Treadmill of economy

I enjoy sitting down in a café with a close friend, chatting away or resting quietly. Such friends are hard to come by nowadays. The treadmill of economy means the good people are soon to be absorbed by the sheer force of work waiting for them. :(

Push and pull in Chinese society

Living in Chinese society, we have to face the push and pull of other people’s wants, in the guise of ‘selflessness,’ ‘brotherhood,’ ‘kinship,’ ‘goodname,’ ‘returning favor,’ ‘give and take,’ and ‘group acceptance.’ Sometimes, the feeling of helplessness is immersive. I do not ask for favor nor seek no help unless necessary. And I return favor as such. I give to others in need, but remember no favor. I give without seeing if this is my kin. I give out of need of the receiver. I have close friends, but I do not take advantage of such relationship. I also do not expect myself to give in to puny little demands from such person known as my kins or brother. Every moment is precious to me as a building block of my personality, career, and society. I care about everyone else, even if such person is my enemy. In face of my enemy, I hope he would see me as a person, a worthy rival and bear no grudges at the end of the fight. Sadly, Chinese society easily sees my principles as worthless ideals. Step out of line, and we will be buried by bad mouths. We will be seen as one without care nor love, who is insensitive, stubborn, and hard-hearted.

不老实

不老实的人，疑心也比较重。因为在算计人的时候，在别人眼里见到了自己。

Thinking about love.

I am thinking about love, and wanting to write something about love. Yet someone, a song, has expressed my heartfelt. Here it is:

To really love a woman
To understand her - you gotta know her deep inside
Hear every thought - see every dream
N' give her wings - when she wants to fly
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
Ya know ya really love a woman

When you love a woman you tell her
that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her
that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really
- really really ever loved a woman?

To really love a woman
Let her hold you -
til ya know how she needs to be touched
You've gotta breathe her - really taste her
Til you can feel her in your blood
N' when you can see your unborn children in her eyes
Ya know ya really love a woman

You got to give her some faith - hold her tight
A little tenderness - gotta treat her right
She will be there for you, takin' good care of you
Ya really gotta love your woman...

Thinking about thinking.

Because we think ...

1. We feel sian (down)
2. We feel happy
3. We feel confused
4. We are confident
5. We have opinion
6. We have dreams
7. We think about possibilities
8. We breakthrough the norm
9. We make sacrifice
10. We love

Thinking makes us very human.

Fortune telling of my own life

2007 - Begin my PhD in the states
2010 - Finished my PhD
2012 - Published my first book
2013 - Joined the academia in a western country (Scandinavian or US)
2019 - Gain a bit of fame
2025 - Return to Singapore and become an Adjunct professor while starting a consulting firm
2030 - Active in social entrepreneurship

Don't ask me how I know. But its fun guessing. :)

The Need for Fame.

Without fame, a good man cannot find a good use. Fame is like brand, its what others see you as.

For scientists, Fame = PhD, publish books and journals.

Some are well published and famous, but can't do much work, but its another edge of the sword of fame. One need to grind and make oneself useful, then seek fame, for the good of others.

Small mindedness.

There is a Chinese term which is missing in English -- Xiao Ren (Literally mean Small Human). The real meaning is complex, covering narrow-mindedness, selfish, cunning, harmful, scheming, etc. 'Small' points to the mental quality of seeing the world as centered around yourself. The opposite Da Ren (Big Human), points to the mental quality of seeing the inter-dependencies of oneself within the society. A Da Ren will do what it takes for benefits of everyone.

Many Singaporeans, and I assume mostly Chinese, are keen learners. If they are as keen in teaching, I think we would be great. Sadly, I met many people socially and professionally, who are very keen in knowing what I am doing and how I do it. But I do not see much sharing of what they worked on. Also, publications are usually very poor. There is a lack of energy in initiating the flow of information. There is a strong Small Human mentality here. "If I teach people what I know, they can use the knowledge to my disadvantage." "If I can learn what people are doing, I can also do great things myself."

I do not mean a Big Human don't learn, but they would not overlook teaching as well. Learning and teaching at the same time is facilitating information flow. Learning but not teaching is like a junk collector taking up 'useful' stuffs and keep them to himself. Mostly useless to him anyways.

Facts about Singapore reported by Asia Sentinel

Excerpts from http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=162&Itemid=34

"Singapore has two main government-controlled investment companies, the Singapore Government Investment Corporation and Temasek Holdings. The board members of GIC were unknown until 2001, when it was revealed in the foreign press that the chairman was Lee Kuan Yew, and his son Lee Hsien Loong was deputy chairman. The accounts and operations of the GIC are not made available to the public that owns it.
"Economists at the US Embassy have calculated the government’s control over the economy through Temasek to be as high as 60%. The government claims these companies comprise just 13% and that they operate independently of the government.
"SingTel’s chief executive is Lee Hsien Yang. He is Lee Kuan Yew’s younger son. He did not have telecom management experience before being appointed Singtel CEO.
"Temasek is the vehicle that owns the controlling stakes in many of Singapore’s major companies. It is wholly owned by the Finance Ministry. The Finance Minister is also the Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.
"Temasek’s chef executive is Ho Ching. She is Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s wife.

Being wise.

The 'wise people are never busy, and the busy never wise.' Because the wise seeks happiness, and wealth is not the key to happiness. The key is to be whom you are made to be. So chim...

Nonetheless, I was watching a DVD of ancient China. A wise man of Chu, about 550BC, was reluctant to become an official (wise huh). But seeing the that the lord is visionary and sharp, he agreed to help, so long as the lord puts his vision on uniting the states and on the people's well-being. So he helped, whole-heartedly without demands. Such is a wise man Chinese believes in. I too believe in it.

Working together in remote teams.

I have never played a Raid in World of Warcraft (40 remote players fighting against some very difficult monster requiring huge amount of coordination). My friend told me it was easy, basically a Raid team is militant group. Now I know what he meant.

Click to Play! Contain Adult Language!

Why science?

The Past:
1. All scholars read everything: Tao, Confucius, Art of War, ... etc
2. Go for regional exams.
3. Go for Imperial exams: Only one question, normally about the social or economic problem. Scholar write a essay as much as they need.
4. Bullseye and get an official position. Start working!

Today:
1. Scholars read only one subject: Engineer, or Law, or etc.
2. Go for subject and psychometric exams. Graded by percentile.
3. Get on board an MNC, specialize in one position, learn everything frantically, fighting to be high exec/CEO.

