Eunos Youth Nite 2008

27 May 2008

After sending BH to school in the morning, I went to do a last minute shopping for Youth Nite. Since Jinfu and Zul was already arranging the chairs in the hall, Brenda and I decided to have lunch later and we rushed to Eunos Community Club.

Youth Nite is organised by the Eunos Youth Executive Committee (YEC) as part of the 1-week long celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of Eunos CC. Brenda was the organising chairman for Youth Nite while Zul (programme manager), Ming Choo (publicity), Madeline (registration) and I (stage manager) assisted in the making of the event, together along with other members of the Eunos YEC.

From 12.30pm, YEC members were already present to do up the decoration and the setting up of the hall. I helped Brenda with the script of her maiden speech; then blow up balloons with Rahayu; enjoyed the rehearsals of the artistes and performers. At 7.30pm, while Wu Jia Hui was doing sound check, the queue of audiences was already building up.

The Guest-of-Honour was Mayor Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adviser to Eunos Grassroots Organisations and Mayor of Northeast CDC. He was accompanied by his wife.

At the stage, emcee Shih Ling, Rahayu and I had fun chatting with performers before sending them up for the big show. Although the backstage was "hazy" (caused by the smoke machine), we still enjoyed doing our part for the event. Especially when we are the ones that could enjoy taking photos with the Campus Superstars, and be close with Wu Jia Hui.

The performance line-up was the percussion band performance by Fityatul Haq, followed by break dance by E-Radicate Force Crew, Clarinet Ensemble, Hip Hop dance by Vitality Love, Modern dance by Raffles Junior College, Campus Superstars - Koh Zhen Ning, Javin They, Keely Wee, and last but not least Wu Jia Hui.

The atmosphere backstage was one of excitement and alertness. Even though chairs were plenty, we were constantly on our toes to ensure that the performance is smoothly presented to the stage. At one point, a performer misplaced her iPhone and create a panic backstage. Luckily it was her who dropped the phone outside the hall, and the phone was not lost in the eyes of the stage crew.

The celebrities were very friendly and personal. They were more than willing to have a picture and to converse with us. They did not carry airs around them. It was also a loving sight to see the closeness of Javin and Keely. The YEC has Jinfu to thank for bringing the stars to Eunos. Some of us also managed to have a picture with Wu Jia Hui before he left.

Campus Superstar Zhen Ning, Zul, Me, Rahayu

After Youth Nite, went with Jian Hao (who enjoyed the event) for supper with Andrew, while being emotionally touched by Bao Hui in our conversation over the phone. Thank you for being there, Bao Hui :)

Eunos CC 25th Anniversary Celebrations

25 May 2008At 8am, Grassroots leaders of Eunos Constituency flocked into the Community Club and had a breakfast to prepare them for the carnival that is going to take place later in the day. Eunos Community Club was celebrating its Silver Jubilee with a one-week long celebration. The event is organised by Eunos Community Club with Eunos Zone 1, 2 and 3 Residents' Committees (RCs)

The backdrop of the stage is a kampong-style atap house. At both sides of the hall, there were projectors screening a slideshow of photos, some dated as early as 1983.


By 9am, there was a long queue of Eunos residents awaiting to collect their goodie bags. 500 goodie bags were given out in the day and 500 in the evening. Eunos YEC and Zone 3 RC worked hand in hand to distribute the goodie bags to the residents.

Mayor of Northeast CDC and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mayor Zainul flagged off 25 bicycles which pedalled around the estate.

The up and coming event that Eunos YEC is organising as part of the celebrations is the Youth Nite featuring Wu Jia Hui and Campus Superstars. It would be on 27 May 2008 at 7.30pm, Eunos CC.

Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore!

23 May 2008

As a Singaporean, today marks an important day. The 28-year dispute over the Pedra Branca is resolved. Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore!

Watching the International Court of Justice ruling live on Channel NewsAsia, I was paying close attention with ears wide to what the Judge was trying to read out from his script. It took about 2 hours before he finally announced that Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore; Middle Rocks go to Malaysia and South Ledge ownership would depend on the International Sea Boundaries. 12 judges agreed that Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore while 4 disagreed.

