[Myanmar]
1. Myanmar has become a major issue at this year's UN General Assembly (UNGA). Last year was the unexpected coup in Thailand which deposed Thaksin. This year, it was the brutal crackdown on monks and other demonstrators in Yangon and other Myanmar cities.

2. Months ago, we had scheduled a meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of UNGA to finalize the drafting of the ASEAN Charter. That was successfully done on Thursday. The ten of us then discussed Myanmar with a heavy heart. In the last year and a half, ASEAN had stopped defending Myanmar as a grouping because it was clear that the Myanmar Government preferred to deal with UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, an experienced diplomat from Nigeria.

3. We expressed our views fully and frankly. It was an unpleasant meeting of the ASEAN family when we had to take issue with a member who behaved badly and brought down the reputation of everyone. We were revulsed by the use of violence against unarmed civilians, including automatic weapons. For Buddhist ministers like Thai FM Nitya, violence against monks was simply abhorrent. After an hour, the ministers agreed for me to issue a statement which I did to the international media, flanked by them. That statement is posted on Harold's blogsite.



4. It was good that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon took a quick decision to send Gambari to Myanmar. He flew from New York to Singapore where he was issued with a visa to enter the country. Gambari had been there twice before. On both occasions, he was allowed to meet Aung San Suu Kyi. He is a good man who enjoys the trust of both sides. He is embarked on this mission with the full prestige and moral authority of the UN. We must support him. Without a fresh attempt at national reconciliation of all parties in the country, the future of Myanmar is bleak.

5. China has come under pressure to do more in Myanmar. China does have some influence but it should not be exaggerated. I have no doubt that China has been active behind the scenes to move things forward. ASEAN can issue statements but we don't have much leverage. In the end, it is what the Myanmar people do for themselves that is the most important.

Statement by ASEAN Chair, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, New York, 27 September 2007

[An ASEAN take on Myanmar]
It has been an intense few days of silent protests in Myanmar. As a Singaporean concerned with global affairs, I've been keeping track about the developments there.

More importantly are issues such as to how this instability will affect Myanmar's ties with the US. And how this will have impact on ASEAN as a whole.

What's the ASEAN stand on such instability? Find out about what the ASEAN Foreign Ministers discussed on the situation in Myanmar.

A statement was issued by Mr George Yeo, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs and ASEAN Chair from New York on Beyond SG.

The situation in Myanmar has been relevant to what I'm currently studying in my democracy class. Perhaps I shall write a short little article on that soon.

[What if]
In democracy class today some of us were discussing about what it would be like if there was no Lee Kuan Yew. Thoughts of the past flashed through my mind. Lee Kuan Yew in black and white pictures. Merdeka! Things would have been very different.

There was a discussion of Singapore's shared values. Confucianism and how it played a part in Singapore's attempt to democratise.

Then it occurred to me what if Singapore did not have The Straits Times? No state-controlled media. Chaos. Everyone turns to the Internet for information. Half truths and rumours spread. No one knows which is true and false.

Something that I imagine after reading Cherian George's paper on new media in Singapore Perspectives 2007.

For the past week I have been living without a lift. The direct lift in my block has been acting up for the past seven days. As of yesterday, it was nowhere near repair. Until today.

What if I never had a lift in my block?

I was reading Alvin's blog yesterday and chanced upon this intriguing video.



What if women had to do national service and guys didn't need to?

And I shall end today's with an artistic film.

Homecoming.



What if Singaporeans don't come home?

[SMU arty farty]
I always relish the thought of taking a trip up to the Professor's offices for consultation.

It is therapeutic because in some of the schools in SMU it's cheery due to the colourful artworks. Just like how Philippine-American painter Pacita Abad's works adorn the offices of the School of Economics.



I even went upclose with Simba. He is a very sociable, confident and warm-hearted lion with a big heart. The lion was painted by Pacita in February 2004 in an event titled SingArt, "A Brush with Lions" along with 59 other SingArtists.

"I really enjoyed painting Simba and transforming him from a white piece of plexiglass into a colorful lion. One of my greatest pleasures painting Simba was my use of color. I believe that colors influence our lives in both very subtle and intense ways. For Simba, I used warm colors to reflect the African environment where he comes from. I hope that Simba’s colors inspire people to loosen up, have more fun and enjoy life", says Pacita on her website.



