Fascination

Cruelty and the exploited

2009-10-15T23:55:00.003+08:00

It's coming to 8yrs since I first arrived into Singapore. Before I arrived here, I was told that Singapore is a country where the government expects alot from the citizen. Through the conversation from my family members and relatives, it is understandable the expectation from the government to imposed certain rules and regulation to the country. This is to safeguard the interest and the future benefit of the younger generation. I can't compare the situation that I am experiencing right now to my home country where my roots belong to. Which I felt that many of us as a migrant to Singapore felt the same way too.

Through this times where I had spend my 8 years here, its considerable to say that I have seen many different things as well as understanding how such things happened in the society. Where such hierarchy of social factor that comes into place, it is well important to know and to understand that we are lucky and to be thankful of who am I at the current presence state.

I am writing this while I got inspired by the person most precious to me, the one who I wish to treasure for the rest of my life. While I shared my joy with my colleague, it struck me in my head that which I thought I am the only one seeing this, but actually this happens everywhere in the world.

Did anyone of us know that the world is so real? It is so real that money is the root of all evil. Without money, the world will not turn around. The world economy will not tumble like a little snow ball causing an avalanche. For some reason from the big brothers in the United States who wants the money and that causes many of us from the other side of the world to suffer.

But money is not all that we need in our lives. After seeing many events that happened this year as compare to the events I experienced a couple of years back, I could truely say that this year alone, I have seen the rich, the middle class and the poor. The rich are so rich that money to them is just an object for them to use. Money is also an object for them to splurge which makes their younger generation failed to analyze the importance of money and to them, money is just another part of their life without knowing the true value of it.

But nevermind about that, it makes me angry when it comes to the topic of money. I have seen the other side of the world without the need to worry of the importance of money. Which many of us who were there, we understand the lives of these group of people. Sometimes, simple lives means simple mind.

Nevertheless, my statement here is living modest provides the best for yourself and your family.

I have been visiting my gf's family regularly recently which I make a point to visit them at least once a week to say hi and also to have a meal with them. As far as I am concern, I would like to maintain such practice for a long period of time. Both of us felt as though that we have been married for years and we are actually behaving like a married couple. I enjoyed the company of hers as well as her family and her extended family.

Looking at her family again, it makes me to take a step back and to understand more on my argument I stated in my early topic which makes me think that every single family in Singapore is almost perfect. But having to know her and her family, I have to say the experience has proved me wrong where in every part of this world, what I believe that cohesiveness bring forth a balance society of rich, mid and the poor. Living harmoniously and to bring peace and opportunity for everyone.

What I have experienced for the past few months, it is priceless. Money can not buy such experiences. When I was younger, stories such as drugs, abuse, divorce and etc seems so fictional. I have never thought that I would have to see such things right in front of my own eyes. I mean it did not happened right in front of my own eyes, but the people who are going through it are all around me every single day now.

Such fiction turns realitygaves me the interest to look further into how actually a society works. How it forms, how did it happened, how did it occured and etc. Did anyone of us actually open our eyes to see the world enough and to be brave enough to say that I am not afraid of what comes forth.

I solely believe that no matter your age is, your vision to the world is just a window frame that builds upon the glass every inch a day. It is the effort that you place in your heart to understand what is happening right now at the very second of you sitting in front of your computer.

Think of what you can learn, think of what you can contribute and finally think of who you really are. And to the one I am in relationship now, I wish to treasure you for the rest of my life and to spend as much time as possible together and to work things out for our future.

Love you always.

baby im amazed by you..

2009-08-17T00:27:00.001+08:00

every little thing that you do...

baby im amazed by you...

2009-08-11T23:37:00.001+08:00

Zoo with Emily and uu3..!

Emily

2009-08-01T23:35:00.005+08:00

This is Emily, and today is the day which I was given a chance to cook for her. I enjoyed her company alot. Thanks to her elder sister who brought her back home. Gave her English tuition and hope she will do well in her studies. Good Luck Emily!

2009-07-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

You just asked..

"What if you never recover"

Dear, I will try to ensure that you recover to your optimum ok?

I really hope you recover soon..will you recover yourself for me?

You and I...

2009-07-22T01:01:00.003+08:00

This week is a tough week but I am glad that you were there for me.

I want to know the truth...

Rebound or pure attachment? Or am I into it impulsively?

