=)

Minister Salaries

2012-01-05T08:23:00.004+08:00

So there has been a drop in Minister Salaries.

Never really have seen what the big deal was regarding this. In these abundant times, when we can afford it, why not just pay them well?

Some people argue that the high pay may just attract people to try and be a politician just for it. Thus, we end up having incompetent people at the helm.

To that I say, really? People will take up possibly the most scrutinized job by the general public when they could be earning perhaps slightly less somewhere else? And do you honestly think that political parties would pick people like that to join their party anyways? If its an independent running just for the dough, then why not just not vote for him?

Did you even realize that the whole point of the high pay was to get competent people in the first place?

I would agree though, that the high pay would likely lead to situations where unsuitable people end up with the job. But incompetent? No.

However, I'm still not fuss by how much we're paying our ministers. I believe that the team we have now is more than suitable, and that money is quite honestly secondary.

The respective ministers/ministry performances during the recent problems are of much more interest to me. I honestly don't care how much I pay them so long as they get their job done well.

Build-A-Bear

2011-12-27T10:07:00.002+08:00

I headed down to Westfields today with Xin Jie and Jieru for a bit of Boxing Day shopping today, and it being the first time that I've actually done so despite having been in London for the past 3 years, I was looking out more for the experience that would come with it rather than any good buys that I might make on the day.

Eventually, an interesting thought did manage to cross my mind during the afternoon, and it came from perhaps the most unprobable place possible.

While we entered the Build-A-Bear workshop on the ground floor of the shopping centre, Xin Jie went about his stuffs, while I was left to browse about the place. To be honest, the items about are rather cute, and would very much appeal to kids, irregardless of sex. I was even more so taken aback by the plethora of accessories that accompanied the bears. The range started from clothing, to shoes, and even glasses and fishing rods.

As I moved along looking at the prices as well, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the average amount spent for a dolled up bear would be easily above 20 pounds, perhaps even 30. And as I looked up around the store, I noticed 'punny' phrases printed around the top, such as "Be the Bearer of Good News" or "Paws for Thought". What that caught me was "Clothes Make a Bear Feel Special".

What a blatant phrase to put in the shop to get kids to spend more money, isn't it?! I was rather disgusted as thought about how capitalism would taint something that seemed so pure. How dare they pollute even the minds of our young children with consumerism with such pure and good feelings? Will they grow up undermining the effort required to earn money?

And then, on the very next moment, a laughing girl, with a stuffed polar bear in one hand, and a bunny in another, bumped into me, smiled, and stumbled off.

Then I realized. Well, if the kids are happy, why not right?

What the World Owes Us

2011-12-23T02:40:00.003+08:00

I remember when I was a kid that whenever I wanted a toy or a game, my mom would say, "You don't always get everything you want in this world." I was brought up with the mentality that life can drop lemons on us anywhere at anytime, and nothing is rightfully ours until it has been consumed or utilized.

While using the Internet today and watching some shows, I found myself getting annoyed at the speed at which it was loading at, and even more so when it stopped halfway saying that I had reached the limit for the day. After a while, I became amused at this. How fast does the world owe me something, that I couldn't wait for these miracles of technology to function, for free?!

We live in a era of abundance, when only scarcity is rare. We were introduced into a time when advanced technology already existed, and never had to experience the life before.

I should take a step back and think sometimes. You don't always get what you want in this world, and you don't usually need it anyway.

SMRT

2011-12-20T19:06:00.003+08:00

The recent news of the SMRT was been rampaging all over Singapore, and even outside Singapore for the past year. Trains breaking down, people fainting and now the transport services are under the intense scrutiny of the public eye through the press, and will be for the coming months.

However, that's not interesting to talk about. We all know that the initial problem with the trains is a technical one, and something that Singaporeans are used to handling without problems. This post is dedicated to the reactions to the problem from the people, rather than the problem itself.

Given that I had the opportunity to speak to many people about the problem, it being a conversation starter recently, I have found that it follows a very interesting pattern. Firstly, the anonymous netizens online would ask for a drastic action, such as the firing of the CEO or a large fine on SMRT, and then friends on facebook would join in, echoing the same frustrations. Immediately after that, the rational people would then come in and defend that the situation is not as bad as it sounds, and that our system is still much better compared to other countries out there. A short argument would occur in the comment box, and usually ending with the former person either accepting a partial point, or just rejecting the rational notion outright.

So who's right? Is it obviously wrong to take an extreme view? Is the situation normal enough that rational views still work?

Me, I'm just sad that in this commotion, everyone just wants to be right, and forgets about solving the initial problem at hand.

Puttings Words on Paper

2011-10-02T15:16:00.003+08:00

Many things have been going through my mind lately, but yet, I realize that I'm absolutely unable to pen any of those thoughts or feelings into words. It almost seems paradoxical that I could still easily speak on issues of current affairs with friends, but be unable to talk about my thoughts or feelings about everyday experiences when reflecting with myself.

Sometimes I sit down and stumble though the mess, and come to a vague sense of enlightenment, but it makes me wonder if I'm even getting any thought done, when I can't really put them into words when I wanted to.

It can hardly be a fault with the language, can it? Is it just an inability on my part of expressing myself? I wonder,

This post in itself was quite difficult to write already.

National Day Rally 2011

2011-08-19T13:57:00.007+08:00

First, I begin by apologizing for the lack of postings. Obviously I have not been keeping my promises of a post a week, but then again, I’ve been much busier in Singapore than the UK.

And so, the time of the National Day Rally is upon us. I’ve only recently finished reading the full speech and I find it much better than listening to the man, able to get far more information out of it. For this post, I shall attempt to type out my thoughts in the chronological order in the speech, just because I can’t be bothered to group them together properly.

The first of this few situations were linked with the rise of foreigners in Singapore.

Housing

The policies introduced was that there would be an increase of HDB income ceiling, and a concurrent increase in supply of HDB flats to quell this increase in demand. There is also an introduction of 7000 rental flats to keep the supply up, and postponing the demolition of SERS blocks.

We all understand that the prices of properties have been rising recently, but I would like to question the roots of the issue at hand. What exactly is the problem here? I hazard a guess that the issue might not be just a case of demand and supply, but more of an issue of different goals for different groups of people, specifically home owners and people looking for a home. On one hand, the government would like to reduce the prices of HDB flats so that potential home owners can afford it, yet on another, they would like for the worth of the HDB flats to remain at a respectable value, so that flat owners feel that they have a stake in the country, as well as being a source of income for them in the future. The price of the HDB has to be low, but respectable at the same time. Certainly contradictory.

Education

2000 places will be left for local students, and the cap on foreign students will remain as it is today.

There was a story of a mother whose child was trying to get into a university but did not get a place. I begin by stating that if she looked for PM Lee for help because she did not have enough money to send her child to SIM or such, or some other special reasons, then fair enough. Otherwise, if it was simply a plea for help because her son was unable to get to university due to bad results, then I say, I have absolutely no sympathy for you. I’m sorry, but your son has not done well enough for his studies, be it A-Levels or Polytechnics to qualify for a place in a university. The idea of Singaporean First does not justify the fact that your son had not work hard enough or put in enough effort to push himself towards qualifying for a university education. To accept your son is to ridicule the meritocratic process in the country. In addition to that, there is a reason why students were chosen by their academic abilities. Say what you want, but if your son has not done well enough in post-secondary education, the likelihood that he would perform exceptionally well in university examinations is extremely unlikely. Look at it this way, it he came from polytechnic, he would be applying for a similar course as he did, and would probably score similarly. If he came from a JC, then shame on him even more, as he had more opportunities to take the A Levels in the 2 years in the army to redeem himself, an opportunity that he either took and further prove an inability to cope university work, or did not take at all.

I admit that Singapore has a low percentage of a local cohort per year entering university annually, but given the competitive nature of the universities in Singapore compared to other countries, I would say that it was probably for the better, until mindsets start to change in the system. Also, students and parents in Singapore should start to consider applying for university in terms of a cost benefit analysis, rather than simply trying to get their children in without much thought. In the end, a university education carries with it opportunity costs. One’s child might be better off working for 4 years then slugging for a university education and only coming out with a mediocre result.

Labour

Nothing new added. Just stating why we do the awesome things we do.

Since he has broken the groups into low, middle and high quality professionals, I shall do so too. First, on low quality professionals, I agree that tightening is called for, especially when it forms the largest group of people coming in, and that the growth of foreigners in Singapore recently has caught the infrastructure within the country off guard. 20 years ago, it was at 10.2% of the population and today they stand at 25.2%. There has to be control for the infrastructure to keep up, and the low quality side is where the government can exercise control with the least repercussions. Regarding middle quality professionals, on one hand, I agree that there must be a degree of competition within the nation. As the world globalizes, the domestic markets of every country would be soon shared by the world, and so will the labour markets. Looking at the trends, perhaps the recent crisises might slow the pace of globalization down, but since protectionism would get them nowhere anyways, it would never stop. On the issue of high quality professionals, there is a stronger call for competition, however I would like to leave you with an interesting tidbit. Only in Singapore, will they ever name a dean of a university that is not Singaporean, or almost the CEO of a sovereign wealth fund of a country. What you take from that, I leave to you.

On a side note, what’s up with that China example? Seems too close to a scare tactic for my liking, though quite a possible situation in the future.

The next few posts are hinged on the idea of social safety nets. Most of it made plenty of sense, so not too much thoughts about it. I’m just quite surprised that there was no further information about the push for more doctors and nurses within the country to cope with the aging population. Otherwise, there have been no surprises as this part is shortly followed by a rhetoric portion about the Singapore spirit.

I generally thought that there was a general sense of 'warning' in this rally. Foreshadowing the trials and tribulations that would come in the future rather than giving new plans as solutions for these problems. The speech is centered more with the message of, "Hey guys, shit's gonna go down. Here's a shovel, do your part." I question if this is a good idea from a political point of view but then again, you can't blame him for laying it down.

And less jokes too. Sad.

Time

2011-07-04T07:38:00.002+08:00

There really isn't much in current affairs these days that I can find myself giving a view that someone else hasn't already said already, which pretty much puts me off writing about anything. Even as I read hard and long about many articles, it just seemed as it is, and nothing interesting comes to mind. However, I feel compelled to return to writing a piece a week, especially when I'm back in Singapore for summer.
I wasn't really able to comprehend the speed at which time started to pass at the moment I stepped out of primary school. It was excruciating how slowly time passed back then, and I remembered getting irritated by the pace at which life was going every day. It was as if god purposefully slowed down time when I had nothing to do, and sped it up when I was playing games with my friends, just to mess around with me.

As we move on from there, the perception of the amount of time in my day shortened. Speed of life in secondary school increased, and furthermore so in junior college. Now, there never seems to be a point in time in my life when I ever feel that time is ever passing slowly. I wonder if this is a physical phenomenon, but I do like to believe that it was just probably because I managed to find more and more things that I like to do as I grew up and promptly filled up my time with them.

Now in university, I lament that time is passing far too fast for my liking. The day tomorrow always seemed to be shorter than the one before. It was not a matter of how much time I have to relax or work, it is more of a complaint of a seemingly shorter perception of time as it is. Perhaps this might sound extreme, but it reminded me daily of my mortality, that life is really not as long as you made it to be back when you were 7. Hitting the big 20's did not help much as well.

I tried to slow down, take time to relax and do nothing at all, perhaps a bit of planning for the future. I was disappointed to see that time seemed to move as fast as before. Even when studying for hated topics in Mathematics, time seemed to move at a quickening pace. It was no longer an issue of whether I liked the activity anymore, time just simply seemed to move a lot faster.

I wonder why I'm constantly this bothered by this shortened perception of time. It was not as if I was actually robbed of any at all. Nor it is that I'm unhappy at having not enough time to complete all my activities. I just feel... shortchanged really. This was not what I expected when I was in primary school.

Then again, I guess in the end, life is not about counting the hours of the day, but making the hours of the day count.

Why so serious?

2011-06-27T02:54:00.004+08:00

While looking through the past posts, I discovered that too much current affairs have been covered. Its about time for something more lighthearted.

Once again, its coming to the end of the academic year, and it is quite a magical feeling in the air. I've managed to survive the year and I managed to get myself packed up and ready to go back to Singapore. On thing is, everything in the above paragraph is false. Oh, it IS the end of the academic year I guess. Nevertheless, while juggling upon working on my project, bridge and such, I had a interesting conversation with a friend at the bridge club.

She's 21, and currently in a year 2 course in History of Art in UCL. She is appling for another university course after quitting from her current course because she no longer had any interest in the subject. Just after the bridge game, she commented that she wished she had the 'asian drive' to do anything they can to the best, even if they don't like it. Her parents did not go against her decision, but where not anywhere close to being supportive. I spent the night talking about the issue in general, convincing her of the fact that this is never a decision where she will regret, because these big decisions are made on the basis of your best knowledge. It might not be the right decision, but if you were put into the same situation with the same knowledge, it would have been your best result anyways.

The conversation moved along to issues like this in general, and she said that everything in life is not black and white. I disagreed, and stated, "I think that life is black and white. Just that we are seeing it through coloured lenses."

She didn't refute me on the statement, but merely smiled. However, I do still stand by the statement. When I grew up, from a child to a teenager, I've always been amused by how decisions in our life got more and more murky. From when there was always a right decision, to when absolutely everything was wrong. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that usually, there is one right decision. Which is the one you end up making. It is not right in the sense that it invokes the optimal result, but it is right in the sense that it seems to invoke the best possible one. The result itself is secondary. The expectation of the result at the point of making the decision is what that is more important.

In the end, there's no point in considering only making results that gives the optimal result, because we know that in life, these kind of things rarely exist. We are instead expected to pick the decision that gives the best result we expect. Thus, in theory, there will almost always be a best decision, and that life is simply black and white. However, many would disagree on this issue, stating that in the end, comparing different results are difficult, and it would be impossible for one to perfectly compare 2 different results. To these people, I say, stop being fickle. If 2 things are inherently different, it would be impossible to not be able pick between the two. In the end, the inability to choose is not because of the results themselves, but the people not being able or having no balls to make their own decision.

So I beseech people who are in difficult periods of their lives, having to make difficult decisions. Do not put it to others, god, the world. Sit down, have a cup of coffee, and rationally make the decision where you know you have made to the best of your ability.

At least you won't regret it.

CCAs in Schools

2011-06-18T21:36:00.004+08:00

Jia Li and Si Min, juniors from BPCO

Core Curricular Activities (CCAs) in schools has always been a large part of the equation system in Singapore, especially when it is compulsory in primary, secondary schools and juniors colleges. There have been many criticisms about how the system has been run, and I would like to just take the opportunity to organize and type up my thoughts on the issue of CCAs.

To start off, if there's anything that I fully agree with the current system, it would be that it should be compulsory for every student in the school to be in a CCA. One of the outcomes that I see from schooling in schools includes things like the ability to speak to people, to handle problems, meet lifelong friends etc. I believe that a CCA can provide that and more. I do strongly believe that CCAs provide a lot, if not, the most potential for children to develop in schools. It is perhaps the introduction to issues of the real world, but softened by the fact that it is all overseen by teachers. That is not something that the learning the sciences or humanities can accomplish, it is what that completes the education of the child. Remember, never confuse education with knowledge.

Moving on, there has also been large amounts of criticisms upon the CCAs seemingly being run like a corporation. Money is given to the CCAs that perform, and those who do not get scrapped. This is something that I had the opportunity to experience myself, when my CCA in BPGHS, Chinese Orchestra was rumoured to close if we did not perform as the other large performing arts in the school, the military band. During the time of course, I was put under much distress, especially as the Sectional Leader of the Woodwind, it seemed that something much was on our shoulders and much was expected. However, after the whole experience, I must admit that even if the CCA had not survived my generation, it would have been a good experience anyways. In the end, it was a portrayal of a fight for our lives, the experience of camaraderie is one that I would be constantly reminded by to this day. I agree that perhaps the scrapping of a CCA altogether might be too harsh a change for children to handle, but I do support the idea of supporting the CCAs that perform more than those that don't. I have the personal belief that no matter if the CCA is supported less or more by the school, it only brings out different experiences for the students.

For CCAs that receive less support, the students will be able to plan frugally, seek for sponsorship, work with seniors to coach them for free and etc. Such are experiences that are less prevalent for students that are in a strongly funded CCA, but still just as important nevertheless. However, the act of supporting only CCAs that perform would also drive the students in weaker CCAs to work towards progression as they would want to leave their successors with more than what they had to work with, and that in itself is cultivating a value that is missing in many people today.

However, there are still parts of the system that irks me, and one of them is the quotas and allocations of students into their choices of CCAs. In some particular schools that I know of, there exists a quota of students that has to join certain CCAs within the school. And thus, a system of balloting or CCAs of their choice was introduced in order for students to get a space in the CCA that they want in order of merit if the space allowed for it. The idea is so that every CCA would be able to meet its quota, and extra people in a overly subscribed CCA can be moved to one that is below its quota. Honestly, I think this is a downright idiotic thing to do. I believe that there should be no quotas to meet for any CCA at all. Let every student be allowed to join any CCA they want, and allow them to enjoy their time in it. If you were interested in the Performing Arts and ended up in a Uniformed Group, just to meet the quota, do you think you'll learn from the experience as much? Why, would you in your right mind, sacrifice a student's potential to learn for something as mindbogglingly brainless as this? If anything, if students are showing such low interest in a CCA in the first place, it should be the CCA that should be looking to shape itself up and attract more people, rather than simply getting a quota to force people into it.

Also, I am not in favour of CCA points as a factor of our Secondary school education, and having it determine the ability to enter a school of choice. Although I think this is a small point as its insanely easy for anyone to get an A so long as you attend enough of the CCAs meetings and go for adequate competitions and such. Its pointless, for the most of the students, but is harsh on the ones that do not join any CCAs at all, or slack in their CCAs. Personally I believe that the loss of experience from not engaging in a CCA is enough punishment for these students, and there is no point in bringing more fury upon them in terms of CCA points. Though I must admit that it could serve as a good push for them to engage in CCAs.

Feedback

2011-06-04T23:17:00.003+08:00

Since the watershed elections from the recent General Elections(GE), there has been a huge movement within the government go acquire more feedbacks towards their ministry. This is especially obvious within National Development and Education.

Ministers have personally gotten down to using their facebook pages and all to collect feedbacks. And also making a point to reply to as much of them as possible. On first sight, this seems to be a great trend, however, I find this trend to be slightly unsettling, and will elaborate more in this post.

First, let us go back to before the recent GE. Feedback channels involved having REACH, Straits Times Forums and through Meet-the-People Sessions within the constituencies. Granted, there was not much work put into collecting information from alternative media, though some would argue that that would be within the scope of REACH. However, was the lack of feedback infrastructure that was the problem? I highly reject the notion. I believe that the problem was not with the lack of feedback infrastructure, it was the lack of feedback itself.

Before the recent GE, and the many problems that plagued the country in the past term of government, the people of the country not interested in providing feedback to the government. Reasons range from apathy, laziness, fear, and some believing that it was the government's job to look for problems, not them. It was a time where people simply lived their own lives and let the country do the rest. So long as life was good, there was no reason to speak up.

Then we came to a point in time where life was no longer good. The world economy crumbled, prices started shooting up, floods, expensive housing. The existence of problems have brought about what seems like a political awakening of the people within the country. The general discontent with the ruling party soon became a trend. It was now 'cool' to be anti-PAP, no longer shall we be bounded by the chains of fear that the PAP has put on us! Only then did more people started to speak out, and now we arrive in an interesting situation before us.

Today, after an apology by the Prime Minister and an admission of a need to change by the former Foreign Minister, the PAP has obviously taken the stance that they are admitting to their mistakes, and would like to work with the people and make right what was wrong with the system. Sure, that is a nice political move to make in the short term, especially after a watershed elections, and the opposition would not argue with it as well. They would simply claim credit for bringing the change, and the PAP would also gain votes for their humility.

In tandem with the stance taken, the government would definitely now work towards the gathering of feedback from the people, with the motivation of listening more. This gives the illusion of power to the disgruntled voters, which would please them. For now.

Now, fast forward to the future, just a while from now. We have allowed for many feedbacks and suggestions from the people, but while there are some gems within them that could be potentially implemented into a policy. Most of these information would be utterly useless, brought about by the idealistic portrayal of the world. Soon, we will end up with a problem, where the popular solution is not a right one. The Singapore government has prided itself on picking the best solution to problems, not the popular ones. But upon this situation, where they have pledged to listen to the people seriously, people will be even more disgruntled when they reject the popular vote, and we have an even more serious problem in our hands.

My point is, the government has to make it exceptionally clear that in the end, they are still going to be making what that is best for the country, and not simply following the choruses of the people. The popular, will not, and should not ever be the main consideration, or we will fall into the trap of democracy; the way that the government has worked in the UK and US has been far from satisfactory.

We are out to make lives better for the collective. Not just part of it, even if you're the majority.

My Letter to the Education System

2011-05-28T22:10:00.005+08:00

Before I start, let me first put a link to the letter in point. The letter is written by a parent of 2 kids of differing abilities and about the Singapore Education in general.

She has pointed out many important issues within the education system that requires change. Mostly along the idea of KPIs, obsession of results, and has inspired me to write one myself. Issues that the education system in Singapore has to improve on.

I have no guts to address this to the Education Minister, I'm neither a parent, nor a student anymore really. Simply someone with his own thoughts. Also, I do generally love the education system in Singapore, for one good reason. It works. But of course, there are still some things about it that remains anal to me.

...

Cooperation with other Ministries
The first issue that I usually have with the education ministry is that despite being a ministry that requires many interactions with many other ministries on many different issues. There seems to be quite little of these. Allow me to elaborate.

I was once talking to a group of friends over the recent issues of random knifing by teens at Bukit Panjang, and the conversation moved to the issue of teen delinquents. Listening intently to things like how the police deal with these delinquents and what happens to them after, I was surprised when the police scholar lamented the issue that if there was more cooperation from MOE, it would definitely be much easier to prevent and deal with such cases. He cites many ways that MOE can help with the work of the police, from enhanced prevention within schools by beefing up morals, to counselor support in Boys home or even better, a shared database on At-Risk youths to monitor, and details of these youths so as the officers know how to approach the issue.

That led me to wonder if we even work together strongly with MCYS. I mean, technically, they both are concerned very much with the youth right? But on research on the internet, all I come up with are a certain 'Learn-to-swim' program, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease(HFMD), and only recently Central Youth Guidance office's Youth Information System.

That is disappointing. How could MCYS and MOE only work to such degree? Whatever happen to so many issues of the youth that could be worked on together by the two ministries? Things like the building of moral fiber, the elimination of apathy, or even simple CIP programs? Are those only the work of one ministry, or even worse, none at all?

We have to remember that the MOE is a ministry that is bound to be working with other ministries. We affect everything. Our children will grow into youths, enter the army or police, go into manpower, they will take over the countries' economy, fall sick, get married and buy HDB flats and (sometimes) violate the law. It is essential that we are able to effectively work with other ministries in our work. That is something that seems to be lacking in the MOE in general.

Attracting Foreign Scholars
My second pet peeve is regarding the issue of attracting foreign scholars. Let me first state the fact that I have no problem with going to other countries and attracting talented youths to study in Singapore, with hopes that they would grow up, decide to stay and contribute to the talent pool of the country. It is a fantastic idea, getting more talent into the country, and also allowing students in our country know how they perform opposite the best talent around the region.

What that I do have an issue with, is the selection process of these students. It is shrouded with so much mystery that nobody really knows what really goes on behind the scenes. Sure, there's probably results to look at and interview to be taken. My question is, who's doing the interview? Are they experienced? Are they looking for someone simply talented, or dedicated? Is there a quota or a ceiling for these scholars?

In BPGHS, there is already give or take, 20-30 students that come down on an ASEAN scholarship. On research on the Internet, it seems that there are about 66,000 foreign students in Singapore. For a conservative estimate, say 10% are scholars, so 6,600. For every one of these students, a significant amount of taxpayer's money is being spent, and I believe that the selection for such people should be open and strict. Especially when the scholarship is without bond like the ASEAN/HK/India Scholarships, where the students would have no repercussions even if they leave the course halfway, it makes it even more essential that the selection process is as strict as even the PSC Scholarship selection process, if not, even more.

Of course, I do recognise that there should be different things to be looking out for, like likelihood to stay in Singapore etc. But we should not be simply randomly pick talented people simply because of their education results and try to bring them in. It is completely stupid to allow for people to get into the country, take a place in our world-class education with our money, and simply bugger off after the exams are over. I believe that given the many news that we have received of these scholarship holders simply breaking their bonds, or making a mockery of themselves with blog posts of bad taste, leaves much to be desired in this sector. Sure, they might just be bad eggs, but its the ministry's job to at least explain themselves whenever this happens, and take the necessary actions to ensure that the student in question is disciplined and that the issue will not repeat in the future.

