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| Year - 1991 Event - Re-opening of SAFRA Toa Payoh after S$4m renovation. Where are all these ex-colleagues now? |
Friday, December 9, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mum's Mercedes :-)
Mum has a Mercedes - vintage in fact that is more than 50 years. She raves about it to us all the time. She has done much on it - since we were very young. We even got our school uniform, home tablecloth, curtains, TV covers (yes, television used to be such a big ticket item for homes especially the one-roomers like ours in Mattar Road that we would have nice looking covers sewn to protect it from dust ;P)
I am of course referring to our dependable and loyal sewing machine. Recently, we got it repaired and given to my 3rd Sister-in-law as she would find much more use of it than us. The repairman is a Mr Roland Yap who has a small shop space opposite our block at Bedok Reservoir Road. He told me that even though he stays in Woodlands, he took a shop space here because many of his old kampong (village) customers are still living in this vicinity. He started repairing sewing machines and bicycles since 14 years old. He told me that before all these flats were built in the early 70s, the land were all small kampongs.
The repair of the machine involved dismantling the parts to spray with WD40 and using a piece of cloth to wipe the insides clean. After the half hour work, he even sewed a piece of cloth with it to show mum. Proud workmanship. :-)
Geok reminded me that when we were little, we used so sit on the peddle of the sewing machine to 'drive' like its our car as there is a 'steering wheel' for us to play pretend. So many memories.
I am of course referring to our dependable and loyal sewing machine. Recently, we got it repaired and given to my 3rd Sister-in-law as she would find much more use of it than us. The repairman is a Mr Roland Yap who has a small shop space opposite our block at Bedok Reservoir Road. He told me that even though he stays in Woodlands, he took a shop space here because many of his old kampong (village) customers are still living in this vicinity. He started repairing sewing machines and bicycles since 14 years old. He told me that before all these flats were built in the early 70s, the land were all small kampongs.
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| The peddle area where we used to sit and hold on to the 'steering wheel' in front to imagine driving our car. |
Geok reminded me that when we were little, we used so sit on the peddle of the sewing machine to 'drive' like its our car as there is a 'steering wheel' for us to play pretend. So many memories.
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| Our Mercedes. Printed on it are the words "50 years Guarantee". The new woodwork was replaced after the original plain wood wore out. Recently, when I watched the movie 'Already Famous' - a similar looking machine was featured in Michelle Chong's kampong house in Yong Peng, Malaysia. |
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| Mum trying out after the Mr Yap repaired our machine for S$35/- Mum is seen here sewing up the torn up cover that had kept the machine covered for more than a few decades. She sews quite well, by the way. |
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| While Mum is able to sew, she needs help with threading the needle :p That is where Mety, our helper comes in. |
Monday, November 14, 2011
Glad we made the trip....
My later Father came to Singapore when he was 6 years old in 1936. Together with his parents and my eldest aunt, they braved a 40-day boat ride from 留安 township in Yong Chun (永春）county, Fujian （福建）Province in China.
Yong Chun is popular for its Mandarin oranges that we buy for the Lunar New Year. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Yong Chun martial arts though many friends mistake it so.
I spent 13 days between September/October in 2002 traveling in China with my parents- we went to Guangzhou (广洲）， Swatow (汕头）， Hainan (海南）, Teochew (潮洲), and Xiamen (厦门）. The tour group (which actually comprised the 3 of us and another elderly couple (a 80 year old chinese man who used to run a tailoring shop in Peoples' Park as well as his 69 year old wife) ended its itinerary in Xiamen.
The 3 of us then proceeded to YongChun. Dad's cousin, Gart Boh (刘乐模) fetched us for the 2 hour drive into the 'village'. The trip was interesting for me as I retraced Dad's journey to Singapore. It is meaningful as I discovered many aspects our our ancestry including finding our 'family book' or record of our genealogy (家谱).
The ancestral home was still there then. We visited but could not stay as the basic amenities were still lacking too :-p. Gart Boh put us up in the YongChun Hotel - one of the better ones there. By the time we visited, many overseas Chinese had invested in the development of the county. A Malaysian Chinese who was from YongChun built a massive convention and exhibition center that was largely underutilized except by migrants from the inner cities peddling their souvenirs as well as food.
The roads around the town of the village are well paved and there were even internet/video game parlors (网吧）。 People from the village are well known building artisans, they also work in coal mines and grow the popular ponkan (mandarin oranges).
Dad at 6
Our grand-aunt showed us a framed photograph of Dad at 6. It was taken the day they set off for Singapore. Our great-grandfather had engaged a photographer to capture the historic moment. As I could not remove it from the frame, I had to retake it with my video cam as a still and then redevelop it when I returned to Singapore.
I made copies of it :p for fear that we might lose it. Here it is :
Dad was obviously quite a mischievous child - a close-up of him shows him making a face at the photographer.
Family Tree Book
The next thing we discovered was the family tree book or (家谱). Though the records were disrupted for some reason, it was quite emotional to read Dad's name in the list. It was also through this book that Dad found out by accident that his biological mother had passed away when he was very young. Grandfather had married thrice - the second wife passed away too without bearing him any offspring whilst Dad was the only child from the first wife. The Grandmother we knew while growing up bore him 10 children - 5 boys and 5 girls.
Dining & wining (almost)
During our stay, we were treated to dinner every night by different groups of relatives. The food was familiar fare - those that we were brought up on. Breakfast at the hotel was plain porridge with pickles and fritters. Lunches were also fairly delicious home-cooked style food. Dinners were more deliberate affairs as liquor was always involved with many rounds of toasts. As visitors, we were expected to drink - a useful phrase 随意 - according to your means - was my way of getting out of the binges.
Ancestral 'home'
Over the years, we knew Dad had sent money back to either help in building bridges or repairing the 'old home' (老屋）。 One such construction was the ancestral home or (祖屋）。 Dad showed me the engraving that acknowledged his contribution, amongst the thousands of overseas Chinese who helped to erect the building that houses the ancestors of the village.
Genealogy - our genes
When I saw many of our relatives - one thing struck me - there are some uncanny similarities in our physical features - the sharper nose, the more thicker eyebrows, and the more prominent facial features. Gart Boh is my age - he is my 'Uncle' and has 3 daughters and one son - he obviously tried to ensure a male lineage :-) - I just recently chatted with him on msn - his eldest daughter studied English in Murdoch University and has settled there. His family has also migrated to Melbourne too. One other daughter married someone from Inner Mongolia. He had asked me when I visited in 2002 to 'adopt' her. When he brought it up recently, I joked that if she had come to Singapore - he would not be visiting Inner Mongolia (as he was doing so) as guests of his in-laws.
During my visit, I could not help feeling tickled that I have so many cousins who were about the same age as, or younger than my nephews and nieces. One of the girls recently emailed me in her QQ account. She is all grown up and working as a clerk in the local train station.
To be continued....(getting some more photos scanned - and uploading them as I recall the anecdotes)
Yong Chun is popular for its Mandarin oranges that we buy for the Lunar New Year. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Yong Chun martial arts though many friends mistake it so.
I spent 13 days between September/October in 2002 traveling in China with my parents- we went to Guangzhou (广洲）， Swatow (汕头）， Hainan (海南）, Teochew (潮洲), and Xiamen (厦门）. The tour group (which actually comprised the 3 of us and another elderly couple (a 80 year old chinese man who used to run a tailoring shop in Peoples' Park as well as his 69 year old wife) ended its itinerary in Xiamen.
The 3 of us then proceeded to YongChun. Dad's cousin, Gart Boh (刘乐模) fetched us for the 2 hour drive into the 'village'. The trip was interesting for me as I retraced Dad's journey to Singapore. It is meaningful as I discovered many aspects our our ancestry including finding our 'family book' or record of our genealogy (家谱).
The ancestral home was still there then. We visited but could not stay as the basic amenities were still lacking too :-p. Gart Boh put us up in the YongChun Hotel - one of the better ones there. By the time we visited, many overseas Chinese had invested in the development of the county. A Malaysian Chinese who was from YongChun built a massive convention and exhibition center that was largely underutilized except by migrants from the inner cities peddling their souvenirs as well as food.
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| The front of the Grand-Uncle's home. Taiwanese investors had been buying up land to develop into industrial estates. Our ancestral tombs were moved several times to make way for this onslaught. Two years ago, Dad was asked to sign off his claim to some land. We did not pursue details as it is highly unlikely that we would have any interest in it. |
The roads around the town of the village are well paved and there were even internet/video game parlors (网吧）。 People from the village are well known building artisans, they also work in coal mines and grow the popular ponkan (mandarin oranges).
Dad at 6
I made copies of it :p for fear that we might lose it. Here it is :
 |
| Great-grandfather (seated in the front) with Great-grandmother to his right. Dad is standing next to him while Eldest aunt is in front of her. Our Grandparents are standing directly behind them. The front porch where this photograph was taken was still standing when I visited. The other grand aunts and uncles - some of them were octogenarians. The youngest grand-uncle is on the extreme right. He is 85 this year. |
Dad was obviously quite a mischievous child - a close-up of him shows him making a face at the photographer.Family Tree Book
The next thing we discovered was the family tree book or (家谱). Though the records were disrupted for some reason, it was quite emotional to read Dad's name in the list. It was also through this book that Dad found out by accident that his biological mother had passed away when he was very young. Grandfather had married thrice - the second wife passed away too without bearing him any offspring whilst Dad was the only child from the first wife. The Grandmother we knew while growing up bore him 10 children - 5 boys and 5 girls.
