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Member Discussions

Why take Singapore's Consumers for granted?

  • 12-Apr-00 06:58
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    Message # 217084
    Mike Zhan (administrator)
    In the US and UK, consumerism is strong and we have advocates like Ralph Nader, or influential media like Consumer Reports (magazine and online). For retirees, there's the AARP.org (Association of american retired persons) Banks are not only given good incentives to set up their business here and government support. But surely there is no need to take advantage of consumers by exposing them to unnecessary risks. I refer to cases of cheque signature fraud. It is sad when banks knowingly take advantage of weak consumers, or the little awareness of consumers' just to protect themselves. Read this article by Leong Sze Hian here - http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/08/the-case-for-taking-consumers-for-granted/
  • 22-Sep-09 14:03
    Reply
    Reply # 221269 on 217084
    Tony Koh (administrator)

    I have a feeling this problem cannot ever be totally resolved due to geo-political considerations.

    Singapore's foreign policy basically consists of tying up the major powers with economic, political, and social endeavours. This is one of the reasons why it tried so hard to get the business of the large MNCs to set their regional hubs here. In exchange, the government gave unique tax incentives and other benefits. It is not too far a stretch to imagine that the Singapore government will not want to overly restrict and antagonize relations with these corporations.

    Between national security and consumer rights, it is easy to see what policy makers will probably choose. We are not in a similar position to the States where consumer rights groups are so powerful, because they have the largest spending power in the world, and a cultural belief in individual freedom.
  • 27-Sep-09 17:57
    Reply
    Reply # 223187 on 217084
    Mike Zhan (administrator)
    Singaporeans ask too few questions. Even in making a purchase. I think salespeople have an easy time in Singapore!
 

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