just topodium

It's not a bed of roses

2008-06-27T18:27:00.001+08:00

The bars on shoulders are heavy...

I need to work hard work smart!!

Voluntary Medisave Top Up for Workfare Income Supplement Scheme Results in Huge Liability

2008-02-22T22:59:00.000+08:00

In order to qualify for the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS) for $320, my babysitter mother making $400 per month made a voluntary Medisave account contribution of $67 last year. To her horror, CPF board enrolled her into the Medisave For Self-Employed Scheme backdating from 2003 to present, meaning she has to make a further cash top-up of $2813 for the premiums due.

It gives little incentive for the most needy group to top-up their Medisave because the cash liability clearly outweighs the supplement received mostly in CPF accounts. In fact they are penalized financially in terms of their cash flow and I shudder to think of compounded late payment fees that will eventually reduce the WIS amount received to nought.

I hope the CPF board and the relevant authorities will comment on this substantial consequent Medisave cash liability, the benefits to the needy, and how the backdating was determined to start from 2003.

Jerald Lim

2008 New Year Resolutions

2008-02-04T22:37:00.000+08:00

A little late but better than never to make resolutions for 2008. For this year I wish for:

Pink of health for all my loved ones;
My dear and I be ever more loving;
Be disciplined in my finance and achieve 5% returns;
To be the no. 1 LTA in SBAB, giving the best for my men and bosses;
Regain good physical fitness - IPPT silver and complete marathon 2008 under 6H;
Strike TOTO!

Happy Chinese New Year to all!!

2007 Resolutions Post Mortem

2008-02-04T22:28:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Another New Year Resolutions

I wish for

First class honours in EEE DONE
Someone special DONE happily!
A great grad trip to Taiwan or Korea Went to Thailand instead, but DONE
Perform well for ALOC Reasonably DONE
Healthy bank balance come 2008 Reasonably DONE
Pink of health for my family and loved ones Yeah all's well!
STRIKE TOTO NOT YET!

12th ALOC

2008-01-16T17:52:00.001+08:00

From the initial apprehension of staying in, the 12th Air Logistics Officer Course (ALOC) came a long way to mark the last day of lectures in AFS today before we all embark on our on job training (OJT) tomorrow at different bases, which should most likely be our permanent postings for the next 2 - 3 years. All the best bros!

Marathon Finisher

2007-12-03T17:51:00.000+08:00

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.

Reflections on LIFE

2007-11-27T08:58:00.000+08:00

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.

Car!

2007-10-10T22:25:00.000+08:00

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!

Another 2 weeks wait

2007-09-09T12:47:00.000+08:00

From Nissan

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

COE's down, it's the time!

2007-08-23T00:36:00.000+08:00

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!

Wakeboarding

2007-08-11T11:38:00.000+08:00

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!

Renumeration Woes

2007-08-04T10:20:00.000+08:00

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?

Convocation Pics!!

2007-07-26T16:05:00.000+08:00

Millionaire to be!!

2007-07-13T14:13:00.000+08:00

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??

Blogging once in a blue moon

2007-07-08T23:33:00.000+08:00

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 got my FIRST class!

2007-06-08T18:36:00.000+08:00

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. =)

Passed my IPPT!

2007-06-01T23:15:00.000+08:00

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*

VisualDNA

2007-05-27T23:14:00.000+08:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Moving back home

2007-05-27T19:03:00.000+08:00

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.

Team Gathering at Pan Pac Hotel

2007-05-13T18:40:00.000+08:00

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.

I don't need a voyeur!

2007-05-06T13:48:00.000+08:00

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!

The weighty issue about SAF

2007-05-02T21:20:00.000+08:00

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!

I don't wanna go Lim Chu Kang

2007-04-27T11:30:00.000+08:00

S.I.A.N.

"Noise travel upwards....." What a joke!

2007-04-21T11:36:00.000+08:00

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!!

A lazy student's dream...

2007-04-20T10:44:00.000+08:00

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.

I am bored

2007-04-19T10:08:00.000+08:00

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!

Focus, it's the final lap!

2007-04-11T10:26:00.000+08:00

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!

Need to do some critical thinking

2007-03-25T16:55:00.000+08:00

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!

Been a long time...

2007-03-25T01:44:00.000+08:00

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!

Market Correction, Poorer, and More Determined to be CFA

2007-03-07T00:04:00.000+08:00

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.

My lunar birthday, and the end of term break...

2007-03-04T23:11:00.000+08:00

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.

Inflationary pressures at work, long before the GST hike set in

2007-02-24T12:03:00.000+08:00

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. =|

CNY Report Card

2007-02-20T00:01:00.000+08:00

Angbaos: 10+
Blackjack: -$90
Goodies: Ate a lot
Weight: erm... hahaha

新年快乐，万事如意！

2007-02-17T15:01:00.000+08:00

新年新气象，恭祝大家新春如意，岁岁平安，工作的飞黄腾达，念书的学业进步，心想事成，年年有余，财源广进！

Thanks for all who remembered!

2007-02-17T00:46:00.000+08:00

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.

GST offset package, is the net casted too wide?

2007-02-15T23:57:00.000+08:00

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.

Tianqi's Tiramisu

2007-02-14T01:31:00.000+08:00

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!

Back for good

2007-02-11T12:21:00.000+08:00

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.

사랑인가요?

2007-02-09T10:15:00.000+08:00

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-

Why am I loitering in school?

2007-02-07T16:21:00.000+08:00

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!

Seduction Style?

2007-02-06T08:53:00.000+08:00

Asean Football Champions 2007!

2007-02-04T22:27:00.000+08:00

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!

Bon Weekend!

2007-02-04T18:38:00.000+08:00

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.

New tops! And counterfeit BUM shoes!

2007-02-02T22:49:00.000+08:00

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!

For my dear FYP horn antennas!

2007-02-02T22:43:00.000+08:00

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.

2-1 Win for the Lions, A Dubious Penalty and Poor Sportmanship from the Thais

2007-01-31T22:28:00.000+08:00

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*

New Laptop!

2007-01-31T16:09:00.000+08:00

Yay I finally got my Compaq Presario from Starhub after eons. A happy man today!

Not the usual class gathering

2007-01-28T00:51:00.000+08:00

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.

无可救药

2007-01-27T11:39:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-27T01:48:00.000+08:00

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.

The Dollars and Sense of Citizenship

2007-01-20T10:23:00.000+08:00

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!

L.I.F.E.

2007-01-19T22:49:00.000+08:00

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 Aaron, I miss you and Sorry

2007-01-17T20:35:00.000+08:00

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.

About Life, Material and Singapore

2007-01-13T11:54:00.000+08:00

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.

Last Semester!!

2007-01-08T17:08:00.000+08:00

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.

My previous life...

2007-01-07T13:16:00.000+08:00

You could have been a famous Political Figure

Whether 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

Tu as un petit jardin pour moi?

2007-01-06T23:29:00.000+08:00

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.

Act cute

2007-01-06T23:05:00.000+08:00

At John's place for new yr celebration when Andrew and I decided to tie up our hair. Looks pretty cute... Lol

Crap

2007-01-04T00:47:00.000+08:00

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.

Another New Year Resolutions

2007-01-02T16:22:00.000+08:00

I wish for

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

Am I asking for too much? I just want to be intelligent, capable, caring and cared for, see the world and be LUCKY!

Bonne année à tous!

I deserve that wee bit more... Really

2006-12-29T16:21:00.000+08:00

Exams results are finally out, and it reads:

EE3014 A
EE4001 B+
EE4041 A+
EE4105 B+
EE4153 B+
EE4188 A+
CS118 A-
HP804 B

I am rather satisfied, especially with HRM. It was a big surprise to score so well. And it is the first time in NTU that I have smelled A+ (issit the equivalent of the old DI?) But failure to score well for software engineering and telecomm are big disappointments. Sighz, I think I rushed my software paper too much to rush back to study for DSP later that day.

Calculated a GPA with these grades, even though we are not under this system = 4.53 for core and prescribed electives. Barely first class, but I had hoped for better grades to make up for my screwed up yr 1 and 2. Praying hard that I still have a shot at the top honours.

And I failed my IPPT again this morning. A major disappointment, and how unfit I have become. Ran 12:23 for 2.4km, and a mere 4 seconds that will spare me a ROVW (record of verbal warning) for this work year. I suck! I regret that 4s when I gave myself some slack.

I really deserve that teeny weeny bit more... =|

My desktop CUI

2006-12-22T09:12:00.000+08:00

I hate it, my desktop is spoilt!

Just when I thought that everything is set up swee swee with maxonline at home, the desktop CUI, WTF!

