History was made today; not in the way the world expected.
I do not know this guy but he spoke my thoughts. https://www.facebook.com/NowThisNews/videos/1220171848072937/
Update 10/11: Found my thoughts on my drive home. Sweetie knew the outcome already from TV news. I told her that for so long, we all have mocked this guy, about his big ego and shamelessness, to think of himself being qualified for the job, and that he has any chance in winning at all. While we do not know yet if he will be up to the job, but at least he made the whole world eat humble pie with the unexpected win. It goes to show that, as long as we believe in ourselves, with lots of perseverance and never say die attitude, we can be anything that we want to be. This, is the only positive message that I can conjure from this bizarre turn of events. Life goes on.
Showing posts with label Article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Article. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
History in the making 2016
I have taken an interest in the US presidential election because, frankly, it's very entertaining. The US is a very interesting country. I dare to say that the rest of the world watch in wonder and amusement, even with some disgust, that such a maverick character can become a serious contender to becoming one of the most powerful person in world politics.
Recently, the talking points turn to DT's past sexual assaults on women. As I lapped up one article after another, I became very interested in this topic.
I used to think that most countries and most men are respectful of women. I thought that sexual assault only happen to some unfortunate women, who had the bad luck of having known/met some horribly sickening men. Then, I also believe in the justice system, that each and every sexual assault case can be brought to justice in court.
But as I read more on this topic, I began to realise that gender inequality is still extremely prevalent. Even in our century, even in one of the most democratic and advance country in the world. It began to dwell upon me that most women, even myself, tolerate men's behaviour day in and day out. For example, my boss will pass comment about women leadership skills, and I will just brush it aside. There's a very simple explanation for that(my) reaction; it's probably ingrained in me, and I will venture to say, in a lot of women, to avoid conflict. We also suffer from lower self esteem and confidence, and will always attribute some blame to ourselves. By keeping quiet, I indirectly perpetuate this kind of thinking and behaviour in him.
I wonder how I can teach my peace loving, good natured 老 baby (ha!, she's turning 10 in a few days' time!) the important value of gender equality and standing up for female rights. I also hope that my sister and sister in laws will do the right thing in educating their daughters and sons.
My new 偶像 is Michelle Obama.
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/13/politics/michelle-obama-donald-trump-election-2016/index.html
And I kept wanting to have a opportunity to post this again, as I really admire this young chap's respect for women and his wife:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3384822/Be-nerd-school-successful-inventor-Mark-Zuckerberg-brilliant-response-woman-said-encouraging-granddaughters-date-geeks-school.html
Recently, the talking points turn to DT's past sexual assaults on women. As I lapped up one article after another, I became very interested in this topic.
I used to think that most countries and most men are respectful of women. I thought that sexual assault only happen to some unfortunate women, who had the bad luck of having known/met some horribly sickening men. Then, I also believe in the justice system, that each and every sexual assault case can be brought to justice in court.
But as I read more on this topic, I began to realise that gender inequality is still extremely prevalent. Even in our century, even in one of the most democratic and advance country in the world. It began to dwell upon me that most women, even myself, tolerate men's behaviour day in and day out. For example, my boss will pass comment about women leadership skills, and I will just brush it aside. There's a very simple explanation for that(my) reaction; it's probably ingrained in me, and I will venture to say, in a lot of women, to avoid conflict. We also suffer from lower self esteem and confidence, and will always attribute some blame to ourselves. By keeping quiet, I indirectly perpetuate this kind of thinking and behaviour in him.
I wonder how I can teach my peace loving, good natured 老 baby (ha!, she's turning 10 in a few days' time!) the important value of gender equality and standing up for female rights. I also hope that my sister and sister in laws will do the right thing in educating their daughters and sons.
My new 偶像 is Michelle Obama.
