yeah....Things will only get better
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Money ?
Got this from http://www.singapore-window.org/sw05/050626st.htm
Star, Malaysia
June 26, 2005
Insight Down South By Seah Chiang Nee
A PRE-TEEN pupil offered $1 to his classmate to do his homework. Another gave his friend 10 cents as a tip to buy canteen food for him.
These Generation Y tales told to me by a mother over lunch recently touch on one of Singapore’s maladies after years of affluence.
This wealth has given Singaporeans a good life but has also moulded a lopsided view that money is a quick fix for all problems.
But these schoolboy horror stories have been around for decades.
In the early years, even when Singapore was less wealthy, some students in elite schools were known to flash Rolex watches, Gucci bags and other branded goods.
Dr Tony Tan, the current deputy prime minister, once spoke of a spoiled brat who burned a $5 bill to show off how “successful” his parents were, and his friend promptly replied by torching a $50 note.
Some time ago, a friend told me his son had come home one day complaining about his pitiful pocket money after being shown a classmate’s birthday present from his father.
It was a $200,000 deposit in the 12-year-old’s Post Office Saving Bank (since taken over by DBS Bank) account.
The stereotype of youth is someone who knows the price of everything but the value of none. It is, of course, exaggerated and hardly fair since he lives in his parents’ mould.
The rapid transformation from Third to First World has created an attitude towards money more profound than in many other comparable cities.
“If you have a problem, just throw money at it and it will go away” seems to be a viewpoint that has been passed on to the young generation.
Take the case of nine-year-old Jeremy Tio, who was lost for three nights recently in Fraser’s Hill with his three Malaysian cousins.
When he was found, he emotionally hugged his rescuer and said, “I love you.”
But he revealed his Singaporean upbringing when he told his Malaysian rescuers, “If I give you money, can you take me home?”
His gracious rescuer Rapi Bata replied: “No need to pay us. We are here to help you.”
This episode raised concern at the direction in which Singaporeans are being raised. Very few people blame Jeremy for the remarks because of his age and the severe fatigue he was under.
But spoken so matter-of-factly by one so young, it has placed the whole society, the education system and his parents under the critical spotlight.
One Internet writer said, “It belies a very serious problem with our society at large. From such a young age, little Jeremy knows the power of money.”
Another cynical response: “Can’t blame little Jeremy. He is only money-minded, that’s all. This is a true blue Singaporean. Money talks every time. I think Jeremy will be an exemplary Singaporean when he grows up. He appreciates the value of money.”
Others were less judgmental, pointing out his tender age. One defended him, “When you're cold, hungry, desperate, afraid ... would you will still be thinking straight?”
But the general view is: “He thinks money can solve everything or it can make people work!”
It flows down from the highest level of leadership, which has long used money as a weapon to fight corruption. Singapore’s Cabinet ministers (and senior civil servants) are among the world’s most highly paid.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew often says that giving high salaries to government ministers and officials is the best way to keep graft at bay.
Even a junior minister in Singapore earns more than $1mil a year, with the Prime Minister and other senior leaders making at least twice the amount. By comparison, the US President earns US$400,000 or about S$700,000.
Several years ago, the son of one of Singapore’s billionaires said in a public speech that “greed is good” because it served as a builder of human enterprise and wealth.
He is evidently not the only businessman to think in this way. A rising number of executives of publicly listed companies do more than just think; they are facing fraud or corruption charges in court.
The money culture is spreading but not every one is against it. In the name of pragmatism and reality, some support the principle that “if you want good service, you pay for it”.
Want Olympic winners? Give a $1mil reward. In some charity bodies, $3 out of every $10 you contribute may end up as commissions to professional collectors.
Thank goodness we have not reached America’s level of money-mindedness ? yet! We don’t have to tip our taxi-drivers or anyone just to make a dinner booking, but for how long?
o Seah Chiang Nee is a veteran journalist and editor of the information website littlespeck.com
Star, Malaysia
June 26, 2005
Insight Down South By Seah Chiang Nee
A PRE-TEEN pupil offered $1 to his classmate to do his homework. Another gave his friend 10 cents as a tip to buy canteen food for him.
