Zakrie's Spot on the Web

Meeting challenge with resilience

2012-01-19T17:39:00.000+08:00

Singapore has been battling challenges which threaten its very existence since its independence in 1965. Abruptly separated from Malaysia then, Singapore was left with little to survive on. The challenges then were managed very well by our leaders but our physical limitations continue to be a concern for Singapore’s economy. For a developed economy f today, not only has Singapore tackled age-old challenges, globalisation has also brought increased economic competition. Social and environmental issues have also evolved in the leap forward to the twenty-first century, yet again, by global happenings. Politically, it is vital that Singapore continues to have strong leaders at the helm. One can definitely say that Singapore has been very effective in managing the challenges of today.

Singapore has always been effective in tackling economic challenges. Being one of the four Asian tigers, Singapore had a head start in industrialisation as it welcomed by multi-national businesses - at a time when many of its Southeast Asian neighbours were most wary of them. Today, at least at the regional level, Singapore is faced with competition from its neighbours, particularly in the manufacturing sector, where their labour costs are low, while Singapore, given its scarce land resource and a modicum of manpower. In an economic world that values speed and rock-bottom operating costs, it is certain that Singapore cannot afford to remain content with what it has been doing for a little over two score years.

While Singapore emerged as one of the first industrialised Asian states, today it boasts to be a hub of many; a research and development hub, a tourism hub and an education hub, among others. Singapore is still manufacturing goods, but now these goods are those with high value-addedness. It has shifted away from making bicycles and canned pineapples to exporting hard-disk drives and wing clips of the Airbus A380. Restructuring of Singapore’s economy is by and large necessitated by its physical constraints while taking its strengths into account. Frankly, its neighbours are less able to compete with Singapore in the high-technology industries as the latter has always been emphasising education for its people. Education mobilises Singaporeans to engage in tertiary ad quaternary industries which are more profitable, productive and less land-exhausting. Here, it is clear that where Singapore is in danger of losing out, it has overcome its limitations to excel.

The Internet and social media has brought about a new set of challenges for Singapore today. As the world becomes as interconnected as never before, information spreads apace. This is beneficial to an information-oriented economy. Inevitably, bad information crafted by irresponsible parties threaten the social fabric of this country. Singapore before independence was plagued by racial unrests and riots which jeopardise our security. One may say that the Singapore government today is in paranoia when it comes to the local regulation of information. Such a claim is not with solely unfounded reasons. Its authorities are quick to put out any display of hostility between ethnicities in Singapore. Social media such as Facebook, blogs and Twitter speeds up the accessibility of such information. Being a non-homogenous society, these sentiments are able to fuel potential periods of unrest and instability if left unattended.

One can say that Singapore has been successful in maintaining its social harmony in spite of its diversity by a simple measure: Singapore since the 1960s has not witnessed a single racial conflict, creating a safe and stable environment for its citizens to work and play, and for foreign investments to pour in and strengthen Singapore’s economy. Again, maintaining social stability has always been a constant issue Singapore has always been tackling, but today, it manifests itself in new, thoroughly evolved forms today. Measures which are in place, albeit seemingly draconian and undemocratic, have undeniably made Singapore face.

Maintaining good governance in Singapore itself is an important challenge of today which needs to be tackled. Not that the quality of its leaders have deteriorated, but globalisation and new media puts its leaders in a position where they can be more easily challenged by their people. Being a democracy at least in name, free and fair elections have been the means for people to give their mandate – or not – to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) government. The PAP has always received no less than a two-third majority in parliament since 1959 but this is no longer a given.

Singapore, in implementing sound and viable policies has won the hearts of not all of its citizens. Social media and foreign ideological influences have opened the eyes of Singaporeans, especially its youth, to new peoples and their ideas. This poses a problem to Singapore as anti-government sentiments, if not managed, may resonate at the ballot boxes. Singaporeans are exposed to top-notch opposition candidates and their ideals seem to be better able to win the hearts of those who feel sidelined. As a result, the PAP has only amassed 60.1% of valid votes – hence showing exceptional opposition performance – during the 2011 General Elections. While outsiders may pass this off as an unsurprising outcome of the democratic process, Singapore’s political stability is now questioned. All along, with an absolute majority, the government can pass policies without much question. However, we now fear that Singapore’s political scene would end up like the United States, whose bipartisan congress almost always end up in deadlock over key, pressing issues of national importance, as in its economic crisis. Politically speaking, the power of technology can no longer be ignored or it will take its toll in ballot boxes.

More pressing and visible global issues literally engulf this island-nation. The haze caused by burning of forests in Kalimantan and Sumatra in neighbouring Indonesia has posed serious environmental problems. The haze drops visibility to only a few hundred metres, posing a health threat and inhibiting certain economic activities. Singapore has assisted its neighbours in tackling the haze with technological and technical assistance. Singaporean satellites are used to track forest fires, while Singaporean personnel and equipment help put out forest fires. These cooperative measures will not be permanent solutions to the haze, nor are they totally ineffective. The haze will persist so long as vegetation is set on fire, but the issue can be said to be well-managed, noting the decline in the incidences of forest fires in recent years.

Singaporeans tend to take its water supply for granted but it is one of Singapore’s most crucial issues. Singapore has always been purchasing water from Malaysia, which is then treated by Singaporean water-processing plants. However, the contract for this supply is set to expire in 2061. Currently, Singapore has been innovating means to ensure self-sufficiency in its water supply, mainly by introducing NEWater. It has been mocked by many in the local and international community as sewage is its source. Nevertheless, not only has the technology been in place, it has been exported and sold off to water scarce regions, particularly in the Middle East. Water scarcity is a future challenge but its management is an issue of today. Beyond reasonable doubt, Singapore is successful in sustaining its physical lifeline.

Underlying all of Singapore’s successes – and failures – are its leaders. Westerners tend to criticise Singapore for practising maximum governance where much power lies within the state, where policies implemented are often unchallenged and where political opponents have prison cells waiting for their blunder. However, this is done not to feed ravenous despots but to serve the Singaporean people. Its leaders are the best this country can offer despite its small population. The challenges faced by Singapore today has always been a constant, only evolving into new forms brought about by global phenomena and thus, change, too, has to always be the constant, evolving to adapt to new challenges. Singaporean leaders have always welcomed and embraced change to suit the needs of today’s economy, noting that tomorrow’s today will be of a different form from now. One might have recognised by now that the economy is the core of Singapore. Without it – and a strong one – there can be no talk on other aspects of Singaporean life. What have made Singapore resilient to challenges are its adept and imaginative leaders. For example, the building of the two Integrated Resorts, which include casinos, faced strong objection from many segments of society, but has also spurred a record double-digit 14.5% economic growth in 2010, while many in the west were struggling to even recover from the 2008 recession. Singaporean values in governance are not exactly moral, but are those which encourage flexibility and bravery to be different.

