Play Well…through sports …to live well…

Changi Simei,Singapore, 25 April 2010…..     

                     

Sports and sporting events create opportunity for quality time with family, a wonderful time to meet friends and neighbours and with the benefit of exercise thrown in. It is in essence a 3 in 1 event. This is exactly what Changi Simei Constituency Sports Club (CSC) did this morning by organising a mass walk outside the confined of Simei estate. It had selected to organise the mass walk at Labrador Park or 拉柏多公园 in Chinese.

 

 

Back in the 1940s, the area at Labrador played a significant role in the history of Singapore as it was identified as a strategic defence site, a heavily fortified fort to protect the entrance of Singapore. The underground complexes, ammunitions dumps, heavy coastal gun positions, observation posts of the World War II are being preserved as part of the history of  Singapore. Besides the historical aspect, today, Labrador Park is an oasis of tranquillity and natural wonder with a picturesque view of the sea. At each day break, the park will welcome many health conscious Singaporean to take a leisurely walk or jog at the park.

 

This morning, at about 8.15 am, more than 320 residents gathered at Labrador Park. The majority came in coaches while some chose to self-drive. Ms Jessica Tan arrived early and greeted residents who arrived almost at a synchronised timing. Green was the colour of the day with a couple of them in white who provided the workout leadership. As safety was a concern our own Changi Simei CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members provided the safety coverage. Members of the CERT Team are trained to render immediate first aid. The CERT Team did render aid to a young girl as she suffered some bruises after she fell at the start point of the walk. The young girl continued her walk with her parents.

 

The workout was to some strenuous and easy to some as participants came from all walks of life and their physical attributes vary one from another. It was worth the sweat after the workout exercise conducted by a Qigong Master. 

 

The walk was flagged off by Ms Jessica Tan, our Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC and Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs. It was a 2 km walk. Those who were fit tended to walk faster but the majority of them opted for leisurely walk to enjoy the beautiful sights and to catch up with their family members and friends to reminisce old ties. It was enjoyable walk.

 

Lucy Tan and her husband both in their 70s were joined by their young grand daughter in the event. Steven Lam, the Chairman of Residents Committee Zone 4 was taking a leisurely walk with his family. Arthur, the secretary of CSC and an organiser of the event also brought his family to participate in the fun walk. There were many more families participating in the mass walk. Though the morning sun was scorching, that did not deter many residents who came prepared with umbrellas to protect themselves.              

 

 

 Soon participants walked the full distance to reach the start point with the fragrant smell of nasi lemak welcoming them. It was their reward and all participants enjoyed their breakfast together as a big family.

 

 

We started with 3 in 1 but we ended with a 4 in 1 with breakfast also thrown in. Participants were happy that they had participated in the mass walk together to strengthen bonding within each family and as a big family Changi Simei.   

 

 

                             Changi Simei Constituency Sports Club

21 Century Disease….My Harrowing Experience

Changi Simei, Singapore, 22 April 2010…

 

The saying of “you are what you eat” is real especially in your health. Poor eating habit due to our “kiasu” syndrome couple with modern day stress and lack of time for exercise in an affluent society may have given rise to more 21 Century Diseases. When I was young, I hardly heard of people dying from this disease or that disease. Nowadays, it is common to learn from friends that so and so has passed on due to heart attack, cancer, stroke or any thing you name it, is there. Some may argue that it is the natural progression of life of 生老病死 (youth, ageing, illness and dead) as in the Chinese saying. I too subscribe to the saying in part but it may only be in three stages of  生老死 (youth, ageing and dead). Can we prevent illness from taking place. It is a Yes and No.

 

Yes, if we go out there to sweat it out regularly and eat less unhealthy food. But the reality is that the easily available food centres and the international restaurants offering delicious food from the world over make it difficult for us to resist. We eat as though there is no tomorrow or feel lose out in buffet meals. Today modern gadgets also result in our lifestyle becoming sedentary. We think of short cut and expend the minimum effort for maximum results. We may be in for trouble.

 

But we comfort ourselves that our health care system is one of the world best and given the modern advances in medical science and technology, we are insulated from diseases. It may be possible that many diseases are now curable, but the proviso is early detection. Again the reality is how many of us really make an effort to go for regular health screening? Costs may be the impediment.

