My Second Princess Birthday…28 Apr 2013

In 2010, my family celebrated the first birthday of my first granddaughter, Isabelle. Last month, we celebrated another of our granddaughter, Micaela’s one year old birthday at Changi Chalet.

Many guests, my daughter’s friends from the “mama” club and her former classmates, my son-in-law’s colleagues, my wife’s brothers and sisters and their families and my own siblings, nephews and nieces turned out in full force. The one year old birthday party was also a perfect platform for gathering of kins, relatives and friends. We don’t meet often in view of our busy daily schedules or perhaps the lack of occasions to meet. Therefore, any celebration would be an opportunity to gather around the table for kinship, friendships and of course food and drinks. Though I am not a serious “drinker”, for such occasions, I may drink but exercising self-control to remain sober and a responsible individual.

Back to the one year old birthday party. My daughter, Florence, planned for the party since the beginning of 2013. My daughter planned a Hawaiian theme birthday party as she would like to give Micaela an unforgettable birthday. Unforgettable for a one year old? Yes, at least to capture in photographs. She purchased raffia to make hula skirts, made purchases from USA to decorate the chalet into a Hawaii theme which she said cost much less than in Singapore, made and buy goodies for kids in attendance, prepare food and many preparations relating to the Hawaii theme birthday party. Even my youngest daughter pit in to help her to draw two Hawaiian lady in the usual grass skirts. Finally, my youngest daughter drove my car with Florence to Parkway Parade to pump up balloon with helium, my car was full of balloons when they returned to the chalet. All preparations were completed in good time before the guest turned up less the coconut trees which in the plan should be part of the decoration but were not available as we could not simply chopped down coconut trees. So there was no coconut tree but the party went on as planned.

On Micaela, she is adorable and she smiles whether she hears her name is being called. She likes to play and would initiate contact with people near to her by touching them or pulling their clothes. Whenever, people react to her, she would smile or burst into laughter. She is also responsive to people who speak to her and her eyes would focus on the people who play with her. At her age, Micaela is able to make sounds like “papa”, “mama”, “grandpa” and “grandma” and “jie jie”. For a one year girl, making sounds is fast for age. She could even walk few steps on her own without assistance. I could sense from her expression of joy or relief whenever she completed walking a few steps. In the weeks to come, she would be walking perhaps on her own but to my wife, she would still carry her as long as she could. My wife’s philosophy is “children grow up fast and it would be a lost opportunity and they grow up they would not want to be carried” That explained why my wife and I always carry both of them whenever we are out with them. I thought my wife’s philosophy is practical as once they grow up, they would like to have their own privacy. Therefore, treasure the present and seize the opportunity to do what it right and enjoy their company.

These days children are smarter and tech savvy unlike children of my time where we only learned Alphabets in Primary One level but now they would have learnt these alphabets even before they turn 3 or may be earlier. Thanks and no thanks to their “kia su” parents and my daughter is one of them. Micaela is currently enrolled into a learning class…well my daughter’s ideal of education to start first especially Micaela is born in the year of Dragon. During the birthday party, these young toddlers were lined up for a photo shoot and there were 5 “dragon toddlers”. Besides Micaela, I have another “dragon” grand-nephew and niece.

Dragon is a mythical animal which the Chinese believe to be an auspicious animal and anyone born under this Chinese zodiac sign has these traits of power but benevolent, wisdom, strength, luck and longevity. No wonder, whenever it comes to the Dragon year, Singapore would have more babies that other Zodiac years. But the catch is these children would have to compete among their cohort for many things in life to be a phoenix or for the male, a dragon.

Like the one year old birthday celebration for Isabelle, besides the usual food galore, there were BBQ too. Well, my son and his friend became the BBQ chefs preparing food for our guests. There were so much BBQ food leftover and we continue the family’s BBQ later in the evening and continue to the next day when we had BBQ dinner.

I have not written any blog since Dec 2010 and it is difficult to start. In view of Micaela’s birthday party, my wife put in this request….write a blog for Micaela. Her rationale was since I had written a blog for Isabelle when she was one year old, I should also blog for Micaela and to blog in wordpress too. Sound reasonable to ensure both my granddaughters read what their grandpa had written about their one year old party when they grow up one day.

I guess with my daughter’s focus, soon both my grand daughters would be equipped with the functional skills of literacy and numeracy. They would be able to read what I have written on my thoughts many years ago including my 98 other blogs in 2010.

I look forward to the day when both my grand daughters could engage her grandmother and I. Perhaps, one day when my wife and I retire for good, we would have more time with them. Our wish is for them to grow up into a responsible citizens contributing to the well being of mankind in whichever way they feel comfortable with.

The Time is Always Right to Share….

Changi Simei, Singapore, 12 Oct 2010 

“I have been living here for many years and I don’t even realise that there are so many activities and so forth…… being carried out by grassroots organisation”. This was what one resident said at the end of my sharing session on community development on 9 Oct 2010. Was I being surprised? No, not at all as I have heard this before during house to house visits and other sharing sessions.

This is a hard reality on the ground. Many residents are not aware that many of the improvements on infrastructure wokrs implemented and community based activities and events being organised within the estate are attributable to the selfless and passionate grassroots leaders. These residents can be forgiven. It is natural for them to think that these are the good works of government agencies.

Government agencies do play a crucial role in supporting, funding and implementing these projects but our grassroots leaders are the catalysts for change and they drive these initiatives to fruition. At times, there is a “long and running battle” to seek support and funding from government agencies on the projects we have conceived. There are also feeling of frustrations and irritations especially when the grassroots and government agency each holds opposite views of an issue or project. If we can compromise, the grassroots leaders will. If we cannot, the grassroots leaders will pursue with passion and yet remain rational without losing sight of our mission as grassroots leaders to get the job done.

One example of our frustrations was for “justifying” the covered link way extending from Blk 106 to join to the bus stop. It took a few months but at the end of the day, the government agency relented to bring forward the link way project. The link way project was hence completed in 2009 instead of the original plan in 2012 during the neighbourhood renewal. We did not raise the “white flag” on the first sign of rejection but we soldiered on and persevered for the benefit of residents. This  lesson taught us to continue to look forward for the good of residents.