It all began with FM07! Installed Daemon tools to mount the image file, then my dvd-rw drive becomes undectectable. Then, I thought all could be solved by reformatting the computer. But the keyboard becomes undetectable when I boot up from the recovery disk. Damn it.

Frustrated, I opened up the CPU casing and played ard to make sure the keyboard connection is in, then the worst came, the screen shows no output and I hear funny beeps as I power on and off the computer in vain. Wah lan I am damn sian!

Luckily got the lorry with me at home, and I drove back to hall to get my old trusty P3 laptop so that I can blog now to tell you this super unfortunate shit that happened to me. I think yesterday is just a bad day, my watch stopped working too, maybe a lack of battery, maybe something worse, but heck!

Now I just wish my new compaq laptop can come quickly and trouble free!

Finally, trials over!

2006-12-20T19:32:00.000+08:00

No more Tekong anymore, not for a long long time to come! Really tiring, packed up all the equipment today and drove back to school, terrible to drive at peak hours, jams and unruly drivers who don't give way to my 20" lorry, you are lucky limbei not in a bad mood.

Anyway, scratched one guy's side mirrors as I was parking the lorry at S1. And that guy happened to come down to catch us red-handed. Luckily we told him we were students and he did not make a big fuss outta it. It was juz a very small scratch anyway.

Anyway, the biggest change I made during this 1.5 wks in Tekong is that I am smoking again. LOL bad for health, but had this super itch to smoke when we went out to drink last wkend, and my 20-stick Malboro menthol is still unfinished, left a few sticks now.

Okay, that's not very important actually. Now, lotsa data to process, but I hope the MIMO pple can take over. I really not interested to help them process their data, not after working like male slaves in Tekong, load, unload equipment, sit behind the lorry for sauna, and what not. Talk about gender equality... Haha im juz whining

DBLDm

2006-12-17T13:23:00.000+08:00

The Mixed Messenger
Deliberate Brutal Love Dreamer

Just...take...the...fucking...flower...darling. The Mixed Messenger apologizes again.

You're looking for love, but you'll always maintain your independence. You're prepared for a real commitment, but it's also likely that you're ambitious, which creates a certain romantic tension and ambivalence within you. So although you can be very affectionate to someone, you are also capable of pulling some dubious shit.

In a relationship, you're usually the emotional leader. With your friends, you're a little bit more part of the pack. You're well-liked but you're not the uninhibited type, so the spotlight's often on someone else. In both social and romantic situations, however, you almost always get what you want. Influencing people is something you do very well.

ALWAYS AVOID: The Playstation, The Peach

CONSIDER: The Priss

Tekong revisited

2006-12-16T14:05:00.000+08:00

I am back in Pulau Tekong, nope not for BMT but to conduct experiments for our FYP.

Pretty mundane life, everyday wake up at 5plus, take a cab to SFT, take the Penguin fast craft in, do expts, pack up at 5 in the evenings, then take a cab back home.

Actually, life this week hasn't exactly been a breeze. It rained almost everyday in Tekong, and on my side I have to load and unload the equipment each time we switch positions to log our data. Nothing very mentally challenging, more physically tiring.

Kinda bored with this FYP. For the MIMO group, their data collection would be over after these 2 weeks, but my air to land will have another trial either in Jan or Feb. *shrugz*

Tekong does evoke some nice memories. In fact, I enjoyed my BMT in Tekong, made some nice buddies (whom I have already lost contact with) and we went thru all those shit together. And re-entering Tekong this time as a civilian, I did accomplished some insignificant "firsts":

1. Don't have to march around like a chao recruit
2. Eat fried chicken, fried beehoon etc in the Tekong jungle
3. Talk to the RSM on equal footing, lol
4. Wore a singlet and walked around at the BMTC HQ
5. Washed my boots in the parade sq toilets (sry to the company doing area cleaning there! =p)

In fact, sometimes things get so boring that I went for some runs in my pants and boots around our experiment sites. Need to get some running fitness for my IPPT on the 29th Dec! OMG...

Mission 3: Marathon Completed

2006-12-07T10:41:00.000+08:00

Hehe, but in a very bad timing this year, walked alot of the journey with my partner. Completed nonetheless, I shall aim for 5hrs next yr!

Mission 2: Finish Exams, Completed

2006-11-27T17:44:00.000+08:00

IT'S OVER!

At least for this sem! A hectic schedule of 8 papers spanning 12 days that took me to every other exam hall in NTU has been completed!

Confident: Software Engineering, Wireless Communications, Human Resource Management, Multiculturalism and Communication

50-50: Telecommunication Systems, Digital Signal Processing

Sucks: Cellular Communication and System Design, Coping with Culture Transition

In any case, a result slip for this sem without 'C' will be good.

And the planning for next semester has begun:

HW310: Professional Communication
EE4110: Optical Communication System Design
EE4152: Digital Communications
EE4839: Fibre Optic Communication
LG81: German Level II

Surprise, surprise, I am going to try and pick up my bits and pieces of German that I learnt in sec1 at MOELC. If successful, I should be able to join the level II class for next semester!

Actually, after planning the timetable for next sem, it looks really empty and I am looking to take another GE, probably something that is really interesting. Found one - The Mind of Sun Tzu, but it is offered by MAE and I am quite sceptical if mech engineering profs can teach a topic like this. But for now, it looks the most promising.

So, if all goes well, I should be graduating with 175 AUs, much more than the 151 AUs required for my BEng. Hehe! 33 AUs (in fact 36, cos I crashed my French II) of unrestricted GEs + 12 AUs of restricted GEs = a whopping 55 AUs unrelated to engineering in any sense! No wonder I don't feel like an engineer.

Definitely getting the best value out of my university fees by taking more courses to enrich myself. And I almost always enjoy taking modules outside EEE, exploring different dimensions of interests.

So fast, the penultimate sem is over, FYP re-begins, and one more sem to go before going back to RSAF. And guess what, my pro-term ALOC course is going to be stay-in at air force school. Restricted freedom. -.-" Kinda dread it, but the $$ will come in useful.

Now for mission 3: MARATHON this sunday!

Which Tarot Card?

2006-11-24T00:59:00.000+08:00

You are The Devil

Materiality. Material Force. Material temptation; sometimes obsession

The Devil is often a great card for business success; hard work and ambition.

Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the major arcana, the Devil is not really "Satan" at all, but Pan the half-goat nature god and/or Dionysius. These are gods of pleasure and abandon, of wild behavior and unbridled desires. This is a card about ambitions; it is also synonymous with temptation and addiction. On the flip side, however, the card can be a warning to someone who is too restrained, someone who never allows themselves to get passionate or messy or wild - or ambitious. This, too, is a form of enslavement. As a person, the Devil can stand for a man of money or erotic power, aggressive, controlling, or just persuasive. This is not to say a bad man, but certainly a powerful man who is hard to resist. The important thing is to remember that any chain is freely worn. In most cases, you are enslaved only because you allow it.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

US is the biggest evil of them all

2006-11-01T00:32:00.000+08:00

Taking a break from studying, I surfed asiaone.com and one of the headlines read "China warns US to forgo arms sales to Taiwan". US, US, US. They are poking their noses into everything and anything, and if there is really a so-called axis of evil, the US must the biggest of them all!

Taiwan straits

The world wants peace at the Taiwan straits, for the greater stability and sustained economic growth in East Asia. Personally, I don't take sides with either, but any US$16 billion arms sales to Taiwan is almost certain to increase cross straits tension and spark a possible arms race. I seriously think the US has a split personality, split diplomatic stands. Support one China, tries to sell arms to Taiwan for $$, bounded by law to defend Taiwan in any conflict.

Middle East

Thanks to US, the whole middle east is in a mess now. Aghanistan is a forgotten war-torn land, with capture of Osama bin Laden nowhere in the foreseeble future. Iraq is a land of violence and disunity, between the Shi'ites and Sunnis, and US is suffering casualties by the day, good luck and so much for unilateral action to go into Iraq for WMD only to find nothing. How about US being uncritical about Israel's disproportionate strike of Lebanon to save a few captured soldiers? I read on news that the Israelis actually used a new biological weapons against the Lebaneses and no action has been taken them at all. And the constant violation of no-fly zone now that UN forces are in Lebanon, I think they are so disregarding the international community in no small part due to Big Brother's support.

Nuclear non-proliferation

So much for taking Iran and North Korea to task for their quest for nuclear weapons. Read from Today, that signatories of nuclear non-proliferation act are supposed to cut down on their arsenal of nuclear weapons, eventually eliminating nuclear weapons. But obviously they aren't fulfilling their part of the deal. I don't support N.Korea and Iran to possess nuclear weapons, but the point is, if the nuclear powers aren't cutting their own nuclear weapons, they have no moral high ground to point fingers!

