People's Victory

WHAT a good news is it? Today President has pledged its people that present government will hold the Irrawaddy Hydro-electric power dam project during their term. He cited the power is given by people and they'll not make things that make our people feel sad. I believe, our people will welcome this good news and credit to our president as he deserve. We have heard people's serious concern with regard to this project most recently. All the corner of people participate in this campaign, author, musician, politician, ordinary people.

EMG's recent news suggests that 20% of this project is deemed finish according to the photos taken. People were ignored by not disclosing the professional report by Chinese and Myanmar geologists. Fortunately, the danger of Irrawaddy was suddenly surfaced by some particular reasons. Most noticeably, the recent speech by Minister of Energy effectively sparked people's angers. It probably prompted people both professions and lay men to organize events attempting to highlight how important this river is for us. All come united on the attitude of stopping this project. Another fortunate thing is government's change policy in censorship of media. Our media these days are relatively transparent than past time. They are able to publish most itchy articles which couldn't be imagine in past time. Anyway, those all changing contributed the mission of saving our main river, Irrawaddy.

I am sure the civilian government will get people's trust by making this decision. Alternatively it look like rewarding those who try all the ways in campaigns despite it is highly risky. I also hope it'll help our government's reconciliation effort among our races especially in the northern ethnic region people, Kachin. I would like to request my fellow citizens and domestic media not to hesitate in praising the government for their positive movement. It's not fair to the president and its cabinet ministers if we are only active in criticizing their negative movements. Anyway, our government eventually listen our people voice and take action accordingly. I believe, this is one of so many such positive things to come in near future. It's time to celebrate the people's victory. Lets cheer around.

Thanks Mr. President for saving Irrawaddy which is above anything else in Burma.

Shall we go further?

CGTI family Singapore was born in 1989 and it has been active in social activities among ex-students who are working in lion city. It's main priority is likely to collect donation from family members and manage to pass them to needy teachers who are in and out service. It has been gone beyond expectation by a family of few hundred members. We have to recognize that CGTI family has been existing in the lion city for more than 20 years is not by default. In other words, it's not easily maintain to alive by itself. Of course, without its CEC members who are also never hesitate in plugging the gap especially in the financial loop, this special purpose-built family would have been disappeared long long ago.

But, I personally think that CGTI family could be able to do more than just a firm of collecting donation for ex-teachers. If they are standing alone for just the single mission, it is most likely to lose its members in the long run. I don't mean the members will go away from family on the stingy ground. I would say it will be more healthy to bond among family members if the family create much more activities. It's boring to learn that CGTI family only do for fund collection and will be seen unattractive unless it has some fun-pack innovative events.

Let me recall a day of Myanmar Engineer Society Forum held in Singapore few months ago. It was organized by RIT family Singapore and they managed to invited Dr. Nyi Hla Nge as a guest of honour. It was relatively success as a first time initiative. I guess why not for GTI families to hold such event if RIT family can do it. At CGTI alone, it has produced so many Engineer who are specialized in four major called Civil, EP, MP & MT. Some of ex-GTI students had gone as far as Ph.D and some are able to work as a white collar worker in Singapore. CGTI family can ask them for sharing their working and educational experience to fellow GTI graduates who are inferior to them. I don't think any option rejected by those successful GTI graduates if they are being asked.

We don't need to have very high standard contents to hold such seminar among CGTI members. Because it would be handful amount of GTI graduates who are working as a design engineer. Mostly we are working as technician such as supervisor, draftperson, quantity surveyor, site engineer, etc. If there are 100 CGTI graduates in Singapore, it means there are 100 options to be shared through members. What we need most now is just start. After that we don't need to worry for attendants because people know what is good and what is bad in real life. The family can put some titles on the website and invite possible candidates to register through online or mobile phones. May be we can do it such event once a month at the early stage. Later we can expand the service to bi-weekly, weekly and so no.

