Fast and Good

Being efficient is about delivering outputs fast. However, it does not always mean that the outputs are most useful or impactful.

It may not always be fastest to change processes and practices, but if the outputs are not as meaningful, is the effort still as worthwhile?

The way of doing thing has to reflect the operating environment. Just because new methods may not be as efficient as existing practices/methods with well-oiled machinery, should not be the reason not to do so. More time may be needed, but time is well spent. Over-coming silo-optimisation is also needed, so that the solutions are more realistic and meaningful.

A journey

Having contemplated again and again over several months and weeks, I have finally made the decision and the booking. Its been 5-yrs since I made this journey, which I will once again return. It is timely with all these mess in my life which I should work through.

Learning to swim

Looking at my post in July 2011, reminds me how the last two years have gone by so very quickly. The idea of newer pastures and to see new horizons cannot fully describe the range of experiences. For a long time, it felt like going back to school, where there was simply (in a rather complex way) so much that is out there that is changing and taking place, and there was so much to learn.

Two years on, and with changes in the nature of work, the school feeling kinda feels less as perhaps one gets a better grasp of things, and the feeling of wanting to do something useful feels a little stronger. Yet, just as it dawned upon me in London a decade ago, the sense of the unknown-unknown (or as Dave may refer to as the imaginable-unknown) creeps stronger. Dealing with more flux than ever (not so much uncertainty in routine), is perhaps the next great challenge ahead.

It kinda interesting, how personal beliefs of "finding order in chaos, and chaos in the order", and "learning from the lives and experiences of others" are becoming common themes these days in some circles. Yet, what worries me at times, is what is next?

London Riots of 2011

Thoughts by Laurie Penny entited Panic on the streets of London on the recent riots in UK struck a cord and reminded me on the long history of similar riots. In London, the most historically significant ones are probably the riot of 1886 and 1887 which led to the Booth Inquiry The survey into life and labour of the people in London (1886-1903)], and the Bixton riot of 1981 which led to the Scarman Inquiry. Whether the riots of 2011, will go down in history as another landmark in the long list of "rediscovery of poverty", is something to be seen.

In the various field studies conducted in London, I recall visiting places where petty crimes are common and public services are scarce. If one thinks that areas with heavy policing is bad, one should face the reality that there are some parts of the city where no one (not even the police) wants to be there. Imagine living in a place where you can't turn to the police for aid, you don't get any mail, where you can't get a job just by having a certain postal code. That is the sad reality that some people live in. This is where there is almost no access not just to public services, but even to the possibility of getting out of poverty.

There is no easy solution to this endemic issue, and it is impossible to wish it all away. Yet, if we choose to continue to see it as a simple problem of crime and punishment, without having the commitment and determination to acknowledge and address the roots of the problem, such scenes will only continue.

South China Dispute

The issue of South China Sea dispute, particularly over the Spartly island (including Paracels), is one that I have many mixed feelings. It is perhaps as depressing, if not more depressing, than the Arab-Israeli conflict. The only saving grace thus far, is the "relative peace" and absence of significant hardship imposed on anyone.

Firstly, all parties who stake a claim are unlikely to ever compromise on their claims as the legitimacy of the government is at stake, particularly the largest claimant - China.

Secondly, most parties have already militarised part of the areas which they stake a claim to, and is unlikely to remove these installations.

Thirdly, everyone is staking a claim based on difference premises, using different historical references, and adopting a different yardstick to measure.

Fourthly, the prospective access to natural resources and control of the sea, is far too lucrative for any country to give up without serious disagreements.

The end result of this dispute can only turn in four directions.

Scenario 1: A continued period of dispute with no clear resolution, with occasional skirmishes and show of force.

Scenario 2: An all-out conflict between claimants to grab and hold their claims, in which the most powerful claimant will gain the most.

Scenario 3: An international agreement achieved through negotiation in which everyone will claim that it is biased and is imposed on them.

Scenario 4: A peaceful acceptance to the claims of the biggest and strongest power in the region with a whimper.

Among these scenarios, if current trends of a rapidly strengthening china continues, scenario 2 would be most likely.

