This video is particularly nostalgic, especially to my brother and me. It simply shows a 4 years old boy reciting poem, singing English songs and recognising simple words. That was the exactly the same thing we did when we were young. This is so amazing. Mum and I were laughing through the whole video. Do enjoy!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Happy Chinese New Year!
Well, I am happy spending my day with my family today.
I was splendid, I was fun. A day really worth remembering.
A new beginning. A fresh start. 2007 has commerced in an extremely nice way.
Early in the morning, we went visiting Uncle and Auntie Zhong. It was real entertaining hearing Uncle Zhong reciting his daily activities. One and a half years back, he retired. That was the beginning of his adventurous life. He actually ran around, climbing hills and trees, in search of bananas. He planted vegetables all over the place, which he called it his terrority. Well, he even dig a whole in the ground to store water. He felt so amazed and happy in finding fishes and crabs in there a month after that.
He got three bikes, each has its own different purpose. The surprising thing is that he did not buy those on his own. Like a teenager filled with zest, he found fun riding around on slanted slope in a circular motion! He actually loved it. In addition, he went fishing, not with a rod but a net! At one time, he actually caught 21 crabs. Envy. ^^
He invited us into his store room and found bunches of bananas hanging down from the roof top. That was his harvest. He was really proud of it! we too got a taste of his joy. Two bunches of bananas home.
Later, we went roaming in the car from yio chu kang to jurong west. On the way, we stopped by NTU. The infrastruture was much better than NUS I thought. The roof of one building was actually a slope covered with carpet grass. The front garden was much nicer. Interesting, we even met heaven god here. There was a crane walking leisurely across the road under the bright sunlight. Well, we actually braked and allowed it to stroll pass. It was so cute.
Afterwards, we got bumping into Juring point. As usual, we have our lunch at pizza hut. Daddy decided to watch a movie then. However, we had to wait for around 2 hours. Yup, that was long, remembering that all shops are closed today. Yup, so I pulled them into the arcade. We played the basketball machine, the matching maching, I danced and tried to grab a sweet from some "money eating" machine.
Time passed real quickly and we found ourselves watching THE GHOST RIDER. The funny thing was that it rained half way through. Water dripped and dripped onto us. That was GV cinema!
Home and dinner.
More TV>>>>
=)
I was splendid, I was fun. A day really worth remembering.
A new beginning. A fresh start. 2007 has commerced in an extremely nice way.
Early in the morning, we went visiting Uncle and Auntie Zhong. It was real entertaining hearing Uncle Zhong reciting his daily activities. One and a half years back, he retired. That was the beginning of his adventurous life. He actually ran around, climbing hills and trees, in search of bananas. He planted vegetables all over the place, which he called it his terrority. Well, he even dig a whole in the ground to store water. He felt so amazed and happy in finding fishes and crabs in there a month after that.
He got three bikes, each has its own different purpose. The surprising thing is that he did not buy those on his own. Like a teenager filled with zest, he found fun riding around on slanted slope in a circular motion! He actually loved it. In addition, he went fishing, not with a rod but a net! At one time, he actually caught 21 crabs. Envy. ^^
He invited us into his store room and found bunches of bananas hanging down from the roof top. That was his harvest. He was really proud of it! we too got a taste of his joy. Two bunches of bananas home.
Later, we went roaming in the car from yio chu kang to jurong west. On the way, we stopped by NTU. The infrastruture was much better than NUS I thought. The roof of one building was actually a slope covered with carpet grass. The front garden was much nicer. Interesting, we even met heaven god here. There was a crane walking leisurely across the road under the bright sunlight. Well, we actually braked and allowed it to stroll pass. It was so cute.
Afterwards, we got bumping into Juring point. As usual, we have our lunch at pizza hut. Daddy decided to watch a movie then. However, we had to wait for around 2 hours. Yup, that was long, remembering that all shops are closed today. Yup, so I pulled them into the arcade. We played the basketball machine, the matching maching, I danced and tried to grab a sweet from some "money eating" machine.
Time passed real quickly and we found ourselves watching THE GHOST RIDER. The funny thing was that it rained half way through. Water dripped and dripped onto us. That was GV cinema!
Home and dinner.
More TV>>>>
=)
Monday, February 12, 2007
Romoe and Juliet
My idol in action again.
Cyril Niccolai playing as Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet. Currently, the musical is held in South Korea, Seoul. Can't wait for them to come to Singapore.
Cyril Niccolai. (first from the right). Love him!
Kings of the world (Les rois du monde)
Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio:
R: Les rois du monde vivent au sommet The kings of the world live at the top
Ils ont la plus belle vue mais y a un mais They have the most beautiful sight but has one there but
Ils ne savent pas ce qu'on pense d'eux en bas They do not know what one low thinks of them of
Ils ne savent pas qu'ici c'est nous les rois They do not know that here it is us the kings
B: Les rois du monde font tout ce qu'ils veulent The kings of the world do all that they want
Ils ont du monde autour d'eux mais ils sont seuls They have world around them but they are alone
Dans leurs châteaux là-haut, ils s'ennuient In their castles up there, they are bored
Pendant qu'en bas nous on danse toute la nuit While in bottom us one dances all during the night
{Refrain:}
Nous on fait l'amour on vit la vie Us one makes love one saw the life
Jour après jour nuit après nuit Day after day harms after night
A quoi ça sert d'être sur la terre With what that is used to be on the ground
Si c'est pour faire nos vies à genoux If is to make our lives with knees
On sait que le temps c'est comme le vent It is known that time it is like the wind
De vivre y a que ça d'important Of living there has that that of important
On se fout pas mal de la morale One fout not badly of morals
On sait bien qu'on fait pas de mal It is known well that one does not make evil
M: Les rois du monde ont peur de tout The kings of the world are afraid of all
C'est qu'ils confondent les chiens et les loups It is that they confuse the dogs and the wolves
Ils font des pièges où ils tomberont un jour They make traps where they will fall one day
Ils se protègent de tout même de l'amour They are protected from even from the love
R and b: Les rois du monde se battent entre eux the kings of the world fight between them
C'est qu'y a de la place, mais pour un pas pour deux It is that y has place, but for a step for two
Et nous en bas leur guerre on la fera pas And us of low their war one will not do it
On sait même pas pourquoi tout ça c'est jeux de rois One does not even know why all that they is sets of kings
{with the Refrain}…
First day of Work.
First day at Work.
Happy am I.
I learnt how to operate the IF, Shortwave, Traction machines... ...
SUCCESS.
Happy am I.
I learnt how to operate the IF, Shortwave, Traction machines... ...
SUCCESS.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
ttsh
This is fun, try it!
By the way, I am starting to work as a physiotherapy assistant officially next week. Was down with sore throat and fever this few days. It hurts, though I got better today.
Last week, I finally got myself bumping around the wards. It was really an eye-opener, I saw many different scenarios. Gruesome, pathetic, hilarious.
One Uncle in bed asked me the reason to his shrinking muscle, he was totally afraid that his muscle will be separated from his bones. Obviously, he is not aware of the existence of tendons.
Another Indian lady got a tube inserted into her knee. She had just finished an operation (total knee replacement) a day ago, the tube was to drain out any water that was used to wash the wound.
I had a chance to see a physiotherapy performing a chest 'massage' and suction on a bed- bound patient. I got myself wrapped in mask, apron and gloves and helping to stretch out his tense-up muscles. Flames were spurting out from his mouth. I was momentarily amused and the physio thought I was in shock.
Another had a fixation on his shin bone; metal gadgets are sticking out all over his leg. We got to teach him to stand. Manage to get him upright for a few minutes. Success.
I met a lot Uncles and Aunties that are oblivious of what you are doing. They do not listen and you got to "shout" at them. Though some of them are like cute little children.
The other day I went to the FLC (foot and limb centre), I got a feel of treating amputee patients. It requires loads of patience. They always have problem with their artificial limbs, feeling pain and tired out really easily. I manage to get myself in the lab where the cast and the legs are made. Real interesting.
Somewhere in January, I joined my friend having attachment over at the radiology site. Asked the doc and got myself into the operation room. This patient was having a big pus in his liver. A tube with a needle guiding it was inserted into his vein at the chest area. Tomato-sauce like substance flowed out. Hmm. The process was that real smooth anyway, the doc inserted the tube 5 times before it was successful. Moreover, the doc failed to cut open the patient's skin using a penknife and resorted to using a scissors.