In addition to the process of the selection of such scholars, I also bring focus to the work that is done regarding the welfare of these scholars in Singapore. First allow me to remind you that places are open to not just Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities. They are even open to Primary Schools. I kid you not. These kids that come, keep in mind that they have decided to accept scholarships at the age of 7 to 16 for Junior Colleges. Even before these children have drank their first pint of beer, they have been given a glorified opportunity to study overseas. This begs the question. Do they know what they're going to be in for?

Even as I reach my second year of University in London after taking up my scholarship, I myself can say that despite thinking hard and deep about the decision to accept the scholarship back in my time, I did not completely expect whatever that has happened over this period of time.

Are we really expecting kids to be making informed decisions over the prospect of being in a new country of one year?

We then come to the point of the integration of foreign scholars into the group of students in Singapore. I know that there are plenty of work put into this. My question is, is it working?

I think that the ministry is simply solving one part of the problem. You see, when you try to integrate people into a society, it might be important to work the foreigners, but you have to, more importantly, convince the existing students to accept them. I believe that that is what that is severely lacking in most integration policies. If you look at any bad comments or bad news about these foreign scholars, my question is, where are the words coming from? 9 out of 10, I am willing to bet they are coming from Singaporeans, not from the scholars themselves.

I believe that we should be coming to the point of self reflection. Is the issue really with the people unable to integrate? Or is it that we as a society have not been coaxed enough into accepting foreigners amongst our midst as we work together in Singapore? Surely we as Singaporeans come from a melting pot that includes the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians, but when even the Singaporean Chinese cannot stand the Chinese Chinese, and the Singapore Indians complain about the Indian Indians, do you think they can ever integrate into this society? I really do think that it is time that we start pointing the finger towards ourselves, and realize that integration is not merely an issue of them adapting, but also of us accepting.

Changing of Mindsets
My final problem with the ministry is a big one. And I think is an important one that ought to be quickly resolved by the ministry, or it might face much problems with its current direction of change. That is to change the mindset of its stakeholders, mainly students and parents.

Recently, the MOE has been rolling out policies after policies that emphasize the development of an all rounded student rather than a mugging machine. The world today no longer simply looks for top students. It is now more concerned about their ability to work in today's modern setting. Sterling results no longer outshines acceptable results and boundless charisma. Being a student that was caught in-between such a transition, it was definitely not easy to adapt to the changing tides, but it would had been foolish not to.

However, some students in today's system has not caught on to this yet. They and their parents still value grades much more than the moral and emotional development of their children. We have students being sent to tuition classes through the June holidays. And also, there are students that get about 3-5 of their subjects tuitioned, whether they need it or not. As someone who has only had 5 lessons of Chinese tuition his entire life. I believe that tuition is bullocks. If you work hard enough, all you need is the textbook, and your teacher. Then again, I stopped having tuition because I cried so hard about having to do a Chinese Composition that my mom pulled the plug, so perhaps I'm just not the kind for tuition, but that's another story.

Of course, like Mrs Lim, there has been a growing amount of informed parents and students that recognise that results are no longer that important. However, given the large scale changes that the ministry is coming up with, from LaSalle College of the Arts, and SOTA, my question is. Will it this slow change in mindset in the general population hurt the development of these improvements to the education system? I quite suspect it would. With parents being unwilling to send their children to such schools, a stigma might soon be attached to those that do. If the situation does come to that, it would be quite a problem in our hands. We have to ensure that the mindset of the population changes with the expectations of the society soon enough. And more interaction with parents and children are required for this.

And to top it all of, the final and perhaps greatest hurdle that the ministry have to cross with these new changes. Is a simple question. How much is enough?

We have come to the point that sterling results is no longer that important, but it is obvious that there still is a minimum quota that students must at least achieve for them to be successful in our education environment. Say for applications into a scholarship, or university course. The question now is, how much exactly is enough to get them to the step where everything else matters?

As we pull out the point that results are everything, we have technically drawn a grey patch into the criterion of selection based on such merits. What the education ministry now owes the students and parents, is a guide to this grey area on what exactly is expected of one that applies to things with it. We need to be assuring to parents that this grey patch is not really that grey, otherwise, being Singaporeans, parents would still force their children towards nothing but sterling results, because in the end, we cannot reject the fact that the results are still the 'gatekeepers' to scholarships, Juniors Colleges and University Courses. All the work to build well-rounded students will come to a naught.

...

And with these issues, I end the core matters I believe the education ministry should look at, and at least think about what can be done within these issues. I know I haven't really given much suggestions of solutions, but to be perfectly honest, I cannot come up with anything not already obvious such as telling the students/parents about it etc.

Would be happy if people can come up with comments and suggestions. Do you think these are the important problems that the ministry should tackle today? What innovative solutions do you have for these problems?

Elections Afterthoughts

2011-05-08T04:26:00.005+08:00

I quite wanted to leave this until the end of my exams, but I do reckon that the article would be pointless by then.

As every Singaporean who has not been living under a cave have noticed, Singapore has had its General Elections recently. The final results are that 81 seats of the 87 available go to the PAP, while the 6 remaining has been netted by the Worker's Party (WP), in Hougang and Aljunied respectively.

But my thoughts about the GE regarding the results end there. Because really, the GE is only but the beginning of the whole term of government. I am not concerned about who won by how much, but who won where? Did we lose anybody of significance? Who did we gain? The margin of win is something that the parties, of course, should be concerned with for their next elections, but to us the citizens, perhaps the people representing us, and our experience through this period is of much more importance.

To begin, lets note some of the stars that were lost from the political scene. At least for this elections.

Mr George Yeo, has been a minister of the cabinet since 1991. From Information and the Arts, to Health, to Trade and Industry, and Foreign Affairs. Such a loss in the political scene is insurmountable. To the people that still are talking about him running for president or so, I honestly think that the suggestion itself during the elections is absolutely distasteful. Perhaps even on the brink of disgusting. I honestly believe that the man is dedicated to working for the people, on the ground. To me, to 'suggest an alternative job', is to 'suggest' that he is not fit to be what he was, an MP. If anything, it is degradatory, but then again, its only my opinion.

But to topic, will he running for president? Highly unlikely I think, but wherever he does go from now, I say the very best of luck, and I am sure. ABSOLUTELY sure, that he would surprise us Singaporeans with his work in the future, wherever it may be.

Mr Chiam See Tong, has been the longest ever serving opposition MP. Since 1984 till today, it has been 26 years. Since the age of 50, the man has dedicated a third of his life to politics, to the people of PP when he beat Mah Bao Tan for the seat in 1984. He gave the GRC a darn good shot, but it was just off the mark. Perhaps he has not made much of a difference within the passing of bills in parliament, but it would be an understatement to say that he was the flame that kept the oppositions going as the PAP kept winning across the board. To the man I say, thank you for your work. For the time you have dedicated to the people, for your work in the political scene.

There are much more people that should be mentioned, from Mdm Lim Hwee Hua and all. But exams beckons :)

Moving on to new entries, let us start with the most controversial.

Ms Tin Pei Ling. 27 years old, youngest PAP candidate this year, and running in Marine Parade in SM Goh's GRC. Of course, she's getting in, no matter how bad she is. The bulk of Singaporeans have much respect for SM Goh, including myself. As I go along for opinions, I see many many people, denouncing the fact that she's in the government. Reminding me once again about Kate Spade, Universal Studios, "I don't know what to say" or recently in her speech after winning "#TinPeiLing: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and confidence in me”.

I mean, seriously, fair enough that "I don't know what to say" was seriously rather facepalm as a politician, but what's the problem you guys have with everything else? She's 27, pose with bag, say bring parents to universal studios also need to flame?

To me, a politician is one who, most importantly be able to connect to the people, and to represent the people's views in government, with the formal of most importance. Sure, she's not perfect, but do I think that she loses out to Nicole Seah? No! Of course, beside Nicole's earnest speeches, Ms Tin looks like she has a speech impediment, but I have to say that this elections, Ms Seah had all the opportunity in the world to speak earnestly and show herself, but that is not the case the Ms Tin! She has to follow in the party's voice, at least for now.

But do I believe Ms Tin should be an MP? No, of course not. How can I afford to vote someone in as an MP when I don't even know what the person personally stand for? She has been too much of a puppet this election, be it that it was forced on her or not. But now that she has been entered into parliament, I urge that everyone, do give the lady another chance. Who knows, she might be great there. To her I say all the best as well!

To the WP team that took Aljunied. Veterans Mr Low and Ms Lim has worked hard for this result. I would have to say that the best team did win the elections. But it is but the beginning. I really wonder how the future will turn out, especially with things regarding property prices and all around the area. It might be trivial things, but probably an interesting dataset to know since it is the first time a GRC has been dropped by the PAP. Mr Chen's performance from now on would be extremely interesting as well. I do hope that he lives up to the expectation that has been placed on him, for a man of his caliber, I expect great things to come.

Will Aljunied repent for 5 years? I wonder. If anything, I think in this elections, it has become blatantly obvious that scare tactics and intimidation is no longer the way to go in Singapore. But it isn't the first time that MM Lee has talked too much. I respect the man, and I feel bad for PM Lee's position. How can you ever get your father to not be too vocal?

Of course Sitoh is another one to talk about, but as before, no time :)

I think however, the dynamics behind the elections is something that is utterly new. Of course, complaints about the ST being partisan is normal, but that's their problem for claiming to be otherwise. However, the more surprising growth is rather the growth of alternative media throughout. From The Online Citizen (TOC), to Temask Review (TR). Also, what that is more surprising is the stiff support that these alternative media give to the opposition.

Even more surprising than that, is this. In the past, it took balls to stand up, and speak against the PAP. Now, the situation has been reversed, where everyone seems to be rabidly pro-opposition, until the point of not making sense. Perhaps the smell of change is taking the air, fuelled by events in US, Middle East and China. Who knows, I think some sociologist should do a research on this.

Also, this election, in my opinion, completely thrashed any arguments of political apathy in the young in Singapore. Youths, even of non-voting age has been so involved that I really am proud of it myself, as a youth.

Finally, on the future. Simple stand.

I don't care about the elections anymore. We have chosen. I believe that with the PAP humbled, and knowing to listen more to the people's voice, it is time for the government to move on. Its time for the people to move on. What that matters is not the past, but the present and future.

What we need to win is not elections for the party of your choice. But the competition of Singapore against the world.

Election Coverage

2011-05-02T08:26:00.003+08:00

I discovered that I did miss another issue that I would really like to touch on. That is the election coverage by the relevant media forms in Singapore recently.

Personally, I am someone who enjoys objectivity. Information is meant to be what it is. Facts. It might be opinions of another person, but the actual opinions should be presented as what it is. Not reworded, not laced with sarcasm. To this, I have to say that the most media sources has really disappointed me.

Perhaps the most prominently shameless ones are currently the TOC as well as the Straits Times. With TOC really taking it to the next level, I quote

"
Strange thing happened at the SDP rally at Clementi earlier this evening. Each and every time the word 'Vivian' was uttered by any of the speakers, it was followed by a resounding 'boo' from the crowd.
" - Link
...

Even one of my favorite blogger MrBrown, has started to make posts that is so obviously partisan. Then again, perhaps less can be said for his blog, since it is what it is, a blog to discuss his own thoughts and feelings.

But Straits Times. Man, you really take the cake.

I can't even be bothered to find examples. From the type of photographs and the number and length of columns.

As a national newspaper, your lack of objectivity, disgusts me.

It is the most basic of professionalism in journalism. If you want to become Fox News, I wish you all the best, and hope that another newspaper might get better editors to become an alternative to you for me.

When we read the news, we want unbiased information. Simple as that.

Medias. Stop giving me the biased bullshit. I just want to know the facts.

Aljunied

2011-04-29T07:08:00.004+08:00

Elections has become the talk of the town, and I decided that I probably should put up something short about it. There was plenty to talk about really. However, I find the comparison between Ms Seah and Ms Tin pointless, and I do not know enough about the HDB system to participate in Mr Mah and Mr Low's arguments. The gay incident is just completely distasteful and has no place on my blog. That narrows down the the fight at Aljunied.

Last election, PAP's team, won by 56% to 44%. Whether or not the James Gomez incident backfired on the PAP is another issue. This year, once again, the Worker's Party goes for another shot at the GRC, with perhaps the strongest opposition team ever fielded in the past 5 elections.

The decisions for people on the group is nothing sort of lose-lose. Supporting the opposition would lead to the loss of Mr George Yeo, who really is an outstanding minster to say the least, as well as Mrs Lim Hwee Hua. On the other hand, voting for the PAP would be a serious injury to the morale of opposition parties in Singapore, with a chance that Hougang might be lost for a double whammy. Also, one worries about the chance of losing Mr Low, probably the most clear headed opposition leader out there today. As well as Sylvia Lim, now a strong voice in parliament.

The situation has moved away from what the parties can provide for the people. It has moved away from dangling carrots like lift upgrades, and new walkways. Perhaps if anything, we should be happy of the fact that the people now value the people representing them more.

I'm happy that I'm in CCK, where the vote seems much clearer.

Who knows what will happen at Aljunied, but I dare say that whoever is to have won more votes this time, the loss is the nation's.

Good luck to both teams. And may the best man win.

Inflation

2011-04-18T06:36:00.004+08:00

From Taking5 on Flicker

To be honest, I did not prepare much for this post. I've got exams in a month, and far too much to study for. It has led me to possibly doing shorter posts over this period of time. Perhaps when my brain has become saturated with Mathematics and would yearn for another topic.

There has been a recent wave of politicians getting hawkers to pledge to not raise prices for their food for the next few months. Even recently, there was an article from MrBrown with a more satirical take on the subject.

Then again, back to the point. I find this really interesting. Of all the methods to combat inflation, perhaps it just seems a bit weird that they would be targeting the small business owners compared to larger corporations out there. Granted, it does allow for the building of a kampong spirit around the community, with more gratefulness all around. But say persuade supermarkets like Fairprice or Sheng Xiong to keep their prices stable, would that not be much more effective towards the low income Singaporeans?

There is a case for the fact that it would be much harder to convince corporation and larger businesses, but I don't see how that cannot be overcome with a bit of branding and marketing of the idea.

In the end, we are trying to make life better for the people. We should not be hurting small businesses like Hawkers and Mamak shops. Make it cool to keep prices stable in the face of a sharpening inflation. Move some money from the profits of these companies to the people, and give them advertisements and branding in return.

The Essense of Bridge

2011-04-04T08:27:00.004+08:00

Door to the Young Chelsea Bridge Club

I spent my afternoon this Sunday playing the Young Chelsea for an event, the Sunday Spring Knockout Teams with Jack. The match was 4 rounds of 12 boards. Basically, its a knock out between 3 teams for the first round, and the finals or consolations after. We lost in the triangle knockout, and played in the consolations knock out to end up 4th in 6 teams in the end, losing our second knockout by 1 imp.

To be honest, I'm not too surprised by the score, it was a small competition, not really anything big. But as the game went though its normal go on the first 2 rounds, I began to start reminiscing about my growth in bridge since coming to UK, and especially after meeting Jack and Jorrit, and having so many chances to play and learn from them.

Going into the semi-finals knockout, we went against Selby's team. Of course, it would be normal, until I told you here's Oscar Selby.
He's 8 years old. And I incidentally thought his name was familiar, and recalled this article that I read from a while ago. But back to bridge. Right at the start, he started with the question, "So how much did you get the last round?" Before Jack nor I could answer, he confidently stated, "We got +22!"

I couldn't help but to chuckle, and was even more amused as he continued to enthusiastically ask us about our bidding system, while telling us that he played ACOL, and strong 2s.

I wondered if I was like that when I started bridge, I recalled myself thinking. Back when bridge was basic, and there was so much more exploration to do in the horizon. We managed a convincing win of 25 imps in 12 boards, and lost by an imp for 3rd place against Andrew Clery's team.

It wasn't the first time playing with Oscar, but I'm always happy to play with him. Perhaps it is the pedagogue in me, is there really anything more awesome than a kid with all his future ahead of him? If you do ever get to read this post, life's going to be rough, but at least you're on the right path. Press on man.

Coming back, I go online, and discovered that Yong Sheng has posted something new today. I do advise everyone to have a look at his blog in my links, absolutely motivational and inspiring, unlike this one :)

As I read, I sat back and reflected. I wonder when would be the day that I have to put down my cards, when I finally lose the mental capacity to play good bridge. I composed myself. That would take a while. I am happy that I have taken a liking to a game that I could play for years and years, even into my twilight years. There is no, last season, in the near future. There is only the next one, if I do accept to take it on.

And it hit me. As I stopped looking into my past, and stared forward to the present. As I watched games played by professionals and good players, as I watch an incredible play made by Jack on the table. The darkness of the uncharted horizon still hangs ahead, for many many years to come.

I do hope that feeling stays with me for those years.

Because that's what that makes things you love to do, really awesome.

Social Mobility

2011-03-31T23:23:00.003+08:00

I reckon that most people who know me well enough would be surprised that I only left this issue until now. Truth be told, I was thinking of writing on social mobility in Singapore since a month ago, and have been spending time reading up on the issue. I tried to pen down my thoughts perhaps 3 weeks ago, and as I read through the articles I had, something just seemed to be amiss.

Then it struck me. I was right. It doesn't make sense at all.

As from the budget speech a while ago, Dr Ng stated that "About half of the students who are from the bottom one-third by socio-economic background score within the top two-thirds of their PSLE cohort. One in six from this group scores within the top one-third." Then continued to show the graph that's possibly engraved into everyone's minds, at least those who were interested in the topic.

Yes, this one.

Then I realized, I suppose that that's a good thing. More poor people are scoring well. Then 5 seconds later I thought. Wait, doesn't that mean that rich people are scoring like shit? Surely if half of the people from the bottom 1/3 are scoring at the 2/3 level, that means that there must be a number of students in the top 2/3 scoring below the 2/3 level!

Then came the contradiction, so for us to score well in terms of social mobility, that more poor people score well, that means that rich people have to suck?

No no no! That can't be the right indicator! That's a complete abuse of statistics to make a point!

We have to correct this mentality that is spreading around the nation. Having good social mobility does not depend on more movement amongst social classes, rather it depends on the EASE of movement.

Surely, rich people are free to spend more money on their children to score better in exams. Such is the inequalities of life. What social mobility should be doing is to allow those poor kids, who work hard enough to overcome and become better than these rich kids to be able to move ahead. Social mobility does not push kids up the ladder, rather, it creates the institutions and infrastructure for those who are willing to work to move up. It would be horrendous if we pushed poor kids up for simply the sake of "having good social mobility". Rich kids will become poorer despite having relatively more opportunities to improve compared to some of these poor kids!

If anything, perhaps a measure of real income would be a better sign of social mobility than percentages. Check out the income of the kids as they go out to work after their education. That would be the income that would bring them out of their income class anyways. Also, we note that a high increase in real income across the brackets is probably more important anyways. There might not be movement between social classes, but everyone gets to have more income to spend for a better standard of living.

But moving back to the issue of social mobility in Singapore. Now that we have identified social mobility as having the right institutions and infrastructure for movement between social classes, here is my stand.

Singapore obviously has done more than enough in this. Stop arguing over it, and move on.

Seriously.

Look around on what Singapore's Education system has to offer. Plenty of spaces in Tertiary Institutions, ITE, Polys, Universities. Bursary and funding for poor students who are unable to pay for their schooling. Individual schools having funding for students to study in their schools (RI etc). Its really absolutely ridiculous. Check out any developed countries, US, UK. We are really almost the best. I reckon we could learn more from Finland, HK and such. But is this somewhere we should be devoting this much time arguing about?

From a kid, my view of education has always been simple. To educate. We have an infrastructure that envied by many countries, of course by all means, someone should be innovating with them, thinking up of new ideas to improve the system. But what the government has been doing all along before this fiasco, should be the main push of the system at the moment.

Create capable kids.

We are no longer simply living in Singapore. We are living in the world. Our competition is not simply Singaporeans, but the world. We have to ensure that our students are capable enough to compete in the world, that they all have the abilities, in terms of IQ and EQ, to pick up important duties and posts worldwide.

With more teachers in the workforce, smaller classes, teachers minimum graduates, more teaching scholarships, all these recent changes are all heading in the right direction. We are facing a world where everything is getting better, at an exponential rate. To me, it is more imperative that as a nation, we can produce students that can keep up to the pace, and not be washed away by the world.

But that is simply my point of view. I think the argument around social mobility really has been a big waste of time. There has been no significant improvements but adding in more money. Just actions to pacify people who are complaining. I do understand that there are certain structures that hamper mobility, like a lot of streaming, but since we are moving into diversification and pouring money to the elites, that is something that really cannot be avoided.

On Libya

2011-03-24T22:13:00.004+08:00

Before starting off, I apologize for the lack of updates recently. Bridge and work has been keeping me from having enough free time to spend in front of the computer typing. But lets get down to business.

I figure that by now, everyone would have known about the situation in Libya. Of how Gaddafi has been terrorizing the rebels, and that a civil war has basically broken out in the country.

But talking about that would be boring. What I could like to write about this time is perhaps a bit more controversial.

Personally, I think that the willingness portrayed by the UN, France and the United Kingdom to intervene in the crisis in Libya, extremely scary. Sure, Gaddafi is violating human rights, and Libya is part of the United Nations, but such enthusiasm in intervening into another countries issue by the UN and non-US or Russia is unheard of!

Say what you want, but in the end, such intervention can either lead to 2 scenarios. Either that Gaddafi completely surrenders, and that there would be less deaths all around, or that it would escalate the civil war, leading to more deaths both sides, and even including soldiers from the participating countries as well.

If Gaddafi can start a civil war within his own country when he could have simply tried harder to pacify its people (Much like the other Middle Eastern Countries), would you think that the first scenario is likely?

But less about the act of intervening. What that is possibly the most interesting about the situation is the enthusiasm involved. Surely the US and China would want to stay as far away from this situation as possible, and the same goes for Italy, given Libya is one of its largest trading partner. What baffles me however, is the enthusiasm showed by UK and France in going for Gaddafi's throat.

Say what you want, this is a violation of a country's sovereignty. What we have is a civil war within Libya. There exists rebels, but also a side that supports Gaddafi, what that is commonly forgotten. It is true that the methods that has been employed by the dictator has been a violation of human rights, but is that a reason for intervention into what is essentially a country's own problem? Especially when this intervention is most probably going to be leading to more bloodshed? Mind you, even if Gaddafi is ousted, what comes after that? Suppose the rebels come into power, who will help the country move into a democratic one? Mostly like the French and Brits will throw it to the Italians, who will complain, accept the job, and do it half-assedly.

Something has to be done, and military intervention probably ranks quite low down the list.

Work

2011-03-07T01:10:00.002+08:00

It has been quite a while since the last time I had posted. Unfortunately that would have to be the case, being a busy Year 2 Undergrad in Imperial. Topology coursework was really a pain.

Through the week, with work piling up in all directions, decisions to be made, and self doubt about my own mathematical abilities as I stared at the coursework with no avail, I had another one of what I like to call, Reminder Moments(RM).

You know, that moment in time that you simply stop. And start to assess your situation, usually in an emo light, and ending with the conclusion that you're simply not working hard enough, or not giving enough work to making your life more fulfilled or meaningful before death. Usually such problems are also attributed with the problem of playing too much games, reading too much mangas, or because of a stupid flash game. (Click here its awesome.)

Upon this realization that you already had millions of time before, you allow yourself to wallow in self pity as you binged on a gammon shank from your local Saintsbury's (An equivalent in Singapore to this is NTUC). After which you receive a link from your friend about something motivational, and you decide to write a blogpost about the whole thing, despite intending to keep quiet about it initially.

As I planned the post, I start to really wonder to myself, despite having so many RMs in my life, what effect exactly have they left in my life? I come to the realization that ironically, if they did leave any strong effects in the first place, the next one would never be strong enough to be considered as an RM would it? Especially when they're usually about the same thing. Either before or after an inability to do something, work or grades.

Then again, if I do have that many of such moments, is that a sign of my inability to take heed from my previous mistakes? It does seem like the case. From something as trivial as exercising, when until now I still get moments when I can't believe I'm not doing any exercise regularly at all, to bridge, where I'm still irritated about the fact that I'm unable to learn with the U21s back in Singapore. And truthfully? I've done absolutely nothing about them.

If anything, perhaps I should be happy that these moments are still around. Without them, I really do feel that I would even lose touch with my own personal beliefs that easily gets overwashed by hedonistic desires.

Saying that, perhaps I'm one of the weak-willed ones out there. With great ambition to take things out from my life, but succumbing to easily to the temptations of life. But then again, would I have done things differently?

Of course in the future, yes. But what about when you're in the situation you're in?

I guess I should just live with the same philosophy in mind. There's isn't a perfect world, but the closest you'll ever get to it its what you have. Because its all you have. Until then, I shall try to build my discipline and thank the RM for visiting my life regularly.