Once you exit from the lift into the fourth storey, you are greeted by two photos of the Alkaff bridge - one taken at night and the other in the day.



The artwork on the bridge was also created by Pacita. A strong believer of public art, she hopes to bring art into the lives of Singaporeans everyday.



Along the corridor, there is painiting after painting. It would take a lot of time to slowly admire and look at every single piece. Shapes and colours take their form in several of the artworks.



Pacita has had numerous solo exhibitions at museums and galleries in the U.S, Asia, Africa, and Latin America and has participated in more than 50 group and travelling exhibitions throughout the world.

Her works can be found in public, corporate and private art collections in over 40 countries.

You can read more about the artist at www.pacitaabad.com

[Hey Gorgeous]
This week the Channel U team made their way done to SMU for the shooting of Hey Gorgeous - a TV show that susses out the beatiful girls and hunky guys in various tertiary institutes.

While travelling along the underground areas of SMU, you can bump into Michelle Chia, Dasmond Koh, Fiona Xie (she's hot okay) and Ben Yeo.

So I spent a short while in transit to check out some of the contestants then kena dragged by Fiona and Ben to vote for the guys. I voted for my friend Jin Rui although the hot favourite was Daryl Pan, a who is a contestant in Cleo's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.

When my friend Belinda asked who I voted for I said: "Daryl Pan is so popular liao surely win one. Vote for my friend better."

My friend made it to the finals instead. Perhaps Dary's fan base in SMU is not that established yet considering he's a pretty new kid on the block.



Swarms of people were voting for the females too. Pity the girls who were made to stand in the heat. It was really hot that day (from both the girls and the weather).



And the SMU winners are Oh Jin Rui and Wu Jia Hui.

Coincidentally, Jia Hui's my friend too. Well, my friends are hot but not me. I'm not whining though.

[CPF changes are main concern at dialogue]
Yesterday, grassroots leaders in Aljunied GRC were invited to air their views in a Post National Day Rally 2007 Dialogue. The session started on a different note this time. Instead of the participants asking the questions, the inertia picked up with Minister of State (Finance) and (Transport), Mrs Lim Hwee Hua’s question: what would you do if the situation is such that you live past the 85-year-old mark?

The dialogue was to discuss on issues that the Prime Minister highlighted in his rally speech but was centered on CPF changes.



Mrs Lim added that the Government still chose to discuss about changes to the CPF though unpopular because the Singapore Government is a “responsible Government”. She also brought up an example of sustainability and discussed it using General Motors as an example. General Motors had a retirement plan that even provided pensions for everyone such that in order to keep up with its obligations, that for every $1 earned, $0.30 would go towards meeting earlier obligations. The company declared bankruptcy in the end.

“The Government cannot just declare itself bankrupt (in the case of General Motors), it has to deliver promises to Singaporeans”, she said.

One grassroots leader asked about the Government’s role in providing sufficient and affordable healthcare adding that such costs may be a burden on the family.

Another said she would probably live past 85 as her grandparents did and if by any measure of genetics, she would too. Her concern was whether one would be able to work for long hours. To that, she suggested having a scheme to allow flexible working hours so that those that are 65 years and above could continue to contribute to the workforce (and CPF).

“It’s sort of like a semi-retirement but one is still able to contribute to the workforce” she explained.

Others questioned the annuities scheme citing high premium rates. However, he added that this would set the pace for the younger generation to realise that it is important to start investing in annuities from young.

Yet another asked if the CPF board could enroll a large group of Singaporeans at once to benefit from “economies of scale” does lowering the premium each has to pay. “It’ll be better value for money”, he added.

Summing the thoughts, Mrs Lim acknowledged the three key points – self-esteem, the elderly not wanting to be a burden to the family and to the younger generation, having options to change housing types and to minimise requirements for help.

Aljunied GRC MP Yeo Guat Kwang on the other hand touched on tripartite efforts to get older people to work beyond 62 and the plans to create enough job opportunities for those who want to work longer. It’s sort of like the saying “same same but different” – not the same job, not same pay but still working.