2009-07-07T23:52:00.002+08:00

You and I

2009-07-07T22:54:00.003+08:00

You and I must make a pact

We must bring salvation back

Where there is love I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you

I'll have faith in all you do

Just call my name

And i'll be there

And oh, woah,

I'll be there to comfort you

Build my world of dreams around you

I'm so glad I found you yeah,

I'll be there with a love so strong

I'll be your strength

You know i'll keep holdin on

Let me fill you heart with joy and laughter

Togetherness, well it's all i'm after

Just call my name

And i'll be there

I'll be there to protect you,(yeah baby)

With an unselfish love that respects you

Just call my name

And i'll be there

And oh woah

I'll be there to comfort you

Build my world of dreams around you

You know i'm so glad I found you yeah (so glad baby)

I'll be there with a love so strong

I'll be your strength

You know i'll keep holdin on

If you should ever find someone new

I know she better be good to you

'Cos if she dosoen't, then i'll be there

Don't you know baby, yeah yeah

I'll be there I'll be there, yeah

Just call my name and i'll be there

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

I'll be there baby

You know i'll be there, yeah

Just call my name

And i'll be there

Just call my name

And i'll be there

You and I

2009-07-04T00:34:00.006+08:00

I get to understand you better as a person. Which I believed that both of us had really talk things out face to face. Honestly, I like who you are and I hope that we could be together someday which only both of us will know if it will be soon enough.

For the past 15 days, we had spend the time together which I really wished that I could spend more than what I had just did which due to our position that does not permit us to be as close as possible. Missing the days when each night you will be at my hotel doorstep to wish me good night.

I hope you feel the same way of what I am feeling right now. Holding on to your hand everynight seems to be like the blanket that keeps us warm through out the night. And the pat on the cheek is just like forever...

Darl, I do cherish all the moments that we spend. Esp the bus ride up the mountain. The ups and downs that we had, the smile that both of draws on each others face and the frustration that both of us endure.

Missing you each moment...

Mistake..

2009-06-05T23:23:00.001+08:00

I think I made a mistake...yet again..every weekend, the feeling will surface..yet again..

Education

2009-06-01T22:54:00.003+08:00

I had just spoken to my sister while we were watching Transformers at home. the first version.

Recently, I watched this movie about Americans who were denied health care by their insurance coverage and most of the patients died because of insurance policy just simply telling them that its experimental.

I felt the same way today, I do not know why today, but I just felt it today and thinking through the number of students I denied them from getting educations. But this education is not simply the vernicular education, but its the specialize course that I am conducting in this institution.

My story started off with this student who was in my class for over a year and due to unforeseen circumstances, I denied him from furthering his education due to some his personal attributes which I got confused overtime. All of us know that this particular student possesses certain characteristic which makes him special among his classmates.

We know this, and we tried our best to take action so not to make the situation worsen. But eventually, there is nothing much I can do about as I know he could not be save by us anymore. Which the last resort is to have him in into the National Service. I know that is not the only last resort he is going into but we have no choice for him to undergo some training. Its the look in his eyes that he sad that he was very disappointed with himself and he did teared after we lead him out from the office.

I will not be able to reveal further about the exact details of him, but ultimately, I felt that every single paper that I signed for my students to be denied an education, I felt that it makes me feel guilty of not trying my very best to advise and to change their perception as a lecturer.

I just feel sad...

Communication

2009-05-31T11:23:00.002+08:00

Do you think we need to communicate more? There are broken linkages...

2009-05-30T23:34:00.003+08:00

As I knew..it wouldnt last as long as I had expected. But I hope things will get better and also I really wish that you could stay by my side..

Travelling..

2009-05-23T23:42:00.002+08:00

Do you want to go travelling with me? I am thinking of a good vacation...with our private jet..to our private island that no one knows...

January to May

2009-05-23T23:16:00.002+08:00

January to May has been a rather dramatic part of my life and I would say that everything fell in place just at right time with only a few conflicting time period. Let me just summarize it all below:

1) January - Chinese new year at home.. annual affair..Assigned with 6modules for my this term module.

2) February - Decided to undergo dental surgery and to have braces on. Was assigned an oversea assignment. To go to China in March.

3) March - Undergo dental surgery..extracted 6 tooth over two hrs surgery. Went to China with my colleague for some site recce. But most importantly this month, I have someone beside me who was there for me most of the time when I need most.

4) April - My first braces in 30mins for the next 3yrs of my life. Million dollar smile on the way. Went for certification as a FirstAider, attended teaching pedagogy..yawnz..Get to know new colleagues and they are so nice people. She is still with me..making sure I am alright at any point of time.

5) May - 6 modules examination almost made me died on the spot. Got my upgraded braces with more implanted metal plates and biting plate for my teeth reallignment. Finally my mum agreed to purchase a new house for my sister and I. High motivation..and my supervisor..I will be getting a promotion soon.. cant wait for all these by the end of this year.

6) June - China..here I come with my darling..To China with Love..

Things I am looking forward for this year.

1) My realligned teeth

2) An apartment

3) My promotion

Its a volatile first quarter..and hope things will turn out good at the end of this year and to bring me forward for the next.

ultimately..thanks for everything that you have supported me so far. and I am glad that you are there for me when I need you most. :)

Hmmmm..

2009-04-12T02:44:00.004+08:00

In the longest time, finally the feeling has came back...and the flowers are blooming again...

Finally I realized that I have a feeling for someone after so long... But it is a mission impossible for me to pursue it further. It is just impossible..a mission which I want to move forward with..but it is also the mission that I will need to endure to make the flowers bloom again..can i endure it?

