tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118573992024-03-27T18:33:23.395+08:00Smithankyou - Lifestyle and Travel Photo Blog.It's a personal space where I blog about my life and sometimes things you need to know. Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.comBlogger1554125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-74447441508052568712020-07-22T12:47:00.001+08:002020-07-22T12:49:51.456+08:00Frontline workers during Covid-19<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ev68" data-offset-key="dl00i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Till today, I am still hearing chatters about how Singapore shouldn't have gone into our version of "lockdown" aka circuit breaker. Chatters questioning the effect of it. Especially for individuals who believe in numbers, pointing out that the numbers of community cases before and after COVID-19 does not seem to have too much of a difference. I know this debate has no end but for the sake of a debate, what is the chance of COVID-19 cases increasing in Singapore if not for CB?<br /><br />I have pretty much locked myself up during the whole period besides commuting to work on certain occasions when needed until late last week where I met some friends for dinner. First, in 4 months. <br /><br />Through various feedbacks and observations, it seems like many have "gotten used to" various Covid-19 measurements. People are out and about dining casually, walking around in small groups with their face masks on as well as scanning into various buildings without having to enforce by security officers. While this is a good sign that our economy is able to open up a little more, and people are adapting. However, my biggest concern is that these practices will soon become "white practices", think white noise. Probably a better word to describe it. LOL. <br /><br />Soon we will lose the understanding of the importance of such practices. And soon people will feel confident, and then over-confident about such practices and become complacent. <br /><br />One of the most common texts I get from people around me is "bro, can we do this? phase 2 can visit gf already? can play basketball already?" People are overly concerned about what is permissible over what is the right thing to do to protect themselves and people around them. <br /><br />Is it a sure thing that you are safe as long as it is 5 pax and below? <br /><br />Is it a sure thing that as long as you think you wash your hands, it will be fine? <br /><br />I think that these guidelines are there to allow us to live a little while trying to be careful at the same time. These guidelines are not foolproof. <br /><br />So while there are no general rules about everything, we as an individual need to keep in mind and priorities what are the right thing to do and how we do it even without enforcement. <br /><br />If I may, an extreme example:<br /><br />Instead of Covid-19, we are now experiencing a Zombie apocalypse situation. Do you think we need to tell people that gathering is bad? Do you think that we need guidelines to close down night clubs? Fine, probably because some of these people running the places are already zombies but you get my point? I think till certain extent, we do not see COVID-19 as something life-threatening anymore. <br /><br />"Wouldn't so suay de lah." <br /><br />"Awhile only okay de lah."<br /><br />"Dinner only mah." <br /><br />I agree with this Forum letter that more needs to be done to protect our taxis/phv drivers. In fact, anyone else currently who are front-liners. That includes Food delivery riders, cleaners, security officers and more. They are the ones that still working out there to keep our lives less affected. So while MOH doesn't have certain enforced guidelines, I think as individual we need to respect them, and our way of showing gratitude is to ensure that they are safe and can continue to perform their tasks in a safe environment. <br /><br />While I am no policymaker, I don't think they can look into every smallest detail of every policy to slap guidelines over. And neither is it possible for them to have a blanket guideline for everyone. <br /><br />I am aware that if everyone can do their part, we do not even need police anymore. I am not that idealistic. I know that we are only humans. <br /><br />With that in mind, still, I would like to urge everyone to do our part to keep everyone safe. #SGUnited <br /><br />P.S. I know our attention probably already shifted from Covid-19 especially after GE. Let us remind each other that we are not out of the woods yet and we still need to pay attention. Share this and remind everyone that we still need to do our part. <br /><br />: https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/forum-taxi-drivers-need-more-protection-from-covid-19Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-2299981267492055692020-05-26T01:21:00.000+08:002020-05-26T01:43:58.759+08:00Animal Crossing; Travel Blogger Style<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTqng6rcIy8q-tZ6YzX6i-rqefgTh63wBJ_dQIEeTxVHQ9FDHd90y9HPMONDr3NMhhQzydN7j1DnJcz0O4mKVauyztHMtulV3cCOFaaj3pgEsFtGA6hb5HXMETdJY1zn2puiS/s1600/UrbanlightsLAACNH-29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTqng6rcIy8q-tZ6YzX6i-rqefgTh63wBJ_dQIEeTxVHQ9FDHd90y9HPMONDr3NMhhQzydN7j1DnJcz0O4mKVauyztHMtulV3cCOFaaj3pgEsFtGA6hb5HXMETdJY1zn2puiS/s1600/UrbanlightsLAACNH-29.jpg" /></a><br />
Me taking my OOTD at Urban Lights Los Angeles.<br />
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It seems like years ago since I last travelled. I could hardly remember those days where my business partner and I travelled so much in a year just to create content.<br />
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Now my Instagram is nothing but a pile of old photos and memories that I try to hold on. My travelling did not just stop with Covid-19 but also with my new job. I don't think I am complaining since I love my job and also not exactly a big traveller until I fall in love with taking photos.<br />
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Thanks to Animal Crossing New Horizon, I get to travel around the world without really travelling.<br />
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So here is a fictional piece of my "travelling".<br />
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*Disclaimer: Images are heavily edited using Adobe Lightroom, and not all Island concepts are original. Some are inspired by other online posts that I've seen and can't remember where. Thus there is no way I could credit.<br />
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<b>All my bags and packed I'm ready to go...</b><br />
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I got on the very 1st flight by Dodo Airline where I met this friendly Dodo who talked non-stop. I alighted on this Island known as Kame. I met this guy who runs the place, his name is Tom Nook. Doesn't look like a bad guy to me but everything that he offered comes with a price tag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoJKkG56D6MUV6JNwjPfD0QjTk95vHVjArzEzK7F_kPfWT9BdWjOPjcr1RafrzVOdvXOq2AZMFihe-8AY6Zk64qhmt2J1eQXNZoVqICA4iic-oXyyTURebgr8c1pio3gq2jZ2/s1600/TomNookOfficeACNH-27.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoJKkG56D6MUV6JNwjPfD0QjTk95vHVjArzEzK7F_kPfWT9BdWjOPjcr1RafrzVOdvXOq2AZMFihe-8AY6Zk64qhmt2J1eQXNZoVqICA4iic-oXyyTURebgr8c1pio3gq2jZ2/s1600/TomNookOfficeACNH-27.jpg" /></a><br />
He told me this building will be my place for the rest of my stay but I was greeted by this hall which looks almost identical to his office. Is this is a makeshift office? I thought this was going to be my living room?<br />
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Lucky for me the rest of the rooms were as bad as I imagined after looking at the main hall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuH19WNCxhei4mWqMCAVD3uGIveqwHlZFYhFoAC3R8bixgRRw725-eCAwScQrrmjTe3HEpi8OWvEQO4L9ce_k8HKGU4oaJt11fWXWZ7wNqlZ4JF1Evwmbnxg-vVnlZxgqgdo8/s1600/GameRoomACNH-7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuH19WNCxhei4mWqMCAVD3uGIveqwHlZFYhFoAC3R8bixgRRw725-eCAwScQrrmjTe3HEpi8OWvEQO4L9ce_k8HKGU4oaJt11fWXWZ7wNqlZ4JF1Evwmbnxg-vVnlZxgqgdo8/s1600/GameRoomACNH-7.jpg" /></a><br />
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Basement Gameroom. The place where I spent most of my evening since there were not much of nightlife on this island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AL3bMPGK5gYhJ4MSmzX3GwB4HjV-AcQCwScqr6Bj0yh4VZsJB1nvGTnszbDHs_8oe2bOzlnfj405GBGmMgY939TM1TePazlZeHWojjPhoJIUKfpVbQVuc1XeYHaVryMQYYMZ/s1600/GYMACNH-11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AL3bMPGK5gYhJ4MSmzX3GwB4HjV-AcQCwScqr6Bj0yh4VZsJB1nvGTnszbDHs_8oe2bOzlnfj405GBGmMgY939TM1TePazlZeHWojjPhoJIUKfpVbQVuc1XeYHaVryMQYYMZ/s1600/GYMACNH-11.jpg" /></a><br />
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The gym. I went in once to take this picture and that was about it. #FatLyfeGoodLyfe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf16fkNc6VOfinJLxFSfFnTg9jluVjQ_TBPwGXVujaWpJmZyzQBloMi7crPLfBfRuJ7bnevswqwfwvmQafqFjnTGXHd6HmkR0D4IfoQiW_el3kWVkOMHq7w8YX9HHtP42DDQg/s1600/HIpsterCafeACNH-13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf16fkNc6VOfinJLxFSfFnTg9jluVjQ_TBPwGXVujaWpJmZyzQBloMi7crPLfBfRuJ7bnevswqwfwvmQafqFjnTGXHd6HmkR0D4IfoQiW_el3kWVkOMHq7w8YX9HHtP42DDQg/s1600/HIpsterCafeACNH-13.jpg" /></a><br />
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The building came with a hipster cafe looking kitchen. I tried looking for food in the fridge but all I found was clothes. What?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXzHCeyWRdR4WQEpxEhjV0Twx5R84VvdTQER0RUssZY3IboG7Fc1kc2AyBfZuSiPjtGeDa_nUeC2Phyphenhyphens6viMdLtALJ5rq37wh5SD3n11fYYywnKkoulIlVufEdMsKNKHB05i9/s1600/HotelRoomACNH-14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXzHCeyWRdR4WQEpxEhjV0Twx5R84VvdTQER0RUssZY3IboG7Fc1kc2AyBfZuSiPjtGeDa_nUeC2Phyphenhyphens6viMdLtALJ5rq37wh5SD3n11fYYywnKkoulIlVufEdMsKNKHB05i9/s1600/HotelRoomACNH-14.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgPyEdLW5NxZQICFjzIIaX1yCMfI7k2Nwvrjc2TsjKZAtd0S1N84VRUQUBisRr9iv1MkVH8oKf1qJvs2RI0kEo39SNezxZWoH2FahQ6NyyfBGt6h9qa2cSX_q-QT7XzNOIZ5/s1600/TravelbloggerACNH-28.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgPyEdLW5NxZQICFjzIIaX1yCMfI7k2Nwvrjc2TsjKZAtd0S1N84VRUQUBisRr9iv1MkVH8oKf1qJvs2RI0kEo39SNezxZWoH2FahQ6NyyfBGt6h9qa2cSX_q-QT7XzNOIZ5/s1600/TravelbloggerACNH-28.jpg" /></a><br />
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Probably one of my favourite spot in the entire house. The room itself. It reminded me of Maldives. Strange thing though, it is always morning in the room no matter what time it was. How do you even sleep in this room?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FO5yVvlUvidvjqxYfdL3E53YaoxyqCWtHD8uwlRRXce65kLN_x4tit5OElgCItBZS_1S8mNBwmgi7izgHlG2BzU7KHD-2Qbi8gEImsAH0eRzTjHIw3MCz9r9GUUTBtvEjQMl/s1600/TeasureRoomACNH-25.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FO5yVvlUvidvjqxYfdL3E53YaoxyqCWtHD8uwlRRXce65kLN_x4tit5OElgCItBZS_1S8mNBwmgi7izgHlG2BzU7KHD-2Qbi8gEImsAH0eRzTjHIw3MCz9r9GUUTBtvEjQMl/s1600/TeasureRoomACNH-25.jpg" /></a><br />
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They actually have this business centre where you get to read some books and it came with a typewriter. I guess that's the whole idea of an Island holiday where the internet is nothing but a myth came true. Yup, they had bookshelves in front of other bookshelves. #gamelogic<br />
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The outdoors are amazing. I actually spotted 4 different monsters of different colours around the island!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfJGgVLbkBsEXMDuJeLZ1EnwjFagDre4elw40pXi2TeSAV_JJEuPcolpo0POpYsvq2uOqzKfmwG4HOc568CJpCiU1cTm2-k4euSF9GsUvYiWyWx_yvkDB35DA3wZ-S1lFPMv3/s1600/ACNHPISA-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfJGgVLbkBsEXMDuJeLZ1EnwjFagDre4elw40pXi2TeSAV_JJEuPcolpo0POpYsvq2uOqzKfmwG4HOc568CJpCiU1cTm2-k4euSF9GsUvYiWyWx_yvkDB35DA3wZ-S1lFPMv3/s1600/ACNHPISA-1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQidPojfZVWA_Y-iEHJyoLSUwuY4bbIQnq0VE1raA2MGQrG4zGfBdwNZMjad3dYtFT1zU_mdJh3Bx9PbkLI3DRt1snb1ZRc6XbheDtHkmV5LXRxo_E7CSfbHECclv4amNduMaj/s1600/LibertyACNH-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQidPojfZVWA_Y-iEHJyoLSUwuY4bbIQnq0VE1raA2MGQrG4zGfBdwNZMjad3dYtFT1zU_mdJh3Bx9PbkLI3DRt1snb1ZRc6XbheDtHkmV5LXRxo_E7CSfbHECclv4amNduMaj/s1600/LibertyACNH-17.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ahhh.. New York, I miss you much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqglvteEBz6obI6TohJSrt_5b6HQCxi3LGX07BFPS1gKF0R69LcIoOyDCm9C7zJRj5UI434qptKj8KuUm_juBVg5p8gaArAUyswrBIOttOK9KXrsy_0pJVFLQQPJLc3fO6fBU/s1600/MonsterACNH-18.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqglvteEBz6obI6TohJSrt_5b6HQCxi3LGX07BFPS1gKF0R69LcIoOyDCm9C7zJRj5UI434qptKj8KuUm_juBVg5p8gaArAUyswrBIOttOK9KXrsy_0pJVFLQQPJLc3fO6fBU/s1600/MonsterACNH-18.jpg" /></a><br />
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"Is that traditional $1 Nasi Lemak? Auntie, give me 1 packet please."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG1z2hD6Rjwc2s8kpKlDeQqxmcSqO37iyHPqiQF6C2KMe_jS3T_jpUqj-PYrBOmuWC_K7SxPR6fsxwOWWUM31uypZFYD6592fJy8Zo3N9Un0Fu9RQZryRbeKD_p4dFlAKgQy1/s1600/USAACNH-30.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG1z2hD6Rjwc2s8kpKlDeQqxmcSqO37iyHPqiQF6C2KMe_jS3T_jpUqj-PYrBOmuWC_K7SxPR6fsxwOWWUM31uypZFYD6592fJy8Zo3N9Un0Fu9RQZryRbeKD_p4dFlAKgQy1/s1600/USAACNH-30.jpg" /></a><br />
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For some reasons, they fly the USA flag here on Kame. I guess that is also probably the reason why I saw these monsters. Just like every apocalypse movie we have ever watched. The world is ending and Aliens or zombies always start attacking the earth with USA.<br />
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I am just going to be lazy and show you some of the other parts of the Island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD778E-7WVZ4m8C_i6JUaHGCBwVksVNFEKHunypfyIUIL2zekCd27VVn67v4xSYtmhwAC0zQlcrild8dUcf06J9m8dDHdOwQlzQTwWcBtIxwjIHYms_C5566s96md15i-fz9l/s1600/BeachACNH-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD778E-7WVZ4m8C_i6JUaHGCBwVksVNFEKHunypfyIUIL2zekCd27VVn67v4xSYtmhwAC0zQlcrild8dUcf06J9m8dDHdOwQlzQTwWcBtIxwjIHYms_C5566s96md15i-fz9l/s1600/BeachACNH-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was there alone but the phone that Tom Nook sold me allows me to take a picture of myself remotely. This guy is seriously a genius.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu255X6Fl6nfn03KICq2iygBSG-F4SywBD26zICIWFW092022b6j6sYYcXYIrmbfYtZw8y0oSjO5aF9ob__-p3xVNT1XQm0sQwfqzQz5KT7oetEw_WdAG9EkoFQKiyAyLI-Sm/s1600/BeachhouseACNH-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu255X6Fl6nfn03KICq2iygBSG-F4SywBD26zICIWFW092022b6j6sYYcXYIrmbfYtZw8y0oSjO5aF9ob__-p3xVNT1XQm0sQwfqzQz5KT7oetEw_WdAG9EkoFQKiyAyLI-Sm/s1600/BeachhouseACNH-3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs9XhTi_ERq0hNrKjbefMDM1P2Fm0tPrRCn_R3Yb7R7TPA6Mzy0Il9asHIzls-u2MlcFr4sSYTCqVgqBrf4e5Ps6OUGtTZkClryuXvWgnxwjZTNgVeUnuyGBvA8rzi0nD1c2d/s1600/CampsiteACNH-4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs9XhTi_ERq0hNrKjbefMDM1P2Fm0tPrRCn_R3Yb7R7TPA6Mzy0Il9asHIzls-u2MlcFr4sSYTCqVgqBrf4e5Ps6OUGtTZkClryuXvWgnxwjZTNgVeUnuyGBvA8rzi0nD1c2d/s1600/CampsiteACNH-4.jpg" /></a><br />
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The place is so nice that money grows on trees! Explains why people don't really have a job here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4zQ3aAf_YgXBC69yx6_6d_HAFPT0_jXfelubLJdnXN2Y2XTXQo9wAYBF85z9q6KvAhPhgCQLcfwMe4UkiRaEVg0xSD9j7RNHt6-EP2kly6qLZcr6NmxH_z4b1KV5uYFbac6_/s1600/FishingACNH-6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4zQ3aAf_YgXBC69yx6_6d_HAFPT0_jXfelubLJdnXN2Y2XTXQo9wAYBF85z9q6KvAhPhgCQLcfwMe4UkiRaEVg0xSD9j7RNHt6-EP2kly6qLZcr6NmxH_z4b1KV5uYFbac6_/s1600/FishingACNH-6.jpg" /></a><br />
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We are allowed to fish whenever and wherever we want. However, fish is not guaranteed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUmwPXH-VH6qmTDj6sJ7zKtIpp1oVv6M1IGaCht3OVamreAQjczf9VojXFJpFINn864p8afeej9O1K6wvPP8Klan4_j9NYPPYd9x1crOnVS9ROzFKVcknSjNLlcd7IB5nNd8/s1600/Garden2ACNH-8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUmwPXH-VH6qmTDj6sJ7zKtIpp1oVv6M1IGaCht3OVamreAQjczf9VojXFJpFINn864p8afeej9O1K6wvPP8Klan4_j9NYPPYd9x1crOnVS9ROzFKVcknSjNLlcd7IB5nNd8/s1600/Garden2ACNH-8.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAynhLipp2ZWZKGjtu6BWGsWX6xSQ6SMB63xm2BcbJEfat78JbCiWIE6OrPXKxw_hOo_t83WhZmqFIgySNo9Wb_q3FFZs1WAKWjvpIUc2VcfIPZd4m3Cu-CY6IJvmGqwwauh-h/s1600/GardenACNH-9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAynhLipp2ZWZKGjtu6BWGsWX6xSQ6SMB63xm2BcbJEfat78JbCiWIE6OrPXKxw_hOo_t83WhZmqFIgySNo9Wb_q3FFZs1WAKWjvpIUc2VcfIPZd4m3Cu-CY6IJvmGqwwauh-h/s1600/GardenACNH-9.jpg" /></a><br />
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This garden is pretty cool. I actually help this crazy guy took a picture at the same garden too. And he was telling me he is not afraid of Covid-19 as he has found the solution to it. Drinking detergent wor. Genius. And I thought people who ate tide pods were stupid. I guess they saw it coming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0Qb0jYvjnVy7qyX8lsPOQNlKHO6AzkTHtwmepWSTSUp6wJLF91AuAmn-USaDbz3jFPESh8qT6BLen56dhlOw7OcB2aH2s9hLXRP5qW7IyvtE6-IH4uX8ndmsfLSCO_AZlnxO/s1600/HeartGardenACNH-12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0Qb0jYvjnVy7qyX8lsPOQNlKHO6AzkTHtwmepWSTSUp6wJLF91AuAmn-USaDbz3jFPESh8qT6BLen56dhlOw7OcB2aH2s9hLXRP5qW7IyvtE6-IH4uX8ndmsfLSCO_AZlnxO/s1600/HeartGardenACNH-12.jpg" /></a><br />
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Said, crazy guy. Look at how happy he was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiC30Q9iAHLtiITmTV0zF_I1nG-FbttTCZEJYKhZ-Of3m1xktOr077N5Vf2oh8eo7NrT2N7kZ52HPCqhHZsh1R8Gg2B3J1BFlz1SgKtfMtPOp4x_C6CzczmXz7Rzh1JK_sIKz/s1600/GraveyardACNH-10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiC30Q9iAHLtiITmTV0zF_I1nG-FbttTCZEJYKhZ-Of3m1xktOr077N5Vf2oh8eo7NrT2N7kZ52HPCqhHZsh1R8Gg2B3J1BFlz1SgKtfMtPOp4x_C6CzczmXz7Rzh1JK_sIKz/s1600/GraveyardACNH-10.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z6TePrdG7yEdQZM_DtHKHYsULguIDKTz-im_gZg9YpzFkrYaebmfgwjnbk6uMZ_V2wCgx3dJAEDcefGfGOgq8GWVkYFAxUf4j2NQnGTdyEVo2vzZWNgC39emUDtEvleutDow/s1600/InfinityPoolACNH-15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z6TePrdG7yEdQZM_DtHKHYsULguIDKTz-im_gZg9YpzFkrYaebmfgwjnbk6uMZ_V2wCgx3dJAEDcefGfGOgq8GWVkYFAxUf4j2NQnGTdyEVo2vzZWNgC39emUDtEvleutDow/s1600/InfinityPoolACNH-15.jpg" /></a><br />
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MBS Infinity pool is that you? Oh ya, and they do not serve any alcohol on this island. #seriously?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xk3x-9XkVQF6HFoGZwAeqfLkzU-aS7r20_0iPOHmZGc0w2f44usMDJMzA-Ji94LwsR8XaNuAmGf-LCXslA3pgkgKYRJZ9IJZYHGyEss35JWfEygO_pRtcDuIGPG2YOQrx1ir/s1600/MuseumACNH-19.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xk3x-9XkVQF6HFoGZwAeqfLkzU-aS7r20_0iPOHmZGc0w2f44usMDJMzA-Ji94LwsR8XaNuAmGf-LCXslA3pgkgKYRJZ9IJZYHGyEss35JWfEygO_pRtcDuIGPG2YOQrx1ir/s1600/MuseumACNH-19.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkv9BmoqeXtttn2mNyyfeCeEER6u6jnPhW6qotzh74LWP3_ij0LAaGNyk50otzGEtPq887Tz_kxb3onrgJWVTtR9JVD7ZwvOLQs0Y8AY2_KYFNvDFqFCoDDW64oDjPdqbICVJ/s1600/MushroomGardenACNH-20.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkv9BmoqeXtttn2mNyyfeCeEER6u6jnPhW6qotzh74LWP3_ij0LAaGNyk50otzGEtPq887Tz_kxb3onrgJWVTtR9JVD7ZwvOLQs0Y8AY2_KYFNvDFqFCoDDW64oDjPdqbICVJ/s1600/MushroomGardenACNH-20.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlv77l55R3S_ZpYr6e8i_-q2lUFyzvMhE0GoGIKLPoiNJJVzM_rv5THNsTYTbX5X-ndEfTfB-qJiWka_igVJzhciJ7qwf2gmWpHMYNewvDm22SC8YX_XaYmSDAAk3fcrfTVwJ/s1600/PlaygroundACNH-22.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlv77l55R3S_ZpYr6e8i_-q2lUFyzvMhE0GoGIKLPoiNJJVzM_rv5THNsTYTbX5X-ndEfTfB-qJiWka_igVJzhciJ7qwf2gmWpHMYNewvDm22SC8YX_XaYmSDAAk3fcrfTVwJ/s1600/PlaygroundACNH-22.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKn2etnhN7EhNeNhfLctn478pmnwNynYSQ0cAzWIFMWcIWD80fMDWJa6pql9lubMDb2thg4Tag6XE1KOiao45nC87cFReWhfDZVNPCsCdPivN9-UM6RUysf0NVREOTjJADIld/s1600/TimeTravelACNH-26.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKn2etnhN7EhNeNhfLctn478pmnwNynYSQ0cAzWIFMWcIWD80fMDWJa6pql9lubMDb2thg4Tag6XE1KOiao45nC87cFReWhfDZVNPCsCdPivN9-UM6RUysf0NVREOTjJADIld/s1600/TimeTravelACNH-26.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAObFR0gyCvsgGH_PesopETFanuGSpAtJZ9Gl9RpxdG0efy2h-g-7Q_y1g_ddcWpgbAXThO-go5xBoNJXLUVnvbZLlj4B5GQYtfmC3_pKPqrJB6WhgsN3q6kN4dwudB5Kna4DT/s1600/UrbanlightsLAACNH-29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAObFR0gyCvsgGH_PesopETFanuGSpAtJZ9Gl9RpxdG0efy2h-g-7Q_y1g_ddcWpgbAXThO-go5xBoNJXLUVnvbZLlj4B5GQYtfmC3_pKPqrJB6WhgsN3q6kN4dwudB5Kna4DT/s1600/UrbanlightsLAACNH-29.jpg" /></a><br />
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Probably my favourite area on the Island. Which also explains why this picture was selected as the cover photo of this travel article.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn0JcDvfWjU2YOsaAafttYiJUXwwIzX-xEhruyReb1HaCXwlkLatdroh4DCSrvT61NagIKPA56jbmBjd3oRWeI9igjO9ElP_Cjmp-t4ySKTIJFjgZ8sZtnQg31KujAHxKWlkr/s1600/KobeACNH-16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn0JcDvfWjU2YOsaAafttYiJUXwwIzX-xEhruyReb1HaCXwlkLatdroh4DCSrvT61NagIKPA56jbmBjd3oRWeI9igjO9ElP_Cjmp-t4ySKTIJFjgZ8sZtnQg31KujAHxKWlkr/s1600/KobeACNH-16.jpg" /></a><br />
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There was a tribute shrine for the late Kobe Bean Bryant right outside of my house. #RIPMamba #Onions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPSg43uuWPkGTy1eGUsfHiFDIDZSjMx0THu4fRV_19jvm4h40LPM1uVfcZxwmA9xdTxgqDF1rII7biyUfQVdsF9FOvNEEMtymlrO-BB-r2WKyV4cTMDxfgjYHJa_IIY1G2MLu/s1600/ValleyACNH-31.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPSg43uuWPkGTy1eGUsfHiFDIDZSjMx0THu4fRV_19jvm4h40LPM1uVfcZxwmA9xdTxgqDF1rII7biyUfQVdsF9FOvNEEMtymlrO-BB-r2WKyV4cTMDxfgjYHJa_IIY1G2MLu/s1600/ValleyACNH-31.jpg" /></a><br />
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I found this valley. There was a lot of jumping. Lucky for me, SAF has trained me for this day with all the standing broad jumps exercises. "Encik, where got people jump like that one." Oops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB1PtLPMepX0QT40EuU4_AtRa5axHDgeUHj5UrK0ZN5COtdlmse74zbCb_Csd_VvkeX_Tf7bKy7Yzli7t0HzxUdGk21q2Fn5aTKSiEQJMbIFMicvBKyNhyphenhyphenMJUMZmoLTR9wxzk/s1600/SecretBeachACNH-24.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB1PtLPMepX0QT40EuU4_AtRa5axHDgeUHj5UrK0ZN5COtdlmse74zbCb_Csd_VvkeX_Tf7bKy7Yzli7t0HzxUdGk21q2Fn5aTKSiEQJMbIFMicvBKyNhyphenhyphenMJUMZmoLTR9wxzk/s1600/SecretBeachACNH-24.jpg" /></a><br />
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I bump into another visitor at the secret beach. She told me she ain't staying for the night. She was just visiting. I told her I've a double rattan bed that is enough for both of us. We looked into each others' eyes, <i>she</i> smiled at me and said, "Bro, can cata? Okay to pay in nmt or bells." #WTFCATFISHISREAL . We sat there awkwardly watching the night sky. I was too embarrassed to make a move first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAnKVXOjz2VO7lJypYCbjpMV8Yv1MJb3KxXKLQTO6TrPxAWPAGSC3f0U6WyYwz14gqdcyLrZJhLsdfg408xgs4TP2DSOAhKDeX9gRFhWdTZ_O-s0MH64qWhcyRonriqPrRzha/s1600/PRISONACNH-23.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAnKVXOjz2VO7lJypYCbjpMV8Yv1MJb3KxXKLQTO6TrPxAWPAGSC3f0U6WyYwz14gqdcyLrZJhLsdfg408xgs4TP2DSOAhKDeX9gRFhWdTZ_O-s0MH64qWhcyRonriqPrRzha/s1600/PRISONACNH-23.jpg" /></a><br />
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Last thing I remember I was running for the door. I had to find the passage back to the place I was before. "Relax", said the night man "We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like but you can never leave". #Doyouknowthissong<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmydUeQ5HXHwv31uYYu8XW9eECwp-4LzJBOcXDCyW-iAhWjgrp5wS30MTyyJBsszHf-ChFMzqhyq3z-WgRbtq2ppS8WGDYpuswQnVgaSclsGhSWj7ZlPP2Xmx0PQVP48ZvvVo/s1600/EmobeachACNH-5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmydUeQ5HXHwv31uYYu8XW9eECwp-4LzJBOcXDCyW-iAhWjgrp5wS30MTyyJBsszHf-ChFMzqhyq3z-WgRbtq2ppS8WGDYpuswQnVgaSclsGhSWj7ZlPP2Xmx0PQVP48ZvvVo/s1600/EmobeachACNH-5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Like that lor. Looks like I'm gonna stuck here for awhile longer.<br />
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Hit me up if you wish to visit Kame Island.<br />
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Happy animal crossing.Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-25437521975195335502020-04-07T13:26:00.001+08:002020-04-07T13:28:12.799+08:00Covid-19: Migrant Workers' Dormitories in Singapore<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7ki3r" data-offset-key="cr259-0-0">
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<br />I believe that many have received videos, messages, and even images sharing concerns about our migrant workers' dormitories and the covid-19 situation. <br /><br />I hear many of your concerns and I would like to share this post by Minister Jo Teo. <br /><br />Link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/123724534368517/posts/3665600290180906/?d=n">https://www.facebook.com/123724534368517/posts/3665600290180906/?d=n</a><br /><br />To quote her, "SHOULD STANDARDS IN FOREIGN WORKER DORMITORIES BE RAISED?<br /><br />There’s no question in my mind, answer is “yes”." <br /><br />I don't think I can say it better than Min Teo herself. The concerns are real and actions need to be taken. I like how she admitted it like it is instead of trying to defend it as if it was otherwise. <br /><br />Of course, the standard question is, "would you stay in such dormitories yourself if you think it is good enough?" <br /><br />Like her post pointed out, it is not easy to find a balance. To offer them what is best for them and also at the same time managing the cost for the employers. <br /><br />Being a migrant worker is not easy. Being in the industry itself is not easy. I have visited some of these dorms and spoken to some of them before. I remember this article that I contributed to unscrambled many years ago when I was still a SEP; <br /><br />“I love Singapore. I want to be here and continue working and contributing as long as I am healthy. I don’t care about other things or how other people look at me. I do my part and I’m happy where I am.”<br /><br />Link: <a href="https://www.unscrambled.sg/2017/06/16/photo-story-migrant-workers-celebration-2017/">https://www.unscrambled.sg/2017/06/16/photo-story-migrant-workers-celebration-2017/</a><br /><br />If there is something that we can take away at the end of this Covid-19 saga, I hope people learn to count your blessings. For everything we have, for everything we are given. <br /><br />Before I end this post, I would like to share another post from another popular page in Singapore - SMRT Feedback. While I do not always agree with everything they share or calling themselves vigilanteh by hiding behind a Facebook page, there is some truth in their post. <br /><br />"When the govt want to house foreign workers in neighbourhoods, residents complain then no choice gotta house the dorms in far-flung areas.<br /><br />S'poreans are quick to criticise these workers when they board the trains at the end of the work day. Parents tell their kids that these workers should be avoided in public. More and more Singaporeans are turning xenophobic.<br /><br />They beat their chest screaming for better conditions for foreign workers but in the same breath balked at the same workers living alongside them.<br /><br />It's hypocrisy and racism, plain and simple."<br /><br />While I am happy that many share the concern and wish to see improvement for these workers who contributed greatly to our nation-building, for now. I hope that they bring this compassion with them beyond Covid-19 situation and also beyond just their keyboards.<br /><br />Link:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/smrtsg/posts/3225055884185268">https://www.facebook.com/smrtsg/posts/3225055884185268</a></div>
Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-44795764506098404562020-04-01T08:14:00.001+08:002020-04-01T10:14:22.550+08:00Repair Nintendo Switch Joycon Singapore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubOT0mjiRx_b8M3JkExRmnh6RJpcJ3o7dLvfRUd90_gIOOyOdiQ7R2m6aUf38rFW5mbyXmY2mt2CMJCTCYyoSH_lhM9TL67id60r9txT7L6_zvS121-H7KXGYAEVWz5eTcyAJ/s1600/90805545_10156591679401157_2547631414367485952_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubOT0mjiRx_b8M3JkExRmnh6RJpcJ3o7dLvfRUd90_gIOOyOdiQ7R2m6aUf38rFW5mbyXmY2mt2CMJCTCYyoSH_lhM9TL67id60r9txT7L6_zvS121-H7KXGYAEVWz5eTcyAJ/s1600/90805545_10156591679401157_2547631414367485952_o.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>TL;DR - </b><i>If you've something spoilt, when ya' playin game, who do you call? - LIN YUAN XIAO! </i><br />
Hello everyone! Yes, I have been neglecting this space and in fact most of my social media platforms for 2 reasons.<br />
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1. <b>Covid-19. </b>Not like I am out there fighting and punching Covid-19 physically but with Covid-19 around, my colleagues and I have been working hard to ensure everyone gets some help during this tough time.<br />
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2. <b>Animal Crossing: New Horizons. </b>I do not know how to describe this game but this game is crazily addictive. You are doing various tasks and mini-game each day trying to progress and grow your town. While doing that, you will get to customize your town as well as your character. <b> </b><br />
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Trust me, this game is super popular. Thanks to that, I have spent a lot of time at home playing this game. Might as well right since the keywords are "Stay at home".<br />
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Do not go out unnecessarily.<br />
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If you want social element in your life, you can always play this game and stop having physical social gatherings for awhile. I actually made some new friends online playing Animal crossing!<br />
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So far it is proven that social gatherings are one of the main ways in which the virus is being spread.<br />
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And also, staying at home also doesn't mean inviting your friends over to have house parties. That is still social gathering. So we all please do our part. Meet friend just meet online lah.<br />
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<i>As usual, I digress. </i><br />
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So with a lot more hours put onto my Nintendo Switch, I supposed my joycon gave way as well.<br />
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A new pair of joycon cost you easily from $90 to $120 but fixing it only take you $20 and in fact only a few mins.<br />
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I contacted Lin via Facebook and managed to set up a meeting date and time very quickly.<br />
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HE ACTUALLY REPAIRS IT ON THE SPOT!!! I was really impressed.<br />
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I have heard from some people that other repair services will actually pick it up and you will have to wait for a few days for you can meet up with him again just to pick it up.<br />
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And Lin is actually really nice. On top of just fixing and ask you to *cough* f off, he actually explained to me what happened and why is it broken. He also shared with me some tips on how to take care of my joycons so it will not be spoilt so easily in the future.<br />
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HELLO! Can I give this man 6 stars already???<br />
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Anyway contact Lin <a href="https://www.facebook.com/linyx">here</a> via his Facebook or his Carousell account <a href="https://sg.carousell.com/ciao8">here</a><br />
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Also, use promo code "I read Smith's blog" for discount. (I think got lah. Just try lah.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpHrtP4Q2o4O3UxfQAeWgr8u-hDHZvrMbgKKC48ZV7jaL_DHaxXYoDTQfIMNRawE8dIblZVsNCPqWdOca902Fj3gjLkyUxetFWR_9YIwPOpuDQUNJHYe7GHJhW4hWBqMyupuv/s1600/Untitled+design+%252821%2529.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpHrtP4Q2o4O3UxfQAeWgr8u-hDHZvrMbgKKC48ZV7jaL_DHaxXYoDTQfIMNRawE8dIblZVsNCPqWdOca902Fj3gjLkyUxetFWR_9YIwPOpuDQUNJHYe7GHJhW4hWBqMyupuv/s1600/Untitled+design+%252821%2529.png" /></a>Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-34857474639713220402020-03-13T01:27:00.000+08:002020-03-13T01:27:05.066+08:00Hey Luke!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHneg3coU9u1-1qtEl1IuLTy6t7cquG4jEm5foDr6tFuGQLyP8_hdU4mwr7ubYZTk_6Sa9aWZ7JMOmi40797dix-qe-vxJ6qcl797RKBylhHnhAbkp4yZDTE0VMQMIGCG47Fk/s1600/_DSC2282-13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHneg3coU9u1-1qtEl1IuLTy6t7cquG4jEm5foDr6tFuGQLyP8_hdU4mwr7ubYZTk_6Sa9aWZ7JMOmi40797dix-qe-vxJ6qcl797RKBylhHnhAbkp4yZDTE0VMQMIGCG47Fk/s1600/_DSC2282-13.jpg" /></a><br />
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Hey Luke,<br />
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"I am your father!" - Those were the very first words you heard from me. That voice? That is me, your father. Your mum wanted the name and you can't blame me for doing this right? Long story short, your mum ain't the StarWars fan. She just strangely like that name.<br />
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2020, the year you were born is a rather crazy year. We were living through this virus known as Covid-19. No thanks to that, I was not able to be with your mum in the operation theatre like I was when your brother Seth was born. Besides that, it is also the year where one of my favourite NBA players of all time, Kobe Bryant died in a crazy accident. #MambaForever<br />
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This blog post was written in the middle of the very first night you were born. Sadly, thanks to Covid-19, I was not allowed to be in the hospital with you guys. I had to leave both you and your mum in the hospital.<br />
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I am pretty damn sure you ain't gonna read this blogpost until you are old enough for the internet (yeah, it's a bad bad place) or neither do I think I will be showing you this anytime soon. In fact, you will probably not be told that your dad has a blog until later part of your life. I am not too sure how proud you will be of me writing this silly blog and erm, my poor grammar. Oops. (Still)<br />
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I was looking back at the very first open letter that I wrote for your brother and I realized that some of the things that I wrote back then actually stayed. I was quite surprised by my own consistency too.<br />
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Writing such open letters has become a habit over years for me since the arrival of your brother.<br />
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So to follow the tradition, here is one for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemffyi7YRPJdzUnTSPFy_s0IU9qEjIEb7QC6lBre22Uf9tzUEOcRxpJ-dbxO2bpE9_1CRedXjDdwTb4ys1YJn_EB6CwhRxVCFkKzbBvw3ua3MWPNTQbEgafkVUmet0C6365z_/s1600/_DSC2218-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemffyi7YRPJdzUnTSPFy_s0IU9qEjIEb7QC6lBre22Uf9tzUEOcRxpJ-dbxO2bpE9_1CRedXjDdwTb4ys1YJn_EB6CwhRxVCFkKzbBvw3ua3MWPNTQbEgafkVUmet0C6365z_/s1600/_DSC2218-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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1. <b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life is unfair. </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">This is the very first lesson in life that I wish to share with you. It is not because my life sucks or I am going through some dark patch of my life - mid-life crisis nonsense. I am telling you this because you are our 2nd child. As much as most parents will claim that they love all their children just as much, I am calling it out right here. That's bullshit. I am not some expert in being a parent but what I can say is that this is the reality of life. You will probably get a better father considering the fact that I now have 4 years worth more of experience. However, that is probably about it. We are in a different stage of life as compared to 4 years ago. Our amount of resource we have is different. We used to only have 1 child to take care of but now with you around, we need to share everything. You will probably get the same undivided attention and time that Seth got. I am not saying this to make myself feel better. The bigger lesson here is that one should never compare. We count our blessings and what we are given. Life is a lot easier that way. We strive to do our best. Our biggest enemy is ourselves. Not someone else. Don't be a whiner. </span><br />
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2. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read. </span></b>This biggest regrets of mine stays. I didn't pick up reading and that suck. It makes work so much harder and learning so much harder. Not only did it make reading difficult but it also makes writing so much harder. You can read anything you want, from news to books to even descriptions of your medication or anything. There's no such thing as knowing too much. Knowledge is knowledge and you can't die from OD. I have been reading a lot more in the past 1 year due to my new job. The benefits of it are limitless. </div>
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3. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be Brave.</span></b> When in doubt with anything in life, always always take the leap of faith. I read this article online that talked about regrets. They mentioned something like how people always regret more on things they didn't do over things they did and it was a mistake. They had their whole life to forgive themselves and make things right but a missed opportunity will always be a 'what-if' in your head and that eats you up. Anyway, every mistake makes a good story. Never ever be worried about failing. That's the only way we will be successful eventually. I wrote this on Seth's letter as well and I am saying it again. It is not because I am lazy to come out with something new but being brave is one of my favourite advice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVXvaEdhYoIs9QWcmALTrs6Ukz7xRPxHd_UV03hRKvpJvCwgvypPlBlIYJyCNeLzRllm9BjJC51Bp7qvxFSNBTKntNqeJ_nYjScdiL4zCpTUDXTbc26Wrdr2cifD9cn6HdI1A/s1600/_DSC2240-7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVXvaEdhYoIs9QWcmALTrs6Ukz7xRPxHd_UV03hRKvpJvCwgvypPlBlIYJyCNeLzRllm9BjJC51Bp7qvxFSNBTKntNqeJ_nYjScdiL4zCpTUDXTbc26Wrdr2cifD9cn6HdI1A/s1600/_DSC2240-7.jpg" /></i></a></div>
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<i>Your mum.jpg</i></div>
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4. <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Love.</b> </span>Don't be afraid to get hurt. Don't worry that your love will not be appreciated or even be abused. Love is not like a game of squash where there will always be a return. Love is like cliff jumping. You do not know what will happen out there. What will be underneath the water? Shark? Gold? Treasure? Rocks? In fact, you don't even know if you will survive the jump less say enjoy it but you have to be brave and do it. Love, be passionate about things around you. Love someone, love yourself, love great wins, love the result of hard work or even just simply love the process. And of course, love me lah dude. Always love like you have never loved before but don't rush it. Love will find it's way eventually. #MightBeTooMuchForYou #ButYouWillGetItSomeday</div>
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5. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Talk.</span> </b>One thing that I am very proud of myself is the way I talk and communicate. Look at me, not the best looking dad but I was pretty popular in my heyday (don't laugh or doubt) and all thanks to how smooth I was(or so I believe at least). I digress. This is not my point at all. My point is no matter what happened to you, good or bad, always tell me things. If you don't tell me things, I cannot set things right. I may scold you, I might get angry but remember this, I am only doing those things because I care. On top of that, I will always do my best to set things right. If you get bullied, I make sure they get burned in hell, if you knocked someone up, I hope she is pretty, if you killed someone who is bad, I will make sure we clean it up well, if you killed someone who is good, I make sure I am the one who put you into where you are supposed to and get you out thereafter. No matter good or bad, always talk to me(us).<br />
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6. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Consequences. </span></b>If there is one thing that I wish to share with you from teaching and mentoring youths is that I really cannot tell a person what is right or wrong. Not just because I do not believe in making decisions for others, but it is also because there is no absolute good nor bad decisions in life. We will be put at crossroads more often than we can imagine. What to eat, what course to take in school, where to go, who to date, which career path should you choose, or whatnot. Each decision leads us to different paths and we cannot simply say that 1 path is better than the other either. It is not over till it is over. We just have to learn to be prepared to deal with all the consequences. Who knows, if I had studied harder, got into a better school, I might end up somewhere else with a different type of success, met a different girl, and you will probably never be born. And you might just be the best thing in life that I could have missed without even knowing. Life is a strange thing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0NTfLjx6l6h4yPhfrxNYh-uqLr4LkceuxzafAOsLcR5LEX1fh4Nav3U55zZm_upv7nl-hmW98x8Sc1Sl0_IpDxYatVI02dG8SZwz8c1MhD2SgvxD_E6O0AQpPODWbk0yRN1j/s1600/_DSC2269-10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0NTfLjx6l6h4yPhfrxNYh-uqLr4LkceuxzafAOsLcR5LEX1fh4Nav3U55zZm_upv7nl-hmW98x8Sc1Sl0_IpDxYatVI02dG8SZwz8c1MhD2SgvxD_E6O0AQpPODWbk0yRN1j/s1600/_DSC2269-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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7. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm Sorry. </span></b>It is never easy for typical Asian parents to apologize to their kids. I am not sure if I will become one of those people like your grandparents but whatever the case I will say it here 1st. (I think I am fine. I do say sorry to Seth every time I make some silly mistakes.)<br />
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Your dad loves his life. He likes his wine and his parties. Not like he doesn't like you but your dad is a little selfish. He wants to work and achieve more in terms of personal development as well as having my very own "successful career". One thing for sure is that I will never blame you and say shit like you are the reason I work hard so I can put the bread and bacon on the table. It's not that case. I work hard because I want to. Life is meaningless if at the end of the day you did nothing. Live a life that is short and sharp instead of one that is long and meaningless. Don't look back and realized that you left no legacy behind. I know you and Seth are my legacies but you guys are only part of it.<br />
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You will live to tell tales of me, the way you know me but I guess I have to do things in order for you to record my victories. I will try my best to develop you the way I want. I will try my best to give you the freedom to do the things you like but there are things I hope you could do to kinda like fulfilling my unfulfilled dream, like playing basketball. So I'm saying sorry if you feel like I'm forcing you to do anything or worst you are feeling neglected by me because I'm spending too much time on my career and myself. Always refer back to point 5. Talk. Tell me about it and I believe we can always sort things out. The point is nobody taught us how to be a parent. One day we are young and wild and free and next BOOM, we are daddies and mummies and we are supposed to know how to be parents?<br />
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I choose to believe that I have been a pretty decent father to Seth over the last four years despite doing it for the 1st time. However, I ain't going to be complacent. I will only do better to ensure that we all live our lives to our fullest.<br />
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I will try my best to be patient with you boys but at the same time, I hope you are patient with this old man trying to learn new tricks. Bottom line is no matter what, I love you. </div>
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Whatever the case, I hope you grow up well and healthy. Of course, I would love it that you grow up powerful and wealthy as well. Every father would want their son to be somebody so please forgive me if I've been too hard with you over the years. </div>
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May the force be with you, </div>
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Smith of House Leong, </div>
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Father of Seth and Luke. </div>
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Son of Punggol (this title like familiar). </div>
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The unfit. </div>
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Breaker of Wind. </div>
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Drinker of Beer. </div>
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Author of famous book - Facebook.</div>
Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-59132893627940903052020-02-24T17:26:00.001+08:002020-02-24T17:26:19.581+08:00If I die young<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ3isWQ9alQs_WUx0Iy65gF7PiT3cVdh0C28FEqx5sWuXCcR6PHmYVaJdE2KNX3podd42V3KWq_1O2y4MWkJOalxVytOHLCTq8u2kXZudseaXPnFj2OaGqOqgkTEVd3QdxehF/s1600/If+I+die+young.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ3isWQ9alQs_WUx0Iy65gF7PiT3cVdh0C28FEqx5sWuXCcR6PHmYVaJdE2KNX3podd42V3KWq_1O2y4MWkJOalxVytOHLCTq8u2kXZudseaXPnFj2OaGqOqgkTEVd3QdxehF/s1600/If+I+die+young.png" /></a><br />
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It has been almost a month since the death of Kobe Bryant but the reality has yet to set in.<br />
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The fact that more social media outlets have been sharing his greatness makes it even harder to believe. We are watching eve more of him than ever.<br />
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Today is a very special day. Kobe is #24 and his daughter Gigi is #2. That is pretty much it. 24th Feb. 24.2.<br />
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It got me thinking. What if I die young. Life is so unpredictable, isn't it? It can be of a sudden illness, car accident, helicopter accident, or simply just any accident.<br />
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Death is inevitable.<br />
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It is a matter of when and how, never why.<br />
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Is it morbid to think about?<br />
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Is it too early to think about?<br />
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My own brother died at the age of 35.<br />
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Kobe died at the age of 41.<br />
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Kurt Cobain at the age of 27.<br />
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Wong Ka Kui (Beyond) at the age of 31<br />
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Chang Yu-sheng at 31 as well.<br />
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So I guess it is never too early to talk about it?<br />
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<b>Legacy </b><br />
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Not too sure what is life to others, but to me, it has always been about legacy. I remember saying this to a friend at a very young age.<br />
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<i>"I want to be on the history textbook one day."</i><br />
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<i>"why?"</i><br />
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<i>"We will all die someday. Regardless of how old or young. Not everyone will get a chance to meet me and not everyone will know who I really am. At least if you are on a textbook, people would kind of know who you are right?"</i><br />
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I guess you can call me egoistic but at the same time, I just feel like life is kinda meaningless if you leave nothing behind isn't it?<br />
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So what if you worked hard? So what if you have been a kind person all your life if you cease to exist the moment you bite the dust? Wouldn't life be a lot more meaningful if you are able to leave something behind? Like your life is real. It is not just a dream.<br />
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The lives you touched, the people you met, the things you have achieved. I know some of you might not agree with me and find that it is sad that I put my focus in life based on how others look at me or what I've done. At least I am honest about it.<br />
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Anyways I think history textbook is kind of overrated these days. As long as Google does not close down one day, I think I am cool.<br />
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<b>If I die young;</b><br />
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Can someone continue to pay for this domain?<br />
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I do not want you guys to cry for me. I want everyone to celebrate my life. I was here.<br />
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It is okay not to visit me at my grave or wherever. I think it has very little meaning to it.<br />
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I am not exactly very religious so I think throwing a party and invite everyone and just to do small groups of sharing of who I am will be fine. Do serve some alcohol at least.<br />
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I hope you guys can tell my kids about what kind of person I am. Sugarcoat nothing. Tell them as it is. I want them to really know me.<br />
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It is okay to throw away all my things because I know I really have a lot of them. At least donate it to the people who will need it and not waste those things I've bought.<br />
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I want to say sorry to everyone I've hurt. I probably didn't mean it and I am sorry and wish that you can forgive me. If I did hurt you on purpose, you probably deserved it so I forgive you too. LOL.<br />
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Do not tell my family that I am in a better place. You cannot be sure.<br />
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Tell my family I am sorry I can no longer be there for them.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be there for all the good times and bad.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be that voice to scold you when you make a mistake.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be the person you wake up to in the morning.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be the person who keeps you up with my snores.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be there to remind you to eat your meat.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be the person that annoys you anymore.<br />
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I am sorry I am unable to share my interest and my life personally.<br />
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I am sorry I cannot be the person to teach you everything.<br />
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I am sorry that your life is harder without me.<br />
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I am sorry that I am gone.<br />
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P.S. No, I am not suicidal. I just have this thought and wanted to pen it down.<br />
Please do not call the suicide hotline on me. Thanks.<br />
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In case this blog post sucks, here's a MV for you.<br />
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<br />Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-89735198836088567432020-02-10T09:29:00.000+08:002020-02-10T13:31:54.043+08:00Wuhan coronavirus Dorscon level changed to Orange in Singapore<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wuhan coronavirus Dorscon level changed to Orange in Singapore and everybody loses their minds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The last weekend was an eye-opening one. Not just because everyone went crazy and started sweeping things off the shelf but because the incident has shown me the true colours of people in Singapore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The good thing is it that it isn't just the bad and ugly but also the good. It all started on Friday evening when the Wuhan coronoavirus Dorscon level changed to Orange. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Oh changed to orange? Okay lah. life goes on. Just continue to eat lor." - me </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Still on hur? Ok. See you guys later." - my friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And then the rest was history. Social media started blowing up with images of people running around buying things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"It will be over by tomorrow morning lah. Singaporeans very short attention span." I said. But I was wrong. Things carried on and I was a little annoyed and I posted this on my personal Facebook. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9cXqGn1edO0TOUvYWljfrkxxWNv4yNXZIhlX4_BQNC8CDP7tTAZO6q46TzcYajAGR8wUFbgn5-E5qKX2Z9QkE2n6wcP-dWWZ8o1ZruAanSLYkYP97nGaGR92YSAZH7F2XkFb/s1600/84623322_10156450628006157_84954053682921472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9cXqGn1edO0TOUvYWljfrkxxWNv4yNXZIhlX4_BQNC8CDP7tTAZO6q46TzcYajAGR8wUFbgn5-E5qKX2Z9QkE2n6wcP-dWWZ8o1ZruAanSLYkYP97nGaGR92YSAZH7F2XkFb/s1600/84623322_10156450628006157_84954053682921472_n.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>I was having dinner with my friends casually yesterday and chilling. Well, it was TGIF after all.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>To my horror when I checked my phone at the end of the dinner, my phone was flooded with images of people snatching items from the various supermarkets.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Guys, chill.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1. We are fighting a virus and when the dorscon shifted from yellow to orange yesterday, it is asking you guys to beware of the virus. Wash your hands, avoid crowds, and maybe even take your temperature. NOT TO STOCK UP FOOD.</span></div>
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2. This is not zombie apocalypse nor fighting a war. You do not need to stock up food. There is no lack of food, and that is not your main enemy now. Stupidity is as it seems.</div>
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3. Various supermarkets are already restocking. This mass panic buy is causing a lot of stress for these workers. Not only are they working double hard, I've heard people abusing and scolding staff. Guys, we are better than this. They do not owe us a living. They can jolly well walk away and not work but they did not abandon the community. So instead, why is the community abandoning them? They are only workers and doing their part.</div>
