Be There & Be Gone

When political fires fume ambitions, man will does its best to find out the reasons to believe which party is the better choice for the future. The first to take the impact is its related organisation that deals with most of the people and associates with influences that rein across the small acres of land. When changes surface, and when stagnant waters turn into tide, a new revolution will come. Likewise to the possibilities of financial wildfire, where the currency that holds multiple lands together will soon create a turbulance to the entire living spaces.

If there is one being that affects the world, that will be man. If there is one reason that holds people back, that will be insecurity. If there is one interest that create chaos, that will be monetary influence. While people makes the best to live, changes are bound to live beyond traditions, and values can sway underneath perceptions.

What is all left is one's principle to live, to perform and to show that his or her living meaningful. No one can belittle you except yourself. But the environment can change the person drastically if unnoticed. Beware, behold and not let influences, perceptions and monetary greed shakes your mind and feelings till you have lost yourself without you knowing.

Strife out beyond the adversity and conspiracy. The times where commercialisation will soon lose its stand and man will find another measure to weigh its worth and move mountains.

Pursue your Life with a Purpose

When I was young, I was taught in school that one should have a dream or ambition so that you will live your life with a good purpose. As time passed on, I believe even more firmly that it is so true especially when we have grown up into young adults who can serve for a reason to make our life and the society beautiful. Whether it is for your parents, for love, for aspiration, or for pride, I believe that one should fight for happiness in the way that only you can achieve it.

After reading the article "Her Dreams Dies At 5,500 Metres" on The New Paper today (2009, June 6), I felt the sudden urge to write a reflection on my blog to admire Ms Sim's efforts in pursuing her Mt Everest quest despite her painful outcome. In fact, I disliked the use of the word "Dies" to describe her agonizing attempt; because life serves nothing more than making an effort towards your goal, so that you will enjoy the process along the way instead of contemplating on what you cannot achieve. At least for Ms Sim, she fought all her way "up" on the World's highest peak which we should applause for her courage and determination till the very end. Same goes for the other team members of the Singapore Women's Everest Team who made it to the top.

Personally, I felt that the most prominent aspect of their achievement on Mt Everest was the teamwork displayed by the team. Although Ms Sim didn't make it as far as her teammates due to the bad weather and her body condition, it was a "team victory" or rather a "team's success" because they "have realised the dream for her." Actually, it was a wise decision made by the team coach (Lim Kim Boon) to ask Miss Sim to turn back; due to what was diagnosed later by the doctor that she was suffering a costrochondritis during the event of her conquest. It was sad for Ms Sim, but it was for a good reason so that her teammates can continue to move forward; and having the courage to do so revealed Ms Sim's professionalism in the team.

I cannot use any words to describe how much I envy the Singapore Women's Everest Team for their achievement, but I do recognized the fact that one needs to have a dream in order to live life to the fullest. Now in the midst of my "conquest" to join the Singapore Police Force, I reckon that determination and courage is what I need to make it into the meaningful career that I aspire to embark for life. Even though it was painful to turn down other job offers that came along the way, I have realised that I am fortunate to have a ambition that I hold on to since young.

To conclude, I hope that if any person out there who reads this blog knew what you want to achieve in life - go for it! Stop thinking about other things that hinder your intentions from working towards your goal. Sometimes, it is just a matter of whether you know your first step in achieving it; and if you try hard enough, you will make it. Believe it or not... *wink*

Blame it on Globalization or Governance?

There has been a long time since I last blogged... even though I tried to find time and tell myself to do something to my blog layout, I was busy with my internship programme at SIM for the past few weeks. Now I have completed my internship and started my new semester for my communication degree... I am also keeping a look out for jobs that I may be interested to embark in (eg. public service sector). This is because I will be graduating soon this year in May 2009.

Interestingly, there has been great policies spearheaded by the Singapore government to revitalize and salvage the current and local economic situation during the bad times. Unemployment, staff retrenchment, pay cut, fewer bonus and low entry salary have become common ever since the US financial crisis hits the world due to globalization. People lost their jobs, government trying their best to minimize the impact and losses, corporations are struggling to survive and consumers are keeping their wallets tied turn out to be the facets of life and underlying "trends" now. If we have known this would happen, there should have been fewer people losing their investments, and better plans to reverse the paddle.

