Messages from the Past (above)
Sitting in the Southern Heaven (above)
Vista of the Tasman Sea
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Tuesday, 28 August 2007
A Corner of Paradise
Messages from the Past (above)
Sitting in the Southern Heaven (above)
Vista of the Tasman Sea
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
City of Effort and Dreams
Singapore is a good choice for putting up your feet on the way home from anywhere in the world, and provides a window to the variety offered by Asia. It may be too orderly and clean in this city-state, a let-down for some who expect something more exotic and thus label Singapore antiseptic; however, the English language is widely used here, although it is but one of four official languages and the city’s verdant greenery reminds one of Australian capital cities. In an island in which you can ride its suburban commuting line (the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT) in under two hours, Singapore packs a lot in sightseeing, choice of food, shopping, architecture, sampling of different cultures and modern convenience. However, the attractive prices of a shopping haven past from the seventies are long gone. And be prepared for the humidity outdoors, although I miss the short evening thunderstorms that break out to provide a sense – and aroma – of relief.
Short of natural resources, Singapore nevertheless bursts with ideas and people-ability. Tiny in size, its outlook and planning is necessarily strategic. It has been governed by the same political party since the late fifties. Beneath the veneer of relative social harmony amongst its four primary ethnic groups, lie over forty years of what is worst described by some quarters as social engineering and control. The city-state is surrounded by larger countries with perhaps different cultural and religious emphasis, and has for years obtained its primary source of water supplies from the Malaysian peninsular.
Singapore thinks business foremost, and in recent years has relaxed its previous relative perceived strait-jacket culture in order to continue to sufficiently attract the necessary talent from outside its confines. Although it has always publicly celebrated major festive occasions of the main residential ethnic groups, it has realised that to be a vibrant world-class city, it has to be liberal in approach and mindset. For example, for a start, now you can bring in chewing gum from outside but still cannot consume it in public. Holding of major rave parties for the queer members of the community had been officially okayed, a contrast to the more restrictive views of its predominantly Muslim neighbours in South-east Asia. Integrated resort complexes are being built, with gambling casinos as planned centrepieces, things which were frowned on before.
Singapore considers the whole of Asia as its domestic market and has been actively engaged with the emerging huge economy of Communist China for over three decades. It remembers its past, when it was founded, as a trading post, by Sir Stamford Raffles for the British East India Company, to take advantage of its entrepot location between India and East Asia, between London and Sydney. Singapore instinctively knows that it has to be cosmopolitan, and grew up doing so.
The government encourages thinking ahead of the next potential corner in comparative advantage and competitiveness. The whole country is wired with convenient cyberspace connections at an affordable cost. It even has a team to play in the Australian National Basketball League. The government investment arm, Temasik Holdings, places its substantial funds around the world, including Australian, UK and American businesses. To perform on a leading edge, it requires standards – and the Singapore Government monitors those benchmarks like a hawk.
Still, there is this big problem of lack of land space – and ninety percent of the population live in high-rise units. Resident car drivers are used to paying for the right to enter the central business districts during peak traffic hours on working days. Traffic congestion was tampered by the relatively high prices of cars and now the population drinks New Water, which has ten percent of its amount containing recycled water components.
Singapore follows the tradition of city states from history, and has been watching Dubai, Shanghai and Hong Kong, amongst others, very closely in terms of global competitiveness. What it lacks in physical space, it makes up in intellectual challenge, innovation and services. Singapore always likes to attract the right level and kind of resources it plans and wants.
The Government inherited the mindset of draconian laws utilised by the British colonials to combat communist insurgency and social disorder – and still wields the stick of the rotan, a rattan branch that inflicts pain on skin with an unforgettable terror, while having no qualms in imposing zero tolerance and death by hanging for drug smugglers. It monitors its changing demographics continuously to ensure a continuing optimal mix of social groups that tampers political sensitivities and enhances economic drivers. It has decided that it requires an increase in population by another two million.