“We do not want to be like in other countries where they just raise the retirement age. We do not want to stretch them but we are prepared to let them work as they wish.”

And this is where job-recreation comes in. Such re-created jobs will be tailored so that those who grow older can manage and stay employed.

NorthEast CDC Mayor Zainul Abidin Rasheed brought the crowd to much laughter when he told them the jist of it was “money got enough?” He spoke about the three Ls – life needs, life skills and lifestyles and added that the CDCs would continue to help those that needed help. In Sweden, people pay taxes of 50% to 55%. Singapore cannot afford to do that as we need to attract more industries and create more jobs. He cited Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as an example.

He said: “If MM retired at 60, we would have lost 20 years of his contributions to Singapore. But he continues to work as long as he can to keep his mind active.”

And that is what he hopes will come to fruition – active minds and self-reliance. Don’t have the mindset that the children will look after you, they have their priorities too. And don’t expect the Government to. But the Government will still spend billions of dollars to have schemes like Workfare and WIS but the basis is that one has to work to be able to also depend on the Government unlike in welfare states.

A real life example was citied when it was Aljunied GRC MP Mdm Cynthia Phua’s turn to speak. She spoke of the re-adjustment of work scope where a former property officer, at 62, took a 35% pay cut to do a customer service job. To date, she has adjusted well and has even learnt how to use the computer. And she believes that senior citizens must upgrade too. And that is why the Paya Lebar CC (in her Paya Lebar ward) has a computer class that teaches Internet skills and online account creation skills targeted at senior citizens at a low cost rate of $10. Her key points were re-work, re-think and to re-skill.

Citing the growth of the GIC and Temasek Holdings, one asked whether it would be sensible to give more than the additional 1% interest rate on $60,000. He also added that one would yield much more by investing in bond and equities however, he did note that CPF had risk-free rates.

To that, the response was that investment gains from GIC and Temasek Holdings are pumped back into the annual budget. There are also some years when these investments do not have returns (but losses). Also, an additional 1% increase would be equivalent to some $700 million.

Another asked how these schemes would be misused citing the current surge of foreigners into Singapore. How would the Government tackle the situation when a foreigner brings his whole family along and reaps the benefits of the CPF scheme.

Answering that question, Mrs Lim explained that Singapore does not give welfare benefits. The foreigner has to contribute to Singapore’s economy and show commitment in order to be granted PR or citizenship. We have to have a balance. Ultimately, we are a selfish country.

Mayor Zainul added that Singapore is developing the creative and high-tech industries and these require young creative talent.

“We have to be prepared to let them in but we have to maintain a balance and know they are going to contribute”, he said.

Though they have different cultures and habits, management of foreign talent is the key.

Mr Yeo added that there have been policy revisions that allow citizens more benefits over PRs. One such policy is the cost of lift upgrading where citizens pay only 5% while foreigners pay the full cost. Hospital subsidies are also treated differently for citizens and PRs he added. He further explained that there is a very slim chance for foreigners aged 50 and above to become citizens.

In a city when there is a need for more people to sustain economic growth, such efforts to attract talent are necessary.

The panel further explained details on schemes available for those not contributing to their CPF accounts – for example housewives. Cash and CPF monies can be used to top up CPF accounts so as to enable the spouse to withdraw his/her portion of the CPF for retirement.

Another concern was ensuring that employers continue to employ and not discriminate against elderly workers. Mr Yeo said that there are schemes in place to ensure that. Mrs Lim also added that good employers would be constantly acknowledged while bad ones are pointed out.

Ultimately the strong message was for the elderly to “age gracefully and actively”.

“It is a package of difficult decisions and the Government will make it sustainable”, said Mrs Lim.

Summing up, Mayor Zainul said: “We looked at different models – Europe, Japan - and we decided to model it after Japan and we continue to make adjustments as time goes by.”

On the issue of basic annuities, Mr Yeo said “there are lots of worries but this is because the full details are not out yet”.

Mdm Phua added that one has “to change attitudes and mindsets and anchor lifestyles with the family”.

Surprisingly, there were no questions regarding Singapore's decision to have a fourth university or the language schemes in schools. No one asked about the plans for Punggol 21 + and changes to housing policies.

