Hong Kong - PAYM Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2011

7-9 January 2011

The day began with Lin Qiang bagging a few awards from the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA) Inter Formation Air Weapons Competition 2011, namely:

• Air-Rifle Men (Team) representing Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) - 1st Runner-Up
• Air Rifle Men (Individual) - 3rd Runner-Up
• Formation - 3rd Runner-Up

In the evening, I had to attend Eunos CCC meeting, so Lin Qiang went to the Hong Kong - PAYM Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2011 Homestay Matching Ceremony.

Here's Joe, our new Brother!

We had supper at Simpang Bedok before ending our first night together.

On Saturday morning, I attended the Law for Community Leaders Programme (LCLP) held at NACLI. This programme was a collaboration between the Senior Counsel Forum and People's Association, which aimed to equip grassroots leaders with basic knowledge in law to aid them in serving their residents.

A lecture on Law and the Singapore Legal System was delivered by Deputy Solicitor-General Jeffrey Chan Wah Teck, SC.

PA Grassroots Leaders also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Senior Counsel Forum, represented by its Chairman Senior Counsel Harry Elias, and the People's Association, represented by its Chief Executive Director Yam Ah Mee. The event was graced by Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs & Law.

After a short break, we returned to the lecture on Singapore Constitution & Administrative Law

The centre flag is the flag of Singapore when it was a British Colony

I was impressed by how the lecturer managed to simplify the legal terms so that fellow grassroots leaders could appreciate and understand the contents. There was also a Q&A session after the lecture.

Meanwhile, Lin Qiang and Joe visited the Marina Bay Sands and the Helix Bridge.

Rushed off from NACLI to meet them at Little India, where we visited a temple as well as enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine.

Met Fortune God and Rabbit (Year of the Rabbit) at City Square Mall

Next, we headed to Mount Faber. Most people are aware of the Merlions at Merlion Park and Sentosa, but not many know that we also have a Merlion at the top of Mount Faber.

With the iconic Reflections at Keppel Bay in our background

Scaling through the Marang Trail, we landed ourselves at the Forest Walk.

The evening view was spectacular

We then enjoyed a sumptuous Bak kut teh dinner at Clarke Quay.

With Yunzhou, a friend of Joe

Night Life at Clarke Quay

With Chang Jye from PAYM

After a long day, I retired myself, leaving Lin Qiang, Joe and other SHinkers (what the programme participants label themselves) to enjoy the buzzling night life of Singapore.

Rise and Shine, we had our final breakfast together at the hawker centre.

And a last family photo before we say "bye-bye"

It was nice to meet up with Nicole, whom I've met during the PAYM Singapore - Hong Kong Youth Exchange Programme 2009. Back in 2009, she just started work and now she is leading the Hong Kong delegates.

This concludes the 4th (or 5th?) time my family hosted foreign delegates. Although the period of hosting would be a tiring one, the experience of sharing local culture with a new "family member" and learning from him/her is always worth it. It is also a great chance for family bonding!

Hope to visit Joe in Hong Kong soon!

In the evening, attended a wedding dinner of a relative, where I found out that I was related to the boyfriend of a fellow SSEAYP mate! Hmmm, so he's my paternal Granduncle's grandson. What should I call him???

The couple had a love story revolving around lollipops