What is Fair Consideration Framework?

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.

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.

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Have economic growth and job creation benefited Singaporeans more than foreigners?

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.

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.

Have economic growth and job creation benefited Singaporeans more than foreigners?

Between 2015 and 2018, local employment increased by nearly 60,000 for the whole economy.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

So in conclusion? Yes. To quote Minister Chan, "a resounding yes."

Not only have we gotten the local-foreign workforce balance just in terms of quantity, but quality too.

P.S. I'm no woke salaryman, but I just gotten a new tablet, just let me have it.

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Merry Christmas 2013!!!

We wish you a merry Christmas!!! Have a good holiday everyone! 

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Back To Hell - Diablo 3 on PS3.

What have I been doing at home these days other than watching Breaking Bad?

I went to HELL.. AGAIN..

Despite spending hundred and hundreds of hours on Diablo 3 on the PC, I am doing it again on the console.

The Good: 

• You can play offline
• You can share screen with 4 other friends
• You have this Evade button which put the game to a whole new level. It's almost like playing a new game. It's not so level and item dependent as the PC version. You evade and roll around and beat it like how you would on Mega Man. 

I believe this is the thing many wish to find out.

• IT'S RAINING LEGENDARY ITEMS!!! (I probably have an answer for this.)

The Bad:

• There is no auction house. So you don't actually get to buy items and money seems secondary. Which is probably the reason why legendary items are easy obtained in single player mode. 
• There is no PVP mode.
• The long mins of waiting for your friends to change their gears or choose skill on the same screen. It's really time wasting especially when you are starting a new game together with 3 others. 
• The social element of it is very weak. Cause adding any new friends on the PS3 is simply adding them onto my PS3 account and not the Diablo 3 account. I wouldn't want to mix my PS3 friends with my Diablo 3 friends. and not everyone is on this game as compared to a year ago on the PC.  

And why am I still playing it? Comon, it's Diablo 3. You have no idea how many man hours I spend playing the same thing over and over again for Diablo 2. It's a classic!

Mr.Smith, for once, going to hell seems like a good thing. 

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Friday Night Cycle - Victim of the #SGFlood.

Self explanatory.

Was caught at bus stop 71051 and if you are wondering where I actually was, it is Hougang Avenue 3-.Aft Kim Chuan Road and I probably cycled around 7-8km away from home.

                                                                                                                                  
I was stuck there till 1am until the wife came to rescue! And of course, social media to kill some time and boredom.

And reading comment like this one. LOL. 

LOL. What an adventure.

Mr.Smith, cycle tio SG Flood.

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Angels... You are my angel.

When I was younger, I believe that this is how angels should look like. Comes with Halo, wings and most likely in white.

I started playing Magic The Gathering and I was pretty sure this is the meaning of Angel.

Still white, comes with wings, no halo and a lot of jugs. One of the best white card one could have in his deck back in those days.

Soon puberty hit me and hit me hard. And this was Angel to me.

As compared to Serra, still white, full tits, blonde, hot but no wings, no sword and definitely not just a 4.

As years goes by, we will notice that there will be people around you that gives you a lift when needed, push you down and throw stones at you at the least expected moments. Some call them friends, some call those enemies but I choose to call them Angels.

Everyone is an Angel.

Angels come in every form, shape, sizes, age, sex or no sex. Everyone that comes into your life one way or the other, regardless of staying of leaving you is an angel. Why? Because they touched your life one way or the other. Taking it positively will just make you better.

There are angels that came into my life and messed it up. Pull me down, break me up and took everything from me. I learnt, I got wiser, I grow up better and I am now stronger. There are angels who came in my life, gave me love and shower me with care and stand by me. Trust me, believe me and allow me to grow. I always say this about myself, I am not the most thoughtful friend, I don't remember your birthday and very likely too lazy to call and talk to you but I am blessed this way that people around me love me and accept me for who I am. Some stayed, some did their part and left me, distanced but not forgotten for sure. You guys know who you are.

