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*
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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!
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!
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