There are really many patients that I had met. Many having chronic back and neck problem, some of them having fractures all over, other having some tendons inflammation. (arthritis)
Tan Tock Seng is a cool place. It opens up the opportunities for me, to see, to feel and to understand. Thank You. :)
P.S. I got myself acting as a patient which is going to be shown in international Channel New.
Aisa. I am the one on the wobble board and the arm ego. :)
Indeed, I have enjoyed myself.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Tan Tock Seng
To those who are concerned about my where about.
I am currently volunteering as a physiotherapy assistant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. This is like an attachment course; I have been working there for 4 days and am able to handle patients on my own! My job currently is to perform rehabilitation exercises on out-patients. They are funny people, always complaining, telling stories and telling me that they are experiencing hell. Yet, you will get to see many smiles and feel the warm atmosphere. There are patients walking in without skull, legs, and operations done all over the body. However, most of them seem positive. Sadly, one lady burst into tears today as she vomited before completing her set of exercises. She told me she always had the symptom of vomiting every time she walks; maybe, she feels that she herself is very useless. Jia You lo!
I have been learning day by day, bit by bit. Thanks to all the physio there, plus Dorgus and Alex.
My tuition teacher came by my house yesterday and asked me one question, "Do you think you can get a B for my GP?" Actually, I have been refraining myself from these questions that have been appearing in my head now and then. I have one fear and it will continue to stay with me for the one and half months ahead. "What if..."
I pray for the best now. Hope that I get decent grades and am able to get into the course of my choice.
I have created a new blog (still under construction).
monkeylau.blogspot.com
It recites my whole journey to Korea via Hong Kong. Enjoy ^^
Wish all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! ^^
To all guys: Have fun in N.S. Remember, never give up, just chiong!
I am currently volunteering as a physiotherapy assistant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. This is like an attachment course; I have been working there for 4 days and am able to handle patients on my own! My job currently is to perform rehabilitation exercises on out-patients. They are funny people, always complaining, telling stories and telling me that they are experiencing hell. Yet, you will get to see many smiles and feel the warm atmosphere. There are patients walking in without skull, legs, and operations done all over the body. However, most of them seem positive. Sadly, one lady burst into tears today as she vomited before completing her set of exercises. She told me she always had the symptom of vomiting every time she walks; maybe, she feels that she herself is very useless. Jia You lo!
I have been learning day by day, bit by bit. Thanks to all the physio there, plus Dorgus and Alex.
My tuition teacher came by my house yesterday and asked me one question, "Do you think you can get a B for my GP?" Actually, I have been refraining myself from these questions that have been appearing in my head now and then. I have one fear and it will continue to stay with me for the one and half months ahead. "What if..."
I pray for the best now. Hope that I get decent grades and am able to get into the course of my choice.
I have created a new blog (still under construction).
monkeylau.blogspot.com
It recites my whole journey to Korea via Hong Kong. Enjoy ^^
Wish all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! ^^
To all guys: Have fun in N.S. Remember, never give up, just chiong!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The happiest moment in my life.
Feeling of
Joy + Happiness + disbelief
Luv my life, my family, my friends...
They are always here to make me smile. =)
Thursday - end of exam
I went with my class to Seoul Garden. Crack lots and lots of jokes.
I sat with Breeze, Chee chee n Edrei... and we made prawn egg soup! Very very nice. Edrei tried to cook an egg without bursting the yolk. Unsuccessful for the first try and hence the others started to show off their skills. KH did it all right cracking the egg but when it comes to Luqman, the raw egg spilled all over the pan... hahaha...
We laughed and laughed...
Off we went to Vivo City... Played water and talked as we sat on the grass patch.
Watched some AJ people torturing a penguin soft toy in the water -- bad -- but interesting.
Friday - went ice-skating with Pu Pu and Guo Hong
Fun fun fun!!!
I luv the feeling of ice skating. It's like I am flying in the air! I am free - on top of the world. Whenever you fall, someone will always be there to hold you. It's like paradise.
Pu Pu was quite frigtened, her leg get tired out easily. Must go back to taiwan and eat more. Must become stronger oh!
We took crazy photos on the train and laughed at ourselves. I think everybody is staring at us =)
It's nice to be around with my best friend.
Saturday- stuck in the rain with Daddy
Please do not imagine anything romantic when I said I cycle with my Daddy in the rain. It was a very heavy down pour to be exact.
Details.
That morning, I helped to fix all the bicycles. Yup, they need fixing, it has been months since I touched them. Some parts require professional help, so me and Dad went to the bicycle shop opposite our house. We waited for almost an hour before it was our turn. Sky started to turn dark, despite that, we went to the nearby stall to collect some stuffs for mum - BOOM... rain poured down. Me and Dad hide under the MRT railway, but as wind blew in rain, Dad said helplessly "go ba!".(imagine his balck face ;P) We really became " soaked chicken".
Sunday - chalet
I luv the basketball machine in the arcade!
Me n friends scored a total of 247 points. Wow!
We drove and I came in first... haha... beat all my class guys for the first time!
So happy =)
We had BBQ then. The fire was so strong that we ended up burning satay stick while cooking. It was a memorable experience.
I think the following pic was cool! The light in the background seems like the sun!
Monday - Wild wild wet
I enjoyed the tsunami area the most. It simulates the waves in the sea and you will find yourself drifting here and there. COOL.
It rained at about two...we were in our swimming suit and got freezed waiting for about an hour. We played lame game though, laughed at eachother, trying to keep ourselves warm ;)
I luv the tunnel rides too!
Tuesday - Singapore Zoo
I met up with someone I really missed. It has been more than a year since I last met up with him. It was really really memorable. We did silly things - staring at animals with the animals ignoring us sometimes. The penguins, monkeys, kangoroos, ... + us. =)
I found out one interesting thing about our close relatives - monkey, apes, gorilla .
They use their butts to attract the opposite sex - I do not know whether it works, but they have definitely attracted us!
See what I meant.
My Brother ^^ so cute ^^
=) Happy me. Little secret about me. I have wished to call myself Joey when I was 5.=)
Joy + Happiness + disbelief
Luv my life, my family, my friends...
They are always here to make me smile. =)
Thursday - end of exam
I went with my class to Seoul Garden. Crack lots and lots of jokes.
I sat with Breeze, Chee chee n Edrei... and we made prawn egg soup! Very very nice. Edrei tried to cook an egg without bursting the yolk. Unsuccessful for the first try and hence the others started to show off their skills. KH did it all right cracking the egg but when it comes to Luqman, the raw egg spilled all over the pan... hahaha...
We laughed and laughed...
Off we went to Vivo City... Played water and talked as we sat on the grass patch.
Watched some AJ people torturing a penguin soft toy in the water -- bad -- but interesting.
Friday - went ice-skating with Pu Pu and Guo Hong
Fun fun fun!!!
I luv the feeling of ice skating. It's like I am flying in the air! I am free - on top of the world. Whenever you fall, someone will always be there to hold you. It's like paradise.
Pu Pu was quite frigtened, her leg get tired out easily. Must go back to taiwan and eat more. Must become stronger oh!
We took crazy photos on the train and laughed at ourselves. I think everybody is staring at us =)
It's nice to be around with my best friend.
Saturday- stuck in the rain with Daddy
Please do not imagine anything romantic when I said I cycle with my Daddy in the rain. It was a very heavy down pour to be exact.
Details.
That morning, I helped to fix all the bicycles. Yup, they need fixing, it has been months since I touched them. Some parts require professional help, so me and Dad went to the bicycle shop opposite our house. We waited for almost an hour before it was our turn. Sky started to turn dark, despite that, we went to the nearby stall to collect some stuffs for mum - BOOM... rain poured down. Me and Dad hide under the MRT railway, but as wind blew in rain, Dad said helplessly "go ba!".(imagine his balck face ;P) We really became " soaked chicken".
Sunday - chalet
I luv the basketball machine in the arcade!
Me n friends scored a total of 247 points. Wow!
We drove and I came in first... haha... beat all my class guys for the first time!
So happy =)
We had BBQ then. The fire was so strong that we ended up burning satay stick while cooking. It was a memorable experience.
I think the following pic was cool! The light in the background seems like the sun!
Monday - Wild wild wet
I enjoyed the tsunami area the most. It simulates the waves in the sea and you will find yourself drifting here and there. COOL.
It rained at about two...we were in our swimming suit and got freezed waiting for about an hour. We played lame game though, laughed at eachother, trying to keep ourselves warm ;)
I luv the tunnel rides too!