[Life and death]
This week's been another busy one and I know that there's more to come now that I have more responsibilities.

I've been added into another grassroots committee - the community club management committee.

I've been enjoying my political science classes and can explain to you why scholars say that Singapore is not as democratic as it is. Or that Singapore might even be authoritarian (some say it is competitive and authoritarian) while others say that Singapore is pseudodemocratic.

But that is not the story that I want to tell. The story that I want to tell is not based on ideals. It is based on reality (at least through my own eyes).

I once wrote a piece titled "Why do we always have to wait for things to happen". In that piece, I told the story of how the death of an NSman shed some light on unauthorised military training methods. In that article, I questioned.

In March this year during a routine block visit cum dialogue session, residents at Hougang Ave 10 had asked Minister to take action regarding an unsafe crossing - two fatal accidents had occured (one in November last year and one in January).

Minister had ordered immediate feedback to the LTA. For a long time, grassroots leaders have been writing to the LTA, trying to explain that it is imperative that they take action to make the road safer. Time after time there was no action.



It is not because of the lack of feedback. One thing I do not understand is why it took the LTA three deaths and five months to finally install a new crossing and a fence on the road divider. But I am still glad that the feedback was taken into consideration. But at what expense you ask. I keep my fingers crossed and pray that there will not be anymore deaths along that road.



The traffic lights were brought to life one day after the fated death. Coincidence or just pure bad luck? I am not sure but LTA may have the answers.

Two nights ago, there was another block visit but this time it was at a different location. The general questions that surfaced at a dialogue session was about LUP (lift upgrading programme), insufficient carpark lots and fire hosereels in view of the recent spate of block fires.

It is clear that feedback from residents is important. I remember Michael Palmer saying that one should take ownership of his or her own neighbourhood. And when such feedback is given it shows that residents are concerned. But residents are urged to do more - to join the residents' committees - to be involved.

Well at least, feedback does not fall on deaf ears. But I do not have an answer as to why some things take longer than others to be put to action.

[One McNally Street]
1. I visited the new LASALLE campus at Prinsep Street last week and found it more beautiful that I had expected. The building design had won a prize even before it was built. Externally, the building has a sleek facade. It is like a block cleft into four pieces linked by bridges at different levels. Entering the internal space, there is a sense of activities buzzing all around because the internal walls are made of glass. A gentle slope of astro turf invites you to sit or lie down. Groups of students were gathered here and there, young men and women, of different nationalities. Peering into a drama rehearsal, I noticed that the performers were almost all Caucasian. You hear a cacophony of different accents among teachers and students. LASALLE has a wonderfully international character which is what the arts in Singapore have become.









2. My thoughts went back to old Brother Joe McNally who, after retirement, started the college with his CPF money. (He won't be able to do that now). When I entered politics in 1988, he invited me to his workshop at St Patrick's School (my alma mater) and asked me to be a patron. I accepted not because I expected the college to be a huge success but because I liked Brother and could not refuse him. As luck had it, I became MITA minister and was able to help the college through a difficult period when it was in debt and close to collapse. At a critical moment, SIA came in with $15m for which we should be eternally grateful. Part of the deal at that time was that the college should be called LASALLE-SIA. Last year, however, LASALLE agreed with SIA for its name to be removed. Instead the theatre in the new college will be named after the airline.

3. A few months ago, the road beside the college was named McNally Street in Brother's memory. What a lovely address to have: LASALLE College of the Arts, One McNally Street. Back where Brother grew up in the west country of Ireland, in County Mayo, we erected one of his sculptures (Counsellor) at the Irish National Museum of Country Life. Those who visit Ireland should not miss it. It is over 2m high with an inscription thanking the Irish people for their gift of Brother Joe and other Irish brothers to the people of Singapore and Malaysia.

4. After touring the campus, sipping soya bean milk from a nearby hawker centre (wonderful food all around the campus), I had a good discussion with the chairman and member of the board, and the college president. We talked about the future of the college and how it should offer degree courses as part of the expansion of university places in Singapore. LASALLE should also find ways to work with SMU which is a neighbour. Although the president and two VPs who have made significant contributions to the college have decided to move on early next year, the board assured me that there would be continuity. MOE has given written assurance of its continuing support.