Kyoto Treaty

Uh huh! Who's the world's biggest producer of greenhouse gases? US! And guess who pulled out of the Kyoto Treaty? (No prizes, though) And for reasons that ratifying the treaty and keeping to emission requirements will affect US's economy and jobs. Bravo!

Free Trade

My foot. You really believe in US's call for free trade? They are pointing fingers at developing countries for stealing manufacturing jobs, making US workers lose their competivity. Yet, they go around negotiating so-called free trade agreements with no regard for their locals (See Korean rice farmers) How about the erection of taxes against China goods to address their trade imbalance? Oh pls, even idiots know that trade imbalance is inevitable. Revalueing the Yuan isn't going to solve the problem. It is a fundamental problem of high demands for cheaper goods by the US itself.

********************

Just in a US-bashing mood.

Mission 1: HRM completed

2006-10-31T18:02:00.000+08:00

Hooray! Three cheers to Lester, Johnson, Kenny, Ye Wai and Zoebir! Our group fought the HRM battle and emerged unscathed cos Michael Heng accepted our report on presentation day! *ROAR* This gotta be one of the happiest day this sem, after going thru all the BOS and burning so many friday evenings in at the study benches at nanyang audit!

Still alive, barely

2006-10-18T18:06:00.000+08:00

The frequency that I blog indicates the amount of free time I have.

It means that I've been working like a dog since the last post. =

Good news first: My FYP prof is going to give us a break from all the time-consuming experiments until after the exams.

Bad news: The exams loom. And before that, need to submit the BOS report for HRM.

Talking about our BOS with canteen 2, our group had a complete change of ideas after yesterday's discussion. I haven't changed my opinion though. In any case, their new "divergence" looks very uncompelling and I am not inspired, not at all. I think there goes any hopes of getting an A for HRM.

I wished I was more energetic yesterday, because I will be able to persuade them not to change our BOS concept. But I was just lethargic and really in a bochup mode. I think I will regret this decision come presentation day for our BOS report.

Haiz, I am really tired. Sometimes I am so busy, work so hard but the output and the input just don't look proportional.

Take monday for example, we were doing this fyp expt from morning 9.30 to 3pm in the afternoon. In actual fact, we finished taking all the measurements required in 15 mins. But due to poor planning, no contingency plans, lack of leadership, disorganisation, blah blah blah, wasted so much time away. Busy for nothing, really. Ditto for HRM discussions. (I drafted my part of the report due to our previously-agreed idea before they decide to abort!! WTH)

Haven't met up with the njcanoeists for very long! Having a bbq dinner this friday at marina south, but I can't even confirm if I will be able to make it. Life sux.

Oh yah, add the haze problem, wah kaoz it is really miserable. I can't even go for my weight-loss-relaxing-refreshening run at night for fear of bad air quality. Screw the haze!

Marathon is in less than 2 months time, but I don't feel ready. But Derrick is in worse shape than me. We met on Sunday to run at Macritchie, actually slow jog because he and I can't move beyond 2nd gear. (Actually itz him!!)

Stop FYP, finish HRM, clear exams, complete marathon.

The Haze Solution

2006-10-08T00:15:00.000+08:00

The haze is getting worse, with a PSI high of 150 today in Singapore.

Sitting around to complain isn't going to help things. After some thoughts, I think the best way to solve the question is through the establishment of a logging company!

Yah, we need a logging company to hack down those trees to clear the land for the Indonesian farmers. They aren't educated, and it will probably take too much efforts from the Indonesian govt to educate these bunch of farmers. C'mon, create a plan to log trees in Kalimantan, or wherever the farmers wanna clear lands. Give them no trees to burn, and plenty of land to farm! Supply them with fertilizers to replace the ashes.

And you know what, the logging company can actually sell the timber and exchange them for cold hard cash! Instead of all the smoke and haze which is deteoriating air quality all around south east asia and beyond!

I will happily lead a logging company to help these farmers and make some money. Any venture capitalist hear me?

Argh. This haze is irritating me!

FYPing

2006-09-30T00:42:00.000+08:00

Start time: 5.30pm
End time: 11.45pm

Seriously working OT for fyp. But such long hours only to record some data from the datalogger by varying the distance between the Tx and Rx and the frequency range.

Anyway, we were forced to use quite high power, up to 10dBm, and the guys started to get worried about our offsprings. Lol, super high frequencies loh, until 2.5GHz today, and we are gg to use C-band (5 - 8GHz) for future expts. Die, sperms all die! Need protection man, I don't wanna have all daughters loh!

But Jaron is damn funny, talking cock as he always does, saying he can smell his sperms as he burped. Lol.

So tired, but at least it was funny. And a friday night I am fyping, and can't go home as planned. Sianz.

Wrote this for my CS118 Assignment... LOL

2006-09-26T21:47:00.000+08:00

I have to think long and hard when asked to write about my prejudice. After being socially-engineered to disregard racial differences, to accept and embrace a multicultural and multi-religious society, it was difficult to pinpoint one prejudice with regards to ethnocentrism as spelt out in the course syllabus. On deeper thought, I will venture into a smaller context to discuss about my prejudice against students hailing from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), ACS (I).

ACSians are widely perceived to be English-sprouting snobs who come from middle- to upper-class background, with a specific contempt for all things Chinese and the lesser lights. Coming from a heartland dweller family, nursing an interest in the Chinese language and culture and schooled nonetheless at The Chinese High School (now Hwa Chong Institution), the stereotypical ACSian is an exact opposite of mine.

As if the rivalry for prestige among the top boys’ schools were not intense enough, the prejudice was further accentuated with my involvement with the athletics team, which by the way are the perennial champions at the National Schools level for the past two decades.

Throughout my secondary school life, ACSians were conveniently made up as the pseudo-adversary who were not up to the mark, sporting funky hairdos, ill-disciplined brats and simply inept at their mother tongue. This stereotype was further reinforced by isolated cases of some rebellious ACSians who I got acquainted to through interschool interactions and exchanges.

I would classify this prejudice against ACSians as a result of Class and Personal identities. The perceived difference in socio-economic background between them and I led to the issue of Class identity, and with polarized degrees of appreciation for the Chinese heritage, there was a head-on clash of personal identities.

Outwardly though, this prejudice did not expose itself to any significant extent in the public domain, partly because Chinese High boys are cultivated with virtues of humility and showing respect for self and others, if not simply intelligent and very politically correct even in our early teens.

That said, I was happy to take occasional swipes at ACSians for I-cannot-remember-what reasons, and joined in hearty laughter when ACSians were made butts of jokes, which were commonplace activities when too much schoolwork bred extreme boredom. And whenever we met ACS (I) on the competitive athletics arena, there was always a quasi-tension in the air with exchanges of nonchalant and soulless stares.

On hindsight, all these manifestations of the prejudice against ACSians were not out of any ill intent. Instead, they served to create a common enemy or source of humour that would push myself to a higher level of achievement or enjoyment.

Bridging the Divide

My prejudice and inexplicable aversion of ACSians peaked during the period at my alma mater TCHS. Fortunately, I did not have to design any specific project or activity in an attempt to overcome this prejudice as I proceeded to junior college and beyond.

At National Junior College (NJC), there was a good mix of students from all kind of secondary schools from every corner of Singapore, ACS (I) included. It was not difficult getting to know more ACSians, and at a deeper level. Among them were student councilors who were vocal, and my fellow teammates in the canoeing team who were equally committed and tenacious as any other. During my national service (NS) in the army, I had three different buddies in different phases of my army life, and ubiquitously they all came from ACS (I). I am glad to say that not once did they let me down.

Truth and Myth Uncovered

But knowing more ACSians personally confirmed that there were some truths in our prejudice. Most of them did come from well-heeled families residing in districts 10 and 11, and most of them are awful with their grasp of the Chinese language. I said most, because some prominent ACSians have come good, such as JJ Lin Junjie – a household name in the Chinese pop scene.

Perhaps it is a school culture, or just simply due to their family backgrounds, ACSians are indeed, on the whole, more concerned about fashion and looking good. For me, it is pretty much vanity at work, even though this is very much tied to an individual’s personality as well. It would be treading dangerous waters to wholly refer to all ACSians as fashionable.

On a positive note, I do find most ACSians to be highly expressive, based on empirical observations. They are unafraid to speak their mind if the situation beckons, and they are fairly eloquent communicators who are able to bring across their ideas effectively. On reflection, it may be due to this outspokenness that ACSians were deemed proud and snobbish in the first place.