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4. Singapore, we can do this together and only if we do it together. By doing all these mass buying and keeping it in your own storeroom, it is an act of selfishness. Please, Singapore is more educated and better than this.</div>
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5. What you guys are doing now is simply breaking the system for ourselves even before anything happens. And when things go sideways, many will probably blame the government once again. But remember this, they have a system in place. You were the one who broke it.</div>
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6. I saw someone saying this yesterday, "Why tell Singaporeans about the dorscon? This kind of information only scares people. Tell them for what? They also do not know any better." See this is how difficult we are as an individual isn't it? Don't tell you information, you complain that the government is not transparent and Singapore is a nanny state. Tell you all things, you guys say the government is not strategic and scare the citizens. What can they gain from scaring citizens? So how? To tell or not to tell?</div>
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End of the day, think of the bigger picture, life should go on as per normal. Don't overdo it. This is not the time to do all these.</div>
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If you are reading this message, you are a friend and I hope you are not one of those crazy mass buyers.</div>
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If you are reading this message, you are a friend and I hope you can tell others and educate them not to be silly.</div>
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If you are reading this message, you are a friend and I hope you share this message."</div>
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The post above has gotten over <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156450628001157&set=a.81486311156&type=3&theater">5,000 shares</a> at this point when I am crafting this reflection post. </div>
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While there were a handful of people who defended their honour and action, most of the people who shared the post shared the same sentiment. I went through each and every one of the comments on the post as well as those on the shares. I was surprised I felt a little touched reading all these comments. They truly touch my heart to know that there are like-minded people out there who would put community first. Of course, I am not saying that I am the only person out there. I am just, well, touched. </div>
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Sorry, I am unable to share all the screenshots but here are some of those that I kinda really like! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRg8U8zf7f4nxCfv8fL9PQMJuU3fZAQZZh5CZIfd1toMt2Coz7mBwUz_KlMrkNFPhKPTfqwAakG6CQDAmu1l-qaA5LWkTCQ10F0_5t73OdrO7cQGXYKaqrU4RBHQYoDQh3Lor/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.04.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="684" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRg8U8zf7f4nxCfv8fL9PQMJuU3fZAQZZh5CZIfd1toMt2Coz7mBwUz_KlMrkNFPhKPTfqwAakG6CQDAmu1l-qaA5LWkTCQ10F0_5t73OdrO7cQGXYKaqrU4RBHQYoDQh3Lor/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.04.16+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7SVK3R24Xv0GMX3Y0MegusflLrogvtpi5cn4ST50ynOHMJR_CqurUS-riFBMHoLchWTXH8r9llbMj4aBrT03ITR3oZ36Jlq_6N4i-IO0xlFxiv5wwMQz2osz8OuqL-BfACby/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.04.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="964" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7SVK3R24Xv0GMX3Y0MegusflLrogvtpi5cn4ST50ynOHMJR_CqurUS-riFBMHoLchWTXH8r9llbMj4aBrT03ITR3oZ36Jlq_6N4i-IO0xlFxiv5wwMQz2osz8OuqL-BfACby/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.04.34+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLenkO_jB55xvgUagk7BOWRH6MnXUsfuM8TP6RTHXsNXI1Hk7eHFQn-jUOPK6qWhnDCfP-hEg4UGojp7YwWfbN9xHcM2tT834DtOQNt29Ln5LQASRYru2oHr88-MNzkKppczW8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.05.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="486" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLenkO_jB55xvgUagk7BOWRH6MnXUsfuM8TP6RTHXsNXI1Hk7eHFQn-jUOPK6qWhnDCfP-hEg4UGojp7YwWfbN9xHcM2tT834DtOQNt29Ln5LQASRYru2oHr88-MNzkKppczW8/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.05.42+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N_5PcnerM7rKh0MNYTHC5tHfPjsSqG8-ZGRL3gAM2yVM6QHiTHex1mWrPCzGzAZAi2sF16ERlMTID_VRlED53EPvst58Vhpk7gp6t72AuQxNUj4mGsU4bm5nTGkJDH5A8WW2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.06.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="840" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N_5PcnerM7rKh0MNYTHC5tHfPjsSqG8-ZGRL3gAM2yVM6QHiTHex1mWrPCzGzAZAi2sF16ERlMTID_VRlED53EPvst58Vhpk7gp6t72AuQxNUj4mGsU4bm5nTGkJDH5A8WW2/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-02-10+at+9.06.53+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Goes without saying, when there is ying, there will be yang. I have also gotten some people going at me scolding me or nitpicking on the image or my messages. Well, I have been writing this blog and have been a very public person online for many years now and this ain't exactly the 1st time I get a little heat online. So it's really nothing. You guys really got nothing on me you know? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At the same time, there were a few other posts that I would like to share too. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The lawyer/ rice importer has spoken </span></b></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Broadly speaking, at any one time, there is at least a two-month supply of most types of rice in Singapore. Several top rice exporting countries in the world, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are not too far away from Singapore geographically, and fresh rice stock from these exporting countries will typically reach our shores within 3 to 5 days of the cargo ship sailing."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">This man explains why we can calm our titties because we have plenty of rice stocked up. Chill okay? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156826876492890&id=530702889">Source.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>The dude that tells you that national-level decision is above our pay grade. TRUST THE SYSTEM. </b></span></span></h3>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Ask yourself honestly: who else can you trust, in times like this, to lead us out of this crisis? Yes, like any other governments out there, our government is not perfect. But they are our best shot in leading this fight and winning this war. If the virus is creating FEAR, the only way to overcome it is to have FAITH in the systems and protocols put in place by the government. Not creating more fear and discord among people with baseless and senseless comments." </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And to summarize his message, "Remember, the enemy is the virus, not the government." Claps! #Respect. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lim.zijin/posts/10162842805755527">Source. </a></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Singapore Psychological Society explains why do people react the way they do. </span></b></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The amygdala of the brain (emotional system) gets activated together with regions of the cortex (cognitive system) that analyze and interpret behavior. In times of stress and uncertainty, this thinking part of our brain gets hijacked by the emotional system, resulting in 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 and 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A pretty good post telling why the whys and also what should we do at times like these. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singaporepsychologicalsociety/posts/2688745961241297">Source.</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Shy random person” tells a father-mother-son-daughter story that makes me tear a little</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“We really need to behave like what we say. Cos really, somebody’s father, mother, son, daughter is out there somewhere doing what we are not.” “We are beyond 4 masks. Beyond sanitisers.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Whoever this shy guy is. His instastories did strike a chord with me. I was tearing a little at the end of the post. <a href="https://www.unscrambled.sg/2020/02/09/shy-random-person-tells-a-father-mother-son-daughter-story-that-make-me-tear-a-little/">Source.</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Minister Ng Chee Meng telling Singaporeans we are not empty-UC </span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>"</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><i>Some people have jokingly renamed our supermarket chain to Empty-UC FairPrice, rest assured we are still NTUC FairPrice and our warehouses are far from empty!"</i> #SGCares #LMCares</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-8ilcx7LoJ1K18wpnfnBz3GsgZdo5a0AN3MpZvzHEmJZ2GDGIt7EXB3BzI-45LB4dqhcALmzl-iowG5EwNVAm-K6U4HlNG-VKNUnVClHlI5OOVu1ze8Clv97QxaGII1TrjoD/s1600/85164882_2971911529496227_1287931838756552704_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-8ilcx7LoJ1K18wpnfnBz3GsgZdo5a0AN3MpZvzHEmJZ2GDGIt7EXB3BzI-45LB4dqhcALmzl-iowG5EwNVAm-K6U4HlNG-VKNUnVClHlI5OOVu1ze8Clv97QxaGII1TrjoD/s1600/85164882_2971911529496227_1287931838756552704_o.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Don't play play okay? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NgCheeMengforSG/posts/2971913072829406?__xts__[0]=68.ARCJrutR9nhxl-Nlo5CMfZx_WZEa6a6ZrbdNkKojCPAHY-pMfLAWBoJ_UwRO-XmCVTOoEVmnfC7mb1hcKjTn79rb_RuM1BgtSJO0jO5_dErH2cOFwJ0BPOph9nEycjC4CrCtnACgJYA-QWI7-L4KcBBxcKc59TniywPfWb7feL0D7tLDbpuH-3KBQackxsvw8QZ3L3Hs_XzMT31q36Wg4zCGxIBcAEqFkD3hvJzsCzC8w8IhvlM5KgWlvGs5nZvGDSN9dH_m_OFeFoxB4CuNq1VUddRL-dWRVPdiGi1xl1xLs1d-vVufAe8p5nba1zXKpZsAcNs9tVFYXH1wJD6yyfTyzQ&__tn__=-R">Mr Ng Chee Meng</a> got picture got talk. LOL. It's really quite amazing how NTUC managed to turn around for this man-made crisis we went through. The touching thing is that not only did the staff not abandon the community and brave through tough times. Many of the office staff including those from the unions and my colleagues actually gave up their weekend and went to the frontline and gave their support. I am still feeling the chills while typing this. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>S’porean man explains strain on supermarket staff caused by mass buying & urges people to stop</b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So <a href="https://www.mothership.sg/2020/02/stop-mass-buying/">mothership</a> featured this guy talking about the strain on supermarket staff.. Wait.. That's me. :p </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Things are better now</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Good news is by the end of Saturday, things were pretty much back to normal and I posted this yesterday on my Facebook. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It seems like everything is back to normal despite it being a Sunday morning where I assume not every company does delivery. Not fully stocked up yet but you can tell that it isn't as bad as it was just a night ago.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These pictures were taken mins ago at the giant supermarket near my house. The cashier was telling me that Friday night was a nightmare. The queue extended out of the unit for a<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">lmost a good 3 to 4 hrs and everyone was grouchy and impatient.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While we saw the ugly side of Singapore, we also saw a lot of rational Singaporeans too. I also saw the brotherhood in my own organisation where office staff volunteered their weekend to help out on the ground. (i also volunteered okay, but a bit late, things were already back on track when I got the notice.) I saw how some of my friends were texting each other in group chat to keep calm, don't mass buy and if need anything they can pass some around first as well. And of course, all the kind people who decided to share my article and educate their friends.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The bigger lesson out of this is that we need to keep calm. Other countries were laughing at us. It's not just a matter of face but we showed vulnerability. When we are weak, we put ourselves in a bad position for negotiation. Because we have high demand, it will become a good chance for importers to mark up prices when doing business with us. Why put ourselves in such position where we have to overpay for anything that we are not even desperate for?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Like when playing poker, always look confident even if you only have a high card. Haha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's Sunday, let us enjoy what is left of our weekend with our family. Remember to wash your hands. Stay Safe Singapore. <span class="_5afx" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/maytheforcebewithyou?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">maytheforcebewithyou</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So guys, stay safe, stay clean, stay strong. We just need to do this together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">P.S. CAN'T TOUCH THIS (FACE)! </span></div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-18421281350962833452020-02-04T00:00:00.000+08:002020-02-04T11:15:27.065+08:00HEY SETH 2020<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-OFK7kNz-c9I6UbcWzidDdWjSSoO-Oy7HJMqbKFen_m096-nerp-ENKyVTyUyWa-FhXAnP9YbfBX-VZyxS-zX_zF3CSfCfb7jlK2lYs15h8R3_v796UoYrgrapEZGjGz0D3U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-03+at+11.23.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-OFK7kNz-c9I6UbcWzidDdWjSSoO-Oy7HJMqbKFen_m096-nerp-ENKyVTyUyWa-FhXAnP9YbfBX-VZyxS-zX_zF3CSfCfb7jlK2lYs15h8R3_v796UoYrgrapEZGjGz0D3U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-03+at+11.23.49+PM.png" /></a><br />
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Hey Seth,<br />
<br />
It's your father again!<br />
<br />
Every time when I sit down and pen down such open letters to you, I try my best to imagine how would it be like for you to be reading this 1 day when I am long gone. Will you be reading this in tears? Will you be reading it at all? Will this blog even be around?<br />
<br />
Why this random thought? Something big happened in 2020, one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Kobe Bean Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash. Not only was he one of the greatest of all time, but he was also one of my idols. I love him not simply because he was good on the court but he was also great off the court. I guess like many other fans of Kobe out there, we love him because of his work ethics. Something that he is known for and will always be remembered for. His Mamba Mentality.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-clhRTX50WR0HYXNSMSXQWnC7HWZgH_4PtaMQgrJMjYT34bnyQzLFFbBFN48Y-e_ZF5er5DHm63rNefM3DSVXoMDJWCNfHd1fXZtlrkLPqtIwzrTEJ9aLaqIZ6xQqjX8Hpihp/s1600/photo6179348502103042504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-clhRTX50WR0HYXNSMSXQWnC7HWZgH_4PtaMQgrJMjYT34bnyQzLFFbBFN48Y-e_ZF5er5DHm63rNefM3DSVXoMDJWCNfHd1fXZtlrkLPqtIwzrTEJ9aLaqIZ6xQqjX8Hpihp/s1600/photo6179348502103042504.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mamba 4 Life.</td></tr>
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While it was sad that he passed away in such a tragic manner, what makes it even more tragic was that his daughter was in the same accident.<br />
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I imagined the scenes before the crash. I tried. I put myself in his shoes. The kind of pain that he went through before his death. Not by the crash, not by the fire, but because of the fact that it was out of his control to save his daughter. The kind of helplessness is something no one should ever go through in their life.<br />
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"NO SHIT! WE ARE GOING DOWN DAD!!"<br />
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"It's okay baby! It's going to be okay."<br />
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"Daddy I'm scared!"<br />
<br />
"It's okay baby... We are going to sur......BOOM!"<br />
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I cannot imagine going through that. I never want to.<br />
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How did this happen to a man of his greatness? The kind of role model he was both on and off the court. The number of lives he had touched. The number of people he inspired.<br />
<br />
I was telling your mother this just a few weeks ago,<br />
<br />
"You know, I love you, I love my mum, I love my brother, I love a lot of other things. The love for my child (you) is something different. It might sound very much like a cliche or overly dramatic, but it is a feeling that I have never felt if not for Seth. The kind of love, responsibility, and guilt. While I am strict with Seth, I never ever want to disappoint him at all in the slightest manner. I just can't look at him when he feels down. I really want to do to the best of my ability to provide for him and to protect him."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtciaFtD6u1LUmy4gHwkNJn4iWQGQQ13zsEickuxZfSd9rGi6bUmJ9YdviWwbzUg7vdgo27sExwqv6olyX9Tq0wMOnTTpw77j-u8FtRZ9IqNVCxfvkSy4q8zgrxWqpXzSUni58/s1600/84214309_10156412080191157_8163962913858519040_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtciaFtD6u1LUmy4gHwkNJn4iWQGQQ13zsEickuxZfSd9rGi6bUmJ9YdviWwbzUg7vdgo27sExwqv6olyX9Tq0wMOnTTpw77j-u8FtRZ9IqNVCxfvkSy4q8zgrxWqpXzSUni58/s1600/84214309_10156412080191157_8163962913858519040_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our annual CNY pic</td></tr>
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And then the tragic accident of Kobe Bryant happened.<br />
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I might sound like a broken record at this time but I just can't wrap my head around this. It had been a week since but I was still not feeling done with feeling sad. If I ever disappoint you or fail to protect you in the near future, please know that it is probably unintentional.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAS4LGNLpxq5An086fkrXRhXhMwk6LvQtZ4v0YdqNuyN88dfEFrpq_9U_M0IjqtXgS6UC2G1GV5sgMksaHF9Wa0XeJo7RUrINYVEYHcOn_1w2WlETZC9ZzmbwdSeSGWmLiRU8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-03+at+11.24.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAS4LGNLpxq5An086fkrXRhXhMwk6LvQtZ4v0YdqNuyN88dfEFrpq_9U_M0IjqtXgS6UC2G1GV5sgMksaHF9Wa0XeJo7RUrINYVEYHcOn_1w2WlETZC9ZzmbwdSeSGWmLiRU8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-03+at+11.24.22+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 of the many episodes of #SethStrikesAgain</td></tr>
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<br />
The year 2019 - 2020 was a great year for us. You were growing up fine. You were able to verbalize your emotions and needs. You were so witty. You were saying things that made the Internet went wild. You were the star of #SethStrikesAgain.<br />
<br />
We soon decided to give you one of your greatest presents/pains (We will find out) in the early part of your life – a brother. Your mum got pregnant. She spent most of her days and nights rolling on the bed feeling sluggish. We did most of the activities in 3s before your mum's pregnancy. Things were different since she got pregnant due to her condition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzHFrLWHXBDJTnA9a0mEa560IeMX_jOcXtH_hqIoEAo8p4jEjStl5d3B8-o4v0pRmJyAxN8ytrndX6BvR7EoLUBYBSgWUgG81agulTQIdSs5Xexg2yG3zVOPp9UylE5qBxd0C/s1600/69055779_10156043763486157_4831152400507076608_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzHFrLWHXBDJTnA9a0mEa560IeMX_jOcXtH_hqIoEAo8p4jEjStl5d3B8-o4v0pRmJyAxN8ytrndX6BvR7EoLUBYBSgWUgG81agulTQIdSs5Xexg2yG3zVOPp9UylE5qBxd0C/s1600/69055779_10156043763486157_4831152400507076608_o.jpg" /></a><br />
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We started going out together, just the two of us. We had quality conversations. You asked me tons and tons of questions. You were a very curious kid. You wanted to know everything. You were great with your 5Ws and 1H. I got annoyed once in a while but I still tried my best to answer everything I could. I do not want you to stop being curious. I wanted you to bring this attitude with you. I wanted you to be hungry, and be brave.<br />
<br />
This was also the year that I started a few new practices with you. I wonder how long these traditions went on for.<br />
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1. We had our very own handshake. You loved every second of it. You would run to me every time I came home and shout at me, "PAPA HANDSHAKE!" You were a very creative child. You always built on my ideas with your own. You suggested great ideas. You were the one who added some extra steps to our handshake.<br />
<br />
2. We started this whole "one story" practice. I would come home and tell you something that happened to me at work or in my social life. While you did not fully understand everything, you would always ask questions. I like it not just because we were talking a lot but it was also for the fact that it was an opportunity for me to teach you things with context.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6hwIJMEsNlsrBpquSjV_9X6hXTCurSrGVwxm0yvaaJ6tZOCJJmoKi8NqtLCZoaP-H17TelcPDJX1nJAi_YgYQlMoGoZ1f7aCsd136Ab1nMUMnh57W-GQf4BWEyibAyXuJeYC/s1600/69985111_10156090239796157_3968608833009352704_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6hwIJMEsNlsrBpquSjV_9X6hXTCurSrGVwxm0yvaaJ6tZOCJJmoKi8NqtLCZoaP-H17TelcPDJX1nJAi_YgYQlMoGoZ1f7aCsd136Ab1nMUMnh57W-GQf4BWEyibAyXuJeYC/s1600/69985111_10156090239796157_3968608833009352704_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little things you enjoyed in life. Taking the bus and train with me.</td></tr>
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<br />
3. We started writing a diary together. Of course, you were not exactly one of those kids that were patient enough to practice your writing. I started the diary to get you interested in writing numbers, introducing to you the concept of dates. I also wanted you to be able to tell stories. If there is one thing that I have learned over the years in my line of work, it is that the ability to communicate and tell a story is a skill that is highly sought after. I wished that you would grow to like storytelling just like me. You enjoyed filling up your diary with little drawings that we did together. You would always come to me before the end of the night and tell me, "Papa, I want to do diary with you before I sleep okay?"<br />
<br />
4. This year was also the year that we started you on video games. You loved it. I was very much against screen time but I always wanted you to have better hand and eye coordination. You weren't exactly a kid with great psychomotor skills. You would walk on flat ground and still managed to fall flat on your nose. However, you soon got addicted and wanted to play it every day. However, you were a great kid too. You will stop when I made you. That was probably the saving grace. You were a very special child. Other kids would play a game of racing and want to win by being first but you would try to knock other cars in the race and laugh at it despite losing the game. You would tell me that it is more fun this way. You always do things your way.<br />
<br />
5. This was also the year that we gave you <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/12/kicking-habit-of-co-sleeping.html">your own room</a> and tried to get you to get used to sleeping alone. It wasn't easy at all. It was a very very painful change for all of us. Your mother implemented this system that you were only allowed to sleep with us on weekends. You still were not too good with those days and you would ask us every night, "Mama, tonight I sleep with you?"<br />
<br />
You will also notice by now that I missed a year of this. I can't exactly remember why I missed it. I am not too sure what happened either. I guess 2018-2019 was not exactly the best year for me and I was not writing much.<br />
<br />
For what is worth, 2019-2020 was a great one for both of us. Besides this post, I also did this post about me <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/11/i-choose-working-late-over-spending.html">choosing to work late</a> as well as this one about my take on education and my expectation for you on <a href="https://www.unscrambled.sg/2020/01/18/i-messed-up-my-gce-o-levels-but-its-okay/?fbclid=IwAR0A7J8YDEvEYelF5O9HHYMCfRjEJzJSCy0rdLd2xckZPsFhmtXOpPBlRBI">Unscrambled</a>, a site that I contributed articles to on a regular basis.<br />
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Finally, I really hope you get to read some of these articles when you are of age and enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUFjnPIbkoYc6lkPkJv3wypOQPyJuKn-QO_JKf8LpBJ9rG8aTbkEjzxvzO1D1Co7ydFBBp81ueT9582tPUIze8MA1niSmVBUYCZeHBhpbjDDHCp5hCaaPT1WuFJt_xwtlyRzB/s1600/photo6179348502103042505.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUFjnPIbkoYc6lkPkJv3wypOQPyJuKn-QO_JKf8LpBJ9rG8aTbkEjzxvzO1D1Co7ydFBBp81ueT9582tPUIze8MA1niSmVBUYCZeHBhpbjDDHCp5hCaaPT1WuFJt_xwtlyRzB/s1600/photo6179348502103042505.jpg" /></a><br />
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Fly high, burn bright, Big boy Seth.<br />
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Love you to the moon and back.<br />
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<a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2016/02/hey-seth.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Hey Seth 2016</a><br />
<a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/03/hey-seth-2017.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Hey Seth 2017</a><br />
<a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/02/hey-seth-2018.html">Hey Seth 2018</a>Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-32035973723803499822020-01-08T17:57:00.000+08:002020-01-08T17:57:33.129+08:00What is Fair Consideration Framework? <div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
After yesterday's post, it appears that many have forgotten or are unsure what Fair Consideration Framework by MOM is. So I decided to do yet another picture explainer about what FCF is.</div>
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FCF is basically the framework to ensure Singaporeans get a fair chance of getting a job. FCF will also put companies on THE watchlist if you are one of those 'triple weak' companies.</div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-49437529447321180202020-01-07T17:56:00.004+08:002020-01-07T17:56:59.765+08:00Have economic growth and job creation benefited Singaporeans more than foreigners?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some saw the parliament video of Minister Chan Chun Sing's reply to Mr. Pritam Singh and Mr. Liang Eng Hwa and asked me some questions.</div>
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I am no politician but here I am trying to explain some of the main ideas that I understood from Minister Chan's speech. I try to keep it short for easy reading.</div>
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Have economic growth and job creation benefited Singaporeans more than foreigners?</div>
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Between 2015 and 2018, local employment increased by nearly 60,000 for the whole economy.</div>
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These jobs include jobs from companies like Google, Facebook, and Grab. They are big players and many jobs were created. No doubt they are for both locals and foreigners. If not for these investments, many of us might not have the luxury of working in your own country where your friends and families are.</div>
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The above would not have happened if not for foreign investments. And no, it doesn't work in a way where you take their money and not their people. Their people are needed here to ensure the operations. Which is not all bad, because we also get to learn from big companies about their businesses.</div>
