Why must people WAKE up only in the WAKE of a WAKE?

A 15-year-old, Secondary 3 student leapt to his death! Seemingly a good student from a good school. So, what has gone wrong?

It was reported on AsiaOne website on 27 November 2008 that "... on 13 Feb this year, the 15-year-old student jumped to his death when he did not get approval from his teacher and parents to quit his co-curricular activity (CCA), track-and-field."

Actually, the problem with the boy started much earlier. Right from the start, he was unhappy about being in the track-and-field team because his choice was to be in the Drama Club. So, he had expressed his unhappiness by frequently missing training practices as a result. He had communicated and expressed his wish to his teacher and parents to switch to another CCA, but was met with disapproval. The problem is that the people around him were not sensitive to his feelings.

Frankly, the way some schools handle the assignment of CCA has left much to be desired! Parents at times are sandwiched in between because the ultimate decision lies with the school. There are also cases where parents are at fault in "forcing" their children to take up something they don't really like. There are many issues involved in a situation like this. I think the fundamental question to ask is "What is the purpose of CCA? Who is it supposed to benefit, school or student? Should the students' interest be the first priority in CCA assignment, or should the vision and objectives of the school come first?".

The problem is multi-faceted and in this case, I think it is not wrong to say that the student's parents, his teacher, his school and the Ministry of Education each has contributed to the problem. I think it is time that each stakeholder does some reflection to prevent recurrence of similar problems. The general sentiment is that it is always when some lives have been sacrificed that people begin to wake up and listen, or else whatever expression of wishes would always fall to deaf ears.

Almost about ten years old, I made an official request as the Chairman of a Parent Support Group, to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for a Zebra Crossing to be implemented beside Punggol Primary School for the safety of the students. I was told by the Principal then that an earlier application was rejected. But, I told her I would like to try again. I knew I was in for an uphill task and I was really faced with mammoth objections from the LTA engineer, each pointing to man-made guidelines. I told the engineer then, "You probably have to wait until someone died here, then the request might be approved!".

Unfortunately, true enough, a 20-year-old Full-time National Serviceman was killed by a lorry exiting from the other carpark in the morning. Immediately, all the Heads and Leaders were summoned for an urgent meeting by the MP to investigate into the accident and find solutions. I followed up again on the matter, it was soon after that that my request for the Zebra Crossing was approved. All in, it took nine months' of follow-up at my end, being pushed here and there to different authorities. I learnt a great deal about how people work through this particular initiative.

A DIY idea using an adhesive mouse pad

I have been using the same slim and sleek Acer Notebook Travelmate 370 for about four-and-a-half years by now and today, this model is no longer available on shelf. Just about a year ago, I have replaced the crashed hard-disk for about S$100. However, there is another defect, the two left and right patches on the top casing where the palms rest, presumably due to long term perspiration from the palms, have corroded and the surface gets etched in. I have enquired about the new top casing and it costs around S$150. So, I have put on hold the replacement as it did not affect the functions. A few days ago, while at Sim Lim Square, reflecting on some ideas, I thought of a way to make good the damaged surface with a simple DIY technique using an adhesive mouse pad which was given to me as a free gift. This is what it looks now. At least, it looks good and new, and it did not squeeze my pocket, but it did squeeze some juice off my brain!

Own a new notebook (Mini PC) for less than S$700 now...

During this economic downturn, if you cannot live or work without a notebook PC, I have good news for you. Go for one of the following models below S$800. They are new Mini PC with ultra-portability (1.25kg). Check it out in any of the IT marts. I have no financial interest in it. Click on the image for an enlarged view. By the way, the image is taken from the marketing materials of Harvey Norman. Challenger is selling the Acer model at S$688 now as a Christmas promotion.

The way warranty works...

From my experience, warranty seems to work to the disadvantage of the consumers, the breakdown usually happens soon after the warranty expires.

Years ago, I bought a KDK stand fan with one year warranty, the motor failed the following day after the warranty expired. My daughter's Acer Notebook Aspire 5580 with one year warranty, failed to show display after 17 months. The technician commented that this model of Acer Notebook seems to have an inherent problem with the graphic card. The air-conditioner ducts after the warranty begin to leak. The mobile phone after the one year warranty begins to show irregularities.