I have crazy idea that those seminar would be recorded properly and try to publish as a book and send them to our mother institute (CGTI) library. I believe it'ld be popular topic among students at institute because it reflect actual working world's difficulties and know-how technology before they are going to actual world. I hope they are also helpful to the in service teachers in teaching their students. We are obliged to share what we have learned oversea and they would be priceless for those engineers who are working in Myanmar. Probably we can buy one projector if the attendance gain by time through funds. I think, this is within our potential and want to urge CEC members to look into this suggestion. Once we succeed in gathering our members regardless of anything, it'ld help family to collect funds as well. So I must say it's win-win situation if this imagination become true.

May our fellow citizen able to share their valued experience to advance our careers and maintain existing job at our own will.

Bad/Good Friend

TAIWAN is always considered as a part of China's territory by China regardless of other opinions in the world society. As a result, Taiwan is not recognized as a nation in UN despite they label themselves as an independent nation. Perhaps it is sign of China power in the world. Fortunately, Taiwan has US to counter China's continuous threat on potential invasion. Taiwan usually rely on US to improve their army so that they can match China's rising military. The most recently, Taiwan wanted to buy US's advanced warplanes F-16 which might cost them US$5.0 billion and US declined their bid to avoid China's serious concern. China always warn US not to interrupt in their domestic affair while Taiwan asked US for their mercy. In term of human right, I think US has a right to protect Taiwan as long as they got Taiwan's consent. However, US opted to alternative contract to upgrade Taiwan's existing fleet of fighters which are also lower version of F-16. Beijing has shown their unhappiness on the deal despite US avoid their lucrative sale. China set back their military cooperation agreement to show their concern. It's very obvious to understand that China don't want US to assist Taiwan by selling their advanced weapon. Let it be as it's the policies of world's two biggest economies and beyond our control.

What matter most to me is that China is doing the same thing US does to Taiwan against our country, I believe. Since independence in 1948, our government continuously struggling to cope with ethnic rebels. There are several ethnic armies who fight government army for more than 5 decades. Those rebels who are stationing at the border of China are getting weapon from China. Our government might have known that trend but helpless to block China's activities because China has big influence on our government. China always claim that they are our good neighboring country. How can it be true while China is assisting our rebel group by selling weapon they needed to fight government? I'm not happy to learn that UWSA (United Wa State Army) become stronger by time and even they dare to oppose government's proposal on transforming border guard. The UWSA is regarded as Chinese army widely due to their Chinese population background. They have even factory to produce their own weapon. They are taking 4 townships as their territory and government is helplessly look them control that area. It look like they are living there as a separate country and I am very upset to see like that in my country. I'm not pro-government but thing come like that, I'ld support government side. With the help of China, this particular rebel group stronger and seem untouchable.

How do our government address this problem in the long run unless they can press China to stop from assisting them? It's look like China is trying to set their own army on our backyard. Is China trying to make plan-B should our democratic government resist their will in future? Probably yes to this thinking. I would like to request China not to do the act that they don't like US do on their case. Please help our government's afford in trying to reconcile among our races. Then we'll rate you a good neighbor unconditionally. At the moment, we're not happy with the way you are treating us. You take most of our natural resources, then you try to reinforce our rebel force. How can you say yourself that you are our good neighbor by doing so? We hope you'll proof it by taking concrete steps with the interest of our national peace.

China's Signal Lesson

CHINA has boasted the world by showing its latest acquisition of new technologies. It include manned satellite, carrier, bullet train, etc. They are trying to modify foreign imported technology and announce it as their own. Recently, the news I remember that state the arguments between Japan's bullet train giant Kawasaki and China's state own railway company with regard to train component patent right. I don't know who win in the international court. Let it be as it's non of our business.

Few months after they launch their bullet train route between Beijing and Shanghai, the faulty train signal contributed the collision of two bullet trains in which 40 people were killed. It was happening in last July and it generate people's outrage toward government officials. The government tried to get back people's trust by suspending the on-going railway projects and introduced the safety. Unfortunately, there was another tragic at China's commercial city, Shanghai again in yesterday. This time the victim of the China made technologies was subway trains. Again faulty signal made one subway train rammed another. This time, there were more than 270 passengers injured. The fact is that signals used on the Shanghai subway were made by China Railway Signal & Communication Corp-the same company that was blamed for the faulty signals in the July crash of bullet trains which brought 40 people's life.