Tuesday - Singapore Zoo
I met up with someone I really missed. It has been more than a year since I last met up with him. It was really really memorable. We did silly things - staring at animals with the animals ignoring us sometimes. The penguins, monkeys, kangoroos, ... + us. =)
I found out one interesting thing about our close relatives - monkey, apes, gorilla .
They use their butts to attract the opposite sex - I do not know whether it works, but they have definitely attracted us!
See what I meant.
My Brother ^^ so cute ^^
=) Happy me. Little secret about me. I have wished to call myself Joey when I was 5.=)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris
Magnificant performance.
Starring Cyril Niccolai...
And the theme song Le Temps des Cathedrales
My favourite cast in the show!!!!
Notre Dame De Paris track 14 La Cour Des Miracles
This is a really soothing song. Simply mesmerized by it ;)
Magnificant performance.
Starring Cyril Niccolai...
And the theme song Le Temps des Cathedrales
My favourite cast in the show!!!!
Notre Dame De Paris track 14 La Cour Des Miracles
This is a really soothing song. Simply mesmerized by it ;)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A levels
Tommorrow is the commerce of my A Levels Examination.
Starting with General Paper... ...
Ending with Biology on the 23th November 2006.
Good Luck Everyone. ;)
"Trash the exam!" Nick said. Yeah!
Aces to go ;)
Stay calm and we shall fly.
*Big Hug* to all my friends out there.
Facing a challenge with determination and confidence.
We shall conquer.
Conquer ourselves, fear and then we will conquer our enemies. (adapted from a movie)
;)
Starting with General Paper... ...
Ending with Biology on the 23th November 2006.
Good Luck Everyone. ;)
"Trash the exam!" Nick said. Yeah!
Aces to go ;)
Stay calm and we shall fly.
*Big Hug* to all my friends out there.
Facing a challenge with determination and confidence.
We shall conquer.
Conquer ourselves, fear and then we will conquer our enemies. (adapted from a movie)
;)
Saturday, October 28, 2006
5566
About my fav. 5566 - and their miscalculation
(Where has our 5566 been?) This headline was published together with two pictures, one of 5566 and the other of F4. At the first glimpse, it gave the impression that 5566 is going to fade like the first generation Taiwanese boy band- F4. Further reading of the article really put me in great despair and an urge to stand up and shout, "I will always support you, Tony Sun Xie Zhi!"
Indeed, like many others, I have fallen for Tony Sun after the debut of their first drama series – MVP Valentine in 2002. At first, it was his look and charisma on TV that attracted my attention, but as time goes by, there is something in him that gave an added zest to my adoration for him. His journey to stand out as a star, his dreams, his determination to achieve his goal and his relentless care for his team have all made him a suitable candidate for us to name him as an "idol". My thoughts have not changed until now. It's just that it was my very first time feeling extremely sad for him. What happened?
5566 is going out of hand. A strategy has failed and it might put the band into a slippery slope. During this period of time (Past 6-8 months), Mr. Sun has been in China shooting his new film, Zax Wong has been in Taiwan shooting a drama series of his own, Sam Wong has been busy with his 183 club and Meng Zhe ( I don't know what he is doing). Lately, Zax Wong has announced that he was going to have a baby in November. On the surface, team leader and 5566 manager, Mr Sun, seemed to show that they are really happy about the incident. Yet, they knew deep in their hearts that this is a real slap in the face. Firstly, 5566 has already been losing fans that require constant assurance and entertainment from them. Their disappearance for this timeframe might not be able to retain the hearts of us, the impressionable teenagers, and face the ever-changing and cruel media. Moreover, with such negative reports, criticisms will arise and when people do not feel proud of them, many would turn to other artists. Die-hard fans would just be helpless. They can just watch and sigh.
If this really happens, Tony Sun's dream will be demolished. Their image now already requires a new change - with Zax Wong being an "unmarried Dad", the term "boy band" might not be so relevant. Well, I am here to support Tony Sun Xie Zhi. However, it would not be good to see 5566 tearing apart - it was my idol's wish to create a band that last. Could his dream ever happen? What would they plan to do next?
Failed Business Strategy
Being an artist is really about knowing how to do a business. It requires packaging, advertising and marketing. It involves risk. If one takes a wrong step, this business deal will fail. It would require much courage and effort to recover. 5566 has adopted a bad business strategy this very year, first with Sam Wong being in 183, next with Tony, an important and responsible team leader, being away for long, it is not surprising that Zax has the time to dream of wanting to fly on his own. It is really time for the two Suns (5566's manager and Tony) to sit down and reorganize their plan. The worst thing is - Tony is still not finished with his movie and he is even getting hurt physically.
Yet, Jia You lo!
Your die-hard fans,
Hiu Yan
Be true to your image- something I learn through time
If one spends a fortune on four colour, glossy brochures that tell people about your company, you want them to percieve that you run professional outfit that delivers quality good and servies. This goes the same for a media industry.
Similarily, if you deliver a quality product or service, your marketing materials should reflect this. One's image, reflected by advertising, should so 2 things
1) Convince people you are worth doing business with, and
2) Position you in the market
Whether you are at the top, middle or bottom of a price scale, your image needs to communicate that. If your image is not consistent and compatible with your pricing and your level of service, you are going to confuse and alienate your customers.
People do not just buy because thay are dazzled or blown away by what they see. they buy because they are convinced that you can do the job, deliver the quality and value they expect, and that your track record is solid.
Image of 5566 was an exemplary of a successful image created by the Taiwan's media industry. Yet, with the products beginning to deterior, consumers are buffled. Once they start scrutinizing into its truth value, it simply means that the very trust is lost. This is something that every businessman want to avoid.
Here are 5 tips from Patricia Fripp, A US - based executive speech coach and professional speaker on change, customer service and communication, which gave me those inspiring thoughts.
1) CLEAR INFORMATION
How easily can people understand what you are saying? People do not buy when they are confused.
2) QUALITY INFORMATION
A lot of marketers these days will send out " free information", "valued information" or even "money-making information", at no charge as a small sample of what you will get when you actually pay money.
3) QUALITY DESIGN AND PRINTED MATERIALS
The production values in what you do and deliver must match the quality of the marketing materials you send out.
4) THIRD PARTY ENDORSEMENT
Let others trumpet how good you are. There is no better way to convince people.
5) STRONG IMAGES
Compel your customers to imagine doing business with you and seeing it an easy, positive and benficial experience. Create an image or word picture of this interaction. Tell the story. Make it leap off the page.
Impressive, clear, marketing efforts that mirror your image and what you deliver are your key to successful marketing.
This is actually relevant to everybody. Not just businessman. Business is something that we involve ourselves in everyday, without consciously knowing it.
For those who are aware, they have the chance to earn more than others.
Business. Require high EQ. Even the most intelligent being on Earth can be deceived by it.
A report on Tony Sun.
http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/news/always5566/3/1274323067/20061015163555>
(Where has our 5566 been?) This headline was published together with two pictures, one of 5566 and the other of F4. At the first glimpse, it gave the impression that 5566 is going to fade like the first generation Taiwanese boy band- F4. Further reading of the article really put me in great despair and an urge to stand up and shout, "I will always support you, Tony Sun Xie Zhi!"
Indeed, like many others, I have fallen for Tony Sun after the debut of their first drama series – MVP Valentine in 2002. At first, it was his look and charisma on TV that attracted my attention, but as time goes by, there is something in him that gave an added zest to my adoration for him. His journey to stand out as a star, his dreams, his determination to achieve his goal and his relentless care for his team have all made him a suitable candidate for us to name him as an "idol". My thoughts have not changed until now. It's just that it was my very first time feeling extremely sad for him. What happened?
5566 is going out of hand. A strategy has failed and it might put the band into a slippery slope. During this period of time (Past 6-8 months), Mr. Sun has been in China shooting his new film, Zax Wong has been in Taiwan shooting a drama series of his own, Sam Wong has been busy with his 183 club and Meng Zhe ( I don't know what he is doing). Lately, Zax Wong has announced that he was going to have a baby in November. On the surface, team leader and 5566 manager, Mr Sun, seemed to show that they are really happy about the incident. Yet, they knew deep in their hearts that this is a real slap in the face. Firstly, 5566 has already been losing fans that require constant assurance and entertainment from them. Their disappearance for this timeframe might not be able to retain the hearts of us, the impressionable teenagers, and face the ever-changing and cruel media. Moreover, with such negative reports, criticisms will arise and when people do not feel proud of them, many would turn to other artists. Die-hard fans would just be helpless. They can just watch and sigh.