However, the elitist image of ACS (I) lingers. It is not unusual to find families with different generations of ACSians under one roof. The older generations of English-educated Singaporeans enjoyed a higher level of material comfort in general because they were more relevant compared to their Chinese-educated peers in the process of Singapore’s economic development. And by being physically located in a rich neighbourhood at Dover Road, it is no wonder that ACS (I) is unlikely to shed its elitist tag anytime soon.

In all fairness, the likes of Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong Institution are no less elitist than ACS (I), simply because these schools only take in the crème de la crème of every graduating primary school cohort. It is perhaps out of convenience that people continue to perpetuate ACS (I) as the flagship for English elitism.

Conclusion

From my own experience of conceiving, believing, expressing and overcoming of my prejudice against ACSians, the lessons learnt are many. It is easy to form stereotypes regarding other groups due to differences in identity – Class, Personal or otherwise. Although there may be a good degree of truth in these stereotypes, most constitute negative connotations that glorify the perpetuator of the prejudice and denigrate the target of abuse. It is only through the venture beyond the superficial aspect, to get to know and understand the prejudiced group can we affirm or reject our stereotypes. Eventually, even if we are unable to overcome the differences that give rise to the prejudice, at least we should attempt to understand their point of view.

Celebrate difference, because culture is invisible without difference!

Term break, not term brake

2006-09-25T14:45:00.000+08:00

How easy it was to slack through the wkend, wake up to a copy of the Straits Times, followed by a late brunch at the hawker centre, then return to watch tv, take an afternoon nap, have dinner, play mahjong and watch Da Chang Jin. Hehe...

I would have no complaints passing the whole week this way, if only I can afford though.

Term break is a time when the relentless wheels of the tutorials stop rolling for a week; the time when the alarm don't have to be set at 7.45am to be ready for the 8.30 lecture; the time to, basically, reflect, consolidate and prepare for the next half of the long haul, towards the final destination of EXAMINATIONS!!

Yucks.

Term break sounds rosy, until you are reminded of the assignments due, the presentations to prepare, the unfinished business with your FYP, and the upcoming quizzes ranging from telecommunications to cross cultural communications.

Voilà I'm back in 42-4-780 again. The only place where I can work. I tried bringing some notes and questions back home and forth without even taking a peek. Haha I suppose thatz what it means by drawing a clear divide between work and home, and I dun look like I can be a workaholic.

And the tidbits at home are making me fat. I need to come back to a NO-SNACK-ZONE to prevent ballooning. =p But Goodwood Park's durian snow skin is still as good as ever, yummy (and sinful!)

Which will be my car (next year) ?

2006-09-24T19:51:00.000+08:00

Mazda 3

Mitsubishi Lancer Sport

Toyota Yaris

I think I have shortlisted my car, restricted by the $$$ factor of course! And yah, I want it red and sporty!

I welcome BMW 3 coupe as a present as well.

Transport Fare hikes, and comments dissected

2006-09-13T13:27:00.000+08:00

Bus and train fares to rise by 1 to 3 cents in October
By Sng Li Wei and Ahmad Osman
Sep 12, 2006

Bus and train fares will go up by 1 to 3 cents per trip from October 1, but needy families would be given transport vouchers to help them adjust to the higher fares.

The Public Transport Council (PTC) approved the 1.7 per cent fare increase today. It is lower than last year's 2.4 per cent increase, which affected all fare categories.

Note that the report starts by telling you that needy families are being taken care of so as to alleviate claims of hardships. Also, the 1.7% rise is lower than the last 2.4%. Yah yah... 1.7% is the maximum allowed lah, you think we are stupid?

Nearly a quarter of commuters are expected to pay the same fares, while slightly more than a third will have to pay one cent more.

Standard and single ticket fares, however, will remain the same, as well as monthly concession fares for students and national servicemen.

A large proportion - three quarters of commuters - are expected to pay more.

Concession fares are not raised because of the fear of further uproar.

Since the number of people using single trip tickets are almost negligible and the majority are foreign visitors who don't own ez-link card, we shall not raise it to welcome foreign talents and blunt the edges of the expected criticisms.

Mr Gerard Ee, chairman of the PTC, said that in approving the fare increase, the Council had taken care to ensure that fares remain affordable for the majority of commuters, but it also recognised that needy families would need some help to adjust to the higher fares.

"I am heartened to hear thar the public transport operators will be contributing resources in the form of transport vouchers to help needy families in coping with the fare increase by defraying some of their costs," he said.

"This is part of the Government's 'Many Helping Hands' approach where the government, community and grassroots organisations and the private sector all chip in to help."
For those facing financial hardship, help is available from the Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs) under their CCC ComCare Fund, which has disbursed $1.95 million to 12,500 cases since it was launched in July last year. The National Trade Unions Congress's "NTUC Care and Share Vouchers" initiative also helps union members from low-income families.

Crap. So generic, I can also say.

SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit have also contributed $1 million for public transport vouchers which will be distributed by the CCCs in October to needy families.
The 1.7% increase in fares is the maximum allowed under the new fare adjustment cap formula implemented by the PTC last year, and is expected to bring in an additional $9.9 million for SBS transit, but the bus operator said it would only provide "partial relief for the incereased costs pressures", according to a Straits Times report.

For SBS alone, they will in additional $10 million, of which they will contribute about $500k to the transport vouchers, which brings us a total rate of about 5%. Are we really that stupid?

Oh, how come the details on application of vouchers are not publicised? If I read the papers and dunno how to apply for them, you expect the poor and needy who dun read the papers to have access to such information? Wayang!

Reacting to the fare increase, Mr Cedric Foo, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for transport, said that the fare increase "seems quite fair" in view of the 20 to 30 per cent rise in fuel cost, which accounts for 15 to 20 per cent of the public transport operators costs.

Interesting how operating costs increased by 15 - 20% but ComfortDelGro continues to post record profits year after year.

He also welcomed the help schemes for needy Singaporeans.

The GPC would look for a better measure than the returns on total assets of public transport operators currently used here as a yardstick for a fare hike, he told AsiaOne.

“We think there can be a better measure like total shareholder return which can be compared to that of the public transport operators in other major cities,” he said, adding that the GPC would also get feedback from transport economists, commuters and public transport operators to see how Singapore could continue to have a first rate infrastructure with fair and equitable distribution of the costs.

Oh yeah, increase the fares first then we review the total shareholder returns from other cities. I told you, buy SBS shares, and rejoice each time fare rises!

Mr Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) told AsiaOne that the increase "is affordable for most commuters."

He said: "Case is glad that there are schemes in place to help those in the low-income groups. We are also glad to note that concession pass holders are not affected by the increase.”

Case? What Case? No case lah.

Commuter Ms S. P. Chan, 52, a freelance writer, describing the increase as "reasonable", added: I hope the public transport companies will continue to strive to improve the public transport system. I also hope that hawkers will not use the fare hike as an excuse to jack up prices.”

I'm pretty sure I can find plenty of commuters who will give more pointed comments than "reasonable".

ENTJ

2006-09-08T10:38:00.001+08:00

Extroversion vs Introversion

I guess in a way, but only to certain people who I really know well. I can't seem to find the energy to be an extrovert in an unfamiliar setting. I know I can, but just don't want to. How about a introverted extrovert? Maybe I do miss having big cliques, but the problem seems that big group hinders speed and efficiency, something that I am not really prepared to give up.

Intuition vs Sensing

I think I actually borders on intuition and sensing. I do some things by intuition, basically thinking that I am right without actually knowing whatz going on exactly, and I am mostly right, I guess. Haha. But I am quite sensitive to the people around me, probably cos of my training in the CS minor and personal experiences. But, the more sensitive I become, the more difficult it seems to open up.

Thinking vs Feeling

This is quite obvious. I am more rational than feeling. Reflects in the things I use, buy and spend on. Clearly, the functional aspect far outstrips the emotional aspect. For one, I am unlikely to spend $50 on a pair of slippers any time soon. An exception is food - I believe in eating well, and it seems to reflect on me physically too. Lol.

Judging vs Perceiving

Yah, I am a facts person. I can't decide until I have the necessary information on my fingers. Hmm, that explains why I don't have many people to detest, because I don't perceive and I am too lazy to get the facts.

Untitled

2006-09-05T00:57:00.000+08:00

I am not breathing easy - lotsa hard work this sem, FYP, HRM, even my elective modules like CS118 got 3 written papers and 1 presentation. All the work prompted me to look at the academic calendar to look for the term break - 23 September - 1 October.