From a fishing village to a key player in the International Monetary Fund, Singapore has not only managed the challenges of today but has always emerged stronger with greater eminence at every hurdle it overcomes. Adaptation and determination has always been in our genes; most Singaporeans are sons of immigrants who braved through the seas to even reach here physically intact, braved through the hardship of the Japanese occupation and struggled to make ends meet upon independence – it is no wonder that Singapore has been successful in managing the challenges of today.

Melaka

2011-12-06T10:36:00.001+08:00

My stay in my motherland for the past three days has been one filled with literal tears of joy, reconciliation and reflection. Melaka is where my forefathers originate; where they were born, raised, put to work, encountered rattan-enabled strokes and nurtured to break to productively break their backs.

Home Kampong
What I witnessed I the village was still nothing like how it used to be, albeit not as modern as Singapore. Still the nostalgia of the setting has not failed to send chills down my dad's and uncle's spines thus catalysing the tear-making process. The desired by-product was only to be triggered by a 40 year-overdue aunt-nephew embrace. The reversal of such deep reactions proved to be highly endothermic given that the elder has superb memory. Even spectator particles like me can't be spared from these cheek-wetting moments.

Makan
I thought my tongue was malay enough until I sat cross-legged in a kampong house, harrassed by flies on a straw mat. I ate what looked like vegetables simmered in a gravy of vomit. But praises to god, its taste is most interesting and nothing like I've ever seen; the most creative way of utilising durian. Not forgetting the asam pedas which tasted just like my late grandma's cooking (says my dad). And I won't be stepping on the weighing scale for some time to come.

Urge.

2011-11-22T19:50:00.002+08:00

This week I've faced life in a different manner.

Might I say that I was not too happy by the time the results came out. Not because I was unhappy about the results, though. That is least of my concerns. I only wanted to be promoted as that is all that matters.

I was really unhappy because I get annoyed when people misunderstand me. Nobody will take me seriously in a heart-to-heart conversation for I tend to have an upbeat demeanour and a "bo-chup" face, which I find useful for stealthily gathering aural information. And so, I decided to reactivate myself to post stuff on this blog. As and when I sense that an action of mine needs to be justified, this is for all to see and discern for themselves.

Right from the beginning of the year, I resolved to only have simple ambitions, that is, such that I can sufficiently feed my family.

It so happened that the post-promo period was met with an internal conflict of moral, directional and emotional sorts. Might I reiterate that it has got nothing to do with my results. (I am indifferent towards it, until now, like my parents. No cause for celebration.) Nor was it PW, although something ugly was triggered then, but it is only due to the sudden unleash of all the emotional baggage thus far. And so, ironically, I felt lousy of myself, as if society does not value me anymore, as if people I know think I'm rubbish.

This perception changed after much reflection, catalysed by morning sunlight and boredom, at Sembawang Park. I suddenly felt that I am to impact society one day.

I used to have very big dreams. Those which people expect of me: politician, lawyer, diplomat and so on. I thought I would one day I would be able to do all that I want. But somehow, my self-esteem degraded since. However, apparently, teachers don't think so, but I still didn't realise. I thought they shared the same opinion as me. Until today when I looked at this:

My very recent change of perception of my destiny is only reaffirmed by the above which came a considerable period of time before.

God give me strength to deliver my responsiblities, show me the path of those whom you love, bless my family with good health.

Yes, the above is a wordly endeavour of mine, but to me, I do hope that this big thing I'll be doing will help my fellow Malays, help make Singapore great and most of all, do justice to the care showered by my family thus far.

P.S. Thank you, Shahir, for making me work my fingers and discern my actions even more.

Sleep. And 8 hours of it.

2011-11-19T08:54:00.001+08:00

When asked how I got my results, I tell people I don't study much. People get annoyed; either they think I'm arrogant or it is just impossible to them. This intellectual myopia in itself annoys me. But it's true! However, it doesn't end there.

I find that I'm able to increase the efficiency of my studying time by maximising learning when you're not facing your books. This includes lectures, tutorials and the time spent answering nature's call. And all this boils down to sleep. And 8 hours of it. And almost religiously.

There's no denying that sufficient sleep makes you feel fresh early in the morning. You find it easier to arise, no matter how much you're gonna hate the day ahead. Because you feel fresh, there're little means for you to fall asleep during lecture and tutorial (unless it's in the afternoon, of course). Such is important as usually, the golden nuggets which makes one ace one's papers are usually revealed during lecture.

One may say that listening to the recording still does the job. I'm afraid not. Widely-received scientific studies show that only 20% of communication happens aurally. The rest happens through body language. While we certainly do not pay attention by these details, they are subconsciously processed by the brain to be effectively digested. Maybe it's the eyes, the hand gestures or stature which adds impact to the message albeit subconsciously. So why remove this 80% of learning aid?

Another thing that freshness allows one to do is think. 4 hours of sleep will make even walking a chore. During tutorials and lectures you can't be bothered about anything's that going on. Then you tell yourself that you're going to recap at home or some time after lesson. Here comes the big academic evil: procrastination! You simply forget about the lesson. If not, you become simply too tired or bogged down by other work by the time you remember. Worse still, studies show that that retention ability diminishes with time. And that's why you have to mug last minute, cramming as much information in an unsorted, unlogical manner which you can't almost totally appreciate. You go for consultation only to ask questions already answered during lecture/tutorial. Because you have so much to cover, you can't afford to sleep. Then you can't focus duing exam. Then you go into depression, leading to insomnia. No sleep at all!

The above clearly shows the academic viscious cycle which is all to blame on insufficient sleep. Conversely, early, sufficient sleep contributes to a virtous academic cycle.

You can receive information, process them and link them. This is especially important for any subject. Chemistry is one subject with no room for compartmentalised thinking to ace in it. With a clear mind, these links can be drawn during lectures themselves. It makes you stay awake. It encourages higher order thinking. For the arts, linking is the essence for forming solid arguments.