If this really happens, Tony Sun's dream will be demolished. Their image now already requires a new change - with Zax Wong being an "unmarried Dad", the term "boy band" might not be so relevant. Well, I am here to support Tony Sun Xie Zhi. However, it would not be good to see 5566 tearing apart - it was my idol's wish to create a band that last. Could his dream ever happen? What would they plan to do next?
Failed Business Strategy
Being an artist is really about knowing how to do a business. It requires packaging, advertising and marketing. It involves risk. If one takes a wrong step, this business deal will fail. It would require much courage and effort to recover. 5566 has adopted a bad business strategy this very year, first with Sam Wong being in 183, next with Tony, an important and responsible team leader, being away for long, it is not surprising that Zax has the time to dream of wanting to fly on his own. It is really time for the two Suns (5566's manager and Tony) to sit down and reorganize their plan. The worst thing is - Tony is still not finished with his movie and he is even getting hurt physically.
Yet, Jia You lo!
Your die-hard fans,
Hiu Yan
Be true to your image- something I learn through time
If one spends a fortune on four colour, glossy brochures that tell people about your company, you want them to percieve that you run professional outfit that delivers quality good and servies. This goes the same for a media industry.
Similarily, if you deliver a quality product or service, your marketing materials should reflect this. One's image, reflected by advertising, should so 2 things
1) Convince people you are worth doing business with, and
2) Position you in the market
Whether you are at the top, middle or bottom of a price scale, your image needs to communicate that. If your image is not consistent and compatible with your pricing and your level of service, you are going to confuse and alienate your customers.
People do not just buy because thay are dazzled or blown away by what they see. they buy because they are convinced that you can do the job, deliver the quality and value they expect, and that your track record is solid.
Image of 5566 was an exemplary of a successful image created by the Taiwan's media industry. Yet, with the products beginning to deterior, consumers are buffled. Once they start scrutinizing into its truth value, it simply means that the very trust is lost. This is something that every businessman want to avoid.
Here are 5 tips from Patricia Fripp, A US - based executive speech coach and professional speaker on change, customer service and communication, which gave me those inspiring thoughts.
1) CLEAR INFORMATION
How easily can people understand what you are saying? People do not buy when they are confused.
2) QUALITY INFORMATION
A lot of marketers these days will send out " free information", "valued information" or even "money-making information", at no charge as a small sample of what you will get when you actually pay money.
3) QUALITY DESIGN AND PRINTED MATERIALS
The production values in what you do and deliver must match the quality of the marketing materials you send out.
4) THIRD PARTY ENDORSEMENT
Let others trumpet how good you are. There is no better way to convince people.
5) STRONG IMAGES
Compel your customers to imagine doing business with you and seeing it an easy, positive and benficial experience. Create an image or word picture of this interaction. Tell the story. Make it leap off the page.
Impressive, clear, marketing efforts that mirror your image and what you deliver are your key to successful marketing.
This is actually relevant to everybody. Not just businessman. Business is something that we involve ourselves in everyday, without consciously knowing it.
For those who are aware, they have the chance to earn more than others.
Business. Require high EQ. Even the most intelligent being on Earth can be deceived by it.
A report on Tony Sun.
Friday, October 27, 2006
We f***K the world video
This video is super funny. It shows American politicians and serves as a mockery to Bush's policies. My mummy will love that! However, I didn't quite understand why they sang, "we f***k the children."
P.S. Not suitable for people under 18!
Monday, October 23, 2006
globalisation
Suddenly, this gives me a thought. Do people really care about the cons on moving into a global culture? Professionals like businessman, politicians, traders definitely don't; they are more then willing to support it. For a student like me, who is coerced to look into such issues due to an important examination, often ended up being cynical about the world? We looked at debates, trying to understand the complexity of these issues, but in the end, nothing can be done. People in power have more things to be concerned about; activists and protesters are often turned downed.We, as selfish people, are too busy to unite ourselves and come up with solutions.
Consider the merits and drawbacks of a global culture.
Globalisation is a phenomenon which has far-reaching implications on the way we live our lives. In a world increasingly interconnected by the accessible media such as the Internet as well as modern travel, links are increasingly being forged across continents. The continous interaction of ideals, thoughts and attitudes have led to the formation of a global culture - a way of life which is no longer determined by geographical boundaries or ethnic origins. It is telling that many young people in this modern era feel they can identify more with people on the other side if the globe with whom they communicate with through the INternet than with their own family members. A global culture is not a term which is easily identifiable or defined, but it is sufficient to say that there is a trend towards the amalgamation of previously separated cultures on a scale unmatched in history. A cultural paradigm shift such as this demands a consideration of its impact in the world's population.
The move towards globalization has obviously eradicated most of the barrier which prevented the free transmission of ideas. People nowadays are more aware of issues and incidents across the world pertinent to their own lives. Citizens in the Western world are more than ever, intensely concerned with the democratic processes in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. This increased the awareness of how issues around the globe affect the way we lead our lives is a welcome change form the previously xenophobic attitudes many countries possessed. In some sense, the very presence of a global culture has led people to be more accepting of other ways of life and cosmopolitan cities such as San Francisco have demonstrated how different communities can interact peacefully and even celebrate a fusion of their cultures. The development of a global culture means that people are no longer bounded by stereotypes of other communities, since it is more difficult to cling on to these stereotypes if one’s own cultural identity is shared by other communities. The popularity of Chinese themed fusion restaurants in New York, and its recently opened Disneyland in Hong Kong are testament of how people embraced this global culture which has sought to preserve the best of what each subculture has to offer while combining it in a manner which makes it attractive to all sorts of people. This not only leads to a more vibrant, varied way of life, it also helps to breed cultural understanding and acceptance among different groups.
Furthermore, the development of a global culture means that people are no longer bounded by geography in developing their own niche interests. Youth in traditionally conservative countries like Japan are no longer bound by the restrains of culture and tradition because the global culture has enabled them to find counterparts in other ocuntires who think in similar ways. Previously, these youths could have been forced to conform to their conservative culture allowed no avenue to develop new ideas and concepts. It can be argued that allowing people to break free from their cultural restrains and interact across cultures, enables them to find a group of people more attuned to their interests, instead of remaining disillusioned in a system which discourages the development of new ideas. Looking at the way youths in China agitate against the boundaries laid in place by the government as a result of exposure to previously ideals of democracy and free speech demonstrates on how global culture can break restraints and foster the development of revolutionary exciting ideas.
While the discussion thus far has tended to portray traditional ethnic identities or cultures as being anachronistic, it cannot be denied that there is much which should be kept and treasured in these traditional cultures. After all, these roots present us with a sense of history as well as differences which ought to be celebrated. The danger of a global culture is that it has the potential to gloss over these differences, or worse, to distort them in such a way that makes them unrecognizable in the constant quest for a global culture. There have been instances in which the intrusion of other cultures has led to despoiling of legacies which arguably should have remained intact. There was a furore about how Starbucks, a coffee chain with distinctively Western identity has set up a store right in the Forbidden City of China itself. In such a scenario, the drawback of the global culture is that it failed to differentiate between what could be assimilated into a shared culture and what should be remained the distinct cultural property of the Chinese people. The development of a global culture is an unrestrained one carried out by people with no proper agenda, and it is perhaps in the midst of this, people undermined the best parts of a traditional culture. The symbol of Starbucks in Forbidden City is perhaps a lingering reminder of how an insensitive application of a symbol of global culture has led to a situation worse off then before.
Increasingly, there have been criticisms arguing that globalization acts as a force for western imperialism. It is unavoidable that acts as barriers are broken down and cultures interact, that the way of life propagated by the American has taken the front seat due to the America’s dominance in the economic and political spheres. As such, the tendency to degenerate into a culture dominated by one way of life is perhaps the greatest drawback of the global culture. The way traditional arts in Singapore has been passed over in the influx of high budget Hollywood movies, is a clear example of how there has been a disproportionate amount of Western influence over the supposedly ‘global culture’. This distorts global culture such that it is no longer a culture shared and participated in equally by the people of the world. Instead it is merely Western culture that is largely influential and applied almost indiscriminately across the globe.