Nonetheless, it seems like not many have come out to speak about how this has happened and why some countries are less affected by the economic downturn. Following the Lehman Brothers and many other major banks which has faced bankruptcy in the United States, states everywhere around the globe suffered tremendously huge sum of capital, funds and investments. It seemed like we can "blame" the financial structure of the US which caused the gigantic "ship" (ie. world's economic) to overturn, but some countries (like Singapore) faced the tides well while keeping their minds optimistic about the situation. Whether or not the future lies a better global economic structure or not, we have learnt that a country may be affected by globalization but if the governance is good and people (especially political leaders) are versatile in handling bad times, we can still fight our way through the tough battle.

Nation upgrading, community bonding, social development, public welfare and economic workforce are the keys aspects to turn the flaps along the tides (realize I didnt say "against the tides"). Why? Because for one basic fundamental in business - "Crisis equals opportunity." For lower-income people, this is a great time to "work even harder" (that's the fact, face it!) and seize any chances to upgrade your skills, qualifications and knowledge. For middle-income entrepueneurs, professionals or business owners, this is your golden opportunity to devise a better way of minimizing expanses (do not focus on profit for now, seriously), expanding your relations with the stakeholders, and opening yourself to new bloods (employees) or ideas (strategic planning). If you still think of working for big bucks rather than on your people now, think twice! For the high-income flyers, good luck! That's all I can say. Although you might be the ones who have the most to lose but if you know how to adjust your profits margins and widen your scope of investments or business venture, you may also be able to take advantage of the situation rather than losing millions in a day or a week. We all have our parts to play, and I hope that my words can inspire those who are pessimistic about their lives ahead. Everyone, cut down your liabilities for now! This is the prime time to build your network! =)

As for me... I know I am not a guru in business, neither am I a high-flyer who earn bigs bucks a day. I am just an optimistic undergrad who wish to seek a great employer who trust my capabilities and can offer me a fantastic career that engages my potential and wits when I graduate in three months time. Public service may also be a good choice for me as I believe very strongly in serving the nation and protecting the community. Since we have the number one governance in the world, close networks with other nations, and the best geographical location, why fear? This is just a time when we have to learn to be responsible for ourselves so that others can count on us!

Crisis? People or Finance?

Abreast the US economy "U-turns", banks are losing their gold mines and submerging in huge waves that spread mercilously across the globe. Even the huge and uprising Dragon (China) is in its impact and busy putting off the Milk Scare trauma, Singapore is no exception either. Economic crisis management is on the roll, businesses, investors and huge organizations are in the same boat altogether. The question is: while the business and economic giants are "mending" their path to cover the pitfall, what can Singapore do to secure public confidence and take this opportunity to address issues that will help in the long-run abreast the current, and failing global economies?

We, a small but strong nation that lies along the Straits of Malacca, as Singaporeans have to understand that we cannot just wait for miracles to happen or God to descend and save the economic crisis. Besides, it is vital to consolidate our achievement and prepare for the next economy rebound, and address the issues that may surface in the long-run. In order not to make this "crisis" moment go into waste, my suggestion to the government is: we should monitor closely to the global financial movements and tackle issues facing the national economy, but at the same time we can generate efforts to close up the income gap, increase nation's expertise and standards (I mean -strictly and particularly- the lower-income people), and contain the discrepancies that are currently facing the lower-paid and unemployed. I am confident that with feasible measures taken to help the lower-income and less-educated, Singapore will be at a winning position when the crisis is over.

If the government believed that a GST package can help to reduce the impact of GST rise, wouldn't a “personal upgrade” package enhance the lower-income workforce to become more efficient for the industries and improve their skills, knowledge and standards? I suggest that such package may be aimed at increasing the educational qualification of the lower-income and less skilled, through subsidies and financial assistance to satisfy their intentions to pursue a skill/knowledge “upgrade.”

With well-planned strategies in “poor” times like this, “rich” assets can be created not by economic figures (yet) but through betterment of the people who needs it more than those who are educated and employed. In fact, if we have to worry later about the growing income gap in future, why not take actions now when the time is right? Moreover, people is our most reliant resources in Singapore… I believed to help those who are less privileged, we will build a more cohesive nation that share the same voice and embrace the mission to strive hard for Singapore even during the bad tides. I sincerely hope that the government can receive my message here.

