government pledges better life for all

in his message on the occasion of the opening of the 12th parliament, our new president, dr tony tan keng yam spoke on the government's program for the coming 5 years, promising of 'a better life for all'.

one of the issues he touched on was on the new political environment and one important platform for engagement being the new media.

on this, dr tony tan said;

"on the internet, truth is not easily distinguished from misinformation. anonymity is often abused. harsh intemperate voices often drown out moderate, considered views. other countries struggle with this problem too. we must find ways to use the new media constructively, to connect with the digital generation and sustain fruitful conversations on issues concerning us all."

my comments:

if we relate what dr tony tan has highlighted with regard to the new media and specifically to insurance, i'm deeply troubled that many consumers choose to rely on what is out there in cyberspace.

and i'm doubly concerned when the information or misinformation is continuously and repeatedly propagated not by financial advisers but laypersons who by themselves, may not even be 'in-the-know'.

i'm not too sure why there should be reliance on the new media for insurance when there is absolutely no accountability whatsoever by persons spewing the (mis)information hiding under the cloak of anonymity through pseudonyms.

i know this to be a fact because of my experience with people i sit with seeking advice in my 14 years in the financial industry.

that's why my hope is for consumers to engage a financial adviser who is not only knowledgeable but competent as well to shift the wheat from the chaff. and surely, engaging the right financial adviser will also ensure there is accountability to u at any point of time in the future. and although not guaranteed, this is where the financial adviser's track record should count in terms of his/her longevity in the industry.

and one way of educating consumers (on insurance) and achieving my aim to reach a vast audience is through my blog entries with absolutely nothing to pay for, except the investment of your time.