Covid-19: Migrant Workers' Dormitories in Singapore

I believe that many have received videos, messages, and even images sharing concerns about our migrant workers' dormitories and the covid-19 situation.

I hear many of your concerns and I would like to share this post by Minister Jo Teo.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/123724534368517/posts/3665600290180906/?d=n

To quote her, "SHOULD STANDARDS IN FOREIGN WORKER DORMITORIES BE RAISED?

There’s no question in my mind, answer is “yes”."

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.

Of course, the standard question is, "would you stay in such dormitories yourself if you think it is good enough?"

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.

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;

“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.”

Link: https://www.unscrambled.sg/2017/06/16/photo-story-migrant-workers-celebration-2017/

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.

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.

"When the govt want to house foreign workers in neighbourhoods, residents complain then no choice gotta house the dorms in far-flung areas.

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.

They beat their chest screaming for better conditions for foreign workers but in the same breath balked at the same workers living alongside them.

It's hypocrisy and racism, plain and simple."

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.

Link:
https://www.facebook.com/smrtsg/posts/3225055884185268

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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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ReUnion - An Exhibition by NTUC.

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. 

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.

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.   

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.

You will also get to see some of the interesting artefacts. 

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.)

Besides learning about our history, there are also other interesting activities that you can be part of.

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!

A little customized "slide show" showing you some of the very interesting archive images.

Also a GIF Photo Booth! 

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!!!

Details: 

Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Glass Atrium, Level 2. 

Date: 4 July to 10 November 2019. 

Time: Opens daily from 10am to 7pm. 

Fee: Admission is free.

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10 Coolest Places for a First Date in Singapore

I know I haven't been in the game for a long time but I've always been giving dating tips to friends. I know some of you might say that I do not have much dating experience but the truth is, hello, 1/1 = 100%. It's about the success rate please. 

Anyway, here goes nothing! 

1. Sentosa Island

This is the entertainment center of Singapore: so many fascinating things are out there to be found. The island with an area of ​​5 square kilometers is literally overflowing with all sorts of interesting places: parks, beaches, and attractions that will appeal to everyone, not to mention the rich nightlife of the islanders, so you will find things to do both during the day and night.

2. Singapore Flyer

You have to try this giant out. The Singapore Flyer observation wheel is the largest one in the world, and the panoramic views of Singapore and the islands of Malaysia and Indonesia are simply breathtaking.

3. Jurong Bird Park

This place will appeal to all the bird lovers out there. I am not joking: about 9000 species of birds from different parts of the world have been collected and can be found here! There are lots of tropical parrots, swans, penguins, and other exotic species. The park is divided into natural areas in accordance with the natural habitat of any particular bird, and the birds themselves fly freely over the heads of visitors, which makes up for an unforgettable experience. You have to give this place a try!

4. Sri Mariamman

Sri Mariamman is also one of the places you simply have to visit because this is the oldest Hindu temple on the island, built in 1827. The first thing that attracts attention in it is the five-tier gate tower, intricately decorated with sculptures of gods, demons and mystical monsters.

5. Lau Pa Sat (Old Market)

A fascinating place for it is here that you can try the best Singaporean cuisine in the city and also dishes from almost all of the world cuisines, ranging from European to Asian and do so at a very reasonable price. It is a great place to visit during the weekends to enjoy live music and various food festivals that celebrate the world’s culinary traditions. This beautiful place is best when it’s enjoyed together with a person you love, so don’t miss out and visit https://romancecompass.com/video-dating/.

6. Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo will delight any visitor of the city with its diversity of fauna and fascinating entertainment. About 2000 species of animals live here, and the fact that there are no cages in the zoo only makes the visit more interesting. Here, you can see a rare clouded leopard, a Sumatran tiger, and a Komodo dragon, as well as a variety of herbivores and predators, birds, and reptiles. Special shows are held for visitors of the zoo, and from 6 PM, a night safari opens its gates where you can watch the life of nocturnal animals. In short, the Singapore Zoo is a great option for any first date!