But something else caught my eye - the second semester will be ending on 5 May 2007. That means I gotta go back to RSAF for work after that. Shrugz, I am not feeling especially excited, although the paycheck every month is going to come in very handy. I think life from May to August next year should be a breeze, with attachments to the ALD branches promising to be rather slack - can play soccer every day.

Over dinner with Gee Hock and Haoyang, they were talking about the networking nights and stuff, seems like I am missing out on the aspects of writing up a resume, networking with companies' senior management and the whole process of job hunting. Well, maybe the grass is always greener on the other side - I yearn for the job hunting process because I already have one.

Maybe. I'm feeling rather blue about being bonded now.

Haiz, all's not well with my schoolwork. I feel discouraged each time I think about being so far from first class. Not that the honours is especially important, but I feel I owe myself one to do well in NTU.

I need a break. Please come, my mid-term break!

I wanna learn Deutsch and 한글

2006-09-04T22:37:00.000+08:00

I am inspired to pick up more languages.

I improve my German to conversant level, then I can start to write and talk to Christian and co in German.

Learning Korean will enable me to watch the drama in the original language to grasp the meanings better. Hmm maybe can pick up hot chicks from Korea as well, lol.

IVP Track & Field

2006-08-22T20:12:00.000+08:00

Stepped onto SRC for the first time since last May, and to participate in a trial to select discus throwers to represent NTU at the Singapore Open in September. Because they no longer organise the NTU Inter-School Track & Field, they will be sending athletes to the upcoming Singapore Open and use the results for selection of the IVP T&F team.

Haha, this must be the year when I put in the most effort to try and qualify for the team. But the discus trial went pretty smoothly, with only 4 persons vying for 2 spots. I am pretty off form, not at the peak of my strength and last touched a discus 2 years ago, but I still mustered 25m+ for second. A freshie threw 27m to finish ahead. Damn, I have been ursurped as NTU's discus champ.

But discus is not my pet event, and I did a short throwing training for shot put. Not too bad, I am still able to throw rather consistently above 9m, hitting about 9.5m. Taking into account my current physical condition, I estimate that I can hit 10.5m if I start training regularly (1 time a wk) from now till September. Hopefully, I can round off my final year with a medal, but shrugz, haven't compete last year and am not sure of the standards now.

Cheers to a new IVP jacket!

You can't live off Singapore Pools

2006-08-21T00:14:00.000+08:00

I got burnt this wkend - lost $200 on Liverpool.

After all the hype, transfers, beating Chelsea for the Charity Shield, they can't beat Sheffield Utd away on the opening day of the EPL season. A super shocker, and especially painful for my wallet. Ouch.

Haiz, maybe winning during the WC bred disrespect for Pools. It's time to review my betting policy, or maybe I should not get started on betting at all.

Okie, eating grass for the week. Moo.

Letting off steam...

2006-08-16T22:54:00.000+08:00

School has been hectic, with the fatigue starting to set in even though this is only the second week. So tired now to work, I think I should blog to to let off some steam...

Workload is heavy. 8 modules for a final year seems a tad too much, with a timetable that spans from early morning to late afternoons for most of the weekdays. It is not an ideal schedule, considering that I have to fork out considerable time to do my FYP.

FYP has been relatively light, but am still required to do some self-studying on my own for my part on receiver design. Right now, I can only make out the concepts, but still do not understand much. And will have to go down to the design of the integrated circuit for various components like the amplifier, filter, oscillator and mixer. The mention of integrated circuits is sending chill down my spine, because I have replaced EE3003 in NTU with a module consisting of only op-amps, diodes and BJTs in France. Can't escape after all, think I gotta put in more time to self-study, again. Anyway, been helping out the PhD student and another yr 4 guy with some experiments that is taking up some time. Was there whole afternoon today doing mundane work of changing frequency of singal generators at the transmitter end, from 4pm to 9pm. Neva had lunch, and was freaking hungry by the time our experiment ended. Came back hall to cook instant noodles...

Besides FYP, I thought most of my modules this sem rather manageable, judging from the lectures for the first two weeks. Wireless communication is my FYP, so I gotta make it my pet subject, while Telecommunications look like a module about plugging in numbers into equations to get answers, suits me pretty fine. Software engineering is all abt memorisation. That leaves DSP, which my FYP mates advised me to drop because they found it difficult. I didn't, because I still believe in the value of equipping myself with basic DSP knowledge that would be beneficial to my Communications specialisation. Very fortunately, most of my tutorial class tutors are the lecturers of the modules, so at least I won't get goondoo Profs who dunno their work.

But then, there is Human Resource Management (HRM), a killer subject for EEE4. The reason - an egoistic lecturer who claims to make sure you fail the second semester if you don't make the grade in the first. In a way, he is encouraging student participation by encouraging people to post on the EE4041 discussion board, promising to give notice to active students. Pretty unorthodox, but I thought the avanlanche of posts in the discussion board now are pretty much nothing but people who are trying to score points. But well, I am posting as well, although I made one sarcastic post which probably caught his attention, saying I am trying to make the other students feel guilty for no rhyme or reason. *shrugz* Yah, juz gotta submit to power sometimes, I will be posting to get into a good position for a good grade. And GOSH, everyone gotta buy a brand new edition textbook (ie no 2nd hand from seniors) @ $41!! Wallet bleeding...

And I realised I still havent gotten over my phobia for cats and probably dogs. Pathetic right, such a big man afraid of a scrawny kitten which ran into my room last night, in the end gotta seek help of my neighbour to get the cat out! I guess I'm just not a pets person.

Yah, basically just an incoherent entry. Shagged.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

2006-08-13T17:57:00.000+08:00

Actually I am just becoming aloof, and independent. They go together. Can't keep trying to click in with the rest. I relish friendship, esprit de corps, but I think I need more vitesse and finesse to move ahead, to fulfill the challenge I issued to myself.

Yah, I want to be the no-nonsense guy. I know I look unapproachable when I don't smile, but that's too bad if people can't get beyond the superficials.

Happy National Day, Singapore!

2006-08-09T20:17:00.000+08:00

We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.

I feel very proud to be a Singaporean, for our achievements starting from scratch, for this is my home, where I know I matter. Really, there isn't another place like home!

So crowded

2006-08-08T12:07:00.000+08:00

I seriously believe NTU has one of the highest human density (ie number of humans per sq metre) in Singapore. After being away from one whole year, I can't seem to deal with the amount of people around. Haha, maybe I am suffering from some fear of crowds...

Evidence 1: Crowded libraries
School just started yesterday, and library is the number one destinations for all students. Everyone wanna grab a computer terminal, everyone wants to print and buy notes. It took me 10 mins to find a terminal at LWN, 1 minute to send my documents for printing, 15 mins to queue up to release the prints from the self-service payment stations, and 5 mins to wait for my printouts. Total time taken = 31mins.

Evidence 2: Crowded canteens
The queues are neverending, and it explains why I am here blogging at lunch time. Simply dun wanna spend my time in the line.

Evidence 3: Queue at EEE iHub
Erm, basically the iHub is a computer room, but they recently installed a system which requires you to make a booking for a computer terminal by swiping ur matric card. As a result, people are made to queue for nothing (imo) just to get a computer terminal. Seriously, where have their brains gone to? Why bother setting up such a system? First come first served... Apparently the 2hrs per pax usage time is aimed to ease people from hogging on to computers. Just plain dumb. Period.

So many faces, so crowded. Frankly I hate this kinda sardine packing mad rush. Pout.

On your mark... Get set...

2006-08-06T23:02:00.000+08:00

Finally back in NTU, moved into my cosy little single room, back to Hall 8 to see the familiar faces, and bracing for the start of the final year.

Final year life is not going to be easy, especially after meeting my FYP prof and groupmates last week. In a week, my prof expects three of us to come up with a design of a wideband receiver. I went through some lecture notes that she sent to us, and read up a little bit more by looking for some materials in the library over the weekend. Yup, I was in Library 2 on a saturday morning before the semester begins proper.

Digressing, I met Wanquan at the library as well. He is going to year 2 at CBE and is turning out to be a bigger mugger than I thought. But hearing WQ expressing regrets about his JC performance struck a chord with me. We were all once on par with the crème de la crème, but have now all lagged behind. At least he is trying to make up for lost time, having a GPA of 4.8 in his first year. Let us all work like no tomorrow!

Hmm, but I think I will be forced to work that way in any case. I can already feel the burden of carrying 2 HSS and 1 third year technical elective module into the final year. =|

I probably should get down to doing some real work. Thanks for hearing me grumble. Cheers to start of school!

Why NTU?