In the last 4 years since 2006, we have accomplished many projects ranging from improvements in infrastructure, upgrading of HDB estate and private estate, organised activities to bond residents etc, there are also trying time for us. With more well read and travel constituents, higher expectations and more demands are also being placed on us to deliver our services. We are not afraid of works but at times, these expectations and demands are simply irrational and personal motivated. One example of an irrational demand was a resident who claimed to be a leader in his own right and demanded the removal of the pedestrians’ crossing at the side gate of Changkat Primary School which the Citizens’ Consultative Committee had earlier installed with the help of LTA. The reason being, a couple of minutes were lost in reaching home. It was a few minutes saved over a life and I made my position clear. I was “labelled” by this resident but I did not lose sleep over it as it is one of the grassroots leaders’ volunteering hazards. Over the years, there were other demands like constructing a tunnel to Singapore Expo which is possible but financially not feasible.

Grassroots besides being the catalysts who lead, we are also like a network plugged in with government agencies through feedback collection, disseminating and educating residents like a teacher and a helper. By helping, I meant lending our ears to listen and empathise and offer our hands to help those are in genuine need.

Two years ago, a family saw Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo, our Member of Parliament during her Meet-the-People session. The family was financially challenged and they desired to equip their son with a decent education. The grassroots leader swung into actions and after establishing the needs of the family decided to sponsor their son’s education on the proviso that their son passed his examination. There was no conditions attached to sponsoring their son’s education. We wanted their son to do well and be self-sustained rather than relying and tax the society. We were not disappointed. Their son did well enough to receive a study award for furthering his education. There were other examples like providing free tuition to students from needy family to prepare for their PSLE.  The last year’s cohort did not disappoint either as one of them scored a 249 in PSLE and many who were in the border line gained admission into the Express stream. Everyone passed their PSLE, a consolation to us.

From the internet forums, many netizens made all sorts of inaccurate observations on grassroots leaders. Some questioned the motive of volunteering perhaps for personal glory or to advance their personal gains. Some even went to the extent of casting doubts on the integrity of grassroots leaders. Nonetheless, many volunteered and stand to be counted to advance but the interests of the community with the larger motive of building a strong and cohesive country. In my sharing, I have emphasised that there are no “freebies” for grassroots leaders, grassroots leaders pay for their season parking, a Phase 2B in primary one registration is similar to those parents who have volunteered in the schools of their choice etc.

There are many myths of grassroots leader. The stereotyping of grassroots leaders are created by those who hearsay or have gripes with the establishments. I want to qualify that in any vocations, occupations etc, there are black sheep, free-riders or those with ulterior motives in the ranks and files. Why do these people pre-judge and conclude that grassroots leaders are “bad, undesirable and selfish beings?”. I leave the decision to readers to make.         

There were many others issues and achievements shared in my session to create an awareness of the works of grassroots organisations. My educated guess was that these residents took away the knowledge of grassroots works and how the grassroots organisations are structured in Changi Simei to achieve its vision of an inclusive and vibrant society.

Perhaps the sharing session was detailed with high energy level, those attended decided to put in their applications to join the grassroots organisations to contribute to the society. It is how we make the difference instead of hiding behind a faceless cyberspace to criticise with inaccurate information.

Once Tightly Controlled…Now More Open

Changi Simei, Singapore, 7 Oct 2010

Some time in Sep last year, our government appointed an independent committee to review (Censorship Review Committee (CRC) and to update polices and rules on censorship of the broadcast media, films, videos, publications, audio materials, art and even new media. It is time since the last review was carried out in 2003 to keep pace with the fast changing media environment. This is especially so in the buzzing cyber space with no known boundary and the high internet penetration.  

Nonetheless, it is not an easy review to begin in view of our conservative society and other considerations like racial harmony, social cohesion, family and individual values. A review will come to a “stand still” if the CRC makes the review within the framework of the once successful approach of adding stringent rules instead of working in the view of the future. In today context, it is a fact that any objectionable contents can still be downloaded for proliferation in the multiple new media platforms due to the advent of digital technology thus making stringent rules less effective.   

It was good news that on 15 Sep 2010, the CRC submitted its recommendations to the government. Among the list of recommendations, the “hot” recommendations were allowing R21 (Restricted to 21 movie goers) films to be screen in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates as well as on pay TV and video-on-demand but with parental lock. Other recommendations include the lifting of the 100 mostly pornographic websites in favour of a filtering service and easier licensing on arts events. The recommendation to lift pornographic websites was an eye-opener….I was thinking then, could this is for real? It was published in the media for the Minister for Information, communications and the Arts to decide.  

The recommendations by the CRC were debatable. It also generated interests among two camps, those who are pro to the recommendations and those who oppose the recommendations. Even the views of my members were mixed on these recommendations. The camp who is up in arms against the recommendations expressed their discomfort with the screening of R21 movies ie adult contents movies in HDB estates and pornographic sits. They felt that “our society” is not ready to absorb the new freedom fearing implications and spill over effect on the young especially in the HDB heartland estates. From a survey collected, there was also a strong public sentiment of about 60% against such R21 movies screening in HDB heartlands, although the current regulations allow the screening of R21 movies in theatres located outside the HDB heartlands.

Nonetheless, the pro camp felt that we should move away from a prescriptive environment but  to allow people to make their own choices on what they want to watch, read or not. I remembered the time I was living in the United States in 1992. Pornographic materials like Playboy, Penthouse, X-rated videos and the likes were easily accessible anywhere and anytime for examples at 24/7 supermarkets etc. The pay TV channels also screened restricted movies any time of the day. I had the choice then, but I did watch the pay TV channels. Such novelty can easily wear off as “see one and it is like seen” all as such movies come with poor plot but merely the parading of flesh to entice box office.   

When Singapore categorised the movies into few categories many years ago, I have watched two R21 movies, “The Wedding” starred by Joan Chen and “The Lust” starred by Tang Wei perhaps some 10 years later. Yes, there were some nude scenes but it was bore from the artistic angle and performing art. Unlike the “erotic” or XXX rated movies, there are good plots in R21 movies. Therefore, the fear of corrupting the minds of the young and innocent may not materialised. In addition, the strict enforcement by cinema operators through the burden of proof of identity is sufficient to deter the minors from trying to sneak into the theatre.