7. Botanical Gardens

Where else to enjoy all the natural wealth and colors of the Singapore flora if not in the botanical gardens? Here, you can get lost for the whole day, wandering along winding paths or walking along the wide alleys near the beautiful ponds. All plants in the garden are equipped with signs with brief information about them so that a pleasant walk in nature can be perfectly combined with an informative excursion to the world of plants.

8. MegaZip Adventure Park

This place is just perfect for all the lovers of unusual activities and hobbies because it is here that some of the most extreme rope roads in Asia can be found! Here, you will be able to check out a cable descent, a free fall simulator, a climbing wall, and tracks of various levels of difficulty. In short, you will not find yourself bored. Be sure to visit https://wanderwisdom.com/ for all of the best traveling tips you can possibly find on the internet!

9. Clark Quay

This is not only one of the most colorful places in Singapore but also a busy commercial artery of the city. It is best to come here at dusk or in the evening when the area is glowing with hundreds of lights and signs of various shops, and the air is filled with the aromas of delicious foods and the sounds of live music. Here, you can just enjoy yourself all night; there is more than enough entertainment to be found here. This place, with its sculptures, unusual architecture, and an unimaginable mixture of things old and modern, is already a lively attraction for people all around the world.

10. The statue of Merlion

Merlion is a mythical animal, half lion half fish, and is a symbol of the city and one of the favorite places among tourists. The statue is 37 meters in height and is located on the island of Sentosa, and from its viewing platforms opens a stunning view of the city. And in the statue itself is a historical museum and an observatory.

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Kelong visit in Singapore

I contradictsmyself a lot in life. For example, I want 6 pack abs but I also want my fried chicken. I'm a self proclaimed workaholic but I've been spending too much time with my son and at the gym these days. I always tell people that some of my favourite food are pizza, burgers, and hotdogs but I will take my mum's cooking over anything. I love cities. I love my New York city, Hong Kong, and Singapore where everything moves so quickly and everyone is so grouchy. It might sound crazy but I love it. I love that intensity in everyone but on the other hand, I too enjoy trips to Bali, Phuket, and even just a kelong retreat where time just stands still. 

It came as a surprise to me when my friend invited me to join them for a day trip out in the sea at a kelong. My question wasn't what can I do but "Do I need my passport? You mean we have kelong in Singapore?" and my second question was "Still got 4G or not?". I know right? 

What to do at the kelong? We brought our own food to BBQ, we fed the fishes, you can bring your gear to fish, swim in the sea, kayak, order really fresh seafood from the uncle, and also sit around and talk to your friends. It's not exactly exciting but the day out in the sea eating, chatting, and enjoying the sea breeze and view was surprisingly enjoyable for me. It might not be your typical "Instagrammable" kind of place but I love it so much I was asking uncle how much is it for me to own one of these kelongs. 

Truth is we really didn't do much. I guess it was the company that matters as well. 

For those who are interested, you can contact Federick at +65 9760 2728. It's $30 per pax for the boat ride and usage of the Kelong and the activities. Food, drinks, and good company is not included. HAHA.

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When I grow up, I wanna be like David Beckham

Not exactly a fan of soccer or better known as football in this part of the world but you know, David Beckham is still one of the coolest persons ever.



I love spoofs and I happened to be at Marina Bay Sands the other day, so why not right?

And also to show off my new tattoo sleeve which is 3/4 done.

Still can't stand (no pun intended) how this view looks like something else sometimes. LOL.  I've been to many cities and taking pictures of different skyline is one of my favourite things to do but Singapore's skyline always makes me feel so proud to be a Singaporean. Imagine a small island like us having a skyline like THAT?

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Dear Singaporeans, why are you so entitled?

NDP 2014

This is one of those things that I talk about with some of my friends a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I love Singapore. I love the place, I love how clean we are, and also how most of us get all patriotic once a year during our National Day Parade. (Stand up for Singapore! Do the best you can! YAY!)

However, if there is one thing I could change about Singaporeans, it ain’t the fact that we are kiasu but it is how entitled we are.

I mean I love it that we put so much attention into things to make our country more graceful but don’t you think that sometimes it is because we try so hard to protect the weak and “the weak” just take things for granted that everything SHOULD be given to them simply because they are “weaker”?