 

I attempt to live a healthy lifestyle. I run regularly, 3 times a week with each run about 8 to 10 km lasting an hour or slightly more depending on my physical condition and mood of the day. I am preparing for the Sundown Marathon this coming May. With the regular workout, I should be physically and mentally fit. Nonetheless, I may think I am fit and agile but that is only my own assessment.

 

I need technology to help in my assessment. Before each marathon, I would go for a treadmill test to determine my physical condition. This year, beside ECG and treadmill, I requested for ultra sound test and CT scan as the collation of more test results will provide a better picture of my heart condition especially with my age. I have requested for more tests to be done to be safe and assure my wife that I am fit to run.

  

However, the consultant suggested otherwise for my age >50 yrs. I was told that a CT scan has a high level of radiation dose which is many times that of a normal X-ray radiation. In reality the radiation dose from CT procedure ranges from approximately 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as an average person receives from background radiation in three to five years. Though it is more accurate, there are negative implication to health like contracting cancer. Therefore, I decided to forgo CT scan unless absolutely necessary. 

 

On the appointed day, I arrived at the hospital. I did the ECG and the ultra sound test. The consultant concluded that the ECG reading was perfect and the ultra sound result did not indicate any heart disease. I was pleased. Next, I did the treadmill test which has an accuracy of about 75%. At one of the stage, the medical officer conducting the test stood up from his chair and his eyes glued to the echocardiograph. I noticed his behaviour and saw a spike. The medical officer kept asking whether I felt pain in the chest and he is prepared to stop the test. I said no as I was then jogging steady, no breathlessness or tired. The medical officer was seen to be tracking my progress and compared the graph.  I continued and completed all the stages.

 

The medical officer remarked that I was very fit but the slight irregular graph indicated the possibility of some problem with me. He spoke to my cardiologist and immediately, the routine test became upgraded to an urgent case and immediate appointment made to see my cardiologist. My cardiologist himself was surprised that of his patient, those with such irregular pattern graph were those who don’t exercise and for me he thought of the possibility of coronary artery disease and suggested putting me on angiogram.         

 

Angiogram is an invasive non surgical procedure to determine whether there is any blockage at the coronary arteries. A thin catheter is inserted into my wrist and from the arm into my body. The catheter is then passed through the blood vessel towards the heart. Along the way, special X-ray dye is also injected through the catheter into the arteries which will outline the coronary arteries to show any existing blockages or narrowing. There are associated risks of vascular injury, bleeding, allergic reaction to the dye and renal impairment, heart attack, stroke or death may occur which the medical officer explained and asked whether I would still proceed with the procedure. Having came that far, I decided to proceed and signed a couple of document to acknowledge the implications which was  perhaps to absolve the hospital from any blame. I did the test on last Monday. I was given sedatives and local anaesthetic to numb the site where catheter will be inserted into the artery. It was a harrowing experience, my first in hospital and in the surgical theatre and rest my life with God as the procedure could go wrong although statistically it was low at 0.5%.

 

I survived and was discharged from the day ward, the last patient to leave. My cardiologist showed me images of my arteries and told me that I was lucky as there was no blockage at the three main coronary arteries. He said that the three main coronary arteries were the life line of the heart. I was cleared and declared fit with no heart disease. Just imagine, from a routine scan of heart, it turned into an urgent case and from an urgent case, it is downgraded to a routine case. My fortune just changed. But the truth is if the treadmill does not provide a negative reading, I may not have gone through the distance to know the exact health status of my arteries. So I should thank the treadmill for flagging me for attention. This is one approach to justify while the other is the negative approach of I have suffered because of inaccurate treadmill reading. I opted for the first approach to look at this issue. Although it was a harrowing experience, but it was worth the value of money.   

 

After so many tests, I am glad that I am able to run again and I realise that I am no longer young. There are physical limitations, heart, knees, ankle and a host of body parts that I need to treasure as no spare parts are available for replacing them. Should I continue with my routine regiment, I think I will for as long as I can. But I will also remember to monitor my health. I will run according to my body indication and will not be a hero in the marathon.