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| A photocopy of the family tree record book. |
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| The record of Grandfather's birth and marriage. Dad's birth was also recorded on the right of the page. |
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| Dad's name as registered in the book. Translated as Son, Eldest Gart Huan. |
During our stay, we were treated to dinner every night by different groups of relatives. The food was familiar fare - those that we were brought up on. Breakfast at the hotel was plain porridge with pickles and fritters. Lunches were also fairly delicious home-cooked style food. Dinners were more deliberate affairs as liquor was always involved with many rounds of toasts. As visitors, we were expected to drink - a useful phrase 随意 - according to your means - was my way of getting out of the binges.
 |
| From left - (Youngest Grand-Aunt-in-law, Mum, Dad, Youngest Grand-Uncle, a close childhood friend of Dad, Grand-Uncle's daughter). Standing - Son of Grand-Uncle's eldest son, myself, Gart Boh who drove us from Xiaman and his third brother. |
 | ||
| Relaxing in the hall of Dad's birthplace after visitations at various places in the village. Mum watching the youngest son of Grand-Uncle serving tea - a common feature of households in the south of China. Dad chatting with Grand-Uncle. |
Over the years, we knew Dad had sent money back to either help in building bridges or repairing the 'old home' (老屋）。 One such construction was the ancestral home or (祖屋）。 Dad showed me the engraving that acknowledged his contribution, amongst the thousands of overseas Chinese who helped to erect the building that houses the ancestors of the village.
 |
| Dad visiting the ancestral 'home' Notice the fine carvings and exquisite roofing of the building. Apparently the structure is designed not to retain water nor falling leaves. Neat ! |
When I saw many of our relatives - one thing struck me - there are some uncanny similarities in our physical features - the sharper nose, the more thicker eyebrows, and the more prominent facial features. Gart Boh is my age - he is my 'Uncle' and has 3 daughters and one son - he obviously tried to ensure a male lineage :-) - I just recently chatted with him on msn - his eldest daughter studied English in Murdoch University and has settled there. His family has also migrated to Melbourne too. One other daughter married someone from Inner Mongolia. He had asked me when I visited in 2002 to 'adopt' her. When he brought it up recently, I joked that if she had come to Singapore - he would not be visiting Inner Mongolia (as he was doing so) as guests of his in-laws.
During my visit, I could not help feeling tickled that I have so many cousins who were about the same age as, or younger than my nephews and nieces. One of the girls recently emailed me in her QQ account. She is all grown up and working as a clerk in the local train station.
 |
| Photo taken with 'cousins' during the farewell dinner. The girl seated to my left shares many features - in fact I thought she looks like Angelina, my eldest niece. |
To be continued....(getting some more photos scanned - and uploading them as I recall the anecdotes)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Upbringing vs Up(Yours)bringing - musing on upbringing
Sorry for the rude headline but what I witnessed during lunch yesterday would best be described this way.
We were at Tung Lok Paramount at about 11.20am. It was quite empty except another table with three adults. While waiting for our visitors from Australia, a family of 5 came into the restaurant - grandparents, a young mother and two children. One of the boys screamed his way into the restaurant while the rest strolled in behind him. The younger boy who is probably about 5-6 years old turned around and shouted "I want to sit upstairs". His grandmother and mother explained that the upper level is not opened for seating. What happened after that was like a hostage situation. Everyone including the other restaurant staff stood around looking at the boy as if The boy refused to let up - he kept insisting loudly that he wanted to 'sit upstairs'. The entire family except all stood around the restaurant looking at him while he went on. It took a dutiful restaurant manager to coax the boy by offering to bring him downstairs to see the other seating and to show him (quite needlessly since it is in full view) that the upper deck is not meant for dining.
The hostage situation was then resolved. A little later, the father of the kids walked in - probably after parking his car. He sat down and began ordering the food. What I saw after that also shocked me - the brat who was screaming earlier on - use his left foot to kick his father's face. A little visibly upset, all the father did was put the kid's foot down and uttered something to him.
The manager of the restaurant very kindly offered to move us to a private room as she explained - "understandable it might be too noisy for you". Frankly, I was keen to watch how the meal for the family would pan out. But we nonetheless took her up on the offer and had a wonderful time catching up with our friends.
I do not have kids. I might not fully understand the anguish and trials of bringing them up. I cannot help feeling sad for his parents - but I also blame them for his upbringing. To be fair to the child, he appears very intelligent and well loved. He might be a kid who has attention deficit disorder or other marginal developmental condition. I doubt though. I can also imagine them enjoying his moments of cleverness or wittiness that many parents mistake as 'cute' or 'smart'.
There are 'boundaries' or rules that parents must set for their children just as adults we respect the boundaries in our interaction or discourse with others. It is not a question of disturbing others in a public place, but what this kid would become to society at large when he grows up.
Just my two cents -:-)
We were at Tung Lok Paramount at about 11.20am. It was quite empty except another table with three adults. While waiting for our visitors from Australia, a family of 5 came into the restaurant - grandparents, a young mother and two children. One of the boys screamed his way into the restaurant while the rest strolled in behind him. The younger boy who is probably about 5-6 years old turned around and shouted "I want to sit upstairs". His grandmother and mother explained that the upper level is not opened for seating. What happened after that was like a hostage situation. Everyone including the other restaurant staff stood around looking at the boy as if The boy refused to let up - he kept insisting loudly that he wanted to 'sit upstairs'. The entire family except all stood around the restaurant looking at him while he went on. It took a dutiful restaurant manager to coax the boy by offering to bring him downstairs to see the other seating and to show him (quite needlessly since it is in full view) that the upper deck is not meant for dining.
The hostage situation was then resolved. A little later, the father of the kids walked in - probably after parking his car. He sat down and began ordering the food. What I saw after that also shocked me - the brat who was screaming earlier on - use his left foot to kick his father's face. A little visibly upset, all the father did was put the kid's foot down and uttered something to him.
The manager of the restaurant very kindly offered to move us to a private room as she explained - "understandable it might be too noisy for you". Frankly, I was keen to watch how the meal for the family would pan out. But we nonetheless took her up on the offer and had a wonderful time catching up with our friends.
I do not have kids. I might not fully understand the anguish and trials of bringing them up. I cannot help feeling sad for his parents - but I also blame them for his upbringing. To be fair to the child, he appears very intelligent and well loved. He might be a kid who has attention deficit disorder or other marginal developmental condition. I doubt though. I can also imagine them enjoying his moments of cleverness or wittiness that many parents mistake as 'cute' or 'smart'.
There are 'boundaries' or rules that parents must set for their children just as adults we respect the boundaries in our interaction or discourse with others. It is not a question of disturbing others in a public place, but what this kid would become to society at large when he grows up.
Just my two cents -:-)
New letter boxes secure but junk mail reappears
This appeared today on ST Forum Online -
Recently, mailboxes of our flats were replaced with anti-junkmail ones. This was quite a relief as the littering of junk-mails was becoming a serious problem. But this respite did not last. We have since received unaddressed mails from fast food outlets, property developers, shopping malls etc. Since the new mailboxes were 'locked', I would like to ask SingPost to clarify how did the junk mails get delivered?
The whole exercise of replacing our old mailboxes would have been in vain if SingPost allows them to be delivered as a commercial consideration. The littering would resume except that the collection well for junk mail has been removed.
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_733603.html
Recently, mailboxes of our flats were replaced with anti-junkmail ones. This was quite a relief as the littering of junk-mails was becoming a serious problem. But this respite did not last. We have since received unaddressed mails from fast food outlets, property developers, shopping malls etc. Since the new mailboxes were 'locked', I would like to ask SingPost to clarify how did the junk mails get delivered?
The whole exercise of replacing our old mailboxes would have been in vain if SingPost allows them to be delivered as a commercial consideration. The littering would resume except that the collection well for junk mail has been removed.
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_733603.html
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I am a Buddhist
Friends who know me - often wonder why I became a Buddhist.
We came from a family of traditional ancestor worshipers. When we were young, Mom would bring Geok and I to temples to pray to the various deities. I remember fondly the outing with them to the Amoy Street temple - that is now a heritage building too. Mom would be considered a pious disciple - she would always pray for the good health of Dad and all of us, including our success in our studies and work etc.
We were more Taoist-Buddhist followers (in the traditional sense). Dad was active in the committee of the Geylang United Temple. It was really a filial duty as his Father has handed him the responsibilities as the latter had also been active.
My introduction to the practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism happened in 1985 while I was in the University. Many things were happening in the family front. Both Dad and Mum were involved in gambling and there was much squabbles over money issues.
I was also at the age when I was asking fundamental questions about life. In the years preceding that I had also explored other faiths.
I still remember that Geok was the one who started chanting the mantra 'Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo'. She was introduced by Khiam, our second brother. Interestingly, at that time, our eldest sister-in-law, Irene also started practicing on her own. We did not know of this until much later.
I had always been a 'self-believer' - in fact, I told friends in the army and also those from school that I was a non-believer or atheist. I always felt that life was within our own grasp - our destiny was something we had to take charge.
But I was also overwhelmed by the many trials that life was throwing at me. Acne, relationship issues, plans for studies, and many more. Geok told me that I should try and that 'it works'.
I remember the day I chanted the first time. I had just returned from NUS. I felt very tired and overwhelmed. I knelt facing east - and chanted. For the few minutes I did, I felt a calm over myself. I cried tears of relief (of what I was not sure). I felt connected with my inner self.
Thereafter, I started to read up on Buddhism. I also joined the Student Division of then Nichiren Daishonin Buddhist Association in Singapore (now the Singapore Soka Association). We attended meetings at the homes of other members too. We were introduced to the warmth and generosity of Soka members very well-known throughout the world.
What drew me to the practice of Buddhism?
It is the values that the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) - (http://www.sgi.org/) promotes - peace, culture and education are central to the activities of our practice. Our Buddhist practice engages us to take charge of our lives so that inner transformation occurs. We are constantly working to create value (in human connections) in all our stations in life.
To me, this practice is a philosophy. Yes, I chant Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo - and it is a most basic practice of the faith. I also recite the Lotus Sutra (teachings that embody the absolute Law of Cause & Effect). A few key precepts in my practice resonates with me and have remained deeply entrenched in my life. They also guide my life and how I relate to others.
The first is the teaching of Ten Worlds. These Ten Worlds (or life states) exist in every phenomena. I will not go into too much detail. Suffice to say, I have witnessed time and again the workings of the Ten Worlds in the people and situations I have encountered. This link (http://www.sgi-uk.org/index.php/buddhism/tenworlds) of the SGI-UK provides a good reading of the precept.
In essence, it is that humans can attain Buddha-hood - the embodiment of wisdom, courage and hope. It is the ultimate life state one can achieve. To be sure, it is not when a halo appears over your head or a supernatural state.
It is essentially about clarity - of one's weaknesses or causes that contribute to one's woes as well as one's immense potential to overcome them. The human race has triumphed because individuals let this state prevail for the greater good. We have very sterling examples of such 'Buddhas' - some even in our midst.
At the same time, we are also capable of being in a state of hell - a world of immense suffering that is not limited to just the physical kind. Humans are capable of being really evil. History has produced many of those too.
To be certain, life states fluctuate every moment of our lives. In fact, there is a teaching of Three Thousands Moments in One Moment (一念三千）- indeed very profound. To us, a person who is nearing the end of his life or suffering immense physical pain is also capable of achieving Buddha-hood. Similarly, a person in the state of Buddha-hood could be in a simultaneous state of Hell.