These Generation Y tales told to me by a mother over lunch recently touch on one of Singapore’s maladies after years of affluence.
This wealth has given Singaporeans a good life but has also moulded a lopsided view that money is a quick fix for all problems.
But these schoolboy horror stories have been around for decades.
In the early years, even when Singapore was less wealthy, some students in elite schools were known to flash Rolex watches, Gucci bags and other branded goods.
Dr Tony Tan, the current deputy prime minister, once spoke of a spoiled brat who burned a $5 bill to show off how “successful” his parents were, and his friend promptly replied by torching a $50 note.
Some time ago, a friend told me his son had come home one day complaining about his pitiful pocket money after being shown a classmate’s birthday present from his father.
It was a $200,000 deposit in the 12-year-old’s Post Office Saving Bank (since taken over by DBS Bank) account.
The stereotype of youth is someone who knows the price of everything but the value of none. It is, of course, exaggerated and hardly fair since he lives in his parents’ mould.
The rapid transformation from Third to First World has created an attitude towards money more profound than in many other comparable cities.
“If you have a problem, just throw money at it and it will go away” seems to be a viewpoint that has been passed on to the young generation.
Take the case of nine-year-old Jeremy Tio, who was lost for three nights recently in Fraser’s Hill with his three Malaysian cousins.
When he was found, he emotionally hugged his rescuer and said, “I love you.”
But he revealed his Singaporean upbringing when he told his Malaysian rescuers, “If I give you money, can you take me home?”
His gracious rescuer Rapi Bata replied: “No need to pay us. We are here to help you.”
This episode raised concern at the direction in which Singaporeans are being raised. Very few people blame Jeremy for the remarks because of his age and the severe fatigue he was under.
But spoken so matter-of-factly by one so young, it has placed the whole society, the education system and his parents under the critical spotlight.
One Internet writer said, “It belies a very serious problem with our society at large. From such a young age, little Jeremy knows the power of money.”
Another cynical response: “Can’t blame little Jeremy. He is only money-minded, that’s all. This is a true blue Singaporean. Money talks every time. I think Jeremy will be an exemplary Singaporean when he grows up. He appreciates the value of money.”
Others were less judgmental, pointing out his tender age. One defended him, “When you're cold, hungry, desperate, afraid ... would you will still be thinking straight?”
But the general view is: “He thinks money can solve everything or it can make people work!”
It flows down from the highest level of leadership, which has long used money as a weapon to fight corruption. Singapore’s Cabinet ministers (and senior civil servants) are among the world’s most highly paid.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew often says that giving high salaries to government ministers and officials is the best way to keep graft at bay.
Even a junior minister in Singapore earns more than $1mil a year, with the Prime Minister and other senior leaders making at least twice the amount. By comparison, the US President earns US$400,000 or about S$700,000.
Several years ago, the son of one of Singapore’s billionaires said in a public speech that “greed is good” because it served as a builder of human enterprise and wealth.
He is evidently not the only businessman to think in this way. A rising number of executives of publicly listed companies do more than just think; they are facing fraud or corruption charges in court.
The money culture is spreading but not every one is against it. In the name of pragmatism and reality, some support the principle that “if you want good service, you pay for it”.
Want Olympic winners? Give a $1mil reward. In some charity bodies, $3 out of every $10 you contribute may end up as commissions to professional collectors.
Thank goodness we have not reached America’s level of money-mindedness ? yet! We don’t have to tip our taxi-drivers or anyone just to make a dinner booking, but for how long?
o Seah Chiang Nee is a veteran journalist and editor of the information website littlespeck.com
Monday, June 27, 2005
Ok lah... we waive service charges .. for weekends only.. don't say we never do anything hor....
This is the reply from Swensons'.