It does not have a burgeoning hinterland like Guangdong Province in Southern China – and tries to make up for that by eyeing attractive regions around the globe for investment purposes. Some quarters viewed the recent ownership of Thailand’s largest telecoms company by Singaporean interests as a new form of intra-nation economic control and order.
Singapore planners focus on the next best thing not foreseen by others – and act on them. It is hungry for being always at least one step ahead, as illustrated in the social phenomenon called “kiasu”, basically a Hokkien dialect word meaning being afraid to lose out, whether to the neighbour, to the classmate, to the colleague, or to the perceived competitor. If manufacturing has gone to other, lower cost countries, Singapore moves on – to be a regional mecca for education, medical treatment and biotechnology.
Singapore thinks green – and provides one of the best examples of coordinated landscaping anywhere. The green is also reflected in its compulsory military service for all males who are in their late teens. Females of the same age group are not required to serve, and this has led to an imbalance in suitably pairing off highly educated ladies to men of their age. Singaporeans travel overseas in record numbers, starting as students and culminating with emigrating to become residents of other countries. Various people leave a nation for different reasons of discontent, perceptions and need – and Singapore replaces outgoing numbers with a purposeful mix to optimise social forces and bring in the changing skills mix required. Its national airline recovered from traumas of SARS, terrorism risks and financial rationalisation to be the first buyer in the world for the Airbus 380.
The Government at one stage warned its citizens that the island state may have to re-merge with Malaysia if necessary to survive through an economic crisis – and this comes from the Switzerland of Asia, with the second highest standard of living in Asia after Japan. Singapore has torn down many of its heritage architecture – but has also salvaged much of its unique melting pot culture, notably the Confucian way of thinking, Straits Chinese icons and British framework of laws.
An ordinary day for a Singaporean does not consist of downing the cocktail Singapore Sling at the landmark Raffles Hotel or one of riding in police speedboats that patrol harbour and territorial waters in the fight against terrorism. More likely, a typical routine commences with kaya toast, followed by a short ride on the MRT or bus to a busy day in a business, profession or employment which involves contact with demanding local or international people. Shopping complexes, tourists and crowds are an accepted part of the landscape, together with encouragement or pressures to perform well and the continuing reassessment in balancing time between making monetary gains and recovering from urban-related stress.
The nation’s icon of the Merlion, a mythical creature best described as a combination of a lion and a fish, may best symbolise Singapore and its success. It represents what has to be done to create what the city-state is today: a wonder of a reality to astound, and to be able to think beyond convention. In the annals of warfare during World War 2, the British navy was so preoccupied with protecting Singapore’s southern flanks from sea attacks that the Imperial Japanese army infiltrated by land from the north via the Malayan Peninsular. Singapore remembers that – and knows that nothing is possible – without smart human exertion and having a sufficient level of motivating hunger.
Short of natural resources, Singapore nevertheless bursts with ideas and people-ability. Tiny in size, its outlook and planning is necessarily strategic. It has been governed by the same political party since the late fifties. Beneath the veneer of relative social harmony amongst its four primary ethnic groups, lie over forty years of what is worst described by some quarters as social engineering and control. The city-state is surrounded by larger countries with perhaps different cultural and religious emphasis, and has for years obtained its primary source of water supplies from the Malaysian peninsular.
Singapore thinks business foremost, and in recent years has relaxed its previous relative perceived strait-jacket culture in order to continue to sufficiently attract the necessary talent from outside its confines. Although it has always publicly celebrated major festive occasions of the main residential ethnic groups, it has realised that to be a vibrant world-class city, it has to be liberal in approach and mindset. For example, for a start, now you can bring in chewing gum from outside but still cannot consume it in public. Holding of major rave parties for the queer members of the community had been officially okayed, a contrast to the more restrictive views of its predominantly Muslim neighbours in South-east Asia. Integrated resort complexes are being built, with gambling casinos as planned centrepieces, things which were frowned on before.
