Eunos Zone '2' & '3' RC LUP Launching Ceremony cum Eunos Zone '3' RC 26th Anniversary

13 November 2009

The event title is really a mouthful but the long text of the title represents the importance of this event to the residents of Eunos Zone '2' and '3'. The Housing Development Board (HDB) Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) is finally here for the residents!

Preparation for the HDB LUP took months of liaison between grassroots leaders and HDB. In order for the LUP to kick off, 75% residents of the block must cast their votes, out of which there must be a majority that want the lifts.

There were 2 blocks of flats in Eunos Zone '3' that only had 15 eligible voters each. With the small number of voters, it meant that if a good 6 families did not turn up, there will be no lift upgrading for those blocks. As such, grassroots leaders from the Residents' Committee (RC) visited the residents, house-to-house, to encourage them to participate in the voting.

So much for the controversy whether the Opposition MP or the grassroots Adviser should announce the LUP in the recent Hougang case. My personal opinion is that the Adviser should be the one to do the announcement, since it is the grassroots volunteers who are doing the groundwork, from informing residents of the LUP to organising the launching ceremony. The successes of so many LUPs could not be possible without the support from the grassroots Advisers and the many volunteers.

The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and MP for Aljunied GRC (Eunos Division). Also present was HDB Deputy CEO (Building), Mr Sng Cheng Keh and Eunos Citizens' Consultative Committee Chairman Mr Sim Wai Chin BBM.

Mr Zainul officiated the launch of the LUP and then the voting commenced.

Eunos Zone '3' RC prepared a series of entertaining programme for the residents who were waiting for their turn to vote.

In my course of helping out at this LUP, I learnt a lot about this programme by the HDB. HDB provides heavy subsidy to the LUP. The Town Council also pays a sum equal to what the HDB dweller pays. So for a 5-room flat, the owner of a unit just pays $900+. This payment can be made on an instalment basis, for up to two years.

However, not all flats are eligible for LUP, if the costs were deemed to be too high (cost per unit). That's when the Town Council's LUP comes in. That night, Aljunied Town Council also held its Lift Upgrading Programme voting for Blk 620 Bedok Reservoir Road, which was not eligible for the HDB LUP scheme.

I was surprised to see Ley Boon at the launch, since she was there despite assuming no duties.

To mark the end of a wonderful night, Mr Zainul, together with grassroots leaders and residents, sang the Eunos Song - Ai Pia Jia Eh Yia 要拼才会赢 (which I prefer to call 可以起不能落, listen and you'll know why)

From Tadpoles to Frogmen

11 November 2009

I initally wanted to join the SLC students in the sponsored trip to Malaysia. The trip was from 10 Nov - 14 Nov and that meant I had to skip Lin Qiang's Passing out Parade. Without second thoughts, I chose to attend the POP.

Mother, Uncle, Aunt, Shi Hui and I had breakfast before going to the Naval Diving Unit at Sembawang Camp. About 9 months ago, Mother, Uncle and myself sent Lin Qiang to the camp. From then on, the 31st batch of Combat Diver Course trainees (tadpoles) grew and became frogmen.

We took the shuttle bus in and stayed at the hall while waiting for the programme to commence. A photo montage was screened. There was a photo display booth at the back of the hall where eager parents and family members tried hard to spot their frogman.

There was a handful of soldiers that proactively explained to us the activities in the photos as well as the use of diving equipment.

Everyone then gathered at the parade square, awaiting for a good show.

Special guests present included Minister of State for Defence, A/Prof Koo Tsai Kee, Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs members -Michael Palmer (Chairman), Ellen Lee (Vice-Chairperson), Indranee Rajah (who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament) and Dr Fatimah Lateef.

Amidst a gush of smoke, ran in the frogmen carrying their boats up above their heads. As the emcee narrates the training details, the frogmen performed them to the applause and enthusiasm of family members.

Next, there was an underwater performance. I was wowed by how the frogmen can actually hold their breaths for so long and yet remain calm underwater. Lin Qiang was one of the underwater performer who dived in and swam a distance before donning the breathing equipment underwater.

Later on, after the commander presented the diver badges to the 31st batch of Combat Diver Course graduates, who had already donned their No. 3 uniform, we watched in curiously as they mounted the 10m HMS Terror tower.

There, one by one, the frogmen jumped down, yelling "Hooya!"

Here comes our Mr. Hellweeker, who'll be posted out to Air Force for pilot training, after 9 months in water...