In my opinion, the judge ruling on the matter displayed signs of diplomatic gestures. Singapore takes Pedra Branca while Malaysia takes Middle Rocks. The ICJ leaves both parties to work out on South Ledge. It seems like the most optimum "win-win" situation that could possibly work out. Professor Tommy Koh, ambassador-at-large, had previously mentioned that the ICJ should not worry about diplomatic concerns but rule fairly.

South Ledge could be a good means to establish good links between the two states. The most ideal is that South Ledge belongs to both Singapore and Malaysia. This would be the first case in history whereby a disputed territory could be shared by two countries, even though it's a really tiny piece of rock. A statue could be placed there to express the friendship between these two countries. However, if were to come to reality, perhaps this arrangement would sound too far-fetch.

BH enjoyed the "lullaby" by the judge. Haha.

Mobile Healthcare Services

22 May 2008

As the morning brightens the day, I rushed myself to my Aunt's place to bring my Grandmother for her regular medical appointment. Since I am having a long vacation now, I thought it was a good idea to relieve my Aunt.

At 8.40am sharp, 3 personnels from APAC Mobile Healthcare Services came. They carried Grandmother on a mat and placed her on a stretcher. After loading the stretcher into the ambulance, the maid and I tagged along.

This was the first time I sat in an ambulance, albeit a private one. This ambulance was driven by a crew of dedicated and passionate staff. Through my observation, I find that they are very detailed and meticulous. Really admire their professionalism.

The usual limelight on the healthcare industry falls on the well-qualified doctors, professional nurses, and emergency rescue personnels. They are the heroes in numerous dramas and movies. Yet, few would look up to these diligent group of people that delivers immobile patients to and fro hospitals.

APAC Mobile Healthcare Services can be reached at 67440070

Motorcycle Riding Licence Class 2B @ CDC

After registration for the Motorcycle Riding Licence Class at ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC), it took only 4 days of waiting to commence on the first practical lesson. The enrolment and theory fee is S$80.25. The Class 2B course caters for motorcycles not exceeding 200cc.

The proper attire required for the practical lessons includes long pants, shoes and gloves. Gloves can be purchased at the centre for S$1. After buying one pair, I found the quality of the gloves to be quite bad. Similar to durian gloves.

For the first lesson, there is an orientation 1 hour before commencement of lesson. I was accompanied by Emmaneul, an interesting friend that I got to befriend. The instructor went throught the proper procedures and safety guidelines.

When Lesson 1 started, we donned the helmets, elbow and knee guards as well as the gloves. The newbies wore the helmet that the school provided while the others, knowing that the sharing of helmets can be quite disgusting if not unhygienic, brought their own helmets. Our instructor, Tamir, gave a short motivational and inspirational anecdote. There used to be a girl who signed up for the course. She was short and when she sits on the bike, she would need to tiptoe to balance herself. She took 10 tries for each lesson (about 80 in all) but just one practical test to got her licence. Attaining a licence is important to a man, Instructor Tamir shared.

Anyhow, riding a motorcycle is indeed very different from riding a bicycle. The changing of gears and the clutch control coupled with brakes constitutes to a psychomotor challenge for me intially. Having to lean on one side of the motorcycle when turning bends is thrilling!

After the hot day in the sun, I got some awkward tans on the arms. They are mainly caused by the gloves and the elbow guards.

There are altogether 8 practical lessons and 4 theory lessons. After passing the riding theory test, one would then be able to apply for the provisional licence to continue from the 5th practical lesson onwards.



More information @ http://www.cdc.com.sg/users/courses/course_detail.asp?id=6

Cheap Game Consoles at IOI Plaza

15 May 2008

I found my way to IOI Plaza (Singapore) in the morning for the purpose of procuring a Playstation Portable (PSP). According to a lead, I was told that I can obtain a PSP at a shop at the Plaza for a very competitive price.