I wonder what's wrong with a one question exam, if that question is really important to us? Little wonder why no one really care about global issue anymore. To me, Lawyers, Engineers, Doctors, etc are all tradesmen, individually they have little bearing on the outcome of a state. Where is the system to cultivate the true scholars and gentlemen of the past?

Behind every successful man is a great (or divorced) wife

There is a famous Chinese saying: "Behind every successful man is a great woman." I assume it meant that to be successful, man often has to put all his energy into that endeavor and sacrifice his time for relationships. Thus the wife have to pull through the initial hardship and handle many issues alone. But today, I looked around me, I cannot differentiate which are the great women. Or maybe my friends are still very young.

However, my observation of working adults is that if you are successful, you must have worked very hard, and you probably have little time for yourself and family (westerners do not live close to their parents thus reducing that burden). Someone who work as hard as anyone else would remain mediocre. It often takes 50% more effort to perform radical changes, but radicalism is the key ingredient for success. Thus, the single remain single, some attached ones broke up and never got the time to attach again. I am not sure if any female today will hang on with a man who is rarely home and don't spend time with his children. I assume the only way out is divorce and live by yourself or find another man. Its the simpler option too.

So comes my theory: "Behind every successful man is a divorced wife."

Wise by laziness

"The busy is never wise and the wise is never busy," Lin Yutang.

I like this phrase, for I am deeply Chinese. How can a wise person torture his body and soul and make himself the slave of work, where he knows that at the end of the day, people will forget about his deed and go on with life. He may become rich but not happy, and there are many willing to take his place and work until their death. How can the wise not sit back and relax, enjoying the sunshine, the breeze, and the tea?

In fact, I think the Chinese is good at doing things with the right effort and no more. We realize that no matter how much you dig into details, you need a lot of experience to get things done. Chinese never dwell too much into geometry, but nevertheless built the great walls and many bridges. We get by many centuries and once or twice became the world's largest economy. Finally, the west pioneered capitalism and everyone can own their business and decide how they want to make a living. This makes useful technologies widespread and enhance the nations productivity leading to a new middle class. Everyone is starting to get wealthy. Some work harder than the others and became very rich. Suddenly the wise seems stupid and full of excuse to be lazy. World is ruled by the busy people. And science is king.

Nonetheless, I still have faith in Lin Yutang. The wise is never busy, but will probably not be very rich.

"That's out of the question!" "Huh?!"

In TOEFL, I was both fascinated and troubled by the fact we have to learn the way American speaks. One question goes:

"
Woman: I think we should see if Jackie will run for class president.
Man: That's out of the question.

Question: What does the man mean?
"

"Out of the question"? Do you mean the question is not valid because Jackie is the best candidate, or Jackie is the worst candidate? Whoever invented the phrase did not indicate polarity of emotions... Its a very badly phrase sentence. And how am I to know if he is happy or sad? We might as well use "Wah lao." (Singlish phrase. In English: My father!)

Re:
1. Its shorter.
2. You know its not pleasant when a parent (or god) were mentioned.

Ruling 4 millions happy singaporeans

This is an objective comment on Singapore.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2006/10/singapore_slings_censorship.html

"From outside, Singapore is a clean respected country with 4 millions happy singaporeans (and i am sure many are), it is probably one of the safest and the most disciplined country in Asia, good education, nice living conditons etc... but heaven on earth might have its own limitations. For having spent many years there, foreigners should know that this country doesn't allow free speech or free demonstration. You can't talk bad about the government (repressed by law) and it is a fact that political opposition merely exists (many opposition leaders went bankrupt out of the sudden after being sued by the government). The Senior Minister Lee (ex prime minister) was in power for nearly 50 years. His son is now ruling the country. The telecom company is controlled by another son, the most powerful investment gov company (Temasek Holdings that bought the USD 1.8B shares of Taksin in Thailand) is controlled by the wife, SMRT (taxi and transportation) is ruled by another relative and the most respected and feared law firm (very useful) is controlled by the Lee clan too. I am not judging but I reckon it is quite a unique situation for a democracy but quite common for an autocracy or a monarchy...
Having said that, many sngaporeans still love their country and admire their system and to some degree I understand their feeling.. as long as they have food and a house, why should they bother about the rest? I understand as well that to many westerners, starving in freedom is more important than eating gracefully in a golden cage.

If I can employ 10 talents in my company.

If I can employ 10 talents in my company:

1. CEO: Han Xing (General QIN 100BC?. Helped Liu Bang to unite China once again. When Liu Bang asked him how many soldier himself can lead, Han Xing said, 100'000. Liu Bang was happy. Liu Bang ask him how many can Han Xing lead, Han Xing said, THE MORE THE MERRIER.

2. COO: SHANG YANG (PREMIER QIN 300BC? Helped Qin grow into the most powerful state through process change and radical changes. See Users of Asia blog.

3. CTO: Eric Schmidt (Google's boss. Talking about getting his company to motivate and start ideas rolling, he's the man.)

4. R&D Director: Akio Morita (Sony's ex-boss and inventor of walkman. Visionary of trends and what's hot what's not. Saw Walkman where nobody else can)

5. Principle Scientist: Leonardo Davinci (Inventor of many ideas that are far ahead of his time)

6. Marketing Director: Steve Jobs. He has the strength to throw an rotting apple to break a window.

7. Managing Director: Peter Drucker. Guru and master of today's management.

8. P.R Director: Bill Clinton. Talking about managing relationships, he's the man. But his office shall has no women.

9. Sales Director: George Bush. If he can sell war, he can sell anything.

10. Cafeteria Management: I hope I can have Fu Shan (Ipoh, Malaysia) Restaurant to open in my company. They cooked the best Tim Sum in the whole world.

Where are all the bright people?

Last night, I heard that a very bright young man YC had become a teacher. Duh... He became a teacher? Teacher has the reputation of a stable, ok pay, and hard work in Singapore. You don't have to be very creative and intelligent, but must be rule abiding, attention to details (especially back stabbing and complains), hardworking, and take things easy (so that you would not suffer from heartaches and anxiety-disorder. But YC?

YC was an intelligent men. He learnt how to crack games when he was in primary 4. In fact, he taught a lot of students from the top school Dunman High. He also taught me so that I can improve my game characters. He played all board games with smart moves and speak with humor, politeness, and wit. He's also good at sports, being one of the school volleyball players. I always thought he would be an exec in a top IT company.