Thinking can happen on the way home. Or on the toilet. Or while eating. Start with DUH! questions first. At least it keeps you engaged stuff you need to know and APPRECIATE. This is hiw you don't have to spend time.mugging. Mugging time is only to boost details and strengthen the links, NOT to receive new information. Only then will consultations be productive. Last moments before exam are to be spent appreciating and processing information. This way, the content that needs to be known becomes a given.

By now, you realise that all these requires one to be alert, hence requires sleep. Sleep full length, leave the work behind and catch up with them when you wake up fresh. You need less time doing them as you think better. Give it your all in school and you can go home and "nua". Well, that's at least what I do...

Besides, people comment that my face has a perpetual freshness. It's easier for you to smile! Why not stop being the passive "sian" one and be the active smile-inducing party instead?! So sleep.

My results are not the best set but I can assure you this was done by seeking ways to increase the time-for-grades value, noting that I hold three CCAs and an ageing family which I would have to feed very soon.

We must be selfish.

2011-09-20T20:26:00.001+08:00

I feel stressed out livingin Singapore.

Notonly do I have to be perpetually surrounded by people, humans and Homo sapiens,I have to cope with the behaviours of these people. It is bad enough that wehave to live digging our faces into others’ armpits. But mismanaged odour intrains puts the most patient to the edges of the cliff of tolerance. The pointis, in this day and age, where Singaporeans enjoy high material standards ofliving, why are we still rude and selfish?

Perhapsthis same selfishness is the reason for Singapore’s economic excellence.Being ruthless and competitive in the global arena, amassing the world’s richesfor ourselves, dominating trade routes, hoarding all that are for grabs; HowSingaporean can we ever get?

Rightfrom Singapore’sfounding selfishness has always been key to our survival. How do you supposeour forefathers were able to make their voyage from their homelands to thistiny island, feeding on the bodies of those who died, indignantly throwing thedead overboard? On this island, these people shed blood, sweat and tears to ekeout a living for themselves. The treasures were there, up for grabs and onlythe fittest would prevail. There were no transfer payment handouts from thegovernment to yearn for every recession, healthcare benefits to safeguardsocial security or schools to learn the trades of the day. Our fathers earnedevery cent breaking their backs and waited for death to knock on their doorswhen they were severely ill. However, they were lucky enough to attend the bestschool ever to exist: the school of life.

Theirplight did not end there. They braved through the Japanese occupation wheredeception, struggle and betrayal were their cup of tea. Even the creation ofthe Singaporein the form we know of today was not without pain. An alien left alone, at theransom of its neighbours, it defied the odds to emerge as a player in the worldeconomy today.

Howthen, could the people we have in Singapore today be the worst timehas seen? Survival of the fittest has always been the essence of Singapore’snation-building of the time that has passed and for the time to come. Hardwork, struggle and determination are in our genes. Nature has selected its bestto make this island great.

Selfishnesshas manifested in a new form in Singaporeans today. One which serves selfbefore others, individual before nation. This is alright as this was exactlythe case 10 score years ago. Worse still, back then, there was not an idea ofnationhood. It was our unorchestrated combined strengths which contributed toan identity we have found for ourselves. And this is still the case.

Pityarises when our selfishness is channelled to matters of the least importance oreven derogatory in nature. Yes, being inconsiderate can be said to be a productof this natural selection. Then, we can question, are we getting too comfortable?

Whatseem to interest Singaporeans today are whether our parks today are crowded,how packed our trains and how ugly the Miss Singapore Universe is.

Nomatter how strong these grievances, or how true they are, we live in the age ofthe advent of GST offsets admist economic troubles, world-class medical careenvied by the West and top-ranked universities fuelling the needs of today’seconomy.

Perhapsprovisions such as the above have made us lose our head in the game.

Thankfully,natural selection will once again save Singapore from decline, I think.With the revelation of the foreign talent and its neighbours’ rise fromeconomic idleness, it is high time that Singaporeans return to the way of thestruggle before we are strangled.

Not doing

2011-08-13T12:41:00.001+08:00

I've led my life as a very irrational JC student thus far.

Not running for SC, HEXCO, Choir presidency, Scholars' Development and so on. Many asked what in the world I'm thinking. Here's what I'm thinking:

When you're good, you don't compete. Look at the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra for instance. They don't involve themselves in the All-Japan Ban Contest as a participant but as the benchmark for wind band standards in Japan (by recording the set pieces for reference). This is the same for the world's top orchestras, though they are being ranked. Nevertheless, lists don't define the soul of these mature institutions. They typically the serve as the pride and soul of their home cities. That's way more important.

In all that you are good at, you have to be very confident. People compete because they are uncertain of their abilities. Isn't this a show of self-disrespect? When you're good, you should strive to be the one who sets the standard and be the mentor for your counterparts. Also, you don't need to compete if you're able to distinguish yourself from others such that you are in-substitutable. (Recall PED)

I recall Mr Teo Ser Luck's wisdom that one is not made a leader because of his position but by his character. One does not need to be a leader only when given a position. Positions are merely a source of empowerment to drive on to greater heights in the organisation. However, is this necessary if the individual if self-driven? In other words, one is a leader if he behaves like one in everything that he chooses to do.

Conversely, one is merely an administrator when given a position but has no leadership traits in him. Singapore schools are very good at producing administrators.

Leadership is a lifestyle, not a post. When you have unshakeable values and beliefs, you don't need accolades or leadership posts for you to be noticed. You find opportunities knocking at your doorstep because they know you are different. You don't need to go into scholar development or school programmes to prove your worth. Just do what you like to do and you will reap the benefits. Just look at how ministers are chosen. They come from various backgrounds, doctors, bankers, economists, generals, etc. They are chosen because they are good at what they do, coupled with strong beliefs and conviction.

For me, driven by beliefs and causes that I advocate, I chose to be a president of a non-niche CCA of 20 people, the Malay Cultural Society. I don't think I'm devaluing myself by heading a very small CCA. I strive to unite all Malay NYJC-ians such that our different strengths would be put together to great causes for our community when we go out and work. I fear that my friends would forget their roots; the people who have helped them exceled, and that their success in the future would depend on the mandate of their own community. Why are the Chinese so successful?It's because they never forget to contribute back to their society when they succeed.

Now you know how I think.

Noose Thai Teaser

2011-06-09T20:18:00.002+08:00

Antara Sayur dan Nafi

2011-06-08T21:18:00.001+08:00

Niat terbotol dalam kalbu
Menjual sayur
Niat terbantut di pasar
Menuntut pembeli

Pembeli
manusia
buta
Kebaikan terlindung
Mudarat disanjung

Penjual
manusia
waras
Kebaikan dikongsi
Mudarat dibasmi

Natijah:
Penjual tak untung
Pembeli rugi

Is there hope for the world today?