When I reached the outside of Qisahn office, I was hesitant to enter since it did not look like a retail shop. Nevertheless, I entered the premise and sat down and waited to be tended to. Within a few minutes, it was my turn and I entered a room where I was asked for my order. The PSP with screen protector costs a mere S$273. All the PSPs were modified.

Important point: Bring Cash because they do not accept cashless payments. There is one POSB ATM situated at the ground floor of the building.

Other than PSP, Qisahn also sells PS3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS at competitive prices.

After my IOI Plaza trip, went with Bao Hui for a, well, predicted surprise...

More Information:
IOI Plaza is situated at 210 Middle Road (S) 188994, right opposite Sunshine Plaza.
Qisahn is situated at #06-02.

Reactions to the Sichuan Quake

Over the past few days, the unfortunate Sichuan earthquake disaster provided headlines for the newspapers. A Current Affairs programme, Frontline, by MediaCorp Channel 8 featured the event by interviewing Singaporeans who were caught up in the airport at Sichuan about their experience.

A man who was interviewed was seen speaking with tears rolling in the eyes. His words were spoken with deep emotions. If I were to watch the interview and keeping the volume muted, I would have thought he had probably lost his families in the disaster. His predicament: he was stuck in the airport as flight schedules were delayed. He lamented at the authorities for not providing information. He was apparently angered by the fact that he had to spend hours strangled at the airport of his holiday destination. He would later return to Singapore via a transit at Hong Kong.

I was irritated by watching the interview. I don't know whether one should blame the programme crews for featuring such a parochial citizen, or sigh at the fact that our fellow citizen, with his Singaporean voice, reacted in such a disgracing manner.

Perhaps the immunity of Singapore to natural disasters had been taken for granted. While global citizens are pouring aid and showing concern over the nasty results of the Sichuan quake disaster such as the growing casualties and the family members lost in the event, our interviewee, on the other hand, was so narrow-minded and selfish by caring over his own plight albeit being in a relatively safe zone.

Maybe one day, National Education would consist of a programme where people get dumped in disaster-prone zones and experience for themselves the hardship and through the process, hopefully they start to appreciate.

The Lees VS The Chees

12 May 2008

The Court hearing of the defamation case brought up by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew against Dr. Chee Soon Juan (Secretary-General of Singapore Democratic Party), Chee Siok Chin (Central Executive Committee Member of SDP) and the SDP starts today.

PM, MM Lee had sued "Dr Chee Soon Juan and the party's leadership for repeating remarks alleging that they were corrupt and had covered up wrongdoings at the NKF."

For the critics of the PAP regime, this case would again highlight the repression of Opposition Parties by defamation suits. Not too long ago, former Secretary-General of Workers' Party, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaratnam was bankrupted via a series of lawsuits. In Singapore, being a bankrupt automatically disqualifies one to stand for elections.

For this defamation case, the worst case scenario would be that both Dr. Chee and Ms. Chee could be bankrupted. If SDP could not pay up the damages, it could also face the inevitable outcome of being wounded up.

Through my observations, I would attempt to make out some random (tongue-in-cheek) remark:

It seems that all Prime Ministers had sued the Opposition and won. Perhaps defamation suits offer a training ground for Prime Ministers. One way of training would be in the area of cross-examination. Then PM Goh Chok Tong had faced cross-examination by JBJ's counsel George Carman Q.C. Now, there could be a chance where PM Lee gets to face cross-examination. Hence, defamation suits provide "on-the-job" training for PMs. Maybe the next PAP leader that sues the Opposition would solve the predicament of the succession of PM? Haha.

References:
Straits Times News http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_236463.html

Project YEAH 2008 Media Launch

10 May 2008

Started the day off by attending the Media Launch of Project Youth Entrepreneur @ Aljunied and Hougang (YEAH). Held at Bishan Junction 8 open gallery at the 3rd floor, there were exhibits from various institutions including Singapore Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Innova Junior College, Anderson Junior College, Victoria Junior College, etc. Singer and entrepreneur Genie's music school had a booth too.