Therefore, I would suggest that if it is a high-value item, you may like to consider buying extended warranty if it is available.

It is Joel's Birthday!

Joel's Birthday celebrated with his family.

Go back to ABC - A BiCycle!

With the continuous increase in the cost of driving a car or taking a taxi in Singapore, many are compelled to take public transports and even riding a bicycle within the housing estates.

In my younger days, I used to go to school, run errands and go to town on bicycle. There are so many benefits of cycling, no COE (at least for the moment, hope there'll never be!), no ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) charges because you don't have to go under the ERP gantries, no road tax because you are not using the road except for some bold cyclists, no parking fees but just be careful of those signs that say "your bicycle may be removed", no licence fees because you don't drive, you only pedal, no worry about rising fuel prices, low repair and maintenance costs because when it wears out in a year, just replace with a brand new one, no waiting time because it is "ride and go" and it is unlikely to meet with any fatal accident unless it is knocked down by road bullies in metal casings. Better still, it keeps you fit and healthy as it is a healthy form of exercise.

But, there is one common problem though, if you park it in any of the common or public areas, you may lose one or more of the accessories such as the front wheel, the seat, the pedals and the rear mirror for those who like to take a second look at a pretty lady they have just overtaken.

Do you know you could enjoy all these benefits for just about one-off S$90 nett without any monthly instalment to service? For this price, you'll get a brand new 26-inch, 18-speed adult bicycle fully assembled and ready to go. Take a look at the picture, go get one and be on your way to a simple, economical and healthy lifestyle.

Beware of the side-effects of computerisation!

Since around 1985, with the popularisation of IT, many business organisations have started computerising their business operations to varying levels of complexity, with the aim of replacing most of the manual and human functions. Companies with huge budget would go for total and full computerisation while those smaller firms would settle for semi- or partial computerisation.

Firms are attracted to the idea of computerisation because it helps make work processes more efficient and productive, hence reducing the operational cost, but many firms do not realise that there are also wastages generated by the computerised and automated systems if there is not enough check and balance built into it. For example, when generating a report, there are many instances of paper wastage because it is so easy to print out the documents with just one click of the Printer icon, most people do not check the report thoroughly for mistakes before printing it out. It is only after printing when mistakes are discovered. The never-mind mentality would tell them it is alright, just go back to the file, edit it and reprint, what is the big deal? In addition, many offices still keep hard copies of documents for "just in case" while the whole idea of computerisation is towards a paperless office.

For several years, I have been receiving bills from a certain telco company even when the amount oustanding was just 15 cents. I have informed the company but no action was taken at their end. The administrative cost involved in churning out the bill and the postage would obviously cost more than 15 cents. It does not make any economic sense at all. People have left everything to the computerised system and there is not enough check and balance built in. I am not an IT expert, but why can't an extra step be built into the computer programme and if the amount is less than say, $1, DO NOT PRINT.

This is one of many operational inefficiencies that companies have to deal with seriously if they are to cut cost during this economic downturn. Review the business processes and check for redundancies and inefficiencies. Substantial cost savings could be derived from this cost reduction exercise.

Pick up new skills, knowledge and flexible attitude

In the face of retrenchment and unemployment, the middle-aged and matured workers are constantly encouraged to go for "training and retraining". The fact that people need to be reminded to go for training and retraining simple reflects the learning attitude of most people in the society.

Many people stop reading and learning the moment they step out of school. They tend to think that reading and learning are exclusive mandatory tasks of students in schools. Once they leave school, they naturally stop reading and learning. Sadly speaking, there are even young people who told me complacently, "I finished my studies already!" Really? Do you know what you are talking about?

Things are changing and evolving everyday. As soon as we stop reading and learning and move forward with new knowledge and skills, we would be relatively left behind. There are many middle-aged people who are computer-illiterate. Why? They simply resign to the fact they are too old to learn how to use computers, it is too hard for them to pick up computer skills and that computers are designed for new and younger generations. I think what this group of people really need is a fundamental paradigm shift and a reconditioning of their minds. Looking forward, we need to constantly and conscientiously acquire higher skills, new knowledge and flexible attitude.