5. I reflected that the college has become much bigger than Brother Joe. All of us who help it in one or another are but trustees of a tradition, of Brother's vision. The college should always keep its links to the De La Salle Brothers, to Ireland, SIA and other benefactors without whom Singaporeans won't have this wonderful institution today.

6. Two days later, before dinner at a nearby hotel, I brought my wife to see the college at night. It sparkled.

Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[Remaking our CCs]
Last Friday night, several post-65 MPs such as Mr Teo Ser Luck, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Zaqy Mohamad met up with youths at the Singapore Management University to solicit feedback on how to improve community clubs in Singapore.



The session kicked off with the question was whether CCs are relevant in today's context. My friend Kenneth spoke about the old days where people had no TV sets and they gathered at CCs to watch TV.

I tossed the idea of whether it would make sense for CCs to be an integrated place - with a swimming pool, sporting faclilities etc. all in one building. This would allow families to converge there and create buzz.

Other topics discussed also included why youths do not come to the CCs or volunteer their time to help out in community activities.

It was a marketplace of diverse ideas. Everyone seemed to have good ideas but when challenged to turn those ideas into reality, the excuses came in fast and furious.

Some said they had no time. Others are involved in other organisations elsewhere.

The future success of grassroots organisations rely heavily on the youth. Unless there is new blood injected and renewal, grassroots organisations will not be able to fullfil the very purpose it was set up for.

[881]
1. Last Sunday, my wife and I saw the movie 881 at Tampines Mall with 18 of our grassroots leaders. It was a spontaneous decision because the Ming Zhu sisters who sang the songs for the Papaya sisters in the movie had presented me their autographed CDs the night before at our Bedok Reservoir mid-autumn dinner.

2. It was a touching movie but somewhat melodramatic at the end. The songs linger on in your mind. I thought the line in Hokkien, let each person take half and preserve the relationship, is very wise. A successful Hong Kong businessman told me once that he always left meat on the bone for others. Life is a matter of 'give and take'. If you only take, relationships must break down.

3. The 881 story was rather sad. I had just attended the funeral wake of the siblings who died in Hougang the day before and could not help making a connection. I think many Singaporeans saw aspects of their own lives in the movie which explains its unexpected box office success. By sharing the pain of others, our own pain somehow becomes more bearable.

4. Roystan Tan did well directing this movie. His earlier movie '15' about young gangsters in Singapore did not clear our censorship board. It was also too dark although it did receive some good reviews at international film festivals. Eric Khoo told me that Royston has potential. I had lunch with Eric and Royston two years ago and saw in them hope for our burgeoning film industry.

Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[Aljunied-Hougang Fire]
1. The recent fire at Blk 683 Hougang Ave 8 was a great tragedy for the Ng family. The police are still investigating the cause of the fire. At the funeral wake, I did not know what to say to the parents of the two siblings who died so needlessly. It was so sad. The father had asked his son and daughter to wait for him and his wife while they retrieved some documents and cash. But somehow the children did not wait and went on ahead. I think they must have wanted to recce the route for the parents to take but were suddenly overwhelmed by a fireball when they rounded the staircase.



2. Had the shops downstairs not clutter up the corridor with their wares, the fire might not have started or would not have been so bad. The MPs and the staff of the Town Council all felt very bad about it. We should have been much more strict in the enforcement. While the Town Council can exercise flexiblity, public safety must never be compromised. But nothing we do now can bring them back.



Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[What's in your bag]
Since last week I've been doing a communication research project about the stuff inside the bags of SMU students.

Rather than showing you what I have gathered (which I can't due to confidentiality), let me show you what's in my bag instead.


Some reading material which I usually bring around. The Time magazine was given to me during an event while I am reading the other magazine on energy as research material. 8-days is my weekly dose of entertainment news.


These arty brochures were from the Singapore Art Show. Some are creative and artistic.


The U Square cards are promotional material for three concerts at SMU's university square. Behind that is the commemorative booklet for Convocation. I am at the bottom right corner of the page.


