6 hours 41 mins 40s. 6.3 km/h. 8066th place. FINISHER of 42.195km.
On Sunday morning, I pushed myself to the limits again to pull through the long and tough journey with the help of Derrick. Thanks bro!
This year's run is by far the most satisfying. The first time we were too foolhardy not to drink regularly at the beginning and I died out near 20+ km, the remaining run was a torture. Last year was a walk in the park as derrick wasn't well prepared. This year I'm not in the best shape but kept pushing on with derrick's encouragement.
The cramps started setting in at 14km, a show of our insufficient training. I applied lots of deep heat cream and spray along the way, ran with the near-cramp sensation for most of the journey, coped with the hot and merciless sun and tried my best to keep on going. Although I'm not a fast nor natural runner, the innate satisfaction of finishing by pushing my limits was great.
"You've beaten 99.9% of the population just by running." - That was the organiser's msg at a board near the start. =)
Somebody said this before: "If you want to win a race, join the 100 metre dash. If you want to push yourself to the limit, run the marathon."
I can't remember the exact wording, but in essence the marathon is not for the faint-hearted, the showy tricksters and is a test of your determination. When the body says NO, the mind gotta say YES.
Yep still having the feel good factor after suffering for the 7hrs. It's a torture every year but worth it to keep reminding myself to overcome this pain. Told derrick that we should stop creating misery for ourselves next year, but I guess I'll be back. Haha.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Reflections on LIFE
It's been a long time since I picked up my "pen" to write, but a lot of things happened so suddenly so quickly so abruptly that made me rethink about LIFE.
The parting of Eujin was a big shock. Although we weren't not close personally, he was someone I always looked up to. He was the one who aced the exams, trumped me in weights and pull-ups, ran and row much faster. He was the all-rounder that I admired and wanted to become.
The loss of the 5 dragonboaters in Cambodia was another shock. Among them, Boon San was my lecture mate in NTU EEE. I dunno him personally, but he was a friend of Wilfred. As a canoeist I feel the pain in their loss. Dragonboaters, canoeists, we are people with passion and determination in the things we do and I always respect all rowers. The fact that one of them were so close to my circle of friends made me worse.
My heart cringed when I read about each and every one of them in the newspapers. All outstanding young men, all great people with character and drive. And the people they leave behind...
It reinforces the fragility of life. People dropped their jaws when I said I was attending the wake of my friends. Aaron went in a hurry, and then Eujin. It hurt when people so young and so capable and so jovial laid quietly as we pay our last respects.
I shudder to think that everyone around me and I can be victims someday to some accident. Please take care my friends and treasure all around. Don't spend the time regretting.
The parting of Eujin was a big shock. Although we weren't not close personally, he was someone I always looked up to. He was the one who aced the exams, trumped me in weights and pull-ups, ran and row much faster. He was the all-rounder that I admired and wanted to become.
The loss of the 5 dragonboaters in Cambodia was another shock. Among them, Boon San was my lecture mate in NTU EEE. I dunno him personally, but he was a friend of Wilfred. As a canoeist I feel the pain in their loss. Dragonboaters, canoeists, we are people with passion and determination in the things we do and I always respect all rowers. The fact that one of them were so close to my circle of friends made me worse.
My heart cringed when I read about each and every one of them in the newspapers. All outstanding young men, all great people with character and drive. And the people they leave behind...
It reinforces the fragility of life. People dropped their jaws when I said I was attending the wake of my friends. Aaron went in a hurry, and then Eujin. It hurt when people so young and so capable and so jovial laid quietly as we pay our last respects.
I shudder to think that everyone around me and I can be victims someday to some accident. Please take care my friends and treasure all around. Don't spend the time regretting.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Car!
I've collected my Latio on friday last week!
Topped up $1k for open cat COE to expedite my car delivery and managed to get it just in time for my TAB attachment where we don't have to stay in.
Feel different driving around, have an added sense of freedom and control, but also feeling the financial pinch. Still worth the money in the end because of my work nature and considering that I have a bargain price!
Topped up $1k for open cat COE to expedite my car delivery and managed to get it just in time for my TAB attachment where we don't have to stay in.
Feel different driving around, have an added sense of freedom and control, but also feeling the financial pinch. Still worth the money in the end because of my work nature and considering that I have a bargain price!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Another 2 weeks wait
As expected, the price of COE rebounded and I did not get my COE during the last bid. Gotta wait another 2 more weeks.
Anyway, I booked my black Latio Sport Base at $57.5k but did not get the best freebies after surfing thru the Latio Club forum online. But I only found the forum after booking my car, a little too eager to get maybe that's why my SE didn't put in more efforts.
If possible, I hope not to top up to get my car. In fact, the price of the Latio has gone up to $63.5k since the time I put in my order, so my deal is actually not bad, except that TCM may not bid high enough for me to secure my COE faster. Shrugz.
Not in a hurry too since my stay in period should last another continuous 5 weeks. By then my wheels will come in very useful when gg to Tengah et al.
***
On course at AFS hasn't been too bad. Except the compulsory stay-in sucks. But picking up old games like international chess which I haven't touched in years. Quite a few good players in my course too. Erm actually, this course is quite fun! =D
Anyway, I booked my black Latio Sport Base at $57.5k but did not get the best freebies after surfing thru the Latio Club forum online. But I only found the forum after booking my car, a little too eager to get maybe that's why my SE didn't put in more efforts.
If possible, I hope not to top up to get my car. In fact, the price of the Latio has gone up to $63.5k since the time I put in my order, so my deal is actually not bad, except that TCM may not bid high enough for me to secure my COE faster. Shrugz.
Not in a hurry too since my stay in period should last another continuous 5 weeks. By then my wheels will come in very useful when gg to Tengah et al.
***
On course at AFS hasn't been too bad. Except the compulsory stay-in sucks. But picking up old games like international chess which I haven't touched in years. Quite a few good players in my course too. Erm actually, this course is quite fun! =D
Thursday, August 23, 2007
COE's down, it's the time!
Been test-driving for the past two weeks, tried avante, city, vios and latio sport and I've finally made my choice - LATIO SPORT!
Avante - handling is too light
Vios - has a cheapo feel
City - good mix of sportiness and family, but the pricing is not competitive.
Latio Sport - best value for money! Go test it!
It must be a god-given present that the cat A COE prices halved today to $8118. It is a signal that I shld go in now to get whatever I want!
A round of bargaining tmrw and I hope to emerge with more goodies! Haha!
Avante - handling is too light
Vios - has a cheapo feel
City - good mix of sportiness and family, but the pricing is not competitive.
Latio Sport - best value for money! Go test it!
It must be a god-given present that the cat A COE prices halved today to $8118. It is a signal that I shld go in now to get whatever I want!
A round of bargaining tmrw and I hope to emerge with more goodies! Haha!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wakeboarding
Went to Marina Country Club at Punggol to try out wakeboarding with mostly my AEO colleagues and soon-to-be coursemates.
Actually I've wanted to try out wakeboarding for awhile, since the time when I was canoeing at Kallang. Water sports always appeal to me and wakeboarding is one of those look cool and great bods activity. Finally had my taste of it thanks to Jimmy who intro this lobang almost one month ago.
There were 9 of us and we booked 2 boats at $330 per boat for 4 hours, which worked out to about $73 per head. Not cheap considering that I row for free Haha but it was definitely enjoyable. And also a few guys flew us aeroplanes last minute and added to the per head cost.
Anyway about the wakeboarding proper, a few of the guys can already do it effortlessly after their first try last month. Weiquan and Tommy were pretty steady and had good postures. As it was my first time, I took quite a few attempts to even get on my feet, but I would give myself a passable grade lah.
The trick is really to be patient and not attempt to overpower the force of the water. I thought I have an advantage because of my canoeing experience and know the waves and have better balance, but still drank quite a lot of water. But it was real good fun, to hire a boat, sun tan while not wakeboarding, and guess what? We all took leave and played on a Friday morning.
Will definitely be back for the next time!
Actually I've wanted to try out wakeboarding for awhile, since the time when I was canoeing at Kallang. Water sports always appeal to me and wakeboarding is one of those look cool and great bods activity. Finally had my taste of it thanks to Jimmy who intro this lobang almost one month ago.
There were 9 of us and we booked 2 boats at $330 per boat for 4 hours, which worked out to about $73 per head. Not cheap considering that I row for free Haha but it was definitely enjoyable. And also a few guys flew us aeroplanes last minute and added to the per head cost.
Anyway about the wakeboarding proper, a few of the guys can already do it effortlessly after their first try last month. Weiquan and Tommy were pretty steady and had good postures. As it was my first time, I took quite a few attempts to even get on my feet, but I would give myself a passable grade lah.
The trick is really to be patient and not attempt to overpower the force of the water. I thought I have an advantage because of my canoeing experience and know the waves and have better balance, but still drank quite a lot of water. But it was real good fun, to hire a boat, sun tan while not wakeboarding, and guess what? We all took leave and played on a Friday morning.
Will definitely be back for the next time!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Renumeration Woes
Renumeration is the fair value that an employer pays to the employee for the perceived capacity to contribute positively to the growth of the company (Beng, 2007).
It is a common practice for companies to adopt a renumeration scheme that compensates employees on a senority basis, rewarding them for the loyalty and the years of service rendered.
Increasingly, however, companies are moving away from rewarding seniority to rewarding work performance.
In perhaps the biggest industry in Singapore, a hybrid is created that seeks to rewards both seniority and performance. The consequent problem is that many a times the yardstick used is not consistent and lacks logical sense.
Allow me to illustrate a myopic view of the flaws in the system.
The cycle of economic boom and boon repeats itself, and the ability of an organization to retain its talents becomes crucial in good times when other competitors and industries present mouth-watering opportunities. While many insist that cultivating intrinsic motivation is key to retaining existing talents, few would disagree that an equivalent extrinsic reward forwards this cause and attracts more to join the organization.
To maintain and boost employee morale in the midst of rising workplace volatility, the carrots dangled to new recruits should rightfully be extended to existing members as well. This is important to maintain organizational equity for all, without which an unimaginable crisis await the management.
Firstly, unequal renumeration for performing the exact duties in itself is unjustified. Barring any performance-related indicators (or the lack of such measures), the employer seemingly implied that the work done by the new recruit is of greater value than existing employees. Is this performance-rated pay? I would think not. This inequity leads to employee discontent and resentment. Any normally motivated employee will find this difficult to swallow.