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I would even question the intention of the question. To make things worse, asking for the breakdown of PR vs Non-PR. Does it matter who benefitted more when at the end of the day, Singapore is a better place to have a career than many other places? Better than many years ago?</div>
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My point is very simple. You want to win a championship but you and your team are not good enough. So you signed LeBron James, (Michael Jordan, David Beckham, or Fandi Ahmad. Take your own pick.) and you guys are a winning team. But, you still not happy because you are no longer the star player. You are also unhappy that you are paid lower than LeBron. If not for LeBron, you would not have won your championship, you would not be paid as much as you are being paid now. You might even be in a worse off situation. So how is that a bad thing to have someone better that can put you in a better situation and also make you a better person than before?</div>
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I personally feel that Singaporeans can be a bit egoistic. We are a small country with very limited resources. We need the support from other countries. We need to learn when we have to take a step back look at the big picture. This is probably a problem of our own success. We think that we are very good and very successful after achieving all the "firsts" in the world. Being successful is not difficult, it is about staying successful.</div>
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There is no perfect policy. Like I always say, you can't have your cake and eat it too. In every policy, there will be something that you have to give. However, there can be balanced with other measures too. Which is why MOM has the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) and is continually updating the system to ensure that Singaporeans are taken care of.</div>
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So in conclusion? Yes. To quote Minister Chan, "a resounding yes."</div>
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Not only have we gotten the local-foreign workforce balance just in terms of quantity, but quality too.</div>
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P.S. I'm no woke salaryman, but I just gotten a new tablet, just let me have it.</div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-65503185143618706962019-12-31T02:45:00.001+08:002019-12-31T10:00:06.140+08:00What happened in 2019? <b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nR5LRjmD5QJzYD4q5pQZdcORdsQP6bsNuF2wHQR-xE4JYTgAz-NgGAa9rWY9cmKN3NSIiOL8LntXqF3RtJE7c0ydey8EyvJJNZGGZB5uMrtDsV-5-zX0nqJ_JBG34cnF45pZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-31+at+2.23.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nR5LRjmD5QJzYD4q5pQZdcORdsQP6bsNuF2wHQR-xE4JYTgAz-NgGAa9rWY9cmKN3NSIiOL8LntXqF3RtJE7c0ydey8EyvJJNZGGZB5uMrtDsV-5-zX0nqJ_JBG34cnF45pZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-31+at+2.23.31+AM.png" /></a></b><br />
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<b>Ask and you shall get. </b><br />
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If you guys have been following this space for awhile, you will remember that I do my yearly summary during the last week for each year.<br />
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I can't believe how long I have been doing this. Yes, it has been 10 freaking years. Can you believe it? Ten freaking years! If you have been reading since the very 1st edition in 2010, congratulations!!! You have wasted a good 10 years of your life by my side. I can't thank you enough for doing so.<br />
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For those who missed it and wish to catchup: <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/12/what-happened-in-2018.html">2018</a>, <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/12/mrsmiths-2017.html" style="text-align: justify;">2017,</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2016/12/mrsmiths-2016.html" style="text-align: justify;">2016</a><span style="text-align: justify;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2015/12/mr-smiths-2015.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2015</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;">, </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2014/12/mrsmiths-2014.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2014</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;">, </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2013/12/mrsmiths-2013.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2013</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;">, </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2012/12/mr-smiths-2012.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2012</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;">, </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2011/12/mrsmiths-2011.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2011</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;"> and </span><a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2010/12/mrsmiths-2010.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0fa5d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">2010</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; text-align: justify;">. </span><br />
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2018 was a rather depressing year as I've shared last year. To quote me from a year ago,<br />
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<i>"Maybe I am just jaded or maybe it's mid-life crisis some may choose to call it. Regardless of what it was, it has to stop. I need a change. Not too sure how to achieve it yet but I hope help is on the way. And when I say help, I mean myself. Nobody can change me. It's probably all on me. "</i><br />
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I am not the most religious person but I always believe in a higher power. I've no idea who or what it is but my prayer was answered once again. I got the change I needed. A change that brought me new energy and new targets in life. I asked, and I got it.<br />
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I stopped almost entirely with paid content. I stopped almost entirely with all the PR events. It is not because I am very busy but I just wasn't in the right headspace throughout the year. I do not know how to express this part of my life but I just feel that I am pretty much done using my personal voice to sell things for others. Good news is I am a lot more active writing things online be it on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Smithleong">own space</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smithankyou/">Facebook page</a>, or even just contributing articles to various online sites.<br />
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Erm, as for Instagram, I am feeling very strong fatigue not just in terms of me posting but also in terms of users uploading and engaging with Instagram posts these days. I can't say for sure but I guess most users are using IG Stories more than IG's original function. I might be right or maybe I am just giving an excuse for my lack of posts this year.<br />
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I also stopped travelling. I had a lot fewer reasons for me to be travelling with my life's new arrangement. Do I miss it? Maybe. Do I wish to travel again? Not really. Did I even travel in 2019? Yes, I did went to Bali and I'm proud to say that the picture I shot was actually featured on some 10 over different travel sites. #weirdflexbutokay<br />
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Anyway, here are some of the crazy things that happened this year. (Not in any specific order.)<br />
<br />
<b>New Job New Me at NTUC. #Everyworkermatters </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yhS6mb0FH_EftjN94-Cl2PyeyhtLRo9WCAzm78q8DIjzKM70sz3m8WTD6_EGME2vou-Btcv3ztdGOd_4RQ8-_QSbV_a14KFw2UTfGTPPo6PsrvSQgGzeQQnL-cPPm0OR5dVOtZkM" /><br />
<b><br /></b>
My journey with <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/06/smith-leongs-100-days-at-ntuc.html">NTUC</a> has been a hell of a ride so far. The people at work are great. I probably can't ask for more. Actually, maybe I can, no harm having more hot colleagues right?<br />
<br />
Not to sound like I am carrying balls but NTUC is really less rigid than I imagined. I guess I am one of those lucky ones that have very supportive bosses and colleagues. NTUC might be an organization with loads of legacy but yet at the same time is very willing to innovate and evolve with time.<br />
<br />
I actually asked for more projects and opportunities throughout the year. Despite me being a very new staff, I got pretty much most of the things I asked for. Of course, I hope this has something to do with how convincing I am as a person and also the way I pick my battles and not just because I am handsome.<br />
<br />
I've a full list of people that I wish to thank after these 10 months of working at NTUC but I guess I will save it for next time. Meanwhile, I just want to say that I really appreciate everyone here with me and all the opportunities are given.<br />
<br />
There are a lot more exciting changes coming 2020 and I can't wait for it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>New Job at Ngee Ann Polytechnic </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePBxYH7Wg2F-I11DcGEvwZ7Ilwm3LVR3U_GlhWGHTie6kdmalQwcW0wjfTIt8saMemaz949-SeHCxT67ZupU3ml2K1zT1xRpIL_7CJCsUkDeDhyVAN3DSRCUdJlVzDeyc8fVB/s1600/photo6075385670492334451.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePBxYH7Wg2F-I11DcGEvwZ7Ilwm3LVR3U_GlhWGHTie6kdmalQwcW0wjfTIt8saMemaz949-SeHCxT67ZupU3ml2K1zT1xRpIL_7CJCsUkDeDhyVAN3DSRCUdJlVzDeyc8fVB/s1600/photo6075385670492334451.jpg" /></a></b><br />
<br />
Being an educator has always been something I see myself doing in maybe another 10-20 years time. However, I never back down from a good opportunity.<br />
<br />
A friend of mine was helping his friend to look for a part-time lecturer and he thought I might be a good candidate. After reviewing my own schedule and getting approval from my bosses, I decided to use my personal leave to teach at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I wanted this so much, and yes I got it.<br />
<br />
Yes, you got that right. I am now a lecturer. Probably the last person that you imagine working in NTUC or as a lecturer. BOOM! I am currently working at NTUC as well as a lecturer.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am very busy but it is very fulfilling. I don't think I am any worse at work and in fact, I think I am doing better and more motivated with the additional responsibilities and work. I know, I'm crazy. The students are lovely and it's so fun teaching them.<br />
<br />
One of the most common questions that I get all the time is regarding my tattoos and working at these established organizations where public image matters. I guess I am lucky that I am born in an era where tattoos are seen as art. That being said, I can't stress enough that I am not encouraging anyone to have tattoos all over your body. I did plan the shit out of my life and I am glad it worked the way I wanted it to. Here are some tips for you;<br />
<br />
1. Do your tattoos on spots where you have an option to hide. Ngee Ann Poly does need me to hide my tattoos in classes. I am working with a group of youths in their formative years and I personally do not wish to misguide anyone too.<br />
<br />
2. I only had my sleeves tattoo very late in life. No doubt I said that they are being appreciated as art, but the truth is there are industries that still see it as a stigma. Thus, I only started having these many tattoos when I am sure of the industry I will be at and also my career path. So do think twice before committing to any tattoos.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>New Ink of 2019 </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq21mhHCb67gmkb4hxcq675fd-HXLk9tbfk83GGj26AWXppIgf_CbJ5knY-Ssea9_lfoC4bTbvotxtuJVrIvyjpfwIww_Sli-NGzsVHgEvnmBlgMVL-0p1kZjp3dJfDmg-j80E/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-07-12+at+11.01.56+AM-3.jpg" /><br />
<b><br /></b>
What can I say? I am a big fan of star wars and my favourite movie vehicle of all time has to be the millennium falcon. The lines are so fine and I love it. It was a <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/07/quick-and-dirty-july-updates-i-got-new.html">birthday present </a>to myself.<br />
<br />
Not exactly asking when I paid for it, but yes, I got it as well.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>New Family Member - not quite, but coming soon </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRo1w3hb9RzqSE7Nx9ziZ6BGcQoV6S-SlLe5QptZ1JiAwAABkS82RP-WPyTCoI6BDD5XzdZsInaBOyg6xEHaAYhE_BWNfbLyMsnoz3AZkQ_DetyRSfEMK_bzZPuH9ZbB_oku3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-31+at+1.56.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRo1w3hb9RzqSE7Nx9ziZ6BGcQoV6S-SlLe5QptZ1JiAwAABkS82RP-WPyTCoI6BDD5XzdZsInaBOyg6xEHaAYhE_BWNfbLyMsnoz3AZkQ_DetyRSfEMK_bzZPuH9ZbB_oku3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-31+at+1.56.56+AM.png" /></a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Seth is an amazing child. He has grown up so much within this 1 year. He is so sweet and witty. Just the way I wanted him to be. In fact, 2019 was a very special year for us. Due to my wife's pregnancy, we spent a lot more time together. I mean we have always been close but I feel like we connected even more since we were spending a lot more father and son time with the wife out of action, suffering from her morning sickness.<br />
<br />
I digress.<br />
<br />
After long planning and discussion, we finally decided to try for our 2nd child. I asked, and I got it. I can't wait to meet him (yes, him again) in 2020.<br />
<br />
Seth is going to be a brother!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>New Friends, new relationships </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Nope, don't worry, I did not get myself a new girlfriend or wife but I got a lot more friends. Not just new friends but also deeper relationships.<br />
<br />
Many of my friends like to say that I have many friends but I choose to correct them that I am just well connected. I am going to be shameless and just say it. I am a person who is pretty good at meeting new people. I also have to admit that I am not exactly good at keeping friends around me for long. I choose to believe that it has nothing to do with my fun-loving character but more often because I am a very lazy person when it comes to maintaining a friendship.<br />
<br />
However, I also choose to believe (once again) that I did better this year. Here are some of the friends that I like to thank for sticking around. Don't be sad if you did not get a shoutout. I already said I suck at this. Just remember this, although you are not mentioned, I still love you. And also means that we should hang out more often.<br />
<br />
The Boys.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SR9LvPRTV_ipIO_RRArlo9TTLXnpmQ5v_WdoMQALIV1g3elgUo3yrE6WlweUPwgMkDUZ2HsfPZIiEd1EXrWeM-oTMqPNYYtzP5HqGKOWcMi1MYkWLp_FO8WkzOUbi4nl2nTR/s1600/photo6075736500600940904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SR9LvPRTV_ipIO_RRArlo9TTLXnpmQ5v_WdoMQALIV1g3elgUo3yrE6WlweUPwgMkDUZ2HsfPZIiEd1EXrWeM-oTMqPNYYtzP5HqGKOWcMi1MYkWLp_FO8WkzOUbi4nl2nTR/s1600/photo6075736500600940904.jpg" /></a></div>
I swear I thought I have a better picture of us and not me cross-dressing. We are getting ahead of ourselves about that story.<br />
<br />
Started off as basketball kakis but now they are just like family. We spent so much time hanging out. These boys are 15 years younger than me on average.<br />
<br />
The Old Boys<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA1L8WfjuC49WbfpMHl9p6Rvi7vmsukvuH1a-L9X3ul3aC9wMhrIRCRPrvISFo4Ag-FWbIlI1dEHx-EVu1RgDDLn6hVNEGZG9NskouVFS5ck5w0rIQuKwZleMuciQbAi0oks5/s1600/69757398_10156059207291157_776815835585970176_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA1L8WfjuC49WbfpMHl9p6Rvi7vmsukvuH1a-L9X3ul3aC9wMhrIRCRPrvISFo4Ag-FWbIlI1dEHx-EVu1RgDDLn6hVNEGZG9NskouVFS5ck5w0rIQuKwZleMuciQbAi0oks5/s1600/69757398_10156059207291157_776815835585970176_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Probably the strangest relationship ever. I met these old boys on a gaming Facebook group and the rest is history. We text each other more than we text our wife and girlfriend. That's how clingy we are.<br />
<br />
The Chimi's Gang<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLFygY18JfWP9S7XFiaLS_MvCEfeie-_xBvTbbLEnADTVfvAU-voWLgEu7k1J_hrwDF4qKsT1yo6_fsWPnnc3X8HH_UkYjG6nQCmWgio0pOHeG1vUIVk5iDy_QN9nGxaEivda/s1600/photo6075385670492334450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLFygY18JfWP9S7XFiaLS_MvCEfeie-_xBvTbbLEnADTVfvAU-voWLgEu7k1J_hrwDF4qKsT1yo6_fsWPnnc3X8HH_UkYjG6nQCmWgio0pOHeG1vUIVk5iDy_QN9nGxaEivda/s1600/photo6075385670492334450.jpg" /></a></div>
I've no idea why I do not have one that I am dressed properly.<br />
<br />
Chimi's is this place that serves good drinks and food right below my office. I met them earlier this year simply because they are just right below my office. It is a great place to connect. What started off as a customer/business owner relationship soon turned into a friendship. And also because of these dogs (we call everyone dog there.) I have been drinking a lot. Yes, 2019 is a very very bad year for my health.<br />
<br />
The Office Sisters<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZtMeq2oAKepvLz4rGL4KVVR4I_6oS4k25NHF5aPL1NpSZ0uyuf3Zkq_YJn7ceyrTfmsK_OlgGyVAbZpRy1znXHycj9086XXZvTUn_ZQctGyFZ1mZplUQd4kHsfPtylNWIFMh/s1600/72469433_10156910567221748_7446081837824212992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZtMeq2oAKepvLz4rGL4KVVR4I_6oS4k25NHF5aPL1NpSZ0uyuf3Zkq_YJn7ceyrTfmsK_OlgGyVAbZpRy1znXHycj9086XXZvTUn_ZQctGyFZ1mZplUQd4kHsfPtylNWIFMh/s1600/72469433_10156910567221748_7446081837824212992_o.jpg" /></a></div>
I LEGIT THOUGHT I'VE MORE PHOTOS THAN ALL THESE CROSS-DRESSING ONES! I AM SORRY TO YOUR EYES!<br />
<br />
I do not know about you but I probably spent more time with these ladies than my own wife. I love my work and silly shenanigans. I think we successfully made working at NTUC look very chill and fun. And we are the office sisters because I am the only guy in the team.<br />
<br />
OR am I?<br />
<br />
<b>What will 2020 be like? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
2019 was a great year. I'm given more than I could ask for. I really don't think I can complain much or at all.<br />
<br />
2020?<br />
<br />
It will be yet another crazy year.<br />
<br />
Greater job responsibility. Hope that everything goes well.<br />
<br />
New Child. Most importantly, be a healthy one.<br />
<br />
GE is coming. (No, I am not going to be MP but I mean it is a big deal since I am a Singaporean after all right?)<br />
<br />
I can see all these coming.<br />
<br />
What else will I ask for?<br />
<br />
WEIGHT LOSS OF COURSE!<br />
<br />
Happy 2020!Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-21403155159115466512019-12-16T17:46:00.002+08:002019-12-16T17:46:42.942+08:00Old School Mama Shop Way of Life. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMj_5FwxvxKWxPohrPFv_WIOXyESzJpB2EaG-3NYYhO1XYk0DGh817clrnAZzej9yfNwEyCb0Lls4UL2_1R1LiQLzDuRNdDgneejZiAqMIRXC9512BueTSGwbbn7UYnPfnGtk/s1600/Oldschool+mamashop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMj_5FwxvxKWxPohrPFv_WIOXyESzJpB2EaG-3NYYhO1XYk0DGh817clrnAZzej9yfNwEyCb0Lls4UL2_1R1LiQLzDuRNdDgneejZiAqMIRXC9512BueTSGwbbn7UYnPfnGtk/s1600/Oldschool+mamashop.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It has been a while since I have seen one of these old school mama shop. Being the typical "city boy", I do my shopping mostly at malls or my wife would just buy things off online stores.<br />
<br />
I stumble upon this mama shop in Jurong when I was visiting someone.<br />
<br />
I have spent a good 20 over years in newer towns such as Tampines and Punggol. The sight of such an establishment is really almost never.<br />
<br />
"Uncle, how long have you been doing this?"<br />
<br />
<i>"36 years already." </i><br />
<br />
"Wah! So long?" I was kinda shocked because he does not look that old. He looks like he is at most in his early forties.<br />
<br />
<i>"Ya. Life not easy okay. With people like Sheng Siong around the corner. And youngsters like you buying everyone online."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He hit me with the truth and a wave of guilt.<br />
<br />
I looked around their shop and I could tell that they are a rather progressive couple in their own ways. Not only do they sell the typical sundries but they also provide pick-up and drop-off of dry cleaning. They also sold things such as portable chargers, phone cables, and even earpieces. Probably catering to the people staying around the neighbourhood. He even tried to upsell me some candies when I was just buying a drink.<br />
<br />
I looked at the couple and I tried to imagine living their life and wonder what they are going through.<br />
<br />
How old are their kids?<br />
<br />
Are they even a couple?<br />
<br />
Do they still love each other?<br />
<br />
With the need to open this shop, how often do they travel out of this area?<br />
<br />
Do they even travel?<br />
<br />
What hobbies do they have?<br />
<br />
What do they do after work?<br />
<br />
They seem like they built their lives around this shop.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, are they <i>happy</i>?<br />
<br />
I once had a dream when I was young. I wanted to open a mama shop. My uncle laughed at me when I told him that. He said that I have no ambition. He called me useless. I was only in primary school then.<br />
<br />
I told him this or something along the line, (It has been a while.)<br />
<br />
<i>"I want a shop. I can provide my family with food. I can eat whatever I want. I can also earn money by selling things to people who needs them. I also get to interact and make friends with the neighbours. I do not see why is that useless." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I remember this very clearly. I have no idea why but this conversation replays itself more often than I can explain. I remember exactly why I wanted to do it and the kind of happiness that filled me when I was explaining myself almost 30 years ago.<br />
<br />
More questions came to me as I stood there looking at the little shop.<br />
<br />
Are they still making money?<br />
<br />
Are they in debt?<br />
<br />
Can they be doing anything else?<br />
<br />
What is their story?<br />
<br />
Can they be earning even more money if they are just working as a cashier in a bigger establishment?<br />
<br />
Is there anything anyone can do to grow their business?<br />
<br />
Marketing? No one is going to travel here just to shop.<br />
<br />
Funding? So what if they got more money? Hire someone to do it? Expand their business?<br />
<br />
Upskilling? They sound like they are in their 50s, upskilling after 36 years of working at their own mama shop ain't impossible but it ain't changing this business.<br />
<br />
Is there anything we can do to keep the business?<br />
<br />
They did not tell me the shop is closing or in any trouble. It is just my own baseless assumption. Everything has to come to an end, eventually. <br />
<br />
What can the government do to help such businesses?<br />
<br />
What can the government do to keep these businesses alive?<br />
<br />
Then, I stop again and ask myself.<br />
<br />
Do we really still need these businesses alive?<br />
<br />
If no one is buying anything from them, what is the point of such businesses? Just for the sake of nostalgia?<br />
<br />
What is going to happen to them if they ain't making a living out of this shop?<br />
<br />
I guess they can always be placed in some other jobs.<br />
<br />
I do not think anyone is going to take over such businesses anyway.<br />
<br />
I actually have no conclusion at all for these thoughts.<br />
<br />
It was just a very strange wave of emotion while I stood there looking at them doing their things.<br />
<br />
Their way of life.<br />
<br />
And I've no message for this post. I just wanted to pen it down. It still helps to clear my head sometimes. <br />
<br />
<br />Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-27917590144113918512019-12-13T17:22:00.000+08:002019-12-13T17:22:07.862+08:00It is not easy being a cleaner. <blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-left: 30pt; margin-right: 30pt; margin-top: 18pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">"I had to wipe semen off the floor every morning"</span></h2>
<br />Recently I bumped into an old acquaintance of sorts (I hope she is not reading this.) and she was telling me about her job as a property manager and all the dirty (both literally and figuratively) deeds she heard from some of her cleaners. <br /><br />Some of the stories she shared got me thinking if they really happened in Singapore. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">1. I had to wipe semen off the floor every morning</span></h3>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUSEQUwwPGOVqFAfExcGSF108Fg2lQt9zjpzgN35hn8-A5jkvZKGeUSq0y8MRz3zaxSTjUliaNqPp2p5KSSyTEmfONyTduDBw-sp-EI-OWbsdO0mArJuiJtZImSrcVCTMViB0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-12+at+4.16.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUSEQUwwPGOVqFAfExcGSF108Fg2lQt9zjpzgN35hn8-A5jkvZKGeUSq0y8MRz3zaxSTjUliaNqPp2p5KSSyTEmfONyTduDBw-sp-EI-OWbsdO0mArJuiJtZImSrcVCTMViB0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-12+at+4.16.14+PM.png" /></a></div>