2006-07-31T11:19:00.000+08:00

In a wink of an eye, I am on the starting blocks for the fourth and final year at NTU.

But NTU was the last place that I thought I will end up in.

I always wanted to do aeronautical engineering at Imperial College, for some unknown reasons. When the A level results were out, I know that overseas dream that I harboured for a long time was not going to materialise.

I had time to think about things while in the army, or so I thought. At an air force recruitment talk, I realised the air force was the nearest place I could probably pursue my passion, and I was given the opportunity to disrupt for studies immediately.

Suddenly, I had to go back to school, and I followed my heart and my then girlfriend to NTU. Quite a mindless decision, because I could have easily qualified for NUS engineering, widely perceived to be the better of the two.

While the relationship did not work out, the journey at NTU has been very fruitful so far. I have not regretted one bit coming to NTU.

Life at NTU is enjoyable, really. I kept in touch with a few JC classmates at NJ, and they never failed to complain how tough engineering at NUS is. For one reason or another, I don't feel much pressure studying engineering at NTU. And they were always amazed how I kept up with work while putting in 4 trainings a week for canoeing and even meddled around with my Hall JCRC business.

The lack of a gauge like the GPA for my NTU cohort is probably a blessing in disguise. The NUS students I know are a fearful lot, who never fails to discuss how their GPA will be affected if they take tough general electives module, and the motivation is always to maintain their GPA. *yawnz*

I had a lot of fun taking up general electives at NTU, chalking up 15 AUs for my communication studies minor and 10 AUs of French (actually should be 13 but I crashed my level 2 French without sitting for the exams), and 2 AUs for a module called "Social Work". Thatz a whopping 30 AUs of general electives, far outstripping the 9 AUs required for engineering students. Of course, the GE results weren't always good, and I had several Cs, especially for the CS Minor. But life goes on as usual without having to worry for the GPA, and it is rumoured that GEs don't play a part in the final computation for honours. But nobody really knows how NTU calculates. *shrugz*

I benefited from NTU's push to go global as well, going on an exchange to France last year that really allowed me to widen my horizons, travelling to many places I could only imagined, working and speaking a foreign language, experiencing a bag of different cultures with many different nationalities. Studying was secondary for a semester. Haha.

After a year out of NTU with INSTEP and IA, my brain is recharged, and probably reformatted as well. It sounds bizarre. but I am raring to go back to NTU for my final year. After playing for three years, I feel like challenging myself to perform academically, something that I have not shown yet.

With canoeing out of the way, I suddenly have plenty of free time to push myself on the academic front. I haven't gotten on the dean's list before, and this is the last chance that I have. A final push to squeeze into the league of first-class honours.

An exciting final year to prove how intelligent I really am. I can't wait for it to start.

I suddenly don't feel like owning a house

2006-07-29T12:21:00.000+08:00

I have been think about it recently - Is the government's public housing programme a boon or a bane for the average Singaporean.

Singapore prides itself as providing affordable housing for everyone through the developments of HDB flats. But the way I look it, home ownership is as much as becoming slaves of property loans.

The average rates for property loans is about 3.5% per annum, and if you take up a loan from the HDB at a concessionary rate of 2.6% per annum, you are at least paying interests upwards of a few thousands dollars.

Imagine buying a flat for $250,000 making a downpayment of 20% with your CPF.

Remaining sum to be paid = $250, 000 x 0.8 = $200, 000
Interest = $200, 000 x 2.6% = $5,200 per annum!!

This is by no means a small sum, especially for the lower-income middle class. If I were to earn $30, 000 a year, it means that 17.3% of my income per annum goes towards servicing my home loan. I shudder at the thought.

Using the financial calculator at the HDB website, the monthly installment comes up to $801 for a repayment period of 30 years at 2.6% per annum. Or it translate to paying $801 x 30 x 12 - $200,000 = $88,360 worth of interests!

Alternatively, I do know that one can probably rent a 3-room flat in a HDB estate further away from the CBD for $600 - $800 a month. In a year, the rental is between $7,200 to $9,600.

Certainly, renting a HDB flat makes more sense than owning one. Remember, thus far, I have only illustrated with HDB concessionary rates, and the interests that you are paying will be more if you are thinking of buying a bigger property and taking up bank loans.

People are oblivious to the amount of interests they are paying because most people service their HDB mortgage payments using their CPF monies, and this is one very big reason why Singaporeans are left wanting in terms of their financial nesteggs even though the government puts in place a system of compulsory savings throughout their working adulthood. Just a gentle reminder, CPF Ordinary Account pays 2.5% interest per annum, while the HDB charges 2.6%. See the picture?

Of course, the arguement that property is an asset is true to a certain extent. But it is not an easily liquidable asset. And considering that HDB market is pretty saturated, I can't foresee a capital gain by investing in a HDB flat. Pout.

If we use Robert Kiyosaki's definition, then that flat you are sitting on is a liability because it takes money out of your pocket every month.

This idea is crazy, but I am really tempted not to be drawn into the trappings in the name of home ownership. The extra $88k can be better invested and if you are shrewd enough, you can make returns more than the value of your HDB flat. How, though?

That's a question that I am very interested in as well, but am not yet in a position to advise. For now, just, erm, invest!

Bus fares set to rise!

2006-07-27T12:59:00.000+08:00

The word is officially out: Bus fares hikes will be approved by the Public Transport Council in October, likely to increase 1.7%, or loosely translated to 1 or 2 cents more per ride.

Ok, actually it is not officially out, but it all came from the mouth of an official from the most respected and official The Straits Times, all on the front page! The article tried to focused on new bus service standards set by the PTC, but what really caught the eye was right at the end.

Mr Ong Kian Min, deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport said, "The concern is whether compliance with these requirements may in turn lead to higher operating costs and higher fares in the future."

He actually meant: The concern is the compliance with these requirements will in turn lead to higher operating costs and higher fares in the future.

Argh, it irks me to see the left and right hands collaborating to build a platform for the justification of fare hikes come October. Public-listed companies, accountable to shareholders, profit-driven, reason number 101...

Before I get carried away and lambast the obvious link between SBST, SMRT and Temasek Holdings, let's get down to dissect the improvement of bus service standards.

1. 15 minute peak-period waiting time

I think this should be a given. Does anyone expect to wait more than 15 mins for a bus during peak hours? It is downright labelling of the obvious and non-compliance to such a simple service standards can't be accepted anyway. I will gladly testify that SBST and SMRT flouts this rule on a regular basis. Surprisingly, instead of penalising the transport companies, this is gonna be one compliance that will cost commuters more.

2. On average, buses should not be more than 95% full during peak hours.

What constitutes 95% of capacity? As long as people are packed like sardines but (Bus volume - Headspace) is less than 95%?

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY can stop kiasu Singaporeans from squeezing into the last available space on the bus steps. Why set a new rule that is sure to be flouted? I will blow the whistle on SBST and SMRT everytime people stand on the steps and make sure they are fined $100 000 every time. Happy?

3. Hotlines, website to provide schedule and information + route info at bus stops.

Basic requirement again, especially providing bus routes info at ALL bus stops to help people to plan their routes. I think these ought to have been done donkey years ago, but I assume SBST and SMRT will cite posting of informational materials as increased operating costs. Rubbish. Just making up for the past disservice!

Numerous times I have been refuted, but I must still say these. Public transport like buses and trains are inelastic and it is the lower income group that depends more on them for getting around. Increasing cost of public transport increases the burden for the less well-off. While costs of private transport have dipped considerably for the past years, we see a corresponding increase in cost of public transport.

Where is the logic, for improving usage rate for public transport, for improving road conditions with lesser private vehicles, for protecting the environment by reducing number of cars and hence amount of greenhouse gases?

It seems to me like the simultaneous hikes in public transport costs and increases in private vehicle expenses such as ERP and petrol prices are a ploy of the higher-ups to win-all. !@#$%^

Lastly, if we can't beat them, join them! SBST are posting record profits year after year, buy their shares and rejoice each time public fare hikes are due!

My part-time religion

2006-07-26T14:17:00.000+08:00

The 7th month of the lunar calendar marks the start of the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the gates of Hell open for the spirits to roam the human realm freely. That is if you believe in Taoism.

I am officially registered as a Taoist, simply because my family is Taoist. But since a young age, I subconsciously rejected Taoism as my faith because I could not see the logic behind.

The variety of deities worshipped by Taoists is unbelievable. Ranging from Guan Yin, Da Bo Gong, Tian Gong, to Chinese greats like Confucius, to even fictional characters like Monkey King. The multitude of gods and the non-standardisation of practising Taoism makes me highly sceptical. Whereas Christianity, Buddhism and Islam have publications like the bibles, scrolls and qurans which propagate the faith, Taoism has none. It is hard to even become pious.