In a more severe case, the lack of levelling in payscale poses a potentially more serious problem for more senior employees who are performing work of clearly more importance and bearing more responsibility. This group of people witnesses a blatant disregard for their contributions to the organization and suffer the indignity of being similarly rewarded as fresh recruits. A logical deduction about their inferior payscale may be due to the wrong timing when they entered the organization. While year-on-year this group of people enjoys a slow but steady increase in renumeration, they are in fact far off the present market rate.
Our case study reveals that the management is fully cognizant of the situation, and they have implemented a market adjustment component, which is a one-time lump sum payment. Contrast this to a permanent adjustment to the top brass and the mistreatment is even more obvious. This is the middle-class crisis facing the sandwiched classes. This is, and will be a problem for the organization to cope with unless they take heed of the warning signs and arrest the slide at this early stage. Every delay at this juncture poses an exponential increase in rectification cost at a later stage.
A further peek into the problem shows that even among the new recruits, renumeration varies depending on the time of entry - The earlier you put pen to paper, the worse off you are. This is pretty silly and ironic that employees who committed earlier aren't rewarded for their loyalty, but instead have to make do with a lower renumeration with all else equal.
In the long course of tea break discussions, numerous counter arguements have been made in attempts to downplay the issue, and I would like to tackle these Greek myths one by one.
They are 2 years older, we will get it 2 years later. Age seems to be the overarching agreement on why we deserve less. As discussed earlier, a seniority-based renumeration scheme may be justifiable, but it is an individual's corporate seniority for his time served at the organization in a similar capacity. People argue that they did served 2.5 years for NS. But lest we forget, NS is a nation-wide obligation for all Singaporean males and they have only fulfilled their duty to the nation, and whatever experience they accumulated is most probably non-transferable as we embark in a new vocation.
They have study loans to repay. At first glance, it is a perfectly valid reason because our tertiary educations were funded differently. But the study awards are not given to us unconditionally. It was a mutual agreement by the organization to sponsor and the recipient to fulfill his degree and return for a bond period. No party owe each other anything at all to start with, since every awardee carries a quantified $X of liquidated damages in an unlikely case of bond breaking.
Kaputt!
Even more exasperating is the inflexibility of organizational policies and inefficiency of the administration to uphold equity for graduates of different university. It is not funny when you are financially penalized for an external system's doings. Little things add up to become really irking.
Why WHy WHY? What kind of deal is this?
It is a common practice for companies to adopt a renumeration scheme that compensates employees on a senority basis, rewarding them for the loyalty and the years of service rendered.
Increasingly, however, companies are moving away from rewarding seniority to rewarding work performance.
In perhaps the biggest industry in Singapore, a hybrid is created that seeks to rewards both seniority and performance. The consequent problem is that many a times the yardstick used is not consistent and lacks logical sense.
Allow me to illustrate a myopic view of the flaws in the system.
The cycle of economic boom and boon repeats itself, and the ability of an organization to retain its talents becomes crucial in good times when other competitors and industries present mouth-watering opportunities. While many insist that cultivating intrinsic motivation is key to retaining existing talents, few would disagree that an equivalent extrinsic reward forwards this cause and attracts more to join the organization.
To maintain and boost employee morale in the midst of rising workplace volatility, the carrots dangled to new recruits should rightfully be extended to existing members as well. This is important to maintain organizational equity for all, without which an unimaginable crisis await the management.
Firstly, unequal renumeration for performing the exact duties in itself is unjustified. Barring any performance-related indicators (or the lack of such measures), the employer seemingly implied that the work done by the new recruit is of greater value than existing employees. Is this performance-rated pay? I would think not. This inequity leads to employee discontent and resentment. Any normally motivated employee will find this difficult to swallow.
In a more severe case, the lack of levelling in payscale poses a potentially more serious problem for more senior employees who are performing work of clearly more importance and bearing more responsibility. This group of people witnesses a blatant disregard for their contributions to the organization and suffer the indignity of being similarly rewarded as fresh recruits. A logical deduction about their inferior payscale may be due to the wrong timing when they entered the organization. While year-on-year this group of people enjoys a slow but steady increase in renumeration, they are in fact far off the present market rate.
Our case study reveals that the management is fully cognizant of the situation, and they have implemented a market adjustment component, which is a one-time lump sum payment. Contrast this to a permanent adjustment to the top brass and the mistreatment is even more obvious. This is the middle-class crisis facing the sandwiched classes. This is, and will be a problem for the organization to cope with unless they take heed of the warning signs and arrest the slide at this early stage. Every delay at this juncture poses an exponential increase in rectification cost at a later stage.
A further peek into the problem shows that even among the new recruits, renumeration varies depending on the time of entry - The earlier you put pen to paper, the worse off you are. This is pretty silly and ironic that employees who committed earlier aren't rewarded for their loyalty, but instead have to make do with a lower renumeration with all else equal.
In the long course of tea break discussions, numerous counter arguements have been made in attempts to downplay the issue, and I would like to tackle these Greek myths one by one.
They are 2 years older, we will get it 2 years later. Age seems to be the overarching agreement on why we deserve less. As discussed earlier, a seniority-based renumeration scheme may be justifiable, but it is an individual's corporate seniority for his time served at the organization in a similar capacity. People argue that they did served 2.5 years for NS. But lest we forget, NS is a nation-wide obligation for all Singaporean males and they have only fulfilled their duty to the nation, and whatever experience they accumulated is most probably non-transferable as we embark in a new vocation.
They have study loans to repay. At first glance, it is a perfectly valid reason because our tertiary educations were funded differently. But the study awards are not given to us unconditionally. It was a mutual agreement by the organization to sponsor and the recipient to fulfill his degree and return for a bond period. No party owe each other anything at all to start with, since every awardee carries a quantified $X of liquidated damages in an unlikely case of bond breaking.
Kaputt!
Even more exasperating is the inflexibility of organizational policies and inefficiency of the administration to uphold equity for graduates of different university. It is not funny when you are financially penalized for an external system's doings. Little things add up to become really irking.
Why WHy WHY? What kind of deal is this?
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Millionaire to be!!
In fact everyone should be a millionaire if you start investing young!
Target:
30 yrs old $180k
40 yrs old $700k
50 yrs old $1.8m
Conservative estimates! I will report back in 7 years time to tell you if I've hit the first milestone. =)
The flip side is - doesn't quite look like I can become a MULTI-millionaire. How??
Target:
30 yrs old $180k
40 yrs old $700k
50 yrs old $1.8m
Conservative estimates! I will report back in 7 years time to tell you if I've hit the first milestone. =)
The flip side is - doesn't quite look like I can become a MULTI-millionaire. How??
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Blogging once in a blue moon
Updates:
- I've gotten the Rosie Heng-Koh Poh Choo Gold Medal for Human Resource Management! A really big surprise and a great honour to get any book prize / gold medal, especially coming from Michael Heng and co!
- Convocation is on the 26 July at 10am, ceremony 10 at Nanyang Auditorium. Welcome all friends and gifts and bears and flowers haha, okie just kidding! Can take pictures together!
- Started work back at RSAF since May actually. Lamenting on my stagnated pay and admin inefficiency that cost me.
- Went on a short one week holiday to Bangkok and Phuket in June with Philifer to unwind, sightsee and shop!
- Rowed for NJ Alumni last wkend for SDBF at Bedok Reservoir. The 10-men 'B' boat got into the inter corporate final, while the other teams fought hard. Plenty of problems in the alumni team to be sorted out. Don't like politics I just wanna row.
- Minor ankle sprain during a casual street soccer game, did not warrant any MC :p
- Passed my IPPT before the ROVW deadline.
Want to
- Apply for credit cards with lotsa dining discounts!
- Buy a non camera PDA handphone with Wifi, GPS, good multimedia abilities. Dopod P800 looks good, any comments anyone?
- I've gotten the Rosie Heng-Koh Poh Choo Gold Medal for Human Resource Management! A really big surprise and a great honour to get any book prize / gold medal, especially coming from Michael Heng and co!
- Convocation is on the 26 July at 10am, ceremony 10 at Nanyang Auditorium. Welcome all friends and gifts and bears and flowers haha, okie just kidding! Can take pictures together!
- Started work back at RSAF since May actually. Lamenting on my stagnated pay and admin inefficiency that cost me.
- Went on a short one week holiday to Bangkok and Phuket in June with Philifer to unwind, sightsee and shop!
- Rowed for NJ Alumni last wkend for SDBF at Bedok Reservoir. The 10-men 'B' boat got into the inter corporate final, while the other teams fought hard. Plenty of problems in the alumni team to be sorted out. Don't like politics I just wanna row.
- Minor ankle sprain during a casual street soccer game, did not warrant any MC :p
- Passed my IPPT before the ROVW deadline.
Want to
- Apply for credit cards with lotsa dining discounts!
- Buy a non camera PDA handphone with Wifi, GPS, good multimedia abilities. Dopod P800 looks good, any comments anyone?
Friday, June 08, 2007
I got my FIRST class!
Hooray! Really a pleasant surprise and I'm glad I did not slack off for my final sem! The feeling is ecstatic, especially not knowing our own standing for the 4 long years at NTU!
It actually exceeded my own expectations. Gave me a sense of achievement for the 4 years spent working to this degree. =)
It actually exceeded my own expectations. Gave me a sense of achievement for the 4 years spent working to this degree. =)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Passed my IPPT!
Yah I know itz no big deal! Haha but after my ROVW last year it is a relief to pass at the first attempt this year, and almost getting a silver! Hmm, I will try harder to improve my 2.4 timing to get that extra 100 bucks, they come in handy! ;)
Met Benjamin Chew and some other AEOs at the IPPT at SBAB this morning. Not bad had a chance to catch up and understand more about how people are doing at base level. He got his Nissan Latio, pearl purple, quite chio! Haha I wish I can get one too!
FYP is finally done. I've submitted my hardcopy report to Prof Lee and the abstract through the library electronically. But it was a chore really, had to download the VPN to submit successfully. I supposed that's the end for my NTU life, as I walked through the south spine one of the last times on my way out today... Au revoir NTU et mes amies! Merci pour tout!
And announcement of 0.5 months bonus with $220 for civil servants! Hooray, but I think I will get peanuts again after pro-rating. Sianz. Hope my results come out soon, then I can fax to AMD asap and emplace me.