2011-04-07T10:28:00.004+08:00

I feel there is hope.

While most of the challenges we face today are often created by people
who wield power, either democratically or by unwilling submission of
peoples, what gives us hope really are ordinary people who care. One
will say that only people with power (at least in name) have the
capacity to change the course of events in the world. But real power
lies in the people who are willing to share and give. People who
advocate total inclusion of the disabled in our economy, for example.
Or those who merely come up with recipe books for fellow cancer
patients. These people impact your world, more effectively than guns
do.

And a lesson from Keefe:
Civil unrest should not cause us to lose hope, even on the grounds
that many lives are lost. Such conflict happen in the hope of a better
future for the society.

- done during GP. ;)

Woken Up

2011-02-13T16:51:00.000+08:00

Phew, it's a heck of a long time since I put anything here. As you can see, new year - new template design.

The major event of this year has to be my getting posted to Nanyang Junior College. This is where I will spend two years (hopefully only two) of university preparation. I must say I have no regrets putting this institution as the first choice.

1. Mr Kwek
What better way to start tertiary education than to have the school principal pat your back as you enter the school. Mr Kwek was also the principal of Anderson Secondary School in the early '90s and under his leadership, the school has made a giant leap forward, made obvious by its achievement as the "Best Neighbourhood School" in 1992, awarded by The Straits Times. If I'm not mistaken, it was he who convinced Mrs Chong, my Math teacher in secondary school to get an MSG of 1.0 for Maths, which materialised.

What makes Mr Kwek so adored by many, I think, is through his straightforward-ness and friendly demeanour. We have a strong sense of security being in NY, thanks to his repeated calls to "find him in the General Office if you have no money because nobody should be deprived of education." He is a principal who truly put the interests of his students first. He is one in a million.

2. O.G.
Imagine 900 people from 100 secondary schools converging to bring a school hall down. That's exactly what happened.

Across the causeway

2010-12-03T11:50:00.008+08:00

Why is merger and separation removed from the social studies syllabus, I wonder.

However, after reading a few books on the above, it becomes obvious that the above matter is simply too controversial. I am certain that even till today, academics still cannot reach a "net" agreement on why we left or even joined Malaysia.

SEPARATION

We are taught, or if not, have the impression that separation was due to difficult differences, mostly on domestic issues. For one, the promised common market never did happen.

However, this Malay book by Mustapa Mohamed, titled "Kemelut Politik Melayu" said that Tunku Abdul Rahman "sacked" Singapore out of Malaysia in order to protect Malaysia interest. Of course, we do know that Lee Kuan Yew did call for a "Malaysian Malaysia" rather than a "Malay Malaysia".

GOOD VS BAD

Another source of headache is the contention over who was the protagonist or antagonist in this matter. Either party seem to always be antagonising the other.

Lee Kuan Yew mentioned in his memoirs of the presence of "Malay Ultras" in UMNO and the central government. One of these ultras include former PM Dr Mahathir. Conversely, Malaysian minds tend to think of the PAP as exclusively Chinese and a group of extremists who threaten to make torn the socio-political fabric of Malaysia.

As a Singaporean, I am the worst person to soberly and objectively make sense of the situation then.

SS
These complications, on the other hand, can actually be made a reason for this topic to be reintroduced in the Social Studies syllabus. We need to let students appreciate these unique, interesting and abstract kinds of relations. Then, we get to groom young openminds to be critical yet objective. Coupled with sensitivity to the world around them, we get to build a generation of youth who are discerning and active in this country's workings.

Piece of my mind

2010-11-29T09:59:00.002+08:00

If you do what your peers do, you will get the same results as them. To be better, you need to do more.

However, I believe one can work in a smarter manner, more efficiently - even if this means NOT doing certain "things" which your peers do.

These things include going to the movies, hanging out, etc.

Gene

2010-11-26T21:28:00.002+08:00

I recall Mr Kamal's "extra-extra" lesson with the DHS HC team that hard work is in the DNA of Singaporeans.

Founding

Our forefathers are not from this land. They migrated from all over Asia to Singapore in search of wealth and a spur to start earn livelihood. The Chinese, for example, came from the Southern parts of China, considered the "short Chinese" back in their homeland. While conditions at home were atrocious, the conditions of their journey to Singapore was no better, so as were their early days in Singapore. And so they worked as coolies, Samsui women and such. Some learnt their trades very well to become successful merchants, with the dividends to contribute to their homeland and local community.

Singapore was never meant to be called home by these peoples. Singapore was merely a place to bag cash and send home, where they belong. However, only time understands love, hence, people become attached to this island. They gave birth to a new generation.

Occupation

The Japanese Occupation purged the community of anti-Japanese sentiments. This is the period of time where we hear of anecdotes of how families and friends of different origins cooperate harmoniously to resist, or at least, to survive torment. Clearly, to live through severe rule requires strength and courage. In other word, survival of the fittest.

Merdeka

Singapore was created with little resources given to capitalise on. Here, hard work occurs across all levels of society. As the individual, one had to be sure to be hardworking in order to raise their children, accompanied by sufficient faith to the government to lead them. At the government level, the government had to be adamant to do what others won't and fear in order to serve the people's interest, including allowing the entrance of MNCs.

21st Century

For new citizens or even PRs, this kind of hereditary characteristic is even more prevalent. In spite of the challenges of living in an expensive city, the fact that one can still procreate and educate them well is very telling of their effort.

Think about it.

On Geng

2010-11-23T18:58:00.002+08:00

I am very disturbed by the surge of cases of aggression between and among secret societies. I ever witnessed a gang riot before, around 50 people beating up one poor chap with guitars, chairs, poles and such.

It was almost like blitzkrieg, out of the blue, these young people dressed in black came out from the corners of HDB void decks to perform the deed. I believe this was due to an internal difference between the chap and the interests of the society. However, let me tell you the most disturbing part. This incident happened at a very busy time at a very busy T-junction. It was around 7pm, where workers head home from town at a crossing frequently used. It seemed to me that the youth involved were unperturbed by their surroundings!