I have been practicing Buddhism since 1986. It has transformed my life in many ways - both materially and otherwise. It has improved our family life immensely. I find much joy in compassion - I also find inner expanse in detachment - though I also subscribe to the teaching that earthly desires are enlightenment too. The Law of Cause and Effect is absolute. Through our practice, we can create the causes not only within our lives but in our universe to be aligned to prayers.
I have gained much in sharing this great philosophy with people who are willing to listen - not just those in search for a 'compass' in their daily life. I do not believe in proselytizing - only sharing. I would be happy that lives of those around me are a little better for having known me.
Other friends who knew me from my earlier career days - lament the loss of the hard-driving and demanding person in me. This is especially so for those who feel that it is a persona that would be helpful to them. I feel sad when that happens. But I am hopeful that when they see me as a fundamentally 'better' person, they will come round to my thinking.
I have through my practice, overcome many challenges in my life. I hope to share them in my blog over time. Keep in touch !
We came from a family of traditional ancestor worshipers. When we were young, Mom would bring Geok and I to temples to pray to the various deities. I remember fondly the outing with them to the Amoy Street temple - that is now a heritage building too. Mom would be considered a pious disciple - she would always pray for the good health of Dad and all of us, including our success in our studies and work etc.
We were more Taoist-Buddhist followers (in the traditional sense). Dad was active in the committee of the Geylang United Temple. It was really a filial duty as his Father has handed him the responsibilities as the latter had also been active.
My introduction to the practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism happened in 1985 while I was in the University. Many things were happening in the family front. Both Dad and Mum were involved in gambling and there was much squabbles over money issues.
I was also at the age when I was asking fundamental questions about life. In the years preceding that I had also explored other faiths.
I still remember that Geok was the one who started chanting the mantra 'Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo'. She was introduced by Khiam, our second brother. Interestingly, at that time, our eldest sister-in-law, Irene also started practicing on her own. We did not know of this until much later.
I had always been a 'self-believer' - in fact, I told friends in the army and also those from school that I was a non-believer or atheist. I always felt that life was within our own grasp - our destiny was something we had to take charge.
But I was also overwhelmed by the many trials that life was throwing at me. Acne, relationship issues, plans for studies, and many more. Geok told me that I should try and that 'it works'.
I remember the day I chanted the first time. I had just returned from NUS. I felt very tired and overwhelmed. I knelt facing east - and chanted. For the few minutes I did, I felt a calm over myself. I cried tears of relief (of what I was not sure). I felt connected with my inner self.
Thereafter, I started to read up on Buddhism. I also joined the Student Division of then Nichiren Daishonin Buddhist Association in Singapore (now the Singapore Soka Association). We attended meetings at the homes of other members too. We were introduced to the warmth and generosity of Soka members very well-known throughout the world.
What drew me to the practice of Buddhism?
It is the values that the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) - (http://www.sgi.org/) promotes - peace, culture and education are central to the activities of our practice. Our Buddhist practice engages us to take charge of our lives so that inner transformation occurs. We are constantly working to create value (in human connections) in all our stations in life.
To me, this practice is a philosophy. Yes, I chant Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo - and it is a most basic practice of the faith. I also recite the Lotus Sutra (teachings that embody the absolute Law of Cause & Effect). A few key precepts in my practice resonates with me and have remained deeply entrenched in my life. They also guide my life and how I relate to others.
The first is the teaching of Ten Worlds. These Ten Worlds (or life states) exist in every phenomena. I will not go into too much detail. Suffice to say, I have witnessed time and again the workings of the Ten Worlds in the people and situations I have encountered. This link (http://www.sgi-uk.org/index.php/buddhism/tenworlds) of the SGI-UK provides a good reading of the precept.
In essence, it is that humans can attain Buddha-hood - the embodiment of wisdom, courage and hope. It is the ultimate life state one can achieve. To be sure, it is not when a halo appears over your head or a supernatural state.
It is essentially about clarity - of one's weaknesses or causes that contribute to one's woes as well as one's immense potential to overcome them. The human race has triumphed because individuals let this state prevail for the greater good. We have very sterling examples of such 'Buddhas' - some even in our midst.
At the same time, we are also capable of being in a state of hell - a world of immense suffering that is not limited to just the physical kind. Humans are capable of being really evil. History has produced many of those too.
To be certain, life states fluctuate every moment of our lives. In fact, there is a teaching of Three Thousands Moments in One Moment (一念三千）- indeed very profound. To us, a person who is nearing the end of his life or suffering immense physical pain is also capable of achieving Buddha-hood. Similarly, a person in the state of Buddha-hood could be in a simultaneous state of Hell.
I have been practicing Buddhism since 1986. It has transformed my life in many ways - both materially and otherwise. It has improved our family life immensely. I find much joy in compassion - I also find inner expanse in detachment - though I also subscribe to the teaching that earthly desires are enlightenment too. The Law of Cause and Effect is absolute. Through our practice, we can create the causes not only within our lives but in our universe to be aligned to prayers.
I have gained much in sharing this great philosophy with people who are willing to listen - not just those in search for a 'compass' in their daily life. I do not believe in proselytizing - only sharing. I would be happy that lives of those around me are a little better for having known me.
Other friends who knew me from my earlier career days - lament the loss of the hard-driving and demanding person in me. This is especially so for those who feel that it is a persona that would be helpful to them. I feel sad when that happens. But I am hopeful that when they see me as a fundamentally 'better' person, they will come round to my thinking.
I have through my practice, overcome many challenges in my life. I hope to share them in my blog over time. Keep in touch !
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Swing Singapore Street Parties 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991
Journey Back - Were You There ?
I left SAFRA in December 1991. I was its Assistant Director (Special Projects) and Clubhouse Manager (Toa Payoh).
SAFRA was my first job after graduation from NUS. I always tell people that what I am today - I learned during the most formative years of my career in SAFRA. I will always be appreciative of the many opportunities that the management gave me as a young graduate. Specifically, I am grateful to
Tan Kee Boo, the past GM of SAFRA. It was him who 'spotted' me at the job interview and gave me so many career breaks.
Organizing Swing Singapore (SS) in 1988, 1989 and 1991 must count as the milestones of my working life. I was responsible for many major events in SAFRA during my tenure from 1987 - 1991. Many of these activities involved many people, SS for example, involved half a million party- goers.
Though I consider myself quite internet savvy, it did not occur to me to search for accounts or recollections of those events that might be in cyberspace.
Until recently. I attended the wedding dinner of Nicholas Tan - the son of Tan Kee Boo, the past GM of SAFRA at the Grand Hyatt. I met with many volunteers as well as ex SAF officers who were involved in SAFRA during my time. They included Mr Phua Bah Lee, first President of SAFRA, Colonel (Retired) Goh Lye Choon, Chong Peng Jek, Hoong Bee Lok amongst others. I also met Richard Tang of Rich Art Enterprises besides all my ex-colleagues such as Edward Leong (now CEO of SAFRA), Donald Tan, Kenny Ng, Tommy Ang and Goh Chay Hiang. They are the only staff who are still with the organization. Many have left and are now in various organizations.
Col (Ret'd) Goh introduced me as the man behind Swing Singapore to his wife - frankly I was a little embarrassed as it has been more than 23 years since. He mentioned that - 'you cannot change history, Bernard'. When I returned home, I decided to search for anything related to the biggest streetparty of Singapore.
I found some postings - one from NLB infopedia (http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_20_2004-12-27.html) as well as others from contractors or suppliers (http://www.globeartstudio.com/History.htm)/ who were involved. There was also another by a blogger who attended the party and had an image of the news supplement for Swing Singapore.
All the reading and reflection made me decide to blog about this massive event that put Singapore on the world map as well as made event history for SAFRA. Many major news network were in town to capture the party - NHK, TVB-HK were amongst them. In fact, EDB Singapore facilitated the shooting of a scene in an Alan Tam movie on the streets of Orchard Road during Swing Singapore.
As I read the postings and went through some of the literature I kept of the events, many fond and sometimes very exciting memories flooded back. I think it would be interesting for me to recapture them. If anyone who was involved in any capacity then - either as a volunteer, staff of SAFRA or in the Police force or the SAFRA - read this - and have any personal reflections or even photographs too - please feel free to share them.
As a full time staff of SAFRA - I held key positions in the organization of the street parties. I was the SAFRA Coordinator and the Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee for the event. SAFRA was the organizer with the SAF and the Singapore Police Force assisting in logistics and crowd control as well as security/safety arrangements respectively. We of course had the generous sponsorships of F&N, Singapore Pools, Singapore Telecom, DBS Bank, BMG Singapore, Northern Telecom, Entertronics as well as ProArt Communications among others.
In 1990, the event was organized by the Singapore Civil Defence Force with SAFRA providing advisory assistance. 1991 saw SAFRA returning as the organizer. The last attempt at a street party was in 1999 midnight as a countdown to the new millennium - organized by both SAFRA and Mediacorp.
The Origins of Swing Singapore 1988
1988 was Singapore's 23rd year of independence. GM SAFRA Mr Tan Kee Boo asked me to think of some ideas of how the organization could be involved in the national day celebrations. I was at that time the Acting Clubhouse Manager of SAFRA Toa Payoh.
SAFRA was also celebrating its 16th anniversary. Kee Boo felt it was opportune for SAFRA as it matured to also engage the community at large. I thought it would be quite appropriate to develop an umbrella event - with multiple activities that would engage different segments of SAFRA membership as well as Singapore society.
"Making 23 - Together 10 Cheers To Singapore" was the result of the brainstorming session we had. It began with 'Light-up 23" - a symbolic lighting up of a giant birthday cake shaped stage at Orchard Road on the grounds above the Orchard MRT station (it was an open field where many Filipino foreign workers congregated). ION Orchard now sits on the piece of land. What followed were 9 other activities including a Giant Jig Saw Competition and a Big Time Chase Telematch.
The climax of Making 23 was The Birthday Party of the Year - held on 8 August 1988. Only a short stretch of road between Orchard Turn (Wisma Atria) and Scotts Road/Paterson Road junction was closed with a target crowd of 20,000 party goers.
Instead of 20,000, a crowd of 100,000 revelers thronged Orchard Road. As the resources were not planned to manage such a huge turnout - the Police advised that we cancel the party.
The following day, all major newspapers reported the cancellation and many revelers shared their disappointment. In fact, then PM Lee Kuan Yew remarked that 'It was a mistake' to cancel the party.