Yet, my mother and one maternal uncle possess spiritual connections with deities, ie they are mediums whereby the deity will possess and give advices and help believers. I have witnessed streams of believers appearing at my doorsteps and seeking the advice of Guan Yin. For one, I can testify to the innocence of my mother and it is definitely not the usual scams that people see on news. Any fees that the believers pay are strictly voluntary.

And I have sensitive and highly-irritable eyes and nose. Burning of joss paper and joss sticks makes my eyes teary, nose runny and sneezes involuntarily. I recall this as the first reason I would shirk from burning joss papers for as long as I can remember. Even as I am writing this entry, the burnt smell from the joss paper burning revolves in the air.

Religion - do supreme beings exist or are they fabrications to account for man's ignorance?

The latter, probably. I admit that I will resort to mumbling some prayers when passing by the passage parlour at my void deck, where the murder of a Chinese masseur took place. And I try not to be tee kee, meaning iron teeth literally translated from Hokkien, during the 7th month. It is for fear, ignorance and respect. Afterall, why take the risk?

Once in a blue moon, I do set foot on a temple, the Guan Yin Temple at Bugis - the last time about 2 years ago. But it is only at times of extreme vulnerability that I resort to faith, to gain some tranquility. Otherwise, I continue to chomp away the sacred cow with steaks and burgers.

Division of Johns Hopkins Singapore vs A*Star - Who loses?

2006-07-25T13:40:00.000+08:00

The rebuttal of Johns Hopkins University by A*Star was forceful and reinforced by facts and figures. Although signs point to a failure of JHU to fulfill their side of the agreement, I was still somewhat dismayed by the way A*Star washed the dirty linen in public against one of the world's most renowned institutions.

For the uninitiated, the spate is basically the closure of the Division of Johns Hopkins Singapore and the now-erupted mutual allegations about the failed delivery of promises.

As a Singaporean and taking a neutral view, I feel that the key performance indicators (KPIs) set by A*Star for DJHS was not entirely reasonable. A good example is the number of patents filed per year by DJHS. Targets of 3 and 5 were set respectively for the years 2005 and 2006, and till present, the institute has patented nothing.

At first glance, pretty alarming. Millions of public dollars go into funding DJHS's cutting edge researches and no tangible results are yielded. Shame on DJHS? In retrospect, the results are indeed disappointing, but sad to say, not all things (especially when it comes to researches) can be quantified. Inputs and and results on researches can be greatly disproportionate, especially in our day and time. The times when you sit under an apple tree (Issac Newton) and fly kite (Benjamin Franklin) to yield world changing results are over, because much of the fundamentals are already in place. May I liken pumping money into research to the investment of stocks - you can't expect to win all. But as long as some good counters keep your overall balance in the black, and you have a time horizon long enough to ride the volatility, you should prevail in the end. In this light, I really question of the setting up of this performance indicator in the first place. Why didn't JHU oppose to such a criterion?

Another dispute point was the appointment of senior investigators armed with international reputations to steer the DJHS boats. By A*Star's standards, Singapore expect top brains to reside here on a permanent basis to provide leadership for DJHS. I have no qualms about this, and I believe JHU should prove its commitment to DJHS by posting senior faculty here to match A*Star's research dollars. On the other hand, I can see why Singapore has problems attracting the top brains away from the US, and am partly agreeable to JHU's arguement for their employment of junior and promising researchers.

Fundamentally, the objective of research works done at DJHS is more profit-driven and results-oriented than anything else. Trying to map a top scientist's brain, I would say this is not the most conducive environment to conduct researches. Moreover, I reckon the US is nearer to the top resources and personnel in terms of life science researches than our tiny red dot. And not to mention the uprooting of families to enter a foreign land with potential adaptation issues.

A resolution would have been the appointment of a group of probably 4-6 top senior investigators to chart directions, and a supporting group of investigators with intermediate to high international repute and experiences and then that is where the bright and young scientists come in. A compromise is needed but obviously both JHU and A*Star were not flexible enough.

Seriously, no matter how forceful A*Star's statement regarding the closure of DJHS is, the final loser is still Singapore and our reputation as a growing bio-medical research hub. Perhaps the superior indicators such as papers submitted, number of projects initiated, conferences and seminars held are neglected by A*Star. While not as economic-fulfilling, these are signs that Singapore's progress is thriving and international meetings here provide the local scientific community invaluable opportunities to interact with the gurus and network. Sadly, they escaped the eyes of A*Star when the decision to drop DJHS was made.

This whole issue only serves to highlight the inherent flaw in our approach to scientific research - giving a dollar value to every project undertaken and those that fall behind in producing economic returns will be cruelly chopped. Sounds pretty much like the Dummies Guide to Singapore's success. It is ironic how these measures of efficiency and cost-effectiveness can come back and haunt Singapore as we make a quest to join the scientific elites of the world.

Idol here, Superstar there

2006-07-24T12:28:00.000+08:00

There are time when you feel like growing up faster, and there are time when you wish you were born later. Sometimes, I wish I was born a few years later, into the years when idols competitions like Singapore Idol and Project Superstar are in!

Haha, there is a certain part in me that wants to be famous. And if I were 5 to 6 years younger, I can take a shot at fame at the Campus Superstar! Afterall, the winner Zhiyang comes from my alma mater - Chinese High. Pout.

I enjoy singing and performing actually. Oh yah, it goes back to primary school as well, when I partners Shijia and Jiaqi and a guy classmate (oops sorry I can't remember who's that) for our school talentime. Then was pulled into the choir by my music teacher and I remember having to wear very ugly make-ups and checkered shorts to perform. Yucks.

It was fun at Chinese High. My throwers senior were all very enthusiastic singers. And we garnered all the talentime solo singing competitions for all the 4 years I was there. There was Yinghao, who was apparently the son of Bao Nana, a female singer. Then there was Junyang, also the Student Council president and could sing like Jacky Cheung. We were always amazed at how his adam apple vibrated as he sang. He won it for 2 years consecutive when I was sec 2 and 3.

I attempted to ursurp him in sec 3, but I screwed up my prelims so badly that I didn't qualify for the finals. Anyway, the talentime in Chinese High back then was very concert like, held at night in our Kah Kee Hall in conjunction with Chinese New Year Celebrations, if I remember correctly.

When all these ex-champions graduated, it was up to me to upkeep the winning tradition of the talentime for the Track & Field throwers!

I had a very keen competitor that year, Keith Lee. He was able to hit the high notes effortlessly, much like Zhiyang if you ask me. But he screwed up his prelims and didn't qualify for the finals, which is really a pity. Lost touch with him already, like many of my secondary schoolmates as he went to RJC. Last heard he was second for the RJ talentime, losing to some opera-trained girl. Hard luck.

Anyway, his failure to qualify left me with an easy task and I won duly, singing William So's "Jiu Ai Hai Shi Zui Mei" But for some reasons, the school decided to shift the talentime to morning during my year, and because it was CNY celebrations, the colour of costume was very limited. Alot of us wore white and khaki, which is so duh because it is exactly the school uniform colours of the school.

First year at NJ and I screwed up the talentime, qualified for the finals but didn't get a placing. Kinda sore over it, because I thought I deserved better. But I didn't bother to take part in J2, because I was an obsessed rower who can't see beyond rowing and gyming. =P Anyway, talentime at NJ was a small deal because you gotta pay to watch, so even winning it and you still won't be very well-known. *bleahz*

But I can feel that my voice is slowly but surely deterioriating. Lack of practices, lack of nutrition, and lack of stage appearances, I reckon I will tremble like hell to perform publicly now. Had chance recently, thanks to an intro by Shihui for some Red Cross Vibrant Blood, but I didn't turn up for the finals because I couldn't be bothered to look for the minus one accompaniment. Got a Hall 8 talentime champion to show though, if it counts, but the level of competition was... =D

Sometimes I do daydream on how my life would have been if I give a shot at such shows, at the peak of my prowress. But then again, I have signed that freedom away, and I won't be able to sign up with any companies IF, A BIG IF, I can emerge triumphant. Back to being a couch potato and admire the talents of others. But there was once a superstar-wannabe here.

the buzzing word - entrepreneurship

2006-07-23T00:00:00.000+08:00

As I was flipping thru today's ST, I realised there is a very small column that featured a familiar face - Peiweng. Although the article will not be out until Sunday morning, the brief introduction of a young man with a company with a monthly turnover of $40k seeks to introduce a budding and promising young entrepreneur amongst us.