WE refer to the letter by Mr Nicholas Tan Wen-Yu, "Fire! But they were told to pay first before leaving" (June 24).
We have taken a very serious view of this matter and would like to assure Mr Tan and all our customers that in such a situation, our utmost concern would always be the safety and well-being of both our customers as well as our staff. This cannot be compromised.
At the time the evacuation order was made, there was already a queue at the cashier's counter. Diners were then advised that there was an evacuation.
Our managers at that point tried to clear the process of cashiering quickly and were perhaps over-zealous in trying to close as many bills as possible.
In an event of an evacuation, our procedure calls for ceasing all activities immediately and this would include payment settlement. We apologise for the distress caused to Mr Tan and all other customers who might have felt the same.
Our safety procedures, among other standard operating procedures, form part of our managerial staff training.
Nevertheless, a retraining process and a reiteration of customer safety measures is being immediately undertaken and we have made it more comprehensive and added more focus to this aspect.
We will endeavour to continue to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all our diners at all times. We have certainly learnt from this experience. The management and staff at Swensen's Plaza Singapura sincerely apologise for the distress caused, and this weekend, would like to extend a waiver of service charge to all customers.
Wah Kaoz...
Swensons' have already admitted that they did not adhere to the safety regulations and SOP laid down. While "our safety procedures, among other standard operating procedures, form part of our managerial staff training, "it is obvious that their managers have failed to performed what they have been trained.
I'm not sure what the SCDF and SPF will comment on this.
If the SCDF is so particular about keeping the fire exits and passage ways clear and heavily penalises any premises that flout these rules, I'm not sure what about human blocking the exits. It will be interesting to see what Comr James Tan or LTC N Subhas has to say.
WE refer to the letter by Mr Nicholas Tan Wen-Yu, "Fire! But they were told to pay first before leaving" (June 24).
We have taken a very serious view of this matter and would like to assure Mr Tan and all our customers that in such a situation, our utmost concern would always be the safety and well-being of both our customers as well as our staff. This cannot be compromised.
At the time the evacuation order was made, there was already a queue at the cashier's counter. Diners were then advised that there was an evacuation.
Our managers at that point tried to clear the process of cashiering quickly and were perhaps over-zealous in trying to close as many bills as possible.
In an event of an evacuation, our procedure calls for ceasing all activities immediately and this would include payment settlement. We apologise for the distress caused to Mr Tan and all other customers who might have felt the same.
Our safety procedures, among other standard operating procedures, form part of our managerial staff training.
Nevertheless, a retraining process and a reiteration of customer safety measures is being immediately undertaken and we have made it more comprehensive and added more focus to this aspect.
We will endeavour to continue to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all our diners at all times. We have certainly learnt from this experience. The management and staff at Swensen's Plaza Singapura sincerely apologise for the distress caused, and this weekend, would like to extend a waiver of service charge to all customers.
Wah Kaoz...
Swensons' have already admitted that they did not adhere to the safety regulations and SOP laid down. While "our safety procedures, among other standard operating procedures, form part of our managerial staff training, "it is obvious that their managers have failed to performed what they have been trained.
I'm not sure what the SCDF and SPF will comment on this.
If the SCDF is so particular about keeping the fire exits and passage ways clear and heavily penalises any premises that flout these rules, I'm not sure what about human blocking the exits. It will be interesting to see what Comr James Tan or LTC N Subhas has to say.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Money or Life ?
I certainly hope that a satisfactory answer would be given. I'm utterly disgusted by this !!
Friday, June 24, 2005
Fire! But they were told to pay first before leaving
Staff of restaurant blocked evacuating customers
I REFER to the small fire that broke out at Plaza Singapura on Tuesday night. While it was rather scary being at the scene, I thought the building's staff and management reacted quickly and professionally.
However, I'd like to draw attention to a dangerous and irresponsible act by one tenant.
A friend and I were having dinner at the Swensen's restaurant when the fire broke out.