Another friend of mine, a Cambridge Literature Award holder. PK toped literature exam for Cambridge in our year. He came from the top arts class from Serangoon JC but he is one of the smartest folks around us. He's graceful and kind, and strong believer of Christ (not staunch). I played Dungeons and Dragons, which his father who is a pastor, treated as Santanism. PK did not believe so but asked us to tone it down when we visited his house. He spoke to me in tongue once. I am most impressed by his spontaneity and gracefulness in abidding to my request. Tongue in indeed a foreign language (that language of 'god'?). Anyhow, we discussed about many issues in school and even board games, and he never fail to impress. He is also one of the hotest guy without a lack of potential girlfriend. So much that a girl was jealous I spent so much time talking to PK. (Women can be strange). Btw, he became a pastor (PK, please let me know if my information is wrong)

Why did all the smart people become pastor or teacher? Its a strange phenomena. I don't think many of our top students made it to become a nation shaping personality. I wish I know why?

Singapore is a nice city.

On returning to Singapore, after a 2 months absent, I realized my perspectives of the country is changing. Singapore is famous for its strict paternal government who 'will cane anyone who is naughty.' (We canned an American kid for vandalising car. So if you found your kids naughty, consider sending them to Singapore.)

For many years living in this tiny island has developed a routine and outlook of life that is very, eh.... Singaporish. Study hard, score good 'A's, go university, find a big company or government job, get a high pay, sit comfortably signing papers, buy house and get married, have 2 kids, bring them up, and retire and enjoy life. You don't have to be very creative to make an impression on others. People ask you questions as you age, and those questions fall within one of these life 'tasks.' If you decided one day to venture out of this 'workflow' and do something different, e.g. start a business or do an overseas PhD, most aquaintances will be amazed, and some of your close ones will scrutinize your actions. You will have a lot of explanations to do!

This is one major factor why Singapore is not a place for the creative. But its an exceedingly stable and comfortable spot on earth. No surprises, everywhere is clean, and the government will think through all the mishaps that can happen. E.g. recently our government announced they have 'taken all necessary actions in case the smog (from Indonesia forest fire) worsen. E.g. face masks and hospital arrangements.' They are very thoughtful. At first I thought they are going to help put out the fires. But nonetheless, thankyou very much. I hope I don't need your precautionary measures...

Frankly, Singapore is not very ideal for the creative, for the creative is mostly naughty. Bodyshop started out in the garage, but we have no garage, although we may mix these stuffs in the apartment houses. But what if we are caught for cheminal testing? Bill Gates flunk his University. I think if he is Singaporean, his mother will pull him by the ear and ask him to stop dreaming. I wanted to do Political Science and Economics, only to be slotted into Engineering (which is not one of my choice), for my English is REALLY 'BAD.' I tried again for a Master in Political Studies after my Bachelor study. A Singaporish Professor call me into his office and told me, "This area requires a lot of writing, what is your GP score?" and "I am worried after looking at your score." Duh... aren't you be looking for people who can think deeply and rationalize issues? Is it harder to train language or the mind? I wonder what would I be doing now if I was accepted in either one of these instances.

So creative people! Its probably better for you to "Leave the Village Back Facing the Well" (Chinese saying), and go somewhere that can use your creativity. Sorry dear governement, it seems that your creative policy wasn't quite supported by your people. I don't think its a good thing to leave your country. Surely, the adjustment is painful but if you are 'that type of person,' what choices are there? Nonetheless, I want to keep my beautiful house.

Women are beautiful

Women are beautiful creatures. The silky complexion, fine flowing hair, slenderness of the waist, protrusion of the breast, shiny nails, sparkling eyes, and graceful smile are captured in many of human art pieces. Men also featured as art pieces and fashion models, but they are not as captivating and significant. Women had always been a key show case of any society. But they do not get to participate directly within society for a long time. More because they cannot fight to defend themselves when their lost in any verbal arguments. Thanks for strong legal enforcements, settling arguments by fists have been outdated and women with the *flit of tongue is able to argue for themselves. Men thus become less potent than before. Withstanding the enduring barrage of questions and requests for proofs of faithfulness, men ultimately become secondary creatures. While men field the most important positions in the society, women spend the most money. Now who is more powerful now? It has never been a worse time to be a man.

If I get to choose, I would like to have the woman body and their rights. Woman body is the embodiment of beauty and they have a wide variety of clothings and accessories to further that statement. Everything seems beautiful on them. Men, in contrast, have fewer clothing styles to choose from. Even if there are many, nothing elegant seems to fit on the shapeless and barbaric form. Women, in the expression of modern, beauty, and elegance, seem to have advantage in any social situation. When they stand tall on heels, and speak with a comforting maternal sense of care, assurance, and elegance, everyone was captivated. You cannot say no to such a woman.

All good things said about woman, there are parts of the women which I do not want to inherit. More specifically the mind. Woman are compassionate, except when their status was threatened. A woman with the diamond of her promise ring smaller than her closest pal is predictably one with an inbalanced minds. How many times do we need to be careful at what we are talking about when speaking with our friend’s wife or fiancée? Less he comes back to us and say he has to cover for our 'mistongue.' We often avoid talking about salary, honeymoon destinations, and anniversary gifts. Mothers are the kindess people on earth, so say the Chinese. I agree and only when they are mothers.

Men has beautiful minds. One that is simple, straightforward, brotherly, and objective. Without men, food, science, politics, and sports would never be so exciting and fun. Even fashion for women are often designed by men. The men’s mind is one that encompass a wide variety of subjects, almost plague with curiosity and no sense of fear, they men explore, die, and breakthrough by the dozens. If women are the beholder of culture and stability, men are dancing lights of creativity, change, and troublemaking. Without men, society would not be as advance and interesting.


*I would argue that if verbal abuse is judge as harshly as physcial abuse, men and women would be equal in societal standing again.

Free speech

Free speech is not perfect, nor is a draconian government stamping public expressions of ideas. Free speech can be manipulated by eloquent people to motivate millions towards bad ending. Hitler was a fiery speaker who mobilized millions to Nazi movements. Similarly, Bush mobilized millions to fight a meaningless war in Iraq. Anyone who was in touch with International news quickly realized the futility of waging that war. Likewise news network like Fox report news to republican advantages. Ideally, free speech should be used to achieve balanced point of view. But when the voide is laud, they can tilt the balance. As history shows, free speech does not always equate to objective speech.

