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NKF: The Aftermath
Now that the dust is settling from the somewhat farcical withdrawal of the lawsuit filed by NKF against SPH (previous entries here and here), several issues are on the top of my mind:
Corporate Governance
In an ideal situation, the board of directors exists to ensure that the CEO of an organization works in the best interest of its shareholders. The nature of NKF however, muddies this relationship. How does corporate governance operate in NKF? To whom is the board of directors representative and accountable? Is the board paid for their services (I assume they are) and who determines their renumeration? Is there a conflict of interest in the corporate governance of NKF? The NKF website appears to be straining under high traffic volume, and cannot yield any information at this time.
Court Fees
CEO Mr. Durai brought SPH to court on charges which he later admitted did not stand. Who should foot the legal fees? NKF, using donors' funds meant for lifesaving, or Mr. Durai, or SPH?
Changes in NKF
Besides a closer look at NKF's corporate governance, I am also curious about what changes this episode will bring. Will NKF become more transparent in their financials? Will there be a scaling back of bonuses? Will there be an acknowledgement that most donors donate to help those in need (and perhaps try their luck at the lucky draws), rather than allow NKF to peg its "corporate" performance? Will there be a reshuffling of top management? How will the PR rally from this?
Public Backlash
The final round of the NKF cancer show is slotted to air this week on Channel U. Will this episode drastically affect the amount of donations pouring in? Despite the public stoning that is going on strongly, I believe many realize that if the donations stop, those truly in need may suffer. Yet, this is the most instinctive and direct recourse that people have to demonstrate their ire at NKF (other than the shortlived gratification of graffiti). This untenable conundrum is largely brought about by NKF, even if it had not intended so. How will it be resolved? Will other charities suffer collateral damage from this incident?
Post Petition Effect
The petition started by NSF Lawrence Tan had just 400 odd signatures at 9.30am yesterday. The number of the undersigned has climbed to around 26,000 at this time, with multiple service stoppages caused by overwhelming response. Traditionally, informal petitions are difficult to verify and contribute little effect towards their cause. How will this particular petition fare?
The NKF-Mediacorp bond
The largest fundraising events by NKF are carried out together with Mediacorp. No doubt these fundraisers cost quite a bit. A standard hallmark of the shows is the celebrity power. Are the Mediacorp actors and actresses paid to perform, and if so, how much? We're all familiar with their favourite adage. "No matter how tough [name of stunt] is, it cannot compare to the pain the [type of beneficiary] feels. Please donate". Throw in the issue of payment for these actors and actresses, and the adage loses its emotional impact significantly. In addition, just how are popular bands and popstars brought into the show?
Consider me a cynic if you will, but my intention is not to cast anyone in a bad light. Neither am I insinuating that Mediacorp is not putting on the show out of altruism. But if the NKF is to aim for transparency, then such expenses are entirely too public to be kept secret.
A last word
Finally, I've been reading quite a bit about the theory that if you "pay peanuts" you "get monkeys". Aside from the fact that the statement is factually incomplete (you obviously also get badgers, certain species of birds, elephants and at least one dog- mine), it is also an exercise in obfuscation. Objecting to the high pay and astronomical bonus commanded by Mr. Durai does not necessarily imply that he should get peanuts (low wages). Justifiable wages and bonuses are not synonymous with low or uncompetitive wages and bonuses. Implying otherwise is a calculated attempt to miss the forest for the trees.
Filed under: Singapore, News, Musings, NKF
Corporate Governance
In an ideal situation, the board of directors exists to ensure that the CEO of an organization works in the best interest of its shareholders. The nature of NKF however, muddies this relationship. How does corporate governance operate in NKF? To whom is the board of directors representative and accountable? Is the board paid for their services (I assume they are) and who determines their renumeration? Is there a conflict of interest in the corporate governance of NKF? The NKF website appears to be straining under high traffic volume, and cannot yield any information at this time.
Court Fees
CEO Mr. Durai brought SPH to court on charges which he later admitted did not stand. Who should foot the legal fees? NKF, using donors' funds meant for lifesaving, or Mr. Durai, or SPH?
Changes in NKF
Besides a closer look at NKF's corporate governance, I am also curious about what changes this episode will bring. Will NKF become more transparent in their financials? Will there be a scaling back of bonuses? Will there be an acknowledgement that most donors donate to help those in need (and perhaps try their luck at the lucky draws), rather than allow NKF to peg its "corporate" performance? Will there be a reshuffling of top management? How will the PR rally from this?
Public Backlash
The final round of the NKF cancer show is slotted to air this week on Channel U. Will this episode drastically affect the amount of donations pouring in? Despite the public stoning that is going on strongly, I believe many realize that if the donations stop, those truly in need may suffer. Yet, this is the most instinctive and direct recourse that people have to demonstrate their ire at NKF (other than the shortlived gratification of graffiti). This untenable conundrum is largely brought about by NKF, even if it had not intended so. How will it be resolved? Will other charities suffer collateral damage from this incident?
Post Petition Effect
The petition started by NSF Lawrence Tan had just 400 odd signatures at 9.30am yesterday. The number of the undersigned has climbed to around 26,000 at this time, with multiple service stoppages caused by overwhelming response. Traditionally, informal petitions are difficult to verify and contribute little effect towards their cause. How will this particular petition fare?
The NKF-Mediacorp bond
The largest fundraising events by NKF are carried out together with Mediacorp. No doubt these fundraisers cost quite a bit. A standard hallmark of the shows is the celebrity power. Are the Mediacorp actors and actresses paid to perform, and if so, how much? We're all familiar with their favourite adage. "No matter how tough [name of stunt] is, it cannot compare to the pain the [type of beneficiary] feels. Please donate". Throw in the issue of payment for these actors and actresses, and the adage loses its emotional impact significantly. In addition, just how are popular bands and popstars brought into the show?
Consider me a cynic if you will, but my intention is not to cast anyone in a bad light. Neither am I insinuating that Mediacorp is not putting on the show out of altruism. But if the NKF is to aim for transparency, then such expenses are entirely too public to be kept secret.
A last word
Finally, I've been reading quite a bit about the theory that if you "pay peanuts" you "get monkeys". Aside from the fact that the statement is factually incomplete (you obviously also get badgers, certain species of birds, elephants and at least one dog- mine), it is also an exercise in obfuscation. Objecting to the high pay and astronomical bonus commanded by Mr. Durai does not necessarily imply that he should get peanuts (low wages). Justifiable wages and bonuses are not synonymous with low or uncompetitive wages and bonuses. Implying otherwise is a calculated attempt to miss the forest for the trees.
Filed under: Singapore, News, Musings, NKF
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