The Downturn of World Financial Crisis

2009-04-10T15:56:00.003+08:00

The Downturn of World Financial Crisis

Creative Accounting

CREATIVE ACCOUNTING defined as a euphemism that practices by specific groups of managers with drawn intention by altering corporate accounting statement with the actual financial statement. Deviating from the basic rule of accounting with specific intention by falsifying data is against the law.

Account Misrepresentation
Such activities that lead to account misrepresentation are done systematically by managers to attract investment from stakeholders in becoming their stockholders. Managers falsified data in several ways namely inflating profits in assets and net income statement or drastically understate earnings for the benefit of the higher management.
In 2002, Quest Communication and Freddie Mac, United States of America was found guilty of creative accounting. These two Wall Street giants had illegally misrepresented and declared their financial statements and status. Quest Communication inflated their revenues to attract investors into the accounts. While Freddie Mac understates their earnings with the intention of the top management benefiting from the earnings while posting high annual bonuses among themselves.

Corporate Integrity and Principle of Prudence
The question of corporate integrity and negligence surfaces in the account misrepresentation occurred in the strings of creative accounting scenes among the Wall Streets giants right after the global economic recovery from 2000 to 2003. In the case of Quest Communication, ignorance and lack of internal control in safeguarding the assets mislead the managers into such activities. At the juncture of peak dot com boom, Quest Communication suffers weak working capital and in series of troubled bad debts. Based on the situation to save the company from bankruptcy, the managers decide to deviate from the basic rule and going against the principle of prudence by inflating their net worth to generate higher income and to stay competitive in the market. [1]

Earning Management
Large corporations adopt Earning Management method which involves managers in safeguarding the economic performance and structuring the company portfolio to gain confidence of investors. This method at certain condition, position the company’s credibility and performance in within its capability. An example was the disclosures of key ratio in large corporation such as Singapore Airlines in its annual report by lowering its key asset value to increase its profitability and to gain the trust of their stockholders and stakeholders.
Adjustments are made in within the loopholes of the financial accounting to produce a non-realistic financial statement with intention to project a desired outcome of satisfactory financial health status. Such behaviors are drawn by fundamental intentions in effect towards the financial statements.

Market Expectations
While maintaining the industry expectations, managers play a critical role in conforming towards the principle of full disclosure and materiality in the disclosure of company’s financial health status. In the desire to achieve a higher market expectation, negligence and personal integrity are ignored especially at critical times such as credit crunch and economic downturn arouses managers in preventing corporate debts turning into toxic assets.
The introduction of hedge funds and stock options as compensation packages are examples of creative accounting that enable large corporations to generate higher net worth in the Return of Investment. On surface, it may look as though it increase the net worth of the corporation but in contrary, such compensation packages that are offered are used as a stepping stone to bailout unhealthy financial statements. [2]

Personal Realization Bonus
Inflating profits in financial statements and annual reports are some critical examples of creative accounting. It is conducted intentionally to fraud the asset of the organization in personal favor. Such incident could be seen largely in the recent global financial crisis where familiar faces such as Bernard Madoff and Stanley O’Neil are on the top list in creating personal wealth through laundering asset of through their responsibilities in the organization. This shows that principle of sincerity is not practice in reporting the reality of the financial status of the company.

Maintenance in Position within the Market
Principle of prudence aims to show the reality of one firm should paint a pretty picture in comparison to its actual fact. While top management decides on such activities due to business downturn and yet trying its best in gaining the confidence and trust from the stakeholder to maintain its position in the marketplace. One example quotable situation is from the WorldCom incident. While in the downturn, the finance department painted a false picture on its financial status and its profitability with an intention to increase the stock prices of WorldCom. The accountability and the individual negligence of act places the company in jeopardy towards its list of stockholders and stakeholders.

Conclusion
Principle of accounting dated back to tradition where with an objective of providing financial statement and maintaining a healthy financial status throughout its business development is crucial to stay vigilant and prudence in the marketplace. Financial controllers are bind within the principal of regularity which is defined to the conformity of law and regulations. Creative accounting and earning management is not encouraged even when crisis happens.

[1] Quest Communication, United States of America 2002 in reference from http://www.businessonline.com
[2] Hedge Funds and stock options in reference from publication of Bloomberg Market, March 2009

2009-03-19T23:46:00.003+08:00

solitute is the greatest thing God had given to mankind..

reflection~

2009-01-01T12:59:00.000+08:00

2008 is indeed an eventful year for everyone of us. With impacts from food contamination to global economic unstability. We had also seen the much sadder news of the ever attacked by the group of terrorist in Mumbai that kills my friend's colleague. Sad~

The oriental believes that the figure 8 is supposed to bring luck and prosperity to the society but it got worst. The situation is much uncontrollable in comparison to 1998 global economy crisis or the 1988 world political crisis. Do we ever think about what will happen in 2018, 2028 and beyond? How will the next generation to survive the next downturn?