Draconian government has a stabilizing effects on a country. By removing the freedom of speech, one may only express mundane ideas which have little bearing on the masses. Within bearing, the society become stagnant. This is ok as long as the ruling party has other means of feedback and take an objective stand on any issues, changing as they might need. Sadly, most ruling party grow roots into their seat. Just as a survival instinct of an animal, when threatened with its continuity, it fights. I do not see exception in any government. Also, while collecting views from people quietly, ideas or opinions do not get challenged. An idea from Ah Huay remains as Ah Huay’s idea. Ah Sim does not get to say, “No I don’t think so,” or “I have similar idea which goes like …” Narrow channel of discussion undoubtedly results in recycling of views and slow adaptation.

Draconian society cannot transform into free society totally. It will be suicidal, like Lion trying to jump off cliffs and fly like a bird. Lion has no wings and do not meant to fly. However, Lion can find means to fly as fast as a bird. E.g. inventing an airplane, or fixing mechanical wings. We do not need free speech for everyone, but we need everyone intelligent and wise to discuss and suggest ideas. Technology allows us to express through the Internet, video, and organize a street demonstration. But a civil society also need to equip itself with knowledge of how to use these mediums peacefully. A newly freed people may be like dogs release out of cage, unable to comprehend social etiquette and gentleness, leading to violence and harm. The people has to learn and figure out a way of expression. And the government has to learn to listen.

I do not see any government as being too different. Only the people are different, and has to be governed differently. Any culture has intelligent people, but how to bring out their talents to benefit the country, is a challenge for any government. Allowing them to speak, share, and being challenged, is utmost important way to start.

Reasonableness

I looked at a bunch of young kids in their 13-16. I know the number because they were in secondary school uniform. There were about 5 guys and 3 girls. I saw one of the guy and thought he must be a nerd. Hey how do I know? This nerd was dressed in a short which is pulled up to mid waist with shirt tugged straight into the short. There is another girl with shirt hanging loose outside the skirt, with tanned skin and swift hair. If I were to guess, the school results of the guy must be one of the top, with the girl likely to be mid-point.

In school, we were often taught to be neat and tidy. That means you have to dress according to the rules and regulation. You can be neat in Nike sneakers and rapper jeans, but not pass the school dress codes. You may have beautiful flowing hair and nicely painted nails, but not neat by the school's standard. So neat or not neat is actually obedient or not obedient. One is neat because one is obedient. The scholars often are those who follow rules with discipline and consistency. They are also good at dressing by the book, and thus we can see the nerdy look common among scholars. But is that reasonable?

I felt that many amongst the smart as few sense of beauty. I saw the beautiful people marching in the shopping malls were often those not faring so well at school. They were cockcroaches in school, but the flowers on the streets. Nerds are the other way round, neat in school but thorns in the streets. Beauty is not something that can be easily described and no books can define them. But we know when something is beautiful. They were pleasing to the sight. Young men and women tried to beautify themselves, which I see as a process of learning the social requirements of an adult. However, the school suppresses these learning of the common sense. Alas, we arise the nerds as the new breed of individuals in the society. Highly trained and learned, little common sense and social understanding.

I say, go and let our kids play. Be there for them when they are hurt. Do not suppress their ingenuity.

Selfishness -- the death nail of any society

I have the chance to come back to North America for nearly 2 months. Its a good time to reflect on many cross-cultural issues, and the future of Singapore.

Americans are self-centered. In a sense, they mind their own business, and think through what they want, and do it without much regards to others. Singaporeans are self-centered. We mind our benefits, and regardless of how others are doing. These are subtle differences.

A Chinese friend of mine recap her story. When she is moving out of a Chinese hostel, she tried to sell her tv. It was only 8 months and she state a pretty low price. A buyer came, likes it, and ask for a $5 reduction. She replied, "Do you think my price is reasonable?" "Yes," and the buyer chuckled. She was mad.

The Americans type of self-centeredness is one which make plans for oneself, without having to tie it down to any other persons. If you like to travel, and prefers to be alone, you are free to do so yourself. In Singapore, you are obligued inform your friends, or risk being branded as selfish.

The Singapore type of self-centeredness is one which care only of your own interests. E.g. if in the interests of helping someone and ended up being cheated, you may be screamed at by your family or close friends for being unwise. "Closely guard your wealth and knowledge, and not to release them easily to outsiders, for people might steal them and turn them to your disadvantages."

In observing the western culture, much of its success and growth has to do with exchange of goods, knowledge, and concern about others. Bureacracy, fear of retribution, and selfishness in Asia slows down these activities. Chinese invented gunpowder and compass but to what avail? We do not share them readily to others and they never get into best use. Sharing is importance for any particularly society to prosper, someone else may succeed more than you, but by sharing, you ensure the entire society will be successful, in turn benefitting yourself.

The diffence between western and asian society is already quite dramatic. I think a lot lies in the willingness to talk about their own inventions, sharing techniques, and helping the less fortunate through charity and education. When you search the net for information about "how to," most of the postings were western.

I wish Singapore would be successful one day. But now I am pretty much convinced we would be lucky to maintain our lead, as long as we do not learn to be less selfish. We need to share information, ideas, and opportunities without too much concern about us loosing out. We need more people of these calibre.

Do I have Stokeholm syndrome?

Someone told my that I have Stokeholm syndrome. Not just me but every Singaporean. Haha... Stokeholm syndrome is an illness where a person, through an extended period of captivity, felt sorry for their captors. In this case, the ruling Singapore government.

I first heard of the term not long ago of a lady who was held captive since not long ago. Now freed, was defending her captor's actions. I have a pity for the captor, who committed suicide the moment she fled. First, how was the relationship between the captor and the captve? Second, captor and captive becoming friends is not new to human history. In the past, women within nations were often taken from opposing nations that fall. The issue that really brought up Stokeholm syndrome as an 'abnormalies': Is Freedom the ultimate goal of all human beings?

Lin Yutang made this observation: That freedom for the people means less freedom for the government. I also add less freedom for the government to take good and meaningful actions. The importance that he pointed out is: People should not have the right to say anything, but to be able to yell when in pain.

Most of my friends were overworked, by any humane standard. Working until 8pm or 11pm is often heard when we gathered. There is nothing in our laws requiring companies to compensate for overtime for executives. There is no union to fight for regular hours and concern for family. We need to yell, but how and to whom?

What Singaporean wants?

I am in Minnneapolis and will stay here for about one month. It wasn't a land too foreign. Because I had been here for nearly one year.

In America, as you will see in American movies, people yell, shout, and celebrate for terms such as Freedom, Independence, and Rights. Here's a passage from US Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.