On Revolutions

2011-02-18T05:39:00.005+08:00

It began with a man that operates a unlicensed vegetable cart. Mohamed Bouazizi had his cart confiscated by a policewoman. In response to paying a fine that would have been his day's wages, he was instead slapped, spitted on and had his deceased father insulted. After an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve his cart at the police station, he doused himself with a flammable liquid and set himself on fire in front of the police station. This was the immolation that led to so much more.

Soon the people took to the streets of Tunisia. After a few more suicides and another man fatally shot by the police, the violence escalated to much higher levels, and eventually reached the capital Tunis. Unlike the politically apathetic people in their 40s, the youths that were not affected by the empty promises of their leaders in the past and are asking for more. Much more.

As more people took to the streets, more reasons to protest turned up as well, including unemployment and rising cost of living. Mind you, Tunisia was not a poor country. $3,851 GDP Per Capita. That's relatively close to Philippines at $3,520.

Soon, the lawyers joined in the protest, together with teachers soon after. With the rising elite's support, the situation was finally too much for President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali to handle when the armed forces and key members of the legislature started having minds of their own. The government was dissolved on 14th January, and resigned the following day, sending himself to exile, and now currently in Saudi Arabia.
The strikes had not stopped in Tunisia today, with strikes continuing to dissolve the Rassemblement Constitutionel Démocratique (RCD), which has been done, and against the prime minster, which is running the show now.

Nevertheless, the current situation in Tunisia might be the least of what the revolution has changed. With the protest in Tunisia so largely successful, it was not long before others in the region decided that it was time for change.

...
In Egypt, 17 January, due to rising discontent with the country's state and the poor living conditions, a man set himself ablaze in front of the Egyptian parliament. After 5 more people followed suit, together with online activism, a protest was planned on National Police Day, on 25 January, to protest again the abuses by the police.

Peaceful protests continued until 1 February, when the Pro-Mubarak groups met the anti-Mubaraks. A clear reminder that in most of such protests, they stay peaceful until the first act of violence is committed. Be it from the police or 2 different groups of people. Then it escalates and all hell breaks loose.

As the days passed, President Mubarak started giving more and more concessions to the people, including promises not to run another term in office and political and social reforms, but it was really too little too late. Despite interventions from the US, on 10th February,when he announced the transfer of his power to his Vice-President Omar Suleiman, many people got pissed off as they expected him to resign, and on 11th February, Vice-President Suleiman announced Mubarak's resignation and that the Supreme Council of Egyptian Armed Forces would assume leadership of the country.

Following that, the Supreme Council of Egyptian Armed Forces dissolved Egypt’s parliament and suspended the Constitution. The council also declared that it would hold power for six months or until elections could be held, whichever came first. But protests continue, but much subsided, with a list of demands to be met.

...
As we speak, major protests are happening on Bahrain, Libya, Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Governments and their leaders have been doing their best to appease the people. From giving out money to the people in Bahrain, to provide housing and redevelopment in Libya and promises of the end of the 19 year old state of emergency in Algeria.

...

Such is a recapitulation of the events up till now. But before I go any future, let me note something that I didn't quite before. Mohamed Bouazizi had his cart confiscated on the 17th of December 2010. That means that everything that has occurred up till now happened within a 2 month period.

Let that sink in a bit. 2 governments were toppled in over 2 months. The Cuban revolution took 4 years, the Nepal Democracy Movement in still occurring from 2006.

Of course, I'm not denying the fact that most revolutions actually start and end rather quickly, but you can tell me how many of those changed anything significant? With a aimless group in Tunisia and waning support in Egypt, one wonders if both groups have the capability to really change anything at all. The full impact of revolutions do not happen in a short period of time, but is instead a long and arduous process that is overlooked by many.

Consider a large change made in a country, say Singapore's road to independence. That was 17 years of work from 1945 to 1962. 17 years. Not 2 months. It was no coincidence that we ended up as a successful country despite having our plans spoiled with Malaysia. Years of planning and experience in Internal Self-Government was definitely essential for the leaders of Singapore to bring the country to the situation today.

Of course, as emphasized before, it is, still only 2 months since the revolution begun. It is far too early to be determining anything much about the future, especially with the volatile situation. In addition to that, I doubt I want to risk eating my own words in the future. Perhaps this revolution would change the region for the better, and the world would remember December 17, 2010 as the day that changed the Middle East. Only time can tell.

Mini Blueberry Cheesecake

2011-02-14T23:18:00.007+08:00

Its Valentine's Day today, really apt for me to be posting about another dessert that I made a while ago. It was really easy, almost ridiculously easy.

Cost me about 11 pounds, enough for 6 Wineglasses and another small bowl.

Ingredients:
400g blueberries
6 Tablespoons of Caster Sugar
500g tub Mascarpone Cheese
7 Tablespoons Icing Sugar
10 Tablespoons of Double Cream
10 Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits
50g butter
Wine Glasses etc. Posh containers for serving.

So, start with the base. Crush the digestive biscuits and microwave the butter to melt it. Be careful not to burn the butter. Mix them together nicely and line the base with the layer of the mixture just about 1cm thick. Make sure that there's no air pockets within the biscuits. Leave the biscuit base into the fridge for about an hour to let it set. This ensures that it would break out and float up to the top when you add other things in later.

An hour later, take the glasses out of the fridge. Start to mix the mascarpone, double cream and icing sugar together in a big bowl, and keep on mixing them until it comes to a nice smooth consistency. Then put the mixture into the cups, and form another layer. Once again, make sure there are no air pockets in the layer. Also, remember to leave a bit of space for the blueberry topping. Leave it in the fridge for half a day.

Just before going in.

Once again, remove the glass from the fridge and prepare to make the layer on top.

To a small pan on medium heat, add the sugar and blueberries.
Heat it up until the sugar melts and the blueberries have released their juice onto the sugar, forming a deep purple colour. This should take about 3 minutes and take care. DO NOT BURN THE SUGAR. Your parents will kill you.
Let the sugar cool a while, and then spoon it over the top of the glass.
Chuck it into the fridge for about 2 hours, and voila! Easy dessert. Happy Valentine's Everyone.

Common Misconceptions

2011-02-11T00:21:00.007+08:00

During the past few days, I read a quote from Yong Sheng's blog.

“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” – Mary Kay Ash

And that got me rather irritated, with all due respect to the man. Because in truth, bumblebees, can theoretically fly.

It was one of those common misconceptions that is flying around the world, isn't it? I know that it doesn't usually concern me, but I think its perhaps just the pedagogue part of me that's acting up. Simply because some of these are really, well, as wrong as it can get.

That I was talking to a friend a while ago, and I heard him go. "Its an Internet Me-me." It nevertheless suffices to say that my palm instantly gravitated towards my face.

So, here goes, an attempt to list down some common misconceptions. And making sure someone is one smarter out there.

...

There were never records of Viking wearing horns on their helmets and Napoleon wasn't really that short, he was 1.68m tall actually.

Searing meat doesn't lock in the moisture, actually it removes it. Mussels that are closed after cooking might still be safe to eat and cooking wine or liquor does not get rid of the alcohol content. In fact, only 75% of the alcohol disappears after 1 hour of cooking.

Moving on, you can't see the Great Wall of China from the Moon, Meteors might not be necessarily hot when it reaches the earth, and we all knew the Earth was spherical, SPHERICAL, NOT ROUND, since 300BC. WAYYYYYY before most people think.

Duck quacks can echo, goldfishes do not have 3 second memories, DNA is NOT a protein, bats are NOT blind, bulls couldn't care less about the colour red and ostriches DON'T BURY THEIR HEADS IN THE GROUND.

Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or coarser or darker. Hair and fingernails don't continue to grow after a person dies. 8 glasses of water is actually not enough a day, the amount takes into consideration the other sources of moisture in a day, such as fruits.

Sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children, alcohol does not make one warmer, and neither does it kill your brain cells.

Moving to the brain, new neurons can be created in the postnatal brain, and the brain is not separated to left and right hemispheres clear cut. And people who use only 10% of their brains are called MORONS.

Fever does not cause brain damage or death in children if untreated. In fact, fever is normally a signal that the immune system is working well. Eating less than an hour before swimming does not increase the risk of experiencing muscle cramps or drowning.

By definition, the real number, 0.999999..... which has an infinite sequence of nines—is exactly equal to 1.

The Coriolis Effect does not determine the direction that water rotates in a bathtub drain or a flushing toilet and it is not true that air takes the same time to travel above and below an aircraft's wing. Lightning doesn't usually strikes twice. It just hits the Empire State Building in New York City about 100 times per year.

The Bible does not identify what type of fruit the forbidden fruit is. The buddha is not always obese, neither is he a god. Jihad does not mean holy war, it means struggle, and fatwā is a non-binding legal opinion issued by an Islamic scholar under Islamic law, NOT a death penalty.

Thomas Crapper DID NOT invent the flush toliet, Thomas Edision DID NOT invent the light bulb. Finally, Henry Ford DID NOT invent the automobile.

...

Well, that took a while, please. From now on, don't make these common misconceptions again? Perhaps I'll make another post about misquotations, but that'll have to wait another day.

Happy CNY

2011-02-04T06:53:00.006+08:00

Year of the Rabbit by =Kikariz

Damn. In a blink of an eye, its already my second Chinese New Year in London. While planning for this essay on my way to school on the day before, I must admit, it was rather nostalgic thinking back into last year's celebrations, and even more into the ones back in Singapore.

I remember that it was that first major holiday back in Singapore that was noticeably uncelebrated by the population here, but restaurants in Chinatown were of course, poised to make a killing on the day itself, so 12 of us decided to work out a hotpot dinner for the group. We booked the common space of the hall for the night, and prepared the meat and vegetables deep into the night the night before. Come close to the dinner, the place had to be arranged. Rice cookers were used to keep the broth boiling while we talked and watched a movie. Cleanup began after concluding the dinner with Yu Sheng, and you wonder how 12 people that have met only months ago can end up celebrating together like family that quickly. As I made my way back into my room, walking in the cold winder air, I came to the realization that school began the immediate day.

There were no bank holidays for the Chinese New Year in London.

It was quite a peaceful celebration for once. It was really rather different from the ones back in Singapore before leaving for London. Food would be catered in, and all of us would gather in my Uncle's home, where Ah Ma stays now. I would accept the Angbaos with cliché replies, and pass it over to my parents without thinking much of it. The children would be crowded around the playstation or computer, our parents reminiscing about the year, and the rest of us letting our voices go on the Karaoke machine. Soon enough it would get late, the adults would soon run out of topics, the teenagers would get bored extremely quickly, after losing our voices, and we would have to pry the children away from the games and head home. I remember vaguely that we always arrived home really early at 9pm, and I wondered how time could have passed so slowly back then. I remember feeling a bit dejected that CNY was no longer as fun as back when I was a child.

Specifics about the celebrations back when I was a child really didn't stick in my mind. However, I remembered being really carefree as a child, when joy and fun where the only aim in life. I never studied much in my Primary School life, electing to spend most of my time reading books and watching television. I never really cared about why doing specific things made me happy, but just did them just because it did. When Chinese New Year came, a visit to my 'Ah Ma Jia', when it wasn't sold yet, was something I really looked forward to. I remember being extremely happy whenever I collected Hongbaos there, be it $2 or $5. This is despite the fact that I never got to use any of those money - My mom has always deposited the money into the bank the very next day. "Saving up for rainy days.", she would always remind me. Back then, my Ah Ma would always insist that the food would be home-made. I don't remember much about the variety, but there would always be fried chicken wings, and the pudgy me would gobble the wings down. 20 were the minimum per year. Why 20? Because I was happy with that number. After dinner, my Pa would move to the mahjong tables outside the door, and the children would engage in some instantly-created games with the di lams(Mattresses) in my grandmother's air-conditioned room. It would not be long before I would distinctly remember my Pa hollering, "Er Shi Yi Dian!" as he moved back into the room with a stack of cards, and everyone would surround him, with him as the banker for almost every year. I disliked gambling back then in the past. But he would always pass me 50 cents, and continue to do so whenever I lost it away to him. "Not really gambling right?" I could distinctly remember him saying in Chinese. Midnight would soon come, and finally the game would stop, with Pa distributing this winnings back to the Children. "Extra Angbao!", he would say, as he ushered us downstairs to help with the burning of joss paper, with sparklers to fill in the time before heading home.

There were no playstations or computers, but time seemed to always pass really fast. There was that same sense of dejection as these thoughts went through my mind. CNY in Singapore has really changed during my course to adolescence. When you are thrown into the realities of life with deaths and calamities. I wondered if it was my problem, that it was just too pessimistic to see the bright side of the festival, unlike the past when such things were never in my mind for even a fleeting moment.

As I celebrated the CNY this year in London, my second year helping out with getting the food and all set up, I realized that whatever it is, there was no point in answer that question anymore.

At 20, it was no longer waiting for the festival to come to you, you had to make it happen. It was something that perhaps a young adult would be expected to do, hope everyone else can enjoy the meal and all that is to come.

What that happened when I was a teenager, and why did not matter much anymore. There was no point in dissecting the issue. Tossing away the past and looking forward, I was rather pleased that the dinner went rather well for everyone this year in our flat.

Gong Xi Fai Cai. Happy Lunar New Year all.

Property Market

2011-01-26T23:37:00.004+08:00

During the middle of January, the Singapore Government put up another slew of property market cooling measures. I personally do not really like to dwell much into the property scene in Singapore, but when its the 4th time in 16 months, I thought that it would be wise to perhaps look into it.

But, some background information first. What exactly does this new cooling measures entail?
Holding period for imposition of Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) increased from three to four years.

Holding period for imposition of Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) increased from three to four years.
SSD rates raised to 16 per cent, 12 per cent, 8 per cent and 4 per cent for homes bought today and thereafter and which are sold in the first, second, third and fourth year, respectively.
Loan-To-Value (LTV) limit lowered to 50% on housing loans for property purchasers who are not individuals.
LTV limit lowered from 70 per cent to 60 per cent for individual property purchasers with one or more outstanding housing loans.

(Taken from Asia Singapore - New Singapore Property Market Cooling Measures, hope its ok.)

Basically, SSD is the duty that is payable if homes are sold within 3 to 4 years, and LTV is the percentage of the price of the house itself that can be loaned to the purchasers. The lower the percentage of LTV, it would mean that the purchaser would have to put more capital into the purchase.

Since the first round of property cooling measures, the aim of the government was obvious. They wished to avoid the issue of a property bubble [Yes, it already exists. Prices of new 5 room HDB flats rose by SG$158,700 from 2007 to 2010. That's a 50% increase.] exploding in Singapore. Especially after looking at lessons from the Japan in 1990, Shanghai in 2005 and US recently. The general method that was administered is to reduce the amount of bad loans that is given out by banks within the country. We must remember that a bubble only explodes when there is an onslaught of defaulted loans, leading to repossession of the houses, which are nothing but toxic assets to the banks when everyone are having their houses repossessed. This then leads to the prices of houses crashing down into the ground and subsequently someone in the white house going, "Shit."

Thus, the general method to stop an explosion is for the government to intervene to reduce the prices of real estate in the country. The fact is, if everyone could afford to pay for their loans, there would be a reduced number of defaults, and the confidence within the property market would still remain strong enough to ensure that these assets would not degrade to toxic assets.

The Singapore government has then decided to work more on the side of reducing demand rather than tackling the supply side, especially targeting the speculators and investors. This would logically decrease the price of housing within the country, hitting the goals of the government.

Then comes the part of walking on the tightrope above the Grand Canyon. Recall that the housing market in Singapore is an interesting one. The country provides a lot of Public Housing for the citizens. In fact, almost 85% of citizens in the country reside in flats from the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The government is committed to providing housing for everyone within the nation, and encourages ownership of their own flats if possible. We have to remember that whenever the government intervenes into the market, it would easily affect every party in the market indiscriminately despite actions being targeted at a specific group of people.

This is the challenge to the Singaporean Government today. How is it possible for them to cool the property market in the country, yet not affect the already arduous task for the needy or people who are authentically looking for flats to reside in?

We note that the SSD is a nice touch, for at least it allows for the curbing of 'flipping' within the country. That is, flats that are purchased then immediately sold for a profit. However, consider the possible problems. What if a flat was recently purchased, but has to be sold within the first year because of a need for money, say if a member of the family is hospitalized?

Also, the LTV might also lead to issues. For people that are interested in switching flats, say to stay closer to their grandparents and so. If they still had an existing loan, the increase in capital that is required for the purchase of the new flat might be too much for them to bear.

Of course, I'm not saying that these are bad initiatives. Instead, I'm questioning this point - Has there been a comprehensive net to catch all of such special cases to be dealt with swiftly? I should think that if such a net exist, it has not been publicized enough for relevant parties to look for help.

Coming back to the issue of a property bubble, perhaps the biggest question is: Will this measures finally work?

Personally, I do not think it is enough.

Remember that the main aim is to reduce the demand for real estate, mostly targeting investors and speculators. But like the past 3 cooling measures before it, why would this one be any different? Perhaps increasing the SSD would reduce profits from investing, but taking out the LTV surely would only affect a portion of the property investors in Singapore. The big boys, those with plenty of dough to spare would not even blink twice at it.

What I suggest that could be done is perhaps establishing a tax for individual purchasers to be paid whenever a property is sold. And let this tax be pegged against the annual income of the purchaser during the time when the property is sold. As such, there is clear differentiation between the rich, looking to invest their money, and the poor, who is looking to own their own house. Investors would then move out of the property market, into other fields of investment, and prices of real estate in Singapore would stabilize, much to the sighs of relief from the lower income groups and the government.

But is this really the end to the problems? Of course, an eye could be kept on all these interferences, and should be adjusted or removed accordingly, in case the market cools too much. What about the investments that is removed from the housing market then? An interesting article from Eng Yian here, elaborates more about problems on that side.

...........

After writing on the issue, one wonders if the Singapore government would have noticed this issue of the property bubble if not for the problems happening around the world. It is too easy to attribute the increase of real estate prices as an indicator of wealth rather than a disaster waiting to happen, isn't it?

Cheesecake.

2011-01-16T07:56:00.008+08:00

Today's post is going to be a little different. Recently was Jieru's, one of my housemate's birthday. I ended up attempting to make a marble cheesecake for the event. And even went on to purchase a 9-inch cake tin for it from Argos.

The initial recipe that I'm starting out from is from here. Will talk about the minor changes along the way.

Spent the day pretty rushed, having to suddenly do the dinner together with the base of the cake. Rather than crushing the cookies in a bag, I ended up using a pestle and mortar for it. No no, not the stones.

Thanks Leroy for helping crush the cookies, or I would never have had gotten the base done in time before rushing off for bridge for the night. The base was left to freeze in the freezer overnight after adding the butter. Just to ensure that it wouldn't crumble.

Right after removing it from the freezer.

The next day, I took the base out for it to soften a bit, and moved on to getting the filling done. Whisking the Philadelphia initially, and with only sugar was horror. Do have a strong guy around on this step, either that or a nice whisking machine. It got a lot easier as I added in the eggs, as the batter gets more 'liquidy'. As I melted the milk chocolate and left it to cool in the fridge, I wondered for a moment if there was too much.

And I was right. After putting in a base of the normal cheese filling. I alternated between the 2 fillings as I spooned them in. And I realized I had far too much chocolate filling at the end. And I tried to save the cake by moving in the fillings around.

*Facepalm*

Horror of horror. The marble cheesecake now looks like a normal 2 layered cheesecake outside. Bleh. After baking for 1 Hour 15 Minutes and leaving it to rest in the oven for another hour, I left the cheesecake in the freeze overnight. And removed it 30 minutes before the birthday. Hoping for it to turn out with the texture of an ice-cream cake, the way that I did it for my tiramisu. Unfortunately, 30 minutes was too short, and the cake was still rather hard.

But at least there was a plus side.

omfg the marblez is t3h 4wes0m3.

Well, generally successful, and the cake only cost about £7.20, quite awesome considering that its in UK.

...

Initially when planning on the process, you get confronted with many many questions of self-doubt. You can be worried about many things. Will it be too expensive? Will it not harden in time? Will the base crumble? Will it be too sweet? Will it be too cheesy? Will it fail and taste like shit? Will people finish eating it?

Only when taking on such big 'projects' that you realize what's so important about how you act as a guest or a diner. You hope that your friends would denounce the failure of the cake before you, or worse be patronizing before you, and dunk away unfinished cake at the end of the day.

Then you realize in the end. That's only if the cake sucks.

You just want to make a delicious cake for everyone especially the birthday boy/girl. The rest is just problems only if you fail.

So don't. Bravely do it, and get it done right.

Cheesecake anyone?

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T07:36:00.004+08:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Once again, its another new year. As the clock chimed midnight, everyone began spamming sms-es and facebook statuses, wishing everyone a happy new year. (Both in Singapore and London)

Then within the hour, facebook notes are then spammed with resolutions for the new year. A quick detour to Wikipedia gave religious parallels to the idea of these resolutions, including Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) in Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and reflections through Christian fasting period of Lent, both of which I have never even remotely heard of before.

Many people decided that they would exercise and lose weight this new year. Some resolve to work harder in school, and well, generally nice and happy things that we would usually find excuses to not do normally.

As I scrolled through the lengthy lists of resolutions, wondering if there was an abridged version somewhere, there comes a strong sense of deja-vu. Haven't I done this before last year? And, wasn't it the same things really? Perhaps with few points with some crossed off from last year, and plenty more added onto the list.

Then came the existential crisis for the new years resolution within my own mind? Why do we make them in the first place? What's the point of having a list of things to do within the year, and not only not get them done, but constantly increasing the list until it stretches to the abyss? Why resolve to do things within the year when we know its probably humanly impossible to ever complete them? Findings also show that only 12% of resolutions ever gets achieved.

I must confess, the thought did get me rather depressed for a period of time, not because it really mattered to me; I've never made any resolutions in the New Year my whole life, but just because its an excuse to feel just remotely sad. Then I asked myself, what would then be the ideal New Year's Resolution(NYR) then? Logically, it would be something that could and should be completed within the new year. And not be carried over to the next year should it not be completed before the new year...

Then came the realization. Damn, that's even more sad isn't it? Not doing something just because I didn't get it done within the time limit? Many things that I thought were issues instantly evaporated, and the sunshine shone down upon gloomy London once again.

If anything, what's wrong with the NYR is the New Year. Why resolve only when its the New Year? It is but another day. Keep a bucket list. Be spontaneous, not only when the year ends. Think of it as the daily resolution, not the year's.

Then I wonder, what's my NYR? Doesn't matter really, since I quite subscribe to Eric Zorn's view.

......

"
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
"

......

Survive a New Year my Friends.

Manga.

2010-12-16T02:59:00.005+08:00

Anybody that knows me well enough knows I enjoy reading manga.

Yes, I do, I absolutely love it. It probably stemmed from reading Comics like Asterix and Tintin, as well as all the Asiapac comics back in Primary to Secondary School, combined with the watching of anime in Secondary schools.

However, watching anime took far too much time, and there simply isn't enough witty comics around to keep me interested for long. Soon you come to a compromise - Manga.

As I type, I try to recall the last time I read a comic and watched an anime. I believe its JC2 for comics, probably a copy of Sherman's Lagoon, and JC1 for anime, when I finished watching Library Wars just before the start of Promos. Explains my results back then.

However, manga has really been a great source of entertainment for me for the past few years. I mean, the number of choices online are countless, the length can range from a oneshot to Kochikame-length. You pick your length, you pick whether you want a completed series, or a series in the making as we speak. Its like reading books, and I get pictures to help me imagine, without having the whole anime kill off any possible imagination I could have in my mind.

It might sound like a stretch, but I'm following about 25 manga series as we speak. It might seem to be quite a bit, but when you consider that I only take 5 mins to read every new weekly/monthly chapter, its really doesn't take up too much time at all.

In fact, I find it that I only take really long to read manga only when I start on a series and wish to get to the newest chapter ASAP. Like starting on Toriko, or One Piece from the very beginning.

However, when reading completed mangas, I'll rather just read to a point, and bookmark it for later when I get bored of it. Its like savouring a book, you make the choice.

Perhaps it says much about how I read books, when I say I only have two completed manga series that I have not finished at the moment, Mahoraba (Chapter 6), and Tales of Destiny (Chapter 4). Love to finish stories in one sitting. (I have just finished Kimi ga Suki today. In a single sitting.)

But I do have to admit, reading something like manga isn't for all. I know of friends that just needs to watch the anime. They still prefer to have the action and scenes drawn out for them, and that it should be a form of 'mindless' entertainment. Don't spend too much energy on it.

To them, I say, Touche. Try watching Kino no Tabi or Library Wars and we'll see you not think.

Nevertheless, I think I should end with my list of ongoing manga I'm reading now, from my favourite at the top. All of them should be available on mangafox. Otherwise, leave a message on the tagboard, I'll leave a link.