For instance, we used to pay so much attention to the use of reserved seats on our public trains. We did campaigns, we name and shame people (by the way, I’m using “we” loosely here. As in the country), we did practically everything we could to get people to give up their seats to those who need it more. As a result, we have become so successful that fat ladies hate taking the train now - because every time they step on the train, everyone starts fighting to give up their seats.

I’m kidding. Or maybe not.

Old image from coconut Singapore.

Jokes aside, because we pay so much attention to asking people to give up their seats, now people who need seats do not ask nicely for a seat but instead they demand for seats. Worse, they might even post on Facebook complaining that he/she was sick and nobody wanted to give up their seats. My point is, nobody owes you a seat. If you needed one, just open your mouth? Why make it sound like it’s another person’s job to have psychic abilities and guess that you need a seat?

On a bigger scale? Recently Straits Times published an article titled “Singapore workers to get 2.9% pay raise next year”. You know how people on Facebook love to read titles and not the body of the article? I’ve like 10,000 friends sharing the article, with comments such as “tag your boss”, “ho seh liao”, “say only lah”. Nobody is against a pay raise, everyone loves more money but my point is if you are not exactly performing at your job, why would you be so entitled to believe that you deserve a pay raise simply because some survey suggested that it will happen? Put yourself in an employer’s shoe, why would you want to give someone a raise? Is it because he/she performed well in their job or simply because “it’s time”?

“Oh, you know, I want to give someone who worked hard a pay raise so why not I just pay everyone more?”

Does that sound right to you? If your answer is “siao ah?” maybe you should think about your own actions. Do you think you’re entitled? It can be as simple as “because I’m a woman, the guy should have let me go first.” Hello? If a guy lets you go first, it’s because he’s a gentleman and it’s a bonus. It shouldn’t be an entitlement.

One of the most ridiculous displays of entitlement I’ve seen online is, “I voted for you, you better do something now that times are bad.” I kid you not. I saw this comment from a friend-of-a-friend on a Facebook post when a mutual friend shared an article about retrenchment numbers.

Seriously, guys. I think there can only be so much the gahmen can do if you don’t help yourself.

Many of you might not know but there’s a lot of help out there that you can tap on to stay afloat during tough times? In fact it’s not even about preparing yourself for today anymore. It’s about preparing yourself for tomorrow. Remember my constant fear about being obsolete by 40?

Besides FJST and SkillsFuture which I’ve talked about previously, there are also things like the Professional Conversion Programmes (PCP) under WSG, e2i under NTUC that provides career guidance, professional development and training, networking and even placement into potential new jobs.

On top of that, there was a recent report on NTUC’s Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay’s suggestion to offer an allowance to unemployed Singaporeans who undergo SkillsFuture courses, and expanding the SkillsFuture Credit so that it can be used for courses related to career coaching.

So as you can see, changes and improvement don’t just come because “it’s time” or simply because “you are my citizen and I owe you a living”. Everything need to be fought for, and worked towards. If you are familiar with our local calendar, it’s the time of the year where citizens sit at the edge of our their toilet bowl and hope for some exciting news for the coming year’s Budget. In case you didn’t know, the Budget Statement will be out on 20th Feb.

The Labour Movement’s budget recommendations have also since been published some weeks back. To make sure that the workforce is prepared for the future, one of their calls is to ensure that we are ready for future jobs. (No lah, not like the future in the movies where we all become astronauts or space police lah.) We are no soothsayer or prophet, so how can we know how we will be ready for future jobs when we might not even know what jobs will be available? So NTUC wants the Ministry of Manpower to share information in the National Jobs Bank with them as well as for relevant government agencies and employers to work more closely with the Labour Movement  in identifying employment trends so that they can share the information with the working people..

More attention is also focused on PMEs as our workforce today are mostly made up of PMEs. How does securing jobs based on skills instead of academic qualifications sound to you? I’m sure we all have this person in our life that ain’t too good with anything academic but is pretty good with picking up skills from trying or maybe even learning off YouTube.. In my life, that person is me. LOL. They also hope to see more modular courses to help improve the quality of PMEs.