 

I will still subscribe to the 3 stages of life 生老死 and to skip 病 through a healthy lifestyle.  I see whether I will succeed.   

Search For Baby 2010@Changi Simei

 

Changi Simei, Singapore, 18 April 2010…..

 

This morning @ ChangiSimei Community Club, babies were the STARS of the day. These babies ranging from as young as 6 months to toddlers of 24 months were there to take part in the Baby Singapore 2010 contest.

 

The contest attracted about 45 babies but almost 5 times the numbers of “baby supporters” turned up to watch the antics of Changi Simei’s youngest generation. The baby 2010 was attended by 3 generations, babies and their siblings, parents and grandparents. The turnout was what our organisers, the Women Executive Committee and the Family Liaison Champion (FLC) had hoped for when they conceptualised the event to promote family bonding and foster closer ties in celebration of family tie. Another aim of the Baby Contest was to offer another platform for parents and grandparents to network with each other on best practices to nurture their babies thus promoting neighbourliness among our residents.   

 

At 8.30 am, these baby contestants arrived with their parents and grandparents to participate in the 3 categories, Most Sporty Baby, Most Photogenic Sibling and the Healthiest Baby. These young stars were cheered on by parents and grandparents and those who were on the verge of crying were coaxed to smile  by their parents and grandparents.

 

At 11 am, Ms Jessica Tan, Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC and adviser to East GRC GROs arrived to cheers of residents. She interacted with parents and grandparents. Prizes for the top three categories were awarded to babies whom the judges thought met their judging criterion.  Winners of Most Sporty Baby and Most Photogenic Sibling stand a chance to compete with winners in other constituencies at the Baby Show 2010 finals in June 2010.

 

Nonetheless, at the end of the day, every baby contestant is a winner. A winner in creating space for interaction and bonding among parents, grandparents and their neighbours.

 

Passion in Grassroots Movement

Changi Simei, Singapore, 11 April 2010……..In the last two years, together with the Community LEAD Champion, Jason Ong, we have been intensifying our efforts to recruit new grassroots leaders into the grassroots movement. Readers may be thinking why I have defined our grassroots as a “movement” instead of just a mere organisation? An organisation is defined in my narrow definition as persons who make up a body for the purpose of administering something. On the contrary, a “movement” is an organised effort and energised by its people who share a common goal and collectively going about to achieve its goals. Movements come and go once their specific purpose are achieved. Unlike other movements, our grassroots movement focuses on reaching out to promote an active community by fostering social cohesion and improving lives which are cornerstones of our nation building effort. After 50 yrs (since 1 Jul 1960), our grassroots movement has not only made strides in helping to build our country, more importantly, it still remains an integral part of our social fabric and relevant in our society.

 

However, as our society becomes more affluent, not many people will want to be part of the grassroots movement. There is nothing wrong with that, afterall grassroots leaders are volunteers. The challenge for us is how we can position ourselves to attract enough talents to join the grassroots movement in the face of “competitions” from other personal interests? We must be aware of the evolving society and continue to present our value proposition to attract people to join us. Without a steady pool of volunteers being recruited into the grassroots movement, the shortfall of new grassroots leaders may become an impediment to the sustenane of social cohesion in our community. 

   

Instead of lamenting on the lack of volunteers, we turn our lamentation into a challenge. To fill up the ranks of the grassroots movement, we organised regular tea sessions to introduce our grassrots works to our residents. We do this in our framework of engagement, nurturing and growing, a framework that is tested and works for us. In our egangements, we  do not coerce residents who turn up for the session to sign up as grassroots leaders. Even if they don’t sign up with us, we welcome them, at least twe have shared with them on our works and create the network with them. Hopefully, the network will continue to grow and eventually we are forged together as one though they may not be part of the grassroots movement to define our future and determine how we can transform Changi Simei in the way we want it to be. 

 

We believe in the spirit of volunteerism and we prefer those who eventually signed up with us are passionate to serve to make a difference in the community. These grassroots leaders are the grassroots leaders who will keep the grassroots movement growing and innovating. I always admire these ordinary individuals who have forsaken their comfort to serve the community when others are relaxing and enjoying or pursuing their own interests. They are our local heroes and heroines.  

