Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Overcrowding
S'pore population to hit 5 million soon
The growth has been fuelled mainly by the increase in PRs and new immigrants.
The growth has been fuelled mainly by the increase in PRs and new immigrants.
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 my paper
SINGAPORE'S population hit almost 4.99 million in June this year, up 3.1 per cent from last year.
The growth has been fuelled mainly by the increase in immigrants, as the number of babies delivered by Singapore residents rose only marginally.
The figures released yesterday by the Department of Statistics show that the number of citizens grew from 3.16 million last year to 3.2 million this year, while that of permanent residents inched up from 0.48 million last year to 0.53 million this year.
The number of non-residents rose by 4.8 per cent to reach 1.25 million this year - a lower rise from the over-10 per cent rate in the last two years.
Just slightly more babies were born last year than in the previous year: 39,826, up 0.9 per cent. However, the total fertility rate dropped from 1.29 to 1.28 last year.
Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, a sociologist from the National University of Singapore, said that it is positive that Singapore has been able to sustain population growth, despite the recession and competition from other developed countries.
Like Singapore, they seek immigrants to make up for falling fertility rates.
Prof Straughan, who is also a Nominated Member of Parliament, said: "It shows that Singapore is a draw for migrants, that there are still jobs and quality of life here."
Administrative planner Yvonne Tay, 35, became a citizen in April this year, 16 years after coming here from Perak, as she wanted her children "to enjoy better education opportunities and subsidies as a citizen".
She said: "We're used to the lifestyle here, it's safe and peaceful. Half of my family is also here, and my sister's family also took up citizenship three years ago."
SINGAPORE'S population hit almost 4.99 million in June this year, up 3.1 per cent from last year.
The growth has been fuelled mainly by the increase in immigrants, as the number of babies delivered by Singapore residents rose only marginally.
The figures released yesterday by the Department of Statistics show that the number of citizens grew from 3.16 million last year to 3.2 million this year, while that of permanent residents inched up from 0.48 million last year to 0.53 million this year.
The number of non-residents rose by 4.8 per cent to reach 1.25 million this year - a lower rise from the over-10 per cent rate in the last two years.
Just slightly more babies were born last year than in the previous year: 39,826, up 0.9 per cent. However, the total fertility rate dropped from 1.29 to 1.28 last year.
Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, a sociologist from the National University of Singapore, said that it is positive that Singapore has been able to sustain population growth, despite the recession and competition from other developed countries.
Like Singapore, they seek immigrants to make up for falling fertility rates.
Prof Straughan, who is also a Nominated Member of Parliament, said: "It shows that Singapore is a draw for migrants, that there are still jobs and quality of life here."
Administrative planner Yvonne Tay, 35, became a citizen in April this year, 16 years after coming here from Perak, as she wanted her children "to enjoy better education opportunities and subsidies as a citizen".
She said: "We're used to the lifestyle here, it's safe and peaceful. Half of my family is also here, and my sister's family also took up citizenship three years ago."
From WIKIPEDIA:
In 2000-2005, net migration in 28 countries either prevented population decline or doubled at least the contribution of natural increase (births minus deaths) to population growth. These countries include Austria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom
All nice and positive comment by new immigrant Yvonne, wonder why they did not interview and Singaporean.
I have no qualm about “good quality” immigrant. But if our gahment just bring in any Tom, Dick and Harry so they can earn from the taxes they collect then this is really sad.
Not to forget only Singaporean are F**King serving NS for 13 years so everyone living on this Island can enjoy it.
Time to get out of here.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Singapore F1 2009
Taufik Batisah apologises for Singapore national anthem error
27 September 2009 2323 hrs
SINGAPORE: Local celebrity, Taufik Batisah who was given the opportunity to sing the national anthem during the Formula One Grand Prix tonight, made a mistake while doing so.
His televised performance was viewed by millions all over the world.
But instead of singing "marilah kita bersatu", which means "let us unite", he sang “marilah kita berseru" which means "let us proclaim".
Speaking to MediaCorp, Taufik said, he's very sorry for making the error.
He said he was very nervous while singing.
But the winner of the first season of Singapore Idol added that he's aware that there's no excuse for him to make such an error.
Taufik says he hopes that the public will forgive him for what he refers to as an "honest mistake."
I wonder how many of us knew he made this mistake. Even for those of us who know Malay,, I doubt there are many people who notice it.
Honestly I don't know what the exact lyrics of our national anthem except for "Majula Singapura. " This is the reality when you have a National Anthem in a language that not everyone in Singapore understand.
But I did notice Taufik was trying too hard to put his "Style" while singing the National Anthem. It was quite irritating that he tried to add some R&B element into the Anthem and in the end it changes the melody quite a lot. And it was rather irritating. Can he just #@%@# sing it properly?
27 September 2009 2323 hrs
SINGAPORE: Local celebrity, Taufik Batisah who was given the opportunity to sing the national anthem during the Formula One Grand Prix tonight, made a mistake while doing so.
His televised performance was viewed by millions all over the world.
But instead of singing "marilah kita bersatu", which means "let us unite", he sang “marilah kita berseru" which means "let us proclaim".
Speaking to MediaCorp, Taufik said, he's very sorry for making the error.