Before I proceed further, let me first congratulate Peiweng for his hardwork which seems to be gathering momentum and attention. I feel proud to know you!

In the eyes of the government that trumpets the development of the entrepreneurial spirit, they must be looking no further than the dollars and cents that individuals with the abilities to create and accumulate wealth generate.

And probably in this capitalistic light, I have to say that entrepreneurship is not for me. Make no mistakes, I love to be rich. Who doesn't, anyway?

I have signed that freedom for entrepreneurship away at the age of 19. Any attempts of entrepreneurship would be certainly most unwelcomed by the same government that is sponsoring me for studies and paying me living allowance now. Probably unwelcomed is an understatement, I will probably be investigated by the MSD, discharged from the SAF and pay liquidation damages.

I am probably not one to take too high risk as well, one quality that is needed in entrepreneurs. I belong to the type who likes to plan for the future on basis of solid grounds, to be always in control of what I am doing, to be able to foresee my short-term future and make adjustments for circumstances. Is this a shortfall? Personally, I don't think being meticulous in planning can be considered one by most standards, and I take pride to be always in control of my life and being clear of my goals.

Anyway, the element of time-space is already lost. By the time I finish my bond at 27, I would assume I have found a wonderful significant other and will be planning to settle down. It is probably not as good a time as when you are 20 and having more time and less commitment to bear to strike out on your own. I don't envisage living in a pressure cooker and having to worry about making ends meet in the preliminary stages of any possible eventual phenomenal success. Yup, I just lack the temperament and lost the time.

Instead, what I value is the decent financial gratification of my efforts. And did I mention that I regard myself highly. That's why I don't intend to stay in the civil service for too long, because the higher you rise, the less well-paid you are. At least that is my opinion, because their pay package is hardly proportional to their responsibility, especially in the line of the military.

Of course, pay is but one aspect of work. And I will probably only go into a line where I have a good amount of passion for as well. Seriously, I would love to learn to become an investment banker, managing wealth and growing money.

I have a certain affinity to numbers, and coupled with the fact that I enjoy taking calculated risks makes investing a good game, and a good profession to venture into. And I think the pay package of a banker would be performance-based and I can see a bright future taking a bite into the big pies of tycoons who are increasingly making Singapore their choice wealth management centre due to our stability and secrecy. Haha, I am getting pretty excited talking about my choice profession after my bond.

Even without becoming an investment banker, I still believe that the proper investment of one's income will be able to help one achieve a good sum of financial nestegg that can eventually allow them a golden retirement. That's why without venturing into entrepreneurship, I still wanna make my money grow my way and ensure a comfortable degree of material comfort for the people around me.

Seems to be veering off topic about entrepreneurship. But I think in the end it is more of financial intelligence than pure guts entreprise development. Because intelligence is something that is yours to keep, no matter what happen, you can always perform. However, entrepreneurship involves more than just factors that one can control. The macro-economic environment, your luck and availability of opportunities, unexpected turns of world events, all these can work against you, because there is no way to factor and calculate them, and going from hero to zero is pretty easy.

The yo-yo see-saw life of an rich entrepreneur, faced with constant pressures but promising crazy yields. Or the life of a high-flying investment banker who can control the combined wealth of numerous tycoons at a go. An individual's fortunes change. But by principle of conservation of wealth, the total wealth in our system will always remain more or less consistent. And I wanna work for the richest, and at all times.

is topodium happy?

2006-07-21T14:24:00.000+08:00

a survey that places singaporeans as the most unhappy lot in asia. as I tuned in to radio discussions and television debates on how happy singaporeans are, I pose the same question to myself.

I am not unhappy, thatz for sure.

I am happy for being competent at studies, at least that is almost all a singaporean youth with any meaningful purpose in life ever does until he steps into society with a piece of paper called degree. I thank the supreme being for granting me an above-average cognitive ability, riding out the waves of the treacherous academic pursuit that claims as many casualties - sending them to a condemned world starting from 10 - as elites, who are groomed for national leadership with sponsored studies at the world's best universities, even before they step out of their teenage. Me, I belong to the group deemed good, but still not good enough. Aha, this is where the reserved happiness stems from.

I am happy to have many good friends around me. People who ride the merry-go-round together during playtimes at 6; people who hang out at game shops playing guardian angels and bomberman on sega saturn, who enjoy playing basketball as much as relishing in the freedom post-PSLE at Yishun 10 LJS at 12; people who go thru the rebellious adolescence together, experimenting at the border of legality at 14; people who mug together tirelessly at 16; people who canoes as if there were no tomorrow at 18; people who are on the penultimate lap to graduation at 22. Every period of my life, I had good friends around me. But friends are probably as much cyclical and seasonal to me as anything else. I hold a tinge of regret for not holding on to the best friends from each part of my life, and sometimes I wonder how I managed not to.

I am happy to have a career mapped out for the next 5 years, but the bureaucratic environment where scholars reign supreme and the others slog to gain recognition irks me. You know, I don't believe they are as superior as they are made out to be.

Oh, I am certainly unhappy drawing blanks on the love front. And considering I am going back to a workplace almost barren of the fairer sex, this must be the most worrying aspect at this point in time. And I even went to France and back to no avail, haha. BUT, but I must qualify - I didn't try especially hard since the last breakup which was... hard to swallow and heart wrenching.

Sounds quite unhappy right? But nope, I am very at ease with things around me. That said, I would constantly set new targets for myself, and make their realisations the source of my new happiness. It's an unending cycle of expectations, but thatz because I foresee an extraordinary in the making. *winkz* Until then, I am a singaporean - not unhappy.

what's a topodium?

2006-07-21T12:37:00.000+08:00

I think I owe it to people who know me to explain what exactly is a topodium.

topodium = topodium = topodium

Well, topodium is nothing but a word I coined which fuses top and podium, signifying a desire to attain the highest position on the podium, on the winners' stage. Pretty ambitious, but the biggest prize has always proven to be elusive.

I think I have a tendency to crack under pressure. My losing streak in sports started way back in primary school, when I just embarked on a career in track & field. From primary 4 up till primary 6, I was the perennial runner-up for boys shot put. Seriously, I no longer have any impression who beat me to the title, but it was this annual failure to win the school title that I was unable to represent my primary school during the Nationals.

Another memory that still rings clearly was how I helped my House to a silver in the 4 x 400m relay in primary 6. I was fast at primary 6, almost making it to the finals of the 100m. But 400m was a tad too much, but I was in the 400m relay team anyhow. It was nightmarish as I squandered a substantial lead during my leg and my House eventually settled for second. Oh, and did I mention that it happened before the eyes of my primary school crush as I huffed and puffed.

The silver streak continued into my secondary school life. I was with the school's basketball team for the C Division. I was hardly the star player, but our team breezed thru the zone preliminaries all the way to the West Zone final to face Jurong Sec, which was at that time the basketball kingpins. Quietly confident, we tried our best but still lost out narrowly to Jurong, finishing runners-up. The team went on to finish in the top-eight for the Nationals.

My flirt with track & field was not over yet though. Secondary 2 must be my most glorious year, I reckon. I was winning track & field meets like Swift and Flash leading up to the Nationals, but I underperformed during the final itself, hurling only far enough for a silver. At Sec 4, things got worse as I finished 6th at the B Div shot put.

When I went to JC, I realised my lack of height and size will be detrimental in my pursuit of a gold medal, and I decided to switch to canoeing. But little do I know that my power and explosiveness was never enough to compensate for my lack of endurance. If only there was a T1 250m race at my time. But my JC career finished in tears and heartbreak abundant.

Entering university, I continued to row my hearts out. But I was obviously distracted and the envisioned glorious finish to my canoeing career did not materialise. But at least I ended my career competing on a K1, something which meant more emotionally than anything else. Hmm, but I did get a silver at IVP level - a T2 500m mixed with Priscilla. It was an immaterial race anyway, because that result was not computed for the overall tallying of points for the IVP championships.

A sporting career littered with runners-up, silvers, and the golds did not come at the biggest occasions. Thatz why topodium is always a target that I'm aiming. Sure I have a few golds along the way - a talentime champion plaque, various shot put golds from club meets, jc and ntu, dragonboat champions medals abundant from my time at NJ and later with the alumni, but they will never make up for the disappointments I suffered at moments of truths.

Even now, I face the prospect of graduating with a second-upper class honours in 12 months time, getting a B+ for my recently concluded industrial attachment, and the many IPPT silvers.

Frankly, I hate to be second class, I hate to play second fiddle, I hate to be the next-best. Going topodium is the only way to go. Now, you know what's a TOPODIUM.