It is a debate among the people around what will happen to Earth and the residence of Earth in times to come? Mars has always been known to the planet closest to Earth. Are we all had a plan to evacuate to Mars if Earth are no longer inhabitable? With the erratic behavior of Mother Nature towards the environment causing much alarming global warming on Earth. Do we all ever thought of that we human are the root to what we had now?

It was when early this year that I watched the documentary by Al Gore - The Inconvenient Truth. And at the later of the year, a report shown that Al Gore had places much effort in reducing global warming, but indeed the report says that his house consumes at least 20% more energy compare to other houses in similar composition.

But I have to say that, Al Gore and the environmentalist had made an effort to make people realize the importance of conserving the balance of the environment for the next generations to come. Personally, if I have the time and the social circle that involves in such activities, I would be pretty much interested to be involved in the conservation project driven on a global initiatives in promoting green environment.

2008 & career

Today is the last day of 2008 and this is the year in making a major decision to have a focus changed in career path. This is a year of achievement to me in enriching my knowledge in business practice and also realizing my potential career as a project manager.

This is also the year which I placed a great load of effort in my career in lecturing and my duty as a project manager. A group of students and I worked alongside to develop a design studio and within 6 months, we had completed at least 8 major design projects. This is trully a rewarding effort which I had placed in for the past few months and the fruit of labor for this year had revealed itself through future sponsorship by the instituition.

As a reward for me this year in my career was to see success after success by my group of students conducting internship as well as traineeship in the design studio. Pleasing to the heart at an achievement that was never thought to be brought alive. Students in and out the studio with a drawn intention had further develop the achievement of this design studio.

Next year will be a difficult year but I hope that nothing should be impossible to handle...

2008 & life

This year was more a career driven year. Friends come and go with the next moment you will get to know another person. Knowing great deal of people is one of the key to success factor in everyone's life. I had got to know a few people which had helped me to realize certain area and also to boost my confidence level.

CJ came back to Singapore this year after completing her studies in London. Lars visits to Asia for the second time again and now he is with Kyle in New Zealand hunting for sheepskins. My buddies are the one who keeps me going and looking forward for things ahead.

Thanks CJ for the wonderful road trip~ is 1600km not 16000km…hahaha…

Need to do more soul searching and seek for love life which will be my next mission…

Good bye 2008

Welcome 2009~

A Leader

2008-10-11T00:20:00.002+08:00

A long time since I drop by my blog to talk about what is going on around me. Something I would like to share with all of you who are reading my blog.

Earlier this week, I watched a movie by the title of Matchstick Man played by Nicholas Cage and my favorite Alison Lohman, gotten the DVD from HMV and really its a good movie for me to recommend to anyone of you who wants to watch a movie.

The day after, I was suppose to attend a camp as a facilitator. This camp is for my students and its somekind of leadership and motivational camp as to train the students to be student leaders. Its really a cool camp and also the camp was located a very cool place too.

Compare to last year's camp at Changi, this year the camp venue was at this super ulu place in Singapore. Lim Chu Kang. And this is the place people will come here to bury the dead. Ok lets not talk about that part.

What I really wanna share with all of you is that, while I as a facilitor to the camp, I am also responsible for the well being and the development of my students. So I was sitting together with the students as well as their trainers.

Extracting a quote from the movie Matchstick Man, I start to relate it this way..

"Money to some people are like foreign films without subtitles" This is the exact quote which I relate it to my students. Money is a value that we perceives in which we create to believe that it carries a value with us all the time. While foreign films without subtitles is difficult to be understand by anyone who dont speak that language and it loses its value if no one able to appreciate it.

It is the same as people, everyone around us perceives a value and we create a value to everyone around us which makes a believe that how much of value that a person carries. The value will then determine who we are and what makes us around us. So as a person and esp as a leader, we need to create a value for ourselves to let others perceives what makes us a leader.

A leader is someone who stands out from everyone else and they are the one who shape our environment. It is some think everyone ought to ponder upon if he/she wants to be unique in their own way.

Cheers,

Again..Weird Dreams..

2008-06-10T23:24:00.004+08:00

Hmm.. last night I had a dream again. And again, as usual, I had weird dreams again.

Last night dream was more sickening. I have no idea why but its about child sexual abuse. I do not know who is the abuser yet I do not know how did it happened in the first place.

But this is how my dream goes..

It was sometime late at night and I was over-looking a room. This room has this particular cabinet which caught my attention. Its like a book-shelf and it is build with glass door. Its empty.

It is midnight and I saw this person, lifting up the sexually abused kids up and placed them into the cabinet and let them sleep in it. I could not see their faces but I remember how shy and timid they are, with their blanket and pajamas wrapping overthemselves. And also I remember that the kids shyed away from the man and keep saying please dont touch me anymore. The kids one by one wrapping themselves up and trying to sleep.

I remembered one of the kid trying to switch off the lights but I felt that the way how the kid acted was very weird and remember the movie, Ju-On? Its exactly how it shivers and twitches.