On 29 Sep 2010, the government responded to the CRC’s recommendations. It agreed to some of the recommendations. In essence, a new rating Parental Guidance 13 in addition to the current rating of General, No Children Under 16, Mature 18 and Restricted 21.  The PG 13 allows more choices for children especially those movies with less intimate scenes like the “The Red Cliff”or those movies which have much derogatory words during its dialogue. Ultimately, it is the parents who will still make the decision on whether the movie is suitable for their children under 13 years of age.    

I commend the CRC for its effort to break the sacred rules by making sweeping recommendations. At the  end of the day, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts had made his decision. He accepted 80% of the recommendations which was also good news. At least the minister was opened to new line of thought although he had also to be guided by societal norms and the need to balance the need to make more choices available. I quoted from Minister “We should move with, rather than move ahead of society. While we want to increase content choices for adults, we have to first ensure that society is generally comfortable with the direction and the pace of changes”

Having said that, the 100 pornographic websites were out, screening R21 movies in HDB heartlands was out and liberalisation of dialect films is out. Well, their bans do not constitute a total blackout especially to those who are interested to lay their hands on them. There are still other ways to access these sites.

Nevertheless, I thought the minister’s decision was wise, balancing the two camps of pro and against the recommendations. At the end of the day, it will be our decision to make on what we desire in our hearts and heads.

New Media….what’s new?

Changi Simei, Singapore, 3 Oct 2010

What is so new about new media? Isn’t the new media has been around for quite some time now. So what is the fuss about new media? I attended a new media sharing session this morning at the Changi Simei Community Club. The session was organised for grassroots leaders of East Coast GRC and Joo Chiat SMC.  Both Members of Parliament, Mr Chan Soo Sen (Joo Chiat SMC) and Ms Jessica Tan (East Coast GRC) were present at the session to support the session.

In her opening address, Ms Jessica Tan noted the riches of contents in the new media and being interactive, it is able to connect and engage readers easily than traditional media which is one way communication. Therefore, new media is a powerful media for outreach purpose and it has the viral effect.  Nonetheless, she also cautioned on the grave consequences if it is used to post information that lacks creditability and or is calculated to deceive, mislead or out to create mischief.

There are many examples of such information which lacks creditability or out to create mischief. Recently, a video streaming of a young man having sex with another man was the talk of the town.   This young man felt miserable and when pressure amounted, he decided to end his life…. a sad ending. In the local scene, a couple of years ago, a video streaming of a student having sex with her boyfriend also created misery for the couple. Their act was posted by some unknown person who picked up her mobile phone and did this unknown person know the grave consequences of the act which could potentially destroy the future of the couple? I guessed many may not be aware of the unintended consequences but perhaps thought that it was fun to share the video to the world at large to view.

Though there are the down sides of new media, there is also the positive side of new media. Take the example of “STOMP” publish by the Straits Times Interactive. Many will have seen pictures of areas which need attention being published in Stomp. One of the Stomp’s photograph on illegal parking at Simei MRT station despite the various initiatives taken to discourage illegal parking has the traffic police taking more active enforcement action. Unfortunately, motorists know the rules of the game. They disappear but to reappear again when the law enforcement officer left the area. Nonetheless, such positive posting creates awareness of the ground situation and hopefully the authorities monitor these sites which are voices from the ground for action. I am sure, the relevant authorities do monitor but they too need to set priorities as there are always inadequate resources to play “catch and mouse” game. Nonetheless, Stomp’ posting is one of the positive new media in the local scene.

Many people choose to exploit new media as currently there are few rules and regulations governing their postings which range from truth nothing but the truth to lies and at times derogatory and disparaging languages and remarks in an offensive manner. I have read many postings in my free time, it is hurting to read about irresponsible, reckless, foolish and immature postings and remarks of a person, government policies etc. There are also people with ill-intent masquerading or assuming some others’ identities to carry out “covert” operations.

Fortunately, the law is about to catch up with those crooks who ply the new media for their own means.  Recently, there are impending legal actions on such irresponsible individuals who made remarks which they will have to standby or risk being convicted in the court of law. The police are also on the look-out for people who masked and camouflaged themselves with the intention to groom under-age children for sexual act. A couple of them have been napped, convicted and now serving jail time.  

Why is the new media being subjected to so much abuse as compared to traditional media? My understanding is the new media is not about digitising media contents. It is about the creation of new contents which is dynamic with pulsing excitement in real time and real time interaction. This is where traditional media will not able to catch up. On top of this, the new media being new has grey areas which few laws are being enacted to curb its abuses. Thus, it creates a new generation of netizens who become bold to hide behind the screen to post all sorts of remarks. Perhaps they are also challenging the authorities to “arrest them if they can” knowing that to take them to task is not an easy task. The lacks of governance for new media enable those who are anti-establishments a field day as new media becomes a source for them to air their thoughts which they will not secure in traditional media.

In this morning session, besides the sharing by Dr Ori Sasson, there were other sharing from Peoples’ Association, Mr Steven Mun and Mr Jason Ong, both are new media champions in Joo Chiat and Changi Simei. The three sharing covered the practicability of using new media to reach out to residents to create a one community ie from a virtual community to real one community, lessons learnt in their journey of adopting new media, the challenges and tips on using new media as an outreach tool. Statistics were also being shared during the session less the technicality of using new media which will need another new session.

To round off the session, participants numbering almost 60 of them were challenged to share their thoughts on the three questions, How to increase outreach? How can we integrate virtual interaction with real world engagement as one? How can we measure the success of our outreach using new media? The sharing by the grassroots leaders yielded a couple of good ideas on how we can optimise the power of new media and what we can do with new media. We also learned about the pitfalls and the “evils” of new media when being abuses.

The Internet has survived many years of its existence and with the advent of new technology, the connectivity offers by the internet created a global village with no border and borderless communication to share and learn from each other. The cyberspace will continue to develop and without embracing the new game, we risk extinction in the cyber world as the IT technology is a very disruptive technology. Remember the negatives or camera films used by traditional cameras and where are these negatives or films now when digital cameras came into being in the last couple of years. They became extinct. The same can be said of those outlets processing negatives or films, they did survive because they adopted the new digital technology.