He said he was very nervous while singing.
But the winner of the first season of Singapore Idol added that he's aware that there's no excuse for him to make such an error.
Taufik says he hopes that the public will forgive him for what he refers to as an "honest mistake."
I wonder how many of us knew he made this mistake. Even for those of us who know Malay,, I doubt there are many people who notice it.
Honestly I don't know what the exact lyrics of our national anthem except for "Majula Singapura. " This is the reality when you have a National Anthem in a language that not everyone in Singapore understand.
But I did notice Taufik was trying too hard to put his "Style" while singing the National Anthem. It was quite irritating that he tried to add some R&B element into the Anthem and in the end it changes the melody quite a lot. And it was rather irritating. Can he just #@%@# sing it properly?
My Toys
Saw a piece of Optimus Prime in a Toy shop 2 weeks ago and I though I got it. So went home and dig around and found it! Haha...
Think it is good to go through what you got once in a while. Its new discovery.
Here are some of my Toys collection. Er... though it is a good idea to take some photos of them to remind myself what I got.
Will try to do solo picture for them someday.
My "Cheong" Lego Chinhook and some nic-nac. Love the cute match boxes at bottom right from Japan.
The Lego (Made-In-Japan) Optimus is cool man!
Notice the classice original Sound Wave on the right. He.. My first Transformer.
Think it is good to go through what you got once in a while. Its new discovery.
Here are some of my Toys collection. Er... though it is a good idea to take some photos of them to remind myself what I got.
Will try to do solo picture for them someday.
My "Cheong" Lego Chinhook and some nic-nac. Love the cute match boxes at bottom right from Japan.
The Lego (Made-In-Japan) Optimus is cool man!
Notice the classice original Sound Wave on the right. He.. My first Transformer.I also love the LEGO Millenium Falcon Bag Charm on the Top Left.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
New Bag
Bought the Davis about 2 weeks ago. Its a newly launch model.
Been looking for a bag with this kinda shape for sometime. Only I think the handle is too short for shoulder sling but I guess only the Japanese do this.
Overall. 5/5 for this new bag.
: )
Friday, September 18, 2009
New Phone
Got my new phone last weekend.
Its my first Samsung and first touch screen phone.
Not bad actually consider it selling at $248.
Still trying to get used to it.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Promoting gambling
I went to White Sand Mall at Pasir Ris on Monday’s evening for my dinner.
There was a booth set up by Singapore Pools to promote their online “gaming” Poolzconnect.
I have heard of this before but I am not too sure the exact detail but basically it is just like setting up a account with Singapore pools then you can easily place your TOTO/4D bet online. No more queue.
What surprised me was this booth is actually allowed to be set up at a heart land malls. Also do note the people manning the booth are quite aggressive handling out pamphlets to people walking near them.
Notice that cinema in heart-lands are not allow to show R(A) films but malls in heart-lands are allow to promote gambling.
Maybe this is a warm up to our IR.
Sex is bad. Gambling is good.
There was a booth set up by Singapore Pools to promote their online “gaming” Poolzconnect.
I have heard of this before but I am not too sure the exact detail but basically it is just like setting up a account with Singapore pools then you can easily place your TOTO/4D bet online. No more queue.
What surprised me was this booth is actually allowed to be set up at a heart land malls. Also do note the people manning the booth are quite aggressive handling out pamphlets to people walking near them.
Notice that cinema in heart-lands are not allow to show R(A) films but malls in heart-lands are allow to promote gambling.
Maybe this is a warm up to our IR.
Sex is bad. Gambling is good.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Lousy source of news.
Jailed for oral sex with maid
The auxiliary police officer was sentenced to 18 months' jail.
-ST Mon, Sep 07, 2009The Straits Times
AN AUXILIARY police officer was sentenced to 18 months' jail after he was convicted of having oral sex with his domestic help.
Ahmad Dapon, 53, a lance corporal with Certis Cisco, was found guilty of engaging in fellatio with the 31-year-old Indonesian maid at his home in Bedok in April 2007.
He is out on $10,000 bail, pending his appeal.
I am still quite amazed at the quality of the news Straits Time published.
This piece of news serve no purpose except to warn people that oral sex is illegal and maybe a good laugh over meals with friends.
I just can’t help wondering how was Ahmad Dapon caught? : )
The auxiliary police officer was sentenced to 18 months' jail.
-ST Mon, Sep 07, 2009The Straits Times
AN AUXILIARY police officer was sentenced to 18 months' jail after he was convicted of having oral sex with his domestic help.
Ahmad Dapon, 53, a lance corporal with Certis Cisco, was found guilty of engaging in fellatio with the 31-year-old Indonesian maid at his home in Bedok in April 2007.
He is out on $10,000 bail, pending his appeal.
I am still quite amazed at the quality of the news Straits Time published.
This piece of news serve no purpose except to warn people that oral sex is illegal and maybe a good laugh over meals with friends.
I just can’t help wondering how was Ahmad Dapon caught? : )
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Truth about College
Got this a few years ago. A good read! Haha....
The Truth About College:
College is a bunch of rooms where you sit for two thousand hours or so and try to memorize things. The two thousand hours are spread out over four years. You spend the rest of the time sleeping, partying, and trying to get dates.