The Origin

Everyone came from heaven, a place where everyone was an angel. We are came down to earth or where we are to touch each other again. To complete each other's journey, to experience love, joy, pain. The love of having. The joy of getting and the pain of parting. When we truly experience all the things that we are required to experience again, we leave our body and we return to the land of angels to carry on our life in true form.

They come in different forms and when you least expect.  Some was given to you the moment you see light. Your parents, your family. Some come in as part of the plan, your neighbours, your schoolmates, your colleagues. some just pop in accidentally around the corner from the internet, your friends' friend or maybe just a stranger you see on bus daily. We have no idea how big a smallest action from one can impact another.

You are an Angel too

We might not have voice of Michael Jackson to heal the world, we might not be the GOAT on the basketball court to change others' life and we do not need to have the Hand of God to make history. A true heart filled with passion and love. Love for yourself and the community. Doing great and greater starting with the people beside you to a bigger world out there. Every action courts.

 I hope...

I haven't been the best person I could have been but I hope you can call me your angel. I hope I've touched your life some how in one way or the other. I wish you live long and prosper.

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Happy Birthday Singapore! National Day Song Medley by 53A.

No better way to celebrate Singapore's birthday with some nice local production!

Here is a medley by 53A!



Happy Birthday!

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Selamat Hari Raya!

I might not have many Muslim friends but here's one for everyone! Have a good holiday!

Mr.Smith, my favourite activity about Hari Raya is visiting the muslim food store and buy kway kway~

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Hokkien Word Of The Day - Kar Ji.

"Kar Ji" - actually I'm no Hokkien expert but I believe this is what it is. Got my ankle injured over the weekend during one of the game. I guess old man like me has to slow it down, but damn it. When the adrenaline kicks in you have no clue how old you are. 

Mr.Smith, no need to have #PrayForSmith . I'll be back and only better. 

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YOLO!

Yes, we only live once so do your best and be yourself. No extra green mushroom for you.

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God Says Sorry to Pastor Kong Hee.

Watch this:



I might not be the best person to comment on this video since I am no Christian and in fact I call myself a man "lost in faith" for now.

I've went through most but not all of the comments on this Youtube video and it seems to me that it's not quite possible that God apologise(to him) according to Netizen. I'm not too sure about how impossible or how possible this can be but I just wish to say, faith at the end of the day is something that keeps you afloat, keeps your life meaningful for many individual, if that is what it is for him to keep him sane, why is it not possible?

I am more curious about what do those people that have been and still standing by him thinks of him now. Does that man on stage looks sane to you? Is he still the same leader? I mean we follow our leader and more over a religions one but I am sure there is a limit to trust and believe? How many of those who clapped during the talk (or better known as service?) really did clap because they believe or is it simply because of pure respect or worst still, peer pressure?

Like I say from the beginning, I am no one to judge and in fact I am in no good position at all. I'm only questioning all these from a neutral ground or at least I'm trying to be as neutral as possible. I know there are many individual out there who have supported him(or still supporting him) are my friends and peers. All these years they have been taking flames and what not as they are the "branded" church. Can they still take this one as well? If "we" are all the followers and believer of God, why let the differences between the messengers divide "us"? That is the reason why "we" all pray to the same God but yet we have all these different churches?

What is your respond to this clip if you are from CHC? What is your respond to this clip if you are a Christian from another church? Are you jumping into conclusion and say no to this? Do we not believe in miracles?



Regardless of the "truth" (or whoever that voice belongs to), this video did make quite a bit of noise on the social web and hashtag #godnehsaysorry seems to be getting a little bit of attention?

What is your #GodShouldSaySorryToYouMoment?

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Back from Paradise.

Friends who know me know that I am not a very well traveled person for many reasons and 1 of them is that I'm simply lazy to leave my comfort of having "everything" in Singapore but I guess I was wrong. My visit to Boracay was simply awesome and worth the effort of packing and stepping out of my house. 

I am finally back! Burnt and Bloated. I am like 2 tones darker than my Malay colleague and I'm constantly feeling bloated from all the eating. I've so much to say and share about the adrenaline rushing activities I did as well as all the awesome places we visited in Boracay and of course my awesome companions. Hope I have the motivation to sort out all the pictures and information and share with you guys real soon.