 

In the last two years, we have seen some success in term of recruiting quality grassroots leaders. We recruited almost 90 new grassroots leaders from the Gen X and Gen Y. In the last two years, we have also seen few existing grassroots leaders leaving us. Those who left us are those who have moved on to live in another estate but a couple of them remain to continue their service with us. That speaks of the bond which we have developed over the years. I do appreciate the selfless service of all grassroots leaders and the great works they have undertaken over the years. We are what we are today because of the earlier generation of grassroots leaders who have laid the foundation for us. What we will need is to continue to strengthen our Changi Simei’s grassroots culture through mutal respect and engaging each other to tap our collective knowledge. The top leadership in the CCC will take the lead in this.           

 

Once the new grassroots leaders are recruited, our LEAD Champion, Jason, organises a local programme to induct them into the local community. Previously, these new grassroots leaders attended induction programme conducted by PA through NCALLI, however, Jason rationalised that a local programme would be more meaningful and beneficial to bring the new grassroots leaders to speed. We discussed and developed our first induction programme known as COMPASS which literary is to provide the direction and help to hold the hands of these new grassroots leaders. In our first programme, 23 new grassroots leaders attended the programme and we had a good sharing session. When we share there is ownership and the new grassroots leaders feel that they can contribute to the society.     

 

Our next step will be to groom more talented grassroots leaders from our current and new pool of grassroots leaders to take over key leadership posts in the years to come as part of our leadership renewal process. Unlike in the corporate world, the “correct” compensation package may draw suitable candidates to fill the leadership positions. For an all volunteers organisation like the grassroots movement, we cannot buy “ready made” grassroots leaders from the shelf.  We need “tailored made” grassroots leaders who are living in the community and who understand the local environment and the aspirations of our local residents. These potential top grassroots leaders should preferably be accepted by the local grassroots leadership and I believe that with proper grooming process and leadership succession plan, those talented grassroots leaders will be able to command respect and will thrive in their role to lead the grassroots movement.              

 

I will end with this saying on leadership from Lao Tzu, a great Chinese philosopher “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worse when they despise him…..But of a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say. “We did it ourselves”

 

People Centric….Land Transport Authority

Changi Simei, Singapore, 11 April 2010……..I am writing this blog based on my personal experience with LTA and how LTA has evolved into a more people centric organisation.

 

Over the years, under the leadership of Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive (CE) of LTA, I have seen LTA moving from a bureaucratic position to a friendlier and  “people centric” organisation, more willing to open up, listen, modify and do what it right to benefit the community. This is a complete departure of what LTA uses to be.  My impression of a more people centric LTA is primarily built on LTA’s statements like  “transport is a basic need and we must ensure that everyone has access to it, the low-income groups, the elderly, wheelchair users, families with young children and pedestrians” and “at the same time, public transport is the most efficient means of transport and the LTA will endeavour to make it a choice mode”. Though these two statements were made by the CE some times ago, however, they were not policy statements nor statements that carried much weight to force a systemic change. Nonetheless, to me, these statements reflected the new thinking at LTA to find a “win-win” land transportation solutions through ground touch points.

 

The “ground up” approach to touch as many people as possible on land transport policies and its willingness to take in feedbacks is a “forward” strategy welcomed not only by grassroots leaders, even residents appreciate the approach on consultations. To do this, a new Community Partnership Division (CPD) was set up to beef up its presence on the ground. My impression is that the CPD has done an excellent job at the various touch points like grassroots leaders, residents, business owners etc. To further enhance its touch points, LTA also introduced a scheme known as “Friends of LTA” to encourage individuals to contribute ideas, suggestions and proposals to directly to LTA.  These initiatives boasted the overall efficiency and effectiveness of land transport policies, schemes and services and are testimonies of LTA working hard to fine tune its policies for the benefit of the community.   

 

I must qualify that willing to take in feedback is not tantamount to the implementation of all feedback received. Every feedback needs to be studied in details to derive and understand implications. Nonetheless, I give full marks to LTA for being rational, logical and defend its policy position doing what is right if feedback are one-sided benefiting the few. In Changi Simei, I am glad that many of our feedback were being implemented, one example was the installation of street lamps along a footpath to enhance the safety of residents.