Basically, you learn two kinds of things in college:
1. Things you will need to know in later life (two hours).
2. Things you will not need to know in later life (1,998 hours).
The latter are the things you learn in classes whose names end in -ology, -sophy, -istry, -ics, and so on. The idea is, you memorize these things, then write them down in little exam books, then forget them. If you fail to forget them, you become a professor and have to stay in college for the rest of your life.
After you've been in college for a year or so, you're supposed to choose a major, which is the subject you intend to memorize and forget the most thing about. Here is a very important piece of advice: be sure to choose a major that does not involve Known Facts and Right Answers. This means you must not major in mathematics, physics, biology, or chemistry, or geology because these subjects involve actual facts.
If, for example, you major in mathematics, you're going to wander into class one day and the professor will say: "Define the cosine integer of the quadrant of a rhomboid binary axis, and extrapolate your result to five significant vertices." If you don't come up with exactly the answer the professor has in mind, you fail.
The same is true of chemistry: if you write in your exam book that carbon and hydrogen combine to form oak, your professor will flunk you. He wants you to come up with the same answer he and all the other chemists have agreed on. Scientists are extremely snotty about this.
So you should major in subjects like English, philosophy, psychology, and sociology -- subjects in which nobody really understands what anybody else is talking about, and which involve virtually no actual facts. I attended classes in all these subjects, so I'll give you a quick overview of each:
ENGLISH: This involves writing papers about long books you have read little snippets of just before class. Here is a tip on how to get good grades on your English papers: Never say anything about a book that anybody with any common sense would say. For example, suppose you are studying Moby Dick. Anybody with any common sense would say that Moby Dick is a big white whale, since the characters in the book refer to it as a big white whale roughly eleven thousand times. So in your paper, you say Moby Dick is actually the Republic of Ireland. Your professor, who is sick to death of reading papers and never liked Moby Dick anyway, will think you are enormously creative. If you can regularly come up with
Lunatic interpretations of simple stories, you should major in English.
PHILOSOPHY: Basically, this involves sitting in a room and deciding there is no such thing as reality and then going to lunch. You should major in philosophy if you plan to take a lot of drugs.
PSYCHOLOGY: This involves talking about rats and dreams. Psychologists are obsessed with rats and dreams. I once spent an entire semester training a rat to punch little buttons in a certain sequence, then training my roommate to do the same thing. The rat learned much faster. My roommate is now a doctor. If you like rats or dreams, and above all if you dream about rats, you should major in psychology.
SOCIOLOGY: For sheer lack of intelligibility, sociology is far and away the number one subject. I sat through hundreds of hours of sociology courses, and read gobs of sociology writing, and I never once heard or read a coherent statement. This is because sociologists want to be considered scientists, so they spend most of their time translating simple, obvious observations into scientific-sounding code. If you plan to major in sociology, you'll have to learn to do the same thing. For example, suppose you have observed that children cry when they fall down. You should write:
"Methodological observation of the sociometrical behavior tendencies of prematurated isolates indicates that a causal relationship exists between groundward tropism and lachrimatory behavior forms."
If you can keep this up for fifty or sixty pages, you will get a large government grant.
The Truth About College:
College is a bunch of rooms where you sit for two thousand hours or so and try to memorize things. The two thousand hours are spread out over four years. You spend the rest of the time sleeping, partying, and trying to get dates.
Basically, you learn two kinds of things in college:
1. Things you will need to know in later life (two hours).
2. Things you will not need to know in later life (1,998 hours).
The latter are the things you learn in classes whose names end in -ology, -sophy, -istry, -ics, and so on. The idea is, you memorize these things, then write them down in little exam books, then forget them. If you fail to forget them, you become a professor and have to stay in college for the rest of your life.
After you've been in college for a year or so, you're supposed to choose a major, which is the subject you intend to memorize and forget the most thing about. Here is a very important piece of advice: be sure to choose a major that does not involve Known Facts and Right Answers. This means you must not major in mathematics, physics, biology, or chemistry, or geology because these subjects involve actual facts.
If, for example, you major in mathematics, you're going to wander into class one day and the professor will say: "Define the cosine integer of the quadrant of a rhomboid binary axis, and extrapolate your result to five significant vertices." If you don't come up with exactly the answer the professor has in mind, you fail.
The same is true of chemistry: if you write in your exam book that carbon and hydrogen combine to form oak, your professor will flunk you. He wants you to come up with the same answer he and all the other chemists have agreed on. Scientists are extremely snotty about this.
So you should major in subjects like English, philosophy, psychology, and sociology -- subjects in which nobody really understands what anybody else is talking about, and which involve virtually no actual facts. I attended classes in all these subjects, so I'll give you a quick overview of each:
ENGLISH: This involves writing papers about long books you have read little snippets of just before class. Here is a tip on how to get good grades on your English papers: Never say anything about a book that anybody with any common sense would say. For example, suppose you are studying Moby Dick. Anybody with any common sense would say that Moby Dick is a big white whale, since the characters in the book refer to it as a big white whale roughly eleven thousand times. So in your paper, you say Moby Dick is actually the Republic of Ireland. Your professor, who is sick to death of reading papers and never liked Moby Dick anyway, will think you are enormously creative. If you can regularly come up with
Lunatic interpretations of simple stories, you should major in English.