It is evident that such a distortion of the global culture acts as a greatly divisive force instead of a unifying one. The trend of counter-globalization has picked up pace in the recent years, and in some cases it is argued that the acts of militant Islamic terrorists are due to their hatred of Western culture encroachment and imposition on a heritage they hold dera. This does not of course excuse their acts, but in very fact that pople are willing to die and kill in protest of this cultural imperialism provides a sense of caution that global culture is not always the uniting force it theoretically should be. Across the globe, people protest at the increasingly dominant role America is taking, not only in democratic institutions, but in our very living rooms. It seems that global culture will always have to face a truly assimilating force, or one dominated by the ruling power of the time. The promise in ancient times of a Pax Romana, a unification of the known world at the time, is an obvious parallel in the way the superpower’s institutions and way of life come to override that of other culture it assimilates. The question remains as to whether such dominance is inevitable in the formation of a global culture, or if it can be prevented by sensitivity on the part of America.
In conclusion, the advent of a global culture holds a great promise; however, it faces the dangerous tendency of being a culture which insensitivity overrides others. There is little doubt that a global culture can be very strong integrative or disintegrative force, depending on whether the balance is struck between taking the best from traditional cultures or completely eliminating them. In the end, regardless of the merits and demerits of the global culture, it seems it is here to stay, and the best attitude to take towards it would be probably be one of moderation ensuring that it remains a vibrant global culture instead of a boring homogeneous one. The distinction, if made, will determine if global culture will benefit or drag humanity down.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Income and its distribution
Income and its distribution
As Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen and others emphasize, poverty is about more than income. But income is central. Practically all other dimensions of human misery are, or can be, made more bearable through money.
It is striking, however, how little income distribution within countries seems to have changed during the last 50 years, including recent "globalization years." This is depressing because in most developing countries, income is distributed very unequally — and much more so than in virtually any industrialized country.
As Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen and others emphasize, poverty is about more than income. But income is central. Practically all other dimensions of human misery are, or can be, made more bearable through money.
It is striking, however, how little income distribution within countries seems to have changed during the last 50 years, including recent "globalization years." This is depressing because in most developing countries, income is distributed very unequally — and much more so than in virtually any industrialized country.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
JOHNS HOPKINS AND A*STAR'S FALLING-OUT
I came across this article and felt that it is rather interesting. Here, I think that my brother can be considered as a child of the divorced family. A*Star being the father who is paying for all the expenses of his education and JOhn Hopkins being the mother who is provding him with his formal and moral education. A very typical example of today's families. Yet, the only different is that, my brother is more than happy ever.
The following is a sad story as well as something we can learn from. ;D
Highly recommended.
A well written analysis and comparison.
How a perfect marriage' fell apart
JOHNS HOPKINS AND A*STAR'S FALLING-OUT
By: Chang Ai-Lien & Daryl Loo
Broken promises, cultural mismatch and unclear pre-nuptial agreement blamed for
the break-up
ON THE surface, it was the perfect marriage.
On one side, a rich, ambitious suitor; on the other, a partner of fine pedigree eager to tie the knot and explore a foreign land.
So began the collaboration between the Singapore Government and esteemed American institution Johns Hopkins University (JHU), to much fanfare in 1998.
With the Republic's National Science and Technology Board opening wide its coffers, the dream was for Johns Hopkins' overseas arm to take local research
and education to a higher plane.
For the brand-name US medical and research facility, it was a chance to get a foothold in the region.
Johns Hopkins Singapore would have 75 researchers to look at key diseases and work closely with institutions here to develop patents, publish papers and
create companies.
The end result - money made, jobs created, lives saved.
Big dreams and lofty hopes indeed.
Eight years and $82 million later, the papers were filled instead with news of a divorce, little to show for the time and money invested, and accusations of promises broken and unhappiness on both sides.
Cracks appear
CRACKS began to appear soon after the honeymoon.
Just a year after the partners wed, a review showed that Johns Hopkins Singapore had 'significant problems in moving ahead in its research and education programmes', according to the director of the A*Star's Biomedical Research Council, Dr Andre Wan.
A*Star - the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - inherited the project from its predecessor NSTB in 2002.
Among the key results lacking, Johns Hopkins Singapore could not get senior faculty or come up with the $23 million it had earlier agreed to raise.
Efforts to refine the relationship failed and, in 2003, another restructuring exercise took place, resulting in a new baby - the Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore (DJHS), the university's first division outside its home base in Baltimore.
A*Star kept its end of the bargain by providing the funds.
Yet, despite clear targets agreed on by each side and laid out in 13 key performance indicators, the Johns Hopkins division failed to deliver on eight, including having no graduate students or patents filed.
The goals the division said it met, such as the number of papers published, are still being examined by A*Star.
Yet JHU said initially that Singapore had not kept its commitment to meet its financial and educational obligations, and called it a 'reputational issue for Singapore and A*Star', a statement which the agency refuted strongly.
Opportunities lost
IN their latest joint statement on Aug 3, both parties appeared to have made up, at least in public.
Retracting its earlier allegations, Johns Hopkins acknowledged and thanked A*Star for its financial and other support and said it recognised its reputation for excellence and integrity.
The matter is closed, says Johns Hopkins. It remains silent on its change of heart, and why it initiated the conciliation with A*Star after its earlier flare-up.
A*Star has also softened its tone.
'We see this as an experiment which failed, but the relationship with Johns Hopkins is something ongoing,' said Dr Wan.
The generals of each camp, known for not mincing their words, remain silent.
But earlier communications are telling.
Johns Hopkins president William Brody made it clear that there are others eager to sign on the dotted line.
After learning of A*Star's decision to break up, he told its chairman Philip Yeo that he had decided to forfeit time set aside for a visit to Singapore to pursue interests in China.
Standing firm, Mr Yeo told Dr Brody in an e-mail: 'It is best that we start afresh and move ahead' rather than 'try to painfully salvage a broken project which will only damage our long relationship.
'Friendship is worth much more than a failed project.'
Both parties now say that while the immediate concern is winding down operations here, they look forward to pursuing mutual projects in the future.
However, given the very public fallout, it is unlikely for the pair to become willing bedfellows again, at such an ambitious level.
Professor Edison Liu, executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore and DJHS Scientific Advisory Committee chairman, said with regret:
'Sometimes things just don't work out.
'The sadness is really the lost opportunity to do more work with Hopkins.'
Beyond appearances
THE news jolted the international research community and was highlighted in top
publications.
A common thread was how serious Singapore is in getting a bang for its buck.
The scientific journal Nature, for example, said in its report: 'The
Singaporean Government is known for its generosity in pumping money into international research projects. But it can apparently be ruthless if these projects do not please it.'
A view echoed by researchers here.
Said Professor Alan Colman, head of stem cell company ES Cell International:
'It is quite clear that the Singapore authorities do not want to be seen as
easy pickings.
'They want to bring in expertise but do not want to be exploited.'
So, while the salaries of top guns enticed to move here are legendary, so are the hours they are expected to put in, leading groups and institutes as well as sitting on boards, advisory panels and committees and helping to chart Singapore's research future.
Not surprising, given the high hopes for the biomedical sector to contribute $12.5 billion in value-added to GDP, and 15,000 jobs, by 2015.
While the failed Johns Hopkins experiment was no doubt a setback, most researchers and collaborators spoken to remain unshaken in their praise of
Singapore's efforts and progress.
Like the handful of world-class players already collaborating actively with local partners, Sweden's famed Karolinska Institutet said that its relationship
with Singapore remained unaffected.
'I doubt others will shy away,' said its president, Dr Harriet
Wallberg-Henriksson.
Added Professor David Lane, a foreign star recruited here to head the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology: 'Both partners are hugely resilient so
I don't see any serious damage to either party.'
Irreconcilable differences
BUT many agree that things could have been done differently.
Given that this was one of the first collaborations of its kind, Singapore's
relative inexperience could have played a part in its downfall.
A major flaw was that the pre-nuptial agreements were unclear.
According to Dr Sydney Brenner, the Nobel laureate who has helped shape Singapore science for more than 20 years, it boils down to common sense.
'It's like a marriage contract, everybody has to know what to deliver,' he said. Prof Liu also pointed to a cultural mismatch.
On the calibre of candidates, for example, A*Star wanted scientists of repute, but Dr Brody contended that 'our experience over 100 years at Johns Hopkins is that the future belongs to the young scientists who have demonstrated remarkable ability even though they may not have achieved stardom'. Perhaps these differences were irreconcilable.
Boston University president Robert Brown, who chairs the Singapore Education
Ministry's Academic Research Council, feels it boils down to 'fundamental
differences' between mission-oriented A*Star and universities geared towards
academic research.