Who says a riot can happen only at night in the most secluded of places? In full view of passers-by, this shocking thing happened! I can do nothing but only to punch 999 on my Samsung Corby Pro. (Luckily the touchscreen never break)

This incident brings me to my two-cents worth (whatever this really means):

1. Are gangs awesome?

My father often tell me how cowardly gang members are today relative to the gangs during the kampong days. Murder was sort of a norm in the Sembawang kampongs. It's members are truly loyal and daring and will contribute with their lives. Each member can act alone and a leader, so to speak, in his own right. This is in contrast with the characteristic of gangsters today who find strength in numbers.

Also, my mother recalled how the gangsters in the past would tell residents in the neighbourhoods in Whampoa, where my late grandmother lived, to shut their doors before a gang fight was to occur. In addition, my father told me that youth involved in criminal activities in the past cause problems only to themselves and society but never to their own families.

They did not want to be a headache to their parents and would often leave the household to avoid being an unworthy liability. Needless to say, at least gangsters in the past were more dignified in behaviour and strive to be a problem only to their foes. Unlike today, where young gangsters create problems with everybody, including their family. They still depend on their parents for money, carry out aggression in public places, as seen in Downtown East, disrupting everbody's life.

To aggravate matters, such occurrences are due to the most mundane of issues, like a "staring incident". Clearly, these people should rethink the meaning of joining a gang.

2. Preventive Measures

It is known that there is a rule that teenagers are not to be found unaccompanied beyond 11pm, or their identification papers would be detained and can only be claimed at the police station after questioning. Apart from the inconvenience such a measure would cause for a very busy teenager like me, I question its effectiveness. As mentioned above, gang aggression happened a number of times in the most public of places. One in very popular Downtown East, the other at a very busy junction. Also, note the timing, there were many, especially, shopkeepers, who witnessed the stabbing, even more prevalent was the Yishun incident at the junction.

How would stopping teenagers at night alleviate the problem? How would increasing frequency of patrols in secluded hotspots help? These two incidents happened in illumination, in full view of the public. Poor me. It's now so difficult to return home late with peace of mind after hours at school, or after a concert, or after a late-night movie with friends! While I am STUDYING in the DAYTIME, these buggers make curry of some poor fellas... Unfair sia!

What we need are smarter solutions to tackle the problem at its root. I wonder if there are intense intelligence systems. Perhaps employing informants? Also, we can get teachers to appreciate the inner workings of secret societies, even if this means working with their students who are members.

Trial mobile post

2010-11-22T18:57:00.001+08:00

woohoo... my first mobile blog post!

The Cuban Missiles and the Truth

2010-09-09T10:46:00.004+08:00

Just a little bit of sound bites from my head before I start off…

We must not only thank John F. Kennedy for ensuring our very existence today. We owe our existence today to the people who got him into office. Imagine what it’ll be like if we have a monkey like George Bush governing USA at such a critical moment of the history of mankind. We must thank the Americans who voted for him with wisdom, and his colleagues for adequate lobbying. But such a notion lead me to wonder - since the fate of the world seems to lie in the hands of the one man, why not let the world elect the President of the United States?

I know that such a statement seems naïve, but I think its possibility should not be denied. Let’s look at Thirteen Days.

The Actual:

The Movie:

The parties involved were the USA, USSR, Cuba and their respective allies. How must have the people of Cuba felt? Maybe on the façade depicted by Castro’s government, the Cubans may show anti-America sentiments as a possible invasion was supposedly an invasion of Cuban pride and sovereignty. However I am certain during those moments, they were scared the hell out of their pants. Why don’t we give them a say in American politics? After all, Latin America was an American backyard, where the US can eat, spit and sh**. Ever heard of the power of the people? If the local government wouldn’t grant them security, let’s bring it to their doorstep (literally) and let them cast a vote for the American leadership. They were just LUCKY the Americans voted for the best choice. In fact, with the RAW power of the people, the world would be peaceful then and today.

Now, finally, I shall move on to making tough decisions.

John Kennedy was in a very interesting position. I vividly remember the scenes of him being in the Oval Office with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Robert McNamara, Ambassador Adlai Stevenson and Attorney-General Robert Kennedy.

It seemed that all odds were against the practice of his judgement and conscience. More so, when taking into account the presence of the most reliable sources of advice he had, all around him. These people are battle-hardened and heavily decorated on their torso. In contrary, Kennedy was merely a civilian authority who took the oath of office barely four years before. Not only was he viewed as weak by Secretary Khrushchev, his own people had the same inclination to do so.

After all, the only responsible and sensible thing for a president to do in such a circumstance was to heed the advice of his generals. After all, it would be responsible and heroic of him to avoid “another Munich”. Robert McNamara’s and Adlai Stevenson’s presence was merely one of an auxiliary nature but fortunately, JFK recognised the value of ALL of his people’s ideas. Henceforth, McNamara’s proposal for a naval blockade on Cuba and diplomacy through the UN as put forward by Stevenson was implemented to result in a partial success, I would say.

This brings me on my idea of truth. What is Truth? To me, it is merely a perception. Say, a pencil is 15cm. Yes, the truth in this statement can be proved using reason. Maybe, we measure by using a ruler. But to what extent can a statement be proved to be the truth. Isn’t it merely by scrutiny, which is by the way, flawed in many ways (because it’s human)? In human talk, the truth is so only when justified by logic and usually, by quantifiable means. Hence, Truth is a perception. NOBODY KNOWS THE TRUTH except the Divine authority.

Poor Kennedy. He has the world’s best military minds at his disposal feeding him with calls for nuclear Armageddon. What made him stop? Was it a deep compassion for mankind? I think so. By logic, Moscow or Cuba should disappear from the world map. But for he is a human who loves another, he saved the nuking.

In other words, Kennedy made his tough decision using his heart! By logic, we all would have disintegrated almost 50 years ago. But because of the heart we didn’t cease to exist.

If only all rulers were like that.

The Most Awesomest Conductors

2010-09-09T08:17:00.001+08:00

1. Carlos Kleiber with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

2.Yevgeny Fyodorovich Svetlanov with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra

3. Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Mravinsky with the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra

Unity and nukes? Huh?

2010-06-22T20:41:00.003+08:00

Saturday, 05 June 2010 at 22:47 - As posted on Facebook as a note

What really drove me to work my butter fingers is an experience not to be erased from my mind for a long time to come.

It’s about the Raffles Model United Nations (RMUN) 2010, where I met all sorts of beautiful people from all over the country and the world. Noteworthy is its Security Council, which I so happened to be part of. And this would prove to be a blessing, contrary to my prospect of the low degree of cohesiveness of the group I was to work with.