The thought of what could have happened assured us that the decision was a correct one. Given the traffic was still flowing outside of the party area and the massive crowds emerging from all corners of Orchard Road/Boulevard, it would have been disastrous if any untoward incident had occurred.
I am reminded of a young mother who brought her baby in a stroller being almost crushed by the crowds. They were rescued by SAFRA gym instructors and volunteers led by a staff Alan Ong who carried the stroller with the baby and then the young mother to safety onto the pavement of Orchard Road within the barricaded areas.
In fact, the vehicle of 1st DPM Goh Chok Tong who was the guest of honor at the countdown party had to reverse all the way out of Orchard Turn onto Boulevard even though the planned departure route was supposed to be main Orchard Road.
SAFRA was tasked to organize another street party - with more resources from the Police and SAF as well as a much longer stretch of road - between Buyong Road and Scotts/Paterson Junction - 1.7km. On 27 August 1988, Swing Singapore (the title was offered by Permanent Secretary of Defence Lim Siong Guan as Chairman of the National Day Celebrations Committee) was born.
250,000 revelers danced into the wee hours of the morning with an estimated 60,000 watts of audio, lights, lasers and 5 DJs placed on cherry-pickers lined along the party arena.
It was to be the greatest street party in Singapore's history.
The event was held during the period of General Elections 1988. The term Swing Singapore became 'politicized' as Chiam See Tong urged Singaporeans to swing the votes against the ruling party. Of course, commentators reminded Singaporeans that it was an event with much political undertones.
For us in the thick of the action - we were unfazed by all these comments - all we did was simply to turn Orchard Road into a massive discotheque and made sure everyone enjoyed themselves. The New Paper on 29 August 1988 described the event as "the biggest. the best, the loudest". Singaporeans' verdict of Swing Singapore '88 was "the best" according to the Straits Times dated 22 August.
I must add at this point a team of creative talents who contributed much to the party on 8 August 1988 particularly. They were staff of the F & N Group that ran the Haw Par Villa. Kelven Tan was the creative person who conceptualized the performances leading to the countdown. He and his team of talent including Gurmit Singh were a core part of the revelry that night. I was glad they managed to perform before we canceled the dance party.
1989, 1990 and 1991
The following year, SAFRA was once again tasked to organize Swing Singapore. With the experience gained from the previous one, we up the ante - the party floor was expanded to stretch from Scotts/Paterson Junction to the Meridian Hotel Junction just before the Istana. More cherry pickers with DJs to work the crowd were deployed. A mobile stage built on a lorry was moved into the centre of Scotts/Paterson Junction to be the focal point for the party ceremony.
SAFRA also introduced a specially choreographed dance movement aptly entitled 'Orchard Swing'. The national song 'Stand Up For Singapore' was remixed to a different beat and went disco. Swing Singapore 1989 was held on 19 August 1989.
On 20 August 1989, The Sunday Times called the event, an "electric Swingout for a million feet in SwingStreet" - an estimated 500,000 people attended Swing Singapore 1989.
BG (Res) George Yeo who became President of SAFRA and was Minister of State (Finance and Foreign Affairs) was the guest of honor.
In 1990, Swing Singapore was again organized but by the Singapore Joint Civil Defence Forces and the Singapore Police Force. It was held on 8 August 1990 to commemorate Singapore's 25th birthday. then PM Lee Kuan Yew was the guest of honor.
SAFRA took a breather for the year and was invited to play an advisory role. It was involved in other 25th anniversary celebrations and organized the Space Odyssey Telematch and the National Treasure Hunt.
For 1991, SAFRA organized Swing Singapore for the 3rd time. The guest of honour was PM Goh Chok Tong. It was held on 24 August at 7pm. This time, the party floor was further extended to cover Forum Galleria to Hotel Meridian. A giant invitation banner was erected over Shaw Centre.
Giant video screens were added along the stretch of Orchard Road to involve spectators and to link all the various party points.
Again various firsts were achieved. The first massive outdoor video conference was held between PM Goh and several overseas Singaporeans based in Washington, USA. Many of them drove many hours from other parts of the USA to join in the conference.
I plan to upload more photographs of these few major street parties as I receive them. In fact, I have a dossier of all the news cuttings of the 1991 Swing Singapore - tonnes of memorable photos in black and white.
After thoughts
Friends have asked me how would a Swing Singapore 2011 or later be like if we were given the opportunity of organizing it again. I think the music would be markedly different. We have witnessed many new musical talents and geniuses - I am certain their genre of music would be critical to the success of such a street party.
The use of technology - particularly the Internet also means more and better engagement with party revelers would be possible. I bet there would be much more use of the social media to share experiences by revelers too. With the internet, linking various cities to have simultaneous parties would also be possible. There is so much that we can put our creative minds to work to make such a party even more impactful.
I left SAFRA in December 1991. I was its Assistant Director (Special Projects) and Clubhouse Manager (Toa Payoh).
SAFRA was my first job after graduation from NUS. I always tell people that what I am today - I learned during the most formative years of my career in SAFRA. I will always be appreciative of the many opportunities that the management gave me as a young graduate. Specifically, I am grateful to
Tan Kee Boo, the past GM of SAFRA. It was him who 'spotted' me at the job interview and gave me so many career breaks.
Organizing Swing Singapore (SS) in 1988, 1989 and 1991 must count as the milestones of my working life. I was responsible for many major events in SAFRA during my tenure from 1987 - 1991. Many of these activities involved many people, SS for example, involved half a million party- goers.
Though I consider myself quite internet savvy, it did not occur to me to search for accounts or recollections of those events that might be in cyberspace.
Until recently. I attended the wedding dinner of Nicholas Tan - the son of Tan Kee Boo, the past GM of SAFRA at the Grand Hyatt. I met with many volunteers as well as ex SAF officers who were involved in SAFRA during my time. They included Mr Phua Bah Lee, first President of SAFRA, Colonel (Retired) Goh Lye Choon, Chong Peng Jek, Hoong Bee Lok amongst others. I also met Richard Tang of Rich Art Enterprises besides all my ex-colleagues such as Edward Leong (now CEO of SAFRA), Donald Tan, Kenny Ng, Tommy Ang and Goh Chay Hiang. They are the only staff who are still with the organization. Many have left and are now in various organizations.
Col (Ret'd) Goh introduced me as the man behind Swing Singapore to his wife - frankly I was a little embarrassed as it has been more than 23 years since. He mentioned that - 'you cannot change history, Bernard'. When I returned home, I decided to search for anything related to the biggest streetparty of Singapore.
I found some postings - one from NLB infopedia (http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_20_2004-12-27.html) as well as others from contractors or suppliers (http://www.globeartstudio.com/History.htm)/ who were involved. There was also another by a blogger who attended the party and had an image of the news supplement for Swing Singapore.
 |
| The supplement produced to capture the partying the day after |
All the reading and reflection made me decide to blog about this massive event that put Singapore on the world map as well as made event history for SAFRA. Many major news network were in town to capture the party - NHK, TVB-HK were amongst them. In fact, EDB Singapore facilitated the shooting of a scene in an Alan Tam movie on the streets of Orchard Road during Swing Singapore.
As I read the postings and went through some of the literature I kept of the events, many fond and sometimes very exciting memories flooded back. I think it would be interesting for me to recapture them. If anyone who was involved in any capacity then - either as a volunteer, staff of SAFRA or in the Police force or the SAFRA - read this - and have any personal reflections or even photographs too - please feel free to share them.
As a full time staff of SAFRA - I held key positions in the organization of the street parties. I was the SAFRA Coordinator and the Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee for the event. SAFRA was the organizer with the SAF and the Singapore Police Force assisting in logistics and crowd control as well as security/safety arrangements respectively. We of course had the generous sponsorships of F&N, Singapore Pools, Singapore Telecom, DBS Bank, BMG Singapore, Northern Telecom, Entertronics as well as ProArt Communications among others.
In 1990, the event was organized by the Singapore Civil Defence Force with SAFRA providing advisory assistance. 1991 saw SAFRA returning as the organizer. The last attempt at a street party was in 1999 midnight as a countdown to the new millennium - organized by both SAFRA and Mediacorp.
The Origins of Swing Singapore 1988
1988 was Singapore's 23rd year of independence. GM SAFRA Mr Tan Kee Boo asked me to think of some ideas of how the organization could be involved in the national day celebrations. I was at that time the Acting Clubhouse Manager of SAFRA Toa Payoh.
SAFRA was also celebrating its 16th anniversary. Kee Boo felt it was opportune for SAFRA as it matured to also engage the community at large. I thought it would be quite appropriate to develop an umbrella event - with multiple activities that would engage different segments of SAFRA membership as well as Singapore society.
"Making 23 - Together 10 Cheers To Singapore" was the result of the brainstorming session we had. It began with 'Light-up 23" - a symbolic lighting up of a giant birthday cake shaped stage at Orchard Road on the grounds above the Orchard MRT station (it was an open field where many Filipino foreign workers congregated). ION Orchard now sits on the piece of land. What followed were 9 other activities including a Giant Jig Saw Competition and a Big Time Chase Telematch.
 | ||
| The giant cake-shaped stage on the open field above Orchard MRT station. Throughout the 23 days, performances were staged to entertain Singaporeans. |
 |
| One of the 10 activities organized as part of Making 23 - the Big Time Chase Telematch |
 |
| 1st DPM Goh Chok Tong at the countdown party on 8 August 1988 toasting to Singaporeans. With him were from right, Colonel Goh Lye Choon, Dr Yeo Ning Hong, Chairman SAFRA, Mr Phua Bah Lee, President SAFRA and Mr Bernard Chen then CEO of F & N. On the right is Mr Leslie Pillay the emcee for the party. |
Instead of 20,000, a crowd of 100,000 revelers thronged Orchard Road. As the resources were not planned to manage such a huge turnout - the Police advised that we cancel the party.
The following day, all major newspapers reported the cancellation and many revelers shared their disappointment. In fact, then PM Lee Kuan Yew remarked that 'It was a mistake' to cancel the party.
 |
| News clippings on the cancellation of the Birthday Party of the Year |
The thought of what could have happened assured us that the decision was a correct one. Given the traffic was still flowing outside of the party area and the massive crowds emerging from all corners of Orchard Road/Boulevard, it would have been disastrous if any untoward incident had occurred.
I am reminded of a young mother who brought her baby in a stroller being almost crushed by the crowds. They were rescued by SAFRA gym instructors and volunteers led by a staff Alan Ong who carried the stroller with the baby and then the young mother to safety onto the pavement of Orchard Road within the barricaded areas.