 

The current “three ways” communications, between LTA, grassroots leaders and concerned stakeholders (residents, businesses) have certainly provided for a better atmosphere for quality conversations and hence foster better relationships and these resulted in smoother implementation of the policies and enhancement to infrastructures.  Unlike the past, the “no” for an answer usually did not come with any official explanation. For “no” for an answer in the current context, the grassroots leaders and the concerned stakeholders were engaged by LTA. We may still be unhappy but at least we know the reason why. There are always advocates and detractors in any initiatives who support or against any initiatives as each one of us standing at different positions to see an issue. Therefore pleasing everyone will eventually please no one. Doing what is right will need to take precedence over doing what is popular.   

 

As an individual, I fully support and endorse the people centric LTA. I appreciate the sharing of the “big picture” by LTA in dialogues and visits. It is something that I treasure and will turn up as long as my personal schedule permits. I will continue to engage LTA in the framework of safety for all road users and a smoother rides. The photographs on the left were taken during a recent dialogue session.        

 

At Changi Simei, we are blessed with one LTA officer, Mr Lim Sun Kiat who is dedicated and work hard on the ground to resolve transport issues. At the monthly Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting, Mr Lim would report on the progress of work done on all transport issues surfaced by the CCC or residents. At each meeting, Mr Lim would also take back new suggestions from grassroots leaders and other ad hoc suggestions and issues through emails from residents as he practises the “no wrong door” policy. Mr Lim Sun Kiat adds value and make a difference during meetings and other conversations. He is a valuable resource person to the CCC and together with his superiors, Mr Chandrasekar, Director Traffic and Community Partnership and Mr G Yuvaraj, DD Community Partnership South East (in photo on the above left), they are shining living examples of what LTA can be and what LTA can do to deliver the best to benefit the majority in the community.  Its tag line of LTA……Innovating Singapore’s Land Transport System and I strongly believe.    

 

Besides the ground works  www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/lt_gallery.htm the public can also visit the LTA’s gallery for a glimpse on the journey of land transport in Singapore in 6 thematic areas. The last exhibit area on vision and aspirations is interesting which we hope to arrive. I have visited the gallery and it is worth the time spent.

 

 

 

 

Honoured as Star Ambassador

Changi Simei, Singapore, 7 April 2010……..Frankly, I have not expected to be the focal point of media attention for winning the Star Ambassador Award during the Land Transport Excellence Awards Ceremony held at Ritz Carlton on 31 March 2010. With so many distinct companies with their showcase projects and and individual nominations in 14 award categories, it was a pleasant surprise to me that my contributions were recognised.  

 

I have considered myself as an ordinary folk doing an ordinary job which I have volunteered for and I am doing it to the best of my ability. As a grassroots leaders and Chairman of Changi Simei Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC), I have a mission in my mind, “to serve and not be served by the community”. Therefore, I have not expected or dreamt of recognitions or special mentions on my grassroots works in any forms. Nonetheless, I would like to thank residents and any individual whom have taken cognisance of my grassroots works related to land transport issues and have nominated me to compete with others for the award. In addition, my appreciation to the panel of judges who have spent time reviewing the works of all shortlisted nominees for the Star Ambassador Award. I also want to single out LTA for tolerating my persistence and for reviewing my feedback.  Through the Community Partnership Division, I have received much of their backend support in my engagements with residents. I too have learnt a great deal from the staff from LTA.  Thank you.

 

The Star Ambassador is awarded to recognises one grassroots leader who has played pivotal role in helping LTA better engage and foster closer relationships with the community so as to create a better understanding of land transport policies and initiatives. I am honoured and yet humbled by the recognition given through the award. The winning of the sole Star Ambassador Award though is an individual award but back in my mind I know I am not walking alone (Sound familiar? “You’ll never walk alone”) and no man is an island. I could not have done better if not for the encouragements and contributions of my other grassroots leaders colleagues. They too have collectively worked hard to support my works on land transport issues. With their efforts and endorsements and strong support, in fact they have sent me on stage to receive the award from the Minister of Transports. For all the support and more importantly believing in my leadership, they deserve my salute.         