Random staircase sex image.jpg <br /><br />This auntie was working in one of these really old buildings in Singapore that has many nightclubs. So according to her that there will always be inconsiderate people having sex at the staircase and not clean up after. <br /><br />She tried to complain to the security team but they just brushed her off. <br /><br />"Nvm lah auntie. People having a good time. Why must we go and disturb? Any way we can watch free show via CCTV." <div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">2. Some guys flashed me on purpose</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHDnj6cyCMroHncTMAoNN_wbLTawXgXZCV_J7aEvudlEmkM5rNXsChq9Nhn5xbclsGsflaRMwPA5pxokW-5Yqponf2UHk5GqltUr93bgrOQNfOXWq7_w-SZszWIIqZSRnpu_8/s1600/Cartoon+F91+flasher+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHDnj6cyCMroHncTMAoNN_wbLTawXgXZCV_J7aEvudlEmkM5rNXsChq9Nhn5xbclsGsflaRMwPA5pxokW-5Yqponf2UHk5GqltUr93bgrOQNfOXWq7_w-SZszWIIqZSRnpu_8/s1600/Cartoon+F91+flasher+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is really not easy being a cleaning lady where one of the many jobs include cleaning of the male toilet. For those of you who are familiar enough with the male toilet will know that there are standing cubicles with no doors. This other cleaning lady actually got flashed by a young man.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"He looks like he is around 20 or 30 yrs old. I wasn't offended or shocked at all. I just told him, "Boy ah, auntie almost 60 years old. What shape and size never see before? Don't need to show me okay?" but too bad he ran off before I could finish the sentence." , my, erm friend, related to me the story while I was laughing my head off. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And all I could think about is him not washing his hands. </div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">3. Getting fired for being smelly</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6iFKoFNhrlcLtdsYwMnfM044nXaIWga5o2VCruKTpmD0PmChHD9hmo_JsKBTHhN90sODJXzEj6TQKglXjmwI9N5rXHMW2hr7xmZCrJwiUhFfYBPmmSQ-G5OhRepww8505CSL/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="365" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6iFKoFNhrlcLtdsYwMnfM044nXaIWga5o2VCruKTpmD0PmChHD9hmo_JsKBTHhN90sODJXzEj6TQKglXjmwI9N5rXHMW2hr7xmZCrJwiUhFfYBPmmSQ-G5OhRepww8505CSL/s640/giphy.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Sadly this uncle in his 60s was an odd job cleaner. He was being paid on a daily basis and was working at this place for six months before he got fired and started working with my friend's company. <br /><br />The supervisor merely told him that he was very smelly and had bad personal hygiene and not suitable for the work. They fired him after six months with immediate effect. This is unacceptable in all the ways. <br /><br />Not only did his job require him to do a lot of physical tasks that made him perspire, he also did not have a proper rest area. His rest area was a hot little corner hoarded up in a basement carpark. <br /><br />How do you expect him to smell like a flower every day? <br /><br />--<br /><br />We all know that there are no elves that will fix our shoes or sew our clothes while we sleep. All our bins, toilets, common areas and more are being taken care of by cleaners. However, how often do we really think about them? How tough is their job? Where do they even rest or have their meals? If you ever need some cleaning agent or trash bags, do you even know where to find them within your office or buildings? <br /><br />Guilty as charged. Some times we really overlook all these things in our lives. Especially when we are living in a time where it is all about "me". We are living in a time where it is just about ourselves. Personal achievements over the little things in life. <br />--<br /><br />In recent <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cleaners-progressive-wage-model-compulsory-training-12147584">news</a>, it was announced that cleaners will have to undergo a mandatory Workplace Safety & Health course from 2022 to make sure they are aware of and take precautionary measures against occupational risks such as slips and falls.<br /><br />I am glad that while everyday people like you and me may have neglected these invisible heroes, there are people fighting for not just their welfare but also for their wages and work progress. <br /><br />Besides the compulsory safety course, cleaners will also have to sign up for a second Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) module validated and endorsed by the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC).<br /><br />These initiatives, which were put forth by the TCC and come under the Progressive Wage Model framework, were accepted by the Government.<br /><br />The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) is a wage progression pathway that helps to increase workers’ pay through skills upgrade and improved productivity. It is applied to the cleaning, security and landscape sectors, while the model was mandated for lift technicians last year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QtEjt4cZ-wt_BIfNbcKFBwEyHUodgkLyP_J77x8y-uNK3I6SMBzYPeedE2h5Js1MTw0ctPKSqkN9Si1W-4KWGbI4EdbJa2DDlYU86-IU4L6FzRwEaQeb86Z80H7KmnVOdDW/s1600/52893249_2311392085546327_5929296618070212608_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QtEjt4cZ-wt_BIfNbcKFBwEyHUodgkLyP_J77x8y-uNK3I6SMBzYPeedE2h5Js1MTw0ctPKSqkN9Si1W-4KWGbI4EdbJa2DDlYU86-IU4L6FzRwEaQeb86Z80H7KmnVOdDW/s1600/52893249_2311392085546327_5929296618070212608_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In the last budget, my ex-teacher and also <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/03/5-zainal-sapari-memes-that-might-change.html">labour MP Mr Zainal Bin Sapari</a> fought for the following things for older/poor low wage cleaners. For those of you who are unfamiliar, he has always been advocating for the low wage workers’ rights for a while now.<br /><br />1) Revise employer’s CPF contribution rates for mature workers aged 55 and above, up to age 65. - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/higher-cpf-contribution-rates-for-older-workers-to-come-from-employers-and-employees">checked.</a><br /><br />2) Low wage workers to receive mandatory Annual Wage Supplement to reduce income gap. - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cleaners-to-get-an-annual-bonus-of-at-least-two-weeks-pay-from-jan-1-2020-onwards">checked.</a><br /><br />3) Employers to bear outpatient cost and outpatient consultation fees (healthcare cost). - While there is no updates publicly on this but this is something that I am sure something will happen eventually. <br /><br />In March this year, MP Zainal also <a href="http://www.labourbeat.org/2019/03/20/zainal-sapari-where-can-i-rest/">wrote a blogpost</a> and in parliament, highlighting the need to provide rest areas for outsourced workers.<br /><br />In his recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/ZainalBinSapari/posts/?ref=page_internal">Facebook post</a>, <br /><br />"It was a basic need that was lacking when we engaged these workers on the ground. <a href="https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2019/1209-tripartite-partners-release-advisory-on-rest-areas-for-outsourced-workers?fbclid=IwAR3eU65BKqfjEntoGmQK8lJ0BjDqyw6h8As5hY6fM107jYVMcC2fguOC79Y">MOM</a> agreed and the tripartite partners worked together to produce an advisory. Cheers to MOM and the tripartite team for working on this."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>
<br /></div>
Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-49958946046301734142019-12-03T18:05:00.003+08:002019-12-03T18:09:05.571+08:00Kicking the habit of co-sleeping.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia6S8PfE6DPXS-pmySDGSuzivwZ9En8cHjP-gCelBlm2Ni1KDb9iBdLtkBJlk2jFZZ-rtOi97k5Y6xvOgItkCpbmVg8qX3xB4rAByBjiIkzmKTDQCW4Mt0DmRvEoemTfG65IR/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.56+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia6S8PfE6DPXS-pmySDGSuzivwZ9En8cHjP-gCelBlm2Ni1KDb9iBdLtkBJlk2jFZZ-rtOi97k5Y6xvOgItkCpbmVg8qX3xB4rAByBjiIkzmKTDQCW4Mt0DmRvEoemTfG65IR/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.56+PM.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the biggest pain of be coming a parent is adapting to changes. If it has been such a difficult journey for me, what makes me think that it is going to be easy for my child?<br />
<br />
Changes kicked in the moment I knew my wife was expecting Seth. I started throwing things out and emptied out a room for him and all the stuff that he might need. Because of him, I sold my bicycle, collapsed one of my tables in my studies, and dismantled all my legos and kept them into different boxes.<br />
<br />
So with the new child on his way, one of the big changes for Seth is that he has to stop co-sleeping with us. He has his own bed but I do enjoy co-sleeping with him, thus I have been allowing him to co-sleep with us despite his age(He is turning 4 soon). The moments spent in bed before he falls asleep or just having him around while I call it a night from working late are rather precious to me.<br />
<br />
Smelling his tiny little head and giving him a kiss on his forehead is pretty much my routine every night.<br />
<br />
One of the things we did to help him to adapt is by enticing him with his own room where all his favourite toys and books will be.<br />
<br />
Yup. That also means more of my stuff went out the window. <i>Figuratively</i>. I gave up my dumbbells, my books, some of my collectibles and yet another study table. I am left without a room to work from home anymore. I guess that is pretty much a want than a need.<br />
<br />
There is no way for me to work from home these days anyway.<br />
<br />
"Papa, are you doing work? Why are you still doing work? Can you play with me?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fZ1AZ-YPNW8QDyx7QiSlSOys7TiKp6UEithPEDKm7GGf6rzydPvoF1s83vVqJekkHSo5tJQafLs0a2PisUqOHvmvMKUNceqGBbTkdAUK3G5x_A1ZKrDG6P4fckJPaKfKMBDh/s1600/78866154_10156279518426157_4876098142338023424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fZ1AZ-YPNW8QDyx7QiSlSOys7TiKp6UEithPEDKm7GGf6rzydPvoF1s83vVqJekkHSo5tJQafLs0a2PisUqOHvmvMKUNceqGBbTkdAUK3G5x_A1ZKrDG6P4fckJPaKfKMBDh/s1600/78866154_10156279518426157_4876098142338023424_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cat, "meow."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seth. "shhhhhh."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">He was supposed to be napping but he was trying to play w his toys quietly and got caught on cctv. Lol.</span></i><br />
<br />
Being very worried parents, my wife and I decided to install a CCTV to keep an eye on this little one. For those of you who are familiar with his adventures, you will know that he is always up to no good.<br />
<br />
So this happened the other night...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-d43SIa6Z17kb4aJ8FeQ9kRMnw9KYibwVZOtvosY6h4liV13569bfgtBw6530tXXqI7B3REIhJp70WwR8XRUL4V61YIEzz1B_OnJl5wRC3JEmF4BexeQ6GZBgfTu_WmUGJhj/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.54+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-d43SIa6Z17kb4aJ8FeQ9kRMnw9KYibwVZOtvosY6h4liV13569bfgtBw6530tXXqI7B3REIhJp70WwR8XRUL4V61YIEzz1B_OnJl5wRC3JEmF4BexeQ6GZBgfTu_WmUGJhj/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.54+PM.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8PTCbhe4osB6SZ9MPHj9CckTz-ad1h_1EcjceCKSDhSEmg80IR-w8GVNpqhHu2Y0BecRDJSOCEAHFpG13_swogSijeqcfxcXKyOGA1qoeuF3tIq956ZudqGPgdHEmIGW86n7/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.55+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8PTCbhe4osB6SZ9MPHj9CckTz-ad1h_1EcjceCKSDhSEmg80IR-w8GVNpqhHu2Y0BecRDJSOCEAHFpG13_swogSijeqcfxcXKyOGA1qoeuF3tIq956ZudqGPgdHEmIGW86n7/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.55+PM.jpeg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia21bsIMd66ABRULvnWxKj-8Vg49L1oe9rhk3m1Hdh1GFNdJFkWRPoBVP_AsvqX_PK4TwxJn5mYa_v19q73yQWCiaO-Jcuj_-XvEJWlWFGk1E67Qs0BSaIXuJgsYHGjOD08Mi5/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.55+PM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia21bsIMd66ABRULvnWxKj-8Vg49L1oe9rhk3m1Hdh1GFNdJFkWRPoBVP_AsvqX_PK4TwxJn5mYa_v19q73yQWCiaO-Jcuj_-XvEJWlWFGk1E67Qs0BSaIXuJgsYHGjOD08Mi5/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.55+PM+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQREEJFlrDRuCLd859NiRtLZPrNvwrPeOqalQmJ7J9bghSqaVBKICB29dOcRi-f3I1yQxnV8pdazYlmz-EFwDpnFrfro0MNP4cY9uyoM4uMixxeLOpXTqoGtUeHHuClY3iuVZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.56+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQREEJFlrDRuCLd859NiRtLZPrNvwrPeOqalQmJ7J9bghSqaVBKICB29dOcRi-f3I1yQxnV8pdazYlmz-EFwDpnFrfro0MNP4cY9uyoM4uMixxeLOpXTqoGtUeHHuClY3iuVZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.56+PM.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk0BBPXn79ee_GtHJvo7bsHqhm_jB_LI0Yw0wH85PieCSEX_wrwSeBc-HxAlTcA8WNgNxntKKuHXKeFPG9oUQruQpKCgYyQcScdwIzbOpe9s0JLclBlB-WJFcmtqx5a0JffEZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.57+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk0BBPXn79ee_GtHJvo7bsHqhm_jB_LI0Yw0wH85PieCSEX_wrwSeBc-HxAlTcA8WNgNxntKKuHXKeFPG9oUQruQpKCgYyQcScdwIzbOpe9s0JLclBlB-WJFcmtqx5a0JffEZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.57+PM.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZZtQKeJvhUpFLRSeVWpcNDeU2OMqoFN_hZ5q5Dmxsz4GOC9wEOXsWefuCkaW_biGo52i5RZDcuynGl888ELjJWqhJrfgOaCIi1oPwLRb7WuxxbCCdw9IuKHiIwWTuWnBNdpf/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.57+PM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZZtQKeJvhUpFLRSeVWpcNDeU2OMqoFN_hZ5q5Dmxsz4GOC9wEOXsWefuCkaW_biGo52i5RZDcuynGl888ELjJWqhJrfgOaCIi1oPwLRb7WuxxbCCdw9IuKHiIwWTuWnBNdpf/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-02+at+6.26.57+PM+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
Not sure drunk or asleep.<br />
<br />
Good night my little one.<br />
<br />
Sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite.Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-74966081702529060412019-11-27T12:29:00.001+08:002019-11-27T12:29:54.195+08:00Do you want to build a snow man? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LmDm-zd2ZsuOxCQSzVncXk8SvzsNjwxk4Bajapn8n7npNjVC8pvCEdSsuk7RoPoSSbHSewqAdGx3Tu-ri6c6RejCB-sLWc7zV8vS8eULKTyppmxidv4qEIb-_d5Mu3Za58ZR/s1600/Untitled+design+%252817%2529.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LmDm-zd2ZsuOxCQSzVncXk8SvzsNjwxk4Bajapn8n7npNjVC8pvCEdSsuk7RoPoSSbHSewqAdGx3Tu-ri6c6RejCB-sLWc7zV8vS8eULKTyppmxidv4qEIb-_d5Mu3Za58ZR/s1600/Untitled+design+%252817%2529.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>"Mama. I like Christmas. Got present. Got snow!" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"No Seth, we do not have snow in Singapore." </i><br />
<br />
That was a conversation between my wife and Seth before they knew about #PSSnowhouse.<br />
<br />
Part of #LINEFRIENDSWORLDTOURSINGAPORE, they actually built a temporary container outside of Plaza Singapura and brought snow there! I know, the hashtag is so long it will satisfy anyone. Cough.<br />
<br />
You would probably know what it is like if you have visited Snow City in Singapore. <br />
<br />
It was Seth's very first time and obviously he had a good time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82AcQHDiV88ORvNpKMAu4l3wvWQYWe2n9hfWl8CD_CQk4xRXB7Krq3DO2QpP3jpP7NaW1SlviImsQFZc8n1SkEQqOg34UE6bzwphWiHxUQXEeBGVT22E36AhOMfwQWJohey0q/s1600/PSsnowhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82AcQHDiV88ORvNpKMAu4l3wvWQYWe2n9hfWl8CD_CQk4xRXB7Krq3DO2QpP3jpP7NaW1SlviImsQFZc8n1SkEQqOg34UE6bzwphWiHxUQXEeBGVT22E36AhOMfwQWJohey0q/s1600/PSsnowhouse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I obviously photoshopped my face given how fat I am now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODw0r6yqH_sD-PmPprE3-EEjgL_qr2jmtueuZcdCP5PBn6dLLN75Rll60wtWvKNsFzOonc16NPgDfhvOOKgvxjWgegFCP1bw0iNunVK_2XJDp1v68OmAziMrtgmkfcY5KRcz6/s1600/IMG_20191126_190610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODw0r6yqH_sD-PmPprE3-EEjgL_qr2jmtueuZcdCP5PBn6dLLN75Rll60wtWvKNsFzOonc16NPgDfhvOOKgvxjWgegFCP1bw0iNunVK_2XJDp1v68OmAziMrtgmkfcY5KRcz6/s1600/IMG_20191126_190610.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz3-UuezDU9B2MbzeHF9LXSnMZdKqfvNIbMrVdRjFCd4nJ13U-eA75Fv0COCvW86QJjAmej59eSw0LqjJl5sMFkF8BFzjUcB0xQz5E1h9ZsfyZ3RmESeyhSJ3CHwfQ235hISi/s1600/IMG_20191126_191247.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz3-UuezDU9B2MbzeHF9LXSnMZdKqfvNIbMrVdRjFCd4nJ13U-eA75Fv0COCvW86QJjAmej59eSw0LqjJl5sMFkF8BFzjUcB0xQz5E1h9ZsfyZ3RmESeyhSJ3CHwfQ235hISi/s1600/IMG_20191126_191247.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Details: </b><br />
<br />
To redeem a pair of tickets, you just have to spend a minimum of $45 in a single receipt at CapitaLand malls. And if you used an Amex CapitaCard, its 2 pairs for the same amount!<br />
<br />
This is happening from now till 26th Dec 2019.<br />
<br />
<b>Questions and Answers.</b><br />
Here are some answers to the questions that I gotten via my IG's DM.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You are highly encourage to bring your own equipment. </li>
<li>Else, they have it available for rental as well. However the jacket size starts from 3yrs and up.</li>
<li>They are not smelly in my opinion. Quite well maintained so far.</li>
<li>Socks and pants are compulsory. </li>
<li>You are allowed to bring in your DSLR cameras.</li>
<li>Yes, Seth's gloves are too big for him. But that's probably the smallest. </li>
<li>Seth is turning 4yrs old and is 95cm. If your child is below 7yrs old you will need an adult companion for this. </li>
<li>I am very fat and they still have outfit for me. Yes, they look tight. Don't be annoying. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Besides this event, LINE also has a series of events happening in various Capitaland Malls!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFVO83m8CAhsK7MKEmaOD5sxMLBolgczwdyt1CXQw1kptFNopMnzIEnimzeQlQ4uqfaVOLF9rThz9QSFPcl1s6-W-PrfNcHQKyVgeZLxzYfNADvfSd-t6PmZql8A_9Abg-4ZG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-27+at+12.10.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFVO83m8CAhsK7MKEmaOD5sxMLBolgczwdyt1CXQw1kptFNopMnzIEnimzeQlQ4uqfaVOLF9rThz9QSFPcl1s6-W-PrfNcHQKyVgeZLxzYfNADvfSd-t6PmZql8A_9Abg-4ZG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-27+at+12.10.33+PM.png" /></a> More information <b><u><i><a href="https://www.capitaland.com/sites/worldtour/index.html">here!</a></i></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfyFZPOmABT-4FcSNEWFi6Y94O-J01iqLeXbq9VdbtAZbMUZTJaWN4eduJM3yhhRixVfn2ivUHBTqkRYRKrKGGPlGesdmAVevwR9nKOpD_krtHM8M9kHknQO-XnNEoVTeCDwh/s1600/IMG_20191126_190909.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfyFZPOmABT-4FcSNEWFi6Y94O-J01iqLeXbq9VdbtAZbMUZTJaWN4eduJM3yhhRixVfn2ivUHBTqkRYRKrKGGPlGesdmAVevwR9nKOpD_krtHM8M9kHknQO-XnNEoVTeCDwh/s1600/IMG_20191126_190909.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi2SXTSEcOnsZqEvze3DqHxbJH8ytn15qbQu66Yp4UCUvE19xOo49YxK_iGjp2Oi7dzDNXxVwqcvm_otkyUdZNtLZ6nzB2Js0bthVUID14aTaT_N6MvMTgvTqNDuQpwCTj4k8/s1600/IMG_20191126_191042.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi2SXTSEcOnsZqEvze3DqHxbJH8ytn15qbQu66Yp4UCUvE19xOo49YxK_iGjp2Oi7dzDNXxVwqcvm_otkyUdZNtLZ6nzB2Js0bthVUID14aTaT_N6MvMTgvTqNDuQpwCTj4k8/s1600/IMG_20191126_191042.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5EOt4N8r7bXTCha-xjcwx45cyhlLx1pxEifRgttHIEv8DiT35ZCR5w9K6UrJpIfG9weThwQSXEVfU6lNgFmsEfa5I4Bthyphenhyphenf6nHMrc3nOPFxyIMlV2kNFo9NepTMfwT_BX0sK/s1600/IMG_20191126_191238.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5EOt4N8r7bXTCha-xjcwx45cyhlLx1pxEifRgttHIEv8DiT35ZCR5w9K6UrJpIfG9weThwQSXEVfU6lNgFmsEfa5I4Bthyphenhyphenf6nHMrc3nOPFxyIMlV2kNFo9NepTMfwT_BX0sK/s1600/IMG_20191126_191238.jpg" /></a><br />
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It's more than just building snowman and taking selfies. They also have a large slide (for 8yrs old and above) that connects level 2 to 1 as well as a tiny slide for <strike>pussies</strike> the smaller kids like Seth. (3 - 6 yrs old)<br />
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P.S. If you are preggo or ate too much buffet like my wife, you are not allowed inside. LOL.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjDWsUyAeqft83NmVZPZKYbX3ki77XyE3wkh0Gwlrt7vq-c6LYQHPZZ-8qVoZmqc4sF0-S7PVy6TLL4KeajZKcqh3oJhpQnJLIklfjCh24aAkS4xoXycfZVHVwUmde3-p_YXD/s1600/IMG_20191126_191639.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjDWsUyAeqft83NmVZPZKYbX3ki77XyE3wkh0Gwlrt7vq-c6LYQHPZZ-8qVoZmqc4sF0-S7PVy6TLL4KeajZKcqh3oJhpQnJLIklfjCh24aAkS4xoXycfZVHVwUmde3-p_YXD/s1600/IMG_20191126_191639.jpg" /></a>Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-32079822634016480442019-11-08T14:36:00.000+08:002019-11-08T14:39:36.913+08:00Thailand is not just about Siam Diu <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PJHyP9Ghpxe6yuLtksuvm6ybYnqkaErbvcfxtZenA1Hd7KG4HcmdxtBM6TE4o60c-xMrMR-Twog4rnKmea-e7B9vyYh1t2Gc29dMWFrNt0AdAXL75SWg_UsKOD2LuG9XOaSwqjiQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<i>Image from <a href="https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/%5Bgpgt%5D-who-here-live-slogan-siam-diu-4-life-siam-bu-4-wife-6130507.html">HWZ</a>.</i><br />
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So this happened the other day. One of my friends brought his new girlfriend to meet us for dinner. <br />
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All names have been changed to protect the guilty and also the innocent. <br />
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<b>Tom,</b> “Hi guys, this is my new gf - Penchan.”<br />
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<b>Me</b>, “oh hello hello.” <br />
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<b>Dick</b>, (In mandarin) “Wah bro, which Thai club you went and find this siam bu (Thai Lady, commonly used to describe Thai Ladies who work at a Thai-Disco). Quite hot leh!” <br />
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<b>Penchan</b>, (Apparently understands mandarin), “You Singaporean men are so typical and full of yourself. Just because I am an attractive Thai lady means I am from Thai-Disco!” #offendedaf<br />
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Tom left the scene chasing after Penchan. It was very very very awkward. Although I did not verbalise it loudly like Dick did, it did somewhatcross my mind too. We are such horrible people. In Dick’s defence, Tom could have given us a warning. Not exactly good enough an excuse but probably the only way Dick could make himself feel a bit better about the whole incident. <br />
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So apparently Tom has been traveling within Asean quite a bit for work recently. He met Penchan when he was working in Thailand and they soon fell in love and got into a relationship. I cannot believe this man is in a long distance relationship. Like seriously, I cannot even handle having a girlfriend who stays in Bukit Batok. <br />
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Talking about working in Asean did bring back quite a bit of memories for myself. Although I was never exactly an expat living in any of the Asean countries, I do have good working relationships with many business partners in Thailand, Philippines, and obviously Malaysia over the last few years of my career. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Working in Asean </span></b><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w4oxT_zcFsyMZzGsW_Alj9cEVNNUSoHQTmxPTHSYOCa2K7lDXI76c_r3_m1aMfxkGUwREjeleVCN9ER5ezjCYcpZc4R9_cfigW7-vaobu5dETBMoPPjZdTJp-yLxBbBEC33M_j_e" /></div>
<i>Media Trip to the Philippines with Bloggers and SPH.</i><br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8jlaEwZaFGnvJaYcCs4pJLg9YSB2HDMu5BzxrYVVnicVvCDingK7RvaY4s-74VJzh7ZifLSI6ujwHXKTNUhfMnHJDHJPKXY-q_nG5gR89IZrzwY6iPGzir0O0CfZ-QvIYYIPCK57" /></div>
<i>Media Trip to Bangkok with Bloggers and AirAsia. (Also don’t ask me why I was the only guy there.)</i><br />
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I know how it looks. The pictures does not say much about me “working” overseas. But hey, who take pictures of themselves working in front of the computer anyway? <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stronger currency </span></b><br />
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Working overseas and going overseas on a holiday are so different. I mean for starters, I managed to save so much when I was working overseas. I would eat the cheapest crap I could find and go to places the locals would for work meetings. And given that I was being paid in Singapore dollars, working overseas wasn’t bad at all ya’know. It is really one of those moments that you will feel so good about being Singaporean because of strong currency. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That cross culture thing </span></b><br />
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Understanding their market and target audiences might be one of the most important things for a marketeer, but that is not all. The style, the culture, the way that the people work in other countries can beso different. <br />
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Even something as simple as the choice of Instant Messenger could be so different. I had to use LINE just to talk to the Thais, and of course WeChat when talking to my counterparts in China. <br />
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You know I once spent hours talking to this potential Thai partner whomt I was trying to work with but we did not even discuss anything related to the project at all? It is always relationship first for them. And the actual work meeting took a real short time. LOL. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That whole language thing</span></b><br />
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It is really not impossible. My ex-biz partners survived years working in Thailand without actually mastering the Thai language. A huge number of people in Asean can actually speak and write English pretty well. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why Asean? </span></b><br />
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What I’ve mentioned earlier are obviously the smaller and more trivial stuff. I believe that gaining experience out of Singapore is always good. It is a valuable experience and one shall never say no when the opportunity is served on a silver platter. Such experience makes you grow, makes you understand the world and yourself better, and last but not least, you will grow to appreciate Singapore a lot. You will realize the beauty of your once hated bureaucracy in Singapore. HAHA. <br />
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From a bigger picture, you may have forgotten about this but this was the speech made by our PM Lee Hsien Loong during the <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lee-hsien-loong-speech-2019-shangri-la-dialogue-11585954">2019 Shangri-La Dialogue </a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f6b26b;">“Singapore cannot afford to adopt the same point of view. Being small, we are naturally disadvantaged in bilateral negotiations. We need to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions, not cripple or block them. More fundamentally, confining ourselves to a bilateral approach means forgoing win-win opportunities which come from countries working together with more partners. We need to build a broader regional and international architecture of cooperation. When groups of countries deepen their economic cooperation, they will enhance not just their shared prosperity but also their collective security. With more stake in one another’s success, they will have greater incentive to uphold a conducive and peaceful international order. This will benefit many countries big and small.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span>In a very blatant manner, the bigger countries can effectively live without you and they will probably not miss you at all. However, it is probably a better idea for smaller countries like those in Asean to stick close and forge a strong bond. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">LIT Asean </span></b><br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/O7FvPPQagIuqOPmAmxzr86MERS9TrUjJVXq0uzWtUMWJAe5xQbavDPVHpFxurMGqfZjEF-ILmSHe9NqNypMgal1X1bunDmjI3gf3wOmo5bLK7b8oquF-h_cT-8Rp-3VIjF_-I2ib" /><br />
<i>This picture, like my mirror, is a constant reminder that I really need to lose weight.</i><br />
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I was part of LIT Asean earlier this October. I was there for the<b> ASEAN Mentorship</b>. <br />
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<b>In official words</b>: The ASEAN Mentorship is an expanded version of the existing Young NTUC Youth Career Network (YCN) programme. The ASEAN mentorship will connect 400 youths with ASEAN Career Guides who have had work experience in the ASEAN region. Career Guides includes young Singaporeans and young professionals from ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. Participants will also be given the option to be matched to a career guide for a 4-month mentorship after the networking session at the event.<br />
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Partnering Temasek Foundation, Young NTUC launched the Temasek Foundation - NTUC Workforce Programme: <b>LIT ASEAN Careers</b>. The programme’s objective is to raise awareness on the growing opportunities in the ASEAN region and to encourage more youths to progress their career in this region.<br />
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<b>In my words:</b> I was there to kaypo and talk to youths again. <br />
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It was quite an interesting experience. It might be the law of attraction and also the natural filter of the event. The youths I spoke to at the event show great interest in working out of Singaporean and in Asean for experience. I do not think the online narrative where “Singaporeans are being driven out of their own country while we are welcoming people from overseas.” is true at all. Most of the youths I have spoken to understand the importance of gaining experience out of Singapore’s market. I think this is especially important for people in the marketing industry. With digital and social media being used widely by the industry, you need to know how to work with people outside of our own country and culture. And with the small market size, there is no surprise here when brands choose to consolidate their marketing efforts. <br />