If the times are bad to do business, why not focus on the people first? Don't you agree with me?

We are different from our parents

Things are not the same anymore. Societal changes and global economies has promoted employment disparity, diversity and divulgance in the current technological and infocomm era.

I truely agree with Janice Heng (writer of "Passion comes first for Gen Y," p.14, Home - The Straits Times) that the Gen Y population generally looks beyond a conventional treat and working satisfaction when it comes to embarking on a career. For instance, Mr Clarence and Mr Lai are true passionists who place their mind, time and effort in a career that describes their interests and experiments their skills and hobbies. Mr Clarence finds satisfaction from selling fish tanks compared to being a financial professional, and Mr Lai satisfies his entrpreneurial drive through his anime and manga store, umbrella vending machines and online tuition agency. They are excellent examples of Gen Y youths who are "young and relatively unencumbered." Significantly, they "dislike" the typical working agenda, structured working environment and corporate culture that do not fulfill their desires for "experimentation."

I thought, the acceptance of conventional and nonconventional careers are experiencing great chances. It is becoming less possible for Gen Y passionist to stay attracted to the normal day to day duties, structural form of career prospectus and systematic working life. These change are probably caused by increasing importance in embarking a life that is eventful and career which many Gen Y (who is filling up a huge part of the adult population) is passionate about.

Nonetheless, on the same copy of The Straits Times, CATS Recruit (p. C22) revealed a interesting observation that young people are becoming more likely to opt for casual employment and idealistic careers, compared to a structured and full time careers. And they are more prevalent among the educated crowd who graduated from polytechnics and universities. No doubt, those "freeters" (part timers, contract workers and freelancers) have more "time to pursue other interest" and "try out lots of different things" but that also makes them vulnerable to exploitation and loose ends in life. If they do not know how to massify or enhance their deferred gratification and career future, they are bound to face lot of problems when they grow old. "Lack of financial security" may be the crucial issue they have to handle if they prefer more freedom and room for exploration in their employment expectations.

Probably one thing that remains unique is culture. But as globalization plays its role and bring multinational companies, media, products and influences altogether, we are also bound to lose some of our senses and importance of traditional beliefs and heritage, confucian thoughts and principles, parental values and up-bringing, as well as a stable and systematic lifestyle in the macro level that seems to work better in the past. Young people embrace change, passion and freedom more than their parents, and these maybe a new chapter where uncertainty will reveal more addictions and multifaceted exhibitions of indulgance, advertising, higher living, and commodities, which we become more subconsciously desire of and dependent on.

Schemes targeted at kindergarden level not enough

(in response to "Social escalator needs oiling" p. A33, The Straits Times)

Are better opportunities for pre-primary education going to help? And have we adequately addressed the issues of education for children of the lower income families? The answer is no. In fact, I was shocked when I came to know through that "of 61 President's scholars from 1992 onwards, only five had parents who were not professionals, white collars, or engineers" and "53 per cent of the 2008 batch of Public Service Commision scholars came from private housing, up from 47 per cent in 2005." Thus, I wish to raise my views about the constraints and problems faced by children of poorer families, and highlight some of the reasons to why they weren't able to "afford" it even though there were many scholarships available in Singapore.

Facing the growing income gap and inequality in Singapore, Janice Heng (writer) mentioned the solution noted by our PM Lee in his rally speech in her report - "One step in the right decision is increased spending on kindergardens," which (to a certain extent) addressed part of the concerns of lower income families hoping to fight better education opportunities for their children. Evidently, "meritocracy can promote social mobility only if one's starting point does not greatly affect one's chances of academic success" but I felt the "starting point" here not only meant pre-school education, but also at the various "starting point" of deciding to pursue higher level of education. Of course, we have also "other levelling factors," such as direct assistance to poorer household, to lessen the burden of poor families providing a better education for their children. Nonetheless, I believed that the government can and will be willing to do more, so I wish to make a humble suggestion and summarize in a few paragraphs below.