I've met some new friends during this trip and I also get to know some of my friends better. You know what they say about traveling and friendship. It's either you hate someone after that or fall in love with them. I'm lucky as I have a good group companion for the trip and I just fall in love with all of them. 

Meanwhile this is one of my favorite pictures that I took using Christina's Camera shooting her.

The "Celebrity" Travelgraphy

Watch out while these crazy people spin the stories and share their nice pictures!

Picture by William who is also in the pic.

 From left to right, Jerome, William, Hazel (Client no url ;P.) Catherine, Han Joo, Smith, Clara, Tsubaki from Ninja Girls, Christina, Karen, Melissa and Valyn.

Check out OMY Boracay "mini site" and check out their blog post!

Mr.Smith, best trip ever.

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Bye Bye Singapore and Hello #BoracayEscapade.

See you guys in 5 days time! Do follow instagram hashtag #BoracayEscapade!

Thanks Tigerair, OMY and Tourism Philippines! 

Mr.Smith, it's more fun in the Philippines!

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Singapore & Malaysia Street Food Fiesta At Azur.

This August, as the people of Singapore and Malaysia celebrate each country's respective National Days, Azur will launch our Singapore & Malaysia Street Food Fiesta.

Of course, they are serving more than just chicken. The problem lies on me as I am the one who can only draw a chicken. And dear Malaysian friends please excuse the ugly MY flag.

On top of their usual mouth watering buffet menu, these are some of the additional food that you will be expecting at the buffet.

Ipoh Hor Fun
Flat rice noodles, shredded chicken, shrimp, Chinese mushrooms, greens and gravy topped with fried shallots and green pickled chilli

Black Pepper Sri Lankan Crab

Curry Yong Tau Foo

Sambal Stingray on Banana Leaf

Oyster Omelette with Chinese Celery

Cheng Teng Gelee

Local favorites with a special touch by Azur's chef making things original and at the same time different. Where else can you find awesome seafood, international cruise plus local favourites?

I find the food pretty interesting. It gives you a familiar but yet different feeling. What surprises me the most has to be the Curry Yong Tau Foo. It's not too spicy but the gravy is still very thick and strong.

You have to try it to believe it. (And of course, not to forget my usual favorites like oysters, crabs, sashimi, prawns, beef and the list goes on.)

More Information.

Singapore & Malaysia Street Food Fiesta is available on weekends for brunch and dinner.
Brunch (8 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25, 31 August, 1 September 2013)
Adult: $52.00++ Child: $26.00++

Dinner (7 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25. 30 – 31 August, 1 September 2013)
Adult: $65.00++ Child: $32.50++
* Please note that menu items differ for lunch and dinner and are rotated on a daily basis. Please check with Azur for the full menu.

For information and reservations, please call 6823 5354 or visit www.crowneplazadining.com.

Else, you can LIKE them on Facebook and keep up to date on their latest promotions: http://www.facebook.com/cpchangi

Mr.Smith, Nom Nom!

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Monday Morning.

The problem with having two cats is that you will never be able to find out who did it. Argh. Wasted my morning cleaning the house and late for work.

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Weekend.

Well spent.

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#Men

It's Friday but I'm feeling all slow and bored. #Unplug not working very well for me. Not at all. Still stealing a tweet or status update on Facebook. Feeling uncomfortable because of #Unplug? Maybe?

Chinese is amazing isn't it? Heart in the Door = Bored. Go out, take a walk and feel better.

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#UNPLUG

Take a slow walk and watch the scenery around you.

Inspired by this month's FastCompany article by one of the world most connected man, Baratunde Thurston. #Unplug. Basically getting yourself off internet.

I might be less than 10% as connected or as "successful" as he is but I see a lot of similarities between us, especially how unhappy and how grouchy I am getting and I blame this on how "socially" connected I am.