PHILOSOPHY: Basically, this involves sitting in a room and deciding there is no such thing as reality and then going to lunch. You should major in philosophy if you plan to take a lot of drugs.
PSYCHOLOGY: This involves talking about rats and dreams. Psychologists are obsessed with rats and dreams. I once spent an entire semester training a rat to punch little buttons in a certain sequence, then training my roommate to do the same thing. The rat learned much faster. My roommate is now a doctor. If you like rats or dreams, and above all if you dream about rats, you should major in psychology.
SOCIOLOGY: For sheer lack of intelligibility, sociology is far and away the number one subject. I sat through hundreds of hours of sociology courses, and read gobs of sociology writing, and I never once heard or read a coherent statement. This is because sociologists want to be considered scientists, so they spend most of their time translating simple, obvious observations into scientific-sounding code. If you plan to major in sociology, you'll have to learn to do the same thing. For example, suppose you have observed that children cry when they fall down. You should write:
"Methodological observation of the sociometrical behavior tendencies of prematurated isolates indicates that a causal relationship exists between groundward tropism and lachrimatory behavior forms."
If you can keep this up for fifty or sixty pages, you will get a large government grant.
More Stupid Elites.
TEMASEK AND TRANSPARENCY: LIM HWEE HUA
05:55 AM Aug 12, 2009
Some Singaporeans are sore that they do not know enough about how "their money" is being invested by Temasek Holdings, acknowledged Singapore's first female Cabinet minister, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
"We have to ask ourselves if transparency is an end in itself, or if it is the means to an end," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office to Petir.
"If all our cards are revealed in pursuit of complete transparency, does that serve the purpose of having Temasek and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation manage the reserves well? The goal is really to value-add for all stakeholders.
"It is reasonable for people to ask questions, but ultimately the government holds the responsibility for deciding how much to reveal in our best interests."
I don’t know how she became a Minister. Gosh but anyway you just have to be a yes-man or yes-woman in this case to be one anyway.
Hwee Hua is sprouting nonsense!
I almost fell off my chair when I read this article. Can’t believe one of our Ministers actually said this kinda thing in public.
Firstly every Singaporean has the right to know what is happening to their hard earn money.
"If all our cards are revealed in pursuit of complete transparency, does that serve the purpose of having Temasek and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation manage the reserves well? The goal is really to value-add for all stakeholders.”
Er…what does transparency got to do with managing the reserve well? Hwee Hua actually is telling you that once we let you know what they are doing with our money, GIC and Temasek will have problem managing our reserve. Huh????????????????
"It is reasonable for people to ask questions, but ultimately the government holds the responsibility for deciding how much to reveal in our best interests."
Bull Shit! It is the right our the people to ask questions and decide ON THEIR OWN GOD GIVEN FREE WILL what is best for our interest.
If I read between the lines, I afraid the goverment interest is indeed not the people but for themselve, and they are afraid people will just pack up and leave for good.
05:55 AM Aug 12, 2009
Some Singaporeans are sore that they do not know enough about how "their money" is being invested by Temasek Holdings, acknowledged Singapore's first female Cabinet minister, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
"We have to ask ourselves if transparency is an end in itself, or if it is the means to an end," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office to Petir.
"If all our cards are revealed in pursuit of complete transparency, does that serve the purpose of having Temasek and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation manage the reserves well? The goal is really to value-add for all stakeholders.
"It is reasonable for people to ask questions, but ultimately the government holds the responsibility for deciding how much to reveal in our best interests."
I don’t know how she became a Minister. Gosh but anyway you just have to be a yes-man or yes-woman in this case to be one anyway.
Hwee Hua is sprouting nonsense!
I almost fell off my chair when I read this article. Can’t believe one of our Ministers actually said this kinda thing in public.
Firstly every Singaporean has the right to know what is happening to their hard earn money.
"If all our cards are revealed in pursuit of complete transparency, does that serve the purpose of having Temasek and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation manage the reserves well? The goal is really to value-add for all stakeholders.”
Er…what does transparency got to do with managing the reserve well? Hwee Hua actually is telling you that once we let you know what they are doing with our money, GIC and Temasek will have problem managing our reserve. Huh????????????????
"It is reasonable for people to ask questions, but ultimately the government holds the responsibility for deciding how much to reveal in our best interests."
Bull Shit! It is the right our the people to ask questions and decide ON THEIR OWN GOD GIVEN FREE WILL what is best for our interest.
If I read between the lines, I afraid the goverment interest is indeed not the people but for themselve, and they are afraid people will just pack up and leave for good.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
How our Telco earn money Part II
This week the National Day quiz had shifed to Channel 8.
They upsized.
Now each SMS cost $0.30.
Sad!
They upsized.
Now each SMS cost $0.30.
Sad!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How our Telco earn money.
Yesterday was watching the news on channel U and they started a segment to give viewer a chance to win a pair of National day Parade tickets.