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ASEAN, China should speed up talks on South China Sea: Indonesia

NUSA DUA, Indonesia: ASEAN and China should hasten talks for a long-pursued code of conduct to govern actions in the fraught South China Sea, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday. A resolution of the dispute will send a "strong signal" to the world that the situation in the resource-rich region, seen by analysts as a potential flashpoint, is predictable and would contribute to regional stability, he said. "We need to finalise those long overdue guidelines because we need to get moving to the next phase," Yudhoyono said in a keynote speech to Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting on the island of Bali. "The more we are able to do this, the better we can manage the situation in the South China Sea. I am sure that soon we will be able to commence discussion on a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea." The Indonesian leader noted that it took ASEAN and China 10 years to agree on a declaration for a code of conduct, and they have been discussing the guidelines to implement the code for another nine years without agreement. "Things do not necessarily have to be this slow," said Yudhoyono, setting the tone for five days of meetings culminating Saturday in the ASEAN Regional Forum security dialogue including China, Japan and the United States. "We need to send a strong signal to the world that the future of the South China Sea is a predictable, manageable and optimistic one," he said. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea including the Spratly islands. The area is believed to be rich in oil and gas and is a crucial route for global shipping trade. The United States has defence pacts with Taiwan and the Philippines and claims a "national interest" in the free movement of shipping. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam protesting over what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions in the area, which Beijing claims in whole based on disputed historical grounds. ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said the foreign ministers were expected to discuss the South China Sea issue on Tuesday. "We have to send the right signal to the world that... we can manage, that we can have basic documents in place soon, that we should not lose more time," Surin told reporters in Bali. Recent incidents include Chinese forces allegedly opening fire on Filipino fishermen, shadowing an oil exploration vessel employed by a Philippine firm and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines. Vietnam voiced anger after a Chinese vessel cut the exploration cables of a Vietnamese survey ship in May, and Beijing condemned US-Vietnam naval exercises that began last week off Vietnam's coast. China staged its own military exercises in the South China Sea in June and announced plans to boost its offshore maritime patrol force. Not to be left out, Taiwan has said it is considering deploying missile boats in the waters and tanks on disputed islands. Talks on formulating guidelines to a regional code have hit a snag because of opposing positions from both sides. China wants to negotiate bilaterally with individual ASEAN claimants, while ASEAN wants to deal with China as a group. Beijing opposes ASEAN's position because it will "internationalise" the issue. US Secretary of State State Hillary Clinton and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the ASEAN Regional Forum. - AFP/fa/ck

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资料：中国对南沙群岛主权得到国际上的承认

　　一、世界上许多国家、国际舆论和出版物承认南沙群岛是中国领土。

　　（一）英国

　　1、英国海军部测绘局1912年编印的《中国航海志》（China Sea Pilot），多处载明南海诸岛常有中国人民的足迹。

　　2、1971年，英驻新加坡高级专员说："斯普拉特利岛（指我南威岛）是中国属地，为广东省的一部分……在战后归还中国。我们找不到它曾被任何其他国家占有的任何迹象，因此只能作结论说，它至今仍为共产党中国所有。"（载香港《远东经济评论》，1973年12月31日，39页。）

　　（二）法国

　　1、据1933年9月法国出版的《殖民地世界》杂志（LE MONDE COLONIAL ILLUSTRE）所载，1930年法国炮舰"马立休士"号测量南沙群岛的南威岛时，岛上即有中国居民三人；1933年4月，法国人强占南沙9岛时，见各岛居民全是中国人，南子礁上有7人，中业岛上有5人，南威岛上有4人，南钥岛上有中国人留下的茅屋，水井、神座等，太平岛上有一中国字牌，指示储粮处所。

　　2、1965年出版的法国《拉鲁斯国际地图》不但用法文拼音标明西沙、南沙和东沙群岛的中国名称，而且在各岛名称后注明属于"中国"。

　　（三）日本

　　1、1966年出版的《新中国年鉴》说："中国的沿海线，北从辽东半岛起到南沙群岛约一万一千公里，加上沿海岛屿的海岸线，达二万公里。"

　　2、1972年出版的《世界年鉴》说："中国……除大陆部分的领土外，有海南岛、台湾、澎湖列岛及中国南海上的东沙、西沙、中沙、南沙各群岛等。"

　　（四）美国

　　1、1961年出版的《哥伦比亚利平科特世界地名辞典》写道，南沙群岛是"南中国海的中国属地，广东省的一部分。"

　　2、1963年美国出版的《威尔德麦克各国百科全书》说：中华人民共和国各岛屿，还包括伸展到北纬4度的南中国海的岛屿和珊瑚礁。

　　3、1971年出版的《世界各国区划百科全书》说："人民共和国包括几个群岛，其中最大的是海南岛，在南海岸附近。其他群岛包括南中国海的一些礁石和群岛，最远伸展到北纬4度。这些礁石和群岛包括东沙、西沙、中沙和南沙群岛。"