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/13/politics/michelle-obama-donald-trump-election-2016/index.html
And I kept wanting to have a opportunity to post this again, as I really admire this young chap's respect for women and his wife:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3384822/Be-nerd-school-successful-inventor-Mark-Zuckerberg-brilliant-response-woman-said-encouraging-granddaughters-date-geeks-school.html
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The one thing missing
An article, dedicated to my sweetie.
http://refineus.org/the-one-thing-missing/
This is the 2nd time I am dedicating an article on couple relationship to my darling-daughter rather than darling-hubby. On one hand, people only live once; I had already picked my life partner, and we will keep learning together to grow the relationship for the better. On the other hand, the dream of a second chance at something even better, isn't this the reason why we all want to and feel excited about having children? I fantasied about Lynn asking for my opinion on how to pick a good partner and what I think of her daddy. It's a challenging and interesting question to answer. But she may never ask, like I never asked my mum. I hope she does.
Anyway here's another great article to read.
http://refineus.org/the-one-thing-missing/
This is the 2nd time I am dedicating an article on couple relationship to my darling-daughter rather than darling-hubby. On one hand, people only live once; I had already picked my life partner, and we will keep learning together to grow the relationship for the better. On the other hand, the dream of a second chance at something even better, isn't this the reason why we all want to and feel excited about having children? I fantasied about Lynn asking for my opinion on how to pick a good partner and what I think of her daddy. It's a challenging and interesting question to answer. But she may never ask, like I never asked my mum. I hope she does.
Anyway here's another great article to read.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Update
2016 January is coming to an end; time files!! Before my blog posts become all CNY 2016 related, I shall do an update here with a few photos..
(I) Lynn.
Pass it on.. There was a conversion on Yap family whatsapp group on CNY clothing. I think Winny and myself are the top 2 vain-pots, cos seems like only the 2 of us are engaged in that conversation. Winny commented that Clara can wear the Chinese traditional costumes passed down from Chloe. I scanned through FB and blog to see what the kids in our family have been wearing in the past many years. Saw quite a few photos, of items passed down from one cousin to another. Anyway, this one photo is my favourite while I was browsing, so I shall post it here. Lynn was 2 years, 3 months here, quite many months older than Clara who is 18 months now. I wonder where this piece (of clothing) is now....
Long hair.. She started P1 and P2 with need-to-tie\-up shoulder length hair, which was cut short a few weeks into the school year because she was not ready for long hair yet (untidy, sweating, not cleaning properly, not that interested, etc). Finally, she was ready in P3, and thus, for most part of P3 her hair was long. Now, at the start of P4, it has reached the longest length thus far. I'm not intending to let it grow longer. Here 2 photos of weekend, slightly more fanciful hairstyle. The joy of having daughter!
The minister said "Every school is a good school". There's a lot of sarcasticism on social media on his comment. The education system is not perfect, but parents are as much at fault as the policy makers in creating the problems in this system.
Lynn's school conducted it's first briefing session for parents last weekend. In the past 3 years, there were only 2 sessions, one in April (AY and AS), and one in May (PTM), which I find very useful. This year, it created one more in January, such that the sharing about the focus of that academic year (AY) is discussed in January instead of in April. This also means that the April session this year will fully concentrate on the academic syllabus (AS). This is definitely another improvement from the school. I'm very appreciative of the efforts of the school and teachers, such that I sent a thank-you cum encouragement chat-message to Lynn's form teacher (Ms Chua). Lynn's very lucky to get 2 good form teachers in P1/P2 and P3/P4. Having the same form teachers 2 years in a row is also a great feature in her school. I missed the parent teacher meeting (PTM) session with Ms Chua last year, and this year I'm determined not to miss it!
As far as my experience goes, this neighbourhood school is a good school. As long as parents make the effort to engage the school. Although she is in the top 2 classes, the attendance of parents for this session is only <50%. I wonder if those who did not turn up were engaged in more important stuff (like I was away on biz trip last year PTM)? I wonder if they are the ones/not the ones who pass sarcastic comments about the system?
Here's an article for reading pleasure. This is a great article; I think I will put up a separate posting when I'm free, to discuss my views on this article (read the interesting comments to this article too)
http://hedgehogcomms.blogspot.sg/2016/01/when-students-in-top-schools-dont-make.html
(23 Jan, 2016. It was Mr. Wong the VP who gave the briefing this year. I like his straight to the point style. Err, ok he is not in this pic).