All the viewer got to do is to answer a simple question and to text it to a specific number, and of cause each SMS cost $0.20.
Now here is the catch, I would have thought the winner should be picked by a lucky draw or the first correct answer.
But those clever blood sucker states that the winner should be “The one with the correct answer and the most SMS”
Bloody conman.
Rather then let this be a “get to know you nation more” event, I felt that this is just another money making exploitation by our Telco.
Sad.
All the viewer got to do is to answer a simple question and to text it to a specific number, and of cause each SMS cost $0.20.
Now here is the catch, I would have thought the winner should be picked by a lucky draw or the first correct answer.
But those clever blood sucker states that the winner should be “The one with the correct answer and the most SMS”
Bloody conman.
Rather then let this be a “get to know you nation more” event, I felt that this is just another money making exploitation by our Telco.
Sad.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Our dumb Bank.
Recently I am experiencing some problem with my POSB ATM card and so I was thinking of changing it.
However POSB is charging $5 for any card replacements.
Not that $5 is a very big amount but I think why should the consumer make to pay for putting our money into YOUR bank and shouldn’t the ATM card be part of the bank services.
I think maybe, just maybe, the $5 charge is there to prevent people abusing the system by changing their ATM card as often as they can and also to prevent forgetful people from keeping on loosing their card.
But which idiot has nothing better to do that he want to change his ATM card every months? And losing an ATM card can be quite dangerous and I am sure nobody wants to lose their card purposely.
So how to beat the bloody system?
I just called POSB hot line. Now they limit one ATM card to each person, which you could link up to 8 accounts. (Try to make you damage the card as soon as possible with so many usages so they can earn your $5)
But when you open a new POSB Saving account, you are given a free ATM card.
So what you can do is to cancel all your bloody GIRO payment services and close your POSB saving account, return the damaged ATM card, then on the same spot, open a new POSB saving account with a new account number and this come with a new ATM card, FREE.
The only hassle is that you have to redo all your GIRO arrangement. I am considering this option, but I will not arrange for new GIRO arrangement, maybe put my money in another bank and do my GIRO from there.
I can pissed POSB off by closing this new saving account in 6months, (think this is the minimum you need to keep it open) , and open another new saving account with a new passbook and new ATM card.
STUPID BANK.
However POSB is charging $5 for any card replacements.
Not that $5 is a very big amount but I think why should the consumer make to pay for putting our money into YOUR bank and shouldn’t the ATM card be part of the bank services.
I think maybe, just maybe, the $5 charge is there to prevent people abusing the system by changing their ATM card as often as they can and also to prevent forgetful people from keeping on loosing their card.
But which idiot has nothing better to do that he want to change his ATM card every months? And losing an ATM card can be quite dangerous and I am sure nobody wants to lose their card purposely.
So how to beat the bloody system?
I just called POSB hot line. Now they limit one ATM card to each person, which you could link up to 8 accounts. (Try to make you damage the card as soon as possible with so many usages so they can earn your $5)
But when you open a new POSB Saving account, you are given a free ATM card.
So what you can do is to cancel all your bloody GIRO payment services and close your POSB saving account, return the damaged ATM card, then on the same spot, open a new POSB saving account with a new account number and this come with a new ATM card, FREE.
The only hassle is that you have to redo all your GIRO arrangement. I am considering this option, but I will not arrange for new GIRO arrangement, maybe put my money in another bank and do my GIRO from there.
I can pissed POSB off by closing this new saving account in 6months, (think this is the minimum you need to keep it open) , and open another new saving account with a new passbook and new ATM card.
STUPID BANK.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What it should have been.
July 15, 2009
Including opposition wards for upgrading a gracious move
IT WAS heartening to read yesterday that residents in the two opposition wards will benefit from lift landings on every floor under the Lift Upgrading Programme earlier than expected ('Potong Pasir, Hougang to get lift upgrading').
This is a most welcome 'queue jumping' and win-win situation for residents, the Government and people of Singapore.
It further exemplifies the Government's commitment to the people to rejuvenate HDB estates - in good and bad times regardless of whether they reside in opposition wards.
I salute this pragmatic and magnanimous move. It reinforces my belief in the Government's 'Triple A' rating. It is a government that has displayed transparency and astute long-term planning, fostered social cohesion, inculcated self-renewal and intelligently made leadership its main catalyst for change, enabling the nation to stay relevant, while engaging the future.
Whatever critics may say about our system of governance - and though I am the first to acknowledge it is not perfect - it is as perfect a system as you can get anywhere. And it is still being tweaked as it evolves to tackle the vicissitudes of the economic environment.
Show me any other government that is able to house 85 per cent of its population - nearly all owner-occupied - complete with modern facilities comparable to First World standards.
Credit must go to opposition MPs Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang too. Both have shown total commitment to their constituents' welfare and are the kind of opposition Singapore needs more of.
Clinton Lim
Er…. Hello? Shouldn’t we asked why in the 1st place opposition wards are not in the scheme in the 1st place.
Don’t forget people statying in Hougang and Potong Pasir are paying taxes too you know.
Guess the PAP finally realised that lift upgrading is not a carrots they can use in election anymore and they are trying to pacified the resident or hope that they can sell they flats are a higher price now and moved out of the opposition wards before the general election.