Our dinner had only just been served and we had barely started eating, but it was smoking and there were requests on the public address system for everyone to leave immediately.
So, the customers in Swensen's got up to evacuate the site.
At this point, the staff of Swensen's blocked the way and insisted we pay before leaving.
This meant that around 30 people had to wait in line to pay, when the building had already been evacuated and smoke was filling the restaurant!
The manager told us they were given 15 minutes to collect payment before allowing us to leave.
The 15 minutes could easily have cost lives. What if something had exploded? Or if children had passed out from smoke inhalation?
I am disgusted at this ridiculous prioritising of money over life. I hope something can be done to prevent such irresponsible acts from occurring again.
Letter from NICHOLAS TAN WEN-YU
Friday, June 24, 2005
Fire! But they were told to pay first before leaving
Staff of restaurant blocked evacuating customers
I REFER to the small fire that broke out at Plaza Singapura on Tuesday night. While it was rather scary being at the scene, I thought the building's staff and management reacted quickly and professionally.
However, I'd like to draw attention to a dangerous and irresponsible act by one tenant.
A friend and I were having dinner at the Swensen's restaurant when the fire broke out.
Our dinner had only just been served and we had barely started eating, but it was smoking and there were requests on the public address system for everyone to leave immediately.
So, the customers in Swensen's got up to evacuate the site.
At this point, the staff of Swensen's blocked the way and insisted we pay before leaving.
This meant that around 30 people had to wait in line to pay, when the building had already been evacuated and smoke was filling the restaurant!
The manager told us they were given 15 minutes to collect payment before allowing us to leave.
The 15 minutes could easily have cost lives. What if something had exploded? Or if children had passed out from smoke inhalation?
I am disgusted at this ridiculous prioritising of money over life. I hope something can be done to prevent such irresponsible acts from occurring again.
Letter from NICHOLAS TAN WEN-YU
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Conversation with God
God : Hello. Did you call me?
Me : Called you? No ... who is this?
God : This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me : I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something...
God : What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me : Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.
God : Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me : I understand. But I still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God : Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me : Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God : Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me : Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God : Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me : But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God : Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me : But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty ...
God : Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me : If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God : Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life become better not bitter.
Me : You mean to say such experience is useful?
God : Yes. In every terms, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me : But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God : Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me : Frankly, in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading.
God : If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me : Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God : Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.
Me : In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God : Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me : What surprises you about people?
God : When they suffer they ask, "Why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me". Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
Me : Sometimes I ask, Who am I, Why am I here. I can't get the answer.
God : Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.
Me : How can I get the best out of life?
God : Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me : One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God : There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me : Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God : Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts or doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live!
Me : Called you? No ... who is this?
God : This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me : I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something...
God : What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me : Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.
God : Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me : I understand. But I still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God : Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me : Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God : Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me : Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God : Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me : But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God : Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me : But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty ...
God : Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me : If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God : Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life become better not bitter.
Me : You mean to say such experience is useful?
God : Yes. In every terms, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me : But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God : Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me : Frankly, in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading.
God : If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me : Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God : Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.
Me : In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God : Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me : What surprises you about people?
God : When they suffer they ask, "Why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me". Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
Me : Sometimes I ask, Who am I, Why am I here. I can't get the answer.
God : Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.
Me : How can I get the best out of life?
God : Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me : One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God : There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me : Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God : Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts or doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live!
Friday, June 03, 2005
Another Month
Yes it's a brand new month.
I just realised that I only had 3 entries for the month of May. I'm getting more and more slack?
** Now, is it " slacker" or " more slack" ? Can't decide... my ang mo no good la**
Attended the annual police day parade at the police academy yesterday. It was the last one to be held at the police academy. Will miss this place.
Alright will blog more often for the month of June
=)
I just realised that I only had 3 entries for the month of May. I'm getting more and more slack?
** Now, is it " slacker" or " more slack" ? Can't decide... my ang mo no good la**
Attended the annual police day parade at the police academy yesterday. It was the last one to be held at the police academy. Will miss this place.
Alright will blog more often for the month of June
=)
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