While sitting in her classroom last Sat (listening to Ms Chua feeling a bit bored), I saw this very familiar looking watering can :). Took a photo, and chatted with Lynn about it at home. She told me that she did a great job last year when she was the environmental monitor. This year, because the EM is not really doing a decent job, so she actually took care of the plants even when she's no longer the EM.
Recognised this as her work (pasted at the back of the classroom) too, because of the stickers :)
Many kids in her class (about 15) were selected as prefect this year. So I wonder if it is to give them a chance to learn about leadership, and if there will be more stringent selection next year?
(She wore her band as she was on duty last Wed)
Our new pet.. Sigh.. my first experience with tortoise. MIL says that some vendor sell tortoise that is too young, and these tortoises will not survive because they can't feed yet. I didn't really believe her. This tortoise which we named "Tiffy", is now about 2 weeks in my home already. Still alive, but not feeding well. In fact I have not seen it eat at all. I wonder if it will die eventually. Everyday I look at it, I feel sad actually. Tiffy, please eat..
(II) Office.
Here's a funny story to share about my BD (at office). There's a colleague in my team (Mov) who shares the same BD as me. I told him before that he is the first person that I know to share the same BD as me. But for him, he said he knows a lot of people who share the same BD as him. This conversation took place probably early last year.
On my BD (Monday), we were having lunch and I said happy BD to him, but he didn't wish me back. On Wed or Thurs, we were having lunch in canteen, and he asked me if my BD is on 19 or 20 Jan, because he thought that one of his friend's BD "story" (not sure but he thinks it's me) is that it is on the "cut-off" between Capricorn and Aquarius. I told him definitely it's his other friend's "story", because the "story" that we exchanged was about "sharing same BD". This sweet young chap must be extremely embarrassed by this conversation, that he bought me a BD cake that afternoon (he sneak out of office). So we had cake that afternoon, and took a group photo.
Mov will be moving back to Cambodia, and working for another plant within our company's group. So we had a group lunch yesterday for his farewell.
I also had dinner with SY (together with Eva and LS), who's also a Capricorn. Nowadays it's quite fun and easy in whatsapp chat to send pictures, just to put cheer in someone's day!
(I) Lynn.
Pass it on.. There was a conversion on Yap family whatsapp group on CNY clothing. I think Winny and myself are the top 2 vain-pots, cos seems like only the 2 of us are engaged in that conversation. Winny commented that Clara can wear the Chinese traditional costumes passed down from Chloe. I scanned through FB and blog to see what the kids in our family have been wearing in the past many years. Saw quite a few photos, of items passed down from one cousin to another. Anyway, this one photo is my favourite while I was browsing, so I shall post it here. Lynn was 2 years, 3 months here, quite many months older than Clara who is 18 months now. I wonder where this piece (of clothing) is now....
Long hair.. She started P1 and P2 with need-to-tie\-up shoulder length hair, which was cut short a few weeks into the school year because she was not ready for long hair yet (untidy, sweating, not cleaning properly, not that interested, etc). Finally, she was ready in P3, and thus, for most part of P3 her hair was long. Now, at the start of P4, it has reached the longest length thus far. I'm not intending to let it grow longer. Here 2 photos of weekend, slightly more fanciful hairstyle. The joy of having daughter!
Lynn's school conducted it's first briefing session for parents last weekend. In the past 3 years, there were only 2 sessions, one in April (AY and AS), and one in May (PTM), which I find very useful. This year, it created one more in January, such that the sharing about the focus of that academic year (AY) is discussed in January instead of in April. This also means that the April session this year will fully concentrate on the academic syllabus (AS). This is definitely another improvement from the school. I'm very appreciative of the efforts of the school and teachers, such that I sent a thank-you cum encouragement chat-message to Lynn's form teacher (Ms Chua). Lynn's very lucky to get 2 good form teachers in P1/P2 and P3/P4. Having the same form teachers 2 years in a row is also a great feature in her school. I missed the parent teacher meeting (PTM) session with Ms Chua last year, and this year I'm determined not to miss it!