Such pessimism and scepticism of any possibility of progress arose while scrolling down the forum page of the UNSC. It seemed so arduous to even call for a gathering before the RMUN. To make one introduce himself was like burning down and rebuilding the UN headquarters three times over.

Hopeless.

The pre-MUN meeting. Would it testify my low hopes or shed light at the end of the nuclear – biochemical SC tunnel? Let me tell you what happened.

I arrived at Orchard MRT at 4.24p.m. Now, there were three exits from the ticket gates to choose from. I was looking for either Shaun, Samuel or Woon Wei for they were the only ones I managed to meet during the 2nd briefing. (Btw, the 2nd briefing also started to show signs of hopelessness – only about 7 delegates attended!) I saw none of them or any SC-looking people. Seeing that I was 6 minutes early, noting that I would look like a terrorist roaming around the concourse, I went down to the platform level. 6 minutes up, I rang up Shaun.

I think you would be bored by now… Fast forward >>>

Let’s just say that there were only 6 present. Shaun, Zien, Ralene, Dian, Woon Wei and I. Is that demoralising enough? It was incredible how serious discussions on the question of Yemen turned into an outrageous session of truth or dare! Little that I know that such fun was to be experienced by the council more often than not for the next three days! At that time, poor attendance blocked my foresight of good times to come.

One would say that the first RMUN day was uneventful. After the whole damn thing, I realised how much a pain I was a pain the arse due to my groundless stubbornness. Certainly, the Press Conference was one of relaxed nature with a little game of dodge-ball. And so I had to rethink my diplomatic approach. Fellow delegates, this delegate of the great nation of India wishes to apologise for the lack of understanding and high amount of noobness on the floor. Shiva bless you!

It didn’t occur to me that simple severe unpunctuality was to cause great delay – and a fun one too, at least for me! Voting on a suggested amendment was to happen. Due to my absence, I had little knowledge to build upon my knowledge. That is even more powerful than a veto! Being the tie-breaker...

Crisis! Cocked pistols; red buttons. I really wanted to fall asleep as one by one was condemning the Chinese activities in Libya, condemning Libya's reluctance to cooperate, and so on. Jeremy increased its operational readiness from DEFCON 4 to DEFCON 1. When asked later why, he claimed that it was his annual duty to do so as a US diplomat. Haha. In reply, I applauded his move on the floor and merely mobilised India's nuclear arsenal. Let me tell you that this has got nothing to do with China's close proximity to India. It was to zest up the room. Again, only condemnation of these actions was heard of. EC of Turkey asked to relax. I WAS DOING JUST THAT! However, little that I knew that these few words would resonate with shockwaves in the other councils. My inbox flooded with WTF? messages. Their wrath was to be imposed on me over a cup of tea during the break.

Day 3. The crisis was resolved. Indian GA waged war against Pakistan... Balls! Ashish said that this was not possible outside the security council. It was funny how I was talking about deactivating nuclear missiles when the Pakistanis barged in. Locking of borders, allowing the influx of terrorists, trade of sanctions -- BALLS! As expected, the resolution on the secondary issue was not passed with the P5s unanimously voting against. No issue with that, really.

With the remaining time, truth or dare was the question to be asked after the spin of poor Jeremy's phone. It occurred to me that this was to be a RMUN -UNSC tradition. SSM - arrggh! Hugging Ashish from behind is not that bad after all. It actually felt.... let's not go there!

The first signs of unity in defiance was visible just before the plenary, with plans to intentionally enter the plenary late, hoping to garner some glamour for the UNSC! Meanwhile, we did nuts in A24.

Then comes the Dinner and Dance. Jeremy initiated a party chain in which I followed suit. It soon turned into a massacre, stepping onto people's toes and printing sweat on others' shoulders. Oh and then SC boycotted the dinner and dance. WAIT! DINNER? Haha! We boycotted the D&D AFTER eating. Nvm, I believe it's the nature of the SC in reality. Fund the nuclear program first then condemn it...

On our part, we had a HELL of a time in A24. Musical tables, press-ups, dare or dare. Mass forfeit, Chan Mali Chan, Nobody - could not get enough of all those! Yes, Ern Chuen's done was cuter and sexier, but Jervis' only caressed me forcibly through an undefined medium.

Defiance is to prevail when instructed to vacate the venue for the grand finale. Well, guess what? WE decide where we go - almost all of us, with reasonable exceptions. Even the route to Marymount MRT was filled with cheery melodies and hymns, as if drunk. Then, some chilling out at J8 food junction.

Now, all of the above, emphasising that we were all complete strangers actually happened. How did this happen? Maybe because we are small. But I still stick by my stand as expressed in the plenary that harmony happens. The only affirmative action possible for such harmony to occur is through education. That's it. You can't possibly pluck two atoms to combine into a molecule. You need to set the preconditions right, like high temperature and pressure.

So what are the preconditions contributing to this kind of unity? Are we destined to be together in such strong covalent bonds? Certainly, compromises in one's division of time is needed. But how come to such an extent that we feel warmth although we may have such stark political differences?

Jervis, I can't take my eyes off you. That's all I have to say.

Thank you all for the blast that we shared these 3 days! And the directors, putting up with our nautical nonsense we know that you do not really wish.

From the Indian Security Council member, with love,

Shiva bless you.

Sincerely yours,

Zakrie B Abdul Manap

Anderson Secondary School

Indian Delegation

Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-15T21:17:00.000+08:00

Here's a BIG Gong Xi Gong Xi to my dear Chinese friends.

However, I don't understand something.

Why do I see a lot of Chinese in black during a festive season? I remember being questioned if I wore black during this kind of season by my friends if I see them on the streets. Has Chinese culture in Singapore been eroded thus far? Or are they just being flexible on the old school thought or even redefining Chinese culture in Singapore?

I greatly admire those who dare wear the Cheongsam to school or anywhere at all. No, not because of the bare skin exposed but raw audacity and pride.

No need to talk about Cheongsam. Even the Baju Kurung. Maybe among the females, it's not so bad. But I must say I wouldn't dare wearing the complete set with the samping and songkok.

I find great diffrences between Hari Raya and Chinese New Year in terms of the way people dress to go out. During Hari Raya it is obvious that everyone is wearing their full-pledged costumes, be it bought at pasar malam for $19.90 or at high end boutiques for $150. ( I've both.) People look neat and happy to celebrate. Our differences are being sorted out through happiness after one month of fasting.