And I signed up to row for SDBF for NJ alumni. The club looks like in trouble and I hope a half-fit me can help. Actually kinda scared for the upcoming trainings - 25 mins slow run then 2 hrs sprint trainings. The last time I did these were in year 2. But I will try my best, as usual. Hope we can return to winning ways, if not perform respectably! C'mon we are NJ alumni! Everyone is a champion with so many extra db gold medals at home. We just need to ignite that innate potential to terrorize our opponents again! *ROAR*
Met Benjamin Chew and some other AEOs at the IPPT at SBAB this morning. Not bad had a chance to catch up and understand more about how people are doing at base level. He got his Nissan Latio, pearl purple, quite chio! Haha I wish I can get one too!
FYP is finally done. I've submitted my hardcopy report to Prof Lee and the abstract through the library electronically. But it was a chore really, had to download the VPN to submit successfully. I supposed that's the end for my NTU life, as I walked through the south spine one of the last times on my way out today... Au revoir NTU et mes amies! Merci pour tout!
And announcement of 0.5 months bonus with $220 for civil servants! Hooray, but I think I will get peanuts again after pro-rating. Sianz. Hope my results come out soon, then I can fax to AMD asap and emplace me.
And I signed up to row for SDBF for NJ alumni. The club looks like in trouble and I hope a half-fit me can help. Actually kinda scared for the upcoming trainings - 25 mins slow run then 2 hrs sprint trainings. The last time I did these were in year 2. But I will try my best, as usual. Hope we can return to winning ways, if not perform respectably! C'mon we are NJ alumni! Everyone is a champion with so many extra db gold medals at home. We just need to ignite that innate potential to terrorize our opponents again! *ROAR*
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Moving back home
After 4 years on my own in NS and university, I am back home again.
It's supposed to be good that I have dinner prepared and laundry done, and no more chores like sweeping and cleaning my room, but seemed to lose something.
Lost an independence. My handphone actually starts ringing if I hang out later with my friends. *shrugz* Yup I know my mother is concerned about me, but I know how to take care of myself.
Lost a privacy. Need some personal space at times but there's no longer a place I can hole up alone anymore.
Lost some friends. Okie not exactly a loss, but used to be able to find people go for dinner and jogging by shouting out loud, but now everyone is apart.
Oh well, oh well. May be back to living out soon if I opt to stay-in for my ALOC. A money-saving option, given that all meals can be indented. We shall see.
It's supposed to be good that I have dinner prepared and laundry done, and no more chores like sweeping and cleaning my room, but seemed to lose something.
Lost an independence. My handphone actually starts ringing if I hang out later with my friends. *shrugz* Yup I know my mother is concerned about me, but I know how to take care of myself.
Lost a privacy. Need some personal space at times but there's no longer a place I can hole up alone anymore.
Lost some friends. Okie not exactly a loss, but used to be able to find people go for dinner and jogging by shouting out loud, but now everyone is apart.
Oh well, oh well. May be back to living out soon if I opt to stay-in for my ALOC. A money-saving option, given that all meals can be indented. We shall see.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Team Gathering at Pan Pac Hotel
What can a big group of guys and girls do in a 5-star hotel room?
Team gathering lah. Haha... Met up njcanoeists at the Pan Pacific thanks to organiser Shihui, though her info dissemination leaves much to be desired. An upscale chalet really, with "I have never..." and lotsa drinks to intoxicate our livers. Unhealthy, but we don't really care.
Really had fun, with old and new jokes infiltrating the room. Bunch of greats friends to have! Too bad it's mother's day today and I didn't want to stay.
Team gathering lah. Haha... Met up njcanoeists at the Pan Pacific thanks to organiser Shihui, though her info dissemination leaves much to be desired. An upscale chalet really, with "I have never..." and lotsa drinks to intoxicate our livers. Unhealthy, but we don't really care.
Really had fun, with old and new jokes infiltrating the room. Bunch of greats friends to have! Too bad it's mother's day today and I didn't want to stay.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
I don't need a voyeur!
I hope you are reading this, because I am going to articulate in no uncertain terms for my bust-up.
Please for goodness sake show respect for people's privacy. Of course people are curious and dun mind a little gossip every now and then, but if you keep doing it despite being warned, you are asking for it.
We have our own reasons to keep things under wraps, and I don't owe anyone any reason.
In concrete terms, these are what I hate:
1. Peeping into my phone when smsing.
I confronted you about it before. Your answer of "unintentional" is totally unacceptable, though at that time I did not want to pursue. It is basic courtesy not to look when people are smsing, or is it not obvious to you? It has to be intentional to notice clearly who the sender of the msg is and what I am writing.
2. Announcement to the whole grp BEHIND my back.
I am not rich nor famous, I don't need paparazzi. My privacy is totally intruded! Please!
3. Constant probing.
You may not realise it, but your msn messages are prying into our privacy. Move on, we are an open secret why ask the obvious and keep harping on it?
4. Jumping to conclusion
God knows what kinda conspiracy theories you weaved to Phil. We are not what you make us out to be. And if you are MAN enough, it's men's talk! Don't have to go back to bug her! And then there's Jo last time too. C'mon, we settle it b/w us!
I have been tolerant enough. I ignored, acted blur and swallowed these crap. But there is a limit to how much I can stomach. What happened is a culmination of all the above and not your perception that I am unhappy you two chatted. We are all mutual friends, and I certainly hope that we remain so.
Spare me all these nonsense, PLEASE!
Please for goodness sake show respect for people's privacy. Of course people are curious and dun mind a little gossip every now and then, but if you keep doing it despite being warned, you are asking for it.
We have our own reasons to keep things under wraps, and I don't owe anyone any reason.
In concrete terms, these are what I hate:
1. Peeping into my phone when smsing.
I confronted you about it before. Your answer of "unintentional" is totally unacceptable, though at that time I did not want to pursue. It is basic courtesy not to look when people are smsing, or is it not obvious to you? It has to be intentional to notice clearly who the sender of the msg is and what I am writing.
2. Announcement to the whole grp BEHIND my back.
I am not rich nor famous, I don't need paparazzi. My privacy is totally intruded! Please!
3. Constant probing.
You may not realise it, but your msn messages are prying into our privacy. Move on, we are an open secret why ask the obvious and keep harping on it?
4. Jumping to conclusion
God knows what kinda conspiracy theories you weaved to Phil. We are not what you make us out to be. And if you are MAN enough, it's men's talk! Don't have to go back to bug her! And then there's Jo last time too. C'mon, we settle it b/w us!
I have been tolerant enough. I ignored, acted blur and swallowed these crap. But there is a limit to how much I can stomach. What happened is a culmination of all the above and not your perception that I am unhappy you two chatted. We are all mutual friends, and I certainly hope that we remain so.
Spare me all these nonsense, PLEASE!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The weighty issue about SAF
I'm in danger of losing my performance bonus and promotion! Heard from the chief clerk at ALS-UC that failing to pass the BMI will have severe penalty!
Rumours say that the BMI passing mark will be lowered from the current 27 to 25 after the new CDF took over! After some calculation, I still need to cut 3 - 4 kg to pass my BMI... Haiz why why...
Actually BMI doesn't measure much. It doesn't account for pple with greater bone density, or people who are more muscular and hit the gym more often. Maybe SAF should consider using a combination of BMI and body fat percentage to determine the status of a serviceman's healthy weight.
Hey, I am not only defending myself okie! I am trying to speak in all fairness and as objectively as possible!
Rumours say that the BMI passing mark will be lowered from the current 27 to 25 after the new CDF took over! After some calculation, I still need to cut 3 - 4 kg to pass my BMI... Haiz why why...
Actually BMI doesn't measure much. It doesn't account for pple with greater bone density, or people who are more muscular and hit the gym more often. Maybe SAF should consider using a combination of BMI and body fat percentage to determine the status of a serviceman's healthy weight.
Hey, I am not only defending myself okie! I am trying to speak in all fairness and as objectively as possible!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
"Noise travel upwards....." What a joke!
Getai noise should be assessed objectively
by Richard Seah Siew Sai
Published on ST on 21 April
"In my earlier letter, I pointed out that there are objective and scientific ways of measuring sound levels, in terms of decibels. Why is getai noise assessed subjectively by police officers? Are these officers aware that noise travels upwards and what might sound acceptable at ground level is much louder on higher floors?"
Hahaha, I just can't help but start laughing when I read this paragraph. If this joker can prove that power increases with distance and height, he will win the next Nobel Prize! What a dumb comment, and ST Forum actually publishes such a lousy article!!
by Richard Seah Siew Sai
Published on ST on 21 April
"In my earlier letter, I pointed out that there are objective and scientific ways of measuring sound levels, in terms of decibels. Why is getai noise assessed subjectively by police officers? Are these officers aware that noise travels upwards and what might sound acceptable at ground level is much louder on higher floors?"
Hahaha, I just can't help but start laughing when I read this paragraph. If this joker can prove that power increases with distance and height, he will win the next Nobel Prize! What a dumb comment, and ST Forum actually publishes such a lousy article!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
A lazy student's dream...
I was talking to Kenneth yesterday. He is from our EEE batch, skipped IA went for IO and has already finished all his modules. Although I knew he was good, I didn't know he is THAT good - First Class honours, with 65% As.
As he was saying, maybe the fact that he is from the poly batch, went for overseas exchange, and hence taking lesser NTU modules helped him secured his first class more easily. I never thought about this point before, yah maybe, but still kudos to you dude!
Then I started calculating, and I don't have 65% As. Only 50% I think, and took a lot more common engine modules. I think I should be glad to get a 2nd upper...
I think I made things difficult for myself by getting involved in so many activities. The first two years were crazy from a student's point of view. Four times a week training, then was bizmag for hall, all these took up precious time. Sometimes I do wonder, will I be in a better position now if I had just put in some more efforts for my studies. Regret? Maybe.
I think scoring that few more As were within my grasp if I worked harder. Then maybe first class is not so elusive then.
On hindsight, I think I would be better off at NUS with their cap system. If one is consciously aware of maintaining their cap at 4.5, I will plan and study and make sure that I get that 4.5 in the end. Afterall, I consider myself quite systematic and methodological to carry out my plans.
Bleah, just moaning. And dreaming too! I think this semester has been really good, and I am hopeful of doing very well indeed. Will a last surge send me up a notch? Hmm cross my fingers and pray.