The China is trying to export its train technology to less developed countries like ours. It really matter to us while we can ignore their plights regarding to above tragic. The fact suggests us that our country's top FDI come from China. Mostly invested in our natural resources. Now China's railway company is working on the finding potential route for railway line between its deep-port development project city and its boarder city. I am wondering what if China throw their outdated technology to our country's railway lines. It's possible as China always see their profit regardless of side effects. Our country can get long time interest free loan from China for their unused old train technology. It's real threat and can impact on our people severely. I wish our leaders able to see the case seriously for the interest of our people's safety.

May all of my fellow citizens free from Chinese's outdated and copycat technologies. May all our leaders wise enough to protect our people's lives from such threats of bad neighbor.

English Matter-2

It was early 2005, I was going to Malaysia for my first ever oversea job with the prospect of better paid job. I met some more people at airport who will go together under same agent. There were two agents involved in our oversea job process, one is my fellow citizen and another is Singaporean. We needed to follow Singaporean agent until we reach at KLIA. Soon after landing KLIA, he asked us not to go anywhere from the designated place and left us alone. According to him, our employer is supposed to come and collect us at airport. We were disappointing with the condition but follow. We saw a lot foreign workers around and some of them seem so long waiting for their bosses to collect and even sleep soundly. Luckily, our employer arrived few hours later and brought us to the city.

Since I'm not physically strong man, I wanted to work in office in order to avoid extreme equator sun at work site. But we all understood that we are employed to work at site. I asked Myanmar agent if she can request my employer for office job. She, without hesitating, replied me "no, it's not possible". I later understood that Myanmar agent has no authority or power in dealing with foreign employers. I bear in mind those unrecognized words from my agent, I still wanted to try my luck as much as possible in where got chance. Once we all get out of KLIA compound, we were asked to surrender our passports to the employer. The employer sent two cars to pick us up. One is boss's brother who is director as well and another is foreign workers affair manager.

After they took our passports, they ask if there are any graduates or not. I raised my hand quickly to response the question. Then we departed from KLIA to the city. It was already night around local time 8:00pm. I took front seat beside driver who is foreign worker affair manager. On the way to city, I tried to talk the manager by asking what's the company's specialize in construction industry as well as the number of current running projects. He also asked me few questions on what I could do in my last job in Myanmar. I took fully advantage by explaining him that I'm stronger in paper work and also familiar with computer. He might have noted my words and my wish was fulfilled the next morning. Because, I am selected to work in the head quarter and immediately sent me head office which is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I was undoubtedly happy to be sent office as it's definitely where I wanted to work. I think the ability of my spoken English might have contributed me to grab this office job. I understood the competitive edge of language skill for those who are trying to work in foreign land for first time in my life.

Goat Curry

IT has been new trend to celebrate wedding reception among migrant workers like us. We need to attend such celebration very often as our social cycle is relatively big. Mostly, the newly weds couple select the wedding avenue on the famous Myanmar restaurants so that they can treat their wedding guests by traditional foods. Also they can demand decoration on the tame of Myanmar traditional to restaurant owner. Among others, Inn Lay Myanmar restaurant is quite famous among Myanmar couples who are looking for their wedding venue followed by several monasteries. Most importantly, Myanmar restaurants are located in the peninsular plaza and easy to access for incoming visitors. Perhaps this make us to easily choose those restaurants.

When we celebrate such wedding event, we used to serve by either lunch or dinner to our close friends as well as relatives. We also don't leave our foreign friends from workplace to be invited. Most of foreign friends are attending our wedding event so as they can learn our culture and to show their care on us. It's compulsory to invite our bosses as a guest of honor. Here, one thing we find difficult is to search proper person to greet them and help them in needs. Because everything they see around wedding event could be strange to them and some might want to know further rather than just viewing them. Since the restaurant owners tried their best with the tame of Myanmar's best traditional decoration, they are most likely to catch those foreign visitor's eyes.