During CNY, it's kind of heart to differentiate people who are going to the provision shop and people who are visiting. The only difference is those little bags carried around. Not only it's hard to find anyone wearing the ethnic costume, some are dressed as if going to sleep. Can wear black some more!

P.S. Not a happy Valentine's Day for me. People still think I'm Chinese till today. "Liang pei kopi, ah?" I wanted to say "Betul" (Malay for "Correct"). Maybe, it's just my orange shirt and the red bag I was carrying...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO DESPERATE, LOVE SICK PEOPLE.
Here's my romantic poem:

I die,
You grief.
You die,
I still breathe.

Does SG life suck after all?

2010-01-03T00:10:00.004+08:00

I feel very fortunate to be part of such a safe yet subtly dynamic community. I was discussing hard domestic and regional politics with my father and god-uncles. One of them, who was an Indonesian turned SG citizen was strongly in favor of SG's system of governance. They compared SG to Indonesia when we were under British rule where bribery, extortion and corruption to even survive was part and parcel of life.

I can agree no more with this if not considering two points of my personal interest: education and how we live everyday.

Singapore's education system is roughly based on the 6-4-2 British system. And this model was crafted in the late 19th century where industrialization was kicking off. The sciences and mathematics were the most essential in the hierarchical order, followed by languages and the humanities subjects. The sciences and Mathematics were useful to train better industrial workers to maximise productivity. The languages are important in terms of communications. The feasibility of humanities at the time were almost negligible. IN THAT ERA.

Now, SG is cosmopolitan and a financially thriving metropolis, where ideas from all over the world are interchanged. We now have more room for the Arts.

Just look at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. All the past and present music directors and principal conductors originate from China. The current principal guest is Finnish. We only have a Singaporean young associate conductor and a pinky-full of (old) Singaporean players. Out of a population of 4 million, is it really impossible to establish a world-class body of 100? Even with musicians from all over the world to make SSO worthy to be considered a world-recognised orchestra, it is still short of becoming one which is deeply rooted in tradition and soul, like the Wiener Philharmoniker and the premiere British orchestras.

This also applies to the better schools in SG> Perhaps the bottom of the top 20% and the top of the bottom 80% of the student population. They may take the best and produce the best academically but they lack the development of heart-ware, as compared to the independent schools run like British boarding schools. They produce scholars who will turn into office workers, engineers, researchers and bankers; but rarely officers, gentlemen and let alone leaders( be it of corporations or society). This kind of people make up 90% of the population. This is worrying figure.

Another thing is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). To begin with, do you think that a gifted scientist like Albert Einstein will ever be recognised as gifted through the education system here? He would spend most of his time in detention or counseling. Not that he was not despised by teachers durng his time, but the word "gifted" is simply not correct and has been misused here. By the way, kids grow up mentally at different rates at different times of their adolescence. And the above-mentioned gifted people specialise in only one or two fields of their interest. To be gifted in SG would mean to score well in English, Mathematics and Science. Furthermore, how can you be gifted when you actually need to be sent to Kumon to score well? Nonsense, right?

***

Now onto the second aspect of contention. For example, in Singapore, when it is said that the train departs at 1100, it means that the train will START TO ENTER at 1100. By the time everyone's on board and the door closes, it's already 1101.

In Japan, when it is said that the train departs at 1100, it means that the train will disappear from sight at the station BY 1100. The train comes at around 1058. People get ready at 1058.

ANYWAY, PROSIT NEUJAHR! (Cheers! New Year!)

2009-12-13T17:35:00.000+08:00

I did a random check on the plants in the corridor yesterday. Generally all the soil were very moist as my dad water them twice a day.

Curry plant: Color's fine. Growing in spreading manner but not upright.

(My) Chilli plant: Not tall but straight. Leaves in centre withering. Outer leaves big but "veiny".

"Limau purut" plant: Tall and waxy. Some outer leaves eaten by centipede.

Pandan: Very shiny. Growing steadily but not spreading evenly. Leaves near bottom drying up. Water accumulates ar centre.

2009-12-10T17:59:00.001+08:00

Guys, for the first time, I'm telling you I'm really scared.

I just want to go to the printing shop opposite my house. I can't; no, not my mother!

Worse...

My Neighbour (not Totoro) the DOG.

Worse than my mum. She still lets me out for band outings. This dog wouldn't even listen. The owner open the gate so wide and the dog is not leashed! And right now he's sniffing around the very short corridor. If he sniff me - Good Game!

It's not a kampong where you can run and hide. It's a HDB corridor; he chase after you - where to go?! You go downstairs he still can chase after you. The only hope is that Fujitsu lift - you die if he joins you and the door closes!

If not for that very minor printing mistake, I wouldn't be in such agony this instant!

At least can blog a bit to wait for my other neighbour to go for dinner and be my decoy for a while and save me some trouble...

2009-12-08T20:19:00.000+08:00

Upon reading LKY's memoirs "From Third Wold to First", I find that AMB and Singapore are similar (in size and circumstances).

Compare AMB and Singapore.

Size: Small
Resources: Very little
Neighbours: Not really friendly
Management: "If you don't want, get out."

I have learnt a lot from the fascinating book. It only looks thick and impossible to digest, but the language is after all very manageable and hard to bored of.

A must-read for aspiring leaders and managers, at least of their own lives.

2009-12-05T17:02:00.002+08:00

Went on a little trip to the Sembawang Giant outlet around noon. It was packed like hell! Try walking in Chinatown on CNY eve - with a trolley...

I think we should consider painting lane markings on supermarket floors. It's that pathetic you know! Anyhow walk only. Not only that. We should have traffic light.Some people so zai that at junction also can stop and talk on the phone. ARRGH!

Before that, went to Daiso. I couldn't believe that everything they sold was only for $2 until I reached the counter. The cashier has the easiest job on Earth, man! Just count the number of items and multiply by two. The funny part is how they try to follow the Japanese service.

Greet.
Count the number of items.
State total amount payable.
Count the money (ALOUD).
State the amount received.
Sate the change (ALOUD).
"Goodbye .Please come again."

Of course in Singapore it's... a little HARD.

Excerpts from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"

2009-12-04T20:33:00.001+08:00

1. Not vulgar yet wonderfully coarse. I wish my tongue could go that fast!

2. "Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony. "

Telok Blangah

2009-12-03T19:59:00.006+08:00

Went to Telok Blangah Hill Park today. Set off at 1130, arrive at 1300! Once I alighted, I saw this magnificent-looking bridge over Telok Blangah Road. I suppose it links the park to Mt. Faber Park.