In Singapore, I don't think we care about freedom, independence, and rights so much. Whatever complain we had, it has to be instigated by Hollywood and not what we really feel. I would pretend Singapore's declaration to be:
We don't know if all men are equal (and who created them), but whoever the government is should endow their people with jobs, housing, and 4D shops. The government should create an environment that we don't have to care or think too much, that we can drink kopi and eat pow, shop and watch tv everyday. The government shall make sure that jobs will appear whenever we are in need (and preferably close by). Our government need not get our consent, and we don't really care what they do, so long as we have a good job, earn good money, expensive house and car, and credit cards. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, we hope the opposition will do something about it.

4 persons protested to CPF for being non-transparent

I do not know that 4 persons actually protested to CPF for being non-transparent. I would participate in the protest if our government actually allows it. Read these paragraphs from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HI01Ae01.html

"In a recent attempt to test the limits of this constitutional guarantee, four people tried to mount a silent demonstration in front of the headquarters of the government-run Central Provident Fund (CPF) in August 2005. They wore T-shirts emblazoned with slogans calling on the CPF to be more transparent with pensioners' funds while standing in complete silence. Soon thereafter, 40 or so police officers in anti-riot gear confiscated their T-shirts and demanded that they disperse because they were a "public nuisance".

"Three of the four silent protesters mounted a court challenge against the government for denying them the freedom of assembly. However, Justice V K Rajah dismissed the suit, ruling that the police could reasonably have deemed the words on the T-shirts and placards as "insulting and/or abusive apropos those responsible" for managing the CPF, a public institution, and that their being stationary in front of the building represented harassment. "A persistent course of conduct for a sustained period of time can constitute harassment," the judge ruled.

Would IMF like Singapore?

We just passed our election, and we thought we have seen the best in upgrading works, repairs, voice of the people, and what more? I have seen: Life renovation, parks upgrading, roof repair, and door to door survey of people.

IMF is coming! And we are seeing: Roads being laid anew, main highway are going to closed, demonstrations are banned (I thought it has never been allowed?), 4million people are TOLD to smile, and servants are trained to bring ambassadors' wife for shopping. Later, IMF told us 'all civil society should allow peaceful demonstration' (meaning we are not civil after all).

I tried to develop a sense 'we are hospitable.' Yet, a hidden sense of disgrace emerge from beneath. We are Singapore and we do things our own way, say what we think is right, and show people our life as it is. Instead, we almost scrambled to attempt HIDING our self-induced inferiority complexes. I think we have the infrastructure and opportunities to be a great nation. But first, we need to learn to be ourselves, and show others the same. Make them love and assimilate the real Singapore.

What I like about Singapore

Being a Singaporean for over 30 years, I have never like Singapore more. Travelled to many countries, I found Singapore to be efficient, kind, cheap, safe, and respectful of each other. There is no place like home. However, as a true breed Singaporean, I have to say that I would love to tell others about it if:
(1) My old house was en-bloc earlier (not prior to election).
(2) Anyone can potentially become the big boss in government-linked companies.
(3) Phillip Yeo don't shame scholars (and admit he know nuts about research)
(4) Our soccer team beats Japan and Korea.
(5) We can organize weekend big walk type of happy demonstration.
(6) Taka jewelry store assistant don't stand outside the doorway blocking me from entering (and stop bugging me).
(7) MRT runs faster.
(8) There is no copying and everyone focus on innovations.
(9) Price is transparent and customers don't haggle.
(10) School students can wear what they like to school.
(11) The baby boomers work harder and mention less about retirements.
(12) University academics think less of themselves and pay more attention to students.
(13) We can just be ourselves and speak Singlish, chew gums, and don't have to smile to tourists.
(13) Everyone agree that we should work hard, but within 40 hours per week and no more. Let's go home and enjoy our life, despite rain, wind, or earthquake!

IMF tells hospitable Singapore to be less hospitable

``The bank's preference is that civil society groups should be able to peacefully express their views outside of the conference facility in a way that doesn't cause disruption,'' World Bank Singapore representative Peter Stephens said in respond to Singapore's ban on protest during the IMF meetings.

In quoting Lin Yutang, the liberty we need is,"... this liberty to squel when hurt, and not the liberty to talk." In this sense, both IMF and Singapore government missed the point. 'Peaceful demonstration' may instead be said as, 'voicing your inequality' (in Chinese (Sheng1 yuan1)). I don't think a reasonable Singapore is stupid enough to stand in front and block traffic. Where got time?

I don't know.

I don't know about tomorrow:
1. Will the stock market rise,
2. Will I retain my job,
3. Will my love-ones still love me,
4. Will I will get to surf the Internet,
5. Will Singapore go for war,
6. Will I get to watch TV,
7. Will it rain,
8. Will I meet someone I wanted to see,
9. Will I fall sick,
10. Will I finish my work.

But I do know:
A++ That I am happy at this point in time. :)

Malaysians are happier than Singaporeans

In a research finding, http://www.le.ac.uk/pc/aw57/world/sample.html
Malaysians ranked 17 in world's happiness ratings. Singapore 53.

Sounds like Singaporeans are not a happier bunch. Malaysia is more backward in terms of amenities and economic efficiency. However, the people are friendlier and take things easy. You do not need a lot to be happy, but you need enough. They do.

Now we have a lot to learn from our neighbors.

The Mind of Love

Before this, I discuss about love efficiency as a function of the society. But what is love? Love is a function of the mind. And the mind functions at different levels: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual.

The most basic function of love, at the physical level, which is shared by all animals including human is the role of sexual intimacy. Most love would include this component. This is also the basic component of family life. You may not care for your mate and the law does not require you to. However, not having sex in marriage is a reason for lawful divorce.

Emotional bonding makes up the next level. The feeling of emotional intimacy and being cared upon, and being owned by someone is important to all man. Some animals may not have this except those of higher sentient, like dogs and wolves. Feeling of emotional bond brings security and sense of belongingness. Its fundamental to all love that last.

Spiritual love is rarer. Human has the capacity for intellectual reasoning and ideological sensation. In exercise such as meditation, the meditator often experience joy beyond physical pleasure and or emotional pleasure. Its a mental satisfaction and contentment of what we do and who we are. Love in the spiritual form indulges in care and concern for the person we love, and derive satisfaction from the act. Its a mental sensitivity to the feelings and wellbeing of those we love.

We feel love at different levels. However, reduction of dissatisfaction and pain in love requires us to love at the highest level possible. It replaces selfish indulgence and possession of the physical others. What left is a two-way humane and caring relationship that last.

Love and the society

Love is a feeling between two persons, mostly man and woman. Each of them attracted to the other, in similar or different ways. We often find ourselves attracted to similar type of persons.

