If listed companies and shareholders see the AGM in terms of value creation, investor promotions and brand building, rather than just a regulatory compliance, attendance should improve. Shareholders are most concerned about the value of their shares, in the near or distant future. A systematic exposition by the chairman and CEO about

the company’s strategy and aims would likely attract a bigger crowd. Major issues involving a takeover, merger or acquisition that require the endorsement of the shareholders wll also boost attendance.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal,

TKL Consulting

Monday, April 24, 2006

The relative dearth of high-growth companies in Singapore could be partly due to restructuring of the economy, and partly due to relatively small size of domestic market, lack of entrepreneurship spirit and widely accepted brand names. Conditions for emergence of super-growth companies depend generally on a dynamic economy a big market base or hinterland, advanced technology or innovations, quality goods and services and bold leaders.

Prospects are mostly dependent on current landscape that people view and operate. Changes in business conditions, such as a relaxation or adoption of a more liberal policy, could affect the prospects.

– Tan Kok Leong

Principal

TKL Consulting

Monday, March 27, 2006

Business deals now probably could be closed at any corner of the world with the use of the Internet and hand phones. The immediate region may therefore not necessarily be a better place to do business.

Businessmen would generally go to countries where there are opportunities where time taken could be reasonably short for work to be done, and where money from deals could be sure of collection. Countries that have the least barriers to business such as tariffs, taxes, bureaucracy, tensions, and that have potential for rapid growth are normally the countries of choice.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal, TKL Consulting

Monday, March 20, 2006

Start ups are generally not asset-rich and their business potential is less capable of being valued. The character, ability and means of their founders are relatively unknown. They generally lack connections with the investors, or are not proficient in presenting their ideas and innovations to them. It is difficult for them to get listed on main board or Sesdaq as the processing takes longer as well as being expensive. Nominated advisers who carry out due diligence and play the role of “gatekeepers” would certainly help in solving all these problems and protect the investors. To ensure success for the model, regulation should be made more lightly or regulation should be self-imposed rather than market-imposed. The nominated advisers should also act as whistle-blowers when things do not turn out the ways they anticipate.

Tan Kok Leong
Principal
TKL Consulting

Monday March 13 2006

The latest Budget, with $2.6 billion in goodies for Singaporeans, must go down as one of the most generous in recent memory. Its objective is honorable and respectable as it aims to make Singapore a more cohesive, more business-friendly, more competitive, more global and more creative business hub.

There are concerns for 1he old, poor, weak and unskilled, for the need to keep cutting business costs, and for research and creativity. The Budget also places top priority on defence and security, education, health and culture. All these measures will help to remake Singapore into a competitive business hub and a global city.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal.

TKL consulting

Monday, February 27, 2006

IT is indeed alarming to visualise that one in five Singaporeans will be at least 65 years old by 2030. The best way of looking after senior citizens is to let them continue to have a positive life and contribute to the nation, their family and society. The government and society should set up a foundation to re-examine the role of the senior citizens and their relations with the young workforce in a knowledge economy.

The foundation should:

1) Study the employability of senior citizens in various fields such as academia, business, politics, research, cultural work and activities.

2) Recommend laws to prevent unfair treatment or discrimination against the senior citizens.

3) Provide financial assistance or make borrowing by senior citizens a solution to financial problems.

4) Research ways to cut medical costs and on the treatment of chronic illnesses.

– Tan Kok Leong

Principal,

TKL Consulting

Monday, February 20, 2006

Globalisation has wiped out jobs, relocated factories, hastened mergers and acquisitions, intensified competition, and restructured the world economy – but it has also brought hope and optimism, as the world now has greater cost efficiency, better price rationalization, a bigger market, and an overall increase in aggregate demand supply of better-quality commodities and finished products. The positive impact of globalisation has been felt by airlines, shipping lines, tourism, telecommunications, the oil and energy industries, banking and finance, real estate development and environmental industries. This impact is likely to be sustained.

Sectors that do not benefit directly or indirectly from globalisation because of capital and technology constraints, lack of a global network, or are caught unprepared for globalisation, require assistance. They are likely to be in conventional industries and trading sectors that cater mainly to the domestic market.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal, TKL Consulting

Monday, February 13, 2006

The recommendations of the tripartite committee have paved the way for raising the mandatory retirement age to 67. This will be good for Singapore, as its population is ageing fast.

At present, 22 per cent of the workforce is over 50. The $30 million in funds in the next two years will certainly help retain workers and change mindsets about older people and the value of the contributions they can make.

To help workers who have already passed the mandatory retirement age of 62 with re-employment opportunities, the government could help by waiving CPF contributions from both employer and employee to increase their wage competitiveness. Tax returns probably could also be waived.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal,

TKL Consulting

Date: Monday. February 6, 2006

Singapore tax structure and tax rates are among the most competitive in the world, second probably only to Hong Kong. Lower tax rates reduce the burden on individuals and companies, reward effort and achievement, attract and retain talent, and promote entrepreneurship.

Globalisation of trading transactions or projects in Singapore is characterised by the involvement of more than three contracting parties, buyers and sellers, brokers, companies or parsonalities of more than three countries. These deals are closed in Singapore due to its location, business hub facilities, legal and securities advantages, these deals probably should qualify for tax concessions if administratively feasible.

A concessionary tax rate can also serve as an incentive in Singapore’s globalization drive. Globalisation increases international mobility and travelling of staff, managers and overseas postings, etc. A concessionary tax rate will compensate for frequent travelling and entertainment expenses.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal

TKL Consulting

Monday January 16, 2006

I refer to comments in “Views From The Top” (BT, Nov 21) on the topic “How integral is creativity to the running of a successful business and what can be done to enhance corporate creativity?”

The word “creativity” probably should be handled more carefully and selectively as it has deeper meaning. Creativity implies something that is original, newly born. There are many profitable businesses in the world with lots of bright ideas and marketing products, many new measures introduced to increase operational efficiency. However, they cannot be considered creative businesses, strictly speaking.

What then is business creativity? Think of Coca Cola, Rock & Roll music, bikini, tissue paper, McDoland’s, personal computer, Hollywood – they are creative.

Business creativity needs vision, strong values of judgement, hard work and sacrifice, high risk. It also requires correct strategy as the creator has to change the habits, thinking and concepts of society.

Business creativity will stand the test of time. It should invite imitators, copiers. It should increase new demand, create new lifestyle and mindsets. The new world created, however, is going to be more challenging, more interesting, better and more enjoyable.

Tan Kok Leong

Principal

TKL Consulting

Thursday, November 24, 2005