At a wedding ceremony of my friend couple, they managed to treat visitors with lunch as usual. The couple is busying with greeting people around the hall. Their bosses coming in, they greeted them and located in one place. Then they transfer one close friend to help their boss in whatever they need. As they see other visitors are queuing for their buffet lunch, they started to queue. Once their turn reach, they ask couple's friend what curry is it by pointing one steel container. The translator-elect friend immediately answer and the foreigner bosses were distraught by the answer. What make them confused is "That is goat curry". In fact, the translator tried to explain them it is mutton sir. It's quite funny to be said now but it was really uncomfortable for the attending bosses amid other visitors.

May my fellow citizen use proper English to prevent their own reputation.

(disclaimer: I didn't write this post to degrade my fellow citizens, just sharing the life's funny case only. Hope your kind understanding)

English Matter ?

I read a lot voices concerned by Singaporean with related to suggestion of switching to American English from current native English. During recent forum held in NTU, Singapore's former minister mentor LKY hinted to adapt US English due to US's accelerating dominance of internet and social media websites. City state is trying to set up the English hub for those people from the region. As MM Lee's idea is always taken into consideration, MOE seem tend to change its curriculum from current British English to US English. Some insists why need to change while their own Singlish is still can be used to communicate among people. One reason we cannot argue with MM Lee's comment on improving English language skill is to maintain Singapore's competitive edge. He also stressed that Singaporean's effective English performed integral part of City state's long term success. Because of this, more and more MNCs chose this tiny state as an ideal place to set up their new regional head quarter. Let them argue as it's their business.

What concern us is what English are we using in our mother land? Probably it's likely to be English version as most of our curriculum were heritages from English's colony time one. Myanmar was once famous for its English language skill and deemed an ideal place to learn English language in the region. I once heard that in the old days, regional meetings usually selected Myanmar official to chair due to their English proficiency. This can be truth as we have seen our fellow citizen the world's most important post, UN general secretary in the past. Another good example would be our national hero General Aung San who is well known for his English skill, even British official appreciated his ability with handling English speeches. Let it be because it was in past and gone.

Then how is current's situation with us? Frankly, we, Burmese workers, are known for poor in English language skill in abroad. It's hurt to see such news cruelly even published in some media here. Generally, those who come out of country are well educated people and able to speak English better than their fellow citizens who remain works domestically. After they land in foreign land, we find ourselves our English language skill is not enough to compete in the working world. We may be succeed in term of technical. But we have to accept that we cannot expect a top post without mastering English. By this reason alone, we all should try to improve ourselves by taking every chance in polishing our existing language skill.

As we all known, most of Singaporean can speak bilingual which mean a person can speak two languages effectively. Some even trilingual and it make Singaporean stand ahead of their counterparts from other countries. Our education is declining in standard and quality. It become worse and critical when no one seem take care of changing/improving our education system. As a result, our younger generation are more likely to be poorer in English skill and it's absolutely concern that how can they compete with their peers from other country when the time see them as our leaders? I would like to request to our authority to look into it properly and amend accordingly. Please do not hide from truth if you want to really improve the things in country. It'll tell the people how much you are loyal to your country. We'll try to gather working knowledge and language skill here and happily return to mother land once the time is deemed right.

May all my fellow citizens including me speak English effectively by the help of themselves.

Recalling CD

THEY said "time and tide waits for no man", a famous quote ever true regardless of time to date. As time goes by, it's inevitable we have to grow old concurrently. It's obvious we can't bring back our younger days while struggling in the hectic life especially for the migrant workers like us. However it's still sustainable to recall our campus memories that we all enjoyed to its fullest. No matter our background, we all were enjoying our campus days while we are studying for our first ever engineering foundation course. It's not an arguably story that we can't be today without going through our campus days. In the memoir of campus life, our mother institute is an integral part of it. We label ourselves by citing the famous institute name nowadays. I'm not blaming to do so. It's good to be proud of being the product of this famous institute which is one of few elite institutes in Myanmar's technological institutes.