Internet through new media is here to stay and for a long time. Therefore, we will need to adopt them for our outreach programme. We should do more using new media.

Running my Own Race…Army Half Marathon 2010

Changi Simei, Singapore, 12 Sep 2010

My alarm clock rang at 3.30 am this morning and it was time to get ready for the Army Half Marathon. I  slept at about 2359 hrs the night before. Applying the Army Training Safety Regulation, I would probably be barred from taking part in view of lack of proper sleep for my own personal safety.  Nonetheless,  I listened to my body’s signals and assessed that I was physically fit to run the half marathon and to keep my pulse beats to below 25 pulses per 10 seconds.

By 3.45 am, I was out of my home to pick up Jason Ong. We arrived at Parliament House at 4 am. There were plenty of car lots for me to choose. Once I had my car parked, I changed into my Brooks running shoes which I had bought on the eve of the half marathon.  The “Trance” model cost me $164. Many would have thought that it was a “bad” idea to run with a pair of unseasoned running shoes. Well, this was not the first time of wearing unseasoned shoes for long distance run. I wore new shoes for almost every long distance run. Perhaps putting on new running shoes gave me the psychological advantage that my knees were better protected.  As I transit from one stage of my physical life to another, I am always thinking of how to preserve my knees in tip top condition to do what I like to do. The new investment was a worth the value.        

We  strolled to the starting point. It was about 4.15 am. It was still early and there were not many marathoners at the starting point. At the entrance, a marshal gave direction, “yellow tag there, purple tag here”. I was wearing the yellow tag which was for “man open” and the purple tag was for “man master”. I asked for the different and was told that those with yellow tag were qualified to line up in front of the start line. It was then that I realised that I had entered a category to compete the race with invitation runners from other armies and fast runners.  Never mind about the yellow tag, just to run my own race and to complete the 21 km. I thought to myself that if I was younger by 30 yrs, perhaps I would compete with these runners but time wait for no man and my aim was to challenge myself to complete the 21 km with a constant speed of 8 km per hour.  I did kept my speed constant to reach the finishing line although I had not run past 11 km during my pre half marathon preparatory run. I was amazed on my stamina after the 21 km.  In the Yellow Ribbon Run last week, I completed the 10 km with a speed of 10 km per hr. Perhaps I had build a good “running fundamentals” over the years to jog on endurance.

By late 4 am, many half marathoners began to assemble at the Esplanade Bridge. The speakers were blaring and I wondered how it would affect the hotel guests just a stone throw away at the Fullerton. The speakers were positioned facing the hotel and perhaps these hotel guests were also equally excited and eager to see the flag off by Major General Chan Chun Seng, the Chief of Army. 

At 5.15 am, the siren of the horn signified the start of the competitive 21 Km run. The non competitive 21 km run was flaged off at 5.30 am with the fun runs being flagged off at 8 am. The hotel guests must also be wondering on why were there so many flag offs in one half marathon. That ‘s the Singapore way…to maxmise the already closed roads and all the preparations already in place.   

Upon hearing the siren, I started my stop watch and joined the open category marathoners. It was a forgone conclusion that the open category runners were super-fit, they did not run but dash. They deserve a “ticket” for speeding recklessly.  As the Esplanade Bridge was packed with runners, flagging off mean those behind would have to walk until they were able to squeeze through the funnel at the start line. Even Jason ran in front of me for a distance and I used him as my marker to keep going. Eventually, I lost Jason which I thought had run far ahead of me leaving me to run my own race. We agreed to run our own race and to meet at the finishing line.

The year running route was revised which included the stretch of road in front of Marina Bay Sands. Since its opening, I had not been anywhere near it….thanks to the Army Half Marathon. The rest of the route was similar to last year. The known route created familiarity and thus I was able to strategise to run my own race. At the Marina Bay Sands, I was wondering how much longer to exit to Benjamin Sheares Bridge? It was a nearly straight road without turning point in sight.

As I crossed the 8 km mark, I checked on my timing. It read 1 hr which was according to my plan. I ran towards Fort Road and onto East Coast Parkway Road and still feeling fresh. I had not felt so fresh before. I jogged towards the 10 km mark, 12 km mark still without visible signs of physical strains. That was good news for me. Unfortunately as I crossed the 12 km mark, my toe began to present trouble as each step was taken with excruciating pain. I took smaller steps and at times clenched my right toe to relieve the pain. The pain at the toe was not new. It occured in 2006 and I endured the pain in almost every long distance run. 

Though I had sought medical intervention but the problem with my both toes continued. The sports consultant who saw me told me that the pain was attributed to my high arch on both feet. Even the orthopedic’s  consultant diagnosed the problem as “wear and tear” there was nothing to correct the high arch unless to correct the high arch through an invasive operation. Well, to lessen the pain, I had an in sole customised for me. Perhaps, I should bound my toes before the run to see what would happen in the next run.

I met my boss at Fort Road flyover. He ran ahead. At Nicoll Highway near the National Stadium, I met Tan Ying. We paced each other passing the belly dancers till the next water point which was like F1’s Pit Stop. I stopped at every pit stops to dehydrate and using mineral water to cool down to keep the body temperature low. I did not stop enroute to another water point.

With the last 3 km to go, I felt a strain on my “energy tank”. There were no more bananas to be distributed. My regret was that I should have taken and ate one earlier. But never mind, it was only 3 km and I could still tap on my “reserve tank”, determination and perseverance to pull through the final 3 km. As I reached Esplanade/ Marina Square, I met familiar faces and I decided to up my speed a little at times with clenched toes with 1 km to go. It was then go, go, go without looking back. 500m, 200m and after the turn at Singapore Cricket Club, the finishing line was in sight…. 100m, 50m, 30m, 20m, 10m and finally crossed the finishing line and the clock indicated 2 hrs 42 minutes. I had made it again as I targeted to complete i 2 hrs 45 mins.

I was greeted by my wife and daughter who took the MRT to support me at the finishing line. I went to collect the finishing medal, down a 100 Plus and mineral water. I then made my way to join my family at the former Supreme Court Building for recovery and to wait for Jason.