As far as my experience goes, this neighbourhood school is a good school. As long as parents make the effort to engage the school. Although she is in the top 2 classes, the attendance of parents for this session is only <50%. I wonder if those who did not turn up were engaged in more important stuff (like I was away on biz trip last year PTM)? I wonder if they are the ones/not the ones who pass sarcastic comments about the system?
Here's an article for reading pleasure. This is a great article; I think I will put up a separate posting when I'm free, to discuss my views on this article (read the interesting comments to this article too)
http://hedgehogcomms.blogspot.sg/2016/01/when-students-in-top-schools-dont-make.html
(23 Jan, 2016. It was Mr. Wong the VP who gave the briefing this year. I like his straight to the point style. Err, ok he is not in this pic).
While sitting in her classroom last Sat (listening to Ms Chua feeling a bit bored), I saw this very familiar looking watering can :). Took a photo, and chatted with Lynn about it at home. She told me that she did a great job last year when she was the environmental monitor. This year, because the EM is not really doing a decent job, so she actually took care of the plants even when she's no longer the EM.
Recognised this as her work (pasted at the back of the classroom) too, because of the stickers :)
Many kids in her class (about 15) were selected as prefect this year. So I wonder if it is to give them a chance to learn about leadership, and if there will be more stringent selection next year?
(II) Office.
Here's a funny story to share about my BD (at office). There's a colleague in my team (Mov) who shares the same BD as me. I told him before that he is the first person that I know to share the same BD as me. But for him, he said he knows a lot of people who share the same BD as him. This conversation took place probably early last year.
On my BD (Monday), we were having lunch and I said happy BD to him, but he didn't wish me back. On Wed or Thurs, we were having lunch in canteen, and he asked me if my BD is on 19 or 20 Jan, because he thought that one of his friend's BD "story" (not sure but he thinks it's me) is that it is on the "cut-off" between Capricorn and Aquarius. I told him definitely it's his other friend's "story", because the "story" that we exchanged was about "sharing same BD". This sweet young chap must be extremely embarrassed by this conversation, that he bought me a BD cake that afternoon (he sneak out of office). So we had cake that afternoon, and took a group photo.
Mov will be moving back to Cambodia, and working for another plant within our company's group. So we had a group lunch yesterday for his farewell.
I also had dinner with SY (together with Eva and LS), who's also a Capricorn. Nowadays it's quite fun and easy in whatsapp chat to send pictures, just to put cheer in someone's day!
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Wisdom and values
http://brightside.me/article/11-crucial-things-i-do-to-make-my-wife-happy-74355/
Dedicate this article to my dear Lynnette....
Dedicate this article to my dear Lynnette....
Monday, September 21, 2015
Hazy weekend
(This post was written and completed last Monday, 14/9, but I just didn't get it published somehow. Today's 21/9, another weekend had gone by. Better late then never...)
Another long weekend came and went. Back to Monday blues and work and endless deadlines..
This long weekend,
(1) There was a joke circulating on polling day, that says "Breaking News: PM will be changed tonight. At midnight, PM will change to AM".
The night (pm) on polling day turned out to be much longer than usual for a lot of people, because we stayed up to the wee hours to watch the election results. It was super fun and exciting. I thought I won't stay up past 12am, but I was hooked, and I tahan to 2.30am. Then I slept with the TV on. At slightly after 3am, WK's phone rang. We woke up to see LTK giving half hearted thank you speech for winning Aljunied. Finally, I can switch off the TV.
(2) I'm getting really old. Sat, I woke up at about 9am, sent Lynn to class at 1045, and savoured my Cappuccino and the newspaper reports of a landslide win for PAP till 1pm. By 2pm (after lunch), my body reacted violently to the late night. I fell ill. And I was ill for the whole of Sunday
(3) The haze returned, so I stayed in and in bed for the whole of Sunday, till dinner time. Lynn was so sweet. She voluntarily did some house work, and gave me quite a lot of downtime on Sat and Sun.
After thoughts about the election. There were a lot of analysis about why the opposition lose big time. I am happy that my prediction that the overall % for our incumbents will increase is right. It also proves that those extremely nasty govt bashing junks on internet are indeed not from the majority of our population. As for what is the real reason for the swing (LKY effect, or silent majority effect, etc, whatever), it is anybody's guess, cos nobody has any data to prove it. And it is for the govt and the oppositions to figure it out. I like LHL's saying that we vote more PAP to make the oppositions work harder. I still like LTK and SL, so I hope they figure out that they can't be as complacency as they had been from 2011 - 2015. They need to contribute constructively to our country too.