Prof Lane said that while much recruitment was of young, hungry researchers,
experience showed that a few big names helped to create a good mentoring
environment for training.
'Access to internationally top senior staff with biotech experience is also
very attractive to industry thinking of moving to Singapore,' he added.
Another problem, said Dr Brenner, was the lack of Singapore leadership
within the division.
'This is something you cannot administer from overseas. It is of course very
hard to get people to come here when their careers will be decided in America.
'It should have been a Singapore entity with a half-share.'
Said one researcher involved in the Singapore-MIT Alliance, a research and educational collaboration between local tertiary institutes and Boston's famed
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 'The big names are often spread thin while young researchers may be inexperienced.
'Local scientists make sure projects are running as planned, we act as the
glue holding the pieces together.'
Leaders of several new collaborations add that they have avoided a cookie-cutter approach.
Professor Soo Khee Chee is vice-dean of a medical school being set up jointly by the National University of Singapore and another US big name - Duke University. This collaboration, he said, is 'hot-wired for success'.
To make sure the tie-up worked, there was a five-year engagement to iron out
the kinks.
Rather than transplanting Duke's entire curriculum here, for instance, local
faculty members went to the US to observe and adapt the course to local needs.
Such points are key, considering the importance of blossoming relationships
- classes start at the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School next year, and MIT will
take its partnership with Singapore up a notch to set up its first research
centre outside the US here next year.
There are also five smaller but structured tie-ups between famous overseas
universities and local ones to create joint PhD programmes and a steady stream
of research talent - Sweden's Karolinska, Imperial College in Britain, Scotland's University of Dundee, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Carnegie Mellon University in the US.
Calling it quits
THE money for the JHU project - which cost an estimated $14 million a year to run - went mainly into paying up to 60 staff, equipment and supplies, and rental. And the 12-month winding down of operations here continues to impose costs on Singapore.
But measuring a programme's success, and knowing when to call it quits, is not always clear-cut.
Said Prof Lane: 'Science needs time to mature, so it is not easy to make
these judgments.
'The key to successful marriages is communication and flexibility, so I guess everyone will try that bit harder next time around.'
In a community where egos abound and personalities can overrid substance, holding a powerful and influential partner accountable takes courage and conviction.
Mr Yeo has been very clear on how he runs the show here.
'We must have key performance indicators in life, milestones and deliverables. We're spending taxpayers' money,' he said in a recent interview.
'No one can escape KPIs.'
Moving on
AS Singapore's biomedical experiment continues to bubble, more failures will come.
In fact, they are par for the course, given how Singapore is staking its future on the fruits of research.
Said Dr Wan: 'This is not an exact science. We do not claim to have a perfect formula.'
Added Dr Brenner: 'It's an episode we need to put behind us as we move on to the next thing.
'I want to get everybody back to work.'
Referring to the $82 million spent on the Johns Hopkins project, Dr Wan admitted it was a considerable amount of money, but 'against the larger backdrop, we're still on the positive side'.
Successes should not be forgotten.
The industry has burst forth from virtually nothing five years ago to contributing 5 per cent to Singapore's GDP last year.
Said Dr Brenner: 'Singapore has got to create its own brand name, and this is what we are doing.'
Of course, taxpayers' money should be well spent and every cent accounted for, particularly at a time when more money than ever - over $13.5 billion over
the next five years - is being pumped into research and development.
But the real failure would be if Singapore shied away from new partners and affairs and lost its shine in the eyes of many who now consider it a prized catch.
The following is a sad story as well as something we can learn from. ;D
Highly recommended.
A well written analysis and comparison.
How a perfect marriage' fell apart
JOHNS HOPKINS AND A*STAR'S FALLING-OUT
By: Chang Ai-Lien & Daryl Loo
Broken promises, cultural mismatch and unclear pre-nuptial agreement blamed for
the break-up
ON THE surface, it was the perfect marriage.
On one side, a rich, ambitious suitor; on the other, a partner of fine pedigree eager to tie the knot and explore a foreign land.
So began the collaboration between the Singapore Government and esteemed American institution Johns Hopkins University (JHU), to much fanfare in 1998.
With the Republic's National Science and Technology Board opening wide its coffers, the dream was for Johns Hopkins' overseas arm to take local research
and education to a higher plane.
For the brand-name US medical and research facility, it was a chance to get a foothold in the region.
Johns Hopkins Singapore would have 75 researchers to look at key diseases and work closely with institutions here to develop patents, publish papers and
create companies.
The end result - money made, jobs created, lives saved.
Big dreams and lofty hopes indeed.
Eight years and $82 million later, the papers were filled instead with news of a divorce, little to show for the time and money invested, and accusations of promises broken and unhappiness on both sides.
Cracks appear
CRACKS began to appear soon after the honeymoon.
Just a year after the partners wed, a review showed that Johns Hopkins Singapore had 'significant problems in moving ahead in its research and education programmes', according to the director of the A*Star's Biomedical Research Council, Dr Andre Wan.
A*Star - the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - inherited the project from its predecessor NSTB in 2002.
Among the key results lacking, Johns Hopkins Singapore could not get senior faculty or come up with the $23 million it had earlier agreed to raise.
Efforts to refine the relationship failed and, in 2003, another restructuring exercise took place, resulting in a new baby - the Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore (DJHS), the university's first division outside its home base in Baltimore.
A*Star kept its end of the bargain by providing the funds.
Yet, despite clear targets agreed on by each side and laid out in 13 key performance indicators, the Johns Hopkins division failed to deliver on eight, including having no graduate students or patents filed.
The goals the division said it met, such as the number of papers published, are still being examined by A*Star.
Yet JHU said initially that Singapore had not kept its commitment to meet its financial and educational obligations, and called it a 'reputational issue for Singapore and A*Star', a statement which the agency refuted strongly.
Opportunities lost
IN their latest joint statement on Aug 3, both parties appeared to have made up, at least in public.
Retracting its earlier allegations, Johns Hopkins acknowledged and thanked A*Star for its financial and other support and said it recognised its reputation for excellence and integrity.
The matter is closed, says Johns Hopkins. It remains silent on its change of heart, and why it initiated the conciliation with A*Star after its earlier flare-up.
A*Star has also softened its tone.
'We see this as an experiment which failed, but the relationship with Johns Hopkins is something ongoing,' said Dr Wan.
The generals of each camp, known for not mincing their words, remain silent.
But earlier communications are telling.
Johns Hopkins president William Brody made it clear that there are others eager to sign on the dotted line.
After learning of A*Star's decision to break up, he told its chairman Philip Yeo that he had decided to forfeit time set aside for a visit to Singapore to pursue interests in China.
Standing firm, Mr Yeo told Dr Brody in an e-mail: 'It is best that we start afresh and move ahead' rather than 'try to painfully salvage a broken project which will only damage our long relationship.
'Friendship is worth much more than a failed project.'
Both parties now say that while the immediate concern is winding down operations here, they look forward to pursuing mutual projects in the future.
However, given the very public fallout, it is unlikely for the pair to become willing bedfellows again, at such an ambitious level.
Professor Edison Liu, executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore and DJHS Scientific Advisory Committee chairman, said with regret:
'Sometimes things just don't work out.
'The sadness is really the lost opportunity to do more work with Hopkins.'
Beyond appearances
THE news jolted the international research community and was highlighted in top
publications.
A common thread was how serious Singapore is in getting a bang for its buck.
The scientific journal Nature, for example, said in its report: 'The
Singaporean Government is known for its generosity in pumping money into international research projects. But it can apparently be ruthless if these projects do not please it.'
A view echoed by researchers here.
Said Professor Alan Colman, head of stem cell company ES Cell International:
'It is quite clear that the Singapore authorities do not want to be seen as
easy pickings.
'They want to bring in expertise but do not want to be exploited.'
So, while the salaries of top guns enticed to move here are legendary, so are the hours they are expected to put in, leading groups and institutes as well as sitting on boards, advisory panels and committees and helping to chart Singapore's research future.
Not surprising, given the high hopes for the biomedical sector to contribute $12.5 billion in value-added to GDP, and 15,000 jobs, by 2015.
While the failed Johns Hopkins experiment was no doubt a setback, most researchers and collaborators spoken to remain unshaken in their praise of
Singapore's efforts and progress.
Like the handful of world-class players already collaborating actively with local partners, Sweden's famed Karolinska Institutet said that its relationship
with Singapore remained unaffected.
'I doubt others will shy away,' said its president, Dr Harriet
Wallberg-Henriksson.