At the same time, I would like to remind all my fellow CGTI graduates not to forget the driving force behind our famous institute. I admit that I also one of those forgotten group until I watch a video CD given me at the annual dinner. My wife and I found the video able to give mix-emotional feelings, happy and sorrow. Since we both graduated from CGTI, we don't need to explain each other during playing time. All the sense are familiar to us. We found most of things stick to our institute are remain unchanged. We see students going around campus as well as some click of lecturing activities in the variety of classes. The video shooter might have tried to show all angles of our institute as they dangerously climbed RC water tank top through its rusted stairs. It's visible that those cat ladders are rusted and can be considered risky. But it couldn't deny the will of video shooter. We can able to see not only the physical condition of properties but the constructive willingness of our ex-teachers who are still in service.

The video bring us all the rooms available to CGTI. We enjoy some rooms even we didn't reach during our campus days. We noticed some new feature rooms such as audio & computer rooms among others. The video able to draw attention of viewer by showing activities of workshops from all departments as well as some conversation by senior lecturers. We were silent during play time and no complaint despite it is longer than one hour. We know, at the same time, each other what feeling going through our minds and tried to avoid seeing each other. We were unable to control our tearful eyes to roll down on the cheeks when we reach the peak moment of the video. This is the cash-donation to 5 selected senior teachers followed by their acknowledged speech and good willing wishes.

We both clearly understand the quality of contribution made by CGTI family and salute their tirelessly effort to make it happen. We were regretful by looking back our selfishness by staying away from family's activities. We've learned a good lesson generated by CGTI Singapore's family and easily decided to donate by monthly basis through the channel of CGTI family. I sincerely hope this video CD will able to get my fellow graduate's attention and the EC member who made it fully deserve our praise. If the stingy couple can change their mind, why not for you my fellow graduate?

As JFK quoted" my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country". This famous quote enlighten us to understand what's the quality of human being to give back our society. If they can say like that, why not us for saying
If CGTI has done well for us to stand ahead of others, why not us contributing back to her when we're easily afford? Oh my fellow CGTI family member, it's time to feed back our mother institute and its driving force which is our ex-teachers regardless of in/out service. I hope you get my message from the deepest part of my heart.

May CGTI Singapore family exist as long as CGTI graduates working in city state.

A 97 Civil graduate.

A night to remember

CGTI family Singapore's third annual dinner was held on SCCCI's hall successfully yesternight. My wife and I tried to attend this event despite my wife is not feeling well because we eagerly awaited this gathering. We see it as an opportunity to see our old friends as well as senior and junior product of our mother institute. The CGTI family is systematically formed by a group of CGTI graduates who are working in Singapore more than one decade ago. It was born with the good attitude of active senior graduates. Primary purpose is to set up gathering and build strong relationship among CGTI graduates. At the same time, it also meant to exchange valuable workplace experiences among CGTI products. Later, it expanded its mission by collecting charity funds from graduates and help the ex-teachers who had been retired now as well as providing necessary furniture in the mother institute back.

Since CGTI graduates arrival in City state grow, CGTI family's size has been growing dramatically and able to organize activities more frequently. It has formed EC members who take full responsibilities to maintain this firm as long as possible. It even has media, finance, administrative, marketing division so that everybody can take part their assignments by senior leaders. No wonder CGTI family is famous among other counterparts of its kind in Singapore as well as in Myanmar because the unity among CGTI graduates are unrivaled. CGTI became growing by time while other similar GTI families are struggling with their prevailing group. They used to take CGTI family as a role model when they are out to campaign their own institute products. Probably, it's because we are mostly from upper Burmese people who came from poor family background. Generally most of upper Burmese people are hard working, frank, interest in social activities compare to those from lower Burmese. It might be reason why CGTI family can walk long successful.

The event was fun-package and the live band was entertaining the incoming CGTI family members. People are automatically gathered at the same table by the same batch. It's really pleasure to meet old friends after missing for so many years. Some of us unable to find a proper time to meet despite we are on the same city due to our busy schedules. So I believe, most of us will find it worthy to come by this reason alone. Once we entered the hall, all the graduates we seen are smile, friendly, smart and active. No matter which batch we were graduated, they are welcoming all attending fellow graduates by open arms. The two tables are placed left and right of entrance doors so that everybody come in the hall can notice. Some members from right tables are collecting generous donation for ex-teacher aid programme from attendants. At the same time, some members from the other side are selling CGTI family memorial shirts to attendants. As we all are under mode of fun, most of attendants are buying and immediately wear the shirt to show their spirit. Sooner after program starts, more than half attendants are already uniform with beautiful family shirts.