Bartender - Chapter 41
Iris Zero - Chapter 4
History's Strong Disiciple Kenichi - Chapter 410
The World God Only Knows - Chapter 124
Toriko - 122
Bakuman - Chapter 113
Nononono - Chapter 82
Nineteen, Twenty-One - Chapter 8
GE - Good Ending - Chapter 61
Hajime no Ippo! - Chapter 917
Bambino! - Chapter 53
Seiken no Katanakaji - Chapter 17
Angel Beats! - Heaven's Door - Chapter 9
Kisswood - Chapter 11
Samurai High School - Chapter 9
etc etc.

I almost wanted to write the whole list down, and I realized that its pretty impossible given how many I got. Anyways, go ahead and read some mangas, most of you will probably find it not just quicker, but much more rewarding than just anime.

Quiet.

2010-12-11T11:06:00.003+08:00

I know that these days, I seem like a person that can strike up a conversation with any stranger, but I still think of myself as an introvert. If anything, I find myself extremely comfortable in silence as my mind is allowed to spontaneously play with any thoughts that might float by. Anyways, there has never been much point of telling anyone else about your personal problems, for it only serves as a burden to others, and worse off, they might not even be able to offer you any advice you were hoping to hear.

Anyways, as the picture suggests, most of the time, all the decisions that you would made would probably already have been decided subconsciously. There's no need for others to assure yourself when you yourself will do.

Continuing on the subject, perhaps the topic that I would like to steer clear away is regarding relationships. Dealing with anything that could eventually lead to malicious gossips, which is usually just too much to handle. It simply only saddens me to know that some people will forever be the childish kids they are.

I regularly come to the conclusion that with the amount of thought I put into things, it is quite senseless to get myself to think about such subjects anyways. Most of what you expect is possible to happen never happens anyway. For any 20 scenarios to plan for, only one will appear in reality.

Most of the time, its either the simplest situation, or the unthinkable alternative. So why bother setting up contingency plans?

But then again, who can stop himself from thinking? I have thoughts in my brain 24/7. Its incredible how depressing life can get when you think about everything, all the time. Its reached the point that in bed, I've started to spend hours just staring into the ceiling and thinking. I no longer try to sleep at night. I simply just fall asleep unknowingly.

You never really get to enjoy the present, when your mind constantly dwells in the future.

Wiki-Leaked.

2010-12-01T07:50:00.003+08:00

2 years ago in Junior College, I remember very vividly reading upon a nice term that was utilized in a comprehension passage back in General Paper class.

"Investigative Journalism". The comprehension in general talked about the powers of investigative journalism, and also touched on the Watergate Scandal to illustrate its power. It reminded us of the fact that such investigative journalism is dying out, as newspapers turning to tabloids to improve their profits rather than these such topics that may not even bring back interesting information for print.

I recall also talking about the topic with Mrs Ong closing to the end of the consultation I had with her over the paper. We agreed that such journalism is going, but someone will definitely take it too far soon enough.

And out comes wikileaks.

In today's world, where everything can be tracked, bugged and recorded, it would not be an exaggeration to that whatever you say could come back to bite you a few years in the future, including this blog that I type today.

Firstly, why is the website getting so much publicity because of the information? We have to realize that investigative journalism has been around since the 1900s. It is not something new that people have poked around and investigated whatever information they can get their hands on, and showing such information to the world. The only reason that the information that wikileaks is giving out today has attracted so much furore is simply because no one has been doing it recently, and no one has had the guts to do it YET.

Mark my words, the only reason Julian Assange hasn't had a bullet put through his skull is because of the amount of publicity that he has been getting over these leaks across the internet.

Realize that what the website is doing is nothing difficult. When you have the sources, from people in the service that decided to leak these information, or if you could tap a cable of any embassy, you could easily obtain these information, and with the internet, distribution of these information is nothing much in itself. You simply upload it online and leave everyone else to do the rest. This in no way respectably harder than investigative journalism in the past, it is simply just exposing information that has been collected or contributed by others.

Secondly, how ironic is the website itself. They have claimed to expose all of such information, and show the public another side of the governments of the world, and they also have new cutting edge cryptography securing the information on their servers. Hmm.

But, in the less, I couldn't care less about the website, I couldn't care less about what would happen to Mr Assange in the future. The question is, what has the release of such information done to the world? Or rather, what will it do to the world? One wonders if such a thought has even gone through the mind of Mr Assange, did he even give a moment of thought to the consequences of such actions? In this world, it is run around lies and secrecy. That is an unspoken acknowledgment intrinsically known by everyone who is the citizen of the world. People Lie. As simple as that, but as long as such lies do not compromise the systems of which the world are built on, everybody can just move on and meddle in their own work letting it pass.

When you drag out these secrecy, you destabilize the system. Everyone can no longer ignore the ugly truth, when such information are further publicized by the media around. Economic markets go down, diplomatic relations sour, the world is thrown into turmoil.

To me, the website is simply just a teenager. Everyone of its actions are driven at simply increasing its own popularity. So long as we continue to be famous, and be noticed, it would be ok. Really, are they still bringing these information for the sake of informing the world about the 'truth'? Because if they are, they obviously are just simply idiots.

Is the pursuit of truth really so important that we have to bring the world down with it?

If you think about, perhaps the pursuit of truth should end when you realize that actually, there is no truth. Just the most convenient lie.

Anorexia

2010-11-28T23:57:00.005+08:00

There was an article published over the Straits Times (Online of course, given that I'm in UK), detailing about the isolated incidents of anorexia occurring in teenagers, some as young as 8 in Singapore. Almost 24 of the over 200 anorexia cases are kids of age 12 and below as well.

That is an extremely depressing look of the situation in Singapore, where vanity has affected even someone the age of 8. We have reached a period of time where globalisation is no longer just recognized, but is also managed in countries around the world. We have access to a myriad of many cultures and perspectives simply by a click of the remote control. The continuous bombardment from loud western culture has begun to erode the traditional, conservative culture that has defined and ordered Asian civilizations from the past.

However, it is not the time to complain when such negative influences are upon us. We do have to recognize that while globalisation does bring along problems, we cannot simply ignore the benefits that follow. From open markets, to global collaborations and greater perspectives for citizens. Localisation and protectionism is not the way to go, but rather, I believe that this issue of increasing anorexia is a warning light for us to start increasing education and legislating laws to combat the problems of globalsation while reaping its benefits.

We of course, going back to the point of anorexia in children, skipping all the standard arguments of teaching kids and adults and controlling media within the house and all, have to really ask ourselves - Is it really all the fault of globalisation?

We have to recognise that in the end, it is the individual that is influenced by the world, and not the world that is influenced by the individual. Like many many arguments before, I emphasize the fact that in most problems, the first solution that we should be thinking of should be the individual, not the system. Would it not be easier to help a man adept than to adept a system to a man?

Firstly, we have to build up the self-esteem of insecure teenagers. As we globalisation, we open ourselves not only to resources from overseas, but also competition. Teenagers in Singapore today now live in a extremely competitive world. Schools are filled with foreign scholars, universities are with overseas students, and more and more students are allowed to study overseas and open their eyes to the best and brightest in the world. Unlike in the past where we were with less talented, and more "relatable" competition, we now could be competing for places even with a random boy from Egypt. The world is now your playing field, but the world is also now the other team. This can easily break up all self esteem in teenagers, and preventing them from believe in their decisions and perspectives, blindly following the ones stipulated by the world around them.

In addition to that, the influx of globalisation calls for a much more elaborate education of morality to students as well. With cultures blending together and different perspectives to view from, we have reached a point in time where the ability to tell between what is right and wrong would be an essential tool for any individual in today's society. We have to instill within our children that while there are many different ways to see a situation, there are definitely a socially and individual correct or wrong answer to most questions that they would face in their lives. They have to be taught, or at least, guided to come up with processes of decision making in order to make those decisions of right and wrong for themselves! We recognise that in the end, they are responsible for judging if their actions is wrong or right, but they must understand the subsequent outcomes that could occur from their decisions and would not regret such a decision that they would make. In such a case of anorexia, we have to recognise anorexia might not be wrong for some people. Suppose that a person has recognised that he/she has to lose a lot of weight, simply because he/she is extremely overweight, and is able to recognise the limits of excessive anorexia. I say, go along! The point is that children must not simply follow rules, but we must start teaching them from a younger age to recognise the consequences of whatever actions they might take, and not regret them.

After going so much about the individual, we cannot forget the fact that there has to be provisions of support from immediate families and society is order to bring these youths back to the right path. I place emphasis on change to come from the individual, but that doesn't mean that we can ignore what the society can do completely. We have to have parents able to recognise when these problems are coming on to their kids, as well as an avenue for these kids and parents to approach when in trouble. Schools should also have ideas like above incorporated into their CME syllabus, and teachers trained to spot students with such potential problems.

But actually, all in all, its okay to choose to eat less and starve yourself and all. Gandhi was not scolded for his hunger strikes. Just make sure that you know what the hell you're doing.

Oi, kwa simi kwa?

2010-11-16T07:46:00.003+08:00

Recently, Singapore has been hit by plenty of youth choppings around. Young gangsters, coming down and ending up with staring incidents, even randomly chopping people around in the Bukit Panjang area.

I think that the first incident at Downtown East unacceptable that a small conflict could be escalated to such a scale. The second incident is just fucked up.

Absolutely, beyond my comprehension. Why would you randomly start hacking people? That is an absolutely sign of insanity. I honestly think whoever that is involved should be royally fucked left right center. From every single direction, everybody concerned. There's no reason to have started anything like that at all. Absolutely ridiculous.

Whatever, in this post, I am not interested in talking about the events itself, but rather, the possible reasons for such incidents in the first place. We can't help but question ourselves, is it the problem with education? Family? Social Security?

I think that, in the end, the biggest problem lies not with anyone else, but the individual itself. He who cannot think or control his own actions, have to answer for it. As simple as that. I understand that everyone could be influenced by the environment, but it is an excuse when it comes to serious issues like chopping people with choppers and carrying choppers around.

What do these people think they are? Gangsters? No, they do not have a blood bond like the triads. Mafia? No, they are not as professional as the Italians.

What they are, are Ruffians, they are youths that decided to follow the idiot before them that decided that it was a good idea to go around and chopping people.

The more I type this post, the more I realize I'm getting pissed by the point that these incidents happened. Many things have made me worry about the abilities of my own generation, and while I have met exceptional people around, I am more and more disappointed at the situation around this generation of youths.

PM Lee has stated in the National Day Rally earlier in the year that we should not be worried about the youths of the future, as they would come and settle down, eventually bringing the country to the next level.

I disagree. I think that within a generation, it only takes one powerful idiot to screw everything up. In history, it has always been one person to change the world for the worse.

We have to make sure that one person doesn't exist. For our sake.

You go your way,

2010-11-10T07:28:00.004+08:00

Perhaps it is necessary to have some background reading before moving on to my post. Read Here, nice little post by Eng Yian.

Now, let me begin by saying that in general, I have no bones to pick with the general view of the essay. I think that the line between being modest and taking up a role is something that has to be drawn clearly, perhaps only the point that the current situation that is in today's society is probably just a bit more optimistic than painted in the post.

Nevertheless, back to the point of adding to the essay. The question I would like to ask, really, is: "Do you think the elites, being elites, would not know what they should be representing?"

Now, do not confuse these elites as simply those who score straight A's. I'm referring to elites that are truly the leaders of the time. He who moves the crowd of his community, who charts the group, ANY group to new waters and destinations.

Do you honestly think that these elites would hesitate to defend their group's interests when the situation calls for it? I ask not of their abilities to fight against opposition, but simply their choice. They WILL make the choice.

Whereas, what we really should be asking ourselves, really, is that is it really true that the masses of the youths are facing so many unrepresented problems today? Or are they just simply facing nuisances that warrant a complain that can be phrased within 140 words? I do sincerely believe that it is the latter.

Now, what is the problem is that with a nuisance, and today's advanced technology, the communication of such simple nuisances can spread over to many around their social space. People who did not think of it as a problem would escalate its status as one, and people who did not even have the problem would start seeing it as a nuisance.

The problem, is that what that can, and had been worked around by many others, is now seen as an unnecessary nuisance, that probably would have been better left to itself, allowing the victims to innovate ideas to solve them.

However, we cannot deny a fact, which is that there IS a underrepresentation of the youths in Singapore today. That is a fact. How is that possible? Should there not be enough capable and passionate people/elites within the system to step up to the job?

And here is a problem. The problem is not the lack of talents, but the tag of "elitism".

Many people want to be an elite. They work hard in their studies, and pick up countless administrative and leadership roles within their communities and groups, and rack up their CV, pulling them ahead of the rat race beyond others.

Now my question is, are these people truly elite? To me, they are but just vain and self-centered dicks.

The true elites are not appearing because their limited opportunities to represent themselves and others are taken by these "pseudo-elites" and end up being in a far lower positional leadership position than what their personal capacities can take. It is not that there are no elites, it is that their voices are not amplified enough to be heard by the nation.

Such is just a natural drawback of a meritocratic society.

...

"and I go mine. Live and let live. Right? Right." - Daffy Duck

Currency Wars

2010-11-03T08:08:00.003+08:00

There has been much tension between China and US in many forms, but let's just make a quick one about the currency wars between the 2 countries.

I don't really like to call it a "war". It is really more of an argument between the 2. A currency war would only occur when the rest of the countries start to get greedy and everyone freaks out.

Do you honestly think that everyone else is looking at China and the US bicker at each other? Every country has a relatively similar investment in both countries relative to their economic abilities, the damages towards each countries would be relatively similar. What that would cause the other countries to freak out is when one of themselves decide to break out and start screwing around with their currencies and join in the fun.

Then all hell breaks loose.

But enough of the other countries, back to the argument between the US and China. This is not the first time that the US has argued over with China over something. From Human rights, to currency and North Korea. The issues are endless. It starts to show the desperation of the United States in reinstating itself as a global watchdog for the world. It has the impression of a 80 year old still attempting to cling on to the title of the alpha-male.

Nothing wrong with that, there has to be confidence still within the country. The last thing the US wants now is to become another Japan or Europe. It has to keep confidence of its own people and the world towards their abilities, be it from its economy or its military. Once the government gets lazy and give it, stagnation will take place in all directions, and it will crumble into the residues of its past.

In today's times, when the United States' Economy has disappointed the world not once, but twice in a decade, it would be throwing in the towel if it was not to pick of the glaring problem of the devalued yuan and label it as another excuse for its failures as well as pulling it away from its current problems, including a high unemployment rate and government deficit.

And now to the East. We have spoken so much about the United States, what about China? Consider this, this is a growing economy. China is probably still decades away from fulfilling its economical potential. And it has been moving at such an extremely bullish pace its ridiculous. We also have Premier Wen, who would be giving way to his successor, Mr Xi Jinping, within the next few years, what could be on his mind but to leave a legacy under his name that would be remembered for years? What better time to carve a legacy but in such turbulent times as today?

Now, an analogy for China would be the new kid by the block, it wants to grow and gain whatever it can. What it does is its own business, and he couldn't care less about what the rest thinks, as long as his friends still support him. It wants to bring its position to way beyond what that could be imagined by his friends as well.

What else but to challenge the alpha male of the pack?

China wants this, they want to be seen as a country that can challenge the wills of the United States without significant backlash. Let it be known to the people that it is no long the country that was sold to the foreigners in the past! It now controls the world, and is the biggest kid in the block.

Consider this, do you think that the situation on the Uighurs is actually good for China? Do you think that they couldn't handle it well? Either way that the coin was played, they could easily propagate itself as a champion for the 'Chinese' Chinese, or as a benevolent country that opens its arms to the world. It might be a stretch, but it seems like China just simply wants to make its point. I can do whatever the hell I want. F*** off.

Just to conclude, back to the question, what do I think of the Currency arguments?

Its like a 80 year old ape, and a new kid of the block comparing their penis size.

Just that the zips a bit tight because of the economical strings that its tied to.

The Last Days of Pompeii

2010-10-09T22:38:00.003+08:00

I recently bought a book the other day, titled, The Last Days of Pompeii, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton back in 1834, but the cover I have is presumably the 1850 edition, as from the preface, but I can't really confirm it as the date of publication as well as the office of publication was not stated upon the book itself.

As I bought the book at Camden Market in London the other day, I questioned myself if it was really a good purchase. The book was only 2 pounds, and most definitely worth more than that. Rather, the question is, is it really worth the effort to purchase it, then sell it again later? After a short struggle with my conservative side, I brought the book over to the stall owner and swiftly paid him the 2 quid, and walked off hoping it would, at the very least, be a good read.

On retrospect, I wondered what upon me tried to pull myself away from purchasing the book. 2 pounds for a book, even a normal one, would be quite a steal, given its condition. I then realized that it was not the price of the book that was the issue, but more of the idea of that I was purchasing the book intending to sell it off again for a profit later.

Most people out there might be baffled at this comment. What is wrong with buying something with the intention of selling it and making money? It is the basis of capitalism in the world! The concept of eventually making a profit for oneself is what that builds demand and supply in the world and drives it.

But for me, I am not the kind for business. Simply because I hate to lose, money that is, through business, when I know I could have avoided it. In all honesty, many have seen losing money through business and simply paying your 'tuition fees', but I really believe, why bother trying to be rich in the first place?

It is lucky that I'm not the kind that is out to be rich, and can simply enjoy my life as a civil servant, earning enough to pay the bills and live a comfortable life.

Really, the same comments as above can be replicated to describe my feelings towards many friends that has delved into stocks and bonds recently. But then again, to each his own. I will not deny that I sometimes am envious when I hear of their successful exploits, but I'm definitely sure that I'll probably be happier without them.

......

PS. On re-read, I realized how scattered the thoughts were penned down, no matter, can't be bothered to re-write it.

PSS. Will upload a picture of the book soon.

RIP

2010-10-03T19:54:00.002+08:00

Say what you will about LKY, but nothing much can be said about the reputation of the woman that has stood by him all these times. A quiet but strong woman. I sincerely believe that when your daughter is not abashed to write about your relationship to the newspaper, it is a sign of a great one.

Mrs Lee, it has been a great 89 years, RIP.

Thinking too much.

2010-09-24T00:09:00.003+08:00

I have been commonly accused of thinking too much. Collecting data, analyzing information, making predictions. Of competitions, of life, of everything. I was never able to really stick to one side of the fence really, with both sides having their own appeal.

To start off, its obvious that planning ahead is much advocated in much situations. To fail to plan, is to plan to fail. The phrase is uttered so many times that it's beginning to sound cliché. We walk ahead of the situation, covering for as much possible situations as possible, from the major undertakings to all minor details in the fabric. Nothing is unexpected, nothing is out of the great plan. We operate to the highest level of efficiency, we grind to achieve the best results, albeit robotically.

On the other hand, failing to plan, leads to the cropping up of many unexpected situations. We stand to encounter problems that could stand to cripple entire projects, bringing the world crashing down onto the ground.

But I question, what is life, without excitement?

I pity the man that plans everything out in his life. Everything is expected. Everything has been thought through before. Everything has been pre-calculated, pre-planned, pre-empted.

I fear for a life where I always know what will happen before it does. Of course, I do not discount the group that seeks excitement from perfection rather than surprises. To each his own, but at least pick a side.

Here I am, a seeker of excitement, but intrinsically a planner. I couldn't a pick a better oxymoron myself.

Words

2010-09-17T00:37:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, words just fail to describe some things. It is quite undeniable that while language was created to convey information, some situations and objects can't help but to slip between the cracks. This is true in many other examples: Math's inability to quantify all of science, psychology's inability to catalog all of humans' thoughts.

Yet, such information still has to be transfered sometimes, for the sake for the recipient, or the source. We exist in a world where knowledge is power. Wars are won from intelligence, crime are solved upon evidences.

And whenever we encounter these situations, we learn to adapt, and create within the language, a way to describe this particular situation that did not arise in the past.

Yet some situations, just never get the right words for them. Not because there isn't one suitable, just that we never feel that it is personal enough.

It is the man that fails the words, not the words that fail the man.

National Day Rally 2010

2010-08-31T21:53:00.005+08:00

Frankly, I have very little to say about this year's NDR. It was, if anything, safe. Perhaps its the election year, but not too much of things for me to holler at.

Firstly, the rally started with topics on the economy. Please expect wage increase but not too much, we dealt with the financial crisis well, productivity above all. Nothing new, perhaps the new example on the Keppel and the Oil Rigs.

Secondly, Immigration. I'm very surprised at the state of the situation despite having dwelled upon it for so long. We understand the potential problems of immigration and of course, the main reasons why the government must still continue as an open economy. For those people who still are in the debate and still am arguing about these, you should perhaps join a primary school debate competition.

Rather, I believe that the question now is rather, what is the benchmark for setting the number of immigrants that would be allowed in Singapore? We see numbers coming from the government, but, what exactly determines these numbers? The crux of the issue is not just about the value, but also, what is the benchmark to adopt when determining the number of immigrants? I believe that that is the clouded part of the issue that must be cleared up before it can continue any further.

Whole chunk on immigration that is quite common sense, imo. And it moved on to transport. Happy to finally see the increase in frequency, I know its not possible to ease off the squeeze completely, but at least they're trying. Was surprised to hear nothing of the distance fares within the rally. Would have taken the chance to blast it upside down, but that can wait for another day.

Housing issues came next. Rising property prices are the hot issue, and fingers are pointed at the immigrants for increasing the demand. Obviously, that is quite unlikely, but example that property prices fell in the first half of last year despite increased foreigners is not really a good one either. It is comparing the prices between 2 completely different situations in time; one where there is low liquidity from the crisis and the current times where everybody is looking to invest again.

HDB will never be too much of an issue, but private properties seem to be the problem in the foreseeable future. Will talk more about it when I understand more.

Education. Maths and Sciences remain the pillars, with soft skills being cultivated more. Was amused that PSLE got a part in the speech for no apparent reason but perhaps the recent Chinese fiasco, and surprised that the whole Chinese fiasco wasn't even mentioned.

Oh... IP. Well, to put it short, IP is stupid. To say the least, I'm disappointed that it is going to be expanded in the near future. Please refer to this for my thoughts about the general IP system.

But back to the happy things, I am glad that more attention has been placed on the weaker students than the strong ones. In the end, the education system seeks to educate the masses, not just the best. However, with the expansion of the polys in the near future, one wonders if the 500 places in the SIT is enough.

Also, another worrying trend is that universities will soon be admitting at least 30% of the year's student population. While 30% is still a reasonable amount of university students, it is clear that if the trend is to continue, we have to worry about the possibility of the depreciation of the value of a degree. It would be sad when the day arrives that the degree would be worth less than what you paid for it. Less can be said about the futures of non-graduates. This situation has happened in Taiwan last year, let us hope that Singapore has the foresight to guard against it just in case.

Happy for the new medical school in NTU, helps to ease the need for medical professionals in the future. Just amused at the fact that I don't even know how far the nearest hospital will be.

And fund raising for universities also made the speech. Surprising...

The Singapore Spirit to end things off. Who would like to be drunk at the end of the party?

Nothing much to say about the heartwarming end to the speech actually. But the part seemed to address more about the skeptical views of the ability of youths nowadays compared to the actual Singapore spirit. Also emphasized about remembering and honoring the past. Finally, it was topped with a serving of the YOG, which really does deserve its own post, but will have to wait till I'm less lazy.

Good Speakers

2010-08-17T21:46:00.004+08:00

I spoke to a very interesting lady today. She's a Trainee teacher teaching at BPGHS now, Ling. Don't be fooled by the name, its short for Lingehswari. Currently doing English Literature at BP, she is quite a character.

Now by no means is she in the template of a normal boring teacher, within the first few minutes of joining Mr Thomas Lee and I, she completely took me over with her verbal abilities as we conversed over many topics ranging from motivational speakers, to her decision to be a trainee teacher, as well as her involvement hosting many events and helping out in the community of YOG.

It was a throughly entertaining conversation, and it was a blatant reminder of my lack of conversational skills as well as charisma. She was speaking complete, uninterrupted paragraphs, while I was spending more time thinking forming my sentences.

And she really was the one doing all the talking, leading the conversation into new topics as one began to grow stale!

Then again, whilst I was about to huddle myself in a corner and emo over my inability, I realized myself that when I was speaking to my students, both in classes and NSC, that I didn't stutter at all. In fact, it would not have been an exaggeration to say perhaps, they would be as impressed about me as I was of her.

Is it because I felt a need to perform before her when she was speaking so well in front of me? Perhaps rise up to the level that was set and prove myself? Or is it just that before someone with a strong ability that I would lose my own by getting intimidated by my own accord? Was the difference in experience the biggest difference? Will I be able to speak like her in 5 years?

Then again, perhaps it would all come naturally, this speaking business. Well, I've got my whole life to get it right anyways.

Musings

2010-08-11T08:42:00.003+08:00

I need to get new leather shoes. Of the highly exciting life that I have got to get myself through, including so many things such as the Peska Sukan bridge competition to finishing a video and walking the Southern Ridges and Macritche, nothing is more stressful than the minor hindrances that surface along the way.

Such as needing new shoes.