Singapore considers the whole of Asia as its domestic market and has been actively engaged with the emerging huge economy of Communist China for over three decades. It remembers its past, when it was founded, as a trading post, by Sir Stamford Raffles for the British East India Company, to take advantage of its entrepot location between India and East Asia, between London and Sydney. Singapore instinctively knows that it has to be cosmopolitan, and grew up doing so.
The government encourages thinking ahead of the next potential corner in comparative advantage and competitiveness. The whole country is wired with convenient cyberspace connections at an affordable cost. It even has a team to play in the Australian National Basketball League. The government investment arm, Temasik Holdings, places its substantial funds around the world, including Australian, UK and American businesses. To perform on a leading edge, it requires standards – and the Singapore Government monitors those benchmarks like a hawk.
Still, there is this big problem of lack of land space – and ninety percent of the population live in high-rise units. Resident car drivers are used to paying for the right to enter the central business districts during peak traffic hours on working days. Traffic congestion was tampered by the relatively high prices of cars and now the population drinks New Water, which has ten percent of its amount containing recycled water components.
Singapore follows the tradition of city states from history, and has been watching Dubai, Shanghai and Hong Kong, amongst others, very closely in terms of global competitiveness. What it lacks in physical space, it makes up in intellectual challenge, innovation and services. Singapore always likes to attract the right level and kind of resources it plans and wants.
The Government inherited the mindset of draconian laws utilised by the British colonials to combat communist insurgency and social disorder – and still wields the stick of the rotan, a rattan branch that inflicts pain on skin with an unforgettable terror, while having no qualms in imposing zero tolerance and death by hanging for drug smugglers. It monitors its changing demographics continuously to ensure a continuing optimal mix of social groups that tampers political sensitivities and enhances economic drivers. It has decided that it requires an increase in population by another two million.
It does not have a burgeoning hinterland like Guangdong Province in Southern China – and tries to make up for that by eyeing attractive regions around the globe for investment purposes. Some quarters viewed the recent ownership of Thailand’s largest telecoms company by Singaporean interests as a new form of intra-nation economic control and order.
Singapore planners focus on the next best thing not foreseen by others – and act on them. It is hungry for being always at least one step ahead, as illustrated in the social phenomenon called “kiasu”, basically a Hokkien dialect word meaning being afraid to lose out, whether to the neighbour, to the classmate, to the colleague, or to the perceived competitor. If manufacturing has gone to other, lower cost countries, Singapore moves on – to be a regional mecca for education, medical treatment and biotechnology.
Singapore thinks green – and provides one of the best examples of coordinated landscaping anywhere. The green is also reflected in its compulsory military service for all males who are in their late teens. Females of the same age group are not required to serve, and this has led to an imbalance in suitably pairing off highly educated ladies to men of their age. Singaporeans travel overseas in record numbers, starting as students and culminating with emigrating to become residents of other countries. Various people leave a nation for different reasons of discontent, perceptions and need – and Singapore replaces outgoing numbers with a purposeful mix to optimise social forces and bring in the changing skills mix required. Its national airline recovered from traumas of SARS, terrorism risks and financial rationalisation to be the first buyer in the world for the Airbus 380.
The Government at one stage warned its citizens that the island state may have to re-merge with Malaysia if necessary to survive through an economic crisis – and this comes from the Switzerland of Asia, with the second highest standard of living in Asia after Japan. Singapore has torn down many of its heritage architecture – but has also salvaged much of its unique melting pot culture, notably the Confucian way of thinking, Straits Chinese icons and British framework of laws.
An ordinary day for a Singaporean does not consist of downing the cocktail Singapore Sling at the landmark Raffles Hotel or one of riding in police speedboats that patrol harbour and territorial waters in the fight against terrorism. More likely, a typical routine commences with kaya toast, followed by a short ride on the MRT or bus to a busy day in a business, profession or employment which involves contact with demanding local or international people. Shopping complexes, tourists and crowds are an accepted part of the landscape, together with encouragement or pressures to perform well and the continuing reassessment in balancing time between making monetary gains and recovering from urban-related stress.