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I am glad that our government knows better and is supportive of us venturing into ASEAN countries to gain experience and return to add value to Singapore.<br />
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And also, in case you find this article really boring, here is a picture of me as Siam Bu in trash bag taken during my DnD. <br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pIH_hCSVQumXjegh_lHfXirk_Gwh66vyURJIHXm0orIkHBh5S96uyGhfKaYkCQnvUG-f7cg-ziMMcvBhRPzQNmESpRQJJ-_W7HLKOjEiTp1zBNmJyg2oFqXKqjyvEGIHre6hyo1E" /><br />
<i>P.S. I am still a respectable person at work. <br /><br />I think. </i></div>
Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-3775597712553445222019-11-05T09:43:00.000+08:002019-11-05T09:48:59.282+08:00I choose working late over spending time with my kid, because I choose to.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IyPBoavS1dThlmLQW0neM-CZSPDsXSBf2OdRoB4KDNJsMmO2ZhsfvXPx-o_JSpIemQhW6N4zaVWSFbDYGcswSxFg2IkxWondKOefUUY2vLuPu4QNDkZvhO5jCSMlh7Qai2PxpxMW" /><br />
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42: The answer to life, the universe and everything. If you are nerdy enough you will get the reference. <br />
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<img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jSp8IgDfRiVgqW_o2Ck9J-MPyHLNnBdYguEs43fcN_Al4VqikBdqXJmRB8HihMiQbTzd5ID-m_DQ1j_WLnR9BUUtcIKH9wrBWEV8r36R90dujc8IZGeq6AnQ9zTsMTpXHbsZs59u" width="531" /></div>
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However, real life is not as easy as that. There is no “one size fits all” solution. We all have our own backstories, limitations, and priorities. We can’t change what has happened but we can play our cards right forward. </div>
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<b>Is it impossible to be a good worker and a good parent at the same time? </b></div>
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<a href="https://mothership.sg/2019/10/steven-chia-parenting-work-life/">Mothership recently published an article by Steven Chia</a>, a Presenter and Senior Editor at CNA, titled - “I won’t choose working late over spending time with my kids, because why would I?”</div>
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I would not say the article went viral but it got circulated a little within my social circles. Most of the people I have spoken to supported the narrative with both hands up. The conversations did not stop there. It was unboxed a little more and many friends ended up concluding that life is so tough in Singapore and it is difficult to be a working parent. Regardless of gender. </div>
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<i>“At home I have to be a mum as if I am not working, at work I have to work as if I am not a mum. It is almost impossible.” </i></div>
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<i>“I feel very bad when I do not spend enough* time with my kid.” </i></div>
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<u>*I question, what is enough?</u></div>
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<i>“I choose to be self-employed because I do not want to go to the office. I want the flexibility to spend time with my kid.” </i></div>
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<i>“I hate it that I have to handle my kid at night and my boss feels that I am not committed to work. I mean I am already doing my best during office hours. After office hours event should not be considered as an obligation or considered into my appraisal right?”</i></div>
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Steven too gave an example on this.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">"So, for instance, it’s your daughter’s birthday and your boss asks that you join him at a client event that same night.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Will you be able to say, “Sorry boss, I can’t because I promised my daughter I would take her out tonight as it’s her birthday” or will you bail on your daughter and attend the work event? What do we put as a priority?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Some may say, “But it’s my boss!” Honestly speaking, if I were the boss, an employee who puts family first would have actually earned some brownie points from me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Because with that, it’s clear where their priorities lie and what is important to them."</span></blockquote>
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It is not just about brownie points. There are intangible gains too. And yes, I agree with him. It is about priority. </div>
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So what’s yours? </div>
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<b>Who are you to your children?</b></div>
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Coincidentally I was also talking about my attitude towards work a few days ago on Instagram story. The series of stories was inspired by a friend who asked why I am always working late. Why do I put myself up to so much work and evening work events when I am not required or paid overtime to do so. In his words, “No OT what.. Why work? For what?”</div>
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First of all, I think we gain something at almost every good* (can be very subjective) networking session or when working on different projects. The output might be what the bosses want but the outcome and any extra learning or goodwill or relationship goes to you. The value of meeting new people and learning new things will be yours to keep and no one can take that away from you even if you leave the organization. These outcomes might make a difference in your life. In fact, this is my secret to life. I would not say I am successful now but I would say that I probably will not be where I am today if not for all the extra hours I have put in my life that no one made me do. It may not pay off immediately but I believe that one day it will. And I have been benefiting from my “investments” from years ago quite a bit these days. </div>
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What about spending time with my son? It is about what you want in life. </div>
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“You can’t have the cake and eat it too.”</div>
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We can’t have the best of both worlds. I choose to work hard on weekdays and spend quality time with my son on weekends even if it means that I have to work late and not see him at all for 5 days in a row .</div>
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I’ve shared this more times than I can remember at various talks as well as with friends who have come to me for advice.</div>
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I want to be that father whom my son is proud of. That role model. That guy whom he is proud of.</div>
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<i>“My dad is the so and so of the company. He has the resources to help our project.” - My son at age 16.</i></div>
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<i>“My dad did this before. Let’s ask him for advice.” - My son at age 24</i></div>
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<i>“Your dad is so cool. I heard he is the so and so right?” - My son’s future friend, Samantha. </i></div>
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<i>“Omg, is that your dad on TV last night? (not crime watch)” - My son’s future friend, Siti</i></div>
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I do not want my son to love me because I can cook for him or bring him to school. I am not looking down on or putting down people who do that. That is just not me. And I am lucky that I have a wife and a family that supports my way of life. </div>
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My helper can cook for him, my helper can bring him to school too. Can my son be proud of my helper the same way I want him to be proud of me? Probably no. It might not be a very popular opinion, just like me pulling off my favourite red boots.</div>
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QUGUgeVvmEfMS1h_ZKRNiRvbU8au1PJbXwgF8bJqXWKT0gmw2rbemRLkON9TpAMpHH7RkQRr8o5UYAUYLEBCb2n38qgvUCrmCD2AgubipNKDIqqJM3zbMFccvPTUuqz5lH-RpFHh" /></div>
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I do not want to be the father who tells my son that I used to do this and that for fun but no longer doing them. I do not want to be the father whom my son looks at my old photos and asks me how come I used to be cool but not anymore. I do not want my son to be the reason or excuse for me to stop being myself. I want my son to be the reason I am the best version of myself. Like in every relationship, we make each other better. Not slow us down. </div>
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It might not be what my son wants at the end of the day, but what if it is? He does not know it now either. It is the chance I will take. </div>
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<b>Quality time vs Quantity time</b></div>
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Steven pointed out that quantity time is important.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">"For any kid out there, I believe it is all about the quantity of time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Any time with their parents is quality time. A child cannot differentiate between quality time and non-quality time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">To them, they just know whether you are there or not there! What would your kids say if you asked them that today? Are you a “there” or “not there” parent?"</span></blockquote>
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I beg to differ. It is all about the balance.</div>
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There is no way I can be a happy dad or good dad if I am not happy with my own life. There is no way I can love others if I am unable to even love myself. How can a dad be happy at home just to spend quantity time for the sake of being there when his mind is thinking about work or how poorly he has been performing at work?</div>
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It is why I choose to be the best worker I can be from Monday to Friday and when I am with my son, I try my best to keep communication devices away and to focus on him. I am still not very good with this but I’ve set a goal and I am working on it. It is not about just being there physically. There will be days that I am not there. But when I am, I REALLY am. </div>
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It is about the process of sharing and nurturing. I am not saying that I am an expert in parenting but this is what I am doing for my son. I really do not see a point of me just being there but be on the mobile phone most of the time. I want to be present.</div>
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We all want to be the best worker at work and the best parent at home. It might be easier for some who have already achieved what they want in their careers. It might be a lot tougher on those who are struggling just to bring home the bacon. Whatever our situations are, more importantly is that our heart is in the right place. Take responsibility towards both family and workplace. Nobody says it is going to be easy, but we all try. </div>
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If politicians can do their part as workers, parents, and parents to their citizens, I am sure we can. If celebrities can do all the things they are doing and still be an amazing parent, I am sure we can. I do not think I am less than them just because my job is less “important”. I believe we all can as long as we are clear of what we want to achieve and work towards it. </div>
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We must find a way to put family first</div>
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The only reason why I work so hard IS because I put family first. I want my family to be proud of me. I know I am not there 5 days a week. But hey, you still have 2 days right? LOL. </div>
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It is not an excuse. I clearly know if it ain’t because I care about my family, my wife, and my son. I am dead sure I will be somewhere out there in other countries living from pay cheque to pay cheque if it was not because of them. I might not look or sound like one but I probably am a hippie inside. </div>
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As employers or even co-workers, we need to understand that everyone has different priorities in life. I cannot expect all my staff or co-workers to work like me simply because of my own choice. But we should not penalize anyone for choosing to spend more time physically with their family. </div>
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As a leader, we need to lead with wisdom, take risks and make tough decisions, but above all – exercise compassion when compassion is needed. </div>
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<b>The answer to life…</b></div>
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No one has the answer to <b>YOUR</b> life. You fight for what you want. Make the decisions that no one else can make for you. Take your stand regardless of the consequences. Take charge of your own life.</div>
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I’ve made mine for now. I am not telling you that my way is the right way for you. I might be wrong, I might regret it, I might grow old and bite my words. Isn’t that the beauty of life? We get to write our own stories and it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.</div>
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MSEOFPuF5abWcCnlkl6vKY-Q-mdrokYP8GOL2Fw9XZZrEmRqZ8sOAo4DJNbb-v6NyiLnUTe7iJKIcPJT12ipsVttiY7Ic8V-69tncoXpEfDBUdtGK9JxPU4BN6lnqIQk7Cb8muUq" /></div>
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This guy just ain’t giving up. Did you watch his recent Rambo last blood? CRAZY. HE IS 73!</div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-69094302782090428892019-10-23T10:33:00.000+08:002019-10-30T08:59:16.620+08:00My First Meet-The-People Session<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img alt="" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RzQplDc7AErSVPVq7UHLPiO6ZbtEhafPuTPKik8zqw2dxK4vrfVcjEui71H28vq0pohNfFxp7g4Lwh_lG1R1OErT4u2920CpWKL6cbaKym5LQZHqSERP1IFIm4HY5jhozcfhbcdp" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="NTUC Ng Chee Meng" /></span></span></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me and Minister Ng Chee Meng at my 1st ever Meet-The-People Session.</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve heard about the whole Meet-The-People Session (MPS) thing for the longest time but it was actually my first timing being part of it. What did I know about MPS before this? Basically a place for you togo and bang table when you want something lor. </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Want your driving offense to go away.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Need help with your HDB application.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Need help to get your son into a good school. LOL.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was about all that I knew about MPS. I guess I am one of the lucky ones who does not need help from MPS. Sadly, not every Singaporean are that lucky and privileged. During my observation at MPS, I noticed that there were actually a fair numberof Singaporeans who need help on day-to-day stuff that might not even cross my mind that anyone would need such help (That’s how privileged and ignorant I am. And also kinda guilty). From looking for jobs, getting help with citizenship/PR, getting financial help, complaining about disruptive neighbours and others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Truth be told, I was quite beaten emotionally by the end of the day. I was affected that despite Singapore being an advanced society, there are still many people who need help. Of course, at the same time, I also saw a few cases where I would classify them as Singaporeans being entitled. However, when I voiced out my thoughts to some of the more senior helpers at the MPS, they told me that this is what they are there for. To listen and try to help, not to judge who is right or wrong, or even who deserves help. I guess I still have a long way to go in that area. It is amazing how these volunteers can be there every week helping the residents. They also told me that it takes time and they did not start off being all ready and compassionate too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was also quite impressed with how Minister Ng remembers all his volunteers as well as some of the residents. I can hardly remember the people in my own classes or organization but yet as a minister, given the number of people he meets on a daily basis, he makes an effort to remember them. It goes beyond just names, mind you. He even remembers their personal details, family situation and their last conversation!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rationale of having MPS makes a lot of sense to me after sitting in one of these sessions. It really gave me a lot more understanding of the problems that different Singaporeans are facing and not just via reports but face to face. To look at them in their eyes and to feel for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/s6gzMNT_ZcvlNDs2bY78NHJgJEzUkfyd7UT3tD9hGGQrGj3PY-hS3OTVQT4dQ7oEJtaqv6AMa2oDAKgk1ACITIUV6LSaeffMJGy3-GTQu77JcXr5RnP5EzWO_K__j9WEZmzqyvim" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A conversation I had with my son before heading for MPS.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why was I there?</span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many friends asked me if I was there because I am going to be part of the coming GE LOL. I thank you guys for your support and faith but I don’t think I am MP material now, or anytime soon. I have met many different MPs because of my line of job previously as an online journalist as well as my current role in NTUC, I really do not think we are on the same level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is actually part of our induction programme at NTUC. All new staff are encouraged to check out our Labour MPs in action by signing up to observe them during MPS. If this comes as a surprise to you, don’t be. As a Singaporean, you should know the special relationship between NTUC and PAP. Although I am not a part of PAP as an individual, these two organizations have a long running history of supporting each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a recent <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pap-and-ntucs-twin-alliance-lets-workers-have-stake-society-without-feeling-shut-out-pm?fbclid=IwAR2R8NoqSlQGcBn2WQH0DKiHA4sDvnw1drN6IezZsZ5lrWtuPLKzxvT3MA0">speech by PM Lee</a> made during NTUC National Delegates Conference, PM Lee described the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and PAP as “twins” and that the system has allowed workers to have influence and interests within it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the same article,</span></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“PM Lee said that one of the PAP’s core missions is to advance the well-being and future of workers, a goal that it has shared with NTUC since the conception of both organisations more than 50 years ago — when the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew represented the postal workers’ union as a young lawyer in the early 1950s before he became Singapore’s first prime minister.”</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In fact, I remember watching an old video where our late MM Lee mentioned that NTUC and PAP was ONE. At least that was how it was back in the 1950s. It was the same people in the unions who had supported him when PAP was first formed. So the people behind both organisations back then were effectively the same people with the shared vision of fighting for workers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regardless of what naysayers disagree about this system and argue that the system would be more robust if it wasn’t like this, we have seen how both NTUC and PAP have worked together over the years to tide over difficult times and testing the symbiotic relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is nothing unusual for unions around the world, you know. Unions either partner political parties, or they form their own. So that they can win seats in the parliament to have a voice for the workers, and so that they can be a part of the nation’s policy-making process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like <a href="https://aflcio.org/about-us">the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) supports the US Democratic Party</a> and formed an alliance while some unions form their own political party like the UK Labour Party and Trade Union Congress (TUC).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is NTUC National Delegates Conference (NDC)?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 347px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pE5l9pHnbkUfhcpKMv1LbNVjOPtKc_Np38lZnyFgPOSgvpjlm2MkmrEF_GmtEfm9sp7yus7iEzsbUSCFwZP6hCLDTNzDV4CZQNiNurlfQkG2XPXVih_19IpKJFE2G14ZKgI_Z9X5" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="NTUC NDC" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what is this NTUC National Delegates Conference (NDC) that our PM was speaking at? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is an event held every four years where delegates discuss issues facing the labour movement and also elected a new central committee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The central committee is the planning, policy and executive organ of NTUC.It is essentially the highest decision-making body in the labour movement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More than 400 delegates from NTUC's 59 affiliated unions elected the new central committee by secret ballot, for a four-year term of 2019 to 2023.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So yup, even as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Ng Chee Meng had to win enough votes to be elected into the committee and then nominated and voted to be the Secretary-General of NTUC. As much as we “borrow” the talent from govt, it does not mean that NTUC and the unionists must die-die just say yes to whoever govt allocates to us. Whichever minister the Govt “loans” us, he or she will still need to win votes to get the mandate as our Labour Chief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So before NDC, there was also a Pre-NDC which is somewhat a retreat format kinda event where unionists come together and let their voices be heard by sharing common problems their members face at work. So a lot of people like to complain about their voices not being heard or our govt do not know the ground, so besides MPS, joining the union is another good platform to be heard. Not everything also need to go to Hong Lim Park lah hor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Talking about membership, it was also one of the things that was brought up by Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng. In case you are confused, yes, I am referring to the same person. Mr. Ng Chee Meng, Minister Ng Chee Meng, and also Secretary-General (Sec-Gen) Ng Chee Meng. LOL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He pointed out the harsh reality of declining union membership around the world. Most unions around the world are losing their relevance and losing mindshare, especially amongst the young. Worker profiles are changing, we now have more PMETs than rank-and-file workers while it was the reverse in the past. Digital disruption is impacting businesses and the nature of work as well.. How can we as a Labour Movement keep up with the times and face all these new challenges while still continue our core mission of helping workers? Here are some of my takeaways from our Sec-Gen’s speech during NDC.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3Is and D</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1.Innovating Union Model</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unions have been around for very long. There are a lot of practices that are no longer just simple practices but also known as traditions or even rules if I may. With the changing landscape of workers and times, is it too much for us to look into possible ways to restructure it to help more people according to their needs? Can we have more all-collar unions since it is clearly inevitable that we are just going to have more PMEs in the industry? (For the uninitiated, traditionally unions wereto protect blue collar workers.) Can we innovate and have digital unions? And besides structure, can we have new ways to protect our workers? Instead of just helping them after they get retrenched, how about a taskforce to work upstream by partnering employers to help them in the pre-retrenchment phase? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As much as unions have been around for so long, there are still a lot more room for us to innovate.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2.Innovating Membership</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like many out there, I never knew what union membership was all about until I started working closely with NTUC some years back. I never saw the importance of it. Nobody ever told me why it is important and more importantly, I never saw the value of being a member.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NTUC’s social enterprises that focused on things such as cheaper groceries, household items, insurance were started in the 70s with the workers in mind. Some 50 years have passed and the focus remains unchanged; <b>workers.</b> However, the needs and wants of workers are no longer the same. So can we reinvent the NTUC membership model to meet today’s needs? How can we bring in new value and privileges that matter to our members across life cycle and even their families? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Labour Movement will have to think about these and see how we can partner our Government to ease the issues of an ageing population, ease the burdens of the double-sandwiched Singaporeans and hopefully, encourage more babies as well</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3.Innovating Training</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is one thing that I personally feel a lot for. If not because of how kaypo I am by default and how I enjoy attending training and workshops, I will probably not be where I am today. Like I mentioned earlier, I guess I am a lot more privileged when it comes to knowing the right people, doing the right things, and with the right support. Not everyone is that lucky to know what kind of training to seek or even where to start. One of my favorite lines in life, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So NTUC has started <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/ntuc-aims-for-1000-company-training-committees-in-3-years">Company Training Committee (CTC)</a> implementation earlier this year and we are beginning to see some results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The critical pace of technology changes means more disruption and continual learning is required to keep up and hopefully, upskill to maintain a good trajectory of wage increases for workers. It is no longer just about keeping them at their current jobs but also to ensure that there will be career progression for them and also being ready for future job placements as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4.The “D” for Digitalisation </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Digitalisation is not just a buzzword to make the organisationn sound cooler or feel sexier. It’s effectively a means to an end. It is about exploiting digital technologies to enable the innovations mentioned above. It is about better serving NTUC’s members and giving them the value they want and deserve in terms of protection, privileges, and progression/placement.</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Journey So Far…</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been 9 months since I <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/06/smith-leongs-100-days-at-ntuc.html?showComment=1564388314147">started working with NTUC</a>. The journey has been amazing. I’ve seen things happening on the ground with my own tiny eyes and I’m very fortunate to be able to meet some of the most amazing people who take time out of their busy schedules and volunteer to help others. I might just be a small fry in a big pool of people but the strength of the labour movement is not based just on my personal capacity but what we can do as an organisation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are a lot of things to be done, and there are so many people out there who can benefit from our work. Someone from the organisationasked me recently, “Smith, what drives you?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know it might come out as a bit of a cliche but what drives me is really knowing that what we do as an organisation is helping people and shaping our future. You can laugh at me saying that what can I achieve alone, but the truth is I am not alone in this. We need to have a Dream… We need to be brave and Dare to believe that it is possible… And more importantly, we need to DO IT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In case this article is overly boring for you, here’s a nice video by the team – <b>DREAM . DARE . DO.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3CW0Sa0VMTo" width="560"></iframe></span></span></div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-85570401145322305522019-09-27T18:24:00.000+08:002019-09-28T15:00:43.326+08:00Do Good, Do Well, Do More, Do Together.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AtW2xbEb3p-0r6cvZ8wvRs9ETXnLpLoFor1JbjnJq8Pgrry1Hmlx85y6Cr5PRZdMtE3Y8rztPP9HPvEEFdDoUsP-34krMs4J60ejIU00XfBmMwFFduDHQCPf3dNTooDHf9w7/s1600/IMG_20190808_203354.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AtW2xbEb3p-0r6cvZ8wvRs9ETXnLpLoFor1JbjnJq8Pgrry1Hmlx85y6Cr5PRZdMtE3Y8rztPP9HPvEEFdDoUsP-34krMs4J60ejIU00XfBmMwFFduDHQCPf3dNTooDHf9w7/s640/IMG_20190808_203354.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Me and my mentees monkeying around on HATCH demo day.<br />