Society sees love as the precursor to marriage. Although love and marriage are two distinctive subjects. In prehistoric societies, a dominant male may possess several females. Later societies ritualize these possessions into a ceremony called marriage. However, as societies in ancient times are not productive, many males could not afford to feed another person, as such, one rich (dominant) male often married several females. Modern society retained marriage, however, it no longer practices polygamy, which is probably due to a better capacity for males to feed the entire family and the more socially powerful females demanding more possession of males.

Marriage is important because its the fundamental unit that ties a person to its place. We do not belong because of a house, or property, but because our social nature rooted our domain onto a group of persons, mostly family members. In a family, the adults take care of the young and old. It has a stabilizing effect on the society. No wonder we celebrated and defended marriage throughout history, often implemented harsh punishments to those how broke the bonds.

Today, with the rise of large corporations, mobile workforce, and global network, I felt that family as the foundation of the society is deeply shakened. Increase in divorce rate were often said to due to reasons such as 3rd party, violent behaviors, or irrespsonsiveness. But I felt the enabling factor for divorce is the shift of the socially powerful from a family-centered communities to a commercially-centered communities. Our wealth, success, and fame is driven by our recognition in the corporate world. Thus, family is no longer look upon as an institution that governs our lives. Its the big companies, our colleagues, and customers. We only answer to the latter and the former is becoming dispensible.

Family will still retain the role of comfort and care giving. The enabling factor for comfort and care, I would argue, is much base on love. Naturally, man and woman has needs and they have to be satisfied. Love, no matter if its between a husband and wife, or any other persons, will contain a strong emotional bonding and maybe physical intimacy. In the case of a Geisha offering comfort to her customer, it can be love although she was paid to do so. Payment is a way for society to share resoures to the worthy. When some man gives money to his wife, we do not call him the customer but the function is similar. At the end of the day, we need to be counselled, comforted, be emotionally healed by our love ones through kind words and feeling of security. But when this function is no longer afforded by a family, the residents may break off and family fall apart.

I do not know where this entails our society. Higher divorce rates, and possibly multiple relationships throughout ones life. However, the happiness of the person shifting between relationships cannot be assured, and its much base on the maturity of the society to cope with liquidating resources and handling emotions. Also, in conservative society, where divorce is not encouraged, potential divorcees may hurt themselves more in starting the process through bad mouth and cumbersome administrations. Nonetheless, many of the legal and social processes will change and a more love-efficient society should emerge.

My beautiful house.

I was sitting in the living room in the silent of the night, only with sound of music and fountain flows. Tonight, I see beauty within my house. Its a perfect sense - one of wholeness, and of love in the air.

Love brings suffering, happiness, longing, care and concern, sweetness, conflicts, disappointment, and desire. Love is an experience of multi-faceted nature. Most people will experience love of some sorts. Some were more positive, some negative.

No matter what happen in love, at the end of the day, you were sitting in your own room, in silent, and where nobody is there. You were listening to your own voice. What is it that you hear? Looking back, no matter if the love between you and the person is still existing, or ended, as long as you see the whole thing as it is, the suffering and happiness, which you accept whole-heartedly and willingly, you will see how beautiful both of you truly are.

We love because we see beauty in others. We wanted to be part of them. Sometimes we succeed, often not. But as human, we always try. We try to reach our dreams, even in suffering. Often, its the human nature and spirit that counts as an act, which is not found in a normal strifless life. We seek, falls, get up and walk again. We repeat the pursuit until we learn and become wiser. We learn to love more people as we understand the true nature of beauty, As humans, we are magnificient.

All things beautiful will end.

I came back from a jog, one for a very long time. It was good, I got hungry and went to bath. In the evening I didn't eat much.

I remembered this experience vividly because it was a beautiful one. For a long time since I was able to do things the very way its meant to be done, all minds on it. Despite my bouncing fats and slow rate, it was a perfect run.

But all things beautiful will end. The end starts with fear of end itself. Fear that you will lose this beauty and beautiful moments that come with it. Sweetness rekinders your memory and you wish you are back in time. Yet, what meant to be has to be, and you have to move on to the next task. If you are able to go on and let it flows in you, the beauty remains and what it touches make all things beautiful again.

Sharing beauty

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
I went to the beach for breakfast. It was just as beautiful as I went the last time, which was 2-3 months ago. Looking at people playing, chatting, and working out. The movements and features were harmoniously natural.

Walking down the pathway, along the beachside, many people gather around benches, pavilions, and tents. I have not seen (paying attention to) others for some time. The sensation of the sight is one feeling of beauty and involvements.

Involvement is a beautiful thing. However, its not easy to engage your feelings and experience onto objects, people, or experience. We engage with our love ones easily, but less easy are to strangers and inanimated. Engagement brings unity, peace, and security. To be together just for a while, being attentive and intimate, now and seemingly forever.

Love for beautiful things.

I am an impractical person. I love beautiful things, even if they do not work so well. I would pay premium for things that look special.

Its hard to define beauty. Things are beautiful because they reflected something that you like. I like Onyx jeweleries. But my grandmother may not. To me Onyx may symbolise power and elegance.

There are also beautiful people. Truly beautiful persons are a reflection of someone you need from the inside. He or she may not the most shapely, but their words and presence mean a lot to you.

Israel killed 4 UN peacekeepers.

It is incredible. Israel, supplied with advance US weaponry, shelled a well known UN outpost 14 TIMES, and unheed 10 plead for shelling to stop. An airplane launched smart bomb scored a direct hit on the bunker, killing 4 UN peacekeepers. No wonder Kofi said it was deliberate. With modern battle field information systems, if you can well target what you intend to hit, what is the chance of hitting the wrong target 14 times? If Israel really did this 'unknowingly,' imaging the number of wrongly targeted lives that were lost.

Stop wanting to be a Hero.

All cultures adore heros. But definition of Heros defer. Apart from the individualistic and secretive superman, Chinese heros are often self-sacrificing, simple, and altruistic. (I do not consider the modern teenage violent icons as traditional Chinese heros).

Wanting and becoming a hero as very different thing.
"Given a choice, nobody choose to be a hero. They found themselves to be."
Heros do dangerous things that often contradicts the very nature and daily choices in life. We don't want to do these things everyday.

Among Chinese heros-to-be, we need to understand that the world do not want to be save, so we do not need to think that way until situations arises. Bearing that in mind, we need to led a normal life and think simply, act kindly, and give bgenerously. In the simplicity and naturalness of life, we become complete as a human and it matters much more than to become a hero. When someone is in need, you naturally become one.