23rd Birthday

10 November 2009

I wonder who founded the concept of "birthdays". Whoever did it developed a flawed way of celebrating it. Have you wondered why isn't the focus of celebration on the Mother instead of on the child, given that the Mother conceived the child for 9 months and perhaps endured a few hours of pain during labour?

Anyway, I refused to celebrate my birthday this year, given the many grievous events. Mother, Baohui and I went to MacDonald's for a simple dinner (also to earn some Monopoly stickers).

Mother bought my favourite cake from Four Leaves. The chocolate sensation with the foamy cream and the crispy base would easily entice anyone.

And I'm holding to a gigantic pod, plucked by my Mother from our beanstalk.

Thanks to Baohui for constructing a red hot plane model & Hock Rong for giving me my first horizontally striped polo-tee.

Aljunied Dragonboat Challenge 2009

8 November 2009

No! Don't focus on the wrong use of the paddles. Instead, focus on the serenity of the Bedok Reservoir in the background.

We were at the Aljunied Dragonboat House at Bedok Reservoir, gearing ourselves up for the annual Aljunied Dragonboat Challenge. Participating teams come from the various divisions of Aljunied GRC, namely Aljunied-Hougang, Bedok Reservoir-Punggol, Eunos, Paya Lebar-Kovan and Serangoon. Each division sent in teams to compete in the 6 categories - Residents' Committee (RC), Citizens' Consultative Committee (CCC), Constituency Sports Club (CSC), Youth, Women, and the Aljunied Dragonboat Challenge.

Teams arrived as early as 7.30am on the bright Sunday morning. Luckily, there are quite a few morale-boosters: the Old Chang Kee truck, the Red Bull redemption counter and the occasional servings of Red Bull by attractive ladies and last but not least, the camaraderie among contesting teams.

The Guest-of-Honour was Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Special guests included Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Singapore's first Woman Minister (Minister, PMO & 2nd Minister for Finance & Transport) as well as Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The first race was the RC category, flagged off by Minister George Yeo. Lin Qiang did the drum well, despite this being his first attempt. I got a great taste of Bedok Reservoir water through this race. With our concentrated effort, we managed to achieve 2nd-runner up position. (Note: There are only 3 teams competing)

Team Eunos (Youth) had been practising dragonboating for 3 sessions since more than a month ago. Last year, we rowed in last (and we were wearing polo tees). This year, all of us were confident that history will not repeat itself!

The 21-strong Team Eunos (Youth) came in 4th position, out of 5 teams. That was a vast improvement for the team and team members were generally keen in meeting regularly as an interest group.

The Eunos spirit was displayed in our cheer. A simple "Huat" could also be made into an impressive team cheer. The "huats" were so consistent that the emcee said that Eunos must be a prosperous area.

Just check out this video on the cheering for Team Eunos (led by Mr Zainul) for the Aljunied Dragonboat Challenge. We came in 2nd runner-up position!

Dragonboat is really a very fun sport that unites people together. Team spirit is paramount to everything else in the sport. It just takes one to slacken down and the whole boat would slow. Therefore, 100% commitment (a Damai Secondary School's value) is required from every team member.

And I learnt that one should not drink 3 cans of Red Bull in one go...

PAP Party Convention 2009

1 November 2009

The PAP Party Convention 2009 was held at the D'Marquee, Downtown East on a Sunday morning. The PAP Policy Forum and the Young PAP jointly organised the convention. For the first time ever, this year's convention is wired up to the internet - there is live commentaries, live photo uploads, twitter, facebook and videos viewable on the convention website @ http://convention09.pap.org.sg/.

The New Media team started setting up their gadgets as early as 7am (event starts at 9am). No matter which corner on earth you were, you would be able to find out what is happening live, with just internet access.

The theme for this year's convention is "Turning Challenges into Opportunities". Year 2009 marks the 50-year rule of Singapore by the People's Action Party. Comrade Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC, was the Master of the Ceremony.

Party Chairman Lim Boon Heng led the recital of the party pledge before delivering his opening remarks. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of the strong links between the PAP and the unions. Several NTUC brothers and sisters were also present in the convention.

Several party activists spoke on various issues revolving around the theme in English, Mandarin and Malay languages.

The Young PAP recruitment video was screened for the first time. Videos can be viewed at the Young PAP Youtube Channel.

Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong delivered his speech and the dialogue session began. Party activists can SMS their questions to the panel, which consisted of Sec-Gen Lee Hsien Loong, Assistant Sec-Gens Wong Kan Seng and Teo Chee Hean, PAP Policy Forum Chairman Satwant Singh, Women's Wing Chairperson Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and Young PAP Chairman Teo Ser Luck. All the dialogue questions and responses were also recorded on youtube.

I was quite excited when my SMS appeared on screen. Fellow comrades raised many critical questions. Some were even emotional when posing questions. Party activists volunteer their time and service to the residents during Meet-the-People sessions and they know the ground issues concerning the people.

As Sec-Gen pointed out, the party is able to be in government all this while, thanks to all the dedicated party activists serving at the individual branches. These are the people that garner support from Singaporeans and channel their feedback up to the government, ensuring that policies are for Singaporeans.

PAP Party Awards 2009

31 December 2009

PAP Party Awards 2009 was held at D'Marquee, Downtown East. The event is held annually to appreciate the dedication and efforts of party activists and branches.

There was a thunderstorm and lightning was striking when activists were making their way there. Anyway, the red lightning in the PAP logo represents Action. The award recipients had taken action and dedicated their effort and time to the community.

It's like one big family inside the D'Marquee. Everyone seized the opportunity to catch up with fellow activists before the ceremony begins.

PAP Chairman Lim Boon Heng addressed the audience and led fellow activists in reciting the party pledge. I like the pledge because it's simple but yet very meaningful.

"We, the members of the PAP,
pledge ourselves to build a strong united Party,
to create a vibrant, just and equal society,
through achieving excellence by all,
so that every citizen,
regardless of race, language or religion,
can enjoy a full and happy life."

Many awards were given. They are the Commendation Medals, Dedicated Service Medals, Long Service Medals, Youth Medals, Women's Medals, Outstanding Branch Awards and Sustained Performance Awards. The citations for the respective awards were presented by Assistant Secretary General Teo Chee Hean.

The award recipients are proudly cheered by their fellow comrades, who brought party poppers, clappers, whistles, drums and banners to show their appreciation.

During the entire ceremony, the MPs and Ministers, all of whom are also Branch Chairmen, cheered alongside their branch activists. Managed to photograph SM Goh Chok Tong and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam cheering along.

Everyone rose and sang "Stand Up for Singapore!" together and took shouted the Party Cheer.

Refreshments were served after the Party Awards. Some of us took the opportunity to speak with our MPs and Ministers and had some photographs with them.

With Comrade Liang Eng Hwa

With Comrade Lim Swee Say

With Comrade Goh Chok Tong

With Comrade Mrs Lim Hwee Hua

With Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong

& with FRIENDS!

PCF Eunos Graduation Concert 2009

31 October 2009

Nursery and Kindergarten students danced to celebrate at the PCF Eunos Graduation Concert 2009, as the batch of K2 students graduates to enter Primary One next year. It was held at the Eunos Community Club Multipurpose Hall.

PCF stands for PAP Community Foundation, and is popularly known as "PAP Kindergarten".

Preparations for the concert started more than 6 months ago. The theme had to be chosen, dances have to be choreographed. For the first time ever, all the K2 students from the different centres performed together on stage together. Imagine the amount of coordination required!

As early as a month ago, PCF Eunos begun the concert rehearsals. I'm honoured to be the Master of Ceremony, working together with the 2 children emcees - Audrey and Mattheus.

On Saturday afternoon, the concert was to start at 2pm, but eager parents entered the hall as early as 12.45pm.

Mattheus checking out the Graduation certificates

Hip Hop dance team, Lil Fusion Crew, hyped up the tempo before the Adviser for the concert organising committee, Mr Abdul Aziz PBM, delivered his opening address. The Guest-of-Honour is Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Chairman for PCF Eunos. In his speech, he shared about how PCF Eunos places heavy importance on early childhood education. New centres would be built in the neighbourhood, including SparkleTots for pre-nursery children.

After the presentation of Graduation certificates and class photo-taking, the entire hall went through a time machine, Back to the '70s.

Featuring multiracial dances to the tunes of chinese, malay and indian songs, as well as songs from the movie Mama Mia!, parents were surprised and proud of their children's artistic expressions.

The climax was the K2 grand performance - "I have a dream" sung by all the K2 children from all the centres. It was so great that an encore was held, with PCF staff, PCF Management Committee members, led by Mr Zainul.

We stayed on stage and proceeded to the finale item, a dance along to the song Dancing Queen!