Its not the fact that the task is difficult, nor is it the fact that I am physically incapable of the task (Though given my shopping experiences, some will disagree) but the fact that the task itself seems so incredibly minor and mindless compared to everything else on the list.

Yet, I still need a pair of new shoes.

In the end, I guess we can all agree that when we look at it, its always the seemingly most pointless of tasks that pisses us off, isn't it? What that is brainless, yet necessary.

Such as buying a new pair of shoes.

Perhaps.

2010-07-26T02:36:00.003+08:00

I've always thought myself to be a pessimist at heart, resting in the dark side as long as I can remember. Oddly enough, as time passed, it seems to me that I've begun to see things in a more positive light. Whereas, conversely, I've also noticed that optimistic people seem to have grown to be more realistic as time passed.

As I stare at the workload that I have, I am reminded of the fact that I willingly picked them up together, as well as still believe that I could finish them and come out alive. The optimism that I carry in my life today is almost unspeakable, especially before my past self.

How fascinating that 20 years of our lives have passed, even more so the ways we have changed through the years. What you never expected yourself to become, and what you are, after being crafted by the sharp tools of your environment. Perhaps that is the best, for who would want to be exactly like what you wished to be 20 years ago, that would be just plain boring.

Now as another 20 years looms in the distance, covering the same amount of time that you had utilized up to now, I wish everyone all the very best, and build yourself up to the best person possible.

The Wave Song

2010-07-21T17:07:00.003+08:00

Let's talk about the flooding incidents in Singapore. In fact, let's talk about facts. No opinions, just facts.

1. Singapore is surrounded by the sea, and its a tropical island. Expect wet tropical weather, even more than most tropical areas. It is normal for Singapore to rain. A lot.

2. Singapore has had floods before. In fact, ask any of the older generators of 20 years ago. Orchard, Bukit Timah, Thomson Road. These are places that were KNOWN to flood back in the past. Precautions were taken, thus it stopped back in the days. But just because it hasn't happened for a while, doesn't mean it'll never happen again, you bunch of pampered people.

3. Singapore has suffered from exceptionally high rainfalls the past months. This is what we call, climate change. More Rain = More Water = Flood.

4. If anything, this is the problem of the civil service. Probably the only place we can blame is the PUB if the drains were blocked/not large enough. It has nothing to do with political parties or anything. So stop blaming the PM.

Done.

Exams.

2010-07-10T11:11:00.002+08:00

It bloody pisses me off.

For once I thought there would be change. That I would have a chance of getting an exceptional score rather than a downright mediocre one.

FFS. From PSLE, to O Levels and A Levels, its all fucking results that can just barely pull me to the next stage, just enough for me to survive and get what I have.

And here I am, fuck, with another mediocre first year result. Just enough for a 2-1. Once again another just survive result. Fuck, what a pissoff.

Fuckerty fuck fuck fuck.

Fuck.

Oops

2010-07-09T01:44:00.001+08:00

I forgot about this blog once again. Well, I'm sick, I'm in the midst of my attachment where I have much complaints about. And I find the most recent MrBrown absolutely EPIC.

That's it for now.

Stayovers

2010-06-23T01:58:00.003+08:00

The past few days has been pretty busy. Monday started out with me heading down to HCJC for their training actually. Ended up playing teams partnering BoonWei there for almost 10 hours until about 7pm. Continued and headed down to Isabel's house after that, where I joined her family and Alan to watch soccer before James and Vanessa arrived a bit later. What a fine 7-0 thrashing by Portugal, but that's a story for another day.

James came down with my tiramisu which had half of it leak out before arrival, but at least it was edible. Or at least I hoped it was hahas. Went ahead and mahjonged into the night after the soccer game, until Alan left at about 1.30am, where we switched to IP Man 2 for about 30 mins and sleep.

Woke up, went out for brunch and continued mahjong into the late afternoon before heading back home. Took a nap from 8pm to 11pm, and now I'm stuck unable to fall asleep, thus the existence of this post.

Of course, keen eyes would have noticed the fact that of the 5 people attending the stayover, there are 2 couples and one lightbulb (Aka. Me), and the first question would definitely be, "Eh, not awkward meh?"

In fact, to clarify, I was actually quite well aware of the fact myself. On the day before, whilst I had having breakfast with my father in the morning at Sembawang, I popped the question if I could stay over, to which I emphasized the fact that I was the lightbulb when asked who were staying over. To which he replied, "Who cares, as long as everyone knows each other, its fine." And I really couldn't have put it any better actually.

If you really think about it, wouldn't it be better if they were together anyways, better than them all being single by themselves. =)

Of course, for the rest of the group, whom I can already guess the question.

No.

Returning Home.

2010-06-19T18:32:00.004+08:00

It has been a week since I touched down on Singapore. No surprise, I was much too caught up with events and all.

However, much to my surprise, I wasn't really excited, or even relieved to have arrived back in Singapore. One would have expected that I would be dying to return every single day overseas, but really, it was nothing of the sort. I try to consider the possible reasons, but nothing really fits perfectly. I don't really enjoy the life overseas, etc etc.

Maybe I've just grown to be so indifferent to the issue of studying overseas that where I am doesn't really bother me much anymore. Or it could be something else, who really cares? I'm just a student anyways. =)

9 Months

2010-06-11T21:27:00.003+08:00

I'm going to miss many things going back.

I'm going to miss my room, my bed, the company of James(My Roomate). I know that most of the time, only when we are leaving will we miss what we originally had. I also knew that this feeling would be even stronger for someone like me, one who is extremely resistant towards change. But in the end, what you think is always overtaken by the reality of it all.

There's always a nagging feeling behind me as I went around my things today. From packing my bag, cleaning out my cupboard, food cabinet, refrigerator. Of course, its not that I don't want to return to Singapore, trust me, I'm dying to see many people again. But I would be a complete liar to say that I had not gotten attached to many a things that has passed in my life since the past 9 months.

In the end, it know I have to go, but there are just some people that I know I would not be talking much to in the future. But better to have met, than never before.

Cheers James, its been a great 9 months with you.

Paris

2010-06-09T05:14:00.003+08:00

I probably should do a post on Paris. The photos can be located here. Can't be bothered to really upload them all again, so I'll just refer to the album. Also, remember the fact that it was a day trip, and we were more interested in finishing as much of the places of interests as possible, thus we didn't go up/into any of the monuments/museums.

..

Woke up in the morning at 4.45am. Already the sky was completely bright, thanks to the coming of summer. Met up with Khew Fai, Joel and the rest of the group outside of the hall. We took the tube to King's Cross/St. Pancreas' Station. Then took an Eurostar Train down to Gare du Nord Paris.

The ride itself there and back was only 2 hours, much shorter than I had expected. And the channel tunnel was really nothing much, just a tunnel.

On arrival into Paris, we were greeted with really nice weather. It was about 10am and the sun had not started to bear down on us yet. We walked out of the station and immediately got lost. We then headed down towards the Louvre in a general direction, and was finally able to procure ourselves a map on the way down from a hotel.

Upon walking on a bit more, we ended walking past a road called Rue Saint Dennis on the way to the Louvre. Just after walking past the nameless monument of Photo 1. And the sides of the streets were littered with Cinemas. Sex video cinemas. And there were also women and men outside trying to get people in. Don't think Amsterdam, think Geylang. They looked mostly ridiculous. Me and Khew Fai was absolutely shocked by something we saw, but I think that shall be as much as I would elaborate.

Thank god we walked past in the morning.

After walk out of the street, we soon reached Saint Eustache, which is photo 2. Its just a large church basically, and the Louvrewas not far from here. Walking down Rue du Louvre, we walked into the Louvre Palace(Photos 3 to 6) and past the famous glass pyramid(Photos 7, 8 and 10). And after spending a while camwhoring, we wasted no time and made our way down to Jardin des Tuileries(Photos 9 and 11), a park connecting the Lourve to Champs-Élysées. We also walked past a monument called L'Obelisque or Obelisk of Luxor(Photo 12). Apparently its actually from Egypt long long ago.

We then walked on along the first part of Champs-Élysées(Photo 14) and walked past the Grand Palais(Photo 13). Had a short lunch at Quick(Fast Food Restaurant) there, and went to the Louis Vuitton's Flagship store in Paris. Khew Fai wanted to buy a bag for his mother for her birthday, thus we spent quite a bit of time in the store.

Whilst Khew Fai was looking through wallets to buy, there was a Chinese girl that just came over, picked up one of the wallets Khew Fai was looking at, opened it and closed it in a second, and said to the counter, I'll have it.

I've never felt so poor my entire life.

Nevertheless, we then moved on to the Arc de Triomphe(Photos 15 to 21). I've always been wanting to coming to Paris, just for this. I remember when I was at Primary 5, I was addicted to the Amazing Race. And I'll still remember, that the Arc was the pit stop for the French leg of the race.

It was quite unreal to be there myself. But only the first of many.

Then, walked down Avenue Kléber down towards Trocadero and across the Palais de Chaillot(Photo 22 and 23) and towards the Eiffel Tower(Photos 24 to 26 and 30).

After the tower, we walked back towards Notre Dame along the river Seine(Photos 27, 28 and 31), passing by Palais de Tokyo(Photo 29) on the way. We soon walked past Pont Neuf and the Statue of Henry I(Photo 32). We then walked past Notre Dame and looked for a dessert shop for a break, and had some Crepés at the Brasserie Esmeralla. Fantastic. Headed back to Notre Dame(Photos 33 to 35) from there and headed back to Gard du Nord, and headed back.

..

Won't be the last time I'll be going to Paris.

Israel

2010-06-04T05:47:00.003+08:00

You guys are idiots.

...

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, let us start to look at Israel. I'm not interested in all its past for all, but I guess it is sufficiently important to point out that they have been one to many wars in their road to independence. First the Arabs, then specifically Palestine, and then even more specifically Hamas.

Now back to the point. The raiding of the aid flotilla. Now, let me make a point, the flotilla is a problem to Israel, but it is obvious how its history of violence and war has, in a way, led to this disaster. Through the years, diplomatic methods has gone further and further down the checklist of things to do in case of emergencies with overseas institutions, and they cannot be blamed for that. Consider the number of times Palestine has rejected their offers as well as many other situations and consider the effectiveness of the world famous Mossad. It is the 'A-Team' that most countries would dream to have, no less.

However, their violent nature has finally backfired on them. Really bad. I mean, its really really stupid. Consider this, you are now the guy asked to decide what to do with these flotillas, that were trying to bring aid to Gaza. You have been asked to stop them as Hamas could easily use some of these materials to construct weapons. (Concrete etc.)

You consider first that most countries have Hamas labeled as a terrorist organization. Thus, these countries would agree with your decision to stop these flotillas and turn them around. Perhaps even restrict the type of aid that these flotillas can bring in, limiting it to food and water. Then you consider what is the danger that the ships can pose. They have been checked in Cyprus to have no dangerous weapons on board, thus they can't possibly give too much of a problem. Their greatest power would perhaps be propaganda, which you could probably bring to your advantage by being magnanimous enough to let a restricted amount of aid through.

Thus, how do you get that done? First you have to stop these flotillas. How should you do that? Of course, like every other country's first instinct, board them in the middle of the night with commandos from helicopters.

Wait wait. Let's put it into perspective again. Stopping these ships would be welcomed by most countries, as they would not want to risk supplying materials to Hamas. The ships have no weapons on them as well, thus having no chance of strong retaliation. Why not just board them, in the light of day, with boats first to tell the crew that their ship will be boarded, and if its too large to board from boats, then via helicopters? Then perhaps work out a deal with the activists to what they can do and what they can't.

Why would you EVER need to board in the middle of the damn night, and possibly scare the crew to retaliate these damn unknown people boarding THEIR boat, having an idiotic commando lose his gun, and leading to dead people.

What a screw up. Absolutely idiotic. Now they've ended up killing 9 activists, bravo dumb-asses. Another chance to improve the opinion polls and you had to go ahead and shoot before thinking about anything.

There's no excuse. They can say that they needed to stop the boat, they might be attacked by the activists first. They still screwed up by not dealing the situation with their brain before shooting off the revolver.

Post Work Slump

2010-06-01T06:44:00.003+08:00

Oh... Here it goes again.

I remember having that thought go through my mind as I finished editing my final piece of work for the year. Once I finished up with the last sentence of the paper, I knew it was coming. Oh, my good old friend, the PWS.

Yes, do not deny it, the feeling of utterly wasting your life away, spending it on absolutely trivial acts, playing Flash games from Kongregate, watching old anime series and cleaning up the room.

I always used to have a large buffer of these trivial acts just after examinations, that I could at least spend a few days occupied with before degrading into the bottomless pit of absolute boredom. The state where you're so bored and yet am unable to think of any such entertainment for the day.

Well, as I sit here typing, I stare at the bookshelf that I have cleaned out, the folder of 99 Episodes of Mr Ajikko on my desktop, and the tab of Kongregate to the side of my browser. All done within the day. Even finished playing catch up with Straits Times today.

I believe that this abnormal speed was probably cultivated from my first year in Mathematics. I guess there is really too much of a good thing, if it really makes any sense in this case.

And if you would excuse me, I shall now retire to reading a book.

Since its on to me, might as well embrace the PWS.

Birth Rates

2010-05-28T01:32:00.008+08:00

I was planning to do a post on the slowly decreasing birthrates in Singapore. It was a coincidence that I read on the article on Professor Han Rosling in the Straits Times just a while ago thinking of what else I had to put into the topic. I beseech you to finish reading up the article before continuing on mine, as it seemed to be a better idea to talk about that particular article, and adding in my own views as it goes along.

First some basic facts. Singapore is currently at a fertility rate of 1.23, and one person dies an average 25.2mins and one person is born an average 12.7 minutes. We have a population of 4.66 Million, which is looking to be growing in the near future as birth rates continue to exceed death rates.

Now, to start out, you might have already noticed the paradox, why are we complaining about a low birthrate? Are we not having more births than death by frequency? We have to consider that Singapore is currently undergoing a graying population, which means that, whilst this might sound very bad, that death rates are set to increase in the near future. Yes, we might have better medicine, we might have better healthcare, but no one will escape death, at least for within the near future.

It is essential that we maintain a healthy birth rate not just to cushion this drop of manpower, but also be able to supply the support that this generation would require as we move towards that era.

Nevertheless, I digress. The lack of gender equality in Singapore has been seen as a very big reason for the low birthrates in Singapore. Women are seen to be less important than men, and thus that they are seen to be the gender that would be entrusted with the task of child rearing. As pointed out in the article, there are also no state support in changing such a mindset and that men are not supported enough, or forced enough(Depending on your point of view) to take up part of the task of bringing up a child.

Then the women get to make a choice of either having a baby, or perusing her career, and the choice is obvious.

I agree that issues of gender equality is somewhat affecting the birthrates of Singapore, however, I believe that the mechanisms might not be as suggested as the professor.

I believe that it might be because of wanting to avoid gender inequality, that the empowerment of women in Singapore that has led to the drop in birthrates in Singapore through the years. I know saying this will probably bring be a lot of flak, but I do quite sincerely think so. However, recognize that this is NOT the problem causing the drop of birthrates, but a catalyst.

Firstly, we have to recognize that in Singapore, I believe that babies are seen as a luxury, rather than a necessity in a family, not just by the women, but also the men. They no longer see a strong need to have babies in today society. Traditional views of having a large family has been washed away by the onslaught of capitalism, we now see the need to have a safe career and money as a much more important need compared to having a baby. Talk to any couple on the street, who would even DARE to think of a child before they had their finances right?

Thus, imagine a couple having a choice between having a child and advancing in their careers, the choice is definitely simple for both of them. To them, it would be perhaps inhumane even, to consider bringing up children when they could not support themselves with their own careers.

Thus the problem is obvious. The biggest problem is because of the re-ordering the importance of having a baby in today's society! Its nothing to do about equality, its nothing to do with sex education, its nothing to do with the conservative nature of the society.

I believe the problem is the question that every couple has to face. "Can we support this baby to the fullest if we have him?". More than likely, the answer is no, thus leading to more couples working on their careers, until the point where they're too old to consider having babies anymore.

Then why did I say that the empowerment of women in today's society is a catalyst to declining birthrate?

That's because in the past, when women were more powerless, they did not have as much consideration before planning for children. In the past, women were tasked to take care of problems at home, and just simply make babies, be prudent, ask for money from the men if required. They were much more willing to give birth to babies back then.

Thus, we see that the empowerment of women has given them a choice to choose NOT to have a baby, leading to a drop in the number of births.

Note that it is NOT the direct cause! The reason for having less babies is not that the ladies get a choice, the fundamental problem instead, is that its getting even more and more expensive to be bringing up children in current times! In fact, the empowerment of women decreases the negative externalities that might come from the choice of having babies before parents can afford them, and its more of a good thing than a bad one.

So, what is the solution? It is probably impossible for the government to ever provide enough monetary benefits to ensure that couples can support their children throughout. On this side, all the government can do is to put out a nominal sum, and other small benefits, like maternity leaves to lessen a small amount of the burden and coax couples.

The one solution that I believe the government have not played into more enough, is instead, publicizing and stressing instead on the prospective rewards of actually having a child.

Couples are not willing to take the leap, and try to have a babies because they are unsure of what that future might hold for them. You could tell them that it would be fulfilling to being up a child, that it would be great to create a life and mold him to be the best that he can be. They will not believe you just like that. They need reassurance, and most importantly, moral support, not just from their family and friends, but also from the government.

There has to be at least such an assurance, for them to be willing to take the plunge into the worst of motherhood/fatherhood, before reaping the joys at the end of the tunnel.

That is, hoping that the child at the end of the tunnel would be a filial one.

Down to Coventry and back

2010-05-23T05:36:00.003+08:00

View of Coventry Afternoon Sky

Here you go, its the end of exams, at least for the Mathematics Department, and the cremation and service for QX is finished. I once told myself that I will not only realize things after incidents, but pre-empt anything that I would come to regret. I think I failed miserably as I found myself reminiscing about the past with whomever I was talking to over MSN these days.

And here I am, with exams over and behind me, and nothing much to do. Its kinda like December again. You're back in halls during Christmas, while everyone else were elsewhere getting their daiji settled. Whilst its great to have that initial high from poking fun of friends still into their exams(Or rather, ex-friends), the novelty quickly wears off as you and you start looking for things to fill up your time with.

Was intending to get down to clearing up the Straits Times Articles that I was behind in, and perhaps put up some topics myself, since my next submission is really long overdue. But ST Online just has to screw up before me by not allowing me to read the articles for some reason.

Thus leading to me typing this, using up my time for more meaningful purpose than reading De-Motivational Posters online.

Cheers.

RIP

2010-05-19T07:38:00.005+08:00

I had received news that QianXiang had passed away in the hospital yesterday night, after kidney failure and other complications.

I really don't really know what to say. And how to say it. I've, in all honesty, only met him for 2 months. And only seen him in 2 events. But that's really that's all I need to know that I regret not having the chance to meet him earlier. Endless charisma, warm warm person.

How ironic that the last time we met, we never managed to finish watching The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.

And if there's anything, I hope the people that are extremely close to him are taking it well.

Thanks. It was short, but nothing short of a pleasure. RIP.

666

2010-05-16T08:42:00.003+08:00

Some, specifically EY, would be rather be reading on my thought on the many juicy incidents that has happened over the past week. However, I guess you would have to settle for more of such a style for quite a while, at least until I get my exams over and done with, as well as catch up on my newspapers.

As above, it has been exams week the past week, and I guess my performances up till now has been nothing to be extremely proud about. I'll survive, just not as well as I'd hoped.

It's almost like a 'zombifying' experience actually, now that I look back whilst in the midst of it all. Burying my head into equations, equations and more equations. But I guess one would expect that going into Mathematics as a degree.

And yes, before anyone comments on the satanic number, yeah, this would be my 666th post on this blog since 4 years ago. Considering that means that I've been posting roughly once per fortnight, and that only about 20 were posted the last year...

So that's where I wasted most of my time on.

Nevertheless, I'm banking that the next weekend would pass as fast as possible. There's only a limit of time I can hold my brain matter in until it explodes.

Tears for Fears

2010-05-13T06:54:00.004+08:00

In all honestly, other than occupying myself with exams, I've only been going around reading webcomics. Specifically, Doghousediaries, which I just eneded, and Questionable Content, which I just started. Quite literally, I was lapsing into an emo-moment as I was going through the comic, and I saw quite an unexpected message on FB.

I was at first confused. There was only one QX I know between Samuel and me, and the last time we met, when I hosted him in London, he was even preparing to go for a Triathlon. I had no idea that he collapsed while playing football in Warwick. Now he's currently in hospital, and his family has all flown down from Singapore to be with him. I do sincerely hope that he'll be fine.

..

That really scares the shit out of me. How mortifying this feeling is. Young and full of vigor, but yet fighting in hospital as we speak.

It only reminds you that you gotta really take care of yourself and cherish everyone around. Be brave with your actions, and stand strong to your integrity at every moment in time. Anything can happen, and do not end up looking back in too much regret at any point of time.

I was just talking to his good buddy Samuel once I heard of the news. It was obvious that he was under a lot of stress now, and I do hope that he can hold himself together until the situation clears. He has really been doing much after the incident for everyone.

患难见真情. I hope everybody has it for everybody when it calls for it.

exams

2010-05-09T02:34:00.003+08:00

The exams begin the next week, for 5 consecutive days before the weekend and 3 more papers in the following week. I realized that if anything, the first thing that you realize when you step into university is that this would probably be the last few times in this world that you would ever be assessed on paper on theoretical knowledge anymore.

Soon, as you take the step out of this university, from a teenager to an adult, you're not longer tested with expectations of theoretical knowledge. You're expected to be able to apply your knowledge to your work and get it done to expectations.

It would be this point that perhaps some form of nostalgia would begin to overwhelm some of us, how we dreaded them in the past, worked so hard for them, and most importantly, look back to them as simple examinations and wondered why were so worked up about them.

Perhaps, I'm the one that's reminiscing too much for my own good. Whenever I finish reading a practice paper that I just completed, I cannot help it but to just wonder.

I wonder what will the tests be once exams are over?

Work

2010-05-03T10:23:00.004+08:00

I believe this is the first time anything like this has ever happened in my life. Actually finishing all my practice papers, and having to look for things to do. But well, I guess I could relax for a week while re-reading my work.

Spent quite a bit of my time online the past few weeks, reading up on news and such, and decided to actually check my statscounter. Which then led to me reading my old posts in the past.

I realized that while trying about political ideas were the kind of thing that I would like to do most now, what I would probably read about myself in the future was probably what kind of a person I was in the past.

Nothing about the transport system, education system or political system. Just me and my life. Looks like I am still a narcissistic bastard afterall, just not of myself now but of myself in the past.

Life remains the same everywhere else though. Simply looking towards going back to Singapore in 6 weeks. Actually, more of desperately looking towards going back in 6 weeks. I remember my senior telling me before I came over, that you would me more concerned about returning to Singapore than exams at the end of term. I was skeptical at the time, but well, I guess I stand corrected.

I guess if anything, the most interesting things I have done the past few days was to study, grow my songs collection and cook.

Cook. A Lot.

Till next time, hope you do enjoy reading the post the future me.

Modifying the Mother Tongue Education (Cont.)

2010-05-01T07:33:00.003+08:00

Picture from moe.gov.sg.

In the previous post about a week ago, I had discussed about differentiated approaches and its validity. However, the point that is brought up is that whilst we should carry that out, we should not commit any act that would marginalize Mother Tongue in today's education policies.

So, what exactly should the Ministry do? Or at least, what direction should the changes be heading towards?

I first plead with everybody reading that this is merely my opinions. I'm but a 20 year old in London who's going to go into the education industry. Please feel free to express your opinions, and comment whenever you disagree. =)

...

1) First things first. As stated from the previous post, one important issue should be cleared before we even start to prepare the approaches - The differentiation of students. The general idea of the ministry, as far as I understand, is that they wish for weaker students to at least achieve a minimal ability to converse in Chinese, and for stronger students to achieve their highest potential in the subject. And most importantly, cultivating interest in the subject even after lessons.

Thus, I propose that differentiation to be done from Primary 1 in their Mother Tongue Subjects. And that the differentiation to be done every single year, with students being able to easily move between the classes. Students will also be allowed to opt to move into a higher class, but not to a lower one. They will be taught different levels of the subject, targeted at different portions of the subject. For example, weaker students would have more focus on speech and stronger students would have more focus on writing.

Now to defend my proposals. Firstly, I recognize that differentiation from Primary 1 might be a bit too young for most to take. Even streaming into EM1, 2 and 3 took place in Primary 4. I recognize that bringing in this fact might only cause more kaisu parents to push their child harder and kill their interest in the subject. However, scientifically, the language areas of the brain seem to go through the most dynamic period of growth between the ages of 6 and 13.(From Here.) The exact age is not important, however, it is generally accepted that it is easiest for a child to learn, if not master a language when he is still young, and it gets more and more difficult as age passes. If we can cultivate an interest in young children when they are young, we are also able to then allow the child to go on his own devices and gain a greater ability in the language as age passes. Basically, it is better to start young. Rather than giving in to factors like kiasu-ium. I believe that we should be solving the problem of kiasu-ism instead. I will discuss this more at the end of the article.