Not as cool as he is but my official biography, such as it is, might reads as follows: “Smith Leong is the writer of Smthankyou.com and CEO and cofounder of once awesome Waddup Events, a creative events company. Currently working at one of Singapore's up and coming boutique social media agency One9ninety as a Social Media Manager.” I’m a blogger, consultant, life coach, and cross-platform opiner on the digital life. My friends say I’m the most connected man in their social circle. And in the last few years, I lived like a man trying to make friend with the whole of Singapore just by using digital/social media.

The NEED to #UNPLUG

I was talking to my friends that my life is now a big distraction to my own life. I used to remember each conversation I have with people I meet, their faces, their names and even pointless details of TV shows, lyrics and strangers that stays around my estate. I multitask so much these days from all the notification I am getting online and everything seems to be just a breeze of my life. I watch TV while commenting about it on Twitter and at the same time looking at my Facebook timeline updates. No way this is healthy. I refuse to stay still.  I've lost the meaning of appreciating details.

I am obsessed with "trends".

I feel the need to know what is happening on the social space globally and locally. My excuse to myself is that I need this to come out with interesting editorials for my clients. I need these information to write a new article for the sites I am contributing to and I need to know which blogger is having issues with who so I can avoid inviting them to the same event to avoid the awkwardness but how much of the above are true?  I am pretty sure I can still do my job very well without being obsessed.

I shared too much. 

Nobody cares how my workout is contributing to my biceps or any other smallest weirdest thoughts in my head. But every time when I have something funny or happening around me I felt like there is a need to share it on the platforms. And everyone I bump into has a comment or two along the line that do I have a real job.

I am addicted to myself.

You don't need to be an ego management doctor to diagnose how psychologically unstable I am when it comes to ego. "Our digital social tools feed right into that ego trap, since pretty much my every piece of self-expression is accompanied by performance indicators. I can measure how many "likes" an idea has. If my tweet was not retweeted, did I even tweet it? Never before have we had the ability to microgauge our own rhetorical value to the world. I was judging my oversharing of uninhabited experiences." - Baratude. He got that right.

I am jaded by work. (again).

It's definitely not the 1st time I am complaining about this and this ain't going to be the last time. After a few individual incident. It made me realize once again that social media/blogging scene in Singapore is really missing the real fun. People are selling courses on "how to win awards" with blogging. "how to earn money" with a blog. Passing comments like "I will only do this when my blog gets famous.". Spending money on media buy and creating fake fan pages or even own fan pages and putting it as "Public Figure." just to make oneself look famous. The crave for fame is getting stronger. I am not saying any of these actions are wrong, call me a hipster but I find that we are missing the very original fun of such platforms. The joy of sharing, the fun of writing and the very organic formula of word of mouth. The focus, the core is moving away. It's getting glittery and shiny - Showbiz. Like Hollywood. Scandal, gossips and making use of people to be famous. I feel the emptiness in me every time I see people doing these. I question myself. Is it me or is it them. Is it that hard to enjoy something without actually getting some return. I am no saint myself being a digital PR/Advertising person. We need people like these (or some sort) to help and "sell" our clients' product but I guess some of these moves are simply crossing my lines and breaking some of my limits. Not like something have changed and not like something is going to change but I hope at the very least, it makes me feel better.

Things I have no clue. 

I  am not sure if I will feel better or happy. I have no idea if I can survive through the #unplug but I am going to try it slowly but surely. I don't know how long I am going to do it or how long I can do it. It might be a good time since I am going overseas soon.

The Rules. 

I am going to remove the notification of my FB, Twitter, Instagram. I will not post anything on these platforms. I might will write on this blog not so much of getting connected but more of updating the progress slowly. Due to work commitment,(might be an excuse) I will see be reading Facebook but mainly only on my client's pages that I manage.  

Mr.Smith, #UNPLUG

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Disgusted.

Disgusted by local blogging scene and some of the bloggers' action. It's seriously an entertainment industry > journalism. The way people act, the way the things happens. It's really more of an entertainment/TV/Showbiz kinda thing than Media/Journalism isn't it? And at the same time, just as dirty and fluffy. Who am I to say since I blog about crap more than anyone else. But at least I am answerable to my own action.

I shall stick to draw more and talk less.

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