　　（五）越南

　　1、1956年6月15日，越南外交部副部长雍文谦见我国驻越领事馆临时代办李志民时表示：根据越南方面的资料，从历史上看，西沙、南沙群岛应当属于中国领土。当时在座的越外交部亚洲司代司长黎禄说：从历史上看，西、南沙群岛早在宋朝时就已属中国了。

　　2、1958年9月4日，我国政府发表领海宽度为12海里的声明，适用于中国一切领土，包括南海诸岛。越人民日报于9月6日详细报道了这一声明。越南总理范文同于9月14日向周总理表示承认和赞同这一声明。

　　3、1974年越南教育出版社出版的普通学校地理教科书，在《中华人民共和国》一课中写道：从南沙、西沙各岛到海南岛、台湾岛……，构成了保卫中国大陆的一座长城。

　　二、将南海诸岛标注为中国领土的其他国家出版的地图

　　1954、1961和1970年联邦德国出版的《世界大地图集》；

　　1954至1967年苏联出版的《世界地图集》；

　　1957年罗马尼亚出版的《世界地理图集》；

　　1957年英国出版的《牛津澳大利亚地图集》、《菲利普地图集》和1958年出版《大英百科全书地图集》；

　　1960年越南人民军总参地图处编绘的《世界地图》；

　　1968年民主德国出版的《哈克世界大地图集》；

　　1968年英国出版的《每日电讯世界地图集》；

　　1968、1969年版，法国出版的《拉罗斯地图集》；

　　1968年法国国家地理研究所出版的《世界普通地图》；

　　1972年越南总理府测量和绘图局印制的《世界地图集》；

　　1973年日本平凡社出版的《中国地图集》。

　　三、有关承认中国对南沙群岛主权的国际会议

　　（一）1951年旧金山对日和约会议规定日本应放弃西沙群岛和南沙群岛。当时，苏联代表团团长葛罗米柯在会上发言指出：西沙群岛和南沙群岛等岛屿是中国"不可分割的领土"。虽然旧金山对日和约没有明确提及日本将西沙、南沙群岛交还中国，但在签署旧金山对日和约的第二年，即1952年，由当时日本外务大臣冈崎胜男亲笔签字推荐的《标准世界地图集》第十五图《东南亚图》，就把和约规定日本必须放弃的西沙、南沙群岛及东沙、中沙群岛全部标绘为中国。

　　（二）1955年10月27日，在菲律宾首都马尼拉召开第一届国际民航组织太平洋地区飞行会议。出席这次会议的有16个国家和地区。除澳大利亚、加拿大、智利、多米尼加、日本、老挝、南朝鲜、菲律宾、泰国、英国、美国、新西兰、法国等国外，当时南越和中国台湾当局也都派代表参加了会议。大会由菲律宾首席代表担任主席，法国首席代表为大会第一副主席。会议认为南海诸岛中的东沙、西沙、南沙群岛位于太平洋要冲，这些地区的气象报告对国际民航关系很大。所以，与会代表通过第24号决议，要求中国台湾当局在南沙群岛加强气象观测（每日四次）。当时，通过这项决议时，包括菲律宾和南越代表在内，没有任何一个国家的代表对此提出异议或保留意见。

[ 来源：外交部网站 发布时间： 2009-03-13 ]

Moving towards the end of a chapter

Nearly six years ago, I reflected on the four years in London. A end of a phase on my life, and embarking on another. Whenever I fly in and out of Singapore, I still vividly recall the worries that accompanied my thoughts of a career with the N I used to have, particularly with the uncertainties and difficulties, and whether I will disappoint anyone else as well as myself. As I approach the six year mark since returning, I once again am closing another chapter of my life.

These years have not been without pain and sorrow. Yet, they have also not been without exciting, happy and proud moments. In particular, I believe I have grown in many ways I had never imagined. Ideas of leadership, professionalism, which are often talk about, and things I learn how to turn into reality. Dealing with the entire range of issue from the most painful to the most enjoyable, asking myself all sort of questions I never thought I would have to, are things that did help me understand others and through it myself.

Z asked me, if I had a choice again, would I have chosen the same path. I do not know what is the next step ahead, but at this moment in time, I would say that given the options then, I would choose the take the same path. I wanted to have the chance to see the world, to learn and experience things I would never have a chance to, and I was to make a difference. All these I feel I have achieved, and in many ways beyond my wildest dream.