If if doesn't come true in the end, at least I left NTU with a minor in CS, fluency with French, knowledge of German, and a double IVP athlete.
As he was saying, maybe the fact that he is from the poly batch, went for overseas exchange, and hence taking lesser NTU modules helped him secured his first class more easily. I never thought about this point before, yah maybe, but still kudos to you dude!
Then I started calculating, and I don't have 65% As. Only 50% I think, and took a lot more common engine modules. I think I should be glad to get a 2nd upper...
I think I made things difficult for myself by getting involved in so many activities. The first two years were crazy from a student's point of view. Four times a week training, then was bizmag for hall, all these took up precious time. Sometimes I do wonder, will I be in a better position now if I had just put in some more efforts for my studies. Regret? Maybe.
I think scoring that few more As were within my grasp if I worked harder. Then maybe first class is not so elusive then.
On hindsight, I think I would be better off at NUS with their cap system. If one is consciously aware of maintaining their cap at 4.5, I will plan and study and make sure that I get that 4.5 in the end. Afterall, I consider myself quite systematic and methodological to carry out my plans.
Bleah, just moaning. And dreaming too! I think this semester has been really good, and I am hopeful of doing very well indeed. Will a last surge send me up a notch? Hmm cross my fingers and pray.
If if doesn't come true in the end, at least I left NTU with a minor in CS, fluency with French, knowledge of German, and a double IVP athlete.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I am bored
Today is my last technical paper in NTU - Digital Communications! By 3pm I will be FREE! Haha
Yup and I am very bored now. I don't think I am very good in this module, but I have done all the revisions, looked through the notes and tutorials and did a lot of past year papers! So if the profs come out with the routine questions, I should be able to do well.
That's the beauty of the Singaporean system isn't it? Not too smart, but practice make perfect. Yup I am officially quitting this system soon!! Haha, can't wait to graduate!
Yup and I am very bored now. I don't think I am very good in this module, but I have done all the revisions, looked through the notes and tutorials and did a lot of past year papers! So if the profs come out with the routine questions, I should be able to do well.
That's the beauty of the Singaporean system isn't it? Not too smart, but practice make perfect. Yup I am officially quitting this system soon!! Haha, can't wait to graduate!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Focus, it's the final lap!
In 15 days! That's the amount of time for me to finish my FINAL exam in NTU!
17 April:
HW310 - Prof Comm
EE4110 - Optical Comm System Design
18 April:
EE4839 - Fiber Optics Comm
19 April:
EE4152 Digital Comm
26 April:
LG80 - German 1
Yup actually the first 3 days are the most difficult, with all my technical subjects! German is pretty much in cruise control.
Final semester, a little nostalgic of school life actually, but at the same time looking forward to starting work. At least Ah Lee is going to give me a little pay rise after giving himself $0.6million more.
Surprisingly, I don't feel the stress this semester. Partly because I followed the courses very closely the whole while, started revision early, and simply because this semester is peanuts compared to the last when I had to labour through 8 modules!
I am actually done with all the theory and lecture notes, though some parts do require a little more attention. I think all that's left is to do the Singaporean ten-year-series method, work through the past year exam papers, need to be fast and accurate!
I need a target: 6As! I haven't been a bang these 4 years, but at least let the final burst be that big bang!
17 April:
HW310 - Prof Comm
EE4110 - Optical Comm System Design
18 April:
EE4839 - Fiber Optics Comm
19 April:
EE4152 Digital Comm
26 April:
LG80 - German 1
Yup actually the first 3 days are the most difficult, with all my technical subjects! German is pretty much in cruise control.
Final semester, a little nostalgic of school life actually, but at the same time looking forward to starting work. At least Ah Lee is going to give me a little pay rise after giving himself $0.6million more.
Surprisingly, I don't feel the stress this semester. Partly because I followed the courses very closely the whole while, started revision early, and simply because this semester is peanuts compared to the last when I had to labour through 8 modules!
I am actually done with all the theory and lecture notes, though some parts do require a little more attention. I think all that's left is to do the Singaporean ten-year-series method, work through the past year exam papers, need to be fast and accurate!
I need a target: 6As! I haven't been a bang these 4 years, but at least let the final burst be that big bang!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Need to do some critical thinking
The topic for today is - Ministerial Pay.
I googled and did a short research on the salary of some world leaders.
British PM: £127,334 + £60,277 as a Member of Parliament
US President: US$400 000
French President: 6 594 € per month ~ 80 000 € per year
Singaporean PM: $1.2M or there about
Anyway, I happened to find an explanation to this by the ministry of finance as well. Not very convincing in my opinion.
The formula currently pegs the salary of our ministers to the median of the top 8 earners from 6 professions. (FYI, the engineers are the worst paid group of the 6) As PM Lee recently pointed our, the ministerial salary should be $2.2M should the formula be applied stringently.
Honestly, I have no doubts about the capabilities of our leaders. We have to acknowledge that these men and women are able to command a salary in that range should they have decided to go into the private sector. The purpose of this salary peg is then to retain talent for the civil service to chart Singapore's growth.
Sounds pretty logical, except that the civil service is perhaps driven by different set of motivations. If money is the motivation, why be a politician? A top-rung insurance agent can also earn that amount of money, and I am pretty convinced that our ministers got great persuasive powers.
The civil service has an altruistic dimension, in improving the lives of people, in making this place a better home for all of us. All these are invaluable and can never carry a tangible price tag. Nobody would disagree about the importance of their excellent work, yet when a price has to be put on that, people shudders at the thought of top of the scale renumerations.
This is because the civil service is a not-for-profit organization. The performance of a politician cannot be measured solely on economic terms. Maybe a distant example, but the pay package of TT Durai should serve as a reminder of how people change their perception of renumeration for non-profit organisations' leaders.
Now, pegging the salary of the ministers against the top earners in the private sector is dangerous. Already, people question about the "ironness" of a civil servant's rice bowl. If this iron rice bowl is now gold-plated with the riches of the private world, would we be attracting the wrong kind of people into politics?
The earning potential in the private sector is probably unlimited, and their salaries can only get expectedly bigger. But the Government's budget is limited, and the general rate of salary increase of the taxpayers cannot surpass this elite group. Simply we will have a population which enjoys moderate income growth paying for the supersonic increase in ministerial pay. In this light, this formula is doomed to fail, and is made for creating stirs the day it was approved.
Strange enough, the notion of civil service pay increase seems focused on the top brass until now. It is as if that the work of the top hierarchy is all that matters! As the largest employer in Singapore, it is too easy to demean the work of all the other rank and file civil servants. If the leaders produce stellar results year in year out, doesn't that mean that he has a capable team under him. Then, shouldn't we peg their salaries to the top 48 earners in their domain too? Yet it is an open secret that civil servants' overall pay package tapers off and lags significantly behind their private counter parts.
I think the rhetoric is clear. If the entire structure of civil servants has to suffer from lower renumeration, why should it be any different for the ministerial leaders? In fact, anyone of a good calibre who works for the civil service can possibly get a better-paid and similar position out there in the private sector. The civil service is effective and efficient as a WHOLE, so stop differentiating the ministers as if they were superhuman beings!
I googled and did a short research on the salary of some world leaders.
British PM: £127,334 + £60,277 as a Member of Parliament
US President: US$400 000
French President: 6 594 € per month ~ 80 000 € per year
Singaporean PM: $1.2M or there about
Anyway, I happened to find an explanation to this by the ministry of finance as well. Not very convincing in my opinion.
The formula currently pegs the salary of our ministers to the median of the top 8 earners from 6 professions. (FYI, the engineers are the worst paid group of the 6) As PM Lee recently pointed our, the ministerial salary should be $2.2M should the formula be applied stringently.
Honestly, I have no doubts about the capabilities of our leaders. We have to acknowledge that these men and women are able to command a salary in that range should they have decided to go into the private sector. The purpose of this salary peg is then to retain talent for the civil service to chart Singapore's growth.
Sounds pretty logical, except that the civil service is perhaps driven by different set of motivations. If money is the motivation, why be a politician? A top-rung insurance agent can also earn that amount of money, and I am pretty convinced that our ministers got great persuasive powers.
The civil service has an altruistic dimension, in improving the lives of people, in making this place a better home for all of us. All these are invaluable and can never carry a tangible price tag. Nobody would disagree about the importance of their excellent work, yet when a price has to be put on that, people shudders at the thought of top of the scale renumerations.
This is because the civil service is a not-for-profit organization. The performance of a politician cannot be measured solely on economic terms. Maybe a distant example, but the pay package of TT Durai should serve as a reminder of how people change their perception of renumeration for non-profit organisations' leaders.
Now, pegging the salary of the ministers against the top earners in the private sector is dangerous. Already, people question about the "ironness" of a civil servant's rice bowl. If this iron rice bowl is now gold-plated with the riches of the private world, would we be attracting the wrong kind of people into politics?
The earning potential in the private sector is probably unlimited, and their salaries can only get expectedly bigger. But the Government's budget is limited, and the general rate of salary increase of the taxpayers cannot surpass this elite group. Simply we will have a population which enjoys moderate income growth paying for the supersonic increase in ministerial pay. In this light, this formula is doomed to fail, and is made for creating stirs the day it was approved.
Strange enough, the notion of civil service pay increase seems focused on the top brass until now. It is as if that the work of the top hierarchy is all that matters! As the largest employer in Singapore, it is too easy to demean the work of all the other rank and file civil servants. If the leaders produce stellar results year in year out, doesn't that mean that he has a capable team under him. Then, shouldn't we peg their salaries to the top 48 earners in their domain too? Yet it is an open secret that civil servants' overall pay package tapers off and lags significantly behind their private counter parts.
I think the rhetoric is clear. If the entire structure of civil servants has to suffer from lower renumeration, why should it be any different for the ministerial leaders? In fact, anyone of a good calibre who works for the civil service can possibly get a better-paid and similar position out there in the private sector. The civil service is effective and efficient as a WHOLE, so stop differentiating the ministers as if they were superhuman beings!
Been a long time...
I was typing lotsa long paragraphs everyday, but not for this blog, instead itz for my fyp report. Things are coming finally to an end soon, though prof lee just msned me that my report need to cut quite a bit, but neva elaborate. Shrugz.
Been so busy, hardly having time for myself. Couldn't join shihui and the rest at Wala yst night; haven't went to macritchie to run in quite a while, I think Derrick will struggle again the next time we meet up; no time to play mahjong and catch up with my jc mates.