My recovery after the half marathon was fast. There were no sore feet or wobbly legs unlike the Sundown Marathon. I received a sms from Ms Jessica Tan, my Member of Parliament who also ran the half marathon checking on my progress. I told her that Jason was still on the route and his wife and children was waiting for him at the finishing line. 

Finally, I saw Jason coming in on his final leg. I called his wife to alert her that Jason was coming in. They linked up and came to join me at the Supreme Court Building. Jason related his experience of muscular cramp at the 16 km mark and enduring the pain to complete the race.

After his recovery, we made our way to my car and we proceed home. After a much needed warm shower, something of a luxury, I drove to my elder daughter’s home to fetch my one year old granddaughter. Together with my wife, we went for a breakfast while my youngest daughter preferred to stay home to prepare for her prelim examination the following day.

This half marathon would be the last competitive run for me in this year’s calendar as I have not registered for the Real Run and the Singapore Marathon in December. However, I would register for the 10 km “Run for Hope” to raise fund for the National Cancer Research Foundation.

Nonetheless, not engaging in long distance run does not mean I would sit and relax. I still need to continue with the jogging regimen to maintain my health and  physical well being and hopefully, I can live to an old ripe age and still continue to jog.

Thinking of My Teachers….Teachers’ Day

Changi Simei, Singapore, 1 Sep 2010

Today, 1 Sep 2010 is dedicated to teachers in Singapore. It is a day where students send their gratitude and thanks their teachers who have worked hard to guide and teach them.

During my time in school some 40 years ago, the teachers may not have a day dedicated to them but I remembered two of my teachers who did not give up on us. On the contrary, they took up the challenge to continue to do their best to guide us to their best of their ability. Both teachers, Mr V G Kamal and Mr Ooi Hock Ann had left an indelible mark on me. Both teachers should be around 90 yrs and 80 yrs now.

Among my siblings, I was not the smart and bright perhaps ranked as average to below average. Though I worked hard…actually very hard, the time spent did not translate into “P1” grades (distinction) but likely to be “F9” grades (failed). My thought then was perhaps I was not cut out for school and thus why waste my time in school. I might as well stop going to school to find my hope elsewhere. I actually left school for a short time to work in a company assembling busses. I returned to the school to continue with my education after my late mother encouraged me to do so by painting a gloomypicture of me as a night soil man or a road sweeper which were jobs for the uneducated then.

I was in a class of champions .… a collection of all sorts of colourful characters.  Each week would not pass peacefully without an occurrence. With such a school’s environment and coupled with my poor academic aptitude, it was a challenge for me to see any lights from the dungeon. I failed in examinations almost every year but I was advanced to next level of standard. I was in the last class in most of my secondary school life.  

Though we may not be in a top notch schools, nonetheless, students in the best class would regard us as school’s “renegades” or “outcasts” and drew the line of “them and us”. I remembered even our English teacher who was our form teacher left a deep negative impression with me would scream and ridicule us. He called us “idiots” whenever we could not pronounce words or constructed grammatically erroneous sentences. There was also little or no support from some teachers and over time, many of us developed pessimism in our lives.                

Fortunately, Mr Ooi Hock Ann and Mr V G Kamal took over as our form teachers in Secondary 3 and 4 respectively. Mr Ooi was in his mid 40s or late 40s while Mr Kamal was in his late 50s or early 50s. Both teachers understood our academic challenges but they did not give up on us and tried to turn us around. Their efforts did not fail as slightly one third did turn around out of a class of 44. It was better than none. For the other two thirds, it was life as normal for them as they did not help themselves. 

My success today could be attributed to my two teachers in secondary 3 and 4. Both of them did not label us as hopeless or called us names. They harboured a ray of hope no matter how weak this ray was that we could change for the better. Both had coached us and encouraged us to break from our mindset that students in the last class were “retarded” and destined to be failures in the society.  I had benefited from their guidance and indebted to them for my current well-being.

Their encouragements and guidance had resulted in me passing my examinations. For the first time, I passed all my subjects ranging from P2 (current A2) to P6 (current C6) in my secondary 3 examinination. Mr Ooi had guided my weakest subject whom I had obtained 7 marks in previous year to a P4 (current B4). For the first time, I showed my late mother an “all blue” report card rather than an “all red” report card in the previous year. She was very happy for me.

At secondary 4, Mr Kamal was another teacher who helped us to prepare for my “O” level examination. Besides tutoring us after school hours, we were given many additional assignments to practice. I could not remember how many additional 10 years series given but in my memory, I completed and submit all these assignments the next day to Mr Kamal for marking. I became a model student in my class where Mr Kamal would asked me to solve the questions infront of the class.

I did not disappoint Mr Ooi and Mr Kamal in my “O” level results. I obtained 5 “O” level passes, the highest numbers of “O” levels recorded for the last class in school. I found out later that of the 40,000 students taking the “O” level examination, I was among the 5000 odd students obtaining 5 “O” levels and above. It was a sweet achievement for me considering my poor academic results two years ago. I was the only one who proceeded to pre-university class instead of junior college as there were only two JCs then, National Junior College and Hwa Chong Junior college.   

I still talked fondly about the two teachers to my children and perhaps to my grandchildren one day. When I showed my youngest daughter my secondary report book, she was surprised on my academic challenges in my early years of life. I have told her that I was a late developer and I did give myself a chance when I returned to school again and the two teachers played a key part in what I am today. Therefore, respect her teachers although they may be a little “fierce” but their intentions are for the good of their students. I have also encouraged her that even when confronted with adversity, do not give up and press on. Ultimately, success is hers.

In this Teachers’ Day, I want to pay compliments to both my two teachers, Mr Ooi Hock Ann and Mr V G Kamal. Thank you for your encouragements, supports, understanding and compassion towards us. Your works to turn us around had succeeded. Many of us whom you had once guided through the “trash” are doing well in their respective careers. These once “hopeless” students still meet after 37 years to catch up with each other. Every time when we re-live our past during our gathering,  we remember the difficult time and our teachers.