Yet, I must move on. Not neccessarily to greener pastures but to newer pastures, and I want something in life, which I believe I will never be able to have if I choose to remain. I want to have the ability to be with my loved ones, particularly my DD (and our kids in the near future), my parents and brother, when they need me. I want to continue to widen my horizon to see and learn new skills, which can benefit people, and can serve me well into the future. I want to do something exciting, with more liberty, and more freedom. Yet, as WK once told me, the older one gets, the harder it is to find people who are willing to teach us things. Hopefully, I will continue to find people who will teach me to be a better and more useful person. (hopefully not too many of them are teaching by negative examples.. haha.. but some people who can show me the way).

Is this real or virtual?

What we can achieve with computer graphics these day, whether in computer games or in movies, has narrowed the gap between reality and the virtual world. The use of CG to recreate historic momuments or to depict life in the old days, offer people a glimps into what, many who live in modern cities would never have seen. Yet, while the gap between reality and the vitural world has narrowed, its seems that CG have not created greater awareness or a better understanding. Instead, it is the real that moves into the realm of the virtual. For example, a picture splashed on the webpage of the NYTimes. It would not be hard to find similar products in a CG movie or computer. Link

New food service!

Came to know about a rather interesting website today, and of all surprised, the information came from D. Apparently, there is now a service, which provides delivery for hawker food right to your doorstep.

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hungry.com.sg

1. At present, we are only able to deliver to residents in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Braddell, Toa Payoh, Upper Serangoon, Upper Thomson, Yio Chu Kang, Lentor, Seletar Estate, Buangkok, Sengkang and Hougang areas.

2. Delivery MAY take 15-90 minutes...

3. The required minimum order is $15

4. A delivery charge of $2 applies to all order below $25

5. Delivery on weekends (sat and sun) and public holidays carries an additional $1.50 surcharge.

7. hungry.com.sg accepts payment by CASH ONLY upon delivery

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DaBao.SG

1. The delivery time to customers from different area varies. To find out your expected delivery time, please check with our operators for your expected delivery time.

2. There is a flat delivery charge of $3 for local orders.

3. Delivery on Public Holidays and Weekends (Saturday) carries a $1 loading fee.

4. DABAO.sg accepts payments by Cash, Visa & MasterCard. All cash payments are to be made upon delivery. Payment by Visa and Mastercard carries an additional 5% credit card charge on the total bill.

5. For orders that fall short of the respective minimum order, a $3 loading fee is implemented per $10 shortfall of the minimum order.

7. Minimum order for local and restaurant orders are dependent on your delivery address. The minimum order chart is as follows:-

Local min. order : $10
Restaurant min. order : $30
Postal Codes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20, 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30, 31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40, 41,42,43,44,45,46,47, 53,55,57

Army Museum

The tour of the Army Museum, by possible someone who has worked close and hard since "the land was still mud", was a remarkable experience, both on the weath of knowledge on the exhibits, but also on the high standards that the team who built the Army Museum have delivered. Not only were the exhibits engaging and highly interactive, the quality of the design, layout, is not both innovative and inspiring. To put it quite simply, the Museum is cetainly worthy of being a museum of international standards, and one that fit adequately in the 3G SAF.

Does everyone have the right to pursue happiness?

Something that I always thought was worth thinking about, was this short clip from the West Wing, where Bartlett put into perspective some rather interesting questions:



There are a multitude of reasons, for people to be uncomfortable or unhappy with current motions to repeal 337A, but there have been none which have been reasonable or logical enough, that should be even considered a decent objection. At times, some of the objections are questionable to the point of being simply baseless, or outright ridiculous.

Whether there is a need for a high profile case to repeal 337A, or whether it is imperative that this be achieved at the present moment, I believe it is not as clear. However, what people should seriously consider, is whether 337A is relevant or neccessary in this present time and age.

Civilization have progressed. We do not put people to death for working on the sabbath, stoned for planting different crops side by side, or burned for wearing garments from two different threads.

We recognize today, the right of individual to pursue their lifestyles, as long as it does not harm the wider society. I think we also recognize today, the right of individuals to pursue happiness and fulfillment in the lives, as long as it does not infringe upon the right of others to do so.

Why do some individuals rather see loveless and broken heterosexual relationships, or individuals who are legally disallowed to seek love and happiness in their lives? Does this choice, not therefore infringe upon rights which society have largely accepted?