Really can't wait for this sem to finish. With so little modules left, I actually feel quite comfortable and confident of doing fine. Little worried over my fyp grade though. Felt like I gave my best efforts actually. Am happy working with all the guys and girls, but it appears that some of them are nursing differences now. Hmm hope all's well in the end, been a good yr working with and knowing all of them, though things got too gossipy for my liking recently.
Okie just a casual entry to tell you im still alive and kicking! Bis dann!
Been so busy, hardly having time for myself. Couldn't join shihui and the rest at Wala yst night; haven't went to macritchie to run in quite a while, I think Derrick will struggle again the next time we meet up; no time to play mahjong and catch up with my jc mates.
Really can't wait for this sem to finish. With so little modules left, I actually feel quite comfortable and confident of doing fine. Little worried over my fyp grade though. Felt like I gave my best efforts actually. Am happy working with all the guys and girls, but it appears that some of them are nursing differences now. Hmm hope all's well in the end, been a good yr working with and knowing all of them, though things got too gossipy for my liking recently.
Okie just a casual entry to tell you im still alive and kicking! Bis dann!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Market Correction, Poorer, and More Determined to be CFA
There is a global stock market correction correction, triggered by falls in the Chinese market. From what I gather so far, it is regarded as a healthy correction for overbought markets for the last yr or so, with fundamentals still solid.
Another reason for the massive selling is the increase in interest rates by 0.25% by BOJ. With many hedge funds borrowing yen to buy, they are now selling their stocks to repay the yen loans. It is term "unwinding" of yen trade.
BUT, I am just regurgitating what I read elsewhere. I was a few hundred bucks richer last two weeks, but this healthy correction wiped out my small little profits from my single UT. But I am not losing sleep over it.
Seriously, this market correction makes me realize how ignorant I am, and I still dared to put money into UTs. It has strengthened my desire to pick up more financial skills and to earn the chartered financial analyst (CFA).
The CFA should serve as a useful qualification should i decide to switch career after my bond, and at the very least I will be able to make my money work harder for me.
Another reason for the massive selling is the increase in interest rates by 0.25% by BOJ. With many hedge funds borrowing yen to buy, they are now selling their stocks to repay the yen loans. It is term "unwinding" of yen trade.
BUT, I am just regurgitating what I read elsewhere. I was a few hundred bucks richer last two weeks, but this healthy correction wiped out my small little profits from my single UT. But I am not losing sleep over it.
Seriously, this market correction makes me realize how ignorant I am, and I still dared to put money into UTs. It has strengthened my desire to pick up more financial skills and to earn the chartered financial analyst (CFA).
The CFA should serve as a useful qualification should i decide to switch career after my bond, and at the very least I will be able to make my money work harder for me.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
My lunar birthday, and the end of term break...
Yup today is 元宵节, and it is my lunar birthday. Haha actually only my mother celebrate my Chinese birthday with me, and we had chilli crap and zi char at the kopitiam near my place. Simple fare and lotsa calories! :p
***
The term break is over in a wink. Not an especially productive semester break considering that most other people are busy writing their FYP reports.
***
Went to the career fair at Suntec over the wkend just to have a look around. Talk to some stat boards and companies and they all told me last yr's bonuses were good, between 4 - 7 months. Wow, so much more than the 2.2 months that the civil servants received!
The only consolation was that it was headline news on ST saturday edition that ministerial and civil servants' pay will rise this year. Looking forward to an increase in starting pay, coupled with a increase in CPF rates to 14.5%, I think it is not too bad a year to start working. =)
***
Been entertaining myself watching youtube and crunchyroll lately. Trying to make use of my increased bandwidth with Maxonline subscription. Haha. In the process of watching this Korean drama called "Wedding" starring Jang Nara. Not bad, simple and touching romance with lotsa twists. Been catching Hana Kimi too on youtube before it started airing on Ch U recently.
***
The term break is over in a wink. Not an especially productive semester break considering that most other people are busy writing their FYP reports.
***
Went to the career fair at Suntec over the wkend just to have a look around. Talk to some stat boards and companies and they all told me last yr's bonuses were good, between 4 - 7 months. Wow, so much more than the 2.2 months that the civil servants received!
The only consolation was that it was headline news on ST saturday edition that ministerial and civil servants' pay will rise this year. Looking forward to an increase in starting pay, coupled with a increase in CPF rates to 14.5%, I think it is not too bad a year to start working. =)
***
Been entertaining myself watching youtube and crunchyroll lately. Trying to make use of my increased bandwidth with Maxonline subscription. Haha. In the process of watching this Korean drama called "Wedding" starring Jang Nara. Not bad, simple and touching romance with lotsa twists. Been catching Hana Kimi too on youtube before it started airing on Ch U recently.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Inflationary pressures at work, long before the GST hike set in
It is normal for hawkers to raise their prices during the CNY holidays because they work throughout this festive period to serve up food, but this year, they aren't reverting back to the pre-CNY prices. The increase is permanent!
Although the GST hike to 7% will not be effected in another few months' time, the hawkers at the market at my place have already taken the liberty to raise their prices. The vegetarian bee hoon was $1.50, now itz $2; lor mee and laksa was $2, now itz $2.50.
Erm, now my GST offset package can't pay for 7 years of increased GST because the absolute cost of living has risen!
And an article in ST today says "inflation surprising tame in January." Try doing the same report for Feb after the concrete announcement by Lee.
Actually, I dun even know why am I writing this. Can't really blame the merchants since itz a legitimate one-time excuse to increase prices across the board thanks to the govt angbao. Just grumbling.
Now I've lost the last $1.50 bee hoon I know of. =|
Although the GST hike to 7% will not be effected in another few months' time, the hawkers at the market at my place have already taken the liberty to raise their prices. The vegetarian bee hoon was $1.50, now itz $2; lor mee and laksa was $2, now itz $2.50.
Erm, now my GST offset package can't pay for 7 years of increased GST because the absolute cost of living has risen!
And an article in ST today says "inflation surprising tame in January." Try doing the same report for Feb after the concrete announcement by Lee.
Actually, I dun even know why am I writing this. Can't really blame the merchants since itz a legitimate one-time excuse to increase prices across the board thanks to the govt angbao. Just grumbling.
Now I've lost the last $1.50 bee hoon I know of. =|
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thanks for all who remembered!
Thanks to all who remembered my birthday! And greatest gratitude to Tianqi and Phil for your beautiful presents and dinner! Dinner at the new marché at vivocity was excellent!
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
GST offset package, is the net casted too wide?
My initial reaction to the GST offset package announced in the 2007 Budget was flat. 4 annual installments of $200 (for me) to offset the two percent hike in GST, nothing unexpected really, except maybe many of us thought it would be a lump sum.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tianqi's Tiramisu
Thanks Tianqi for the tiramisu. I was (un)fortunate enough to be among the first ones to try Tianqi's first attempt at making tiramisu! Haha, but it was seriously not too bad tasting, though the looks of the tiramisu can be improved greatly! =)
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Back for good
It's confirmed, I've gotta give RSAF a back for good reply before the end of February to indicate when I will return to report for work.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Friday, February 09, 2007
사랑인가요?
언제였던건지 기억나지 않아
자꾸 내 머리가 너로 어지럽던 시작
한두번씩 떠오르던 생각
자꾸 늘어가서 조금 당황스러원 이 마음
별일이 아닐 수 있다고 사소한 마음이라고
내가 네게 자꾸 말을 하는게 어색한걸
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
지금 내 마음을 설명하려 해도
니가 내가 되어 맘을 느끼는 방법 뿐인데
이미 난 니안에 있는 걸
내 안에 니가 있듯이
우린 서로에게 이미 길들여진지 몰라
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
생각해보면 많은 순간속에
얼마나 많은 설레임 있었는지
조금 늦은 그 만큼 난 더 잘해줄게요
함께 할게요 추억이 될 기억만 선물할께요
다신 내곁에서 떠나지 마요
짧은 순간조차도 불안한 걸요
내게 머물러 줘요
그댈 이렇게 많이(그토록많이)
사랑하고 있어요( 그대여야만) 이미-
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Why am I loitering in school?
This is my last semester in NTU, and final year undergrads should be very busy at this time of the year with their final year projects.
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Asean Football Champions 2007!
Congrats to the Lions for defending the Asean Football Championships! And to Alam Shah for winning the Golden Boot and MVP!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Bon Weekend!
Had a good weekend!
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Friday, February 02, 2007
New tops! And counterfeit BUM shoes!
Haha I know I shouldn't announce that I bought fake BUM shoes, but I am just too amused.
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
For my dear FYP horn antennas!
Yup, after troubling me for a few weeks about how to mount the horn antennas, I finally found an invention called speaker brackets that allow for the varying of vertical orientation! Yay! But quite expensive, $23 for 2 at Home Fix shop at Ikea.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
2-1 Win for the Lions, A Dubious Penalty and Poor Sportmanship from the Thais
A highly questionable penalty awarded in the 83rd min by the referee and converted by Singapore in the 95th minute capped a 2-1 win for the Lions and brought out the worst in sportsmanship from the men from the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
In the end, the scrappy nature of the match did not matter, the poor technical skills and quality of play did not matter, but the manner in which the Thais treated the Malaysian referee with disrespect regarding his award of the penalty makes me feel ashamed.
For a moment, the Thais threatened to walked off the game which would have surely sparked serious FIFA sanctions and the game will be awarded 3-0 to Singapore by default. There may not even be a need for the second leg if disciplinary actions are taken against the Thais.
I am sure all these thoughts must have ran thru the mind of the Thai team manager who appeared the most prepared to carry on with the game when the situation on the field was farcical. Shame, shame.
All the fans want is a good game of football played with passion, commitment and reasonable entertainment. As the final of the Asean Football Championships, the two teams on display are supposed to be the finest two nations and should focus only on performing their best on the field to repay the supporters. Sadly, Thailand seemed uninterested.
In football, as in life, not all is fair. Try telling me the Hand of God from Maradona is fair, or the failure to mention Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup 2006 final referee report is fair. It's just not fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and in a way that is what makes football more exciting, creates talking points because there are always human errors. Try to translate it to Thai and tell the lads out there?
Now, nothing less than a triumph for Singapore over this two-legged final is enough to preventing the coronation of an undeserved champion that lacks the appreciation for the beautiful game.