The scraps of paper are notes on research for the printing of namecards. The note book is a necessary item that I carry with me in my bag so I can scribble important stuff. Sometimes I pen down inspirational thoughts inside and random thoughts for my articles in The Straits Times.


Each SMU is a citizen so all of us have this SMU passport. Important details such as my community involvement projects are documented inside. The placard is what I use to identify myself in seminars. The Profs address you by refering to the placards.

It would be interesting to see the stuff in the bags of NUS and NTU students.

[Australia, Singapore sign co-production agreement in Sydney]


Signing ceremony of co-production agreement in Sydney

Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[Surprise at branch]
Something different was brewing at the PAP branch at Bedok Reservoir today.

There were scores of people and the volunteers were on high gear. For one, even before our official opening timing at 8pm, I had started to interview the first resident.

Something special will happen today. Something that I have yet to experience.

Four cases later, I was done.

Watch the teaser to find out what's in store.



It's no big deal but from the buzz, it's quite significant. Actually, it's Minister's birthday in a few days time. And the branch had a huge party and loads of food - golden pillow curry, durian cake (from emi cakes), pizza, garlic bread, mooncakes and nougats - to celebrate.



We also jio-ed some residents to join in but they were shy. Others wished Minister a happy birthday and gave a firm handshake when they left the branch.



Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[APEC in Sydney]
1. The APEC ministers had two good days of meeting. The discussions went rather well with climate change at the top of the agenda. Another important issue discussed was the long-term prospect of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). With the Doha Round not looking very good, the FTAAP idea is gradually gaining momentum.





2. With the Leaders of 21 economies in town, security in Sydney is very tight. Kilometers of high fences have been put up to secure an area around the hotels and meeting places. Sydney reminded me of Jerusalem. The security of President Bush is the primary concern and, to his credit, he has apologized more than once to the people of Sydney for causing them this inconvenience.



3. The organisation of the conference has been impressive. In every area, the Australians show high professionalism and competence. There are small problems of course but, generally speaking, the arrangements have been excellent. Next year, the host of APEC will be Peru. After that, in 2009, it will be Singapore's turn. We have a team here in to study various aspects of organising this major event. There'll be a lot of work to do.

4. This afternoon, I took part in a Business Summit. The opening speech was given by China's President Hu Jintao. He was personally introduced by Australian PM John Howard. President Hu gave a good speech declaring China's determination to be a responsible member of the global community. PM Howard said that China would become Australia's biggest trading partner in the coming year. China's remarkable economic development is benefiting countries around the world.





Do also read my posts on Beyond SG

[Snapshots of President's Challenge]
The logo made of Lego was unveiled yesterday at the People's Association Headquarters by a variety of guests including the President himself.

But residents were also treated to a little car show. An SLK came zooming right into the heart of the event site. It belonged to MP Arthur Fong.



Some said wow. Others woo-ed.

The President had arrived earlier in his white Lexus. SEP 1 was the number plate to be exact.



The suspense on the cars died down as the President proceeded to unveil the 125,000 piece President's Challenge logo. Then balloons and confetti rained down. We escorted and cleared the route as the President made his way around with the occasional handshake and photograph.

The rain came down sometime after he was led to the VIP reception area

So while others spent their Sunday morning lazing in bed on a cold and rainy day, so 50 youths where making sure the event went well.



Most cool was this 4,500 piece minature that was presented to the President. But it's quite heavy.

[Dragonboating at Raffles Marina]
For the first time, I tried a dragonboat race in the high seas. It is different from rowing in the reservoir where the water is still.

The Raffles Marina was specifically where I rowed and the event was the SMU Dragonboat Regatta. The yachts there are pretty much like those at a similar yacht club (I can't remember the name now) at West Coast that I visited some years back.



This is my fourth time taking part in a dragonboat race this year. And I was representing my CCA group SMU Broadcast & Entertainment.



It is my third time rowing a ten-member boat and I hope that this experience will prepare me for future races to come. By December, the Aljunied GRC dragon boathouse at Bedok Reservoir will be completed. Perhaps the YEC that I am currently heading can have a go at rowing. Maybe we could even have an inter-GRC YEC race.



SMU BE Dragonboat Team rocks!