Regardless of age, we should try to even venture into new fields of study or knowledge so that when the need arises, we can move on to other fields of work. I heard of a woman, while she was still gainfully employed in the bank, she was studying for a Diploma in Preschool and Childhood Education. A totally different field. She has graduated. With the recent wave of retrenchment in the banking industry, she now has a choice of either continuing to work in the financial industry or she can work in the childcare industry if she chooses to, which is set to boom with the government's call for parents to have more babies. I read some years ago, there was a man who at age 60 read Laws and at age 65 started practising as a lawyer.

Therefore, Folks! Continue to learn and learn new things. Pick up new skills, knowledge and flexible attitude. Always try to move beyond our comfort zone. Remember, short-term pain for long-term gain.

Don't take the easy way out!

There are many instances where people and business entities like to take the easy way out.

When the fuel prices were soaring higher and higher, many service companies, hawkers and business enterprises immediately adopted the easy way out by increasing the prices of the goods and services. The increases were borne by the end users or consumers. But, when the fuel prices were coming down, the prices stayed put. Sounds like an unfair trade and practice! Consumers are always at the losing end.

When the global economy is heading for a downturn, many companies begin to execute their retrenchment plan as the first option instead of leaving it as a last resort. Instead of looking into how to rationalise their business operations and cut cost by reducing the redundancies in administration and production processes, and making their business operations more efficient, the easy way out is to just retrench the staff. Perhaps, that was the intention harboured ages ago but there was no better excuse to give than the timely opportunity provided by the global economy downturn. With this trend in business practice, there is no need for employees to be loyal to their employers anymore, they just need to be responsible. Employee loyalty is only relevant when there is lifelong employment.

Many companies in the insurance and network marketing industry when they begin to see their profits declining, the first option and the easy way out is to cut the commissions of their representatives or agents because it is more difficult, involves more hassles and needs detailed clarifications with the policyholders or consumers if they were to increase the premium of the insurance plans or the price of the health products in these instances.

As these business enterprises always tend to adopt the easy way out, those at the losing end should always be on the look out for opportunities so that they can walk out of these companies or stay away from the products offered by these companies when the time is opportune or when there is an alternative. We must be always mindful to take care of ourselves because we cannot expect others to take care of us in the long run.

So, companies! Don't take the easy way out. Be more socially responsible or else you may one day find yourself out of business. This warning may sound remote, but it is not impossible for it to come true.

I like the two mirror questions that were aptly put forth by Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. He asked companies that are affected by the economic downturn, "Do you cut jobs to save costs, or do you cut costs to save jobs?" The former is the easy way out - RETRENCH THE EMPLOYEES, while the latter is the proper way out - REVIEW THE OPERATIONAL INEFFICIENCIES.

Take pride in what we do.

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. We might have come across people who just adopt an indifferent attitude when doing something. They just don't feel the need to do it well. Basically, they just don't take pride in what they do. Of course, there are those who adopt a double-standard in what they do, if it is something personal, they would do it well; but if it's something at work, they would probably just settle for the second best. These are the employees at the workplace the Productivity campaigns were targeted at.

Taking pride in what we do should be our second nature and it should become a part of us and our life-and work-style. When we take pride in what we do, we would be very proud to sign our name on our finished work.

Take personal responsibility for what has gone wrong!

It is not uncommon for people in authority, in leadership positions and even common people to try find a scapegoat when something goes wrong. If we are honest with ourselves, we would admit that often times, when something goes wrong, we would try to find an excuse to get out of the situation or just blame somebody else for it. In effect, we are simply shirking our responsibility for whatever that has happened and gone wrong. This attitude towards responsibility-shifting would create a psychological imbalance in us and personal pride is usually the culprit responsible for such an attitude.

Instead, I think we should learn to take personal responsibility for whatever that has happened and gone wrong. It is also mentally healthier to think this way. Many people know it takes two hands to clap or it takes two to tango. So, when something goes wrong, we should not always push the responsibility to the other party as we might also be at fault. I believe if we were to begin taking responsibility for things that have gone wrong, the outcome of the situations would be different. There would be less arguments and resentments. This would certainly help to maintain or improve our personal relationships with others.

