Shenzhen - Technological advanced cities.

While Singapore first MRT system has been in place since 1980s, our improvement over the years pale in comparison with other cities like Shenzhen which started their metro in 2004. My recent trip to Shenzhen was eye opening, not only in their technology advancements(99% cashless payment) but the way their Metro system is operated and managed, it runs seamlessly with a much bigger population than ours.

Shoppers can use a phone to scan whatever they want and the supermarket has an internal logistic system to pickup the good and send it to the counter for payment or for online order. The system used is housed within the supermarket similar to systems we see in TTSH where they send documents to different department.

I hope our 4G leaders would go out and mingle with the general population and learn more from other cities. As a lay person, I have already learnt so much from a short trip.

Sometimes, you learn more walking the ground than engaging unnecessary consultants. Our late GKS and LKY are good examples that our 4G leaders should emulate.

With an aging population, walking is a healthy way to keep up our health and in Shenzhen, many gentle slopes are built along 2 sides of the stairway near the wall leading in and out the train station which saves on installation of escalator and maintenance. Also, parents with strollers and anyone with luggage bags will find it  very convenient. Lifts are only occasionally used by the frail elderly.

Also, security checks are in place at the entrance of every Metro station to check bags and to detect content of water bottles. Proper space in the carriages were allocated  for advertising that is neat and tidy. Multiple modes of payment for entry to the Metro via cards, token or NFC from phones are all available.

Many street hawkers/vendors have an easier time running their businesses with all cashless payment via scanning of QR code. While big companies have the resources to have full time cashiers, small businesses are the one that really need to go cashless as this will speed up their time in serving customers instead of collecting monies and thus cutting down manpower. Places such as hawker centers, small provision shops and standalone outlets should be given the priority to go cashless because these will drive other businesses to follow suit.

Sometimes, having a heart to serve is more important and we should have a portal for Singaporeans who travel out regularly to provide feedback in areas we can improve and government agencies adopting the ideas should give due recognition to idea contributors. What we have in Singapore is human capital and with many Singaporeans travelling overseas, their experience and feedback will help shape Singapore to become a better place going forward the next 50 yrs.