So I can safety predict that election in in 2 years time. Watch this space.
Including opposition wards for upgrading a gracious move
IT WAS heartening to read yesterday that residents in the two opposition wards will benefit from lift landings on every floor under the Lift Upgrading Programme earlier than expected ('Potong Pasir, Hougang to get lift upgrading').
This is a most welcome 'queue jumping' and win-win situation for residents, the Government and people of Singapore.
It further exemplifies the Government's commitment to the people to rejuvenate HDB estates - in good and bad times regardless of whether they reside in opposition wards.
I salute this pragmatic and magnanimous move. It reinforces my belief in the Government's 'Triple A' rating. It is a government that has displayed transparency and astute long-term planning, fostered social cohesion, inculcated self-renewal and intelligently made leadership its main catalyst for change, enabling the nation to stay relevant, while engaging the future.
Whatever critics may say about our system of governance - and though I am the first to acknowledge it is not perfect - it is as perfect a system as you can get anywhere. And it is still being tweaked as it evolves to tackle the vicissitudes of the economic environment.
Show me any other government that is able to house 85 per cent of its population - nearly all owner-occupied - complete with modern facilities comparable to First World standards.
Credit must go to opposition MPs Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang too. Both have shown total commitment to their constituents' welfare and are the kind of opposition Singapore needs more of.
Clinton Lim
Er…. Hello? Shouldn’t we asked why in the 1st place opposition wards are not in the scheme in the 1st place.
Don’t forget people statying in Hougang and Potong Pasir are paying taxes too you know.
Guess the PAP finally realised that lift upgrading is not a carrots they can use in election anymore and they are trying to pacified the resident or hope that they can sell they flats are a higher price now and moved out of the opposition wards before the general election.
So I can safety predict that election in in 2 years time. Watch this space.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Rewards = Good Company?
MacDonald's bags top prize at HR awardsSPH clinches awards for corporate social responsibility, among others. -
ST Mon, Jul 06, 2009The Straits Times
By Francis Chan
FAST-FOOD giant McDonald's took home the top prize at the Singapore HR Awards last night by winning the inaugural Corporate HR Champion Award.
The new category recognises organisations that have consistently demonstrated creative and proactive human resources and people management practices.
Over three consecutive years, McDonald's - a consistent winner of HR accolades - managed to clinch the award thanks to its continuous emphasis on staff development, said the event organisers, the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI).
'Winning this award is proof that our people-first culture drives every HR action and decision at McDonald's,' said McDonald's Singapore general manager Alex Yeo.
The fast-food chain was joined by 43 other public and private sector organisations in receiving the HR awards from the Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon.
Mrs Yu-Foo told about 600 industry leaders at the Raffles City Convention Centre that the award winners deserved praise for raising the standard of HR practices and making Singapore 'a leading economy with well-trained and well-managed human capital'.
McDonald's, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Singapore this year, is no stranger to such awards.
In April, management consulting firm Hewitt awarded it the Best Employers prize, an accolade it also won in 2007.
Despite the downturn, McDonald's has almost doubled its investment in staff training to around $3 million this year.
As part of its training curriculum, it sent its first batch of 23 restaurant managers to Las Vegas in April for a diploma course in food and beverage services with more to follow.
'In this economic downturn, we will continue to invest and support our 7,000 people with training and developmental opportunities,' said Mr Yeo.
While McDonald's took much of the limelight last night, the SHRI also launched the HR Advocate Award, which was conferred on 11 firms.
This award recognises organisations that have won the Leading HR Practices Award for three years within a period of five consecutive years.
The Leading HR Practices Awards itself acknowledges firms that have conceptualised and implemented innovative HR practices.
Other award recipients included a variety of firms such as IBM Singapore, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore Power, SingTel and Republic Polytechnic.
Media group Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) was also among the big winners, clinching four awards last night.
SPH took home the HR Advocate Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Leading HR Practices Award for Talent Management, Retention & Succession Planning; and a Leading HR Practices Award for CSR.
It also received a Special Mention for Compensation & Rewards Management.
'We are happy to be conferred the HR Advocate Award for Corporate Social Responsibility at this year's Singapore HR Awards,' said SPH chief executive Alan Chan.
'At SPH, we pride ourselves on being a responsible corporate citizen, actively engaging all segments of the community through various events covering the arts, charity, sports, education and conservation.
'Some of our notable initiatives include the SPH Gift of Music series and the annual SPH Group Giving to charity.'
The SHRI said the number of award submissions this year increased from 169 to 201.
First-time entrants and award recipients included industry leaders such as Chevron Singapore, Standard Chartered Bank, Starbucks and public sector agencies like the Singapore Prison Service.
SHRI executive director David Ang said that with the downturn, HR practitioners need to be 'change agents' and better manage human resources.
'Times are bad and companies are tightening their belts. HR plays a pivotal role in helping to save cost, prevent job losses and be a strategic business partner within the organisation,' he added.
Somehow I wonder how these awards are awarded.
Who are the people on the panels of Singapore Human Resource Institute that are giving out these awards?
If you ask me, whether MacDonald deserve to win these BEST EMPLOYEE award or not, the best way is to interview its staffs and not some people sitting on a panel is some aircon room.