In fact, the vehicle of 1st DPM Goh Chok Tong who was the guest of honor at the countdown party had to reverse all the way out of Orchard Turn onto Boulevard even though the planned departure route was supposed to be main Orchard Road.
SAFRA was tasked to organize another street party - with more resources from the Police and SAF as well as a much longer stretch of road - between Buyong Road and Scotts/Paterson Junction - 1.7km. On 27 August 1988, Swing Singapore (the title was offered by Permanent Secretary of Defence Lim Siong Guan as Chairman of the National Day Celebrations Committee) was born.
 |
| Mr Goh Chok Tong with Dr Yeo Ning Hong and Mr Tan Kee Boo at the reconvened street party on 27 August 1988. |
250,000 revelers danced into the wee hours of the morning with an estimated 60,000 watts of audio, lights, lasers and 5 DJs placed on cherry-pickers lined along the party arena.
It was to be the greatest street party in Singapore's history.
The event was held during the period of General Elections 1988. The term Swing Singapore became 'politicized' as Chiam See Tong urged Singaporeans to swing the votes against the ruling party. Of course, commentators reminded Singaporeans that it was an event with much political undertones.
 |
| Politics do not change much even during the 80s |
For us in the thick of the action - we were unfazed by all these comments - all we did was simply to turn Orchard Road into a massive discotheque and made sure everyone enjoyed themselves. The New Paper on 29 August 1988 described the event as "the biggest. the best, the loudest". Singaporeans' verdict of Swing Singapore '88 was "the best" according to the Straits Times dated 22 August.
 | |||
| Section of the crowds jiving to the music and interacting with the DJ mounted on a cheery picker |
1989, 1990 and 1991
The following year, SAFRA was once again tasked to organize Swing Singapore. With the experience gained from the previous one, we up the ante - the party floor was expanded to stretch from Scotts/Paterson Junction to the Meridian Hotel Junction just before the Istana. More cherry pickers with DJs to work the crowd were deployed. A mobile stage built on a lorry was moved into the centre of Scotts/Paterson Junction to be the focal point for the party ceremony.
SAFRA also introduced a specially choreographed dance movement aptly entitled 'Orchard Swing'. The national song 'Stand Up For Singapore' was remixed to a different beat and went disco. Swing Singapore 1989 was held on 19 August 1989.
On 20 August 1989, The Sunday Times called the event, an "electric Swingout for a million feet in SwingStreet" - an estimated 500,000 people attended Swing Singapore 1989.
BG (Res) George Yeo who became President of SAFRA and was Minister of State (Finance and Foreign Affairs) was the guest of honor.
 |
| BG George Yeo with a representative of the Handicap Welfare Association singing along during the party. |
In 1990, Swing Singapore was again organized but by the Singapore Joint Civil Defence Forces and the Singapore Police Force. It was held on 8 August 1990 to commemorate Singapore's 25th birthday. then PM Lee Kuan Yew was the guest of honor.
SAFRA took a breather for the year and was invited to play an advisory role. It was involved in other 25th anniversary celebrations and organized the Space Odyssey Telematch and the National Treasure Hunt.
For 1991, SAFRA organized Swing Singapore for the 3rd time. The guest of honour was PM Goh Chok Tong. It was held on 24 August at 7pm. This time, the party floor was further extended to cover Forum Galleria to Hotel Meridian. A giant invitation banner was erected over Shaw Centre.
 |
| SAFRA's massive invitation 'card' put up on Shaw Centre facing Orchard Road |
Giant video screens were added along the stretch of Orchard Road to involve spectators and to link all the various party points.
 |
| The most memorable shot of the huge crowds during Swing Singapore 1989 |
Again various firsts were achieved. The first massive outdoor video conference was held between PM Goh and several overseas Singaporeans based in Washington, USA. Many of them drove many hours from other parts of the USA to join in the conference.
I plan to upload more photographs of these few major street parties as I receive them. In fact, I have a dossier of all the news cuttings of the 1991 Swing Singapore - tonnes of memorable photos in black and white.
After thoughts
Friends have asked me how would a Swing Singapore 2011 or later be like if we were given the opportunity of organizing it again. I think the music would be markedly different. We have witnessed many new musical talents and geniuses - I am certain their genre of music would be critical to the success of such a street party.
The use of technology - particularly the Internet also means more and better engagement with party revelers would be possible. I bet there would be much more use of the social media to share experiences by revelers too. With the internet, linking various cities to have simultaneous parties would also be possible. There is so much that we can put our creative minds to work to make such a party even more impactful.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Healing An Open Wound
Recently, I had a minor operation which left an open wound to be healed on its own. The surgeon had also given me a referral letter for dressing to be done at the polyclinic.
On my first appointment, a nurse who took care of my wound recommended that I should try using the kaltostat rope. It is a highly absorbent fibrous rope that consists of mixed calcium and sodium salts of alginic acid. When placed inside a wound, it helps to absorb discharge from open wounds to aid healing. It absorbs up to 10 times more than normal gauze. After one month of using it, I must say it is like a wonder medicinal product :-) The rope melts into a gel and can be left in wounds for up to 7 days, though the longest I have left it was overnight.
A big pack costs around S$10.00 - at the local pharmacy - with smaller packs also available.
I also observed on my visits to the polyclinic that there are many patients with wounds caused by poor diabetes control. I also think that many of them do not take their medicine for some reason or others.
On my first appointment, a nurse who took care of my wound recommended that I should try using the kaltostat rope. It is a highly absorbent fibrous rope that consists of mixed calcium and sodium salts of alginic acid. When placed inside a wound, it helps to absorb discharge from open wounds to aid healing. It absorbs up to 10 times more than normal gauze. After one month of using it, I must say it is like a wonder medicinal product :-) The rope melts into a gel and can be left in wounds for up to 7 days, though the longest I have left it was overnight.
A big pack costs around S$10.00 - at the local pharmacy - with smaller packs also available.
I also observed on my visits to the polyclinic that there are many patients with wounds caused by poor diabetes control. I also think that many of them do not take their medicine for some reason or others.
Monday, August 15, 2011
It's not about us vs them - the Foreigner-Singaporean divide (unedited)
This is our country, our home - we do not have anywhere else to go. Indeed most of us would not want even if we have a choice. But then, why should we? This is our birthplace - where our grandparents, and for some, like myself, our parents came to start lives and homes. This is where we have friends and our rootedness.
All the talk, and some more rowdy than we had wanted or expected has missed the fundamental point. We are descendents of immigrants too. We have been, and remain welcoming to foreigners. Our behavior, as I have been explaining to many foreign friends is defensive - of our way of life specifically.
But why this reaction against them. I am not just talking about over the loss of jobs or livelihood. That is quite understandable if not reasonable. A friend said it best when he gave the example of our overcrowded MRT trains - it is that our personal spaces have been encroached. He compared it to Japan where overcrowding is a common occurrence too but the people respect the boundaries. They keep their basic civilities.
What we are up against is the little things that are negatively changing our living conditions - speak gently (read - not scream) into mobile phones, make effort to be hygienic - (wear some kind of deodorant), insist that we speak in a language because they did not or could not learn English in time. The Singapore that we are familiar with, and one that we so look forward to as a 'developed' society is moving away from us.
So it is with some relief that I listened to PM announced the measures to underscore even further, the Singaporeans First Policy. We need to have 'positive discrimination' - it is a term used some 2 decades ago by then President of SAFRA, our former foreign minister George Yeo when he explained why NSmen must be given their recognition for defending Singapore - when questioned over the benefits proposed.
We must as a people reassert our way of life. Not in a belligerent way but help our foreign friends living in our midst realize that they can add much color to our tapestry but not impose their bad habits on us. Policies that are being re-looked need time to take effect. We must assure them that we are not xenophobic but a famously tolerant society - but we are an intelligent too - taking in the good but rejecting the bad.
The media both mainstream as well as social, can play a critical role in this aspect - we need to highlight positive examples of value-add in the foreign inflow but also flag bad behaviors that upset the social equilibrium that we work hard to achieve.
I was asked recently how this Foreigner-Singaporean divide will play out. Some aspects that had been superseded are unfortunately irreversible. These will take time for adjustments, and hopefully incident-free. On the whole, we need at least 5 to 10 years for the kinks to even out. I am not referring to the completion of the new flats or mrt lines. Those hard power. We need resilient soft power to work it's way in the current fabric of society.
All the talk, and some more rowdy than we had wanted or expected has missed the fundamental point. We are descendents of immigrants too. We have been, and remain welcoming to foreigners. Our behavior, as I have been explaining to many foreign friends is defensive - of our way of life specifically.
But why this reaction against them. I am not just talking about over the loss of jobs or livelihood. That is quite understandable if not reasonable. A friend said it best when he gave the example of our overcrowded MRT trains - it is that our personal spaces have been encroached. He compared it to Japan where overcrowding is a common occurrence too but the people respect the boundaries. They keep their basic civilities.
What we are up against is the little things that are negatively changing our living conditions - speak gently (read - not scream) into mobile phones, make effort to be hygienic - (wear some kind of deodorant), insist that we speak in a language because they did not or could not learn English in time. The Singapore that we are familiar with, and one that we so look forward to as a 'developed' society is moving away from us.
So it is with some relief that I listened to PM announced the measures to underscore even further, the Singaporeans First Policy. We need to have 'positive discrimination' - it is a term used some 2 decades ago by then President of SAFRA, our former foreign minister George Yeo when he explained why NSmen must be given their recognition for defending Singapore - when questioned over the benefits proposed.
We must as a people reassert our way of life. Not in a belligerent way but help our foreign friends living in our midst realize that they can add much color to our tapestry but not impose their bad habits on us. Policies that are being re-looked need time to take effect. We must assure them that we are not xenophobic but a famously tolerant society - but we are an intelligent too - taking in the good but rejecting the bad.
The media both mainstream as well as social, can play a critical role in this aspect - we need to highlight positive examples of value-add in the foreign inflow but also flag bad behaviors that upset the social equilibrium that we work hard to achieve.
I was asked recently how this Foreigner-Singaporean divide will play out. Some aspects that had been superseded are unfortunately irreversible. These will take time for adjustments, and hopefully incident-free. On the whole, we need at least 5 to 10 years for the kinks to even out. I am not referring to the completion of the new flats or mrt lines. Those hard power. We need resilient soft power to work it's way in the current fabric of society.