Finally, I like to believe that the real reason is that we, the silent majority, made the difference. Here's an analysis that I like most, because it's what I like to believe:
https://atans1.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/must-read-jg-explains-the-results/
Another long weekend came and went. Back to Monday blues and work and endless deadlines..
This long weekend,
(1) There was a joke circulating on polling day, that says "Breaking News: PM will be changed tonight. At midnight, PM will change to AM".
(2) I'm getting really old. Sat, I woke up at about 9am, sent Lynn to class at 1045, and savoured my Cappuccino and the newspaper reports of a landslide win for PAP till 1pm. By 2pm (after lunch), my body reacted violently to the late night. I fell ill. And I was ill for the whole of Sunday
(3) The haze returned, so I stayed in and in bed for the whole of Sunday, till dinner time. Lynn was so sweet. She voluntarily did some house work, and gave me quite a lot of downtime on Sat and Sun.
After thoughts about the election. There were a lot of analysis about why the opposition lose big time. I am happy that my prediction that the overall % for our incumbents will increase is right. It also proves that those extremely nasty govt bashing junks on internet are indeed not from the majority of our population. As for what is the real reason for the swing (LKY effect, or silent majority effect, etc, whatever), it is anybody's guess, cos nobody has any data to prove it. And it is for the govt and the oppositions to figure it out. I like LHL's saying that we vote more PAP to make the oppositions work harder. I still like LTK and SL, so I hope they figure out that they can't be as complacency as they had been from 2011 - 2015. They need to contribute constructively to our country too.
Finally, I like to believe that the real reason is that we, the silent majority, made the difference. Here's an analysis that I like most, because it's what I like to believe:
https://atans1.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/must-read-jg-explains-the-results/
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
If I have another life to live..
Sharing an article by Tommy Koh, published yesterday
Dear Toby and Tara,
You will be 54 and 50 years old, respectively, when Singapore celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2065.
If the last 50 years is a guide, you will probably experience as many dramatic changes as I have in the past 50 years. I expect that cures will be discovered for such dreaded diseases as cancer, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson's. Thus, I fully expect that both of you will continue to lead healthy, productive, energetic lives for many more decades, as life expectancy may exceed 100 by this time.
I expect solar energy to become increasingly competitive and that, one day, it will replace energy from fossil fuels. I expect agriculture to be more productive and less demanding of water. Revolutionary changes will take place in all aspects of our lives, in ways which are unimaginable today.
However, the purpose of my letter is not to join the pundits and futurologists in anticipating the changes that will take place in the next 50 years.
What I want to do is to talk to you about things that I hope will not change. I want to talk about values, beliefs and customs which are or should be timeless.
LOVE SINGAPORE
First, you should love your country.
Singapore may be a small and young country; it is, however, an extraordinary country. If all goes well, we would have remained a stable, peaceful country with our own government, our own military and law enforcement agencies.
In our country, people of different races, colours and religions live in peace and harmony. We celebrate our diversity as a blessing and not as a defect. We recognise and reward talent and merit and we dislike class, privilege and snobbery. We treat our women well and our talented women have helped to make Singapore the success that it is. We are admired for our integrity, reliability and competence. If I have another life to live, I would like to be born again in Singapore.
LOVE THE WORLD
Second, you should love the world.
By "the world", I mean both the human world and the natural world. I believe in the Confucian philosophy that, under heaven, all men are brothers and all women are sisters. It is not enough to love Singapore - you should also love the human family. Because of globalisation and the technological revolution, we truly live in one world and our lives are inextricably linked. For example, we should be concerned about the growing health crisis in South Korea at this juncture - in July 2015 - because Mers is very likely to spread from there to other countries.
We should empathise with the refugees fleeing persecution and despair in Myanmar because they are part of the Asean family.