Among the exhibits, what caught my attention was the booth by Innova JC. The students were selling custom-made pin badges. According to the teacher, the school had patent over the gadget which was used to make the badges. With one simple touch on the lever, the badge is done. I bought two badges, one of which I penned a quote and gave it to Bao Hui.

Another booth worth a mention was the booth by Anderson JC students. They were selling T-shirts that they had designed, together with this small cute little plant [see picture below]. All proceeds go to the President Star Charity. This applies to Innova JC as well.

Organised by Youth Executive Committees (YECs) of Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, the event attracted various grassroots leaders and members of the public. The Guest-of-Honour was Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport & MP for Aljunied GRC.

If you think you have a brilliant idea and want to participate in this business plan competition, log on to http://www.projectyeah.com :)

After the launch and lunch, went to meet Bao Hui for a neck-straining movie "What happens in Vegas". Had a great talk, as usual, right into the night.

No More Singing

8 May 2008 marks the end of my Examinations as a freshie in the National University of Singapore.

Today I realised that sometimes singing could really be an irritant. Even though music soothes the ears and calms the soul (except the hard rock music), singing it out is another issue altogether. As such I pledged not to sing anymore.

After the paper today, had Chicken Rice dinner with Bao Hui. She was busy for the night with her project discussions though.

Also went to Bugis Top One for my last singing session. It is really a good singing venue, not only in the economical sense, but also there is proper hygiene. For instance, all microphones are covered with fresh covers and the rooms don't reek of cigarette "aroma". Bugis Top One is situated directly opposite Bugis Junction, just beside Tan Quee Lan Street.

Stop Dating Violence

6 May 2008

Went to comb the NUS library for some good reads after examination today when I found this interesting booth display at the entrance.

Entitled "Stop Dating Violence", the booth highlighted several indicators of an abusive relationship including "being insulted or called names", "hit, grabbed, pushed, slapped, kicked, punched or burnt", etc. It also described what is a healthy relationship and how one can protect oneself from violence.

I find the message that the booth sought to convey as rather fresh, apparently deviating from the usual emphasis on promoting awareness of family violence. Now the focus is on BGRs.

The Caption "Love Shouldn't Hurt" sums it all up.

For more information on Dating Violence (as well as take a quiz to find out whether you are a victim of Dating Violence), please log on to http://www.family.gov.sg/stopfamilyviolence

What I did on Shutdown Singapore 2008

May 3 was marked the day of Shutdown Singapore 2008.

Description from FaceBook:

"Shutdown Day is a Global Internet Experiment whose purpose is to get people to think about how their lives have changed with the increasing use of the home computer, and whether or not any good things are being lost because of this.

The idea of Shutdown Day project is simple - just shutdown your computer for one whole day of the year and involve yourself in some other activities: outdoors, nature, sports, fun stuff with friends and family - whatever, just to remind yourself that there still exists a world outside your monitor screen.

http://www.shutdownday.com/ "

Had a late start in Shutting down the computer since I was using the computer past midnight the day before. After waking up in the morning, I went to prepare for my examinations while watching the television. It was only when I read the newspapers that I realised Shutdown = not just the computer but all electronic gadgets. Hence I would say I only experienced a half Shutdown day, because I just can't possibly turn off the mobile phone!

In the afternoon, went for a jog around Bedok Reservoir with my Parents. I paced my Father as we jogged past the vibrant scenery, people and monkeys. It is amazing how the Reservoir looked in the day, so full of life and serenity.

After the jog, met Bao Hui for dinner. Had my first Ramly burger in my life. It could be that the burger was delicious or just that I was too hungry anyway. We were queuing for the "Indonesian Shark's Fin Soup" at the Pasar Malam until we saw a $5 note dropped into the soup... We went back to our usual place for chatting. Had a great time.

Leaving the computer off for a whole day is really fruitful. Spending more time with people face-to-face rather than through the virtual world gives a more healthy and wholesome experience.