The lights went off and the next moment, I saw the kid switch on the light. One by one waking up. And because of the vibration towards the cabinet, the kids fell off from the cabinet. The weirdest things of all, THE KIDS TURNED INTO FILES!! Someone walked passed the files and tries to pick it up, he opens one of the file and I saw one of the filing of the abused case with the kid's photo and documentation. The file contains the documentation of the cases where and when the kid was abused! That means this kids are already dead!

The next moment, *poof* the files turn into dust. One file after another, the files turned into dust and couldnt be save anymore.

I got freak out and I got up. I just hope that its just a dream/nightmare and had been thinking about this the entire day.

Oh dear...

Weird Dreams...

2008-06-01T13:05:00.002+08:00

It has been quite sometime since I visited my blog and had been tight down with many many projects and of course my students mid-year design module.

Anyway, my title weird dreams..

Recently I had been encountering weird dreams all over again which it may be weird but I thought I should share with all of you and maybe you can tell me what do you guys think about it.

The most recent dream that I had was last night which in my vision of the dream, I saw a family. A family, usually is the dad, mom and a kid, I think is a boy which is about 10 years old. This particular family was a happy one which they used to go for outing and they had dinner together and many other things.

I think his mother is a housewife and his dad works for a iron ore company.

One day, this boy started to give alot of problems to the family which in my dreamy vision, everything happens with a blink of an eye, the family was falling apart, while his father ran into terrible debts and his mother is always crying. She looks rather cheerful sometimes but when it comes to late evening, she will grin not only to her family, but to everyone else.

One day the kid went to school and out of depression, the kid started banging on his table and everything happened so fast that the kid was send to the headmaster room. The funny thing is that out of a sudden, the headmaster gave the kid some caning and the kid broke down with tears in his eyes. He cried and cried and the headmaster decided to call the kid's dad.

A few hours later, his dad came to school and the headmaster explained what had happened during the day. His dad was rather disappointed with his child's behaviour after which he decided to bring him back home.

Once back home, his dad asked the boy's mom to get into the car and he drove them to the place where he works. The iron ore factory. When they reached the factory, his dad mentioned that he couldnt take the level of stress anymore and he says that their son had caused much embarrassment to the family.

The father then bring the family to the melting pot for the iron ore and he asked his wife and his son to grab hold of the cable. When three of them were secured to the cable, his dad lowered the cable which the cable heads directly towards the melting pot.

For a moment, I saw the faces of the family while the cable lowering the three of them down and they were screaming and screaming. I stand and watched them going down and feel so helpless but to watch them die.

From the point when they were melted in the melting pot, I couldnt bear it and I quickly opened my eye, thank god it is just a dream but yet it looks so real. It is so real that, I could still remember every detail of it.

If this story means something please tell me ok? because I keep getting weird weird dreams almost every night. And when I have weird dreams again, I will write.

Sign off..

First They Killed My Father - Loung Ung

2008-02-17T14:13:00.006+08:00

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers is a 2000 nonfiction book written by a Cambodian author and survivor of the Pol Pot regime Loung Ung. It is a personal account of her experiences during the Khmer Rouge years.

From Wikipedia.org

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung

I came across this book which for me personally I like non-fictional novels after started reading 'A Child Called It' . I did not review on that book which is because it is more of a personal account in family abuse which happens every second in every part of the world.

I would rather review this particular book, 'First They Killed My father' an autobiography written by Loung Ung in which she recounts back her experience as a middle class citizenship during pre-revolutionary Cambodia and demoted to household helper during the Khmer Rouge reign lead by Pol Pot.

I hope that movie directors are able to bring this epic to real life and also to tell the rest of the world, the cruelty of Khmer Rouge with the propaganda which they know that they are weak against the Vietnamese but I do respect Khmer Rouge soldiers in a way that they are able to divide the society in just merely a year and propagade beliefs and hatred towards everyone else and imparting this hatred within the younger generations. If this is told in a movie, it will be a great success.

I like this book as each and every detail of true account in life and death within Loung Ung and her family are brought into my real imaginations. Even as young as 5 yrs old, Loung Ung tells the world that anxiousness and anxiety during a war keeps everyone to themselves and everyone learns not to speak to anybody and everyone is suspicious of everyone even in within the family members.

My respect to Loung Ung and to the rest of her family esp to her father, as a role model to every man out there, family comes first! As a man and as a leader in a family, making decision and to protect your family is the utmost role of respect in a family and to love your wife as much with your heart! To the fellow Cambodians who survived the war, give each other a helping hand and to relate this life account to your next generations.

Truely a good book to recommend to everyone. I finished this book in within 2 days and these 2 days, I began to appreciate that I am living in a very comfortable zone in within my society and the happiness that I have with my close friends and relatives.

Loung Ung, I hope you are reading this and it will be a great opportunity if we ever meet up.

Tuesday With Morrie - Mitch Albom

2008-02-17T13:14:00.007+08:00

Tuesdays with Morrie is written by American writer Mitch Albom which was published in 1997 (ISBN 0-385-48451-8). The story was later adapted by Thomas Rickman into a television movie (directed by Mick Jackson), which aired on 5 December 1999 and starred Hank Azaria as Mitch and Jack Lemmon (in his final role) as Morrie.