Can Italy win the World Cup?

I bought Italy with an odd of 9, shortly it qualifies to the second stage. Today, its facing either France or Portugal in the the Final in Berlin.

Italy has always been my favorite team. I fancy its defensive, careful, and swift counter attacks. Italy is never in a hurry to win, it seats contented with patience, waiting for openings in its opponent, and attack shiftly with haste.

Something about Italian football is the depth and organization in defense. On its off days, it may not score (or not much), as in the match against USA (its a rare own goal). Most people would look highly to a team whose display strong attacking players, such as Brazil. I beg to differ and feels that strength of a team is built from its defense. You can buy a good striker from Brazil and he can score from day one, but a four or six men defense line cannot hold if any one of them does not gel. With Italy's coherent defence force and agile tackling from the likes of Carnavaro, Nesta, and Gattuso, Italy is rock solid in front of any team.

The more worrisome compartment would be the attacking lineup. With Toni not scoring as well as his time in Sirre A, it may worry its supporters a bit. But with the Toni scoring two recently, and another two magnificient goals from Del Piero and Grosso, Italy may well have all the factors to go all the way.

Creativity in Football

Creativity 'fast and furious' or 'slow and steady'?

"The July issue of Wired magazine contains a fascinating article about research done by David Galenson from the University of Chicago, which suggests that creative people come in two types: quick and dramatic, and careful and quiet. Amazingly, these two genius profiles can be found in nearly every type of creative pursuit."

I wonder if this sums up something similar to football: (1) Attacking furiously and shoot on sight, hoping you get a goal, or (2) Pass carefully and with detail, until you setup a team mate with good opportunity, and shoot beautifully... and scores.

Viva Italia!

Return to innocence.

I looked back for the past 5 years of purposeful life. Before that, I live my life moment by moment. I am not sure what I am heading at, but most of the time I was contented. Last 5 years, I began to develop an intent, mostly from the career standpoint. It leads my life in a direction, although the path is mostly unclear. But its my driver.

I am sick for past 2 days, and for a total of 4 days I managed to lay down my work and reflect on myself. I remember a lad who on weekends, would pick up a book to read for hours, who is able to walk in the park and enjoy it plainly, and is able to sit down with a friend over a quiet tea. Today, this lad has a lot to think about, about work and relationships.

I watched "Castle in the Sky" today. A country castle was once own by an advance race. They have long ago moved and stayed on earth, leaving the castle hidden with riches and advance technologies. The good and bad explorers, whom later found the true reasons why they did this: the advance race found that the most advanced technology cannot be replaced by love.

A clear measurement of work is efficiency and effectiveness, but the best measurement of life is happiness. Efficiency and effectiveness do not necessary brings happiness, but love does. But since work is a subset of life, which takes up 1/3 of it. If for 1/3 of our life, we do not live correctly, we are wasting our time away, no matter how successful we are with what we are doing. Many says, men need to work to earn satisfaction in life. I would like to add we need to do it willingly, mindfully, and in good company. Make a life out of work, love it, love your colleagues, your suppliers, and your customers. Care for them not for the money you earn. Best, not to differentiate them because of the reward you gain. But love them equally and determine their needs. Talk to them like good friends do. Lastly, don't keep working, and think about people outside your work. Not to forget ourself, spend sometime with yourself everyday, and keep your body and mind in good shape.

Love

Love is strength, the strength of bond between you and another. Another person, another object, mother earth, or the consciousness. Love binds like you and the other is one thing and not two. Looking, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling is deceiving. The other is right here right now. The other is not define by the senses: the other is you, and you are the other. Love breaks all barriers, all difficulties, and bring beauty to all things conscious.

Beauty

Beauty lies in the beholder, the onlooker. Look at things, see the way they moves and dance in the wind and on the ground. Watch their every gestures, what they are trying to say to you? Listen to their voices and melody, and live in their dreams. Feel them gently, and feel the way they were. Caress and cherish their being.
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When you see beauty in things, the beauty is you.

Mind and the Society

The society is driven by people, who are driven by their dreams, thoughts, desires, and beliefs. Dreams, thoughts, desires, and beliefs have to go through the domain of the mind. What's the mind? A street buzz with sounds, sights, and other sensation? What is this domain that creates objects that drive our live, and our society?
*********
I spent a weekend without checking emails. I determined not to do that, so that the buzz can subside. It has been buzzing for a long time, sometimes unbearable. Optimal thinking and analysis is best suitable for the clear mind, one that strings of thoughts go coherently undisturbed by noise, and flows in a logical chain. Mind that buzz like the wet market is uncoherent, and good ideas are hard to find. Sometimes, you can even be lost and wonder where you begin, and where you are going next.
*********
Today, I can feel in better shape and thoughts flow with more energy. I really wonder how much a society can improve if everyone is able to develop a clarity of the mind. How much can this change the fabric of a society? When everyone makes decision that are rationale.

Tired of your street name?

Check this out:

In the US, owners of private roads can register whatever name they choose with the local authorities.

"Psycho Paths" were apparently popular in the US, after receiving several similar entries.

Mr Padgett said his favourite was the intersection of Clinton and Fidelity streets in Houston, Texas.

As far as bodily functions are concerned, you would probably not want to pass by Farfrompoopen Road. We are told it is the only way to get to Arkansas' Constipation Ridge.

In Divorce Court, there are seven homes - and probably six of us have been divorced already once. When we first moved in, my wife said: 'This sounds like trouble.'
Mr Zellar is still married.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4762654.stm

How to love a woman?

As a relationship develops, many activities develop into protocols. You go shopping, dine, and make calls automatically without much thoughts. Before your love becomes stale and goal-less, consider what it means to truely love a woman.

The next chance you get to spend time with a woman you love, be it only 5 minutes, look into her eyes. If you have been together for many years, she probably would not notice it at first. Look long enough and she would notice your gaze. She would ask why. But you do not have to answer. Put away your work, complains, interests, and just put unwavering attention on her. Capture her every wink, hair lines, and every contours on her face. Observe how she moves and talks. Listen to how she sound. Look until her images enter your consciousness. You can feel her in your skin, your flesh, and your pulse. You become at peace with her. Time stops, and the world becomes less important. At that instance, both you and she becomes one, and becomes one with the world. When this happen, it does not matter if there are things both of you can do, or things you can talk about. These are unimportant. Every touch, every step, and every moment becomes sufficient by itself. Even if on a phone, both of your remain silent, that is alright. Because you know you truly love this woman.