It's About Ownership (Letter to Forum Page - (Published)
I can fully empathize with Ms Jacqueline Wong on her unpleasant experience with the bank regarding the interest on her loan.
My experience with another bank is equally frustrating. I was strung through the whole gamut of service - branch, officer and phone calls to customer service centre. Yet, the matter still saw no light.
While it is fine and good to spend millions of dollars on training to improve service quality as well as the even more on flashy advertising campaigns and branch renovations, organizations must recognize that it takes just a simple act to erase all these efforts - staff not taking ownership of customer needs.
My experience with another bank is equally frustrating. I was strung through the whole gamut of service - branch, officer and phone calls to customer service centre. Yet, the matter still saw no light.
While it is fine and good to spend millions of dollars on training to improve service quality as well as the even more on flashy advertising campaigns and branch renovations, organizations must recognize that it takes just a simple act to erase all these efforts - staff not taking ownership of customer needs.
National Service (Letter to Forum - unpublished)
The Editor
Forum Page
The Straits Times
Ms Looi Pek Hong spoke for all Singaporean parents in her letter of 12 August 2011. My siblings and I wonder how our parents dealt with the stresses of sending the 5 of us through our NS and subsequently 'reservist' training. Each of us have our own personal stories that could have been the 'phone call' or 'visit by a soldier' in the wee hours of the night that she alluded to. For this reason, our hearts go out to the family members, especially the parents of our fellow Singaporeans who died in service.
It is therefore quite right and understandable that National Service evoke such strong emotions amongst citizens. NS is not just a duty - for some, unfortunately, it is also a sacrifice of life. It is also for this reason among others that many make all kinds of attempts to avoid NS.
But for those who have served, NS is about our fundamental duty as Singaporeans. It is the place we build bonds of friendships that last a lifetime. It is also the best 'university of life' - where we learn about human nature - at its best and its worst. It is also where we develop discipline - ask any family member of how NS has transformed the men of their lives. Lives are lost in NS for various reasons - equipment failure due to technical faults, human errors, poor health or simply irresponsible acts of fellow soldiers. Each life lost is one too many.
All measures possible must be taken to ensure that training while being realistic do not compromise safety or worst, lives. The onus must be on everyone from commanders to fellow soldiers to regard each life as their own. If everyone takes ownership of their duties diligently, I am sure the unfortunate can be brought to a minimum.
Forum Page
The Straits Times
Ms Looi Pek Hong spoke for all Singaporean parents in her letter of 12 August 2011. My siblings and I wonder how our parents dealt with the stresses of sending the 5 of us through our NS and subsequently 'reservist' training. Each of us have our own personal stories that could have been the 'phone call' or 'visit by a soldier' in the wee hours of the night that she alluded to. For this reason, our hearts go out to the family members, especially the parents of our fellow Singaporeans who died in service.
It is therefore quite right and understandable that National Service evoke such strong emotions amongst citizens. NS is not just a duty - for some, unfortunately, it is also a sacrifice of life. It is also for this reason among others that many make all kinds of attempts to avoid NS.
But for those who have served, NS is about our fundamental duty as Singaporeans. It is the place we build bonds of friendships that last a lifetime. It is also the best 'university of life' - where we learn about human nature - at its best and its worst. It is also where we develop discipline - ask any family member of how NS has transformed the men of their lives. Lives are lost in NS for various reasons - equipment failure due to technical faults, human errors, poor health or simply irresponsible acts of fellow soldiers. Each life lost is one too many.
All measures possible must be taken to ensure that training while being realistic do not compromise safety or worst, lives. The onus must be on everyone from commanders to fellow soldiers to regard each life as their own. If everyone takes ownership of their duties diligently, I am sure the unfortunate can be brought to a minimum.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Enough Already - Cyberspace vs Personal Space
MP Penny Low must have wished that she was not the one in the photograph taken during the singing of the national anthem at the national day parade last evening. In a very direct way, this episode shows how social media can be a boon and a bane for modern society.
For purists, doing anything other than singing our national anthem is a very solemn affair and it should be. For the moderates, surely she could be looking at her mobile for many possible reasons.
I say Enough Already - we are bombarded by so much information today - both on and offline - and not just by way of text but also audio-visually. I am not exactly what netizens would regard as PAPies or PAP troll - but I have to say we must surely guide how this inevitable political maturation process ought to evolve.
I say let us really filter what is truly important. What is even more importantly, the truth. My way of responding to half-truths, speculation or just net gossip (i.e. it is not important other than for yakking) is to just read, laugh and move on.
This process is important - we need to take ownership of what is really vital to us and act on them. Equally, we need to stop being the audience of those who seek attention by making irresponsible comments hoping they will sound intelligent.
Human nature, alas will always be the same - no matter how technology has evolved. We need to develop in tandem - that would be the mark of civilization.
I am reminded of what the late Dr David Marshall said once in a forum when describing a prominent opposition politician - (paraphrased as I cannot recollect his exact words) - he is so dead set against the PAP that even if he sees one sitting with the angel, he would deny his presence by insisting that the glowing lights of the angel has blinded him.
In the same vein, many have commented that while the social media offers many good ideas, there is of course much noises (meaning=nonsense) hiding behind the veil of anonymity. I say show faith - act on those good ideas that were expressed non-anonymously - and people will respond accordingly in order to be taken seriously.
Just some thoughts :-)
For purists, doing anything other than singing our national anthem is a very solemn affair and it should be. For the moderates, surely she could be looking at her mobile for many possible reasons.
I say Enough Already - we are bombarded by so much information today - both on and offline - and not just by way of text but also audio-visually. I am not exactly what netizens would regard as PAPies or PAP troll - but I have to say we must surely guide how this inevitable political maturation process ought to evolve.
I say let us really filter what is truly important. What is even more importantly, the truth. My way of responding to half-truths, speculation or just net gossip (i.e. it is not important other than for yakking) is to just read, laugh and move on.
This process is important - we need to take ownership of what is really vital to us and act on them. Equally, we need to stop being the audience of those who seek attention by making irresponsible comments hoping they will sound intelligent.
Human nature, alas will always be the same - no matter how technology has evolved. We need to develop in tandem - that would be the mark of civilization.
I am reminded of what the late Dr David Marshall said once in a forum when describing a prominent opposition politician - (paraphrased as I cannot recollect his exact words) - he is so dead set against the PAP that even if he sees one sitting with the angel, he would deny his presence by insisting that the glowing lights of the angel has blinded him.
In the same vein, many have commented that while the social media offers many good ideas, there is of course much noises (meaning=nonsense) hiding behind the veil of anonymity. I say show faith - act on those good ideas that were expressed non-anonymously - and people will respond accordingly in order to be taken seriously.
Just some thoughts :-)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Marriage Certificate of Parents
We found the marriage certificate of our parents. They were married for more than 59 years. The cover is red with the wordings Marriage Certificate printed in gold. Red of course is an auspicious color. It is made of hard board with blanks for the various names and dates. From right to left - the village (county) that our parents came from, their ages based on date/time of their birthdays - were 'introduced by' at the location (resident) 'witnessed by' to be married - our parents' signatures with the other signatories as witness, introducer and our paternal and maternal grandfathers as presiding over the ceremony.
An interesting snippet - our maternal grandfather's name is quite rare (as in not commonly used or found in dictionary). I was told that if we were to visit the Registry of Marriage today, we might be able to have an official copy - since our parents were married during the British colonial period. This copy must be even more official though ;-p
A piece of history for posterity ;-)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Why George Yeo should not stand for the Presidential Elections in August 2011
Fresh (and for many raw) from the very heated General Elections in May 2011, Singaporeans are bracing themselves for the Executive Presidential Election due in August.
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has offered himself as a candidate and this afternoon, collected the forms for this purpose. Understand from news reports that 7 sets of forms were collected. Other than Dr Tan who went with his wife, Cecilia and his team of supporters, there was Mr Ooi Boon Ewe - a failed independent candidate in the recent GE. A Mr Lee collected on behalf of someone whom he mentioned is a businessman.
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has shown himself capable of standing up to the government even while he was a PAP MP. He has over the years won much adulation with his openness and directness. He also clearly has Singapore in his heart. I hope there will be a contest - and I hope it will be one that is clean, spirited and deserving of this high office - more so, I hope it would be one befitting of the evolving Singaporean electorate.
Former Aljunied GRC anchor Minister George Yeo has also posted on his Facebook that he is reconsidering his earlier decision not to contest in the Presidential Election following much support expressed by friends and others.
I think Mr Yeo should not contest. He has just emerged from a bruising political battle. He remains closely associated with the PAP too as a CEC member. I feel those who encourage him have good reasons to do so but their respect and love for him might be misplaced. He had, with the exception of those comments made 3 days before polling day, not been really 'independent' though he might have been viewed by many as being capable of it. We all recognize ala Nicole Seah that the number of Likes on Facebook do not necessarily translate to - ditto the opposite for Tin Pei Ling. The risk of losing in this election too cannot be ruled out.
Furthermore, he had expressed that he would be ill-suited for this position given his free-spirited temperament. Though he was defeated in the GE, he left office on an exceptional high moral ground- he displayed true gentlemanliness during the hustings and was magnamous in his loss.
I would like to add that he is far too young for this post. His potential for greater things would be better served in other capacities - out of the trappings (pun unintended) of this august office of Singapore. He would do very well to garner the positive energies of the young as well as the wisdom of like-minded Singaporeans to influene the vision of a new Singapore compact.
He is obviously enjoying his 'freedom' after 23 years in politics. Perhaps, he can bring to fruition his undertaking made during his exit press conference, that he would be willing to lead the cause for change in a new Singapore. I think he should keep this promise. Singapore will benefit greatly from his high intellect, and personal conviction in this role.
Perhaps when he is much older (say, in 20 years' time?) the elected presidential candidacy would still be up for contest.
Well, until all the cards are shown, - just my thoughts :-)
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has offered himself as a candidate and this afternoon, collected the forms for this purpose. Understand from news reports that 7 sets of forms were collected. Other than Dr Tan who went with his wife, Cecilia and his team of supporters, there was Mr Ooi Boon Ewe - a failed independent candidate in the recent GE. A Mr Lee collected on behalf of someone whom he mentioned is a businessman.
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has shown himself capable of standing up to the government even while he was a PAP MP. He has over the years won much adulation with his openness and directness. He also clearly has Singapore in his heart. I hope there will be a contest - and I hope it will be one that is clean, spirited and deserving of this high office - more so, I hope it would be one befitting of the evolving Singaporean electorate.