Having said this, I think it is equally important to exercise wisdom when taking responsiblity for things that have gone wrong or else we may end up assuming and absorbing everybody else's responsibilities. I have come across people who always feel responsible for anything or everything that happens around them.

For buyers, sellers and tenants of properties in Singapore...

I met Winson Lam, a real estate professional last week while doing my community work. I asked for his business card and as I surfed his business website, I realised that the website is a good resource for those who are buying or selling their properties in Singapore.

You may want to find out more by clicking on the external link above. To break the ice when you contact him, just let him know you are referred by the author of "15 Forgotten Secrets That Will Make You A Better Student."

It is Isaiah's Birthday today...

It's Isaiah's Birthday today. Here is his picture taken with his family.

The pH Miracle published by AOL, Time Warner

Recently, I spoke to someone who had just read the book entitled "The pH Miracle" by Dr Robert O Young and he was convinced of The New Biology concept discussed in the book. The next thing he did was to purchase the SuperGreens and Prime pH as recommended by Dr Young. By the way, the products are not available in Singapore, but from the USA and have to be purchased online. The website address is in the external link above, just click on the title of this blog.



If you have not read this book, I encourage you to do so; you might want to borrow it from the library or purchase it from MPH or Times bookstores. After reading this book, try out the products and get yourself alkalised and energised for better health.

Mind Your Own Business!

When I was on the road this morning, the header of an advertisement that reads "MYOB" flashed across my eyes very swiftly but it lingered in my mind for quite a while. MYOB stands for Mind Your Own Business.

MYOB seems to be usually used to tell those who are "busy bodies" off. Those are the people who have nothing better to do but to get involved with other people's affairs usually not out of concern but out of jealousy and curosity. They simply like to mind others' business instead of their own. Poking into other's nose is their hobby and habit. They tend to think they are better than others.

Usually, if you study such people, you would realise that they are probably in the same or worse state than those whom they criticise or comment about. It is just that they think they are right but in actual fact, they are just being self-righteous. They usually feel they are okay, but others are not. They see themselves more highly than they ought to.

The way to deal with such people is to just ignore them if you can, or else just tell them, "Mind Your Own Business!". Period.

Learn from the past and move forward...

Recently, there were a couple of occasions the phrase "Forget the past and look forward" was discussed. Should we actually forget the past? How can we forget the past unless we suffer from dementia? The objective of "Forget the past and look forward" is to leave behind the baggage and the negative influence the past may have on our present progress. Of course, the past would remain in our memory. But, we should not let them hinder or dampen our desire to move forward. We should instead learn from the past, draw lessons from it, and be wiser as we step and move forward towards a new and higher goal.

Some thoughts on the White Tiger incident in Singapore Zoo

The incident that took place in Singapore Zoo on 13 November 2008 where three white tigers mauled a 32-year-old contract worker to death after he jumped into a moat at the white tiger enclave has attracted many comments and much discussion.

Judging from the comments and arguments put forth by many, I think many people seem to miss the point. I don't think there is anything wrong with the enclosure or the white tigers. Imagine if this man were to jump into the open sea and being eaten up by sharks, are we going to put up fencing all along the coastal lines or put all the sharks to sleep? Surely not.

As Biswajit Guha, the assistant director of Singapore Zoo said: "Prior to the incident, the zookeepers had actually noticed that the contract worker was behaving erratically. " He was throwing things around and as he was walking out of the zoo, he passed comments like 'Goodbye, you won't see me again'. He later cycled back and 5 minutes later, the alarm went off."

Going by what the man said during the last hour, he was already throwing hints that he would die soon. He needs attention. I think the problem is that many people are not sensitive enough towards his remarks. His superiors and his close colleagues might not have paid enough attention to his abnormal behaviour lately and take action to counsel him.

Usually, before a person commits suicide, he or she would have exhibited some abnormal behaviours or said something abnormal, people close to him or her should learn to take notice of those tell-tale signs and take positive actions to help. It is unfortunate that in this incident, the worker did not seek help or nobody around him was aware of his mental condition to render any timely help.