This book tells the true story of Morrie Schwartz and his relationship with his student, Mitch Albom. Both the film and the book chronicle the lessons about life that Mitch learns from his professor, who is dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
From Wikipedia.org

Tuesdays with Morrie - an old man, a young man and life's greatest lesson by Mitch Albom

I was introduced to this book by my sister when I was back in Penang during Chinese New Year. She told me that Mitch Albom is a good author and I should try reading his book. As his books are in general light reading, i began to read it during my vacation back home. It took me about 4 days to complete the book and honestly, I should thank my sister for introducing this book to me.

Tuesdays With Morrie tells about Morrie Schwartz and his student, Mitch Albom which Morrie wants Mitch to understand the chronicle of life and to document this chronicle as a final thesis between both of them.

Morrie left with a few months to survive and also as a professor, through his ideas and philosphy of life before death, he wants everyone in the world to understand a simple fraction in life. And this simple thing in life, everybody needs it no matter how old you are, what are you working as, who are you with right now and many other possiblities is a simple four letter word.

LOVE is all everyone needs in our daily lifes. The first thing, a person must learn how to love him or herself and slowly by showing love to the person you are closest to and to every other person you care about.

This book tells and developed a sense of Love and respect to everyone around you. And as a general light reading material, this is a book I would strongly recommend.

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-03T01:36:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone. May my well wishes be with you always!

Finally I am going back home for a week.

Sign off....

Pics from Bangkok - Grand Palace

2008-01-23T00:03:00.000+08:00

Bangkok - Grand Palace

2008

2008-01-22T22:09:00.000+08:00

Diary for 2007

Finally Im back to my blog and had being busy with so many things lately.

I would like to take this opportunity to send my best wishes esp to my sister, Good luck in your studies, Jie! haha.. CJ, I hope you could come back to Singapore soon and we could disturb Kyle again..To Kyle and Anil, stay cool bro! Both of you, I dont know how to say but its a co-incidental friends..hahaha!..To Sharina..GOLDIVA..good luck in your studies, Sha! Hope to see you back in Singapore soon again and we can go Arab street again!..Meri, :) good luck to you in everything you do, I wish I could see you soon again and thanks for coming to Singapore ..To Paulus and Junita..hmm..both of you are just very nice ppl...how I wish everyone is just like both of you..Ernie..study hard for your Master and hope to see you again..I dont know when but it has been coming to 7yrs we didnt meet up...to Casper..thanks for your support and good luck to you *casper*

First of all, 2007 has been an eventful year for me and I realized that I had being lecturing for the past 11months. I had successfully produced 25 graduates in Product Design and keep on going. It aint easy, yet aint hard to train the students. I had learnt the hard way and I am glad that I achieved it.

Holding the position as a lecturer, it is not a simple task. Managing students is only a portion. Probably about 40% of my job scope. I had learnt to make decisions, planning and moderation of schedules, managing projects, juggling students issues all at the same time and most of all, I had learnt to adapt in a corporate organisation. It is so complex that sometimes, emailing to our director is a taboo! Emailing to the directors has to have a certain format, font size, salutation and bla bla bla...Imagine sending an email to the principal...Sometimes the thought of being in the current instituition, makes me think that I want to work in the private sector. But anyway, I have more projects to come, crossing fingers...

I had achieved one of my wishlist for 2007. Travelling abroad. Eventhough it is not very far from Singapore, I had visited two countries last year.

Sept 2007 - I went to Jakarta, Bangka and Yogjakarta. Of this three places, I like Yogjakarta the best. It is no doubt the start of civilization in South East Asia, I had also learnt that Indonesia is a place full of culture, this place was blanketed with diversed religion and culture during the 6th century until the time when King of Java decided to adopt Muslim. My tour guide told me that in Java, is the only place in that are able to plant a very special rice grain, and this rice grain is red in color. I miss Yogjakarta alot and I hope I am able to go back there esp Borobodur. I would like to see the sunrise and the valcano again. Gunung Merapi!

I went to my Meri's hometown in Bangka. Superb. Its a super quiet town with very little activities during the night. I like the food there, It is different from Singapore and Malaysia, but if you really look into the cultural food in Malaysia, you can find the similarities in it. They love seafood and the best seafood restaurant was Hew Ko Sui. The seafood that I like best was the muscle cooked in this yellow stuff which I forgot what was the ingredient. I miss Bangka! Meri's sister's house is so big that I am able to host two badminton tournament at the same time!

Jakarta is the last that you will want to visit. A strong diversification between the rich and the poor. When the rich is richer, the poor is getting poorer day by day given the status of Jakarta's economy. I went to Ciputra Mall, Anggerek Mall and Tanah Abang. The point that I dont like about Jakarta is the traffic jam, pollution and people from all walks of life in a congested city. Traffic jam is massive! Imagine travelling at 60km/h on a super highway and caught in a jam at Tanah Abang for 2 hours trying to get to the first floor from level 11!! But one thing I learnt from Jakarta is, firstly, water is a precious commodity, save water and this is part of a contribution to the society, secondly, whatever you own, try to make use to the last bit to ensure no wastage of any sort and lastly Jakarta-ians has impressive driving skills!!