My mum has been working for MacDonal for about 20years (WOW so long liao) and from the stories I heard from her I think MacDonald suck big time as an employer.
I don’t know how many General manager was there before Alex Yeo in this 20 years, but here are some crap stuff Macdonal are doing with their employee.
1. At one point. MacDonald stop hiring older worker. Too slow?
2. The manager at my mum’s branch keep trying to con her to work at a lower wage packing those fork and spoon for Big Breakfast. (F**K U) If my rate is $6 an hour you jolly well pay me that no matter what job you assigned me.
3. Worker are only to allow to eat a certain among of food. And some food are off limit to staff.
4. Worker are not allow to used those plastic tray for their chillie sause. (HELLLLOOO how expensive is that bloody piece of plastic)
5. Those so call social activities like Christmas for staff organized are not sincere at all. Present given out to staff are those left over MacDonald toys.
I think awards can always be “bought” and it does not really reflect what the company really is like. One company may look nice from the ouside as it portray a false images to outsider but to truly know how it is like you got to ask its people.
Maybe Macdonald is good at training people in the management grade but treat those aunties and uncles in the kitchen like crap?
I think those joker from SHRI should work undercover for Macdonald next year before deciding should it deserve to four times in a row.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Transformer Toys
In view of the Transformer movie, just to show some of my Transformer collection.
Shown here are my Binaltech collection. These are from Takara Toys company and gotta say the robots articulations are quite impressive.
Shown here are my Binaltech collection. These are from Takara Toys company and gotta say the robots articulations are quite impressive.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Taipei 2009
Belated post.
Went for a short trip to Taipei in May. As usual the food is fantastic.
I used to think that the food in Hong Kong food is good now I find the food in Taipei can really rival fthose in Hong Kong. Also the service and dining environment is much better too.
Again went to鼎泰丰for the小笼包. Fantastic!
You can forget about the 鼎泰丰 小笼包 here is Singapore.
Taste totally different.
In fact you need to go to the鼎泰丰 at XinYi Road if you are in Taipei. Heard from the local it tastes better then other branches.
Also celebrated my birthday oversea this year. (Again!)
The hotel is thoughtful enough to send me a cake and a birthday card from the General Manager. Good service!
Went for a short trip to Taipei in May. As usual the food is fantastic.
I used to think that the food in Hong Kong food is good now I find the food in Taipei can really rival fthose in Hong Kong. Also the service and dining environment is much better too.
Again went to鼎泰丰for the小笼包. Fantastic!
You can forget about the 鼎泰丰 小笼包 here is Singapore.
Taste totally different.
In fact you need to go to the鼎泰丰 at XinYi Road if you are in Taipei. Heard from the local it tastes better then other branches.
Also celebrated my birthday oversea this year. (Again!)
The hotel is thoughtful enough to send me a cake and a birthday card from the General Manager. Good service!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Paper Chaser
June 25, 2009
OF 14 BEST AIRPORT AWARDS THIS YEAR...
Changi has bagged 12
I THANK readers who wrote in response to the report, 'Down - Changi slips to third spot in global airport ranking survey' (June 11), about the results of the recent Skytrax survey.
We are encouraged by the letters of support and grateful for the ideas and suggestions to improve Changi Airport.
Their passionate response affirms our belief that Changi Airport holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Singaporeans and airport users.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore shares the same desire to achieve the highest standards at Changi Airport. External awards and surveys are an important source of feedback on how well we are serving our customers.
Each year, we monitor our performance in a basket of more than 30 surveys and we aim to do well in each survey. Last year, we won a record 30 awards and accolades.
In the first six months of this year, we have won 12 out of 14 best airport awards.
This bears testimony to the hard work and tireless efforts of all airport staff and our airport partners - ground handlers, immigration, Customs, police, tenants, service providers and more.
Every award won is not taken for granted and any award lost is taken seriously. We scrutinise every available survey report to learn where we may have fallen short so as to serve our customers better.
For the Skytrax survey, we have developed an action plan to improve the cleanliness of toilets and are also working closely with security agencies to improve the experience of passengers during security processing.
While every award we win is an encouragement for airport staff that they have done well, winning awards is but one source of feedback we get from airport users that we are on the right track.
Ultimately, the final judge is the thousands of passengers we serve each day, and we, with all our partners at Changi Airport, aim to give each individual passenger a consistently user-friendly, enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Foo Sek Min
Senior Director (Airport Management)
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
A few day ago there was report that Singapore Changi has lost it top spot to Incheon and Hong Kong.
Today we see a CAAS Director responding and defending Changi so much as to mention Changi has won 12 our of the 14 possible awards. Note it is not enough for him just to say Changi won 12 but must highlight that Changi won 12 our of 14.
Geez… I know our education system produce paper chaser and this letter has proved our government agencies mentality are the same as well.
How significant are these award? Why in the first place there are bloody 14 awards? If it is really important, there should just be one award.
So CAAS are just like trophies collector. Just grab everything out there even if the award is given by Tan Chow Keng’s coffee shop.
Note Sek Min said “any award lost is taken seriously”, talk about kiasu.