This incident draws similarity with the incident where a primary five school girl who plunged to her death from the 12th floor of a public housing flat. Actually, before her death, she did tell her classmates and her maid, "If I don't get a band one (more than 85 marks) for my Higher Chinese, I sure die." Usually, most people would take that as a passing remark and would pay no attention to it. But, this was a tell-tale sign that should be addressed by the people around her or the authority concerned. But, it was not and so the tragedy just happened.

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Ridiculous situations...

As a follow-up of my blog on 30 October 2008...

I have just read my November 2008 utilities bill from SP Services. Given the same amount of consumption as in October 2008, but due to the price increase in electricity, I have to pay an additional S$28 just for the electricity consumption alone. Isn't the increase ridiculously high? Come to think about it, why are there no alternative energy providers? If there is no competition, consumers would tend to suffer.

Just another related thought. It is quite funny if you think deeply about it, a rail transport company such as SMRT is operating all the three modes of land transport, namely rail transport, taxis and buses. The name SMRT stands for Singapore Mass Rapid Transit, which is a rail transport company. But, it ended up operating a fleet of taxis and buses in addition to the rail transport. With this sort of arrangement, I am not sure if there would be a conflict of interests, in terms of creating competitions?

I came across a certain manufacturing concern, the Production Department and Quality Control Department were managed by the same director or manager. How to control the quality of production in this case? That is utterly ridiculous! The funniest thing is that the boss himself still thought he was doing the right thing.

Real plants that look artificial?!

During Chinese New Year 2008, a friend of mine gave me two pots of plants. I am not sure what the name is. But, the leaves look just so artificial!

Bosses are always right!

Customers are always right, so are the bosses. Find out more by clicking on the image below:

A few words often mispronounced...

I am NOT an expert in the English Language, but I have observed that the following few words are often mispronounced:

• Tuition - often wrongly pronounced as tu-tion. The correct pronunciation should be tu-i-tion.
• Condemn - often mispronounced as "kon"-dam. But, it should be correctly pronounced as "ken"-dam as in "Ken"-tucky.
• Pronunciation - often mispronounced as "pro"-"now"-ciation. It should be "pre"-"none"-ciation. In fact, this word is also often wrongly spelt as "pronounciation". While the verb is "pronounce", the noun becomes "pronunciation". Note the difference in spelling.

I believe as long as we are willing to learn and learn to be better in the language we read, speak and write, we would realise that there are many common mistakes most of us make everyday. It is just a matter of whether we mind our language.

Economic downturn may not be a bad thing...

If my memory serves me right, John Savage, one of the legends in the insurance industry said, "When the times are good, just wait, it will turn bad; when the times are bad, just wait, it will turn good." All these economic ups and downs come and go in circles. So, the current economic downturn should not come as a surprise. It comes, and it will go away, the only logical question is how soon?

During economic downturn, retrenchment and unemployment are inevitable. But, someone who is optimistic would see opportunity in the midst of crisis or calamity. It is perhaps a blessing in disguise and it usually forces people who otherwise would not think of doing something else to really take time to reflect and replan their future career direction. It is usually during crisis that people would do something they have never done. And in this process, some heroes and champions would emerge especially in the field of entrepreneurship. This is the result of people willing to take the courage to move out of their comfort zones.

Come to think of it, economic downturn may not necessarily be a bad thing after all. The question is whether we know how to take advantage of the crisis to make the most out of our life experience.

Energy and money savings with just a simple DIY exercise...

I have been using energy saving lamps at home when they were first popularised in the market some years ago. But, there were still six more circular fluorescent lamp fittings on the ceilings in each living space.

Lately, due to the increase in electricity tariffs, I have decided to cut expenses further by putting my DIY skills to good use. I have managed to replace all the existing fluorescent lamps into the energy saving installations on my own. And it saves a lot on installation when you DIY.

For the uninitiated, a lamp holder costs just S$2.50, a 20W energy saving bulb costs about S$7. So, each lamp costs less than S$10 when you DIY. The normal installation fees by most electricians range from S$30 to S$50. So, considering the replacement installation alone, I have already saved about $120 to $240.