Secondly, I also proposed that this differentiation process to be done yearly. Of course, I recognize how much of a logistical nightmare that would encompass. Every single year, we would have to change the classes of every single language students in the school. As well as then plan for the timetabling and teacher's allocation. However, if its any consolation, we should recognize that such differentiation is nothing new to schools in Singapore. With CL'B', HCL and CL classes, this is only but standard practices but only at a larger scale. However, we have to assure the students that such a differentiation is not a case of eternal damnation, as most streaming are seen to be in our educational landscape. Rather than 2 years of EM1 or 4 years or Express or NA, we should allow students to be in a class only a year before we recalibrate them such that they are in their optimal class yearly.

Thirdly, students will only be allowed to move up the classes but not down. This is simply to allow for students an option to push themselves, and also not to allow students to take the 'easy way out'. Of course, students who move up will be closely monitored to ensure that they do perform in their new class before they remain they permanently.

...

2) There are plenty of generic methods around that educators are engaging to engage students. Most do more work well enough to be termed as a complete success. I believe that one thing that is always neglected in today's education is that we should focus on the genuine content of the subject rather than the examinable content.

Long gone are the days of memorizing phrases and sentences. We have to move away from exams, and more into the interesting content that the subject that provide for the student. It is really a very simple concept. We should be treating the subject with more importance than simply examinable topics.

To illustrate my point, for anyone reading this post that took Chinese, tell me the full story of Journey to the West. How many can even state half the list of demons encountered on the way? How many even know who 金庸 is? Our meritocratic education is too skewed towards subjects being a competition between students to determine the 'best', leaving many casualties in its wake. We have to abandon this mindset, and remember that what is learnt, is more important is what memorized.

Now to make it clear. My point, is that we should, be viewing subjects MORE as the opportunity to gain new content. Not just in Chinese but all subjects. We should not be viewing them JUST as an opportunity to score in exams and move on. I'm NOT saying exams are unnecessary. I believe that exams are ESSENTIAL in our meritocratic society. However, we should move from, subjects are ALL about results, to subjects are about LEARNING and RESULTS.

Also, some might also think about the paradox of concentrating more on results, then talking about yearly recalibration. My point is the same as before. Recalibration yearly is still essential to ensure that they are learning at their optimal pace.

Some will also criticize this recommendation as one that is an extremely 'ideal' one and almost impossible to achieve.

I agree.

It is difficult to achieve. But its better to have a direction than none at all. As simple as that. Its just hope that Singapore continues to grow towards this utopia. But trends are not positive.

...

I have ran out of non-generic recommendations. Will come out with more perhaps, but typing from 12am to 1.30am is nothing close to conducive. I will also probably leave the point of kiasu parents to another post. Please look forwards to it. =)

Modifying the Mother Tongue Education.

2010-04-25T01:17:00.004+08:00

Recently, there has been quite a hoo-hah over new probable changes into the policies of Mother Tongue Education. In a previous post, I had given my general look of the situation, and this is merely a post to add upon it, as well as speaking about the new policy direction of seemingly, marginalizing the subject in today's Education.

Recent news articles have described much about the next few steps that the ministry is looking towards for the language. I shall quote directly from a MOE Press release. HERE.

..
8- The goal is to evolve a curriculum framework and develop effective pedagogies that will engage the interest and maximise the learning of MTLs across three broad groups of students—the majority of children who come from EL-speaking homes, those with the ability and interest to do Higher MTL, and those with limited home language exposure and face difficulties in learning the language.

9- For the majority, the objective is to cultivate an interest in MTL, and to develop effective communication skills and confidence in using the MTL. For students who have the ability, MOE will help them develop fluency in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and an understanding of the history and culture. For students with limited home exposure and face difficulties in learning the language, MOE will help them to acquire competency in oral communication for daily living.

10- As recommendations of the Review Committees will take time to be implemented, MOE will be making some intermediate changes over the next few years, to better align MTL teaching to the broad approach that will be adopted. The following outlines the intermediate changes to the learning and teaching of CL. The same principles will apply to ML and TL with due consideration to the specific context of each language.

- "Strengthening Language Skills to Prepare Our Students Well for the Future." - 10 March 2010

....

We first have to realize, that the goal of this reform, at least from the MOE's point of view, is Differenciated Approaches. They are looking towards a milder form of 'streaming' for the students in terms of their Language abilities. Its not about making the required standards of Chinese lower for everyone, but about allowing every student to learn at their most comfortable pace. (Of course, this done to the best of the MOE's abilities, to say that every student would receive different treatments is still a thing of the future.)

That's of course, a reasonable goal for a policy. Average and stronger students are allowed to continue to learn in the traditional pace, and weaker students could be introduced into a slower pace and perhaps even different syllabuses catered to their abilities. Everybody would get the same, if not more, from their education.

However, I believe that whilst the overall direction of the reform is sound, there are 1 issue, and 1 act that the ministry MUST look solve and NOT commit respectively, before they can proceed.

Firstly, the issue, is of how the students will be streamed according to their abilities. I'm not just talking about HCL, CL, CL'B'. These are streams that already exist today. We would require much further streaming within the groups, especially for CL, where students can range from a step from HCL or a step above CL'B'.

Will it be written tests? Oral Tests? A personal suggestion would be more towards written for the higher levels, and more towards oral towards the lower levels. But that will be for Chinese Language (CL) Review Committe to decide.

However, the issue is, without clear differentiation between students in terms of streams, it is IMPOSSIBLE for there to be differentiated approaches for the students. Also, the test that differentiates must also be similar, if not identical, throughout schools around the whole of Singapore. We must ensure that the streams first contain the right students before we can even plan their syllabus.

Now, the act. There is one important act that the ministry is very close to doing, in which they should NEVER even consider threading over. That is that whatever policies that the government is looking towards, it should NEVER marginalize one important subject compared to others.

The system in Singapore has already marginalized many subjects, H1 H2 subjects, CME, PE, Music, Art and Craft. There are perfect examples of subjects that are already marginalized in today's system. That is something that, in my opinion, cannot be tolerated, and should not be happening!

When subjects are marginalized, it only begins a vicious cycle. The students will neglect the subject -> The teachers will not be dedicated to teaching the students -> Results get worse -> Less people contribute time into the subject etc.

To put it bluntly, if you want to improve the general abilities of a cohort, making it less important is not the way to go.

On another note, whilst I disagree with the recently suggested changes, I believe that a reform, whilst not necessary, would definitely be appreciated by all students and teachers. However, the reform must be carried out with the goal in mind, and not pampering parents whom believe changing the policy is easier than teaching their children.

I'm personally game to see what more the ministry can bring to the table, when now even the act of teaching requires a level of entertainment to keep the interest of the students.

I will probably do another post soon to talk more about possible suggestions. This will do for now, thanks for reading.

Revival

2010-04-24T05:14:00.004+08:00

Ironically, we're not allowed to use calculators in my course.

Its a week before the end of the Easter holidays. Most of the students have already started studying for their finals, even the Brits, who, in all honestly, are famous for being slackers.

Taking the course with one of the earliest examinations, it wouldn't be surprising for you to know that my revision begun as soon as I returned from my Easter Holiday trip.

I've always found it extremely contradicting when people say that the best time to start working is after a relaxing holiday, because I've always had a difficult time starting my momentum again after coming back from a break. Be it a short holiday, or National Service. Nevertheless, it still has to be done, and work is moving along nicely.

As the time gets closer and close to June, one only feels more and more desperate about getting back to Singapore. If you ask me, or maybe anyone here, why they would be that desperate to return to Singapore, we probably have no specific answer for you.

There is just something missing from our lives here, and we're simply looking towards the most probable solution to that problem. However, I'll probably be just sadly disappointed when I get back, because I know that Singapore probably cannot plug up everything that is missing in us ourselves, as we are just overreacting individuals after 9 months.

I had also realized that the mundane things in life also seems to get more and more important as time passes. Simple issues like lunch used to have a simple answer, but now turning more and more complicated. I do hope that such incidents would not be carried over to life in Singapore in the future.

That's it for now.

Chapter 2

2010-04-24T04:53:00.003+08:00

Classes officially begun going into the third week. One wonders how people were still speaking to me despite my melancholic state. When people are high on adrenaline, it almost seem like they acquire the ability to override awkward silences, despite it being deafeningly loud to everyone else.

University lectures were much different here compared to Singapore as well. No textbooks, not even notes, at least for my department. Having a weekly test were not helping things either. Then again, who would expect less from the scare tactics they employ to deter the idea of slacking in first years.

If anything about life as a university first year, you will have many things to look forwards to as you plow on through the first year. My first was a trip down to the Seven Sisters of the south coast of England.

......

I think I'll stop the story here. I grew sick of trying to write a story and pick up too much from my own personal experiences until it becomes a blog.

And yes, I shall resolve to update this blog much more once again.

In fact, I shall do a simple post right now.

Chapter 1

2010-02-10T06:04:00.001+08:00

There would be not much differences from studying in London and studying in a Junior College, I was assured by my seniors. If you discount being independent and taking care of yourself, that is.

Landing in Terminal Three of Heathrow, a passing thought passed as I stepped off the A380. It was probably the last time I would be anywhere near anything Singaporean for a while. But when you're already 13 hours away from home, there wasn't really much you could do about it.

Following the huge crowd on the same plane, I collected my bags and went on the bus that was hired to get us to our specific halls. There was no specific feeling through this period of time. No fatigue, no excitement. My body was simply running on pure adrenaline. There was no conscious thought at all.

I reached the hall, unpacked, and subsequently followed the seniors on a tour around the area. Purchased whatever that we would have needed, and released as early as possible, allowed to ease our jetlag.

The following days were no different. Brought around Kensington, brought around Imperial College, brought around London. We were made to remember important places, important numbers, important rooms. I committed these to memory. Every road, every landmark, every word. I knew that it was information that I would require in the future, when we're left to our own devices after the orientation period.

2 weeks later, as I lied in bed that night, all of a sudden, my conscious just started flowing in again.

And it was only then when I realized - I'm going to be here for the next 9 months.

9 Months.

Love, London

2010-02-04T08:33:00.004+08:00

Foreword.
The city of the World. The only one so cosmopolitan that changing cultures of the world reflects upon it immediately.

It was only a week ago that I embraced the thought of studying in such a city. The glamour, the people, the intellectuals. Here a week later, I am thrown into the rough life of a scholar studying outside of his country. The freezing cold, the undecipherable accent, the endless work.

You would think that we would meet different people here from all sort of places that would impact your life.

But sometimes, instead, its the ones that came and stayed with you.

IP

2010-01-23T08:41:00.005+08:00

"
Jan 23, 2010

0-LEVEL'S A-LEVEL DISADVANTAGE

Have more IP schools

THE Integrated Programme (IP) is creating unnecessary pressure on primary school pupils embarking onward to secondary school education. Only recently, National Junior College, among other schools, joined the IP bandwagon so it would not lose out on its share of academically smart primary school pupils entering Secondary 1.

But this widening net of IP schools has also created problems for well-performing O-level students who find it harder to win a place in the top five junior colleges.

Because the IP cohort gets larger and larger, enabling more secondary students to gain automatic A-level places without having to sit for the O-level examinations, vacancies in the top junior colleges shrink to the disadvantage of O-level students.

Perhaps the best way to arrest the problem is to enlarge the IP programme even more - to schools with a history of consistently producing bright students such as Victoria, Cedar Girls', Crescent Girls', Methodist Girls', Singapore Chinese Girls', Catholic High, St Joseph's Institution, Anglo-Chinese Secondary, St Andrews', Bukit Panjang Government High and CHIJ St Nicholas'.

If the IP net is not widened enough, the space crunch in Singapore's top JCs will intensify.

David Goh"

What. The. Hell.

No no seriously, is this a joke? I really really hope that it is one.

The widening of the IP Cohort is creating problems for well-performing O-level students who find it harder to win a place in the top five junior colleges. And the solution... Is to have more IP Schools.

Is it just me who finds it ironic that the solution to having a problem is to expand the root of the problem?

I will once again, restate the point I first made to IP. It is utterly useless. Utterly. It has become too commonplace in stronger schools to be anything to be proud of. And you do NOT save any time at all in your eduation. Simply, rather than learning O Levels in 4 years then A Levels in 2, you're simply taking the whole 6 years and putting it into A Levels.

Here is my question. Why? Is 2 years not enough? I should remind all the fact that in United Kingdom, the A Levels can be done in a YEAR. Why would we want to deny the chance for IP Students to have a shot at an International Exam? We're not giving them more opportunities, we're taking them away.

Also, not to mention the growth of elitism because of IP Schools. Once you get into the IP course, you stay there despite your results for the next 6 years. (Of course, that is discounting downright hideous results.) It closes the space given to students that try to work hard to join these stronger schools that generally take up IP students to be recognized as one.

It takes the idea of meritocracy and laughs at it. Loudly.

I know that the above paragraphs are written extremely haphazardly. I was not intending to do a post till I saw this post.

I will not lie. First thing that went through my mind after reading the title was "Oh God, Another one who has the ego of an elitist but did not get what he want." Followed by, "What. The. Hell." after reading the whole letter.

Then it follows from the start of the post.

The New Year Message

2010-01-07T08:20:00.008+08:00

Just finished up with my Mathematical Methods paper of May 2008. Have about 3 more papers to finish in the next 2 days, well within my time for myself. I guess I should take the time to look at the New Year's message by PM Lee, just type out my thoughts.

To make the post more engaging random pictures would be added in.
..

Pulling Through a Difficult Year & Preparing for the Post-Crisis World

The whole of the first portion of the speech was devoted to the economical issues of the past year, and quite a "happening" one. But at the end of the day, -2.1%, a fantastic job considering the growth of the fourth quarter at 3.5%. This despite encouraging inefficiency within the workforce, but so as to keep unemployment low within the country. But that's an argument that has been made in previous posts before, so there isn't much point in coming back to it again.

But what that is important, would be the days ahead. While it seems that the problems seems to be already over, the work has actually only began. If you really think about it, the past year has only been pumping money pumping money, and asking getting citizens to upgrade their skills. Now comes the challenge of reducing the money being pumped into the system, and allowing the pickup of global demand to start supporting a decent employment level for the country again. Putting in money is easy, just decide an amount and put it in. Worst case scenario it doesn't help the economy as much as it can, that we're not maximizing the potential of the money.

Now, removing the support, now, that's much more problematic.

Your Move.

Consider the volatile export markets, consider handling also the influx of people coming back from having upgraded themselves. The only reason that we see the times of recession as something more daunting as we had the impression that, one wrong move might land us straight into the abyss. Rather than that we seem to just earn less because everybody is starting to earn money again at the end of the recession.

..

Transforming the Singapore Economy

Of course the standard, companies please buck up, workers please upgrade yourselves, increase your mobility within the labour markets and lets all expand to external markets. Grandpas and Grandmas should work for longer periods of time.

But of course, lets remember that for that to happen, companies must first be willing to hire them first.
And now, probably the problem that everyone saw coming. The foreigners. Specifically, expats and foreign workers, not tourists. Yes, they are required to increase the nation's population, especially with a replacement rate of 1.29 now. But it has finally reached the limit, where tensions are not just heightening between the 2 groups, but reaching the point of snapping anytime soon.

This is not a problem that nobody saw coming. In fact, everyone in Singapore saw this coming from the very first day. And not surprising, as humans we are born to instinctive doubt anything new, including new people. But the problem was simply that:
1. There wasn't enough done for the integration of the expats into the nation's fabric. Not that there isn't any. There's just not enough. What more can be done?

Rather than working on the side of the expats, what we have neglected is to work on the side of locals. Locals are still unwilling to see these foreign expats as their equal. They do not respect the expats for coming over to steal what was originally meant for Singaporeans, and that issue has not been resolved despite many publicity about the reasons for having such a large intake of foreign workers. This is also jointly because of the reason these foreign workers are here for to work as in the first place.

Cleaners, Construction Workers, Road Sweepers. Remember, these are jobs that Singaporeans are unwilling to do themselves in the first place. It would be hard for them to be able to accept and respect the rights of these foreign workers who come and enjoy their privileges, and that made even more difficult by the fact that they are doing such "lowly" jobs while they have to slog their guts off to get more prestigious jobs for more privileges.

They're not doing enough! But I won't do it!

2. There has not been enough done for the foreign workers to make sure they understand the culture of the nation. Its conservative nature and especially its laws. Its incredible how many issues has happened that involves a foreign national. Take the recent molestation tape during the Siloso New Year's Countdown for example. That was highly inappropriate behavior by the people in question. I'm not just taking about the guys, but also the skimpily dressed victim, who was really asking for it, as well as the cameraman. Who could take the video but not do anything about it. Shame on everyone that was involved. But I hope the victim wasn't too scarred by the incident.

..

Responding to Climate Change

Now this, I am extremely amused. I quote. "We have committed to cut Singapore’s carbon emissions by 16% below business as usual (BAU) levels by 2020, provided there is a global agreement."

This is the first ever time I have heard Singapore go. "You First." No longer, "Ban Chewing Gums!", "Increase GST!", "GST Rebates!", but "You First."

Hahas, this amuses me to no end. Well, we shall see then if there is any global agreement in the near future, but it'll probably be a while before anything like Copenhagen happens again. It was a failure, but its the closest.

Alright. Have a good night, I should stop, its almost 2am here already.

The New Year

2010-01-02T04:32:00.004+08:00

Unusually, I spent the first day of the new year actually going to the countdown in Central London, near the London Eye at Embankment. To be honest, it was quite awesome, have a look.

Spammers own the world.

But I guess the only problem was being unable to see everything, which everyone shoving together and short oh me having to constantly look for gaps to peek through.

Ironically, the loudest and most constant "Waaah!" came from Chinese girls around with their boyfriends everytime something imba was to come out from the London Eye.

Nevertheless, it was a good experience, but the whole rush after that was really one that I would have preferred to avoid.

But I guess it was also quite magical, as right after the fireworks, snow began to fall, after having not showed their presence for the past week.

..

But nevertheless, I want to talk about the new year. To be honest, I've never seen the meaning of the words, I've always seen the coming of new year as something that I couldn't stop, something that just happens as much as time continues to tick past us in our lives. Almost a day that we all should be depressed about actually, rather than being happy about.

Every single day is one that brings forwards new opportunities, as well as takes away time that was once yours. I guess I'm just a pessimist on the matter.

..

Oh, and there's one thing am going to miss too.

Next time we see these glasses will be the year 3000.

Cheeros, and enjoy the year ahead.

Some new, something fresh!

2009-12-31T09:32:00.003+08:00

I'm listening to the class 95 morning show as we speak, and really just getting a bit impatient having to be interrupted by intermittent pauses within the show itself. Yes, many might call me crazy, staying up to 2am just to finish the morning express back in Singapore, but the Flying Dutchman's wit is something that I could never refuse, even with such crazy timing.

Its not like I haven't resorted to looking for other sources of radio channels that could provide me with the perfect playlist of songs that can entertain me through the day as well as an intelligent and witty show in the afternoon. But its really so difficult, coupled with the point that I'm just too lazy to sort through each and every single one available.

But for the ones I have looked through, something seemed to just be wrong with them. Be it the playlist, or the guy on the air, mostly about as humorous as a log.

Then I wonder if its my liking for Class 95 that's making me reject the viability of listening to the other channels, rather than the fallbacks of the channels around. For someone as kainotophobic as me, perhaps its more of the fear of change that really keeping me from accepting something new.

I've always seen this, fear of change stopping change, as a very interesting phenomenon. Because its always seen as something stopping progress, yet, change might not be one of progress.

Oh. Its 2am I should sleep. Imagine for yourself how to end the post.

Have a good new year everyone.

Update

2009-12-29T05:55:00.003+08:00

I was having a resolution to myself that I should be taking time to write essays and posting about the current affairs of the week, but have just not gotten around to doing it yet. As I type this post, I contemplate between simply typing about my mundane life up to now, or the seemingly distant affair of issues well beyond our mundane lives.

I'm lazy to do much research, and I've got an exam to study for. Mundane life then.

..

Past few days has been rather good actually, only hampered by me losing my keys. Paying 50 pounds for 3 Keys is completely unreasonable and will never be accepted by me. Unless they're obstinately going to replace all 3 of the locks, I'll accept no other explanation for such a large amount of money.

But then again, I'll probably still grumble and fork out the money even if I didn't accept the explanation. Such is the life of a university student.

I was interrupted while typing my post, and went around facebook for a while after noticing an interesting status. It wasn't anything specially philosophical nor deep. It was just another award won by another person I knew.

It really got me into a chain of thought, not about him winning the award, but rather, with the end of the year coming to an end, what have I made of my life in the past year?

I look back and think. Lucky enough to have gotten the OMS. And to tell you the truth, I am as much in doubt of my ability, as still remain so. It was almost like a pure stroke of luck, like how I predicted the questions of NSC, and how I caught 5 Black Widow Mouses in Mousehunt.

Then I look at myself, I have been too slack to really call myself really working hard for anything at all. I think about what I am losing out on studying here in the UK and I realized that while seeming materialistic, it is obvious that it is about time I did really work hard to start achieving something solid for myself.

Something that I can actually look back and say, I sacrificed my time, went to UK and worked bloody hard for that and deserved every single drop of it.

I was tempted to just end this post, with a one liner or something, like "Time to Work."

But I know that while I am able to type all these now, that I remain the child I am inside, and will soon forget about everything I have told myself, and just continue living the slack life that I am so used to having.

Well, we'll see how that goes as the days continue I guess.

..

Oh and holidays at Brighton, Portsmouth and New Forest Nature Reserve was nice.

Truth Be Told

2009-12-14T06:56:00.003+08:00

I was going to write about another issue today, and making it a habit again, writing about more of these issues back in Singapore so that I had the motivation to keep up with them as I buried my face into books here in London. But meteor showers are just that much more exciting.

Skies in London is not that bad, probably better than Singapore, the last time I watched, (What, back in 2007?) I only managed 4, so it was rather good to see 8 this time.

The Geminids didn't disappoint.

Mother Tongue. And education in General

2009-11-30T04:38:00.003+08:00

I refer to MM Lee's recent speech about the bilingual policy in Singapore. One that has obviously captured the attention of many people around the country. Parents, Teachers, Education Officers. Ironically, perhaps the ones that is the least interested are the students themselves. I shall come back to this point again.

First a summary from the PM.
1) Parents should speak in Mandarin to their children at home.
2) "Nobody can master two languages at the same level. If you think you can, you are deceiving yourself."
3) "I get e-mail from Singaporeans in China who thank me for having insisted that they learn two languages... if they had no such foundation, they would not have made it good."
4) "Any language in the world begins with speaking and listening. We started the wrong way. We insisted on ting xie (writing words as dictated), mo xie (writing entire passages from memory). Madness! Parents spent a lot of time and money, extra tuition on their children, but (children had) no interest, they were burnt out." - ie. I screwed up.

..

I find it quite sad that this speech was even initially given in the first place by the MM. Imagine all the more senior Mother Tongue Teachers, being told that they had been under a defective policy for the past 40 years, that has only been recently resolved in 2004.

Moving on, let us look at the problem that is facing the MT policy. Our MT remains to be an essential part of our education, not only because of the potential benefits of learning the language, but also learning about our roots, and our culture. Yet, interest in the language has been dwindling in the youths as we speak. As students, we do no see the importance of the Chinese language as compared to other subjects. It is something to pass much like every other of the subjects that we took in school. English on the other hand is seen with much importance, with our environment in the whole of Singapore consisting mostly of the language. From studying other subjects, to signs on the road, even to most conversations that takes place while shopping. We recognize English as a Universal Language that is much more important than Chinese in Singapore and beyond in the future.

And nobody can ever deny that fact. Let us lay this first down, English, will probably remain as most important language in the whole world. China may be rising as a large economical power as we speak, but the ability to speak decent English will forever remain more essential than the ability to speak Chinese.

I am not denouncing Chinese saying that its an unimportant language, but English will always be more important. The ability to speak Chinese will always be helpful in our lives, no doubt about that. But we must not compromise the English standards of our students when improving their Chinese language.

Remember, this is an issue of BILINGUALISM. Not MOTHER TONGUE.

But back to the issue, as students start to put less importance onto MT, they would thus easily lose interest in the subject, especially if they are bad at the subject, or if excelling the subject requires an unreasonable amount of work. And that has been the problem with MT Teaching in the past, no doubt. As I look back today, I can still remember the times when I cringed as I had to memorize my ting xies and such.