I did have intentions to cross the bridge but to find the entrance to the park itself is already difficult. According to the street directory, I was to enter via Telok Blangah Green. What made it so difficult was that the entrance was concealed by an elevation of the road. As a result, I was unsure if the entrance was there at all. I walked blindly only with my instincts as my walking stick and behold! The entrance!

Nevertheless, I still had to walk in (it was only the ENTRANCE, remember?).

I walked through the nature trail. The sign at the start says:

> 2.7km to Kent Ridge

>0.7km to Preston Road

>0.9km to Alexandra Road

I THOUGHT it wouldn’t rain (or so as the NEA man said) and I really had a lot of time in my hands. And so I chionged.

It looked very scary at first as the whole trail is at the canopy layer around 20 – 30m off the ground. The trail is supported only by two pillars every 20 m and metal cables to bind the structure. The path itself consists of triangular longkang covers!

This is going to support this light person here. >

Actually, not that bad, lah. The maximum inclination of the trail is only about 20 degrees. Saw a few ah peks and aunties along the path; damn steady, all of them. Wah, if I can’t make it, shame on me!

The scenery is not that fascinating as you know, everything’s green. But it is still a very interesting concept. However, think of it… if the route is 2.7km long, then it means that 2.7km of vegetation has been grazed to accommodate this man-made marvel. Feel a bit guilty, hor!

About 45 min into the journey, I encountered separate groups of people but I believe they were on the same mission. In fact they all seem to be family members of employees of the MFA on a treasure hunt. They were saying things like “plants originating in Brazil” and the '”reproduction method of the Saga plant”. Very noisy and irritating bunch of people! I was there to “let go” and they interrupted the flow of my day!

At a certain point, I decided to turn back. Why was I going towards Kent Ridge? Silly me. I instead, then, walked towards Mt. Faber Park. I had difficulty overtaking those MFAs. They looked at me as if I was a 2nd class citizen or something. Remember, these people are responsible for the inner workings of an organisation responsible for our ties with the rest of the world…

And Then Mother Nature Cried, taking her toll on my initial unsubstantiated complacency. Damn the NEA Weather tele-robot!

Rain stained my glasses with naturally-purified water evaporated from the liquid excretion of an innocent 4-year-old bugger behind the cotton tree.

Arrgh, my carefully combed hair! I briskly walked to overtake those MFAs. Walao, they popped open their umbrellas, splashing water onto me. Serves me right for not bringing umbrella! Now, I feel like a complain-kia!

I just realised that everything I use today is orange. My pen, shirt and notebook.

When in rain, I’ll bend my head down like a Japanese. Don’t want my face wet, mah? I learnt a simple benefit of plants for humans. Down the lane towards Telok Blangah Rd, a shelter of bush provided cover for me from rain all the way until the route towards Depot Road, where I had to walk through dense vegetation. Actually got resthouse halfway, but got couple (but not teenagers and not in a state of clothed undress), so I gave it to them. What a lovely setting for them! Don’t want spoil their mood…

Alas, I managed to find the bus stop! Took 57 to Bukit Merah Central and grabbed Wintermelon Tea, a Curry O’ and Sardine O’ from Old Chang Kee. Then, I realised Bkt Merah is under the electoral ward of Tanjong Pagar. LKY area!

To top it off, I boarded 851 home (I call “Yishun’’ home!).

[ If you wanna noe my experience on that bus, refer to “thoughts on clothed states of undress” ;) Just change MRT to bus; MRT station to bus interchange. ]

leadership with the disciplines of orchestra conducting

2009-12-03T17:36:00.001+08:00

Method 1 (Carlos Kleiber)

The joy of management is to enable people's stories to be heard at the same time harmoniously. It's like a rollercoaster; you create a driving force for people to ride on. Compliment and appreciate what your people do. This is control in a different manner; to let people be happy and proud of their work. Nevertheless, when there is a mistake, you have to practise authority. Control is a PROCESS.

Method 2 (Riccardo Muti)

Tell people what to do.
Tell people what will happens if the thing that you want does not happen.

This is effective only to a certain extent as it does not have room for your people to exercise their skills and creativity and hinders their individual development.

Method 3 (Richard Strauss)

Make people realise they're doing for a cause; not for the leader.

Method 4 (Herbert von Karajan)

Look at conductor, then look at one another. The department leader leads their people.

"A clear instruction prevents people from being sensitive and working together."

Create a state of urgency. -> A clear instruction is not given but at the same time, you are to deliver as needed.

If successful, this will add up to doing by not doing. (Confucius)

Talks Itay Talgam: Lead like the great conductors

2009-12-01T18:20:00.000+08:00

2009-11-30T21:10:00.000+08:00

I wonder if this is normal...

You have a strong intention to break away from the old, not-so-feasible ways and ending up folowing what your predecessors do.

Back to square one.

thoughts on clothed states of undress

2009-11-19T19:50:00.001+08:00

What an ironic statement, you think. That's what's going on full-time. In the innocent refurbished 1987 Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 train.

This is what I saw:

AMK Station: 1 (this one's of utmost importance to me. it influences how i work. can't say much!)

MRT Train: 3 (I'm going to rant about one of the pairs below!)

Yishun Station: OI! You think I nothing better to do, or what?!

Now onto the promised ranting.

I somehow wonder how these people mature so fast. Around same age as me, behave like married liddat! Haven't even find work. They chiong so many states of ionisation of the raging hormones in them. In school uniform some more. So bleddy obvious but I won't name. Not bad, can tahan from even before AMK to after Yishun.

Not that I applaud them; nor am I antagonising them.

None of my business; free show, wad?

But such acts do trigger the obvious questions:

What happened to the school?
What happened to the conservative values taught, whether in school or at home?
What happened such that they know and are audacious enough to "shower each other" through explicit mannerisms in such public places?

First and foremost, I wonder if they know what Love is? Certainly, there is no one way to define it but to test purity, I suggest the following.

POUR ACID OVER THE HER.
Test for any repulsion by him.

Short and sweet.

This will conclude whether he is tackling this little girl just to thrust his ink-filled, jet-powered fountain pen into her poor little opening of a Chinese ink flask .

Come on. I'm growing up and I know for I experience all these. However, I'm confident to say I've been groomed to be able to be in self-control full time and not let emotions lead my mind (and my pen).

Did I just say that?