Courage

Came across an article by Friendman, about what he labels at Gen Q. "Generation Q” — the Quiet Americans, in the best sense of that term, quietly pursuing their idealism, at home and abroad." And he ended off, of the need for this generation, to have the courage to now just seek their dreams, but also to have the courage to make their concerns, belief and ideals heard.

" Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy didn’t change the world by asking people to join their Facebook crusades or to download their platforms. Activism can only be uploaded, the old-fashioned way — by young voters speaking truth to power, face to face, in big numbers, on campuses or the Washington Mall. Virtual politics is just that — virtual.

Maybe that’s why what impressed me most on my brief college swing was actually a statue — the life-size statue of James Meredith at the University of Mississippi. Meredith was the first African-American to be admitted to Ole Miss in 1962. The Meredith bronze is posed as if he is striding toward a tall limestone archway, re-enacting his fateful step onto the then-segregated campus — defying a violent, angry mob and protected by the National Guard.

Above the archway, carved into the stone, is the word “Courage.”"

This set me wondering about the discussion on the Repeal 337A movement recently. I guess, if there is something changing, its the voice of the young coming forth to make a difference. Its not about making a point, but taking the steps to create the world, and society that the young believe in, and one that represents the future. Perhaps, the inertia goes beyond civil liberties, but I gues what is clearly lacking in this aspect, is not the lack of air time, but the absence of a proper dialogue.

Yet, I also sense that apprehension, and uncertainty that the youth have towards airing such opinions. I guess, its not a simple right or wrong, but maybe, its about having the courage to make a stand and say, "this is what I believe in". Yet, I guess, that is just not so simple at times. Why? Is that one sided self-censorship or a wider recognition of the OB markers in place? I guess I'm really not sure.

Sky high rents

Recently, everyone will say, "Don't buy property now. Wait till the market crash..." or "House prices are now sky high. Rentals have also gone up."

Came across a rather surprising article on Yawning Bread, about the ST report on sky high HDB rental prices. Yet, although I think such mistake are really unforgivable, the trend of rising rents is a fact, for both private and HDB houses.

Massive En-Bloc developments reducing properties available for rental Ex En-Bloc home owner who are cash rich and willing to pay Home owners who are not willing to rent out property hoping for En-Bloc sale

All these factors coming together, not only greatly reduces the supply, but also increases the demand. How can rents not rocket?

Food places with good view of Singapore skyline

Within the span of 2 week, I visited 3 food places with an remarkable view of singapore skyline, and the most remarkable happened to be the most unexpected of them all.

Comparing the food places with good views of Singapore's skyline
1 - Equinox
2 - Prime Revolving Tower
3 - Top of the M
4 - UOB (豆花饭庄)
5 - Rooftop of Al Dente (@ Colours by the Bay)

The most unexpected and more impressive was the rooftop of Al Dente. Although it was on a low spot, its unobstructed pan view of the business district nite lights was simply remarkable. I can't explain why, but its quite different from the view as seen on the ground level or from the rooftop of the esplanade. Yet, 2hrs to wait for a piece of fish (which didn't taste too bad), is unfortunately a tad too long for me. Great experience, maybe for friends, but certainly not when one is too hungry.

Chalcography

Its felt kinda interesting walking around town (or say, walking into town). Its been some time, since I really walked around, to walk and look around. After leaving the car at Rochor, I headed into town towards the Singapore Art Musuem. The Lourve Chalcography collection on display was quite intersting in a couple of ways:

1) I have not seen a map of such proportions for some time
2) The art of chalcography is new to me
3) Prints of famous painting at the Lourve (Mona Lisa, Liberty Leading the People etc)

It also set me wondering, whether the enormous collection at the Lourve, actually causes visitors to overlook the beauty and speciality of the lesser greats, or even the masterpieces themsevles.

Although i think the tiks are a bit pricey, for such a small collection, its kinda interesting to both people who have not been or who have been to the lourve.

Interesting shop

Been thinking of selling some stuff on ebay for some time, but never really expected that the 1st time I was to use it, was to help someone else try to sell some stuff. Went to A's sister's shop this afternoon, and realized that there were quite a lot of nice stuff, but the shop was kinda disorganized, and many nice things were kinda not very visible. So, we manged to take some pics and put some stuff up on e-bay to see how it goes.





And others including:
- Ceramic Vase - Miniature Water Fountain - Ceramic Model Chameleon