My son’s girlfriend is now a full time teacher in a secondary school after her graduation from NIE. My son is an allied educator teaching music in schools after graduating with a Bachelor in Music. Perhaps, they understood that being an educator is a calling to transform the lives of individuals.

Though I may not be an educator in school, today, I provide counseling which is another form of education to transform lives of those who are mired in their personal challenges. I will continue to help others to make a difference just like the two teachers who make a difference in my life.

Breaking Fast with Our Muslims Neighbours

Changi Simei, Singapore, 21 Aug 2010

IFTAR is the meal eaten by Muslims at the end of their fasting in the day during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims as a religious obligation refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.  Breaking of fast is dependent on the time the sun set over the horizon. This evening, the sunset time was 7.14 pm.

 

Together with our Member of Parliament, Ms Jessica Tan and non-Muslim grassroots leaders and residents, I joined the IFTAR organised by the Malay Activity Executive Committee and Jawatankuasa Kejiranan Islam Simei (JKIS) at the void deck of Blk 130. JKIS has been organising Ramadan’s prayer at Blk 116 for many years now for the Muslims population living in Simei estate.

The IFTAR is an opportunity for non-Muslims of different faiths to experience and understand the spirit of IFTAR and to the larger extend understand Ramadan. Prior to breaking of fast, a religious teacher was invited to give non-Muslims like me a brief on the spirit of Ramadan and what fasting is all about. In the brief, we learnt that fasting teaches Muslims to be patience, humility, purify sins through seeking forgiveness and doing good deeds and charity by being generous. Prior to the breaking of fast, containers of porridge were prepared and given to the less fortunate residents in the estate and on each Saturday during the month of Ramadan.

For a person to fast, it needs great determination as it is not easy to forgo the temptation of food especially in Singapore where one can find food at every corner. Therefore, fasting enhances personal discipline through self-control and self-discipline. I found it hard to fast for the entire day and the challenge is always on the mind to keep in focus especially during meal times. To fast for 30 days is an achievement as it conquers hunger which means the ability to conquer other weakness of unkindness and impure thoughts. It is hard and I hold the determination of Muslims in great respect.   

Many non-Muslims may think that Hari Raya Puasa is a New Year Celebrations for the Muslim Malay Singaporeans. Contrary to this popular belief of non-Muslims, Hari Raya Puasa is not a New Year Celebrations but a celebration that marks the end of the month long Ramadan. Hari Raya means a day of celebration and Puasa means fasting.  

I was most impressed with the religious teacher for quoting a passage from the Bible to conclude his brief on Ramadan and fasting. I thought the religious teacher has done it well as he reinforces the secular space for interaction.

Ms Jessica Tan in her address also touched on the importance of maintaining harmony and social cohesion as well as prosperity for our beloved country. She was delighted that in event like IFTAR, we are able to foster greater interaction and understanding amongst residents of various racial and religious groups.         

When the clock struck 7.14 pm, after the call for prayer, moist dates were used to break the fast. We ate dates and followed what our Muslims neighbours did in breaking fast. It was not the food that non-Muslims joined in. It was more about learning from each other’s religious, cultural or traditional practices to understand each other thus creating racial harmony and forging a closer society based on one community rather than a pluralistic society of “rojak” or mixed vegetable salad.  

After IFTAR, our Muslims neighbours gathered for a prayer while said “thank you” before we took our leave.

My Reflection….south east national day celebration

Changi Simei, Singapore, 12 Aug 2010

On 9 Aug 2010, I was among the thousands of Singaporeans celebrating our country’s 45^th Birthday either at the Padang or at the 5 heartlands at Bishan, Choa Chu Kang, Eunos, Seng Kang and Woodlands.  The national day parade at Padang and at the heartlands only happened once in every 5 years with the other 4 years taking place at the floating platform at Marina.

Our South East District chose Eunos, a site in close proximity to the transportation nodes, MRT and bus services.  It was a good choice of location in term of convenient although the open field was slightly larger than one football size.  Our estimation was that the open field could accommodate between 7000 to 8000 people on standing space. Our celebration at Eunos attracted participation from Singaporeans living as far as Jurong, Queenstown and neighbouring estates like Tampines, Toa Payoh and Hougang etc. Despite the distance, the convenient offers by our MRT had brought them to Eunos.  

It was a sea of red and white at our Eunos NDP Heartland Celebrations. Many donned the colours of our national flag which have become a tradition to celebrate our Singapore’s Birthday. This year celebration was no different as red and white outnumbered those who wanted to be unique by wearing other colours.  Unlike the previous NDP, I donned white this year as I was part of the organising committee at Eunos.  

Residents started to arrive as early as 2.30 pm amid the scorching sun. By 3.30 pm, we greeted and welcomed 10 bus loads of residents being ferried from their respective constituencies. They also came with banners bearing their constituencies.  Before 5 pm, many of the residents from the 14 constituencies had arrived to join the festivity at Eunos.   Nonetheless, I also had calls from residents from Changi Simei asking why Changi Simei was so quiet this National Day as compared to last year when we organised our town live screening at Changi Simei. My answer was short, “come to join us at Eunos to celebrate this national day with a larger south east community”.    

On their arrival, many chose to queue at the fun tote stations to collect their fun totes which had also become collectors’ items. In view of the limited fun totes, only residents with  NDP tickets at Eunos were given. These tickets were distributed to residents on a first come first serve basis after the media release on 15 Jul 2010. From what I understood, the tickets were snapped up real fast on the first day of their release.  We could have issued more tickets if not because of the space limitation at Eunos.     

Unlike Singaporeans at the Padang, after collecting their fun totes, they were be ushered to their seats regardless of rain or shine. At Eunos, these residents were I guessed luckier. After collecting their fun totes, many chose to sit under the MRT rail track or at the MRT station to “escape” the heat and humidity. It was very hot as there were no trees to provide shade in the open field thus the MRT track offered them comfort and it was windy too. For the more active residents, they took to join the carnival games which offered games related to National Day to win prizes.  The carnival area was packed with long queues at all the game stalls. I think what attracted residents was it was free and there was no need for tickets to control the numbers of games to be played and the prizes were of reasonable quality.