The nation’s icon of the Merlion, a mythical creature best described as a combination of a lion and a fish, may best symbolise Singapore and its success. It represents what has to be done to create what the city-state is today: a wonder of a reality to astound, and to be able to think beyond convention. In the annals of warfare during World War 2, the British navy was so preoccupied with protecting Singapore’s southern flanks from sea attacks that the Imperial Japanese army infiltrated by land from the north via the Malayan Peninsular. Singapore remembers that – and knows that nothing is possible – without smart human exertion and having a sufficient level of motivating hunger.
Despite Ourselves
I hope that you, the reader, shall be inspired to go forward feeling positively inspired and be encouraged to take positive steps to further realise your own personal dreams and ideals. It may be a gradual step as to stop procrastination and deal with a problem in small but effective steps to resolution; or you may decide to visit a place that you have always hoped for; or it may instinctively point you to view matters from a different but helpful perspective.
I believe every human being we interact with – either as a person or as a group – affects us in various ways, but I believe in learning the best from every encounter. Sometimes negativity can overwhelm us, but if we snap out of it and realise the good that comes from the bad, the hope from the disappointment, and the calm after the storm, then every experience is offered to us to help us clarify our thoughts, sharpen our attitudes and move our hearts and minds to more liberating dimensions.
Each of us has different needs and expectations, but I hope you conserve and expend your energy on expanding and living your potential, and we have different drivers at various stages of life. Try to always move out of your comfort zone to feel the adrenalin of new experiences and tamper unknown or uncomfortable situations with a dose of humour and sharing.
Delightfully surprise friends when least expected. I appreciate friends who do not assume or presume, but communicate and keep in touch. You have the power to transform a difficult situation to an easier one. The love you offer a special someone may not be returned, but do not despair that the good feelings you have in love are wasted – your magical power of care can be channelled to those who appreciate it, even if in another form. When the love you have for the object of your admiration returns you the favour, then you are extra blessed.
Give to others when you can, for not sharing them with another human being is wasting what has been given to you. You decide to be happy, and continue to be happy. I believe in the law of karma – if others trample me now, they are generating the cycle for themselves to be trampled, but maybe later. Life is not meant to be made use by others in an inconsiderate way, and such relationships wither away, for the good of both parties. On the other hand, each of us is thought about dearly by at least some one every night, even if we ourselves do not know about it.
I go out at night to look at the stars on a clear night sky. I try to do something different each day – and also tackle that irritating task that does not inspire but has to be done. I am especially thankful for politeness from strangers and friendliness from persons whom we may never see again. I cherish special moments true friends have provided me. Memories are like moonbeams into our inner soul and help us face the future. The most comforting friendships are those that can be picked up quickly, even with obstacles of lost time, distance and circumstance, and those that continue despite drama and challenges. Make the best of any weather – and do enjoy the cosiness of listening to dripping rain outside the window. Focus on what nurtures and motivates, rather than on what hinders and complicates – and let go of the latter, despite apparent requirements, our initial feelings and ourselves.
I believe every human being we interact with – either as a person or as a group – affects us in various ways, but I believe in learning the best from every encounter. Sometimes negativity can overwhelm us, but if we snap out of it and realise the good that comes from the bad, the hope from the disappointment, and the calm after the storm, then every experience is offered to us to help us clarify our thoughts, sharpen our attitudes and move our hearts and minds to more liberating dimensions.
Each of us has different needs and expectations, but I hope you conserve and expend your energy on expanding and living your potential, and we have different drivers at various stages of life. Try to always move out of your comfort zone to feel the adrenalin of new experiences and tamper unknown or uncomfortable situations with a dose of humour and sharing.
Delightfully surprise friends when least expected. I appreciate friends who do not assume or presume, but communicate and keep in touch. You have the power to transform a difficult situation to an easier one. The love you offer a special someone may not be returned, but do not despair that the good feelings you have in love are wasted – your magical power of care can be channelled to those who appreciate it, even if in another form. When the love you have for the object of your admiration returns you the favour, then you are extra blessed.