Added Professor David Lane, a foreign star recruited here to head the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology: 'Both partners are hugely resilient so
I don't see any serious damage to either party.'
Irreconcilable differences
BUT many agree that things could have been done differently.
Given that this was one of the first collaborations of its kind, Singapore's
relative inexperience could have played a part in its downfall.
A major flaw was that the pre-nuptial agreements were unclear.
According to Dr Sydney Brenner, the Nobel laureate who has helped shape Singapore science for more than 20 years, it boils down to common sense.
'It's like a marriage contract, everybody has to know what to deliver,' he said. Prof Liu also pointed to a cultural mismatch.
On the calibre of candidates, for example, A*Star wanted scientists of repute, but Dr Brody contended that 'our experience over 100 years at Johns Hopkins is that the future belongs to the young scientists who have demonstrated remarkable ability even though they may not have achieved stardom'. Perhaps these differences were irreconcilable.
Boston University president Robert Brown, who chairs the Singapore Education
Ministry's Academic Research Council, feels it boils down to 'fundamental
differences' between mission-oriented A*Star and universities geared towards
academic research.
Prof Lane said that while much recruitment was of young, hungry researchers,
experience showed that a few big names helped to create a good mentoring
environment for training.
'Access to internationally top senior staff with biotech experience is also
very attractive to industry thinking of moving to Singapore,' he added.
Another problem, said Dr Brenner, was the lack of Singapore leadership
within the division.
'This is something you cannot administer from overseas. It is of course very
hard to get people to come here when their careers will be decided in America.
'It should have been a Singapore entity with a half-share.'
Said one researcher involved in the Singapore-MIT Alliance, a research and educational collaboration between local tertiary institutes and Boston's famed
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 'The big names are often spread thin while young researchers may be inexperienced.
'Local scientists make sure projects are running as planned, we act as the
glue holding the pieces together.'
Leaders of several new collaborations add that they have avoided a cookie-cutter approach.
Professor Soo Khee Chee is vice-dean of a medical school being set up jointly by the National University of Singapore and another US big name - Duke University. This collaboration, he said, is 'hot-wired for success'.
To make sure the tie-up worked, there was a five-year engagement to iron out
the kinks.
Rather than transplanting Duke's entire curriculum here, for instance, local
faculty members went to the US to observe and adapt the course to local needs.
Such points are key, considering the importance of blossoming relationships
- classes start at the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School next year, and MIT will
take its partnership with Singapore up a notch to set up its first research
centre outside the US here next year.
There are also five smaller but structured tie-ups between famous overseas
universities and local ones to create joint PhD programmes and a steady stream
of research talent - Sweden's Karolinska, Imperial College in Britain, Scotland's University of Dundee, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Carnegie Mellon University in the US.
Calling it quits
THE money for the JHU project - which cost an estimated $14 million a year to run - went mainly into paying up to 60 staff, equipment and supplies, and rental. And the 12-month winding down of operations here continues to impose costs on Singapore.
But measuring a programme's success, and knowing when to call it quits, is not always clear-cut.
Said Prof Lane: 'Science needs time to mature, so it is not easy to make
these judgments.
'The key to successful marriages is communication and flexibility, so I guess everyone will try that bit harder next time around.'
In a community where egos abound and personalities can overrid substance, holding a powerful and influential partner accountable takes courage and conviction.
Mr Yeo has been very clear on how he runs the show here.
'We must have key performance indicators in life, milestones and deliverables. We're spending taxpayers' money,' he said in a recent interview.
'No one can escape KPIs.'
Moving on
AS Singapore's biomedical experiment continues to bubble, more failures will come.
In fact, they are par for the course, given how Singapore is staking its future on the fruits of research.
Said Dr Wan: 'This is not an exact science. We do not claim to have a perfect formula.'
Added Dr Brenner: 'It's an episode we need to put behind us as we move on to the next thing.
'I want to get everybody back to work.'
Referring to the $82 million spent on the Johns Hopkins project, Dr Wan admitted it was a considerable amount of money, but 'against the larger backdrop, we're still on the positive side'.
Successes should not be forgotten.
The industry has burst forth from virtually nothing five years ago to contributing 5 per cent to Singapore's GDP last year.
Said Dr Brenner: 'Singapore has got to create its own brand name, and this is what we are doing.'
Of course, taxpayers' money should be well spent and every cent accounted for, particularly at a time when more money than ever - over $13.5 billion over
the next five years - is being pumped into research and development.
But the real failure would be if Singapore shied away from new partners and affairs and lost its shine in the eyes of many who now consider it a prized catch.
Farewell MJC
Farewell MJC 2006.
Life is merely about staying alive. True enough, life is all about fun, sorrow, tear and joy. Without these emotions in us, life is boring. The world will be dead. Scientists have made many predictions on when human will go into extinction. A couple of centuries or is it just a few hundred years later? The world is deteriorating and it is very well coloured by the activities of mankind.
Last Friday was my farewell assembly, the day marking the end of the two years of my college life. Time really gone by in a twinkle of an eye, from the day I was transferred to MJC to striving hard to win competitions, maintaining my 4 subs, to meeting new friends in JC2… Two years of memories were more than those in my secondary school years. First three months was a time that had left footprints in my heart. A time where I top the class, becoming super active in activities organized by the school and making lots and lots of friends, yet, that was the past. I started another life when I reached MJC. Having an obligation to have lessons to around 5pm each day has allowed me to developed feeling for a school that I was once not very fond of.
Teachers and friends are people I see more often than my parents each day. Each and everyone have their different opinions about my school which is only two years old. Being in a class filled with “TJ rejects” (that’s what we used to call ourselves), the people around me used to complain about the very minor problems about the school. I have learnt to be silent and tried to appreciate everything I have in life. That’s a perception my mother has instilled in me since young. With this, I survived through JC1, together with crazy friends like Jasmine and Kristin (my class guys were boring then).
There was a shift in people in my class as nearly ten people dropped a subject – 4 guys and 1 girl moved in. The class became more enthusiastic. Less girls- less rumours. Adding on was pinky self-high boy Edrei, blur chairman WC, always smiling KH and the science oriented + sentimental WJ. Others classmates become a little more active since then. For me, I got more nicknames and scandal. ;P
These Friday we watched videos of our 1.3/4 years in Meridian Junior College. My CCA teachers made a short clip that was extremely hilarious. They wore spectacles, shake as they sing songs. Wow. “PERK YOU! PERK ME!” Mrs Ng (nicknamed PM-purple mushroom, Phenol + FeCl3), Mdm Yati, Mrs Wong and Ms Tan are people that have trusted, praised me; and more importantly, broadened my mind of the real business world.
We then went off to class where Ms Wang gave out her final touching speech and a farewell gift (compiled class list with everyone particulars). I bought a cake to celebrate the month’s babies and gave out my self-made gifts to everyone. We told millions of photos. =) We have cake fight in class and then I had a gun fight with KH. Fun Fun Fun! People are running all around, escaping from the fact that A levels is only 20 days away.
That day, I met Mummy outside school and had lunch together.
Farewell MJC.
Crazy bunch of people!
Super Heroes.;P
Saturday, October 07, 2006
mooncake festival
I was reading through my brother and ce xiang's blog. Both guys gave me inspiring thoughts and a new perspective towards Asian men - that they are sentimental people. Am I making an over-generalisation or not? Or do all human think differently when they reach adulthood? Man seems to be more sentimental than girls when it comes to wirting. Girls show their expression in their faces and the actions they do. Maybe, that's the different. Therefore, one might be overwhelmed if they find a serious guy pondering over matters about love and rommance. Hmm.
Yesterday was MOONCAKE FESTIVAL, alas, there is no moon in sight. I saw it for about 5 minutes before it disappeared. Mummy only saw it for 2 seconds before it was covered with dark clouds again. Sad. The moon is supposed to be the nearest to Earth today, but due to the haze, we going to miss the wonderful full moon again. It is all the same around the globe. It was also raining in Cadiff (UK) and Baltimore (Maryland) on this special day. Strange.
Actually, I did not do well for Perlims. I can even consider it as really bad grades. I was saddened for quite some time. Yet, I knew that now is the time to give a final boost. All of my teachers have not been worrying much for me though, they constantly remind me that I can do well for A levels. I am sure of that too. Jia you!
Mummy bought me a Mickey Mouse shorts yesterday, I loved it. Though the zipper got spoilt when I reached home and I had to travel to CS again to change for a new one.