The scorching sun and the games some how produced negative effects. Despite our announcements and encouragements through the offering of ice creams, sweets, our pleas for residents to take up seats at the stage area, there were not many residents who responded to our calls.   I overheard comments like “too hot”, “I take my seat later”, “and don’t worry” etc . These were valid sentiments from the ground as the atmospheric temperature was about 32 to 34 degrees. 

Though these residents did not leave after collecting their fun totes, our challenge was we needed 3000 people to create the island Singapore at 5.44 pm which would be telecasted live on national television. By 5.30 pm, our rough estimate was that there would be a 1000 short of people to create a new record.  I felt uneasy. We had tried many ways but residents just would not move to sit under the scorching sun. I could understand why.

The crisis management team decided to do away with the aerial shot of the island to focus on the numbers we had on the ground after going through a couple of options. The media corp producer agreed and he directed the camera to shift focus on people on the ground. It was an appropriate decision and the image captured by the camera was fantastic on the national television when Eunos came on live at 5.44 pm. We survived the crisis and created a new record of the numbers of people forming Singapore Island. We had about 2545 people which fell short of the 3000 we were eyeing for. Not too bad after all.     

As the sun began to set, many residents began to take up their seats on the island without any specific announcement being made. By the time of arrival of our resident, all the 5000 chairs were taken up by residents and for the thousands without seats, many chose to sit on the floorboard while others chose to remain standing. It was the start of our Eunos’ Euphoria.

The estimated 8,000 to 10,000 residents stayed with us until the end of the 3 minutes local fireworks. The fireworks were fired of after the last vehicle in the mobile column rumbling past the reviewing minister, Mr Raymond Lim. We had brought the fireworks very close to residents for the first time. Many were about 30 metres away from the firing site and they could felt the fireworks literally above their heads. We had allowed the close proximity after mitigating all the associated risks. When the fireworks streaked across the night sky and exploded in mid air forming various designs and patterns, I could hear the spontaneous “wow” from the spectators. It was an exciting moment for many who were at Eunos witnessing the fireworks perhaps also for the first time where they were located up close to the fireworks.

The success of any event is much dependent on engaging people. Gleaning from the lesson learnts from the 2005 Heartland Celebrations which I had helped to organise, I had in my concept paper proposed to engage residents with two additional LED screens, using buskers like jugglers and street magicians to engage residents at close range instead of performing their tricks on stage. We also distributed free ice cream, pop corns, cold drinks, package dinner to fill their stomach to capture the crowd at the site. In addition, photographic shots of residents were printed and given to them on the spot. As compared to the 2005 NDP celebration, many residents remained probably due to the celebratory atmosphere that we had created to engage them.  

Besides the close engagements, we also catered to those who preferred to have stage show before the parade. We had arranged for a percussion group which sang our national day songs, we had an illusion show which was of higher quality performance. Two local comedians, Mark Lee and Henry Thia were also at Eunos to entertain the residents. For those who braved the scorching sun, they were fully entertained and enjoyed themselves forgetting about the sun and heat. For those seasoned residents, they were fully equipped with umbrellas, sun shade, portable fan to keep cool and even sun block to protect their skin.    

The live telecast started on time. In between the live telecast, we injected a couple of our programme like the national day messages of our 14 Members of Parliament. We gave each MP 15 seconds for their messages. Instead of showing all the 14 messages at one go, we screened them at interval choosing an appropriate time to break away from the live telecast. We did it without severe interruptions from the event happenings at the Padang or the 5 live coverage points at Eunos which I had worked closely with media corp’s producer at Eunos, Mr Ignatius.

The residents were full of energy at Eunos judging from their spontaneous reactions to the emcees. At the arrival of our Presidents, they waved as hard as they could as though they were at the Padang. They waved when Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transports and 2^nd Foreign Minister, Mr Matthias Yao Chih, Dr Ong Seh Hong, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo arrived to join them.

When the “One Voice” segment arrived at 2010 hrs or 8.10 pm, residents joined those at the Padang to recite the National Pledge and sing the National Anthem. We renewed our loyalty and commitment to Singapore during this segment which was meaningful. I say the pledge and sang our National Anthem with pride especially in front of the specially created fluttering National Flag which remained the only flag that fluttered in Singapore on National Day. 

The final programme in our celebration was the fireworks. As the local fireworks lit up the night sky in bursts of glittering colours, I also noticed the high energy of residents at Eunos.  It was this energy and vibrancy that we were looking for when we crystallise the concept of the Eunos celebration.

It was a meaningful National Day celebration at Eunos after 12 weeks of preparations from concept to reality. At the end of the day, everyone in the SE District Organising Committee had delivered their mission of creating a heartland celebration worth remembering.

It was fun being a member of the District Organising Committee where I was the Chairman of the Programme which I had initially not keen to take over. As I get into the act, it became one of my favourite projects this year in my community work. My team comprising of Mr Gan Thiam Huat, Mr Jason Ong and Ms Jo Soh did help me to create and co-ordinate the programme to near perfection. 

I was especially reliefed when I read the responses from the post event surveys that we had conducted. Many respondents agreed that the time spent at Eunos was worth their efforts and they would join us the next time…..well five years time,  Singapore would be 50th years old. I am sure, the celebration would be  more grand and much bigger in scale than on 9 Aug 2010. 

We meet again in 5 years time… hopefully, time does not erode my physical well being and hopefully I still remain young at heart.

Our “World Cup”….won by Changi Simei CSC

Changi Simei, Singapore, 20 July 2010

The norm in our society is to honour the best who has excelled. We honour top athletes, top players, top teams, top coaches, top entrepreneurs, top managers, top students and may more super achievers. It is always the Number 1 who will be glorified and remembered while the Number 2 is consigned to oblivion. At least the Number 2 may have walked up the podium to receive prize. But those behind the scene or work at the backroom are seldom in the lime light or well known to the public. These are the people who have helped to put together a plan to train and nurture these super achievers but are likely to be the forgotten lot. These are the silent champions and without their presence, there will be no champions and top achievers. 