Give to others when you can, for not sharing them with another human being is wasting what has been given to you. You decide to be happy, and continue to be happy. I believe in the law of karma – if others trample me now, they are generating the cycle for themselves to be trampled, but maybe later. Life is not meant to be made use by others in an inconsiderate way, and such relationships wither away, for the good of both parties. On the other hand, each of us is thought about dearly by at least some one every night, even if we ourselves do not know about it.
I go out at night to look at the stars on a clear night sky. I try to do something different each day – and also tackle that irritating task that does not inspire but has to be done. I am especially thankful for politeness from strangers and friendliness from persons whom we may never see again. I cherish special moments true friends have provided me. Memories are like moonbeams into our inner soul and help us face the future. The most comforting friendships are those that can be picked up quickly, even with obstacles of lost time, distance and circumstance, and those that continue despite drama and challenges. Make the best of any weather – and do enjoy the cosiness of listening to dripping rain outside the window. Focus on what nurtures and motivates, rather than on what hinders and complicates – and let go of the latter, despite apparent requirements, our initial feelings and ourselves.
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Where Can I Go
What did I do, what did I not
The scenery that envelopes me is beautiful
But some things do not turn out as I hoped and thought
from relying on surface impressions given by a surprising few
What I should let go, what I cannot
Even in the face of the obvious renewed
You can put your hand and heart to share the lot
It still does not mean there are no more stitches to sew
Where can I go, where I do not want to
When faced with passing ships, day or night
I am torn between wanting to come and go
But I know it's best to detach, to be able to see the light
Where can I float,where can I cling to hope
I look into my inner self, I look into my true friends
It then dawns on me these have always given me a rope
To scramble upon, to realise dreams and to say I can
The scenery that envelopes me is beautiful
But some things do not turn out as I hoped and thought
from relying on surface impressions given by a surprising few
What I should let go, what I cannot
Even in the face of the obvious renewed
You can put your hand and heart to share the lot
It still does not mean there are no more stitches to sew
Where can I go, where I do not want to
When faced with passing ships, day or night
I am torn between wanting to come and go
But I know it's best to detach, to be able to see the light
Where can I float,where can I cling to hope
I look into my inner self, I look into my true friends
It then dawns on me these have always given me a rope
To scramble upon, to realise dreams and to say I can
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Numbers
Numbers were conceptualised to help mankind grasp more effectively with time, distance and the relationships inherent in Nature. This year we have 777 to fascinate us - and for business, philosophers, numerologists and the media to speculate and rave about. The series of sevens refer to the 7th of July, when my dear friend Eu Hock from school days reaches a landmark birthday as well. The new Modern Seven Wonders of the World are, as this is posted, due to be announced.
Next year the magical number eight grabs its hold on East Asian populations, with their obsession with that specific digit, that rhymes with the pronunciation for the word for prosperity. The Beijing Summer Olympics shall be launched at 8pm eastern China time on the eighth night of August of 2008. The most recent time when 8 figured fascinatingly in the calender was in 1988, which coincided with the Oriental Year of the Dragon, and when the last Olympics were also held in Asia.
Next year proves to be a bountiful year for eight combinations, whatever you make of it. Hold parties or have vehicle rego plates with 118, 228, 338, 668, 888, 998, 11118 and 128.
Next year the magical number eight grabs its hold on East Asian populations, with their obsession with that specific digit, that rhymes with the pronunciation for the word for prosperity. The Beijing Summer Olympics shall be launched at 8pm eastern China time on the eighth night of August of 2008. The most recent time when 8 figured fascinatingly in the calender was in 1988, which coincided with the Oriental Year of the Dragon, and when the last Olympics were also held in Asia.
Next year proves to be a bountiful year for eight combinations, whatever you make of it. Hold parties or have vehicle rego plates with 118, 228, 338, 668, 888, 998, 11118 and 128.
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