Singapore may be technically less gifted, plays uglier long balls, but in them I see the fire, the passion, and the DISCIPLINE.
*ROaR*
In the end, the scrappy nature of the match did not matter, the poor technical skills and quality of play did not matter, but the manner in which the Thais treated the Malaysian referee with disrespect regarding his award of the penalty makes me feel ashamed.
For a moment, the Thais threatened to walked off the game which would have surely sparked serious FIFA sanctions and the game will be awarded 3-0 to Singapore by default. There may not even be a need for the second leg if disciplinary actions are taken against the Thais.
I am sure all these thoughts must have ran thru the mind of the Thai team manager who appeared the most prepared to carry on with the game when the situation on the field was farcical. Shame, shame.
All the fans want is a good game of football played with passion, commitment and reasonable entertainment. As the final of the Asean Football Championships, the two teams on display are supposed to be the finest two nations and should focus only on performing their best on the field to repay the supporters. Sadly, Thailand seemed uninterested.
In football, as in life, not all is fair. Try telling me the Hand of God from Maradona is fair, or the failure to mention Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup 2006 final referee report is fair. It's just not fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and in a way that is what makes football more exciting, creates talking points because there are always human errors. Try to translate it to Thai and tell the lads out there?
Now, nothing less than a triumph for Singapore over this two-legged final is enough to preventing the coronation of an undeserved champion that lacks the appreciation for the beautiful game.
Singapore may be technically less gifted, plays uglier long balls, but in them I see the fire, the passion, and the DISCIPLINE.
*ROaR*
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Not the usual class gathering
Attended Aaron's wake this evening held at the void deck of his flat in Jurong West.
***
The circumstances around his passing away are still a mystery, but I was glad to hear that he did not suffer from physical injuries and his valuables were intact when they found him. It is already a great relief as I feared something worse. At the wake, his cousin explained the results of their own investigations in Manchester and it was similarly inconclusive. According to Duanli, Aaron's mother and his brothers are not going to dwell any longer too.
I am glad that I managed to tell all present about the great hospitality Aaron offered me and helped illustrated his selflessness and helpfulness. I will remember Aaron fondly for his assistance and my greatest gratitude.
My deepest condolences to Aaron's family. Take lotsa care.
***
The wake was an unusual setting for the gathering of 2B. It is exactly ten years since we stepped in Chinese High as innocent 12 yr olds. The faces are familiar, but they all seem so distant in my memory. Everyone's grown up, some changed but most still are the same.
I was moody most of the time, and only managed to catch up with Shihao more. For the rest, I don't have the energy to initiate conversations and lied low. The slide show of Aaron's photos was too much for me and I couldn't help letting the tears roll down.
As a tribute to Aaron Kok, Duanli will be organizing a soccer match for our class and I look forward to seeing all of them again in a different setting.
Well, at least old friends met up and itz heartening to see everyone come together in a time like this. It is the last bit we can do to send Aaron off.
***
The circumstances around his passing away are still a mystery, but I was glad to hear that he did not suffer from physical injuries and his valuables were intact when they found him. It is already a great relief as I feared something worse. At the wake, his cousin explained the results of their own investigations in Manchester and it was similarly inconclusive. According to Duanli, Aaron's mother and his brothers are not going to dwell any longer too.
I am glad that I managed to tell all present about the great hospitality Aaron offered me and helped illustrated his selflessness and helpfulness. I will remember Aaron fondly for his assistance and my greatest gratitude.
My deepest condolences to Aaron's family. Take lotsa care.
***
The wake was an unusual setting for the gathering of 2B. It is exactly ten years since we stepped in Chinese High as innocent 12 yr olds. The faces are familiar, but they all seem so distant in my memory. Everyone's grown up, some changed but most still are the same.
I was moody most of the time, and only managed to catch up with Shihao more. For the rest, I don't have the energy to initiate conversations and lied low. The slide show of Aaron's photos was too much for me and I couldn't help letting the tears roll down.
As a tribute to Aaron Kok, Duanli will be organizing a soccer match for our class and I look forward to seeing all of them again in a different setting.
Well, at least old friends met up and itz heartening to see everyone come together in a time like this. It is the last bit we can do to send Aaron off.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
无可救药
暗恋是一种礼貌
暗地里盖一座城堡
然后再当你的警卫跑腿和小猫
随时你要我重关电脑
随时你要我随传随到
买面包鸡排和水饺
你每次对着我笑
你的笑里面有毒药
我看着你出了神还丢掉了解药
可能你从来没感觉到
最好你永远感觉不到
爱上你越来越无可救药
一天一天越来越无可救药
一生一次爱你到无可救药
我才慢慢体会到
幸福是被爱的人需要
一天一天越来越无可救药
一生一次爱你到无可救药
我才狠狠决定要
就爱吧就唱吧就不逃
Overdoing it
When you do more than you are supposed to, the results may not always be positive.
Maybe it didn't matter at all, because all along that idea was already mooted. But I actually gave her a push and did myself a disservice. Yet, I am in no position to influence her decision and the eventual outcome. Felt stupid about it, why am I so foolish?
Things are getting on very well indeed. So well that I feel jealous. Haha over some peanuts but nevertheless I haven't felt that kinda weird feeling for very long. I think she opened my heart, and I am back to a goofy old self who spares nothing to see her smile. Somehow, I think I got the key to hers as well.
But I am stuttering because I dunno if I want to open her heart, not sure if I can give her happiness and am afraid of getting hurt. I don't wanna make a mistake. I am taking a long time to test water, keep asking myself questions and to be very clear about what I am looking for.
But the prospects of going on a grad trip together seems bleak now, all thanks to my over-enthusiasm in part. I am torn. On one hand I would love to wish her good luck and pursue her AIESEC internship, but on the other I wish she would stay. But I know I shouldn't be selfish. I would want that opportunity if we swopped positions.
*****
Anyway I dropped some hints yst and the signs were encouraging. Haha. I hope it will blossom in the end, really.
Maybe it didn't matter at all, because all along that idea was already mooted. But I actually gave her a push and did myself a disservice. Yet, I am in no position to influence her decision and the eventual outcome. Felt stupid about it, why am I so foolish?
Things are getting on very well indeed. So well that I feel jealous. Haha over some peanuts but nevertheless I haven't felt that kinda weird feeling for very long. I think she opened my heart, and I am back to a goofy old self who spares nothing to see her smile. Somehow, I think I got the key to hers as well.
But I am stuttering because I dunno if I want to open her heart, not sure if I can give her happiness and am afraid of getting hurt. I don't wanna make a mistake. I am taking a long time to test water, keep asking myself questions and to be very clear about what I am looking for.
But the prospects of going on a grad trip together seems bleak now, all thanks to my over-enthusiasm in part. I am torn. On one hand I would love to wish her good luck and pursue her AIESEC internship, but on the other I wish she would stay. But I know I shouldn't be selfish. I would want that opportunity if we swopped positions.
*****
Anyway I dropped some hints yst and the signs were encouraging. Haha. I hope it will blossom in the end, really.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Dollars and Sense of Citizenship
There is a same-titled article on today's Straits Times, but I haven't read it. The diagram shows the dollar value benefits of being a Singaporean family - $190 628, of which $132 000 are results of property appreciation.
I feel ashamed to even start reading it. Excuse me, is that what the Singaporean citizenship is all about?
Believe it or not, my idea of citizenship stems from a lousy American movie called Starship Troopers. One can only become a citizen by signing up to protect Earth from alien bugs. Those who don't are known as civilians.
In Singapore, it is almost the same scenario. All males serve 2 years of national service either with the armed forces, the police, or the civil defence force. I think national service is really the fabric that binds all Singaporeans together, when we pledged to defend this 660 sq km with our lives. Two years of sweat and blood, and sometimes the loss of lives due to accidents, mean something.
It is really not about a question of monetary benefits of being a citizen. I think the ST really got it all wrong.
When this famous ex-Singaporean pianist (whatever his name) was fined a few thousands dollars for evading NS, there was outcry over the peanuts fine, but deeper down, I believe Singaporeans are protesting because this chap has failed to fulfill his duties as a citizen then. He has to cheek to come back to Singapore to visit his old parents he deserted all this time, when thousands others before and after him trained hard everyday he was pursuing his dreams in UK.
"Do I not have a dream to pursue, but have to put it on hold first to protect his parents?"
I know I am not very balanced writing this entry, not the way GP has taught me. But NS is important for the sovereignty of Singapore. It is a matter of survival and I am not about to take a buffered approach.
Not when leaders of our neighbours use Singapore as a dartboard when things are not going right in their backyard. Singapore-bashing is prevalent in election years in Malaysia, and Dr M talked about skinning a cat (and Singapore). Do you still remember the half-blind Indonesian president Wahid calling us the little red dot and the way the Thai junta govt is treating Singapore now after Thaksin's visit recently.
Thaksin was in Bali and met an Indonesian minister and Thailand made no noise. Admittedly, the DPM Jayakumar maybe shouldn't have hosted Thaksin, but the difference in reactions to Indonesia and Singapore cannot be more polarized and unfair.
That's why we need to give our diplomats a big stick, we need SAF to be a strong deterrent, and we must be able to move in and win swiftly, because Singapore cannot afford a long war. That's why Singaporeans serve NS, and that's the value of citizenship.
It is not the few hundred dollars less we pay at university every year that makes citizenship valuable!
I feel ashamed to even start reading it. Excuse me, is that what the Singaporean citizenship is all about?
Believe it or not, my idea of citizenship stems from a lousy American movie called Starship Troopers. One can only become a citizen by signing up to protect Earth from alien bugs. Those who don't are known as civilians.
In Singapore, it is almost the same scenario. All males serve 2 years of national service either with the armed forces, the police, or the civil defence force. I think national service is really the fabric that binds all Singaporeans together, when we pledged to defend this 660 sq km with our lives. Two years of sweat and blood, and sometimes the loss of lives due to accidents, mean something.
It is really not about a question of monetary benefits of being a citizen. I think the ST really got it all wrong.
When this famous ex-Singaporean pianist (whatever his name) was fined a few thousands dollars for evading NS, there was outcry over the peanuts fine, but deeper down, I believe Singaporeans are protesting because this chap has failed to fulfill his duties as a citizen then. He has to cheek to come back to Singapore to visit his old parents he deserted all this time, when thousands others before and after him trained hard everyday he was pursuing his dreams in UK.