 

In the last couple of days, I have received congratulatory messages in the form of emails or sms from grassroots leaders, friends and former colleagues. One particular sms was interesting. It read, “I marvel at your energy for the volunteer works despite your heavy full time work. Not many of us can measure up to you for that”. My answer to the comment was “it is passion and belief that drives me on”. Yes, the passion generates much of my energy in my grassroots works despite my full time second career which is also another passion of mine. My belief that I can still be useful to touch others and make the difference also provide the impetus to me to do what is right. Although I may be ageing physically, a natural phenomenon beyond my control but I try to keep my mind young to enjoy what I am currently doing and do it well to serve the community.

 

Since being given the award, I received my first feedback from my sister who congratulated me. At the same time she also provided feedback to me since I am the ambassador of LTA. Though she is not a resident in Changi Simei, I guess the title of ambassadorship mean more residents across the country could engage me. I am more than happy to engage any one.  

 

My wife though not involved in any grassroots works but her understanding of my involvement in the community and her devotion to the family have enabled me to pursue both my passions. Although I am only home in the late evening very frequently and working through the early morning replying to emails and other works, she has supported what I am doing. My award is also attributed to her indirect contributions and I appreciate her patience on me.    

 

It’s time to resume my grassroots works again after receiving the accolade from LTA and the one week of euphoria. Starting the engine now.

 

Celebrate with PAssion Card…..

I first blogged about the PAssion Card aka “Privileges Abundance” Card on 11 Feb 2010. I have been using the cards on numberous occasions to purchase  movie tickets. The accumulated discounts given are worth the value of the joining fees of PAssion Card.

On 1 April 2010, the privileges of PAssion Card was extended to the Dairy Farm Group outlets like Cold Storage, Giant Hypermarket, Shop and Save, Market Place and Guardian Health Pharmacy and Beauty stores.  That’s good news for members.

Nonetheless, on the same date, PAssion Card is no longer valid to redeem for Link Points at Fairprice chain of supermarkets.  The cessation of validity at Fairprice may cause  inconveniences to people where Dairy Farm Group outlets are not located near their homes. Nonetheless, it is a business strategy and it is a choice that we as consumers will have to make and a matter of adjustment to the new privileges offer at the Dairy Farm group of companies.

On 2 April 2010, I shopped at Giant Hypermarket at Tampines. At the check out counter, the cashier was polite and asked whether I was in possession of the PAssion Card explaining the PAssion Card could now be used to earn “TapforMore”  points.  Unlike the NTUC Link Points where the PAssion Card could be presented to the cashier to swipe at the reader, to earn TapforMore points, the PAssion Card must be first be tapped on the reader to activate my account for earning Tap For More points. Without activating your account, any purchases scanned by the cashier would not earn any TapforMore points.  The activation is simply a self-initiated action by just tapping the PAssion Card at the reader located in front of the cashier’s screen and once the green light goes off, the account is activated.  PAssion Card members are automatically included in this programme wihout having to sign up for programme. That’s save the hassle.

For every $1 spent at participating stores would earn one TapforMore points. Nonetheless, the catch is only eligible purchases would earn points. Eligible purchases exclude online purchase, purchased done at self-checkout counters, statutory services and products, The Choice vouchers, newspapers, magazines, tobacco and infant milk formula products.  

Redemption of TapforMore points is based on 1500 points for $10 which is almost similar to NTUC Link Points except members of NTUC has other privileges when redeeming their Link Points. However, there is no minimum number of TapforMore points required for redemption as micro-redemption to off set purchases is allowed to off set any purchases as long as the balance points in the our account are valid.

Members of PAssion Card must remember that the TapforMore points earned in a calendar year will expire on 31 December of that year. However, members are given an additional 6 months’ grace period to redeem their TapforMore points. Any points not redeemed by the expiry date shall automatically expire. In addition, any points earn would also lapse with the lapse of PAssion Card membership.

With the need to stretch each dollar to the maximum, it makes economic sense to optimise PAssion Card to earn TapforMore points or any discounts offer by participanting merchants. There is only one catch, ie, to bring the PAssion Card during your shopping.