Relaxing amidst the buzz -- Part 1

We lived in the time of Hunt, Agriculture, Trade, Industrialization, Information, and now Knowledge. Each phase of change is characterized by greater production.

The easiest way to higher productivity is spending more time, working harder. Yet, its also a danger that the more focus we are with work, the more of ourselves as human beings are lost. Lost are our beliefs, emotions, friends, family, and maybe our goals we set out to be.

Relaxing amidst the buzz is becoming an important life tool. Yoga, exercise, meditation are all some of the things we can learn. But still having work-relaxing separation can never be fully ideal, because our sense get tense and relax is successive iterations. In Chinese medicine, stability leads to better wellbeing.

The trick, I believed, is to achieve a state of mind that we are relaxed even when we work. We work as the way we would live. This way work-relax(life) separation would not exist. We take things easy and treat our colleagues as friends, friends as colleagues, work as life, life as work, meetings as social, and social as meetings.

To be continue...

Making a Productive Nation

I watched as a Buddhist monk gave counsel to young man. The young man quitted Polytechnic two years ago and was soon conscripted into the army. His army term is ending soon and he is interviewing for a prison job.

The Buddhist monk advised him not to take up the prison job. Reasons being: 1. The prison is a place full of anger and hatred, 2. He is not someone who can handle such an environment, and 3. For his family sake, he should pursue the path of the Polytechnic or University and later joining as a prison superintendant.

Although the Buddhist monk does not receive a salary for giving this counsel, what he did is important to the productivity of Singapore. If the young man did change his mind, pursue University, and graduated in 4-6 years time, he would be at least 3 times more productive than he would be today, in terms of goods and services he can render.

I need to chew on this more a long time, reflecting on how everyone, from the begger and hawker to CEOs, can change the future of our nation.

More tired than normal.

These few days, I felt more tired at night than normal. Monday evening, I attempted to do an interview with a ex-school mate now working in the industry. Its very difficult to concentrate. Thoughts doesn't hold together very long, but nonetheless, I am grateful I got to understand the industry better.

Fatigue is a strange thing. It does not really add up by the hours you sleep, or physical activities. (I hardly move when I work) I read that the human channels a lot of energy to the brain, so the amount of thinking matters too. Maybe my mind is more scattered and unfocused these two weeks.

Should meditate more.

Know Thyself

I saw Jet Lee's 'last' movie on Huo Yuan Jia. I think it is a very touching CHINESE movie. It awaken the pride of the yellow skin.

At the end of the movie, Jet Lee told the Japanese martial art master, "The greatest enemy is thyself, and the purpose of martial art is to know thyself." I agree.

If you think deeply, life can be a meaningless affair. You will die the way you were born, and nothing can be taken away. Many things such as schooling, working, marrying, child rearing, sickness, and dying are predictable, and irreversible. We work for our desires, yet we are destined to lose it all.

Yet, all these are externalities. Internally, there is something normally unspoken, that is who we are. We may be fighting for a chance to career advance, and its driven by a desire to succeed. We succeed and become happy, or fail to be disappointed, or do we need to? Overcome our own desire, and we are free to succeed for others. Care not of ourselves, and we became the larger than life. We live in everyone around us.

Before that, however, we need to understand ourselves, penetrate our desires, and liberate them. Fight like Jet Lee as we work, and begin our cultivation from daily life.

Does thou hear?

Hear my voice, the inner cry, for peace, freedom, harmony, and kindness.
View the world, which is chaotic, rapid, and souless.
Man moved with repetitions, of motions, thoughts, and feelings.
I too am not spared.
Love is unwieldy.
Battlecries for ownership, properties, and happiness.
How does the world begin, and how will it end?
World is noth but transcient, like dreaming awake.
A lost soul struggling to be awaken from the dream, wondering if its a dream itself.

The individual and the society

At home resting after a day of lunar new year visitation.
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Each individual is a node forming the fabric of a society. What is a society? I think it is a domain where many groups of people gather together, each for a specific purpose. These can range from a group of friends, a family, a corporation, a school, a church, or an army. A country requires every parts of a society to work well in order to function properly. Base on where we are and what we do, we contributes to the bigger good in our own way.

As the government announced more measures to keep the older people in the workforce, I visited my grandmother in the elderly home. Its not exactly a good place to house elderly. A few nurses took care of many elderly at the same time. They share a common activity area, many of the elderly are not able to walk. The food are healthy but not exactly tasty, and the beds arranged like that of the hospital. I think that Singapore society as a whole is already struggling to take care of all our aging population. E.g. the average salary of majority of Singaporean may be around 3k. I estimated every person needs $400 per month to live Ok, without luxury. A sick elderly needs $600 for nursing care and medical bills. This does not include housing loans, household expenditure, and savings. If each person needs to take care of one elderly, the expenditure works out as $3k-$600(cpf)-$400(personal expenditure)-$800(one elderly)-$800(one kid)-$200(household and utility)=$200. This means a person earning only 3k per month, own a house, and needing to care for one children and one elderly, can only save $200 per month. What if the elderly fall sick, or if the person is retrenched?

To me, there is no question that the more abled people volunteerily drop out of the workforce, the more our society degrades. Challenges from China and India, high costs of living (particularly our ridiculous housung price), and low salary are already costing heavy toll of the average Singaporean. I personally despise people who contemplate retirement, especially if they are not financially independent. These people are simply dropping their burden unto others.

In our increasing individualistic society, these irresponsible actions will create more controversy in the future. Others carrying these burden would usually be the children. The talking point will be between filial piety and personal responsibility. Does filial piety includes taking care of someone who does not want to play apart in our society?

In fact, my arguments do not just cover contributions in terms of being employed. A society requires many aspects to function. One important area that we frequently neglect when talking about productivity is non-profit organizations. A major non-profit organization in Chinese society seems to be the extended family. In an extended family that is closely knitted, some elderly continues to take care of the grand-children, cook, take care of the house, run errands, maintain the house, educate the young, and maybe provide other free services. These are important tasks to maintain the society although it does not generate 'income'. These are critical to the productivity of the income generating class.

My point is that in a competitive International environment, yours and mine time will be stretched to the limits. We need to contribute in whatever way we can, making ourselves useful, regardless of age, sex, beliefs, religion, anything. If Stephen Hawkings can continue to be relevant, everyone with a will should be. We will be challenged in every aspects to try to make our activities relevant to the greater good. Can I help myself becoming more productive? How about my wife, my family, my colleague, or someone I do not know? We need to share knowledge, create business, and help in non-profit work. Singapore of the future will depend on how we can restructure the society to make this a better place.