearly so wrong... -
1) armed crime is almost nil -> no arguements in Singapore but taiwan doesn't do tht too (You must be joking!!)
2) pornography is still illegal -> no porn in sg, is that good or bad point for u? its denying human expressions and desires (obviously you are one porn freak)
3) you dont have shop using teenage girl dress in bikini selling drinks -> excellent, creative marketing strategy (maybe your daughter will be more creative than that)
4) We all can speak fluent english -> absolutely no! we can't speak shi.t on english and mandarin. At least taiwanese speak relevant gd mandarin. English hardly gives an advantage there (Thats if your country dont rely on international trade)
5) No major strike -> strike which mean voicing resentment, which leads revision and improvments (for example?)
6) Parliment is not like a boxing ring -> yeah. some say passion, some say violent, others say stupid (if you are passionate about boxing, its in the ring)
7) We can call Singapore a country -> or a city somewhere in middle east or china, heck, an online friend asked me if Singapore was part of russia (you must be talking to some stupid americans) You dont have local girl working in KTV -> clearly u have been living in a hole, or a hdb (Singapore KTV used to be full of malaysian girls and now they are flooded with Chinesse from China. The only Singaporeans you can find are in Japanese KTV)
9) You dont get kill because of alcohol -> alcohol leads to liver damage, i dun really get u (Go read the news)
i agree on ur last 2 paragraphs, but u stating Singapore vs taiwan attributes is clearly so wrong... (whatever you have written are nothing but crap!!) -
May I ask u 4 S$10 billion n give u 2% pa interest 4 all this while where is our dividend???? It is rite!!!! come on sillyporeans???Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I don't quite get you man. Its not indirect taxation. It's a must. I'm not sure how you guys think about it but I think its the most important thing that we must have. I foresee more problem if there is no CPF.
Who is the end user of CPF in the end?
In1970s to 200s we r given 2% interest only per year ??? where is the dividend ah!!!!!!CPF built big buildings but we r suffering like shti!!! -
Exactly, at the same time, your CPF prdinary account is still giving you 2.5% interest. btw, you dont get any interest if you pay tax.Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I don't quite get you man. Its not indirect taxation. It's a must. I'm not sure how you guys think about it but I think its the most important thing that we must have. I foresee more problem if there is no CPF.
Who is the end user of CPF in the end?
As we all know that Singaporeans are bloody materialistic people, if there is no CPF I would say that many singaporeans will be living in the street. -
thats because yuan is the standard chinese character for dollar.Originally posted by kilua:Yup, but what is written on their note is called Yuan. -
Internationally taiwan currency is call NT, New Taiwan dollar.Originally posted by dragg:thats because yuan is the standard chinese character for dollar. -
The result:Originally posted by Gazelle:In Singapore,
1) armed crime is almost nil
2) pornography is still illegal
3) you dont have shop using teenage girl dress in bikini selling drinks
4) We all can speak fluent english
5) No major strike
6) Parliment is not like a boxing ring
7) We can call Singapore a country You dont have local girl working in KTV
9) You dont get kill because of alcohol
Having visit Taipei is not good enough for you to judge a country. Please do more travelling to the rural area and see for yourself if everybody in Taiwan is that IT savy as you said.
But I am comment that Taiwanese chic are happening, especially those air stewardess.
1)Good security. But the police have too much power. An ISA is enough to lock you up for a very long time. (Although it had not been used for any political purpose)
2)Lanlan, they go to web to look for such things, then computer kenna virus.
3)It made Singapore a boring place.
4)Horray!! We are neither here, nor there. When people ask about your race, you say Chinese. When they heard of your "something-wrong" English, then ask you to say a few word in Mandarin, you knew nothing. Just like the Merlion. Not a lion because there is no legs; Neither a fish because we have no gills; Nor a frog because we are not amphibian. (Taken from a poem by a local Chinese poet, Liang2 Yue4. Title of the poem, Yu2 Wei3 Shi1)
5)Workers were suppressed and exploited. They get more stress, heavier workload, less pay, less time for procreation. (yes, I use the word "procreation") No choice, bring the FTs in, to make the situation worse. Then we have unhappier citizens because they have to worry about rising cost of living, their old age issues and their child's education fee.
6)We have a one-party rule. All people with attempts to change the situation will be prosecuted.
7)People are thinking of ways and means to leave this country, so as to get out of their situations I stated in 5You have prostitue from other countries flooding in.
9)Obviously, you didn't read about Chinese newspaper.
Yes, your last two paragraph is sensible.