Former Aljunied GRC anchor Minister George Yeo has also posted on his Facebook that he is reconsidering his earlier decision not to contest in the Presidential Election following much support expressed by friends and others.
I think Mr Yeo should not contest. He has just emerged from a bruising political battle. He remains closely associated with the PAP too as a CEC member. I feel those who encourage him have good reasons to do so but their respect and love for him might be misplaced. He had, with the exception of those comments made 3 days before polling day, not been really 'independent' though he might have been viewed by many as being capable of it. We all recognize ala Nicole Seah that the number of Likes on Facebook do not necessarily translate to - ditto the opposite for Tin Pei Ling. The risk of losing in this election too cannot be ruled out.
Furthermore, he had expressed that he would be ill-suited for this position given his free-spirited temperament. Though he was defeated in the GE, he left office on an exceptional high moral ground- he displayed true gentlemanliness during the hustings and was magnamous in his loss.
I would like to add that he is far too young for this post. His potential for greater things would be better served in other capacities - out of the trappings (pun unintended) of this august office of Singapore. He would do very well to garner the positive energies of the young as well as the wisdom of like-minded Singaporeans to influene the vision of a new Singapore compact.
He is obviously enjoying his 'freedom' after 23 years in politics. Perhaps, he can bring to fruition his undertaking made during his exit press conference, that he would be willing to lead the cause for change in a new Singapore. I think he should keep this promise. Singapore will benefit greatly from his high intellect, and personal conviction in this role.
Perhaps when he is much older (say, in 20 years' time?) the elected presidential candidacy would still be up for contest.
Well, until all the cards are shown, - just my thoughts :-)
Spike in Foreign Purchases of Private Properties in Singapore
This is another unpublished letter to ST Forum sent on 29 May 2011.
Hi
Please refer to the recent reports and commentaries regarding the spike of foreign buying of local private properties. I would like to seek clarification from MAS and the lending institutions how the loans of such purchases are granted. What guidelines are used in allowing such purchases. How do lending institutions check that these buyers are able to service their loans? In the event of any default, besides re-possession of the property involved, what recourse do these institutions have to recover the outstanding loan amounts from these buyers? If any collateral was listed as the basis for these loans in the first place, is there legal provision and enforceability across national boundaries to undertake such debt recovery?
If the safeguards are not in place, are lending institutions undertaking unnecessary risks to encourage a property bubble looming in our own backyard?
Hi
Please refer to the recent reports and commentaries regarding the spike of foreign buying of local private properties. I would like to seek clarification from MAS and the lending institutions how the loans of such purchases are granted. What guidelines are used in allowing such purchases. How do lending institutions check that these buyers are able to service their loans? In the event of any default, besides re-possession of the property involved, what recourse do these institutions have to recover the outstanding loan amounts from these buyers? If any collateral was listed as the basis for these loans in the first place, is there legal provision and enforceability across national boundaries to undertake such debt recovery?
If the safeguards are not in place, are lending institutions undertaking unnecessary risks to encourage a property bubble looming in our own backyard?
Ambulance Blocked From Parking Near Bedok Polyclinic
This is an unpublished letter I sent to Sunday Times on 29 May 2011. Three photographs were attached to support my comments.
Hi
I would like to share some photographs I took at the carpark near Blk 212 Bedok North Street 1, where the Bedok Polyclinic is located. It shares the same building as an NTUC Fairprice Supermarket. This is also the clinic many elderly residents visit. As the photographs show - an ambulance's way was blocked by many vans/trucks doing delivery to the Fairprice outlet. This was in the afternoon - and in the morning, there are even more delivery vehicles. As you can see, the medical crew had to push the stretcher by foot to get to the polyclinic. I had to reversed all the way out as my car was also blocked by other lorries in the front.
I had some months ago written to HDB, NTUC and the Polyclinic to raise this concern. Each department had referred to each other organization. Finally, HDB mentioned it was going to discuss with the other two parties on how to resolve it. Obviously, this has not progressed. In the light of the recent discussion regarding the failure of motorists to give way to emergency vehicles, I thought it is timely to also re-surface this.
Perhaps the various organizations can now see how this situation can be quickly resolved before lives are endangered by the behavior of selfish vehicle owners.
Friday, May 20, 2011
The (hopefully) useful guide to borrowing ebooks from the library on your ipad
How to set up your iPad to borrow e-resources from the National Library
1. Go to www.nlb.gov.sg
2. On the left panel - click on 'eResources'
3. On the next page - see Login - click on Register (if you do not have an account yet).
4. Once it's done - login to the website ( it's the same page as (3).
5. Next select 'Browse' - choose view by 'e-books'
6. You will be brought to the various collections - many of these are borrowable for PC/Mac or mobile gadgets.
7. The last I checked - go to no. 5 in the list (Overdrive Media Collection).
8. You need to download an app Overdrive Media Console onto your iPad. This app will allow you to read the e-content (ebooks, audiobooks, or videos).
9. Once it is downloaded, you need to authorize it by activating your Adobe account (built into Overdrive) - if you do not have an adobe ID, register one. Once it is activated - your Overdrive can be used.
10. Now back to NLB - you can start to view the collection of e-content for your loan- remember only the 5.Overdrive Media Collection is workable for iPad for now.
11. Those available are listed with the Add to cart button. Those unavailable you can Place a reservation or Wish list.
12. The latter is for them to email you when the copy is available and for the library to make them available online.
13. You are allowed to borrow up to 4 titles for 21 days. No need to return or be fined because you just cannot read once they expire.
14. Once you are done selecting, you can Proceed to checkout. The Download buttons will launch the Overdrive Media Console and you can start reading. The various settings on OMC allow font size change, brightness adjustment, and also book marking.
15. If you want to see your borrowings etc, these are listed in the 'My digital account '
Hope this is more structured and helpful :) enjoy ! No more yellowing pages or dirty used books ;p
1. Go to www.nlb.gov.sg
2. On the left panel - click on 'eResources'
3. On the next page - see Login - click on Register (if you do not have an account yet).
4. Once it's done - login to the website ( it's the same page as (3).
5. Next select 'Browse' - choose view by 'e-books'
6. You will be brought to the various collections - many of these are borrowable for PC/Mac or mobile gadgets.
7. The last I checked - go to no. 5 in the list (Overdrive Media Collection).
8. You need to download an app Overdrive Media Console onto your iPad. This app will allow you to read the e-content (ebooks, audiobooks, or videos).
9. Once it is downloaded, you need to authorize it by activating your Adobe account (built into Overdrive) - if you do not have an adobe ID, register one. Once it is activated - your Overdrive can be used.
10. Now back to NLB - you can start to view the collection of e-content for your loan- remember only the 5.Overdrive Media Collection is workable for iPad for now.
11. Those available are listed with the Add to cart button. Those unavailable you can Place a reservation or Wish list.
12. The latter is for them to email you when the copy is available and for the library to make them available online.
13. You are allowed to borrow up to 4 titles for 21 days. No need to return or be fined because you just cannot read once they expire.
14. Once you are done selecting, you can Proceed to checkout. The Download buttons will launch the Overdrive Media Console and you can start reading. The various settings on OMC allow font size change, brightness adjustment, and also book marking.
15. If you want to see your borrowings etc, these are listed in the 'My digital account '
Hope this is more structured and helpful :) enjoy ! No more yellowing pages or dirty used books ;p
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Healthcare and Insurance
I was watching the movie "Jumper" the other night - and this dialogue caught my attention - "Everything has consequences!"
About a decade ago - I started both Dad and Mum on the medishield scheme - long before the private insurers took over with their offering of various enhanced schemes.
I had started them on the Medishield Enhanced Scheme (or something along that line) and at their age - I was only paying around S$600 plus annually each for Class A. Over the years - we were blessed with their good health and consequently almost nil claim. With the years - and with the privatization of the medishield schemes, the premiums for their coverage went up - it was S$1400 or S$1500 at Class C (the lowest category) - so there is a downgrade of the class.
Anyway, with Dad's recent hospitalization up till his demise - we had placed him in a Class A ward - because we wanted privacy so visitors would not disturb the other patients if it was a shared one - and also we wanted him to be comfortable - the total bill came up to almost $22,000 or thereabouts. Covering him meant that almost 48 percent was paid by the insurer - so we paid about 53%. If he had been placed at Class B1 or B2 - the co-payment or reimbursements would have been lower.
The point of this posting is this - if you do not currently have any medical/hospitalization cover - do it. If you do not incur any claim - count yourself lucky - and based on the principle of pooling in insurance - you are 'helping' those who might unfortunately need to incur the increasingly high healthcare costs.
(A side point - and this is not my reason for posting - :p - a nephew recently joined an independent financial advisory - after some years with a local insurer - so he can sell products across the industry. lewis_law@hotmail.com - if you want another option to consider).
Always,
About a decade ago - I started both Dad and Mum on the medishield scheme - long before the private insurers took over with their offering of various enhanced schemes.
I had started them on the Medishield Enhanced Scheme (or something along that line) and at their age - I was only paying around S$600 plus annually each for Class A. Over the years - we were blessed with their good health and consequently almost nil claim. With the years - and with the privatization of the medishield schemes, the premiums for their coverage went up - it was S$1400 or S$1500 at Class C (the lowest category) - so there is a downgrade of the class.
Anyway, with Dad's recent hospitalization up till his demise - we had placed him in a Class A ward - because we wanted privacy so visitors would not disturb the other patients if it was a shared one - and also we wanted him to be comfortable - the total bill came up to almost $22,000 or thereabouts. Covering him meant that almost 48 percent was paid by the insurer - so we paid about 53%. If he had been placed at Class B1 or B2 - the co-payment or reimbursements would have been lower.
The point of this posting is this - if you do not currently have any medical/hospitalization cover - do it. If you do not incur any claim - count yourself lucky - and based on the principle of pooling in insurance - you are 'helping' those who might unfortunately need to incur the increasingly high healthcare costs.
(A side point - and this is not my reason for posting - :p - a nephew recently joined an independent financial advisory - after some years with a local insurer - so he can sell products across the industry. lewis_law@hotmail.com - if you want another option to consider).
Always,
Like a Buddha
Geok attended a farewell event for a colleague who was relocating to his home country. As usual glasses were raised to thank everyone and to acknowledge the friendship forged over the years.
When it came to Geok, this ex-colleague remarked, in Chinese - "I must learn from you - always radiant, always smiling under even the most trying circumstances - like a Buddha." Of course this colleague is unaware that we are Buddhists.