So as you can see, there are really things out there that can save your life besides waiting for some extra cash from GST packages and thinking that you deserve it simply because “you voted”.

As cliche as it is, have you heard of this quote from Lao Tze?

So instead of expecting to get something for nothing… Why not help yourself and be prepared?

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Five Things you Can Do in Singapore if You’re a No-Go for Pokemon Go

Whether you’re finally over the Pokemon Go craze or if you just happen to be one of the few who adamantly refuses to succumb to its wily charms, there are still plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained while your devoted Pokebuddies are running around fields and dodging moving cars. Here’s a list of suggestions on what you can do when you’re ready to throw in the towel after encountering your 200th Ratata or when your companion has left you behind in pursuit of a Snorlax.

Get your Music On

(image via expatliving.sg)

From Baybeats to ZoukOut, Singapore is quickly becoming home to a diverse lineup of both homegrown and international music festivals. Throw down your dance moves at the upcoming EDM mecca that is Ultra Music Festival, let loose to an amalgamation of arts and indie music at Neon Lights 2016 in November  and if you’re a cold-brew kinda person, tis the time to start dusting off your flower crown for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival that will once again hit our shores come January 2017. For something a little more mellow and laid back, you can always head over to the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre to catch an intimate performance by local emerging talents who take to the stage on weekends.

Pick Up a New Hobby

(image via globalsingapore.sg)

It's never too late to discover new hobbies and expand your repertoire of interests and what better time to do it than when you’re being ignored by your Pokemon-obsessed peers. Fulfil your dreams of finally learning how to play the ukulele at Maestro Guitar’s group classes, reconnect with nature by exploring some of Singapore’s trekking trails, pick up horse riding at Gallop Stable or realign your chakras and up your flexibility amidst Mother Nature and her offspring through an outdoor yoga class. Yoga in the Park and Green Yoga are two studios that currently offer this class.

  

Indulge in Retail Therapy

(image via lonelyplanet.com)

A time honoured method of beating the boredom blues, shopping is a fantastic way to kill time and Singapore is a pretty great place to do it. Pick up groceries, knick-knacks, gadgets, beauty products and more at Mustafa Centre - 24-hour shopping mall that is packed to the rafters with eclectic finds. For lovers of bargains and vintage, flea markets are a treasure hunters paradise and thankfully enough, an increasingly common occurrence around Singapore. For the crowd-averse, online shopping is still very much in the picture and with platforms such as Saleduck offering the latest deals and vouchers to your favourite e-tailers, the prospects of saving and scoring awesome bargains while shopping online are even greater.  A major plus point is that you don’t risk the chance of being barrelled into by an aspiring trainer who’s eyes are glued to his phone.

Rediscover Old Singapore

(image via thebeartraveller.com)
(image via latravelmagazine.com)

Singapore is still very much a young country but it carries a rich historical heritage that has been beautifully preserved across the years. Go on a mini vacation back in time by reacquainting yourself with some of these spots. Chinatown is a great place to begin your historical tour of Singapore with attractions such as the Heritage Museum and Buddha Tooth Relic temple. Take a guided walking tour or explore it on your own, stumbling across hidden gems as you move along. Kampong Glam is a always fun to visit and we’re constantly in awe of how it perfectly marries the hip and contemporary with old world Singapore.

Get into the Halloween Spirit

(image via halloweenhorrornights.com.sg)

Psyche yourself up for Halloween with an onslaught of mad and macabre events this October. For something quietly creepy, ghost story readings at KPO Cafe Bar on the 29th of October will mesmerise and chill you to the bone with folkloric tales while Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights promises to offer petrifying scares inspired by Singapore’s ghostly history. If you’re not too fond of the idea of having your wits frightened out of you but still want to get in on the fun, Zouk’s Scream Diner Halloween bash will have you dancing away amidst demented decorations as you sip on horror-themed cocktails. Just try to avoid any grinding ghouls hoping to get fresh and you’re golden.

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