<br />
Life has been good to me. I've been busy. The good kind of busy. I've been talking a lot. (Not like you guys don't already know.)<br />
<br />
What I have been preaching the most these days is this 1 word - Ikigai.<br />
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What is ikigai? (It is not a Japanese dish. please.)<br />
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If you can read venn diagram, this is IKIGAI.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1Ukiu-7eYuqDz_sOSwdUcFpsRIegwlsb9e28rWBlK6I7UNSzKzlNzueouzGBVYjFVyWnu1WsXTWQU_uNRrPHo5-Vu_C5AJkCXVEjNHLV-F0in3JULYUHVrimrCfveQOu0gfJ/s1600/ikigai.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1Ukiu-7eYuqDz_sOSwdUcFpsRIegwlsb9e28rWBlK6I7UNSzKzlNzueouzGBVYjFVyWnu1WsXTWQU_uNRrPHo5-Vu_C5AJkCXVEjNHLV-F0in3JULYUHVrimrCfveQOu0gfJ/s640/ikigai.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.54); font-family: , "lucida grande" , "lucida sans unicode" , "lucida sans" , "geneva" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Image: Toronto Star</span><br />
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Being able to reach the stage of Ikigai is not easy but yet at the same time not impossible.<br />
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There are people who obtain Ikigai by picking up multiple roles. Meaning to say that on top of their day job, they will probably have a hobby, volunteer somewhere, perform in public, or maybe have an extra part time job. I think, I believe, I hope, I guess, if I'm not wrong, I am at this stage of my life now. I mean I have a lot less time for myself or just to do silly things but I am happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-TeWxmNd9wXBb_07FtTHi9Swgj7bW7R-oLGvDwtXCLPF2R076t6yCkfXBVmj81xOPNP6OUkxLnHmrCSwiSRn39pV_tZziY8C356bUY4T3VW4DmeDQ8f70Fw9Al-yxu1O7Mbq/s1600/DSCF2282+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-TeWxmNd9wXBb_07FtTHi9Swgj7bW7R-oLGvDwtXCLPF2R076t6yCkfXBVmj81xOPNP6OUkxLnHmrCSwiSRn39pV_tZziY8C356bUY4T3VW4DmeDQ8f70Fw9Al-yxu1O7Mbq/s640/DSCF2282+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I got involved with this group of youths from HATCH. Who are they?<br />
<br />
From their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hatchingnow/">Facebook page</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>Hatch is a training and job-matching enterprise aimed at empowering the next generation of youth and companies. We believe that young people from all walks of life have immense potential and can be properly nurtured to enter high growth careers.</i><br />
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I was mentoring 2 of the youths and at the same time friends to many of them. I might not be a trained career mentor or life coach per se but I've a rule that I work with and it works for me.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
"Build relationships 1st." </h2>
They will share with you their problems and accept your suggestions once <i><b>t</b></i><b><i>rust </i></b>is built. That is what friends do. You don't go in and start the session by asking them what problems they have and immediately try to solve their problems for them. As a mentor, I am not a GP. I am not there to just give them medicine and the MC that they want. While the program might be over for now, the relationship stays.<br />
<br />
Many people like to ask me why am I so <i>kaypo. </i>How do I find so much time and energy to do all these things that <i>"doesn't matter"</i> (their words, not mine.) I guess doing good is a hobby for me? Like some people likes to go and get a massage, or read a book, or watch a tv program as a form of hobby and feel good. I guess helping others make me feel good? So if you wish to, you too can say that me doing good is really more of a selfish act too since 1 of the objectives is to make myself feel good. I'm not putting anyone down (I am a huge fan of NetFlix) but 80 hours in front of tv only benefits you but 80 hours helping people can mean a lot to others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylUxFpqU3oVK8OcHdLiEhFV7jUeZ4IKj6LFIVrxoL78XEqCPiCPUew0iaLo_Og3ZxIEUwyDzGlZFXCz45QCSMhKQvnI_NxCylqt_ahhvGV53PJHgzEfw_T6OD_GMn0nPYNaNl/s1600/Untitled+design+%252816%2529.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylUxFpqU3oVK8OcHdLiEhFV7jUeZ4IKj6LFIVrxoL78XEqCPiCPUew0iaLo_Og3ZxIEUwyDzGlZFXCz45QCSMhKQvnI_NxCylqt_ahhvGV53PJHgzEfw_T6OD_GMn0nPYNaNl/s640/Untitled+design+%252816%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br />
From top left to bottom right. Some of my activities in August.<br />
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1. My friend Melissa invited me to help out at sunlove home. Actually it was really nothing much. We were there to give out some food as well as interact with some of the residence. It was like for just 2 hours. They were so happy to see us!<br />
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2. That's one of my new best friend Cassh. Being friend with him is like sleeping with the devil. You will have the best time with him drinking and clubbing but you will feel guilty when you end your night puking your way home. This picture has almost nothing to do with this article. I just put in there because I want to show you guys that I do have other activities besides working and doing good. LOL.<br />
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3. My 1st selfie with our PM LHL. Although it was a work event but it is one that I volunteered to help. (Kaypo again lor.) It is our <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/07/reunion-exhibition-by-ntuc.html">MS50 ReUnion </a>exhibition launch. A bit shy to ask PM Lee for a proper selfie lah.<br />
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4. This last picture is a picture of me and my co-host Pam. In this case, we were both <i>volunteered </i>to be the host for our National Day Observance Ceremony.<i> Fine, </i>we were selected to help. I am glad I said yes though. We took some hours out of work for rehearsal and all but it was so fun! #NoRagrets And if you look closely you can see quite a few ministers and MP in that picture. Always wanted to do this selfie thing with all these people behind me! Bucket List checked!<br />
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So I wrote this post halfway since August, but I did not have the time to complete it. And now we are already heading into October. LOL. #productivity<br />
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Since I'm at the topic of doing good, I would also like to give a shout out to Maybank's #inspiregoodsg campaign. Nope, this is not a sponsored post. I'm just sharing it because I thought it is a pretty interesting campaign. Like you know, they are obviously a bank and we don't usually associate doing good with banks. LOL. #truestory<br />
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So what is this about?<br />
<br />
From their official website -<br />
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#InspireGoodSG is a social initiative powered by Maybank Singapore<br />
to inspire a wave of good deeds across the country.<br />
<br />
As good deeds shouldn’t go unnoticed, we want to<br />
recognise and reward those with a small token of appreciation.<br />
You can choose to redeem your reward or donate it to a charity.<br />
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<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to join the #InspireGoodSG initiative?</span></b></h3>
Visit MSpace at Maybank, Orchard to collect your #InspireGoodSG card!<br />
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<b>Address: </b>MSpace at Maybank, 321 Orchard Road #01-01/02, Orchard Shopping Centre, Singapore 238866<br />
<br />
<b>Date: </b>27 September 2019 (Friday) to 18 October 2019 (Friday)<br />
<br />
<b>Time:</b> 11am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday (Closed on Public Holidays)<br />
1. Pass the #InspireGoodSG card to another person who has done good<br />
2. The recipient scans the QR code on the card<br />
3. Recipient redeems a S$5 reward or donates it to a charity<br />
IT IS THAT SIMPLE! Tell your friends about it and let's scan more and donate more without actually using your own money! HAHAHA..<br />
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They also have this livefeed thing which I thought it is pretty cool!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMrBpvuJWULvfsjAo69hDpKZIRVXEsKSXCSjQo5nhTizb5X22DrIk9phDD_hi-suBnS_lU8au8sWaAhgJzKFJoIPV_iM6qqRofLNnpo62vaw-49PHWDceKCePo8SSZmxHdWvn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-09-27+at+6.20.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMrBpvuJWULvfsjAo69hDpKZIRVXEsKSXCSjQo5nhTizb5X22DrIk9phDD_hi-suBnS_lU8au8sWaAhgJzKFJoIPV_iM6qqRofLNnpo62vaw-49PHWDceKCePo8SSZmxHdWvn/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-09-27+at+6.20.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Check out their site for more information - <a href="http://www.inspiregood.sg/">http://www.inspiregood.sg/</a><br />
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-40276025475477696302019-07-15T11:08:00.000+08:002019-07-15T13:58:02.483+08:00Time Travel Weekend. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Durian Party</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe-GIeObOSNipRJbD_XyeferY5YgwS44oR3To5cSgT9Ffx3NJn4HRG_kcpO6AOOywRO1lJw6lnIR_zanWORXPzarX7tZJNk0S-KGVYaWTTaQqwgpqU-3rLl-B-pEPhoJRMsGM/s1600/durian+party+and+more.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe-GIeObOSNipRJbD_XyeferY5YgwS44oR3To5cSgT9Ffx3NJn4HRG_kcpO6AOOywRO1lJw6lnIR_zanWORXPzarX7tZJNk0S-KGVYaWTTaQqwgpqU-3rLl-B-pEPhoJRMsGM/s1600/durian+party+and+more.png" /></a></div>
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Life works in a strange way. Not too sure about how it works for you guys but very often I feel that my life works in full circles. To quote The Oracle from the movie, "The Matrix", (The amount of "the" in one sentence is too damn high.)<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Everything that has a beginning has an end."</span></blockquote>
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I used to visit some of the block parties around my neighbourhood with my mum when I was a kid. Not because I especially like to socialize and meet new people at a young age but maybe more of just accompanying my mum. My mum is very sociable within the community and she always get such invitation. Not to mention the tickets are really cheap and affordable. I used to ask myself how does this "RC" guys earn money when their tickets are so cheap. Of course now I know that they are heavily subsidised for the residents.<br />
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So I started the weekend by visiting one of such events with my colleague. In fact I was crashing one of my colleagues' event. Fine, is it weird that I call him a colleague when he is actually also the MP of my mum's GRC? But technically his office is just less than 30 steps from my desk, so....<br />
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Technicality aside, <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/02/how-to-avoid-making-common-mistakes-we.html">Desmond Choo</a> (DC) and I have kinda a strange relationship. Nope, don't worry, we ain't dating. I really don't think I am his type. So DC was 1 of the 1st few MPs that I started working with when I first got in touched with NTUC years ago. To be exact, it was 2 years ago. And then I realised he is the MP that took over Mah Bow Tan and became my mum's MP. To make things even stranger, our kids used to be in the same swimming lesson. Yes, life is strange.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcwK2c0WIIAYQ8cVJSja_NNnS22ST_DnpWtLmLaxf0RefWtkQ4dGUvD-OQSjRotnAyBXlx8ceOPJJvAMHMpVzPoDSv7YWwOaHpkZE2jy8S8ObhJMUC1BO2QMuipBeAmeXx1dm/s1600/IMG_20190713_154033.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcwK2c0WIIAYQ8cVJSja_NNnS22ST_DnpWtLmLaxf0RefWtkQ4dGUvD-OQSjRotnAyBXlx8ceOPJJvAMHMpVzPoDSv7YWwOaHpkZE2jy8S8ObhJMUC1BO2QMuipBeAmeXx1dm/s1600/IMG_20190713_154033.jpg" /></a><br />
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As usual, I digress. So while our good friend Miss Yeo was munching down her durians and mangosteens like a glutton, I got hit by this wave of nostalgia. The party reminded me of myself some good 20+ years ago being at such parties with my mum, sharing a table with some 7-8 other strangers talking, making friends, talking to the MP, and having my fingers crossed hoping to win some lucky draw prizes. I mean the activities and setting reminded me of the whole thing, not because Miss Yeo felt like my mum of course. LOL.<br />
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"I can't imagine being an MP." I said.<br />
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"I can't imagine YOU being an MP either." She said. LOL. #BEECH.<br />
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I mean the fact about my caliber aside (FML), I cannot imagine the amount of work/time/commitment they need to put in. Can you imagine when everyone was spending time at home with their family on the weekends or weekday nights, the MPs and the ministers are actually out and running about telling people about who to find if they need help with find jobs, with their CPF, with their HDB units, where and when to find him at his MPS, and etc etc.<br />
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And besides being an MP, they have their own day job, (In DC's case, like me, he works at NTUC and that is his full time job.) they are also someone's father/mother, son/daughter, hubby/wife. And to make things worse, very often they just get slam by people online right? And I don't even think it is nice of them to visit like siam diu or any nightspots to chill like a normal person.<br />
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I mean it is not that they are not allowed to (I think?), but I would imagine if they get spotted at such places, netizen might just go crazy and say shit like, YOU SEE!!! TAKE SO MUCH PAY AND COME HERE DRINK BEER ONLY!. LOL.<br />
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OEI!!! MP OR NOT OR WHAT, THEY ARE ONLY HUMAN LAH!!!<br />
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I guess it is the kind of satisfaction that one cannot really explain. Like how my friends always ask me why I do voluntary work with some students and youth when I'm already so busy working most of the time. I guess it is the kind of calling in oneself. You got to have it to know it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">NetFlix and Chill</span></b><br />
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I spent a lot of my rest time in front of the TV. NetFlix and chill is currently the most therapeutic activity for me. Besides watching some of the newer shows, I love how NetFlix will air some classics from time to time. Last weekend's watch was actually this Tim Burton's classic, Edward Scissors hands. Seth was watching with me and he could not quite wrap his head around this.<br />
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"Papa, why are the scissors stuck on his hands?" </div>
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Regardless how old this show is, it is still one of those shows that are so strange but yet an instant classic. I do hope no one is crazy enough to remake it anytime soon. At least not when I am still alive. Please. Thanks. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fast And Furious </span></b></div>
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Thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CarfeelsPteLtd/?ref=br_rs">Carfeels</a>... I picked up my camera once again to shoot some stuff. This is probably one of my favourite pictures from the set. The good people from carfeels no longer just service vehicles but also selling some of these very exclusive Mercedes Benz. Check them out if you are a fan!<br />
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This picture looks like some wallpaper right? #professional<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Theme Park</span></b><br />
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Last but not least, of course it has to be family time! We got our USS card some time ago but we were not too confident with Seth being on roller coasters. We have been taking the same old family rides. However, we finally got enough courage to put Seth (It is funny how we got the courage and not him. LOL) on a roller coaster and he actually enjoyed himself! I was so worried that he might start to cry in the middle of the ride but I guess my concern was not necessary after all.<br />
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Well I guess that's the weekend for me. How was your weekend?Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-59898650574435748362019-07-12T11:40:00.000+08:002019-07-12T11:40:02.829+08:00Quick and Dirty July Updates - I got a new tattoo! <br />
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I know July is hardly over but I just wish to pen down some thoughts so far. And also to show off my new tattoo!<br />
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Nope. The image about is not my new tatt! HAHA. That's actually a rubber stamp from the rubber stamp station at the <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/07/reunion-exhibition-by-ntuc.html">ReUnion exhibition </a>which I shared previously. The rubber stamp was meant for notebooks and tote bag but me being me... I thought it blended in really well with my real tatts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq21mhHCb67gmkb4hxcq675fd-HXLk9tbfk83GGj26AWXppIgf_CbJ5knY-Ssea9_lfoC4bTbvotxtuJVrIvyjpfwIww_Sli-NGzsVHgEvnmBlgMVL-0p1kZjp3dJfDmg-j80E/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-07-12+at+11.01.56+AM-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq21mhHCb67gmkb4hxcq675fd-HXLk9tbfk83GGj26AWXppIgf_CbJ5knY-Ssea9_lfoC4bTbvotxtuJVrIvyjpfwIww_Sli-NGzsVHgEvnmBlgMVL-0p1kZjp3dJfDmg-j80E/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-07-12+at+11.01.56+AM-3.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is my real tatt! The millennium falcon! It is probably my favourite movie rides of all time! Followed by DMC DeLorean from Back to the Future and of course the Pussy Wagon from Kill Bill. LOL.<br />
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I got this ink for myself as a birthday present!<br />
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YES! JULY IS MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD0LS1FdFEKJS_n7ZGMtk2DqP88eWCgKBfT8tk2rVo7pOQYeXEWJTBEgh8QT0C-MmWG_SUpWlBTpGrknzMVTCxX_sQ17QeOHJVmh6d0lRb2etKLyr1jJV2hxNodl3ocAwO_4E/s1600/IMG_20190704_212427-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD0LS1FdFEKJS_n7ZGMtk2DqP88eWCgKBfT8tk2rVo7pOQYeXEWJTBEgh8QT0C-MmWG_SUpWlBTpGrknzMVTCxX_sQ17QeOHJVmh6d0lRb2etKLyr1jJV2hxNodl3ocAwO_4E/s1600/IMG_20190704_212427-1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">One of those random pictures taken at one of my parties. I know. I'm 35 this year and birthday shouldn't be a big deal but I guess I'm a lucky man. My friends still make effort to catch up with me for celebrations and it has been going on since late June. You have no clue how much weight I've been putting on just from the food and drinks. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Besides my birthday I also started writing again. I haven't been writing much for the last few months. I've no idea why either. So recently I contributed two different articles for two different sites and you can read them from the link below. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://singaplex.com/will-my-job-still-be-around-in-5-years-time-and-other-singaporean-millennial-worries?fbclid=IwAR11sI7WsKYhnS3dzIj8bcEqjN-WNTt8T6DY5cETfuyQOhXxBG_pgGUbIog">Will My job Still Be Around in 5 Years Time?</a></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://thesingaporeconscience.com/2019/07/the-strawberry-generation-might-be-better-than-we-thought/">THE “STRAWBERRY GENERATION” MIGHT BE BETTER THAN WE THOUGHT.</a></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Hopefully I can find my mojo back and write more. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Besides that, my life is mostly about work. I haven't been playing much basketball or video games as well. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">And also shooting. I think I'm quite done with Instagram at the same time. I feel the shift of content once again. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">In summary - Memes are the in thing and travel pictures are already on the way out. (or already out.) No, I do not have studies on that to show but you read it here 1st. (I think.) </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Anyway, HAPPY JULY EVERYONE!</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">(August.. I shall get back in shape in August. I think.) </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><br />
<br />Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-73294873739112191702019-07-10T14:04:00.001+08:002019-07-10T14:39:02.740+08:00ReUnion - An Exhibition by NTUC.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7_zPERvQL0UsIq2_6DrZ2lecQjGXuNG_4OYfQFOAxpPjADYnzTI97NWw_99TdIqUmGLQldyyenY3NgxvShtI_m-sBVXbuT8Gb8gOv4bEw3ppr4P3TzjOLhBD1Klya7w7aGx-/s1600/_DSC9642-99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7_zPERvQL0UsIq2_6DrZ2lecQjGXuNG_4OYfQFOAxpPjADYnzTI97NWw_99TdIqUmGLQldyyenY3NgxvShtI_m-sBVXbuT8Gb8gOv4bEw3ppr4P3TzjOLhBD1Klya7w7aGx-/s1600/_DSC9642-99.jpg" /></a></div>
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I told myself to blog about something else out of work for my next blog post. Like my current favourite food or the shows I've been watching on NetFlix, (Stranger Things 3 is reallllly good!!) but as I sat down in front of the computer in the middle of the night thinking of what to share, my mind can't help but wander back to something work related. </div>
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ReUnion - An Exhibition by NTUC. Although I'm relatively new to the organisation (as a legit staff), I felt a sense of pride when I stepped into the exhibition for the very first time.</div>
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Of course, the intention of this post is not to tell you the full history of NTUC and why we played an important role in Singapore's history. The intention is to show you some of the nice pictures I took at the ReUnion exhibition. Yeah, it is always about me LOL. The exhibition commemorates the 50th anniversary of our watershed event - THE Modernization Seminar. </div>
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So what exactly is the exhibition about? Is it just to talk about NTUC's contribution in/since 1969 and stroke our own ego? I wish I could say yes and just sum the article up now but it is far from that. The exhibition takes you back to the 1940s and through to the current day, and explains the role trade unions played then and now.</div>
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You will also get to see some of the interesting artefacts. </div>
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So what exactly happened in 1969? In short, after Singapore's independence in 1965, (you SHOULD know this HARLO!!), many workers felt that trade unions were no longer relevant with the new labour legislations so union membership declined from 120,000 to 90,000. There was a need to re-examine how the Labour Movement should exist to better represent and help workers. And the rest is history. (That you should know and can learn by visiting the exhibition.)</div>
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Besides learning about our history, there are also other interesting activities that you can be part of.<br />
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Augmented reality application where you can put on Mr. and Mrs. Lee's watch. Why the watch? You gonna be at the exhibition to find out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdEXaG2ekYcwTxEcJ9I6s0ZnldgK82gs31Trq_FFlmvCJpKXfrSYXuq3M8H9HSYsqW02vsmTCgB9aA8G-rouvwlqCBE3vpO3hUY94Edm2Qmcb-7fc2BcThZzSshhFD5_jCnyo/s1600/_DSC9498-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdEXaG2ekYcwTxEcJ9I6s0ZnldgK82gs31Trq_FFlmvCJpKXfrSYXuq3M8H9HSYsqW02vsmTCgB9aA8G-rouvwlqCBE3vpO3hUY94Edm2Qmcb-7fc2BcThZzSshhFD5_jCnyo/s1600/_DSC9498-78.jpg" /></a></div>
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A little customized "slide show" showing you some of the very interesting archive images.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdZ4zCCguFV1rR4z_t628C3ag3T9-asMn6EwCYXoOSXzS4_lk-JX75q8Jw_V2pODJPe3UbQ1TKo_nHW4177DbgXVqFG25sNDsZi4cHYp_y_gEDwGijvRQSneq_JuIT3QlnacP/s1600/_DSC9655-121.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdZ4zCCguFV1rR4z_t628C3ag3T9-asMn6EwCYXoOSXzS4_lk-JX75q8Jw_V2pODJPe3UbQ1TKo_nHW4177DbgXVqFG25sNDsZi4cHYp_y_gEDwGijvRQSneq_JuIT3QlnacP/s1600/_DSC9655-121.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also a GIF Photo Booth! </div>
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Interestingly I've also signed myself up as a volunteer guide with the museum for this event, so if any of you want to visit, DO LET ME KNOW!!!</div>
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<b>Details: </b></div>
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<b>Venue: </b>National Museum of Singapore, Glass Atrium, Level 2. </div>
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<b>Date: </b>4 July to 10 November 2019. </div>
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<b>Time: </b>Opens daily from 10am to 7pm. </div>
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<b>Fee: </b>Admission is free.</div>