On 17 July 2010, the Changi Simei’s Constituency Sports Club (CSC) and other CSC congregated at Suntec City Convention Hall to honour the champions and also to recognise the works of “backroom” members of the CSC. Members of the CSC may not be at the forefront representing the constituencies in sports but they are backroom heroes and heroines who planned and organised sporting and competitive events with the objectives to bond people together. Therefore, members of the CSC are champions of the sports. I am glad that they are recognised through a formal appreciation event.

For Changi Simei CSC, we may not be the Number 1 in 2009 but we are in the top half out of 84 CSCs at the Number 37 position as compared to the lower half in 2008. We have improved a couple of positions upwards through the hard work and efforts of members of our CSC. There are constraints in our CSC, primarily financial and time constraints but its members are working to sport talents and enthusiasts and to recruit them to represent our constituency. Of the many sports in the inter-constituency competition, our CSC is focusing on a couple of sports which we are good at for development as with limited resources, we have to concentrate and invest our resources where it matters. To be strong everywhere is also to be weak everywhere, therefore we opt to be the master of some instead of being a “Jack and Jill of all trades but master of none”.

Looking at the works done in 2009, it is not about winning titles, accolades or to be the “invincible” Number 1. The more important mission is about what the CSC organising events to develop community bonding, promote healthy lifestyle and promote family values. Nonetheless, the Number 37 trophy presented to our CSC was a testimony that we have done it. Our trophy is like our soccer “World Cup”.  

 

 

The success has always been in its people and their focus on what they want to do for the community. It also reflects the CSC’s unity in its leadership to work as a team and open to new ideas. This award in my mind also binds members together sharing achievements, success and failure. Seated together with our CSC members, I saw the close interaction among the team. It was a fun time to be with them that evening. 

 

Look at the Team CSC interaction during the night, Arthur doing a swing with Molly and Jacqueling supporting him. It created laughters when one of the two ladies helped Arthur to complete the “swinging” game to win a prize.  Well, the first and last contestants all won a prize.    

 

On the way back, the 7 of us huddled in Arthur’s MPV. We continued with our conversations on what’s next for the community. Arthur suggested to work on a sporting calendar involving the RCs on a monthly basis culminating to a Sports Family Day. Not a bad idea where I have requested CSC to include the family values aspect in his plan. The CSC team will be developing the sports calendar for 2011.

 

We are on track to create more sporting events for the community. The challenge is funding for the year round event. The Chinese saying of  “有志者 事竟成”,  well there is will, there is a way.

The Orange vs the Red…World Cup Final

Changi Simei, Singapore, 12 July 2010

 

After two weeks and 62 matches later, only two teams are still in the contention for the world cup. Who will lift up the coveted trophy? At this point of my writing before the start of the final match, who will prevail and win is a question mark. Though the bet is on Spain as the reigning European Champion to overcome Netherlands, the Dutch team still stands a chance to overcome the odd and be crowned as champion. My son and daughter pick Spain as the new champion while my heart goes to the Dutch. There were in the finals in 1974 and 1978 where to lost to the Germans and Argentinians. This may be their 3rd time lucky.

 

After 62 matches of the 32 teams representing the various contingents, 16 teams were eliminated in the 1st round. It was later down to 8 to 4 and now it is only Netherlands and Spain. Early World Cup favourites like Brazil, Argentina, Germany and many teams of substance fell one after another. They too played well but their opponents were playing better.   

 

 

To win the World Cup, both the finalists will definitely go all out to win through the skills of each player, team work and team spirit and the receptivity of their supporters at the stadium. The presence of these factors may not be good enough to win. Even the best team needs the element of luck to sail through as the ball is ROUND thus making prediction with certainty a challenge. Even beyond the World Cup, we too need a little “luck” to do well in our lives besides preparing well. I reckon that some readers may disagree on the element of luck but we can agree to disagree.

 

Of the 64 matches in the world cup series this year, I have not watch any till this 64th match which is also the final match. Similarly in the 2006 World Cup, I also watched the last match between Italy and France at the community club. Although I do not watch any of the matches but I am only interested in the score lines between teams. I hardly have the time to spend 45 minutes – interval – 45 minutes in front of television to watch any football matches in the wee hours. Perhaps not watching the matches is a matter of making the choice vis-a-vis the opportunity costs. 

 

Unlike me, my son is a keen football fan. He follows the EPL and perhaps other major European Leagues with his friends.  

 

This morning, some 250 residents turned out at the Changi Simei Community Club to watch the “clash of the titans” between Spain and Netherlands. I was one of them to join in the fun but not for long as I had an important presentation to make in the morning. Unlike the 1200 lucky fans who have been invited by the Telcos to watch the Spain-Netherlands clash in 3-D in RWS and MBS. This is the 1st World Cup match to be shown using the new technology. The majority of us are watching in the 2-D format with some at the comfort of their home, while others are expected to congregate at pubs, coffee shops, night spots, community clubs across Singapore. I believe by the next World Cup in 2014 in Brazil, we will be watching the 3-D format as technology moves at a very fast rate than expected. 

 

Looking at the screen, I was unable to see  the sea of orange nor red at the stadium as many spectators put on dark coloured clothes. The colour codes at Changi Simei was similar as the stadium. Nonetheless, whenever each side missed the goal, there was cheers or disappointment. I guessed there were equal numbers of fans for both teams.   

      

For both teams, there are high stakes. It is a “life and death match”. A win will mean that players of the winning team will each received hundreds of thousands of Euros. For the Dutch, I had heard over the news that their home bound flight would be escorted by F15 fighters. Wow, more than the treatment given to Royals.  But that would be once in a life time.

 

 

 

Each every game, a victor would emerge and the world would only remember the Champion. But being the runner up is also an honour as it is not easy to have reached the final. In fact both finalists regardless of win or lose have achieved more than they have thought. I learned that Spain had won by 1 goal at the 116 minutes. That was good news for Spain but the fast paced of the game played by both teams was world class play. For the loser, there is still hope to be the next champion in 2014.

 

I remembered many years ago, our own FAS coined a vision of 2010 where our Singapore Team will be in the World Cup. That has not materialised but with determination, perhaps our other sports may win other World Cups. Our table tennis team is the current World Champion.  

 

The World Cup fever of 2010 is now an event of the past with Spain being crowned the new champion. Till the World Cup meet again and it is time to prepare for work.