But let us not forget something else. It Worked. Yes, as we speak, I see myself as someone bilingual, with the ability to speak in both Chinese and English to others. It was tough, but it has given me many great advantages. Coming to London, it cannot be clearer as I am able to effectively communicate with my English Roommate and Chinese hallmate. Before putting most of the blame on the system, let us remember the most important factor in the whole equation. The students.

"Oh God Forbid that he bad-mouths our precious ones!", I can hear the parents almost screaming in the background. But we have to remember that the greatest factor for anyone to learn anything is the person himself. The brain belongs to him, the tenacity to learn belongs to him. Even with the worst possible situation, as long as one can create interest within himself, rather than waiting for something to spark it in him, he can learn anything.

This is obvious, look around to so many of my friends. Whom, while scoring Fs on their Chinese in score are able to speak and write fluent Japanese. Students should not be waiting for interest, they should be looking for the spark themselves as well.

Nevertheless, that is no excuse for an imperfect policy. And it should be improved to help the students as much as possible in their bid to master the subject, or at least gain an ability to converse in it. Go ahead, introduce more creative methods of teaching, change the methods of assessment, teach listening and conversational skills first. But remember that in the end, the learner is still the student.

...

Since I'm on the subject of Education, I might as well talk about something else I read on research. Read This, quite an interesting post.

And sad to say, mostly true. But let me make one of my opinion clear.

Good Grades Are Important.

Give whatever excuses, and whatever evidence you want. The ability to get good grades might not be a sign of a capable child, but the inability to get good grades, will never be a sign of a capable child. I do not neglect the fact that there is more to education than simply good grades, but I am sick and tired of all the writings I've read, emphasizing that grades are not everything and using Bill Gates as an example.

First things first, Bill Gates did drop out from university. But he dropped out from HARVARD. Harvard University. He scored 1590 out of 1600 on SAT to get in. He didn't drop out because he failed a test. He dropped out so that he could start his own computer software company with Paul Allen. If anything, he was a genius who aced practically everything.

Nevertheless, back to the topic, we should never forget what exams can tell us about the individual. For one, he has the intellectual capacity to score well in it. It is not essential to being a capable man, but I'll wait for the one to deny that it helps.

A Lot.

Also, even if one does not have all the intellect to score well, most of the people who do, are actually those who work hard. We made fun of them back when we were kids, calling them muggers and such, for mugging so much on their textbooks. You can argue that it only leads to pure memorization, with the lack of creativity. But I see it differently.

It cultivates the diligence of the youth, which frankly, is something that is missing from most of us nowadays. In the future, between a creative man with no diligence and a diligent man with reduced creativity. The latter will be the one employed in most companies. Creativity is nothing if not diligently expressed.

Long post. Should stop. Hope to have tickled your brain.

Mother Tongue.

2009-11-26T07:30:00.003+08:00

I have quite a few things to say about the recent wind upon the issue after the speech by Mr. Lee.

Stay tuned. Will turn it in on the weekends in UK Time.

Update

2009-11-07T08:20:00.004+08:00

Wow, it has been close to a month since my last update. Well, I have only 10 mins to do one now, so I might as well make the best of it.

First of all, to thank everyone for giving so many surprised through the course of the day. I really dunno what to say already. Thanks everyone :D

School's been good, some mugging here and there, nothing much to be worried about. Though I have to say that I did screw up my test today quite badly.

~~So be it. Its my birthday, I can do whatever the damn hell I want...~~ =P Just joking =X. Didn't really quite understood the subject at hand, and misread the question on the test. Its quite a pissoff, but I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

Weather's also been turning from cold to even colder. I can now see smoke coming out of my mouth even as early as 5pm and the sun is starting to set earlier and earlier. Now about 5pm its completely dark already. Quite depressing to see the night for most times of the day. Doesn't help that the rest of the morning are spent in the Clore Lecture Theater.

Oh, and I have decided not to return for the winter break as well. The air ticket prices are ridiculous. Completely out of this world. But then again, my term starts back at 9 Jan, so I can't make it for ACJC open house anyways.

..

It has been just over a month since I left the airport and took the plane down to London. I could still remember how the tears almost came flowing out that day. To be perfectly honest, for the last hour at the airport, I constantly asked myself. What the hell was I doing this for?

Still, I look the ticket and my bags and proceed to board the plane anyways. The first week was exciting upon landing. Things and things to prepare, more and more people to know. Because of all the hubbub happening around you, you drown yourself in the task and push your own personal insecurities to the back of your mind. If you didn't get a duvet, you would freeze for the night, not the time to be considering about the reason for coming to London to study.

As the weeks past, we start to get better and better at taking care of ourselves. Memorizing the places around, getting yourself stocked up on food. Then came the incredible amount of workload unlike any others in Singapore.

But soon, you'll once again get used to it. It all becomes common in your new life, and you once again find time to think back and recall about all those insecurities that your brought with you into London when you stepped into that plane.

Would I be able to handle the workload? How are people back in Singapore? How cold will it be tomorrow? How are my friends from AC? How are the NSC people now doing? How are my juniors coping in A Levels? How are my NS brothers doing? Would I regret the decision to study overseas in the end?

In the end, all the questions of the future, where no answer is present, until when they have past as experiences.

I guess I should look for something to fill up the time once again.

BRILLIANT!

2009-10-16T19:16:00.002+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV7Ha3VDbzE

BRILLIANT. Too bad I can't embed it.

Update.

2009-10-15T05:53:00.003+08:00

Nothing much to update, I guess the 2 most important events.

10 Oct.
Went out with the Singapore Society in Imperial to explore London. I have uploaded all the pictures onto facebook already, so please go ahead and look it through. Met quite early in the morning with Khew Fai and joined his group, called Lambo, if I remembered it correctly. Took the tube from South Kensington Station down to Hyde Park Corner and walked towards Buckingham Palace. The palace itself was damn bloody crowded, as it around the time of the changing of the guards.

There were police going around on horseback. HORSES.

My god, the only chance of me ever seeing that in Singapore is at Kranji, not in front of the Freaking Istana.

Anyways, moved on across Queen's Lawn and through St. James' Park and down towards the Big Ben. Cross Westminster Abbey along the way. Saw the London Eye for a moment but didn't really even go near it.

That was followed by take-away lunch at MacDonalds and then taking a trip down to Trafalgar Square where we finished eating and climbed lions.

Moved on to Chinatown from there, which was quite a ridiculously short walk, I did expect a much longer walk than that. Walked around a bit and continued down the road to Covent Gardens. Where all the buskers are and such. I could describe the buskers, but I guess its better for you guys to go SEE THE PEEKTURES.

Nevertheless, stayed there and walked around for another hour or so and moved back to Chinatown for dinner at Wong Kei.

Bloody hell, a bowl of rice in London is 1.60 Pounds. Can you believe it.

Nevertheless, food was decent and cheap, so no complaints.

11 Oct.

Woke up ever earlier(Actually I woke up late that day.), as we prepared to go for the first Fellwanderer's Sunday Walk. For background, the Fellwanderers is a club at Imperial where they basically... Walk. Walk everywhere, mostly around the more Rural Sides of the United Kingdom.

Mind you, when I said walk. I don't mean from your house to the supermarket, or down Orchard Road.

When I say walk, I mean 9 hours up and down countless of hills, around millions of rabbit, sheep and cow dung.

for that day, we were heading towards the Seven Sisters. Its a landmark along the South Coast of England, linking the Towns of Seaford and Eastborne.

Yes, we walked from one town to another in the south of London with the freaking wind blowing in our faces. I swear, the wind was strong enough to move me, so that was how scary it was. It didn't help that the slopes of the Seven Sisters were almost 50degrees most of the time. Damn bloody hell difficult to get up and down.

But it was such an exhilarating experience. Got to be there to feel it. The wind, the view, the height. And of course, the satisfaction of completing the whole course.

Go see, photos are all on facebook. When in doubt of which part of facebook, please refer to previous post.

Till next time.

...

PS. Oh, for those interested, Maths at Uni is still acceptable, isn't so hard that I'll die yet. =)

London

2009-10-07T04:43:00.003+08:00

The Eagle has landed, London's a nice place. Cold but nice. Let me do an update.

2 Oct.

Took the flight at night. So sadded >.<>3 Oct.

Landed in the UK, Heathrow Airport. Rather warm within the airport. The airport itself actually looked like a shopping center in Singapore, in fact, it could be compared with Beauty World in Singapore. Really quite run down. Then I stepped out, the freaking freezing wind hit in right in the face. Its ok without the wind, but WITH the wind, horrible.

Got down to my hall, and unpacked before going for a walk around the place. Looked at the school, cheap places to eat, and bought the essentials such as pillows and duvets. In fact, I'm still lacking duvet covers and a 3 pin to 2 pin plug converter.

Went back, met my roomate for the first time, and took a ride down River Thames in a boat with a pub on the 2nd Level. Looked around for a bit, and fell asleep on the trip back. Was too jetlagged.

The walk back was especially memorable, the wind was cold. Coldest I've ever felt.

4 Oct.

Went out for International Students meeting in the morning. Came back, then had a BBQ dinner with the Hall. Nothing much today.

5 Oct.

Woke up early in the morning. School just started - Fresher's Week. Had information from Mathematics, and slept early.

And an interesting note, my Tutor's rather cool. The most interesting person I've seen in a while.

6 Oct.

Fresher's Week! Joined up for many many activities. Let's see how it all goes and which ones I'll be keeping in the future. Now more interested in Snooker, Fellawanderers and Gaming. Also signed up for like, Poker, Chess, Cooking Society, Kendo etc etc...

Ok gotta sleep early for tomorrow. Here's the photos of my studies here. Will be updated daily with new photos. I'm intending to take a photo outside of my windows for the WHOLE time. Lets see how it goes. =)

Awesome.

2009-10-02T03:02:00.001+08:00

Dinner was Awesome man. No other descriptions :D

Compact Disks.

2009-09-27T13:24:00.003+08:00

I had a dream this morning, and this just unplayed within my mind. Probably read of a story like this somewhere before, just unable to pinpoint where.

..

There was a boy who had cancer, living the last month of his life as the terminal disease dug into him across the days. Like most adolescents of his age, the boy was not one deprived of feelings. He took a fancy to a girl in class that he was in, and would often be staring in her direction while classes were still going on. That is, until school holidays arrived and the disease uncovered.

The boy didn't tell anybody of the disease, even resorting to shunning the rest of his friends just to keep the issue mum. But there was someone that he couldn't ignore.

And so, the boy went down to the CD shop one day, where the girl was working in, and offered to buy a CD from her. He felt his heart brighten up, everytime she flashed a smile his way. The girl would always even offer to test every disc, and bring it to the back of the store, for it to be rewrapped into the jewel casing before giving it to the boy.

And the next day, the boy returned, for another disc, for another smile. And the next, and the next. And it continued, until one day, when he never came back to the stall, and the girl called the parents, never expecting the news that he had died in the morning, finally overpowered by the disease.

During the funeral, the girl appeared at the boy's house, and asked about the discs that he had bought the previous month. The mother brought her up to his room, and as she opened the room, the girl cried, as she discovered the CDs all arranged on the rack, from the first day to the last, still wrapped in the jewel case that remained unopened.

Not because it was kept in pristine condition, but because it was never opened. In every case, there was notes left behind by the girl, everytime she brought it to the back of the store, she had left them in, hoping the boy would finally understand her feelings.

But it was not to be.

..

It was quite interesting to see a dream from a third-person perspective for once. Quite a sad story though...

10 days.

2009-09-22T23:27:00.000+08:00

Skype: kokhong90. Feel free to add me.

Focus.

2009-09-11T22:31:00.001+08:00

Holbein Hall. Home for the next year. Keen eyes will notice Stanford Bridge on the bottom left of the map.

I feel rather emo now.

Its true, after some thought, it does come to be that there's really not much point in hiding any of it. Put yourself in my situation. You're teaching a group of Sec 3 kids, dying to win a National Science Competition to be shown on national television. You're going to be flying off to London for 9 months, despite only having been to Malaysia his whole life. You're on a scholarship demanding a 2nd Upper in every term or risk losing the scholarship and even paying back the Liquidated Damages of a crazy amount. You applied for 5 single rooms for accommodation and still ended up in a twin room. You worry what kind of a roommate you'll get. You pretty much am starting to realize that you'll be gone from friends and family for 9 months, as well as wonder, who will still be the close ones after the period of time. You worry if anything could happen in the family within the 9 months that you wouldn't be able to come back and help for.

I'm not going to say its a trying time. Its not. Its merely just studying, albeit 6845 miles away from home. Its not like I'm alone, going into the university with the highest number of Singaporeans outside Singapore.

Yet, there's still something that keeps tugging upon my heart, as if telling me that its still not the time to go studying that far away. Still so many things left undone, still so many things left to try, still so many people left to meet, still to many friends left to speak with.

I wonder if its merely just the homesickness within me that's acting up. Perhaps so. I'll probably never be able to tell for now, so there's really not much point in thinking much about it. I know there's pretty much no turning back, and there's really no reason for being so paranoid or worried about anything, yet, its just acting up.

Its really nothing like the first day into Tekong, or first day into any school. Its just a completely different feeling. The choice made for the 3 years in Imperial. And following that, 1 year of Masters, followed by repaying 1 year 9 months of National Service, then 1 year of NIE, then 2.5 years of classroom teaching, 9 months of my time in HQ, 2 more years in another Ministry and back to MOE for another few months.

That's the future already fixed for me.

I guess it was worst when I looked back and wondered if I've made the most stupid decision of my life when I signed on the dotted line. After a stint at BP, at least I know that I wasn't joking when I said I like the job.

....

"Risks - If you never try anything new, you'll miss out on many of life's great disappointments." - Ashleigh Brilliant

Update

2009-09-07T01:42:00.003+08:00

I blame its lack on excessive work. But nevertheless, once a week is better than none at all.

31 Aug.
My first ever Teacher's Day as a Teacher. And I missed it. Went off with the NSC Team over to IBN and got information on their project round. By the time I returned and finished with discussion it was already well into the afternoon around 4pm. - Didn't even have time to return to my primary school to take a look.

1 Sep.
Went down to collect my completed Visa. And it was surprisingly smooth. After so many frustrating incidents on the issue, it really makes me feel so happy just to receive it so smoothly.

Moved on back to CCK and teaching Elicia for her Physics MCQ. Stopped by the library to borrow some books for extra reading on Mathematics. I really need to buck up, not much time left for preparation, especially reading up.

4 Sep.
Nothing much really, the morning started out as per the previous 2 days, teaching in school, but ended early after 2 lessons as had to reach the National Library Board for a PSC Briefing. That was followed by returning to BP with a session with the NSC Team after lunch with the PSC Scholars. The session was then followed by a meeting with my cousin and getting to Pasir Ris for a chalet with my cousins and his friend celebrating his 21st birthday.

Stayed through the night and left the next day for a meeting with James, Vanessa, Isabel and Alan.

5 Sep.
I have to admit. When meeting the 4 of them, I was probably already half brain dead. And I would say, probably more than that. Met them at The Tea Party at Six Avenue Center along the t-junction of Bukit Timah Road and Sixth Avenue. I liked the place walking into it. Great ambiance, good coffee as well. Had a rich taste in their beans accentuated by the dark roast. Really rather good Cappuccino.

Anyways, met up with Isabel and Alan first upstairs, and James and Vanessa arrived in a short while. They got quite a lot of pots of tea to try, and I really cannot recall the most of them. Also got some Scones, Pizzas, Sausages and Pasta. All rather good.

But in the end, I guess the best thing about it all was the company. It was actually the first time that I've met Alan, and probably it goes for James and Vanessa as well. It was rather funny how Isabel has been asking me the past few days on what I thought of him and such. Well, nothing really much, but I can see the two of them really pulling off the LDR since Alan is going to University College London this year as well.

Went back, and also received the letter for my accommodation for Imperial. Despite having picked 5 single rooms as my choices for accommodation, I still ended up receiving a Twin Room at Holbein. Been told my seniors that its not good as its neither here nor there. Its not superbly good like Southside for 20 more pounds a week, nor as cheap as Fisher 20 less pounds a week. Ah, the Grass on the other side mentality.

There was probably anything much I can do about it. Accepted the offer, and just hoping my roommate would be a nice guy.

6 Sep.
Went down for bridge for the week. Came back, ate with family.

.....

I should put up a list on the things that I still have left undone for Imperial.
1. Luggage Bag.
2. A sweater, about 5-10 Degree kinds.
3. Bank Account.
4. Phone Service.
5. Stationaries.
6. Rice Cooker.
7. Reading up on the Subject.
8. A new Wallet.
9. Spectacles.
10. Headphones.

That's it for now.

Update

2009-08-31T17:55:00.001+08:00

Nothing much up on my side, but its interesting to know that there's so many things happening everywhere else.

Went out with James and Vanessa on Saturday. I know everyone must be cursing about how much of an extra I am, hahas. Maybe, maybe. But left in the middle I was going to Sim Lim to get a USB to PS/2 adapter, which didn't work in the end. What a pissoff.

Moving on, today was teacher's day celebrations in most schools around Singapore, and I guess its almost impossible for people in my year to really do anything; The guys being all in the army and the girls being in university and all. Even I myself was tied back at BPGHS working as a teacher. The irony of it all.

Much is to be done, will update when there's something interesting soon.

Moved.

2009-08-26T07:55:00.002+08:00

Well, the point that you guys can read this post means you all probably realized already.

But I should do a update on my life rather than just that. Nothing much has really happened actually, other than getting the damn swine. Or at least I think. Went to the clinic, doc looks at me, and simply says.

I quote. "Probably H1N1, no need test lah. Take 7 days MC, go home. Rest."

And so. I'm still at home. Feels rather weird doing nothing at home actually. Finished reading the papers. The only thing I could do was to probably indulge myself in flash games on Kongregate.com. How nice.

Nevertheless, it did feel like shit on the first few days, I swear, I was probably the only one lucky enough to get both the flu and a sinuous infection. So quite literally, every hole on my face was hurting save for the ears.

But now that everything's pretty much healed up, my mom still refuses to let me out till the end of the MC. I guess I should scurry off and look for more games on the Internet then.

National Day Rally 2009

2009-08-20T23:18:00.002+08:00

Merely my own 2 cents. Maybe only one. Enjoy.

Our people (Healthcare Plans.)

How viable is the 3M in safeguarding the security of the healthcare of the citizens of Singapore? Will the forces of the economy render it useless as inflation takes its toll, reducing the real value of the currency? One must not forget the pension program that ended in disaster in Australia, as pensioners found themselves quickly out of cash as the real value of their pension decreased. What can be done to ensure the survival of the real value of the funds in the 3M?

If the 3M are to fail, that one is unable to afford healthcare for himself, what are the plans that would catch these that has fallen through the sieve? Eg. People that are sick a lot. People that do not have contributions to their Medisave(Working odd Jobs/Homemaker). Will it only be the CDCs? Or should another plan be set up for people falling into this category?

When is the line drawn between moving the older patients from community hospitals to their home? If a attack or relapse if to happen at home, or medical situation to worsen, would there be adequate emergency services provided? Would there also be enough medical manpower to be keeping an eye on these patients at home? It is feasible to be providing these services for a rapidly aging population as ours?

How is the government going to popularize the job of nursing? Making it more attractive? What would also be done to ensure the high quality of doctors and nurses in the future? Also with a fixed enrollment into medical courses in Universities, would there be enough doctors to tend to the society?

When moving patients to their homes, what if he has no families? Or if the families are REALLY unable to take care of the parent? Financially, or physically. Would they be affected by the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents?

For Promoting healthy lifestyles, it has generally been targeted at middle income and high income families. So what can be done for the lower income?

Our Economy (Economic Plans.)

As the world globalises, more and more Singaporean industries would be moving out and investing in other countries. As such, more and more Singaporeans would also be sent overseas to work in such companies, such as the example given at Hyflux. However, a problem is, Singaporeans living overseas might be tempted by other industries in other counties, and ‘jump ship’. This situation would also apply to scholars like us, studying in overseas universities. Thus the question is, is there anything being done to prevent this brain drain from occurring?
On the side on employment within the country, Singapore is doing exceptionally well despite being very weak in the area of exports this year. Even as GDP continues to fall, unemployment levels has managed to maintain at a respectable level of 3%. This is mostly due to 2 of the government’s initiatives. Jobs Credit, and SPUR. While increased borrowing was also allowed from banks to SMCs, it hasn’t helped much as both entrepreneurs and banks remain cautious with assets and loans in this dangerous financial times. However, with the 2 policies, they have also resulted in problems.

With the Jobs Credit, while the firms are allowed to be employing more people with more money given to them, it is actually damaging to the firm in the long run. The additional manpower hours are practically wasted as the workload would continue to decrease in the crisis. It is a significant drop in worker’s productivity in Singapore. While it is acceptable in the short run to employ this measure and support most Singaporeans to have a steady, albeit reduced income, it would not be sustainable in the long run, both for the economy, and the government’s ability to finance it.

On the other hand, for SPUR has also trained a lot of people into the PMET profession. However, even with such training one wonders how one can find a job when the demand for PMETs is decreasing in the first place. Even with training, and millions of dollars pour in, from both the government and the individuals, would it ASSURE them of their jobs? In the end, they are doing everything for their job, not to revolutionise Singapore labour force. With decreasing demands for PMETs, would the scheme only put some of the people in worse situation as they pay for their course and remain unable to get a job?

Our Future (The Japalan Plans.)

Through the years, Singapore has made huge investments in education infrastructure at all levels. And this year is no different, with new schools and media production studios and indoor sports halls, as from the rally speech. However, with most of the budget focused on infrastructure, one would wonder if it is what the education system really requires at the current point. With less budget in other sections, would their quality be affected in the year? Firstly, with a recruitment of 3000 potential teachers this year, one cannot bear to wonder that while their qualifications remain comparable with the past, would the attention paid to every single one of them remain the same? Would they have been adequately trained as from previous batches within NIE, and would they have enough opportunities to upgrade themselves as more people would vie for a spot in a certain course etc. Secondly, on the assimilation into the labour force after graduation from their respective institution. With only a degree/diploma under their belts, one would find problem entering the job market without experience. What has been done by the government for this easier assimilation within the market? And lastly, despite having that much infrastructure, has the curriculum also been updated as well to engage our new students to train them for the problems of the 21st century? Has the teachers been trained to deviate from traditional teaching methods and subjects, most importantly, moving to more important topics and mental development rather than simply the role learning of a subject?

Efficiency of the MRT train stations. Are they really as efficient as the rally describes? With so many fines already imposed on SMRT and SBS, one wonders if they even feel the pinch of these fines at all. Of course, we’re more efficient compared to countries like Japan, but realize that it just means that they’re more inefficient that us, not that we’re efficient in the first place. Transport costs in Singapore is rather low, that is a fact, but much still remains to be seen from 2 companies. I yearn for the day when nobody would ever need to wait 30 minutes for a bus of 15 minute intervals or wait for 4 MRT trains before having enough space to enter it.

Our Society (The Race and Religion Plans.)

As from the Prime Minister, I am one of the few that believe that issues of Race and Religion is sensitive, thus preferring to shy away from discussing it. If it’s not broken, why fix it? But it is true that discussions should still be held from time to time to ensure the existence of social cohesion. But firstly, perhaps it would be better to start out as with a portal for information to kick-start such discussions? To phrase it better, more of an open portal for discussion that provides the data to these issues as well. This is simply because the fact is that the government remains relatively quiet themselves over such a sensitive issue.

I have nothing to say about the AWARE saga, not because I wasn’t interested, but I actually don’t seem to recall anything about it. But I guess looking from the tone set by the PM during the speech, it’s probably better than I didn’t.

General Views

I’m surprised at some of the missing issues that weren’t touched on the speech itself, especially the rising tensions between locals and expats in Singapore. But I guess there probably wasn’t enough time to touch on the subject within the rally itself.

The whole speech itself remained a very safe one, despite the whole portion dedicated to the sensitive issue of race and religion. There was nothing controversial nor volatile discussed within the speech itself, only sensitive.

The speech also uncharacteristically focused more about the past than the future this year. It was more of a review of the year rather than a view of the future, as from the previous few rallies. It almost looks like a promotional speech to vote for PAP, amplified by jokes(Rolls Royces and next 4 General Election) and facts littered around the speech(The whole introduction starting from PAP’s rally at 1959.)

Up!

2009-08-15T23:18:00.002+08:00

Lets begin by stating that I might give off some spoilers while typing this review, so please try to watch the movie before reading. I can assure you that its quite a movie too good to be missed.

This movie marks the 10th movie that Pixar has made, and has once again fallen into the category of almost perfection, much like Ratatouille before it. However, also like its old counterparts, while being a good movie, it is really more recommended for couples to watch together than a bunch of guys going together in the movie.

There really nothing much "Manly" within the movie. Its hilarious, and might seem rather shallow overall when first watching the movie. To be perfectly honest, it does look like just another touching animation, with some adventure to South America thrown in for good luck. Then add in a bad guy, a sidekick, a bird, a talking dog and a long dead wife. Some might even see it as simple kid's animation, nothing for anybody that has learnt to stop peeing in their bed.