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"If we want poorer students to be able to climb society's ladder, perhaps we need to give them a leg up." I absolutely agree with the writer that this statement holds the KEY to helping childrens of poor families to achieve a higher education; however, directing more spending on kindergarden is not enough to solve the issue in my personal opinion. Clearly, it is just an initial step to help lower income families to at least achieve a condusive and proper pre-primary education for their kids; but, in order to help them climb the "society's ladder," they need more guidience along the way.

In the fast-paced society, I have seen many lower income families who"require" their children to come out to the society to work even though they did well in school. I can fully understand the pain, uncertainty, lack of guidience and dilemma of many outstanding but "poor" students faced when they are deciding whether or not to further on their studies after their O'Levels, Polytechnic, or even JCs. I was one of them! We knew that it is important to get a degree these days, as a higher proportion of younger generation are achieving above tertiary education compared to the past. Can the children from the poorer families keep up with the chase? Personally, I find it a hard but it can be achieved only if you find the right people to talk to (academic advisor, consultants, teachers who are willing to help) and right channels to achieve your educational goals. Thus, the key concern for these students (from lower income households, who achieved high performance in their schools) is not just about having a wide variety of scholarships, study loans, and bursaries to cater to their needs, but where to get them and how to plan for their further studies (especially when they are still willing to fight for it).

In other words, to make my point short, we need a platform for high performers from poorer families to attain proper and greater guidience easily - starting from neighbourhood secondary schools may be a good choice. Take some time to think about this: polytechnic's and university's open-houses which happened once in a year, detailed brouchures about furthering education laying on the shelves of school reception offices, and educational "advisors" who are more likely to sit in their desk and passively waiting for "interested" students to approach them for help on further education, can these measures be fully utilized if most of these students are having second thoughts about furthering education after O'Levels, A'Levels or a Diploma? I doubt so. Unless parents themselves have clear minds of where to find help for their childrens to realize their educational goals, most childrens and high scorers from poor families are going no where (especially if they cannot make up their mind on whether to further studies or go out to work).

Therefore, if neighbourhood schools can head start a programme IMMEDIATELY after students passed their O'levels (probably to be integrated during the meet-the-teachers session) to help parents and students lay a possible guideline and assistance as to how they can achieve a degree or even a masters in the future, it will broaden the opportunities for these high performers in school. Moreover, it will also allow more preparation time for parents to calculate the expenses for their children if they pursue a higher education (degree, masters or Phd) before they even start studying in polytechnic or JCs. Of course, we can devise a more holistic solution to make the programme more extensive, so that most students who opted for the programme are able to do well in their field of studies and achieve their targeted goals. For instance, apart from a one-time meeting affair with teachers or advisors, we can provide assistance and do follow-ups through communittee centres to clarify their doubts and plan their route. Similarly, it will also reach out to more scholars residing in the grassroots.

At last, if any government member happens to possibly view this section of my blog... I hope that you can take my suggestion into consideration. Thank you, and God bless!

China needs time for change

(in response to "Games face just a mask?" p. A2, The Straits Times)

Why hurry for changes, when China already took a huge sacrifice for the Olympics 2008?

The Bejing Olympics 2008 has left us with spectacular hosting, fireworks, performances and preparations that will be remembered in history. It is their first time after a long time waiting, and they made it brilliant and "truely exceptional." Of course, their efforts came with a price. Apart from the extraordinary costs of displaying what they are capable of doing for the Olympics, security issues, compensations for polluting factories and power plants on the outskirts of Beijing, and five provinces who had suspended their operations without satisfactory explanations are current issues that China has to face after the games. If we were to evaluate whether the Olympics have changed China, it is too early too comment. They are not "tough questions" in my opinion, we just need more time to anticipate the changes in China. Is it going to be the same for China in its transformation to become a "polite and gracious" country?

Evidently, China has to balance the "socio-econmic forces that the Games bring" and find the right solutions to consolidate their political grounds and tackle their air pollution problems; and I do not wish to comment on that at the moment. However, if we are concerned that all of these joyeous moments, Olympic limelights and "occasional rains" were a face behind a mask for China, I thought it was a bit too harsh to bear for the Chinese. They deserve more credit on what they have done for us, and fulfill their promise for hosting the Olympics remarkably.

Thus, let us embrace their courage and significant exhibitions that will keep in our minds for a long time. I hope that China will continue to give us more surprises to come outside of the Olympics.