The PAssion Card can only become the best discount card only if there is a strong membership base. A strong membership base would entice more merchants to participate in the scheme and hence more discount offers to benefit us. As of January 2010, there are over 740,000 PAssion Card members and it is still growing. If you are not a member, I encourage you to join the 5 years membership (first 2 yrs of membership) to enjoy the benefits and discounts as follows.    

• Principal Card (for those between 18 to < 60 years old): $12 (U.P: $15)
• Principal Card (for those of ages <18 years & ≥ 60 years old) : $10 (U.P: $12)
• Supplementary Card (applicable to spouse of Principal Card member Only): $10 (U.P: $12)

To encourage more families to join the PA programme, PA has two schemes to encourage participation as follows.

• Spouse of the principal card member can sign up as supplementary card member. Instead of paying $12, they will enjoy a $2 off the membership fees and pay only $10
• Children below 18 can tag as Supplementary members to their parents’ Principal Card at no additional cost. However, these children will have no cards issue to them.

Please log in at  http://www.passioncard.com.sg/ for more details on discounts and offers.

In Search of New Grassroots Leaders

Changi Simei, Singapore, 1 April 2010…….The success of Singapore has been attributed to a steady crop of capable leaders in the top echelon of the government. Without capable political leaders, I have my doubt that Singapore, as a country can be found in the world map. Even with a steady crop of capable leaders, the government is still continuing its search for more candidates to join its ranks and files to lead the country into the next lap. Well, that’s political and it is beyond the scope of my blog.  

 

Similarly at the grassroots level, together with the LEAD Champion and the various Chairmen, we are also looking at grassroots leadership renewal. It is our role as the current grassroots leaders to find, nurture and groom the new generation of grassroots leaders as our successors. We can only be successful if we have rejuvenated our grassroots organisations with the next generation of capable grassroots leaders at the helm. Without the injection of fresh grassroots leaders to build on what the current and former grassroots leaders have achieved, our grassroots organisations can only decline instead of thriving. This may not be what the current grassroots leaderships will want to see in the near future.

 

Leadership renewal is not a recent phenomenon. It have been there ever since mankind first battled with each other to earn the right to lead centuries ago. In today context, we may not start a physical fight in order to lead but we plan for leadership succession through a process of bringing people onboard, nurture and engage them to prepare them to lead with Head, Heart and Hands. The grooming of future grassroots leaders is easier said than done as there are uncertainties in view of volunteerism and it involves a long and tedious process to bring out the best of potential grassroots leaders. Besides the challenge of selecting people with the right values, attributes and character, another  challenge is that senior grassroots leaders may feel uncomfortable to take a back seat as younger leaders may not withstand the pressure and intelligent is not equivalent to the ability to lead. This is because unlike corporate leaderships who are concerned with profits and loss, grassroots leaderships shoulder the responsibilities of listening to people, analysing, understanding and explaining issues, convincing residents of the decision taken, striving for consensus and the building of trusts which takes years to work on the ground.

 

Back in the last century, recruiting grassroots leaders may already be a struggle in view of changes in societal values. Nonetheless, the greatest challenge that grassroots organisations face is getting residents to be involved in grassroots activities let alone recruiting them. In today context of peace and prosperity or in Chinese 天下太平 安居乐业, many residents will not want to come forward to serve residents as grassroots leaders.  I have invited some young residents to volunteer their time as grassroots leaders. Their answers are likely to be “Why would I want to do this? I have many things I could do and I want to get on with my life first,  Let someone else lead” . Their replies were candid and it also projected the current reality of our younger generation.

 

Fortunately, our patience prevail. There are still residents who are willing to come forward to join the grassroots ranks and files to make a difference in our environment in Changi Simei. These are residents in the early 30s to 40s. I supposed, not too bad. They want to touch others to make a difference.

 

Last Saturday, 27 March 2010, together with the LEAD Champion, we organised a recruitment session. Of the 10 residents who had shown up, 9 of them volunteered to become members of our grassroots organisations. What was significant was among the 10 residents, there were two young residents who were  keen to contribute their shares of talents and time to our grassroots organisations. The actions of these two young residents are a testimony there are still young people who care about the well-being of the society at large. What remainder is to sustain their interests of helping the less privileges.