If anything, I would assure everyone that within the movie, there would be many many situations where it would be the kids that did not understand the whole story that the film is trying to tell. It gives out strong emotions with their great use of story and music. Movie songs like "The Ellie Badge" and "Married Life" are still playing in my mind as I continue typing on this review.

But going back to the point, on the issue that this movie would seem rather shallow to some, I actually believe that this movie really hits home as one with many many layers with many many underlying meanings below each and everyone. It would be far too hard for a child to understand some of these themes presented within the movie, thus my point that its a movie for adults.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

The movie started out rather different from others, with the playback of the life of the protagonist, Carl. From him meeting Ellie when he was young because of the antagonist, to a seemingly blissful and normal life until death, and the news of Ellie's infertility thrown in-between. He is really nothing more than a normal guy, that had lost his wife, and am going to be forced into a nursing home(I chuckled at the name, "Shady Oaks Nursing Home".) because of being deemed a public nuisance. Then the idea of adventure pops in, as he remembers how he promised, 'cross his heart' that he would save enough money to get to Paradise Falls with his wife. And so he goes on his adventure, and meets up with a "oversized chicken" and Doug a talking dog. While at South America, he also met up with the antagonist, Muntz, that brought him and his wife together in the first place, and ends up in a conflict as the bird(Kevin) that Muntz wanted to catch to succeed in clearing his name once again, was the one that had followed Carl and Russell. They escaped the first time, but Carl decided to save his burning house rather than Kevin which was stuck in a rope trap. He then said, that he had enough of everything, and would get the house to the falls, even if it killed him.

Upon reaching the falls with the house, it reached just in time as the balloons could no longer hold the weight of the house. Russell gives...

Wait a minute, I'm just giving a summary here.

Alright, I'll just give my thoughts instead, if you're reading this, you should have finished the movie yourself.

I like specifically many themes within the movie.

Firstly, on adventure. I enjoy how the view is placed on adventure. How Muntz's adventure was to capture the bird and clear his name, Carl to get his house onto the spot right beside Paradise Falls to accomplish his late wife's dreams, how Russell's dream was to assist Carl and achieve his Assisting the Elderly badge and how Doug's dream was to achieve recognition from the rest of his pack or anyone. With all adventures initially only resulting in personal gain and gratification. But as the story moved on, and both Carl and Russell moving their dreams to one of saving Kevin, that we see them succeeding, and Muntz falling to his death. In fact, we should also realize how close Carl is to this end as well, as he screamed that he would bring the house to Paradise Falls "even if it kills me!". Ironically, Doug did achieve his dream, but it has so hilarious that he's forgiven.

Thus it brings about many questions, on what constitutes a good adventure, a worthy adventure? One that should be allowed to succeed compared to one that's turns him into an antagonist.

Also, when Carl forever thought that he was following Ellie's adventure, to bring the house to Paradise Falls, he realized that it wasn't so just as he finished his task. To Ellie, what that was the adventure was their married life right from young age to getting old and dying. And even tells him that "Thanks for the Adventure. And that now its time to find your own." It was then that he realized that he had only been always following in her adventure, and even more that it wasn't the adventure that she enjoyed the most in her living days. This eventually drove him to continue with his heart and went off to save Kevin, even being willing to throw away both his and Ellie's chairs, in order for the balloon to fly again. (Much like how he loaded the burden and stress of his wife's death, and moving on with his own life.) Mention should also be given to how the movie's credits was labeled as "My NEW Adventure Book", listing down a journal of Carl's normal life with Carl and Doug. Nothing was recorded of the adventures in South America, only after.

On the importance on relationships as well. The whole movie focuses on it, with Carl and Ellie, Russell with his father, Muntz towards his dogs, Ace towards his dogs and especially, Carl towards Russell, Doug and Kevin at the end. I especially like the part where Russell told Carl that he has his dad often found fun not in the exciting things, but how they used to eat Ice Cream by the kerb, and counted red and blue cars and they passed by. Even stating that he liked that kerb. It almost seemed like a younger form of himself, reminding Carl that it wasn't the exciting things like going to an adventure to South America that mattered in his relationship with Ellie, but the times that he spent watching the clouds with her, and while they were at their jobs together. It was great that they ended the movie with the 2 sitting by at the kerb, counting the cars that passed by.

I have not much time left to type, thus I would end it off with the last major point, on the ideas of friends and enemies. Who are the friends? And who are the enemies in this movie? Muntz was first introduced as a "Friend" as it was him that brought Carl and Ellie together in the first place. Even more when they were captured that he instructed his dogs that they were now guests, and not to be harmed. But then his ambitions got the better of him, as once he knew they had with them Kevin, he immediately disregarded them as friends, and turned his back towards them for the bird. And yet on the other hand, while Russell appeared to be nothing but a problem weighing down Carl from achieving his goal initially, he was the one that knocked Carl into his senses, coupled with Ellie's "My Adventure Book". And Doug, which initially simply followed the 2 to the cave filled with hostile dogs without any retaliation, ended up being the one leading them out of the cave and even overcoming the rest of the dogs on the blimp. Smaller examples included Kevin's fast changing view of Carl as a friend or enemy, changing immediately once Russell assured him, and of how a dog commented, "I like you… Temporarily" as they were led into the cave of Muntz upon an immediate change in attitude towards them on Muntz's command.

I shall leave it here for now. Feel free to watch this great movie, I am sure I missed out much more themes present within the movie itself. Just grab some friends and go ahead and watch the movie.

Though if its too much manly guys, maybe try Public Enemy.

Updates

2009-08-14T23:06:00.001+08:00

I do remember that I do owe Eng Yian a piece on his recent post, but I guess I would have to postpone it till the indefinite future. There is just quite too many things happening these days, this post would iron most of it out.

Firstly, my days of relief teaching continues as I have taken over Mr Sim for this week after finishing up with Ms Koo's classes. It appears that every single class in Sec 1 already knows me now. I've probably taught them all either Maths or Physics. Quite hilarious.

In addition to that, I have also started teaching the SQ's team for NSC together with Zhi Hao, but he is really the one calling the shots this time, taking both chemistry and physics while I try to prepare for Mathematics. Really, how do you expect to be teaching general knowledge about mathematics? Grr.

But nevertheless, I gotta at least do something rather than nothing at all. Pretty soon I'll be tearing up wikipedia for information.

In addition to that, I would also be going back to ACJC soon to help out with alumni tutoring for the JC2 students. Probably just helping out with Mathematics and Physics, and I heard that they did require manpower there. Will see how that goes first, gotta liaise with Mr Sim Eng Chee.

Also, I have realized that I'm also doing some videos for science experiements with Mr Lim for recording to make the Lower Secondary Students interested in science. I guess probably just going to kope some of Derek's experiments and show him see how it goes. Nothing much on what's going to happen yet.

Ah, and I also have to settle the accounting issues with Mdm Yu and BP over teaching the Science Team through the March Holidays. Got to get as much money as possible to prepare for a BBQ soon before I fly off overseas. Will be inviting everyone once its more or less confirmed.

Yes, also I have not retrieved my Passport and VISA yet from the UK side.

And I have not gotten my air tickets issued yet. Will be flying on 2 Oct 2330hrs.

Did I miss anything else, I hope not.

Enjoy your day everyone =)

Street Fighter!

2009-08-08T11:32:00.003+08:00

Hadoken!

Hahas too cute to be missed.

Update!

2009-08-07T13:37:00.002+08:00

And in a blink of an eye, and I realized that I had not been blogging since last Sunday, what irony. But was rather busy, thus I ask all to pardon the lack of updates.

Moving on, I have signed up and am doing an internship at my Alma Mater, Bukit Panjang Govt High, for 2 months. Practically stopping only at 30 September, just 3 days before flying off. For now, I am taking over the lessons of one teacher who was on 7 days MC. Just her Sec 1 classes, but a lot of them too. But it wasn't that stressful, just that working with kids just seems to make you feel so much older. Its hard to really keep up with their pace in lessons. Both in the sense of discipline and the passing of knowledge.

Nevertheless, I would be lying if I said that teaching wasn't as enjoyable as I imagined it to be. I guess walking into class and speaking to the students really appeals to me in an interesting way. But moving on, I had been now tasked to teach the BP team for National Science Challenge(NSC) this year, together with some of the rest of the Science teacher within the school. They're already in the Finals, thus they're really of high standards already. Just got to beef them up more on possible questions and such. Looks to be a long day for them.

This week also had the MOE Prizing Giving Ceremony, but lets put that aside first and talk about the morning before that.

Woke up at 6am in the morning to start off the day of applying for my visa. Got down to PSC's Office at National Library Building first to get the Financial Certification before application. Then took a bus down to The Corporate place at Shenton Way to apply for my visa. Got there at 7.55am, 5 minutes before opening time, and imagine my shock to see 15 people ahead of me in the queue. Its almost ridiculous, how many people are ahead of me.

But lucky me, the line moved insanely fast compared to the last time I came, due to 2 people leaving before their number was called. Actually met Estelle there too, getting Visa to study medicine at UCL. I always had the impression that she was really more of the arts kind of person, so it was quite a surprise to learn that she was studying medicine. She actually forgot to bring her A Levels Certificate and copy, but the staff were kind enough to allow her mother to go back, and retrieve the form before giving it to the staff before the end of the day.

So after I did my applications, there was still about an hour before I had to rush down to Suntec City for the MOE Presentation, thus I just talked with her then later walked around a MPH bookstore nearby while a parents returned from home. I finally had to leave at 1040 when her mom wasn't back yet, but oh well, at least its a shorter time.

Took a direct bus, 196, down to opposite Suntec City. Took a short walk across the overhead bridge and into the convention hall and looked for Zhi Hao at the Ballroom that they had booked. It was quite incredible, with over 400 MOE Scholars being awarded this year. But also a bit out of place for us OMS(T) scholars knowing that everyone in the room, save for the 4 of us, have ORDed and that everyone in the room knew each other except for us 4. It was an interesting day though, but really nothing much.

And today, was BPGHS's National Day celebrations. Incredible how high students are these days. Also went to Science Team's AGM and asked Silas for a favour. Should probably get down to preparing the NSC questions soon.

Till the next time!

OBLA - Only Blogger Left Alive.

2009-08-02T02:05:00.002+08:00

Well, to be completely fair, I was dead for quite a while myself. I blame it completely on National Service.

Nevertheless, I probably should put on myself to really update this realm much more so that I would have something to look back at and laugh at. I mean, what use is recording our lives if we do not look back and laugh?

Moving on, the past few days have been relatively quiet, with Wednesday and Thursday spent at home.

Friday was busy. Woke up at 6am to get down to NLB to get the edited financial letter to apply for UK Visa later on, only to be rejected after 3 hours of waiting because of a missing start and date on the financial certification. I ended up just getting the correct copy before I had to put down the whole project as I had to meet Isabel in the afternoon at 2pm.

Because I am on a no swearing campaign, I can only say this: It was an utterly horrendous day. Who was to blame for so many missing information? I don't know and I really don't want to. At least the guinea pig has been sacrificed and I shall go again on 6 August. I'll make sure I go half an hour earlier to miss the ridiculous queue.

Moving on, the meetup with Isabel later in the day was much better. At least I didn't had to run between Shenton Way and North Bridge Road. Spoke about many interesting issues. Hahas.

Today was slightly more interesting. I realize that when I say today, it is actually yesterday, meaning like, since its already after 12 midnight.

Nevermind.

~~Today~~ Saturday was quite a long day, missed out on cutting my hair in the morning as I woke up later than expected. And yes, I do realize that my hair is of a shape of a mini-afro. And yes, I know I should cut it soon. Probably tomorrow. Cabbed off to the University Cultural Center for In Convers(N)ation. Rather good event, wouldn't mind having another go at it. Shall not dwell too much on it, might bore the readers over with my uninteresting style of writing.

And that was followed by a trip to Changi Airport to buy the plane tickets to London. Ended up not getting them as they did not allow me to get the student's ticket, which would allow me to get another 10kg to my luggage. Very important considering that I would be tugging quite a lot of things up onto the plane.

But if all goes well, my plane ride should be on the A380, on 9.30am at 3 Oct on Singapore, and reaching at 3.30pm at London. Whole 13 hours flight. Ha, love moving against the timezone, saves 7 hours of my time.

Actually come to think of it, I'll be repaying it the next time I fly back. Damn.

Updates would end here. Watch out for more posts coming.

MRT

2009-07-29T00:38:00.003+08:00

Well, this has been quite an old topic actually, but I guess with the recent news of MRT enforcing the strict ban of eating on trains that the situation has pushed me off the tipping point.

Lets first begin first by saying that I enjoy the MRT system in Singapore. I've made a post previously saying how much better it is, compared to other countries such as Tokyo in rush hours, where there's actually attendants outside to shove the people in.

But that doesn't mean that the trains in Singapore during rush hour is the best. Its obvious that whatever is happening now can be improved. No reason why we should be seeing trains of 6 minutes intervals at Jurong East towards Marina Bay when both sides of the Green line is coming at 2 minute intervals. Do you expect to squeeze 6 trains of people into 1 train? Once again, I reiterate that I do not complain about the squeeze within the carriages, but that the train timings can be easily improved to ease of the amount of people in one carriage. I, and I presume, as well as most Singaporeans, would easily say that one of my pet peeves in Singapore is when I just can't seem to get on the train as its too full. Ending up missing not just one, but sometimes multiple trains.

And while we all know that trains timings leaves much to be desired, I am sometimes irritated by the Green Campaign that the SMRT is pulling especially, with posters all around persuading more Singapore to give up cars and utilize public transport. Much less damaging to the environment.

The question is, while we damage the environment less, did we consider the negative externalities incurred by the increased congestion? I'm pretty sure rush hour will get worse if everyone driving moves to take the train.

The point that I'm trying to put through, is that before one decides to claim that you're saving the environment, and use it as an advertisement campaign, please don't just blindly use it just because it'll draw in more people who simply follow the majority in going for the Green route. Both the pros and cons has to be laid out before starting such campaigns.

Next, would be the prevailing issue on most newspapers now about the increase in strictness on the consumption of food on MRT trains and platforms. By all means, go ahead. There comes a time when one have to move from education to enforcement when the former has ceased to be effective.

However, what would be the limit of consumption? From news report:

..

"SMRT says that parents of young children are advised to feed their children before boarding the MRT.

But if the need arises for them to feed their children while travelling on the MRT, they can approach station staff for assistance and necessary arrangements will be made.

This also applies to passengers who need to take medication."
- Yahoo! News.

..

Hungry babies, fine, perhaps because the semi solid food and solutions might spill and end up all over the cabin, bringing problems to other passengers and the train conductors later.

However, what is the basis for stopping passengers from taking medication?! My gosh, are the pills going to dissolve the floor when it comes in contact with it? I would understand if the medication is of a liquid form, but for tablets and pills, there should be no reason to prohibit them from taking it on trains!

What reason could there be? A hassle sweeping them up if they were to spill on the floor? That people might step on the pills and slip and fall, with the possibility of resulting in a slipped disc?

I believe that there's more reason to ban drinking plain water on the train than taking pills. The spill would probably cause more problems than small little tablets.

So are we going to stop drinking even plain water on trains now?

Update.

2009-07-26T21:57:00.002+08:00

Today was relatively peaceful, but I guess I should start with yesterday first actually.

Yesterday was the PSC Scholarship Awards Ceremony, ending the PSC Pre-Departure Course.(Though the actual end date was actually last Tuesday.) Nevertheless, the whole group of us arrived at 7.45am in the morning to star rehearsals before the actual event in the afternoon. Moved to our actual seats, and basically walked up and down, up and down until it was done. Thought I was going to be late, thus ending up hitching a cab and reaching 20 minutes early. There's nothing really much to talk about the ceremony actually, its exactly what you think it is. What that's different is a song that we had to make up and sing during the ceremony. So kudos to the song makers, and everyone who contributed to it all =) This is an older version of the song though, and without the actions.

I Thank You
PSC Song Community

And moving on, today had breakfast in the morning, and met up with James, Isabel and Isaiah. Talked cock for a rather long time. I guess its really been quite long since the last time we met. Should try to meet up more often these days. The rest of the day merely included playing bridge in the afternoon followed by dinner with the family at Chinatown.

The next week seems to be rather packed, with application for Visas, Bank Accounts and Student Cards. Gosh.

Erm..

2009-07-22T08:01:00.000+08:00

On looking back at my statcounter and such, so man people has entered my blog looking for PSC Scholars! Interesting.

Nevertheless, HI!

OBS and PDC

2009-07-12T09:09:00.004+08:00

Well, I guess its about time for another update on PDC and such. So start things off, the PDC is the Pre-Departure Course planned by the PSC to let me prepare for departure overseas.(Surprise!)

First 2 days were dominated by lectures and learning journeys, for me to the Parliament House and the Housing Development Board. Interesting information gathered within the trips themselves, but it must have been boring for those that's been there before.

This was followed by a 3 day OBS course, which I bet most people had already experienced in their lives. To be honest, even CCAAB was more tiring than OBS this time round. Perhaps its just the BMT army mindset that is still embedded within my mind that makes it seem like no kick at all.

However, it was quite a good experience. I've never liked to take up roles on situations where I know I have insufficient knowledge of, and the outdoors is a good example. Coming back home, I wondered if I should have just stepped up to take the role, or should I have put more time into researching about the outdoors and OBS before going.

Either way, its not like I have very high chances in the run for President's Scholarship anyways. But well, OBS was quite a good chance to know more about myself.

That was followed with a chance to meet my senior, which I have to admit, is a very interesting fellow. Will be interested to talk to him more in the future.

Yesterday was a day at Shatec cooking, followed by a rehearsal in the afternoon, and a Meet the People Session at night at CCK. The MPS is rather interesting, but the irritating keyboard of my laptop does make me quite reluctant to be typing much about it especially with many unresponsive keys. Nevertheless, it started at 8pm and ended at 10pm, and talking with the MP and the guys there dragged it on close to 12midnight actually which was fine, since I lived so close.

Today, reported at Bukit View Secondary at 9am in the morning and spent the day there.

Ok the bloody keyboard is now pissing me off. I think I'ma look for another keyboard and buy one soon. Balls. Can't even get a keyboard right.

New Blogskin!

2009-07-05T00:25:00.004+08:00

Actually, this is just a temporary solution as the previous blogskin was having problems with the new version of firefox. Says something about my frequency of blogging if it took me that long to realize the problem.

The new skin does look pretty nice actually, don't mind the choice of pictures in the blue boxes yet; haven't really gotten around to changing those. Fastest time I ever took to make one. Barely an hour.

Coming back to the issue of blogging, do not fret, as there are 2 posts in the making behind the scenes, just that I had just never found the drive to finish them. Watch out for them in the near future.

So for now, just another minor update of recent happenings in my life.

Firstly, have finally defered from NS. I have to emphasize on the word, Finally. Simply because I only got the date of deference 2 days before it starts. Took leave on the last day and simply came back on 2 July to collect back my Pink IC and everything. Collection of the Pink IC and paying back the extra NS pay was ridiculously efficient though, really a whole new face of NS. No sarcasm there.

Secondly, went on an MOE tea session with the 2nd Perm Sec on the first of July with the other OMS Teaching scholars. Interestingly, we were all guys, one doing Maths, one Physics, one Chemistry and one Biology. Was quite an interesting talk, rather enjoyable.

Thirdly, went for the President's Scholar Assessment Center. I'm not supposed to give out anything that happened there, but here's what I can say.

It was damn fun. If you get the chance to go, go ahead and enjoy it to the max.

Well, really nothing much from me left, but just spending the past few hours preparing for my scholarship things. Got my International Student card and Visa that I am still in the midst of settling. While waiting for results for my accommadation. Ah, and I still have to book my flight and prepare for OBS.

Ok signing off.

Blogging less, haven't I?

2009-06-28T21:58:00.003+08:00

I suddenly realized that I have been blogging so much less ever since I entered NS. Mostly due to the fact that I haven't really had much of a mood to be blogging about NS simply, rather than the issue that nothing should be blogged about on NS. Now finally do understand why there are so little sources online I can turn to regarding NS information and such.

Nevertheless, that is not the main point of this post, no reason why it should be another emo post much like the past few. I believe in using my blog as a avenue to vent my frustration, but neither do I believe that every single post should be as depressing as and emo kid.

Just to update on my life, I have recently been confirmed on my scholarship of OMS Teaching over at Imperial College studying mathematics. I should be leaving for London only at around late September/Early October. But my NS stint for this year would be ending in 2 days, making time for me to prepare for the PSC Pre-Departure Course, which includes an OBS trip.

Spent a few minutes there to think about the things that has happened that I didn't blog about. Realized that most of them involved army and I generally just decided to ignore those from too long ago.

Went out with some SA1 people on Friday, straight after bookout. Annabel, Jasmine, Tern, Darren. Went over to Plaza Singapura in Smart 4 and ate with them at Xin Wang. Ramandeep came a bit later and we met at Mac to talk and eat a bit more.

Went out with Isabel, James and Vanessa the next day after signing the sureties form with PSC. What else is the hype thing to do now but to watch Transformers 2. Generally an ok movie, but I didn't really think it deserved the hype that it came with. Perhaps it was because that I didn't watch the first movie that I am unable to completely appreciate this one. But that one can be left for later. Watched the movie and ate and Carl's Junior before moving on walking around on Orchard street until we met Isisah. Went over to Project Shop Cafe and ate some desserts, and went home.

Sunday was relatively peaceful, merely played bridge in the afternoon and went home. Got first and earned a dollar. Came back, packed for tomorrow, and typed this post.

Walking the Southern Ridges Trail (Part 2)

2009-06-20T00:11:00.003+08:00

Well, everything about the walk itself, actually has been nicely done by Derek on his blog already, so I'll probably just add on to what we did after the walk at Vivo.

Reaching Vivo, it was already around 7pm, just around 3 and a half hours from starting the walk from Clementi. Considering that we didn't take any breaks in the middle, it was an acceptable timing to finish the ~~route march~~ walk.

Looked around for a good place to eat, and finally decided on a Hong Kong Restaurant called Central on B2. The Pork Cutlet Noodles at $7 with GST, for a restaurant at Vivo was decent, but Dong and Derek didn't agree much with the dessert, despite having it at a discounted price of $2, so there.

Were considering getting a movie, but after eating some Ice Cream at Ben and Jerry's - the first time for yours' truly - decided to meet up with XJ at West Coast Recreational Center and just spent the night playing Guitar Heroes.

Slept over at his house and check out our NS postings the next morning.

..

Oh, and on my posting, I'm off as a Auto Tech - A Veh. Which means I'm going to go be a technician for Tanks.

I wonder if I'll enjoy life there.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-18T00:16:00.002+08:00

Boredom

2009-06-11T21:50:00.003+08:00

I am Bored.

Perhaps I should emphasize that. I am VERY Bored.

Extremely bored.

All of a sudden, I have been thrown out from the sunny island of Tekong, back into civilization, and low and behold. I have NOTHING to do.

Well, I'll be damned.

Actually, come to think of it, the past few days has been full of things to do, with teaching bridge, and today's visit to the Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic for my PSC Screening. But, just that army life has really made me into a person where there should be something to be done every second of the day when I'm still awake.

In complete seriousness, I can no longer bring myself to perhaps lie down anywhere, and do nothing. I just cannot bring myself to do that anymore. Even reading a small novel would be better than sitting down doing nothing. Now with everything from PSC almost done, and accommodation from Imperial College still processing, it really has left me with nothing to do. Even the internet has failed to come up with anything to amuse me these few days.

Come out with new episodes quick House! >.<

POC lo!

2009-06-09T22:21:00.006+08:00

Not my image, and I dunno the guy that took it, but it looks too good not to be shown.

BMT

2009-06-06T02:58:00.003+08:00

Once again, the last bookout before I get off the island of Tekong, hopefully permanently. In fact, I'll probably won't be going even into the army for a while, but that's another story altogether.

Actually, I've realized that the life in the army has been kind of "in the back of my mind" for me. Everything had been, just do this, just do that. Shut up and get it done, otherwise knock it down. Lols. Much leading me to a situation where I really don't utilize my head at all. Just follow instructions, screw everything else.

If not for Games day, when I saw some new recruits entering School 1 in the distance, perhaps I wouldn't even have realized this fact at all. Everything has just gone by so fast, within the weeks, and really, you realize that you've just been following instructions and learning skills along the way without understanding. Just do, because you just need to get it done.

And as we celebrated Recruits Evening that day, and past all the irritating rock music, I couldn't help but to just ponder if really, that should be the way I act in BMT daily. Making suggestions, etc.

Maybe, maybe not. But that's all in the past now, with POC in the horizon, there is nothing much left for me from Ninja Company.

Well, ironically, after 7 weeks, I've actually developed some feelings for them.

Duty. Honour. Country.

Bookout

2009-05-30T11:02:00.001+08:00

I love it. Lol.