Subsequently, the power consumption will be further reduced because the existing 40W fluorescent lamps are now replaced with 20W energy saving bulbs. So, that will yield at least 50% savings because not all fittings use 20W lamp, some use 15W or 9W depending on the size of the space. Furthermore, a 20W energy saving bulb emits about 100W equivalent of brightness.

So, it makes economical sense to convert all fluorescent fittings into energy saving installations.

Really? So Magical?

Recently, a mother in Sengkang ordered a copy of the book "15 Forgotten Secrets That Will Make You A Better Student" and I delivered it to her home personally. At the gate, the mother, her secondary school daughter and the daughter's classmate appeared. The classmate instantly recognised the book by its front cover and exclaimed, "Auntie, my friend after reading this book, stopped playing computer games!". The mother responded with a smile, seemingly pleased with her purchase decision and said,"Really? So magical?".

Well, if you want to know how magical it is, buy a copy and read it for yourself, but try read it and reflect on it regularly.

Men's thoughts...

The story was reproduced from an email. Author unknown.

This might be men's thoughts at times...

"A man was walking down a street when he heard a voice from behind, "If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill you." The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished. He went on, and after a while he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted, "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step a car will run over you, and you will die." The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him. The man asked. "Who are you?" "I am your guardian angel," the voice answered. "Oh, yeah?" the man asked "And where the hell were you when I got married?""

Finally, I got my _______ !

Last weekend, we were invited to a niece's 21st birthday celebration at Costa Sands Resort. It is at this age that her parents hand over the "key" to her and she is now old enough to open her own doors, so to speak. She is now old enough legally to make decisions for herself. Incidentally, I just read a story in an e-mail from my brother, which involves handing over another item when the time comes. To know what that item is, read the following story...

"Everyone in the wedding ceremony was watching the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle to give away to the groom. They reached the altar and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed some thing in his hand. Everyone in the room was wondering what was given to the father by the bride. The father could feel the suspense in the air and all eyes were on him to divulge the secret and say something. So he announced "Ladies and Gentlemen, today is the luckiest day of my life." Then he raised his hands with what his daughter gave him and continued, "My daughter finally, finally returned my credit card to me." The whole audience including the priest erupted in laughter .......... all except the poor Groom!!!"

"Buy 5 Get 1 Free!" Promotion...

I was pleasantly surprised this evening when I was talking to a manager, and all of a sudden, he was staring at the ceiling, doing some mental counting, and eventually told me, "Six copies!". He wanted six copies of my book "15 Forgotten Secrets That Will Make You A Better Student". With the current promotion "Buy 5 Get 1 Free!", he only needs to pay for five copies. Actually, he was counting the number of his subordinates who have young children, and he wanted to bless their children with this book.

So, if you are buying gifts for school children, this book makes a wonderful gift because it is meant to be read regularly and repeatedly, from schooling days right through into adult working years. It would certainly leave a longer and lasting impression on the recipient of the gift. Hence, it gives the giver more value for money.

Where to buy? Just call (65) 61006898 and ask for the "Buy 5 Get 1 Free!" promotion while stocks last.

A trade-off between SECURITY and CONVENIENCE

As we know, all locking devices, whether physical or digital in nature, are meant to provide a certain level of security. As we increase the level of security, the level of convenience decreases and vice versa. As an illustration, when we opt for better convenience by not protecting our computer with a security or log-in password, we are compromising on the security of the computer. It can be easily accessed by a third party when it is left unattended to. So, it is always a question of trade-off between security and convenience. We have to choose one or the other.

What does "Going Extra Miles" mean?

Not everyone likes dogs, and for those who do, not all of them keep a pet dog for various known and unknown reasons. But, I spoke to a lady, she doesn't like dogs, but for the sake of friendship, she was even taking care of a dog at her own residence for her female friend who was outstation for several days. The dog is used to sleeping with her owner, but she can't imagine allowing the dog to sleep with her on her bed, so she had to sleep on the sofa in the living room, and that is certainly not too comfortable to promote any restful sleep. Frankly, would you go to this extend to help your friend? She is taking the friendship so seriously to even go the extra miles to take care of the dog, when in the first place she does not even like dogs. There is a price to pay for going the extra miles. But, I suppose it pays in other ways.