To me you just have to do your best and if these reward come by it is a sign of your good work. But looking at Sek Min’s replies, it seem that winning rewards is the object of our dear CAAS. So can just care no shit about people like you and me giving feedback but they just suck up to those awards giving organization.
E.G Mr Award Giver A say that the Changi will score more point if they play Jazz music in the toilet. So to win this award, I bet CAAS will just play Jazz music.
Finally Sek Min said “every award we win is an encouragement for airport staff that they have done well”, I just cannot help to wonder what happened to those staff that caused Changi to loose that 2 out of 14 awards.
OF 14 BEST AIRPORT AWARDS THIS YEAR...
Changi has bagged 12
I THANK readers who wrote in response to the report, 'Down - Changi slips to third spot in global airport ranking survey' (June 11), about the results of the recent Skytrax survey.
We are encouraged by the letters of support and grateful for the ideas and suggestions to improve Changi Airport.
Their passionate response affirms our belief that Changi Airport holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Singaporeans and airport users.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore shares the same desire to achieve the highest standards at Changi Airport. External awards and surveys are an important source of feedback on how well we are serving our customers.
Each year, we monitor our performance in a basket of more than 30 surveys and we aim to do well in each survey. Last year, we won a record 30 awards and accolades.
In the first six months of this year, we have won 12 out of 14 best airport awards.
This bears testimony to the hard work and tireless efforts of all airport staff and our airport partners - ground handlers, immigration, Customs, police, tenants, service providers and more.
Every award won is not taken for granted and any award lost is taken seriously. We scrutinise every available survey report to learn where we may have fallen short so as to serve our customers better.
For the Skytrax survey, we have developed an action plan to improve the cleanliness of toilets and are also working closely with security agencies to improve the experience of passengers during security processing.
While every award we win is an encouragement for airport staff that they have done well, winning awards is but one source of feedback we get from airport users that we are on the right track.
Ultimately, the final judge is the thousands of passengers we serve each day, and we, with all our partners at Changi Airport, aim to give each individual passenger a consistently user-friendly, enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Foo Sek Min
Senior Director (Airport Management)
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
A few day ago there was report that Singapore Changi has lost it top spot to Incheon and Hong Kong.
Today we see a CAAS Director responding and defending Changi so much as to mention Changi has won 12 our of the 14 possible awards. Note it is not enough for him just to say Changi won 12 but must highlight that Changi won 12 our of 14.
Geez… I know our education system produce paper chaser and this letter has proved our government agencies mentality are the same as well.
How significant are these award? Why in the first place there are bloody 14 awards? If it is really important, there should just be one award.
So CAAS are just like trophies collector. Just grab everything out there even if the award is given by Tan Chow Keng’s coffee shop.
Note Sek Min said “any award lost is taken seriously”, talk about kiasu.
To me you just have to do your best and if these reward come by it is a sign of your good work. But looking at Sek Min’s replies, it seem that winning rewards is the object of our dear CAAS. So can just care no shit about people like you and me giving feedback but they just suck up to those awards giving organization.
E.G Mr Award Giver A say that the Changi will score more point if they play Jazz music in the toilet. So to win this award, I bet CAAS will just play Jazz music.
Finally Sek Min said “every award we win is an encouragement for airport staff that they have done well”, I just cannot help to wonder what happened to those staff that caused Changi to loose that 2 out of 14 awards.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Strange people
June 8, 2009
Thank you SPCA, for the prompt action
I REFER to last Friday's report, 'Animal abuse cases at a high'.
As a lifelong dog owner, I know right from wrong.
However, it took me more than a year to muster the courage to call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) about a neighbour who had kept a huge 30kg breed on a short leash on landed property, barking 24 hours a day.
SPCA's Mr Eric assured me of confidentiality and I noted that a check was made within the next two working days. The dog is now free, dignified and no longer barks non-stop.
Thank you SPCA, for the swift action.
Tan Ai Ling (Mdm)
I can never understand what Mdm Tan Ai Ling is trying to do here.
It is good that she reported an animal abuse case to SPCA and she praised SPCA’s Eric for his swift action and assurance of confidentiality but now she go and write to the FORUM???????
Now everyone know Madam Tan Ai Ling and also Eric from SPCA.
I don’t know what Tan Ai Ling is trying to prove here.
Thank you SPCA, for the prompt action
I REFER to last Friday's report, 'Animal abuse cases at a high'.
As a lifelong dog owner, I know right from wrong.
However, it took me more than a year to muster the courage to call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) about a neighbour who had kept a huge 30kg breed on a short leash on landed property, barking 24 hours a day.
SPCA's Mr Eric assured me of confidentiality and I noted that a check was made within the next two working days. The dog is now free, dignified and no longer barks non-stop.
Thank you SPCA, for the swift action.
Tan Ai Ling (Mdm)
I can never understand what Mdm Tan Ai Ling is trying to do here.
It is good that she reported an animal abuse case to SPCA and she praised SPCA’s Eric for his swift action and assurance of confidentiality but now she go and write to the FORUM???????
Now everyone know Madam Tan Ai Ling and also Eric from SPCA.
I don’t know what Tan Ai Ling is trying to prove here.
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