Dec 2007 - I went to Bangkok with my Sister, Kyle and of course Anil!! Was a fun trip. very very fun trip! I miss Bangkok, all the shoppings, bargaining and also I can buy the 'branded' stuff like nobody's business...hahha..I just love shopping in Bangkok. There was a few times when we got our way through in getting more than 70% off because we confused the shopkeeper..bad bad..tsk tsk tsk..We had massage and damn! The massage was good!.. All in all..Bangkok is touristy..so nothing much to expect from Bangkok..just shopping, more shopping and more shopping! I will be back to Bangkok again to visit the Grand Palace and the shopping areas again!

Overall, I still prefer Indonesia because Indonesia is so rich in culture that you will have alot to learn from and to understand human civilization. Comparing to Bangkok, Bangkok has a strong influnce from the French and the culture itself, you will be able to relate to the French somehow rather.

Year 2008 will be another year to go ahead with and I am now in my mid-20s. I have alot of plans to think ahead. My priority is to study and to achieve a degree program. I have these courses in mind, which is Urban Design & Planning, Architectural Studies and Materials Engineering. Considering to sponsor myself for the studies so as to not be bonded with anyone at all.

Anyway more exciting things to look forward to and Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Going back to my hometown is something I look forward to and this time round, I will be back there for a week and for the first time I will be flying back home together with my Jie!

Happy New Year to everyone and more to come!

Crazyguyonabike

2007-12-16T14:39:00.000+08:00

It has been an interesting weeks and the semester ended with a video shoot lasted for a week. The video shoot was about some documentary on design process and the appreciation to design.

I got to know about this particular friend of mine. Law Tzuo Hann. Got to know him during primary school. A good tennis player back then. And now he is on his way attempting to cycle from L.A. back to our hometown. Its kinda crazy though but then its for a good course. Fund Raising is all he had in mine.

Check this following site and you will get in touch of what, where, when and many other things he is doing right now. How I wish I could do the same thing.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=rzyi&doc_id=2405&v=1xQ

Singapore Design Festival 2007

2007-12-11T00:34:00.000+08:00

Singapore Design Festival 2007

Save the Earth Project

Design & Disasters

useless ideas Utterubbish

Photo Montage

Design & Disasters

Audi @ Singapore Museum

IPG Photos

2007-12-11T00:26:00.000+08:00

The girls in my class

The boys in my class

IPG - I miss all of you

2007-12-10T23:21:00.000+08:00

MY FIRST GRADUATING CLASS

My Journey for the past 10 months with IPG

The first class that I conducted finally graduated and in a few months time, they will be holding their graduation certificate on stage with the graduation robes.

Thinking back the past few months ago when I first step into the classroom with my section head, I was seriosuly not ready to be a lecturer. And that was 10 months ago. I did not know what to do and do not know how to handle the students. The students are really different from what I had experienced before in my previous workplace.

Everyone is dress in uniform, and they look very young and not knowing who am I. The only thing I had in mind was will they be able to accept me as their lecturer and as their new class advisor. The first class that I am going to conduct is having the students to work some projects with me and to strengthen their design skills.

It was quite scary when they look at me with the look of 'who do you think you are'. But at least I am able to take control of the class and everything went on smoothly with the help of my section head. thank God.

Working projects with them gaves me a further insights about them and getting to know them individually is something I learnt to understand further about my students and I tell myself that I will always try to be there for them.

At last my project assistant joint me to take care of the projects with the students. Thank God again that this assistant of mine is really close to the students and he will be the one telling me about who is good and who should I look out for and stuffs that a lecturer will not see in details and that only the assistants able to see the details of everything.

Time flies of fast and I know that I had been very strict to my students. And I also know that they do not like to follow the rules. They always break the rules no matter what kind of punishment given to them. I did not understand why do they behave that way and they are naturally rebellious. In my heart, I was telling myself, 'if my kids are like this, I will get them to climb the stairs up and down for a thousand times!'!!.

Really stressed out period but at least my students get the job done, pass with flying colors and tha da..

That was 10 months ago..

Three months ago..

I am going to take the same class again and I was thinking that oh no..I am going to face the same problem again. Having rebellious kids around me and there goes problems and problems again.

And true enough, they really gave me cold shoulders because they know that I will give them alot more works and pressuring them for quality works. They were so rebellious and that you would not want to imagine. Crappy works, vulgarity here and there, cold shoulders..

sigh..i gave up and I broke down in front of my colleagues...sigh..

And my this colleague is really nice...she told my students what had happen and explained to them why am I treating them this way. At least there is someone out there who shows me the end of the tunnel there are still some source of light...

Thanks to my colleagues who gave me support and finally I see a changed in my students attitude and behaviour. And this makes me think that I need to change my approach.