It brought to mind another encounter I had some years ago when I was attending a course with 15 others - a course-mate whom I did not know until then - commented over lunch - "You look very comfortable - almost unfazed by things happening around you". When probed, he said - "there is a certain calm about you."
Well, it could be that I was on course (much like many friends say they are more relaxed when they are off work - even during in-camp training). Or indeed that I was more relaxed since I had a good team of staff who kept my office humming even when I was not around.
When others comment about our physical appearance - there are various ways to interpret - either we had spent much money on dolling ourselves, or put on a latest pair of glasses or apparel.
But these comments were about our 'inner' temperament. It set me thinking - many people indeed spare no expense to look good - and had to then make the effort to be 'seen' - or in pub lingo - to pose. How do we radiate calm ?
Many people have different methods - exercise, music, yoga and of course faith. There are approaches that let us develop 'inner peace' - but only temporarily. But then there are those that guarantee us radiance that emanates from our inner core. I believe for us - it is our practice of chanting Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo.
Geok reminded me that we have been practicing Buddhism for 27 years ! Of course, in accord with the teaching of Ten Worlds - our life conditions fluctuate every moment - we have found ourselves totally consumed by moments which would be hardly 'calm' by most accounts. But even in those moments, people still comment that we are very much 'in control'.
Life is full of uncertainties - its almost a cliche to say it - we need only to read the papers and talk to our friends - but what is important is the resilience to deal with these changes - I am not saying we should be pretentious and put up a false front - we need to be able to feel the emotion - the full depth and breadth of it - and once done - bounce back !
I came across two Chinese phrases - 处变不惊 － 'be unsurprised by change'; 以不变应万变 － ’remain calm in the face of change' - I guess that is what we should all endeavor to attain.
Always,
When it came to Geok, this ex-colleague remarked, in Chinese - "I must learn from you - always radiant, always smiling under even the most trying circumstances - like a Buddha." Of course this colleague is unaware that we are Buddhists.
It brought to mind another encounter I had some years ago when I was attending a course with 15 others - a course-mate whom I did not know until then - commented over lunch - "You look very comfortable - almost unfazed by things happening around you". When probed, he said - "there is a certain calm about you."
Well, it could be that I was on course (much like many friends say they are more relaxed when they are off work - even during in-camp training). Or indeed that I was more relaxed since I had a good team of staff who kept my office humming even when I was not around.
When others comment about our physical appearance - there are various ways to interpret - either we had spent much money on dolling ourselves, or put on a latest pair of glasses or apparel.
But these comments were about our 'inner' temperament. It set me thinking - many people indeed spare no expense to look good - and had to then make the effort to be 'seen' - or in pub lingo - to pose. How do we radiate calm ?
Many people have different methods - exercise, music, yoga and of course faith. There are approaches that let us develop 'inner peace' - but only temporarily. But then there are those that guarantee us radiance that emanates from our inner core. I believe for us - it is our practice of chanting Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo.
Geok reminded me that we have been practicing Buddhism for 27 years ! Of course, in accord with the teaching of Ten Worlds - our life conditions fluctuate every moment - we have found ourselves totally consumed by moments which would be hardly 'calm' by most accounts. But even in those moments, people still comment that we are very much 'in control'.
Life is full of uncertainties - its almost a cliche to say it - we need only to read the papers and talk to our friends - but what is important is the resilience to deal with these changes - I am not saying we should be pretentious and put up a false front - we need to be able to feel the emotion - the full depth and breadth of it - and once done - bounce back !
I came across two Chinese phrases - 处变不惊 － 'be unsurprised by change'; 以不变应万变 － ’remain calm in the face of change' - I guess that is what we should all endeavor to attain.
Always,
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The importance of This Moment On...
Recently, I came across a Japanese term - 'honin-myo' in one of the Buddhist literature published by Soka. Loosely translated, it means - this moment on. It is used to set a mark off when one decides to embark on a new resolution. So when one decides that he has had enough of dragging his feet on a particular task, he could say, honin-myo i.e. from this moment, I resolve to do this and this to change the pattern in my behavior or to undertake the task of work towards a goal.
So every once in a while, but definitely at least once a year, I have my Honin-myo moment where I asked myself what are some of the things I had been procrastinating. I then set my mind and body to act on them. I put pen to paper and remind myself of what I had committed to continue with earnest or to commence on the tasks that I had meant to do.
Many people including myself can get locked down by past experiences, people or worst of all, ourselves. We tell ourselves - 'but then this is me - I cannot change' or 'its pointless' etc.
But it is the 'from this moment on' that we must all start. We need to find 'that moment' in that to say, we have what it takes to do it. We can continue with our old ways of doing things or not change at all - but nobody cares even if we do. We need to do it for ourselves - because not changing or doing something about our old habits - its wasting our lives away.
I hope you find your Honin-myo not just during the new year when resolutions are made but everyday - and with all your loved ones. Everything else is just not a good option. Like the saying goes, when everything hits the bottom, the only way is up.
:-)
So every once in a while, but definitely at least once a year, I have my Honin-myo moment where I asked myself what are some of the things I had been procrastinating. I then set my mind and body to act on them. I put pen to paper and remind myself of what I had committed to continue with earnest or to commence on the tasks that I had meant to do.
Many people including myself can get locked down by past experiences, people or worst of all, ourselves. We tell ourselves - 'but then this is me - I cannot change' or 'its pointless' etc.
But it is the 'from this moment on' that we must all start. We need to find 'that moment' in that to say, we have what it takes to do it. We can continue with our old ways of doing things or not change at all - but nobody cares even if we do. We need to do it for ourselves - because not changing or doing something about our old habits - its wasting our lives away.
I hope you find your Honin-myo not just during the new year when resolutions are made but everyday - and with all your loved ones. Everything else is just not a good option. Like the saying goes, when everything hits the bottom, the only way is up.
:-)
Thoughts on Wuhan
I took a short trip to Wuhan where an ex colleague, Jason Chow now teaches English at one of the universities - I believe it is the Wuhan Technical University. The freezing temperature (it dropped to 0 degree on my first night there) gave me more things to remember than the late night visit to the campus.
Jason rented a flat just across the campus. It is a commune flat (a kind of public housing). I was housed there the three nights I was in the city. There was a report in the newspapers today that Wuhan city has implemented a policy to restrict purchase of apartments to one each family.
I saw first hand the city as a huge construction site - everywhere something is being built, torn down to be rebuilt or modified. There are of course the big lavish (even opulent looking) condominiums as well as landed terrace houses.
The average salary of service personnel is between RMB750-RMB1000 (equivalent of S$150-S$200) per month. There are many job openings especially in the service sectors such as F& B and retails from what I saw. I do not have the numbers for the other sectors but can only presume that there is also a dire lack of manpower too in those areas.
Wuhan is a third-tier city so many of the youths or younger population would have left to the first or second tiered cities or overseas to seek out their living. What however is apparent when we walk the streets and malls (and these are mega-malls) - you see a very young population because of the city's reputation as a center of learning.
Some interesting anecdotes -
Where we stayed, hawkers still dry their fishes over the archway that serves as both entrance and exit to the commune (see pic). So walking by it involves a careful tip dodging to avoid the dripping the salt-soaked oil from these marine laundry.
A visit to the club shows the flaunting of wealth by the Chinese. Everyone drinks by the bottles or order by multiple of dozens for beer. Flowers bought for their loved ones are not in stalks but in huge bouquets of at least 20-50 stalks.
The Chinese love their liquor and their cigarettes. The latter actually adds to the already polluted air from the industries. Jason's regular cab driver told me that the national nature of these tobacco companies makes smoking regulation difficult to enforce or provide little or no motivation for any effort to do so.
The longer term effect of this will only be felt much much later but I dread to think of the costs of healthcare that the city would have to bear then. Incidentally, a report also mention this dilemma that healthcare authorities face in raising the awareness of smoking risks.
I paid a very high price for the 'bullet' train to Guangzhou - and back - of course with the benefit of hindsight we know now why it was so exorbitant - corruption - and the decadence is so widespread - from the rail minister to the officials across different agencies and departments. Nevertheless, the train did serve an important purpose - letting travelers reach the inner corners of China that would have taken much longer to do so.
Would I go again - I doubt...but perhaps to other parts of China.
Jason rented a flat just across the campus. It is a commune flat (a kind of public housing). I was housed there the three nights I was in the city. There was a report in the newspapers today that Wuhan city has implemented a policy to restrict purchase of apartments to one each family.
I saw first hand the city as a huge construction site - everywhere something is being built, torn down to be rebuilt or modified. There are of course the big lavish (even opulent looking) condominiums as well as landed terrace houses.
The average salary of service personnel is between RMB750-RMB1000 (equivalent of S$150-S$200) per month. There are many job openings especially in the service sectors such as F& B and retails from what I saw. I do not have the numbers for the other sectors but can only presume that there is also a dire lack of manpower too in those areas.
Wuhan is a third-tier city so many of the youths or younger population would have left to the first or second tiered cities or overseas to seek out their living. What however is apparent when we walk the streets and malls (and these are mega-malls) - you see a very young population because of the city's reputation as a center of learning.
Some interesting anecdotes -
Where we stayed, hawkers still dry their fishes over the archway that serves as both entrance and exit to the commune (see pic). So walking by it involves a careful tip dodging to avoid the dripping the salt-soaked oil from these marine laundry.
A visit to the club shows the flaunting of wealth by the Chinese. Everyone drinks by the bottles or order by multiple of dozens for beer. Flowers bought for their loved ones are not in stalks but in huge bouquets of at least 20-50 stalks.
The Chinese love their liquor and their cigarettes. The latter actually adds to the already polluted air from the industries. Jason's regular cab driver told me that the national nature of these tobacco companies makes smoking regulation difficult to enforce or provide little or no motivation for any effort to do so.
The longer term effect of this will only be felt much much later but I dread to think of the costs of healthcare that the city would have to bear then. Incidentally, a report also mention this dilemma that healthcare authorities face in raising the awareness of smoking risks.
I paid a very high price for the 'bullet' train to Guangzhou - and back - of course with the benefit of hindsight we know now why it was so exorbitant - corruption - and the decadence is so widespread - from the rail minister to the officials across different agencies and departments. Nevertheless, the train did serve an important purpose - letting travelers reach the inner corners of China that would have taken much longer to do so.
Would I go again - I doubt...but perhaps to other parts of China.
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