Even if, by the time you read this, these countries and organisations have evolved into different forms, we should feel a bond with people around our region, and indeed all around the world, with whom we share a common humanity.
We should also love and respect the natural world because the earth is our home. If we continue to abuse nature, to degrade our ecosystems and neglect our duty as the stewards of the global commons, we will sooner or later face an environmental crisis.
I hope that you and your generation will have the wisdom to make a paradigm shift to a new and more sustainable model of economy and civilisation.
LOVE FAMILY
Third, love your family.
No matter how many technological advances are made, one thing is for sure: Your mother and father, your grandparents, your godparents and other relatives have loved you from the day you were born.
Your parents have made sacrifices and will continue to make sacrifices in order to give you a happy childhood and a good start in life. Remember that the key people in the world who love you unconditionally, in good times and in bad times, are your parents. Be good to your parents when you are grown-up and when they are old.
There is a disturbing trend in Singapore of children abandoning their elderly parents. I hope that, by the time you read this, this remains a small minority and does not become commonplace.
MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Fourth, make friends for life.
Most human beings are social animals. We need the company of good friends in order to be happy and to thrive. Make good friends and keep them for life.
Many Singaporeans hold a functional or transactional attitude towards friends. You are my friend only as long as you are useful to me. The moment you are no longer useful to me, I will "unfriend" you. This is a bad attitude and smacks of opportunism. The good friends I have made in my childhood, school, university and at various points in my career, both here and abroad, have enriched my life.
DO NOT WORSHIP MONEY
Fifth, do not worship money.
There is a joke that the main form of worship in Singapore is the worship of money. Singaporeans are a materialistic and money-loving people.
My attitude towards money is that we all need to make money in order to provide for our family and to be able to lead a dignified life. My goal in life is, however, not to make money but to help build a better Singapore and a better world. You should remember that money can't buy you good health, peace of mind or a happy family.
In fact, money often sows discord in families. Money can buy you a big house and a big car but not a good reputation. It is more important for you to do a job which brings you joy and satisfaction than a job which you do only because it brings you a lot of money. Pursue your talent and your passion and not money.
BE KIND
Sixth, be a kind person.
Of all the virtues, the one that I value the most is kindness. You should be kind to everyone you meet. Many Singaporeans have a selective approach to kindness. They are kind to their bosses or persons in authority over them. They are less kind towards their subordinates. I do not regard such a person as a kind person.
A kind person is one who is kind to everyone, including strangers. In my experience, kindness begets kindness.
BE LOYAL
Seventh, be a loyal person.
Loyalty is a virtue which seems to have gone out of fashion. I believe that one should be loyal to one's country, spouse, school, university, employer, friends and institutions. I am loyal to my old school, Raffles Institution, and have never said no to a request from the school. I am loyal to the National University of Singapore, Harvard and Cambridge because they have helped to educate me.
Because I served for nine years as a director of DBS, it is my primary banker. Because I served for five years as a director of Singtel, I subscribe only to Singtel for my telecommunication needs. Because I served for over five years on the international advisory board of Toyota, I own and operate a car made by Toyota. I have patronised the same tailor and optician for as long as I can remember.
This may be seen by some as an old-fashioned attitude but I would like to think that loyalty, like kindness, should never go out of fashion.
BE HEALTHY AND RICH CULTURALLY
Eighth, try to lead a healthy and culturally rich life.
My father taught me to exercise every day in order to keep physically fit. I swim or walk every morning. My father also taught me to love books and to enjoy reading. I read both books of fiction and non-fiction every day.
My mother taught me to enjoy the arts. I feel very privileged to have served as the founding chairman of the National Arts Council and as the second chairman of the National Heritage Board. I hope you will develop your own interests in culture and the arts. They will bring great joy to your life.
I hope you will grow up to be a good man and a good woman. I wish you happy, healthy, peaceful and productive lives.
Your loving Ye Ye,
Tommy Koh
Tommy Koh is Ambassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and special adviser to the Institute of Policy Studies and chairman of the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore. He was NUS law faculty dean before becoming a diplomat. He has served in Singapore missions in the United States, Mexico, Canada and on United Nations and World Trade Organisation missions and dispute panels.
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