All these while, I realized that I had given the wrong impression and used a different approached in approaching my students. At least they changed for the better and they also realized the need for them strive harder in everything they do. i am glad that they realized it earlier during the semester.

The time comes for the first presentation to be conducted between both classes. And that was the first time, I saw smilling faces in each and everyone of them. They had placed all their heart and souls in the projects and after the presentation, joy and smile was seen sparkling all over the auditorium. They know that they had done well and they had made me proud. very proud of my class.

Second projects comes running in and they promised me that they will work doubly hard for the projects. I would not say all of them placed their heart and soul but at least they are able to continue with me and the rest of the class to try their best to complete the module.

Time flies very very quickly when the least unexpected students placed the greatest effort to strive the best out of him. This was like such a miracle that I will not forget.

But before that, about three weeks ago, I remember to called into my section head office, one of my student was caught red handed with inappropriate attire and with possession of cigarretes. That was the time that I told myself that I have never seen such a face with full of vengence and revenge. I am so afriad that he will blow up and take a knife either murder someone or himself right on the spot.

Trying talking to him comes to no conclusion, just words of feriousness and revenge is all in his mind. He broke down and started punching himself vigourously and throwing tamtrum on solid metal bar in the room. Me and section head was really stunned and do not know what to do. But then at least he calms down a while later when he comes to his senses.

And again yet another set of presentation comes and go...

Having all these ups and downs makes me understand further on my students and makes me closer to them. It is a joy and calamity that come to think of it as a lecturer and as a friend that I have for my first graduating class. And because of all of you, my tears are rolling down with joy to think back the struggling period of understanding each other and the squabbling of different opinions.

Thank you IPG for making me proud again and to have you in my mind always. Love all of you and you will always be in my heart.

Bolly bolly~~~

2007-11-14T23:29:00.000+08:00

CJ, Sha, Me, HK, Kyle

image created by CJ

_________________________________

Miss all of you always!

To CJ:

Good luck in your studies and come back to Singapore soon ok? miss you alot alot! I will try to save money to go London before you graduate...

To Sha:

Hey Sha, Bolly bolly~~ get a husband soon before we matchmake you again.. Bolly bolly~~ miss you..

To Kyle:

Bro, thanks for the laughter always! cheers!

The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston

2007-11-14T22:50:00.000+08:00

ENDLESS LOVE

_________________________________________________________

The Greatest Love of All

Whitney Houston

I believe that children of our future

Teach them well and let them lead the way

Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Give them a sense of pride to make it easier

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Everybody's searching for a hero

People need someone to look up to

I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs

A lonely place to be

And so I learned to depend on me

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows

If I fail, if I succeed

At least I lived as I believe

No matter what they take from me

They can't take away my dignity

Because the greatest love of all

Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all

Inside of me

The greatest love of all

Is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself

It is the greatest love of all

I believe that children of our future

Teach them well and let them lead the way

Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Give them a sense of pride to make it easier

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows

If I fail, if I succeed

At least I lived as I believe

No matter what they take from me

They can't take away my dignity

Because the greatest love of all

Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all

Inside of me

The greatest love of all

Is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself

It is the greatest love of all

And if by chance, that special place

That you've been dreaming of

Leads you to a lonely place

Find your strength in love

______________________________________________

This songs represents every meaning to me each and everytime I listen to it.

Super-Slackers (TM) <-- by CJ

2007-11-14T21:58:00.000+08:00

Sunset by the Bay

Shots by Canon EOS

Sunset by the Bay

Shots by Canon EOS

It has been a week plus since my Bridge Leader Camp 2007. Was a great camp and I just missed it somehow rather. I was the camp photographer and bringing my SLR around was like capturing amazing moments from the students and their trainer. Never had I know that there is such things like a motivational and leadership camp trainer. Looking forward for the next camp 2008!

Today was rather a bad day in campus. ..I could nominate a few awards to year 2007 this year award list...

Miss Super Slackers goes to....

Miss Un-Genuine goes to...

Miss Not-Pretty goes to...

Miss Power-Struggle goes to...

*names shall not be mention unless I leave my office*

In this world, there are so many different people around us. There are so many award that we can award to this people to have them recognized. Sigh..

sign off...

A long weekend..

2007-10-21T13:14:00.000+08:00

This is my first blog created which I somehow find myself contradicting. I do not like blogging and as well I dont like to read other's blogs as well. I find it weird to read friends 'diaries' but somehow I was tempted into it and maybe this would be the way I could express myself when my two closest friends is studying in London. While the one here is busy with his own agenda.

It has been such a long weekend trying to finish up some interior design works from Jeffrey. A nice guy to work with but the amount of job is overwhelming. I had a chance to at least design an interior for Braun Buffel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo and many others but I am giving it up as my day job workload is overloading me.

At least today, I have tried to prepared a dish which I have long to prepare it. Vegetable soup with Fussicili. Cant wait to eat it and its gonna be ready in 10mins time.

Well, at least I am glad right now that I have started off blogging and hope it will last....