<br />Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-75523494219144768712019-06-04T08:11:00.000+08:002019-06-04T08:12:58.977+08:00Smith Leong's 100 Days at NTUC <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<i>Who wore it better? My colleagues said that I look more like a chef from 18 chefs. </i><br />
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For those who are unfamiliar, 100th day is an important milestone for the new secretary general (SG) of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). And no, I’m not the new secretary general (yet) LOL. Current Secretary General, Ng Chee Meng reached that milestone last Sept and got interviewed by Straits Times. Nobody interview me so I own self write own self lor. What to do? </div>
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This article marks my 100th day at NTUC and to say that the journey has been great is probably an understatement. And no, I’m not saying this just because I am with NTUC, or my boss made me do it. I’m truly saying this from the bottom of my heart.</div>
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Now you know this is probably one of the many reasons that I’ve kinda been missing in action on this space. Not because NTUC is overworking me but my focus in life has shifted. For now, more than anything else, I need the headspace to think about my work in the organization. It is not that I am having a writer's block (pfff.. Come on. Writer’s block. Me?) but more so that all I think about is probably just work these days. And maybe you. (Generally, if you think it is you, it is you lor.)</div>
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<b>How it happened?</b></div>
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<i>Remember these 2 readers of mine? One of them Whatsapp’ed me and jio’ed me to work at NTUC lor. KIDDING!!! Met these 2 ex-SG during a dialogue some time ago. Yet to have the chance to take one with the current SG despite seeing him often enough during union visits. </i><br />
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If you have been following this space, you would remember reading loads of my adventures over the years, including adventures of me on the ground covering NTUC’s activities such as <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2019/02/is-kampung-spirit-dead-in-singapore.html">Project Refresh</a>, <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/06/my-todotodo-picture-story.html">Todo Todo</a>, which got me started volunteering as a <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/07/whats-my-career-journey.html">Career Guide</a>, <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2016/10/because-we-care.html">Job Shadowing</a> a NTUC Health health care worker, and even to visiting a <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/11/ntuc-nursing-home-chai-chee.html">Nursing Home</a>. And no, it has nothing to do with my <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2014/06/my-pre-wedding-shoot-at-ntuc-fairprice.html">NTUC Fairprice wedding photoshoot.</a></div>
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Those experiences taught me a lot and got me feeling a lot. (Yes, I am a very emotional cancer so no one should be surprised.) So when my NTUC point of contact aka current boss aka my “jiejie” from NTUC approached me and told me there was an opening that I should apply for, I asked myself why not?</div>
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<b><b>What is my role at NTUC?</b></b></div>
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I joined the organization formally to do Social Media Training and Community Engagement work. Yea, part of my work is about educating people on better and smarter use of Social Media. The work spans from Social Media literacy to championing staff to play his or her part together with the organization to share the labour movement’s work, to creating Social Media contents to recruit, retain and engage members. You may be surprised by the number of people out there who don’t follow mainstream media. So despite NTUC’s best efforts to push our messages to the public through mainstream media, some people still have no clue what NTUC really does. Many thought we’re just a supermarket (that’s FairPrice btw). Like my friend once told me, <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2017/11/singapore-got-union-meh-ntuc.html">SINGAPORE GOT UNION MEH?</a> </div>
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In one word, eye-opening.</div>
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One big pull factor for me to join the labour movement is the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. Much bigger and more impactful than my past work in the private sector. It is not just about chasing numbers and closing sales, or pairing social media influencers with clients so that they can selfie themselves holding some face cream next to their prettily made-up faces. It’s about what we can do to help workers.</div>
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I can’t be an effective trainer if I don’t know enough. So since I joined NTUC 100 days ago, I’ve always been that kaypo new staff who tries to gate-crash other people’s events so I can see more with my own eyes, feel it, and then advocate it. How can I sell something that I do not believe or feel right about? Actually given the way I tell story, I kinda think I could but that’s not the point. LOL. <i>#shameless</i> I know.</div>
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So what have I learnt about the labour movement’s work in these 100 days?</div>
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In a nutshell, we are fighting for 3 things that are the basics of what every worker needs - <b>Wages, Welfare and Work prospects</b>. Simple concept of fighting to give every worker a better job, better pay and better life. It is a simple concept that everyone can understand, but yet at the same time it’s something that is not exactly easy to achieve alone. There are different reasons why people have jobs. Some say they work for passion but more often than not how many people can say that? So the most basic reason why people work is for <b>Wages.</b> You need to be fairly compensated for your work, your experience, and of course the value you bring to the company.</div>
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What about <b>Welfare?</b> Some of you might be thinking about your bonuses, medical coverage, or whether you get to fly business class for work trips. Sometimes we lead a life so comfortable that we take things for granted and not see the smaller things that matter? For example, some months ago, Labour MP, also my ex-teacher, Mr. Zainal Sapari highlighted the importance of having <a href="http://www.labourbeat.org/2019/03/20/zainal-sapari-where-can-i-rest/">proper rest areas for low wage workers</a>. For most of us who have worked at an office building would probably have seen it before. How some cleaning aunties and security officers are given tiny rest areas with bad ventilation, if any. In fact, I’ve even seen some who have to resort to eating at stairwells or even on the steps of MRT stations. Have you considered the fact that they work at the same office building for as many hours as we do? But while we have own workstations, most of these low-wage workers do not even have a proper place to put their bags, let alone a space to rest and eat. They may be blue-collared workers but they are no lesser than any of us. If we don’t champion for their rights, who will? Believe, you, me, small changes like this can go a long way. The workers will rest better and be less prone to falling sick with a better working environment. They’re likely to be more motivated to work too. This too will benefit companies from lower absenteeism and lower staff turnover. That’s a win-win, isn’t it?</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Work prospects.</b> We all want better jobs, but how do we do it? Yes, the government has given us SkillsFuture Credits, and I’m a big fan of this <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/01/taking-course-got-use-meh.html">initiative</a>. But let’s be honest with ourselves here, how many of us actually did use the $500? Even for those who have utilized your SkillsFuture Credits, how many of you spent it on something that actually helps you in your employability or with your work? I recall moderating a dialogue and someone asked what was the point of training. He went for a course and HR did not increase his pay anyway. But do we only upskill and upgrade ourselves only if a pay raise comes along with it?</div>
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We live in a VUCA world now and digitalisation is disrupting every industry with lightning speed, and there is also economic uncertainty brought about trade wars and geo-politics in the region, we cannot bank on our companies and our jobs to be permanent. No one can guarantee that the lifestyles that we’ve been enjoying will be here forever if we are not prepared for disruption. The more versatile and multi-skilled we are, the more adaptable we will be. Property market, stock market, and job market… any or all of this might crash one of these days, and we can’t just be waiting for government handouts to stay afloat. To quote the House Stark, winter is coming.</div>
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Our best and only chance of staying afloat is to be prepared. We have to make sure that we are ready for all the future jobs so that even if we lose our current jobs, we will be ready for the next job immediately.</div>
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One of NTUC’s recent initiatives is the <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-ntuc-partnering-companies-to-set-up-training-committees-to-upgrade-worker-skills">Company Training Committees</a> (CTCs). CTCs is a joint effort that comprises management staff and union leaders, to help nurture "Worker 4.0". It is not just about going for courses to fulfill HR’s KPI. It is a joint effort to identify what is best for workers and the organization to digitalise and transform to Industry 4.0. CTCs are so that workers can stay updated, acquire skills, earn better pay, when they effectively help their organizations to increase their productivity or revenue. It is one of those things that I tell my mentees a lot before they go for job interviews, “Before you ask what the organization can give you, why not first ask how you can add value to the company?” The only way everything gets better is when it is a win-win situation. NTUC believes in this, and advocates understanding from both employers and workers, and help to facilitate such that all the stakeholders come together to win together.</div>
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One of my favourite activities since joining NTUC has gotta be our Secretary General’s union visits. Yea, He visits all of the unions, one by one, spending time to listen to their concerns and challenges and he also takes the chance to update the unions what NTUC has been working on. During these union visits, I get to hear concerns from a diverse group of workers of different demographics from different industries. Most are very real, and some are really very interesting. </div>
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="773" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNgCheeMengforSG%2Fposts%2F2272797609407626&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></div>
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I’m not at liberty to share the information, but all I can say is that what we read online ain’t always the true representation of what the ground feels. <i>cough* statutory cough* retirement cough* age cough*.</i></div>
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In my short 100 days here at NTUC, I’ve come to understand that regardless of your life stage or career stage, as long as you are willing to be helped, you will get help. Simply because #everyworkermatters.</div>
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<b><b>My new family</b></b></div>
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I can’t stress enough the importance of having good co-workers. We work hard and we play hard. Life is no bed of roses and there are some days that are not as good as others. I would be lying if I am telling you that I’m feeling 10/10 on a daily basis at work. These people make life a lot enjoyable. My boss would ask me on a weekly basis, “How happy are you?”</div>
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I’m a social animal and I need my dose of social activities and these guys are giving me what I need. Considering the fact that I’ve known some of these people for more than 3 years now, it is actually not difficult for me to settle in comfortably. Regardless of whether they’re from my same team or not, everyone has been very helpful and ever-ready to offer support and opportunities.</div>
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<i>Erm… I do strange things in office sometimes. Sometimes only, I swear.</i><br />
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I know I’m kinda a creep, I’m kinda of a weirdo who sometimes does kinda strange things in the office. I would like to thank everyone for accepting me for who I am. Or at least ignore me for the times I break into dance at my desk for no reason at all. LOL.</div>
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I don’t want this to sound like one of those blog posts I write when I am leaving the company, hurhur… But hey, it is what it is, and thank you, everyone! I really appreciate everyone so far. Those random after-work dinners, coffee runs during office hours, silly little texts during the day (and NIGHT, LOL!), daily lunches that are filled with laughter, all the pointless office shenanigans, and even work events in the evenings or even over weekends... I enjoy every bit of it. I guess I am pretty lucky. I’m a STAR! But, no lah, I do not cry cry cries in my lonely heart. (Get the reference? Congrats if you do not. It means you are pretty young. Still.)</div>
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<b><b>Challenges</b></b></div>
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<i>I also teach people how to play with their food during lunch time. </i><br />
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I’ve been self employed for a very big part of my life and there is a slight curve when it comes to the transition. Not exactly a big one but yes there is one. MY OFFICE OUTFIT. SERIOUSLY GUYS!!!! You have no idea how many people who knew me from before were laughing at me during my first week at work. “LOL! WHY ARE YOU IN SHIRT AND PANTS!!!” Because I need to uphold my professional image and also because it is in my staff handbook lah!! OIE!</div>
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Many of my friends have asked me if the red tape is killing me. Guess everyone knows and assumes that bureaucracy is inevitable in big organizations. Looks can be deceiving. Many people assumed that I’m the sort who cannot live with rules and systems. But hey, I actually am the guy who enjoys systems and proper processes. If there is no system in place, how can I know what boundaries there are and where my playgrounds and sandboxes are? LOL. Jokes aside, I suppose I’m also very lucky to have very open-minded boss and boss’ boss, and they have both given me more freedom than I’d expected to explore and do things my own way. No, it’s not like I just go in and smile and I get things my way (I know I’m cute but life ain’t THAT easy). Of course I justify my actions and why I want certain things certain ways.</div>
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<b><b>Moving Forward.</b></b></div>
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I know it is kinda fast to ask any girl to marry you just after dating for 3 months but I do see myself being part of this for a long time. I know it is too early to say but the truth is I am really enjoying my time there, my work, the opportunities given, and of course the people. Whatever may come, I am ready. (I think?)</div>
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I really hope that I can do more for the organization and the people. I also hope to see everyone taking more pride in being part of the organization, care more about our work, and share more of NTUC’s work with their own friends and network so that more people knows what is happening and more people will come forward to both help and receive help.</div>
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I may just be one of the many workers in the organization but I sure hope I wouldn’t be just another face in the crowd. And also not screw anything up. LOL.</div>
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And If this article is too boring for you, here’s some OOTDs to make your time <strike>worst </strike>worth.</div>
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xx,</div>
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Smith </div>
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( I promise I will try to update this space a little more from time to time.)</div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-32812156163910792322019-04-11T17:37:00.000+08:002019-04-11T17:46:49.710+08:00When did puberty hit you? Remember when you were 13 or probably 14 when life was a lot simplier. Although we did not have as much as now but I swear life was easier. We went to school, did what we were supposed to do, hit the basketball court, and then home. We watched TV till late, we spent hours on phones TALKING to your friend about your crush in school or sometimes gathered around the voiddeck with a few friends and chat through the night regardless if the next day were going to be a school day or not. We did not have mobile internet or even internet but yeah, we were happy.<br />
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And one of the most interesting milestones in most people's teenage years' has to be puberty. You will see some of your most awkward looking classmates becoming probably the hottest girl in school just after one holiday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yNZg7ytXiWHvPdpX8twHogZlFKUpomABognrzl15PWC7KhiQ1A4ucb11u_v3CmCTIt3abyjjLBZzeTtN0UVOcLwAKH15okrebOAKmNLckdGvHHBXRamVoD9jPzMfAASXty5N/s1600/1330455-944529-650-a9e67a0137-1484730267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yNZg7ytXiWHvPdpX8twHogZlFKUpomABognrzl15PWC7KhiQ1A4ucb11u_v3CmCTIt3abyjjLBZzeTtN0UVOcLwAKH15okrebOAKmNLckdGvHHBXRamVoD9jPzMfAASXty5N/s1600/1330455-944529-650-a9e67a0137-1484730267.jpg" /></a></div>
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Even Taylor Swift didn't look good before puberty. There is always hope. </div>
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Of course, that is also when the boys and girls started appreciating each other a lot more instead of calling each other names and throwing rocks at each other. Generally speaking. Of course not everyone went through the same love story. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJflgs6_PctBgQPC95ajw8EGKq1Ifw0AFwlNyVESakNrrMyUVPE8YIgwWzEpiwPNW3qLQnPqxBFKxt8G6K2AeRCPO6R-KqVsra9pynHaYH4ma85RTo5Qro_Rb2Ekx7_CTK3lK/s1600/250px-BoysAreStupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJflgs6_PctBgQPC95ajw8EGKq1Ifw0AFwlNyVESakNrrMyUVPE8YIgwWzEpiwPNW3qLQnPqxBFKxt8G6K2AeRCPO6R-KqVsra9pynHaYH4ma85RTo5Qro_Rb2Ekx7_CTK3lK/s1600/250px-BoysAreStupid.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was standing at 155cm when I was 14 years old and I was 170 before I turned 15. I would say my puberty came rather late as compared to some of my peers. I do enjoy the extra cms but one of the most annoying changes that I went through has to be HAIR!! </div>
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HAIR EVERY WHERE! LIKE OIE! WE EVOLVED AND WE WEAR CLOTHES! WHY DO NEED ALL THESE POINTLESS HAIR! </div>
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And you know how schools actually provides lessons to girls to educate them about how to use pads and tampons but what about us boys? WHY NOBODY TEACH US ANYTHING ABOUT SHAVING! (I mean at least teach us something about our facial hair if you are too shy or find it awkward to teach us to shave else where right. ) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp6k-nUs39gHB5CqJEmfF2H3G8OxL_p9XN_2-fhdDIyMOreZs-dawe0Qa8M86E9Y1BiU0S_mSseLu7iVjDiT2BBOYxn1QbPA2c5sMn27FmXjL4CHjnviF5fE3-N0HSTsvA9gY/s1600/DSC07593-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp6k-nUs39gHB5CqJEmfF2H3G8OxL_p9XN_2-fhdDIyMOreZs-dawe0Qa8M86E9Y1BiU0S_mSseLu7iVjDiT2BBOYxn1QbPA2c5sMn27FmXjL4CHjnviF5fE3-N0HSTsvA9gY/s1600/DSC07593-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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So in conjunction with the launch of their Hydro 5 Sense, Schick did a survey with 100 men and realized how uninformed we men are when it comes to shaving! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ksjMo8VuKykLhu_zbDFZ9vVJ26Kic24ur2C6G0gh267SWUy__V3lvmoSJ-N81X_o6Rh_Pu5bBCjFrE4Ji6zTfGhhZrlx-CFCBUGwt_FIJiwDA18dtnR_Uc-hiyLK0A2EK8hr/s1600/Schick+Hydro+5+Sense+Survey+Infographic+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ksjMo8VuKykLhu_zbDFZ9vVJ26Kic24ur2C6G0gh267SWUy__V3lvmoSJ-N81X_o6Rh_Pu5bBCjFrE4Ji6zTfGhhZrlx-CFCBUGwt_FIJiwDA18dtnR_Uc-hiyLK0A2EK8hr/s1600/Schick+Hydro+5+Sense+Survey+Infographic+2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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With Schick Hydro 5 Sense's 5 Ultra Glide Blades and 7 Hydrating Gel Reservoirs, it deeply hydrates your skin after every shave. In fact, it is so hydrating, you DO NOT NEED shaving cream! With its Shock absorbent technology, it allows you to have a contoured shave without worrying about cutting yourself! The perfect fuss-free shaver for men on-the-go or daily use! So guys, now you have no reason to not shave especially before a date or going to work! </div>
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Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11857399.post-19060771120698776772019-02-28T09:20:00.000+08:002019-02-28T09:20:32.003+08:00Is Kampung Spirit dead in Singapore? <b id="docs-internal-guid-860cb2c6-7fff-24b8-20dd-34518d6138cb" style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0882a22f-7fff-7a53-f8a3-073d62cb576c"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/xPkFmP0vrM4F3FZm4b-OyA9D64soLOb9B400droCMctoVagXrMervD8jdfDed5f2PKy-_SYF3nsL13wP9CmfBow_7XCOCiW6H507wj0g5JCZ6VgsbBLQVF0ILAu2uLcwKLrGTFah" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" /></span></span></b><br />
What is Kampung spirit to you? Is it simply a matter of knowing your neighbour’s name? Being friends with your neighbours? I mean we know how difficult it is these days for various reasons (or excuse. LOL). For starter, we are not at home as much as our grandparents who really lived in a kampung back in the days and that gave us very little opportunities and reasons to keep the whole kampung spirit alive. <br />
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I’m saying it’s difficult but I’m not saying it’s impossible. I do remember being rather close with my neighbours growing up. We use to play together, run around the corridor, playing block catching, and probably partly because my neighbours were really nice and lend me all their toys. This whole friendly neighbourhood thing needs two hands to clap. I remember the last time I tried saying hi to my new neighbour and all I got was a weird “do i know you?” stare. #TrueStory.<br />
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You guys remember <a href="http://www.smithankyou.com/2018/10/project-refresh-x-switch-and-save-use.html">project refresh</a>? Yeah, it’s that event where Young NTUC partners with the North East Community Development Council (CDC) to aggregate stakeholders within the North East District to help their residents. This includes GRCs/SMCs, SACs, schools and corporations who provide essential goods and services such as furniture, appliances, pest control services, as well as cleaning and painting equipment and supplies.<br />
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Life works strangely in full circle for me. So right after the previous event where they help the residents at Punggol where I am staying now, their latest project which happened before Chinese New Year happened at my “hometown” – Tampines.<br />
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The 12th iteration/edition of Project Refresh returned with the highest number of volunteers ever. Some 1,000 volunteers from unions, schools, corporate organisations, grassroots and Tampines residents stepped up to refresh the homes of low-income seniors and seniors, who are living alone in Tampines.<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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I met these two young ladies, Yan Tong and Wendy at the event. They are both 1st time volunteers at Project Refresh and also residents of Tampines. <br />
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After talking to them, I learnt that Yan Tong found out about this event via a direct mailer which she found in her e-mail for being a NTUC Member because of her PLUS CARD. I was pretty amazed/amused at the same time that someone actually reads those mailers! I mean there are a lot of stats that shows the fact that the conversion rate of edm has been on a decrease. <br />
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After reading the email, Yan Tong decided to be part of the event and try something new. Meanwhile she also invited a few friends to come along and that’s how Wendy ended up at the event as well. It must be a good day for them since they got to help out in the neighbourhood and also met me in the process. Right? RIGHT? RIGHTTTT??? XD <b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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Besides cleaning the unit they also spent some time talking to the resident which they find it really meaningful not just because of the cleaning but actually having an opportunity to make a new friend.<br />
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Me being me… I have to ask some difficult questions right? <br />
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“Since we are on the subject of spring cleaning… Have you spring clean your own house?”<br />
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Them;<br />
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“Actually no. HAHAHAHHA. Can don’t tell my mum about it?” <br />
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See! Putting others before themselves. Good people lah. However, I forgot to check if they are single, else I can also help to promote them and hope they find true love. LOL. (Damn kaypo I know. Typical uncle and auntie… Truly one of the many signs of aging.)<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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Besides them, other volunteers from the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) and Tampines grassroots also contributed their time not only to clean the houses but also come together to put a smile of the residents’ faces in different ways such as help with Chinese New Year decorations such as Chinese calligraphy writings as well as red packet lantern making and more to decorate 59 Chinese households. Volunteers also extended the spirit of celebration and brought cheer to the homes of Malay and Indian residents by giving handmade cookies, mandarin oranges and red packets to less-privileged families.<br />
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Remember your primary school Chinese education where they taught us the saying of 远亲不如近邻 as well as 远水救不了近火?If your answer is yes, your Chinese teacher would be proud of you. So I guess that’s the meaning of Kampung spirit isn’t it? Getting help from your neighbours when you need it. <br />
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P.S. But please don’t tell people you read this article and anyhow go knock on your neighbour’s door and ask them to clean your toilet because Smith said so lah. Help lah! Smithankyouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397933134318964198noreply@blogger.com2