Mugging hard for A Levels. Good luck to all who are having any examinations. ;)
Yesterday was MOONCAKE FESTIVAL, alas, there is no moon in sight. I saw it for about 5 minutes before it disappeared. Mummy only saw it for 2 seconds before it was covered with dark clouds again. Sad. The moon is supposed to be the nearest to Earth today, but due to the haze, we going to miss the wonderful full moon again. It is all the same around the globe. It was also raining in Cadiff (UK) and Baltimore (Maryland) on this special day. Strange.
Actually, I did not do well for Perlims. I can even consider it as really bad grades. I was saddened for quite some time. Yet, I knew that now is the time to give a final boost. All of my teachers have not been worrying much for me though, they constantly remind me that I can do well for A levels. I am sure of that too. Jia you!
Mummy bought me a Mickey Mouse shorts yesterday, I loved it. Though the zipper got spoilt when I reached home and I had to travel to CS again to change for a new one.
Mugging hard for A Levels. Good luck to all who are having any examinations. ;)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
PERLIM
Currently mugging hard chasing papers everyday.
Tml is Chem.
Not Much stimulation.
Email has overflowed. Almost 100 over mails.
Maths paper has proven to be the most difficult paper in my life.
Today Bio's option paper has made me even more suffocating.
It's gonna to be over.
A Levels'next.
Watch a movie.
Wrote an email to Uncle Dennis.
Time to mug again.
Cya.
Tml is Chem.
Not Much stimulation.
Email has overflowed. Almost 100 over mails.
Maths paper has proven to be the most difficult paper in my life.
Today Bio's option paper has made me even more suffocating.
It's gonna to be over.
A Levels'next.
Watch a movie.
Wrote an email to Uncle Dennis.
Time to mug again.
Cya.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Life
Life
I am actually having my study break for PERLIM exam just next Tuesday. Feeling a bit down and irritated when mum keeps nagging at me about not using the computer now. Brother Goat has left for America, starting his journey in a totally new place. Me... still locking in my room each day mugging my work that seems never-ending.
Today, I have just spent most of my time studying the chapter on growth and control. Hormones and hormones- ACTH, GH, thyroid releasing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormones, enthropins, acetonin... blah blah blah... it took me one whole night and a fresh morning.
I think i shall continue tml...
CYa.
I am actually having my study break for PERLIM exam just next Tuesday. Feeling a bit down and irritated when mum keeps nagging at me about not using the computer now. Brother Goat has left for America, starting his journey in a totally new place. Me... still locking in my room each day mugging my work that seems never-ending.
Today, I have just spent most of my time studying the chapter on growth and control. Hormones and hormones- ACTH, GH, thyroid releasing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormones, enthropins, acetonin... blah blah blah... it took me one whole night and a fresh morning.
I think i shall continue tml...
CYa.
Adding onto my birthday list
Adding onto my birthday list...
Mum hand-carried 18 Hello Kitty from Hong Kong. They were from Auntie Bonnie, celebrating my 18th Birthday. ;)
Uncle Gordon bought me 2 monkeys from McDOnald's too. They were cute. Mum also bought me a Paul Frank monkey ;D ;D
SQ sms HAppy Belated Birthday one week after my birthday. That was surprising and beyond my expectation.
PLus... Dozen of e-cards + smses
I prepared a gift for my special friend and he loved it. I felt so happy. I think life is that simple sometimes.
;D
Mum hand-carried 18 Hello Kitty from Hong Kong. They were from Auntie Bonnie, celebrating my 18th Birthday. ;)
Uncle Gordon bought me 2 monkeys from McDOnald's too. They were cute. Mum also bought me a Paul Frank monkey ;D ;D
SQ sms HAppy Belated Birthday one week after my birthday. That was surprising and beyond my expectation.
PLus... Dozen of e-cards + smses
I prepared a gift for my special friend and he loved it. I felt so happy. I think life is that simple sometimes.
;D
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
18th Birthday
Today is my 18th birthday.
It's one of the happiest birthday I can ever have.
1) One of my oldest neighbour called me to wish me happy 18th birthday. The funny think is i dun even remember how she looks like. Yeah, we know each other when I was two. I think her image of me is when i am still very young. (maybe 6yrs old)How touched, how could someone I dun remember, remember my birthday.
2) My brother goat gave me something I have always wished for. A big soft toy. A Sheep! Love it. =) It's going to be a long time before I can celebrate my birthday with him again.
3) Mummy bought me Xie Zhi's new book. "BE resilience!" that's the book title. I will. Something I need to boost me on all the way to A level.
4) Daddy brought me to "Dong Hai" for a big seafood feast. It was SUPERB! I eat some special kind of scallop for the first time, named "zhu jie pang"?!?! =) THUMB UP!
5) My best friend pupu gave me a present wrapped in a very very cute Doraemon wrapper. We took photos of that. Thanks! The gift inside is really nice. Make my skin more smooth n soft. She said " happy birthday" to me for a million of times too.
BIG HUG:)
6) My class bought all the June n July birthday gals n guys a tasty chocolate cake! It was nice, I licked the last bit of it off the cutting knife. =)
The usual guys n gals get to crap inside LT 5 and the library today as well.
+) cheers!
7) One of my very special friend sent me a birthday certificate. I was so honoured. It was innovation, cool and touching indeed. =)
8) Li Hwei was the first to wish me Bday n want me to be less childlish! haha
9) I was in my Dad's car at a traffic light. Yan Cheng walked across the road smsing... i waved but he was so engrossed, he looked up and pointed at his phone at me. It was he who was smsing HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! how sweet. ;)
10) XP finally remembered my birthday and sms first thing in the morning. HAHA... I was surprised, he has been forgetting for so many years. Yeah, and his classmates, I think, forced him to say happy birthday in LT 5 during math lecture. =)
11) Lots of my old primary school friends wished me! ;)
All the best to my best friend LT going aboard!
12) Bought a Sweden ice cream cake to celebrate later on.
It's 9.25 pm now.
Hope that my birthday wishes come true!
Thanks for all who have given me so much happiest on my 18th birthday.
I truly enjoyed myself.
All have truly touched my heart.
Memory will linger and I will surely remembered each n everyone of u always.
WIth love,
The 18th years old Hiu Yan =)
It's one of the happiest birthday I can ever have.
1) One of my oldest neighbour called me to wish me happy 18th birthday. The funny think is i dun even remember how she looks like. Yeah, we know each other when I was two. I think her image of me is when i am still very young. (maybe 6yrs old)How touched, how could someone I dun remember, remember my birthday.
2) My brother goat gave me something I have always wished for. A big soft toy. A Sheep! Love it. =) It's going to be a long time before I can celebrate my birthday with him again.
3) Mummy bought me Xie Zhi's new book. "BE resilience!" that's the book title. I will. Something I need to boost me on all the way to A level.
4) Daddy brought me to "Dong Hai" for a big seafood feast. It was SUPERB! I eat some special kind of scallop for the first time, named "zhu jie pang"?!?! =) THUMB UP!
5) My best friend pupu gave me a present wrapped in a very very cute Doraemon wrapper. We took photos of that. Thanks! The gift inside is really nice. Make my skin more smooth n soft. She said " happy birthday" to me for a million of times too.
BIG HUG:)
6) My class bought all the June n July birthday gals n guys a tasty chocolate cake! It was nice, I licked the last bit of it off the cutting knife. =)
The usual guys n gals get to crap inside LT 5 and the library today as well.
+) cheers!
7) One of my very special friend sent me a birthday certificate. I was so honoured. It was innovation, cool and touching indeed. =)
8) Li Hwei was the first to wish me Bday n want me to be less childlish! haha
9) I was in my Dad's car at a traffic light. Yan Cheng walked across the road smsing... i waved but he was so engrossed, he looked up and pointed at his phone at me. It was he who was smsing HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! how sweet. ;)
10) XP finally remembered my birthday and sms first thing in the morning. HAHA... I was surprised, he has been forgetting for so many years. Yeah, and his classmates, I think, forced him to say happy birthday in LT 5 during math lecture. =)
11) Lots of my old primary school friends wished me! ;)
All the best to my best friend LT going aboard!
12) Bought a Sweden ice cream cake to celebrate later on.
It's 9.25 pm now.
Hope that my birthday wishes come true!
Thanks for all who have given me so much happiest on my 18th birthday.
I truly enjoyed myself.
All have truly touched my heart.
Memory will linger and I will surely remembered each n everyone of u always.
WIth love,
The 18th years old Hiu Yan =)
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