crossed my mind that Singapore might be heaven for financial advisors like how SF is heaven for early stage startups
in SF, every ambitious 22yo is raising a seed round
in Singapore, every ambitious 22yo is selling insurance, building an IG personal brand and hosting summer camps to recruit students into FA
There is a saying in Chinese - 富不过三代
Wealth does not last for 3 generations. What you're seeing is the third generation leadership in SG.
It's pretty sad, but this policy is incredibly tone deaf and there lots of data showing monetary incentives don't work
Lolrence.
Singapore's TFR is below 1.
We've tried Baby Bonuses. Tax relief. Parental leave.
All very sensible.
But maybe sensible isn't working. Maybe it's time to throw some slightly unhinged ideas into the mix.
Hear me out:
1. Dim HDB staircase lights after 10pm.
Instant ambience for those impulsive moments.
Using existing infrastructure. Save electricity too. Very cost efficient.
2. Let us use CDC vouchers to book hotels.
We're still supporting local businesses.
With… potential economic benefits.
3. Gamify sex.
Achievements. Badges. Titles. Quest guides.
“Local Legend”: done in every town in Singapore.
“Coast to Coast Completionist.”
“Nature Explorer.”
Singaporeans will compete over literally anything.
Give us achievements and a leaderboard and suddenly everyone has aim for.
4. Strava, but for mating.
Streaks. Personal bests. Monthly challenges.
Imagine opening the app and seeing:
“Desmond has been more active than you this week.”
Cannot lose to Desmond.
5. Baby making speedruns.
How quickly can you go from Baby #1 → Baby #2?
Show proof of pregnancy, and get sponsorships, rebates and extra benefits.
6. Tie COE rebates to children.
1 kid = 10%
2 kids = 30%
3 kids = 50%
You want that Land Rover? You want that Alphard?
The nation would like to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement.
7. BTO Pregnancy Fast Pass.
Pregnant? Move up the queue.
2 kids? Express lane.
3 kids? HDB delivers the keys, a hamper and a handwritten thank-you note from the nation.
8. Maternity ward loyalty programme.
Same like frequent flyer, but better.
Baby #1: Silver
Baby #2: Gold
Baby #3: Platinum
Baby #4: PPS Club
Priority check in. Lounge access. Complimentary upgrade where available.
9. Annual couples' hotel vouchers for parents.
Once a year, the kids go to a nanny and mum and dad go for a staycation.
Official purpose: “strengthening marriages.” Because couples need “bonding time in privacy”.
10. Master bedrooms come with extra soundproofing.
For better sleep, obviously.
Better rest. More privacy. Higher productivity.
Creating conducive environments that contribute to the national KPI.
11. Subsidize aphrodisiacs.
Why keep telling Singaporeans to make babies when we can just… nudge them in the right direction.
Chocolates, oysters and wine at half price… The more they eat, the more “ready” they become.
Just quietly set the mood and then the other head gets to work.
Which one will convince you?
Mamdani was criticized for not wearing a helmet when riding a bike in NYC. Mamdani listened and told those criticizing him that they were right and he needs to do better. He bought a new helmet and posted “I’m listening and learning”. People were so impressed to be told that they were right and that a politician would publicly admit they were right. One guy said “First in my bloodline to hear a politician say ‘you’re right, I’ve got to do better,’” one commenter wrote. “I honestly feel like witnessing a politician simply say ‘you’re right, I’ve gotta do better’ just healed something within me. It’s so easy to do and yet SO FEW PEOPLE (not just politicians) have the humility to do it,” said another.
Mamdani continues to impress with his willingness to make the people a priority.