"Do I not have a dream to pursue, but have to put it on hold first to protect his parents?"
I know I am not very balanced writing this entry, not the way GP has taught me. But NS is important for the sovereignty of Singapore. It is a matter of survival and I am not about to take a buffered approach.
Not when leaders of our neighbours use Singapore as a dartboard when things are not going right in their backyard. Singapore-bashing is prevalent in election years in Malaysia, and Dr M talked about skinning a cat (and Singapore). Do you still remember the half-blind Indonesian president Wahid calling us the little red dot and the way the Thai junta govt is treating Singapore now after Thaksin's visit recently.
Thaksin was in Bali and met an Indonesian minister and Thailand made no noise. Admittedly, the DPM Jayakumar maybe shouldn't have hosted Thaksin, but the difference in reactions to Indonesia and Singapore cannot be more polarized and unfair.
That's why we need to give our diplomats a big stick, we need SAF to be a strong deterrent, and we must be able to move in and win swiftly, because Singapore cannot afford a long war. That's why Singaporeans serve NS, and that's the value of citizenship.
It is not the few hundred dollars less we pay at university every year that makes citizenship valuable!
Friday, January 19, 2007
L.I.F.E.
I am still shell-shocked by the loss of my friend.
To all, please value your life and think about the pain you would give to the people who love you if you go so abruptly. Be a responsible son, daughter and friend. Everything can be sorted out.
Talk to someone you can trust, or just anyone. Talk to ME. I got a strong mind to help u reason out whatever vulnerabilities you have, I promise.
To all, please value your life and think about the pain you would give to the people who love you if you go so abruptly. Be a responsible son, daughter and friend. Everything can be sorted out.
Talk to someone you can trust, or just anyone. Talk to ME. I got a strong mind to help u reason out whatever vulnerabilities you have, I promise.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
To Aaron, I miss you and Sorry
I can't even begin to write this, but I will finish in memory of one true friend - Aaron Kok Jun Fa.
I am really sorry that I am such a lousy friend, I hate myself, pls forgive me.
Aaron, you were such a bright kid in class, but you never had airs. The humble, easy-going, even reserved you was bullied by me, targeted you in a silly childish game. You knew I was just playful.
It was years later when I thought of you, not only to meet up, but also to seek accommodation in Manchester. I feel despicable, I am sorry Aaron. I am sorry that I caused you so much troubles, brought so many strangers, and you had to cook us dinner and breakfast. I am thankful that after so many year, you still treated me like a brother and never winked to receive and send us off. I am sorry that all I could give you was a postcard of gratitude after so much. I am sorry we promised to meet back in Singapore but we haven't until now. I suck. Why am I such a selfish bastard.
I am such a lousy friend. All the multiply invites you sent me, I never accepted. All the while you were on MSN, I did not say hi. All these time you were missing, I don't even know. Just how bad am I as a friend?
I know nothing, NOTHING until Shihao called me today. I feel ashamed of myself really. It is hurting me so much that I can only talk about you in the past, in a past when I did not treasure you, my friend. Pls TAKE CARE wherever you may be now.
I am really sorry that I am such a lousy friend, I hate myself, pls forgive me.
Aaron, you were such a bright kid in class, but you never had airs. The humble, easy-going, even reserved you was bullied by me, targeted you in a silly childish game. You knew I was just playful.
It was years later when I thought of you, not only to meet up, but also to seek accommodation in Manchester. I feel despicable, I am sorry Aaron. I am sorry that I caused you so much troubles, brought so many strangers, and you had to cook us dinner and breakfast. I am thankful that after so many year, you still treated me like a brother and never winked to receive and send us off. I am sorry that all I could give you was a postcard of gratitude after so much. I am sorry we promised to meet back in Singapore but we haven't until now. I suck. Why am I such a selfish bastard.
I am such a lousy friend. All the multiply invites you sent me, I never accepted. All the while you were on MSN, I did not say hi. All these time you were missing, I don't even know. Just how bad am I as a friend?
I know nothing, NOTHING until Shihao called me today. I feel ashamed of myself really. It is hurting me so much that I can only talk about you in the past, in a past when I did not treasure you, my friend. Pls TAKE CARE wherever you may be now.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
About Life, Material and Singapore
Our FYP group had a drink yst night at Villa Bali. It was a different setting to meet, especially with Prof Lee and unusual topics emerged, the most fiery one about LIFE.
Married with to an Austrian, schooled in England, Prof Lee is almost un-Singaporean in her approach to life. In starking contrast to Singaporeans' pursuit of material comfort, she professed a life revolving about personal satisfaction, care for family, time for social interactions, quality of time, and perhaps in a nutshell - FREEDOM.
So entrenched she is in her beliefs, she is ready to give up her social status, her luxuries, her job in exchange for a fulfilling family life, to care about people around as long as she has any job (McDonald's, road sweeper, whichever) that pays enough for her survival needs.
Idealistic.
Our discussion was open, honest and bitterly at odds.
I wasn't born with a silver spoon, not even middle-class comfort. Life is tough, as I used to watch my parents toiled nights away serving up hawker fares. Income was decent, but hardly affluent. There were things I wanted but never asked for, because I know it wouldn't help our cause, except maybe fulfill a little self-gratification with a playstation or gameboy. I didn't own one.
I learn to find my own ways around. $200 a month at Chinese High was paid for by a MOE award, my tertiary education is now sponsored by SAF, and the French exchange I went last year was fully funded by DUO and my study award. I haven't taken a cent from my parents since enlistment.
Going back to a bigger picture, all the good things that I enjoyed are associated with a dollar value, as much as one dislikes such connotations. The meritocratic Singaporean society is at the same time highly material-driven. The ability to succeed bears a high correlation with the amount of resources one has, very unfortunately.
Prof Lee asked, "Do you mind working as road sweeper, work 8 - 5 and enjoy quality time with your family?"
Of course I mind.
I have a bigger purpose in life. And how much quality time can a road sweeper enjoy with his family, if he has to worry about his utilities bill next month, going thru his accounts to squeeze extra money for his kids' tuitions, swimming classes and other curricular activities like piano and violin, if I even dare say. It's about PROVIDING for the family.
Mind you, I am not talking about the 5C's. This is about giving your loved ones the freedom to pursue and develop their interests without reservations and monetary concerns. Do I wish I know how to play the piano? Yes, I do. But I have no qualms because I know a piano meant half a year's expenses, plus taking up valuable space in my already cramped HDB apartment == $.
I hate to be this materialistic actually. But the Singaporean society has schooled us to be so. Moulding our people in another way other than who we are now may mean that we may possibly still be languishing in economic backwaters with our developing neighbours. Linking the value of life to money is probably the only way Singaporeans know how to live, and it is SAD.
I am in total agreement with Prof Lee regarding the importance of quality personal time, and living the value of life in exploring your interests. But all these to be achieved with a disregard to pragmatic responsibilities and circumstances - to take a leave when workload are sky high, to be at home for dinner in place of an important meeting...
In a certain way, I suspect Prof Lee never had it tough all life. These talks of freedom are made atop from her ivory towers of a doctorate in hand, a landed property home, a foreign hubby, a reasonable passbook and the ability to pay a car in full, among others. Meanwhile, try asking any McDonald auntie or roadsweeper uncle if they want to remain that way until the day their coffins are nailed.
I do agree with her.
Life is not about materialism. We should live our life with passion, doing the things we like, enjoying it to the fullest and without regrets. In fact she is right, the chase for material wealth and the ability to lead a meaningful life will contradict at some point in time.
But you see, everything in this society, maybe lesser so in welfare societies, is marked with a price tag. We all have to attain that level of living before we can start all the talks about dreams and passion.
The problem of materialism in Singapore is social-bound, is cultural-bound, and it is definitely not because Singaporean guys are childish. This is one point I must refute when Prof Lee commented on why her local relationships did not work out. True, many don't enjoy the finer points in life - the classicals, the operas, the dives, the skis, even the picnics, the suntans, the strolls in the parks. But honestly, what about the Singaporean ladies?
It is a Singaporean dilemma in essence.
The discussion is thought-provoking, meaningful, and makes me sit back and think about what life I want. I haven't changed one bit though, because I appreciate the things Prof Lee appreciate in life as well, though the approaches are different. Let's leave it that way with mutual respect for each other's beliefs and agree to disagree.
Married with to an Austrian, schooled in England, Prof Lee is almost un-Singaporean in her approach to life. In starking contrast to Singaporeans' pursuit of material comfort, she professed a life revolving about personal satisfaction, care for family, time for social interactions, quality of time, and perhaps in a nutshell - FREEDOM.
So entrenched she is in her beliefs, she is ready to give up her social status, her luxuries, her job in exchange for a fulfilling family life, to care about people around as long as she has any job (McDonald's, road sweeper, whichever) that pays enough for her survival needs.
Idealistic.
Our discussion was open, honest and bitterly at odds.
I wasn't born with a silver spoon, not even middle-class comfort. Life is tough, as I used to watch my parents toiled nights away serving up hawker fares. Income was decent, but hardly affluent. There were things I wanted but never asked for, because I know it wouldn't help our cause, except maybe fulfill a little self-gratification with a playstation or gameboy. I didn't own one.
I learn to find my own ways around. $200 a month at Chinese High was paid for by a MOE award, my tertiary education is now sponsored by SAF, and the French exchange I went last year was fully funded by DUO and my study award. I haven't taken a cent from my parents since enlistment.
Going back to a bigger picture, all the good things that I enjoyed are associated with a dollar value, as much as one dislikes such connotations. The meritocratic Singaporean society is at the same time highly material-driven. The ability to succeed bears a high correlation with the amount of resources one has, very unfortunately.
Prof Lee asked, "Do you mind working as road sweeper, work 8 - 5 and enjoy quality time with your family?"
Of course I mind.
I have a bigger purpose in life. And how much quality time can a road sweeper enjoy with his family, if he has to worry about his utilities bill next month, going thru his accounts to squeeze extra money for his kids' tuitions, swimming classes and other curricular activities like piano and violin, if I even dare say. It's about PROVIDING for the family.
Mind you, I am not talking about the 5C's. This is about giving your loved ones the freedom to pursue and develop their interests without reservations and monetary concerns. Do I wish I know how to play the piano? Yes, I do. But I have no qualms because I know a piano meant half a year's expenses, plus taking up valuable space in my already cramped HDB apartment == $.
I hate to be this materialistic actually. But the Singaporean society has schooled us to be so. Moulding our people in another way other than who we are now may mean that we may possibly still be languishing in economic backwaters with our developing neighbours. Linking the value of life to money is probably the only way Singaporeans know how to live, and it is SAD.
I am in total agreement with Prof Lee regarding the importance of quality personal time, and living the value of life in exploring your interests. But all these to be achieved with a disregard to pragmatic responsibilities and circumstances - to take a leave when workload are sky high, to be at home for dinner in place of an important meeting...
In a certain way, I suspect Prof Lee never had it tough all life. These talks of freedom are made atop from her ivory towers of a doctorate in hand, a landed property home, a foreign hubby, a reasonable passbook and the ability to pay a car in full, among others. Meanwhile, try asking any McDonald auntie or roadsweeper uncle if they want to remain that way until the day their coffins are nailed.
I do agree with her.
Life is not about materialism. We should live our life with passion, doing the things we like, enjoying it to the fullest and without regrets. In fact she is right, the chase for material wealth and the ability to lead a meaningful life will contradict at some point in time.
But you see, everything in this society, maybe lesser so in welfare societies, is marked with a price tag. We all have to attain that level of living before we can start all the talks about dreams and passion.
The problem of materialism in Singapore is social-bound, is cultural-bound, and it is definitely not because Singaporean guys are childish. This is one point I must refute when Prof Lee commented on why her local relationships did not work out. True, many don't enjoy the finer points in life - the classicals, the operas, the dives, the skis, even the picnics, the suntans, the strolls in the parks. But honestly, what about the Singaporean ladies?
It is a Singaporean dilemma in essence.
The discussion is thought-provoking, meaningful, and makes me sit back and think about what life I want. I haven't changed one bit though, because I appreciate the things Prof Lee appreciate in life as well, though the approaches are different. Let's leave it that way with mutual respect for each other's beliefs and agree to disagree.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Last Semester!!
Yeah I am back! Last semester, so fast! Feeling excited and raring to go again! (I'm so sure I will be cursing come April when exams come around)
Not allocated the GEs I placed on the waitlist, even though there are still plenty of vacancies for German I and Basic Media Writing. I guessed I will just stick to the easier LG80 this sem, after all should be a good revision to strengthen my German basics.
Had a small episode at the undergrad office when I was submitting my appeal form to overload GE. The lady claimed I have to submit the "subjects registered" in STARS, while I printed out my timetable from STARS planner. On the form, it asked for confirmed timetable. Anyway I refused to budge because iHub and CITS are damn crowded and it will take another 15 mins to find a terminal, send print job, release and go back to re-submit. She took it after lotsa grouses, but I don't really care.
Anyway, this appeal for overload of GEs is a complete waste of time and resources. More paperwork for the students and staff alike, what for? By all means give those who haven't finished their GE requirements the priority when balloting, but for god's sake just let people like me who got nothing better to do to add/drop GEs with remaining vacancies after all the others got theirs on waitlist.
Sometimes I wonder why. NTU - Global University of Excellence, third class administration who looks for trouble themselves.
Not allocated the GEs I placed on the waitlist, even though there are still plenty of vacancies for German I and Basic Media Writing. I guessed I will just stick to the easier LG80 this sem, after all should be a good revision to strengthen my German basics.
Had a small episode at the undergrad office when I was submitting my appeal form to overload GE. The lady claimed I have to submit the "subjects registered" in STARS, while I printed out my timetable from STARS planner. On the form, it asked for confirmed timetable. Anyway I refused to budge because iHub and CITS are damn crowded and it will take another 15 mins to find a terminal, send print job, release and go back to re-submit. She took it after lotsa grouses, but I don't really care.
Anyway, this appeal for overload of GEs is a complete waste of time and resources. More paperwork for the students and staff alike, what for? By all means give those who haven't finished their GE requirements the priority when balloting, but for god's sake just let people like me who got nothing better to do to add/drop GEs with remaining vacancies after all the others got theirs on waitlist.
Sometimes I wonder why. NTU - Global University of Excellence, third class administration who looks for trouble themselves.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My previous life...
You could have been a famous Political FigureWhether you were ruling the Roman Empire or shaking up the 18th century, you're sure to be making waves in any era you're in. Driven and focused, you want to make a difference and help people. If it gets you into the history books, even better!
Ambitious and motivated, you've got your eye on the prize and aren't afraid to go after what you want. You'd love to shake things up and make waves in the world. A little fame thrown in there wouldn't hurt either. So, keep chasing your goals. You're sure to go far in this life — and the next ones!
Who Were You in a Past Life?
Brought to you by Tickle
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Tu as un petit jardin pour moi?
Je t'ai jamais considerée,
Jamais une fleur pour toi.
Comme un aveugle en te passant,
C'est vachement fou c'est moi.
Si chaque fois tu les considères,
Peu à peu, un jardin se révèle.
J'ai simplement besoin de petit espace,
Pour une fois on s'embrassera.
C'est un poème à toi j'ecris,
A toi je sincèrement donne.
Une langue si romantique je venais d'apprendre,
L'amour si pur caché maintenant.
J'ai aucune idée comment te dire,
J'espère que la même chose on se sent.
Tout ce que je demande de toi c'est ça,
Un petit jardin pour moi.
Jamais une fleur pour toi.
Comme un aveugle en te passant,
C'est vachement fou c'est moi.
Si chaque fois tu les considères,
Peu à peu, un jardin se révèle.
J'ai simplement besoin de petit espace,
Pour une fois on s'embrassera.
C'est un poème à toi j'ecris,
A toi je sincèrement donne.
Une langue si romantique je venais d'apprendre,
L'amour si pur caché maintenant.
J'ai aucune idée comment te dire,
J'espère que la même chose on se sent.
Tout ce que je demande de toi c'est ça,
Un petit jardin pour moi.
Act cute
At John's place for new yr celebration when Andrew and I decided to tie up our hair. Looks pretty cute... Lol
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Crap
I am looking, I think.
Been talking a lot of crap with Jasman, my fyp mate, about all these girls and relationships issues. Not that they are anything serious, but two single males like us tend to allow our conversations online to veer innocuously to such topics. Talked to Zhihao and Jinhui over our last jc class gathering too, and they all can't seem to agree with me.
Haha, tell me if I'm weird.
I have been professing my reluctance to woo girls to people around me. Reason being - I hate to allow a relationship to commence on the wrong footing that I am the one who wants her and thus rendering myself vulnerable. Or maybe itz pride, I may not be able to take a rejection well. Lol.
Can't a couple come together naturally after developing a mutual affinity? Why all these crap about courtship? Haha my guy frenz think either I am nuts or I am too idealistic. They claim the privilege of going after girls means one has the choice of partners, while girls usually only are able to give hints subtly and may not end up with the guy they like. Oh well...
***
I am actually more open to knowing people now. Just the other day, a girl who went on instep to France offered to intro her lab mate to me. I would have ran away in the past, I swear. But somehow this time, I am actually looking forward to it. Haha am I despo?
Maybe I regret going to a boys' school, not knowing enough girls in nj and hall. My circle of girls seems pretty limited. The number of girls I can consider friends is less than the number of fingers I have. Nobody believes me, but I am shy. Hehe.
***
Since the last heartbreak, I kept myself busy enough and my heart closed enough to ward off puppy love and kind. I am actually quite tired of going into relationships that are uncertain. Itz that stupid time of the life when you want to experiment but ever so want to have a feeling of certainty. Otherwise I call it a waste of time, money and energy.
I hate the feeling of resentment at the end of a relationship, as if I haven't done enough or that all I've done are not appreciated. I hate the end so much that smtimes I don't wanna start.
I'm sorry to her because I was not ready then and I couldn't explain it. I just had to let things die out. Someone asked me if I regretted it, maybe, maybe not. The time just wasn't right.
***
Okie actually this is pretty disjointed, just some points from my conversations with a few frenz over the past weeks. Haha, thanks for reading this crap. Wish me luck to find Ms Right.
Been talking a lot of crap with Jasman, my fyp mate, about all these girls and relationships issues. Not that they are anything serious, but two single males like us tend to allow our conversations online to veer innocuously to such topics. Talked to Zhihao and Jinhui over our last jc class gathering too, and they all can't seem to agree with me.
Haha, tell me if I'm weird.
I have been professing my reluctance to woo girls to people around me. Reason being - I hate to allow a relationship to commence on the wrong footing that I am the one who wants her and thus rendering myself vulnerable. Or maybe itz pride, I may not be able to take a rejection well. Lol.
Can't a couple come together naturally after developing a mutual affinity? Why all these crap about courtship? Haha my guy frenz think either I am nuts or I am too idealistic. They claim the privilege of going after girls means one has the choice of partners, while girls usually only are able to give hints subtly and may not end up with the guy they like. Oh well...
***
I am actually more open to knowing people now. Just the other day, a girl who went on instep to France offered to intro her lab mate to me. I would have ran away in the past, I swear. But somehow this time, I am actually looking forward to it. Haha am I despo?
Maybe I regret going to a boys' school, not knowing enough girls in nj and hall. My circle of girls seems pretty limited. The number of girls I can consider friends is less than the number of fingers I have. Nobody believes me, but I am shy. Hehe.
***
Since the last heartbreak, I kept myself busy enough and my heart closed enough to ward off puppy love and kind. I am actually quite tired of going into relationships that are uncertain. Itz that stupid time of the life when you want to experiment but ever so want to have a feeling of certainty. Otherwise I call it a waste of time, money and energy.
I hate the feeling of resentment at the end of a relationship, as if I haven't done enough or that all I've done are not appreciated. I hate the end so much that smtimes I don't wanna start.
I'm sorry to her because I was not ready then and I couldn't explain it. I just had to let things die out. Someone asked me if I regretted it, maybe, maybe not. The time just wasn't right.
***
Okie actually this is pretty disjointed, just some points from my conversations with a few frenz over the past weeks. Haha, thanks for reading this crap. Wish me luck to find Ms Right.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Another New Year Resolutions
I wish for
Bonne année à tous!
- First class honours in EEE
- Someone special
- A great grad trip to Taiwan or Korea
- Perform well for ALOC
- Healthy bank balance come 2008
- Pink of health for my family and loved ones
- STRIKE TOTO
Bonne année à tous!
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