The uniform family members are moving around to greet the visiting ex-teachers who are in town. We are able to see the teachers of our generation teachers at the event. One senior teacher gave open speeches to audiences emotionally. He elaborated how his teaching career gone surprise and how should we all respect the lectures we gained from our mother institute. He also highlighted the value of being AGTI graduate by citing how AGTI graduates contributed in building our nation from scraps. We all noted his speeches to share our younger generation one day. He concluded his speech by suggesting to set up all GTI family rather than CGTI alone. Then, the visiting ex-teacher gave his gratitude speech to senior members and family for making his trip wonderful.

After that, the much awaited dinning chapter was opened by live band music in which some graduates are trying to entertain their fellow graduates. We all enjoyed delicious chicken biriyani and icy assorted drinks. We all make the hall noisy environment by talking our old days as well as current situation. As you know, old friends never enough time to talk everything they want to chat after long time no seeing each other. The event was followed by exciting lucky draw which selected five lucky winners. Surprisingly one of my close friends got third price and he go back home with a prize in hand. It cost us S$10.00 each and the family gave us more than 10 times worthy back us. There were some special guess from other GTI families with the prospect of witnessing CGTI spirit and probably hope of merging opportunity.

We all have to credit the EC members for their tirelessly efforts to make it true. We all can guess that to make such scale event happening in city state will never come easy. Anyway, CGTI family had shown the strength of unity by making this 3rd time annual dinner successfully. And I sincerely believe, we all have gained something from this unforgettable event and there would be better social activities among CGTI graduates by the guidance of our own family. May CGTI family last long to its eternity.

95-97 Civil Graduate

World-class service

IT is my surprise to see my driving license renewal process could be done less than half hour. In my recent trip back home, I needed to renew/extend my current driving license. Previously I used to ask agent to change it for me. However this time I am unable to repeat the same as before as there has been law change. The new law requires the holders to go in person for any traffic related services. Just before I return home, I passed Singapore's basic theory test for driving. The officer asked me to extend my current one as it's too close to expire at the moment. That's why I badly needed to change it during my recent trip.

This time trip back home bring three mission for me to be done during a couple weeks which are buying a flat, changing driving license and the most importantly celebrating my daughter's one year birthday in my home town. So I rate this license matter the most minor and didn't want to give much time. It was rainy afternoon and I am stuck in the room. Suddenly I decided to go driving license office for my license on around 3:00pm. With the fear of late, I took a taxi and arrive the office around 3:45pm. The taxi driver advised me how to go and he even guess I won't be able to get by today and have to return on tomorrow. I rushed to a main building through flooded road in the compound of the office. It is 2 storey building and I needed to ask another person for right place and reach license department on almost 4:00pm. I approached to a desk and inquiry to a staff.

Me : I want to renew my license.
Staff: already late, may be you can go and ask there (by pointing at another desk)
Me : Hi officer, am I able to change my license now?
Officer: Hmm,,,we are close on taking application form (by seeing her watch)
Me : How come close while the operation hour ends at 4:30pm?
Officer stars at me as my response is too confident and perhaps strange to her ears.
Me : I see bulletin board infront of the room showing 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Off : Ok, tell me what's your blood type.
Me : A+
Off : Hmmm,,,,what do you mean A+ ?
Me : A-positive
Off : We don't have such type in Myanmar.
Me : well then make it A, lah
Officer takes a form and fill up for me in the attempt of saving time.
Off : give me 5,000
I gave her the amount she ask for.
Me : anything else?
Off : it's done, you may go sit and wait for collection
Me : alright, thanks
I took a chair which is nearby and able to see the officer and read a book. A few minute later I got talking on my handphone with my sisters. People around seems looking at me secretly, I feel. So after I talk, I take a snap by mobile phone camera. I noticed one young staff nearby go and tell officer for my action. I was actually nervous with what I have done and waiting for consequence while I maintain my calmness by reading a dhamma book. A few minute later, officer raised her hand and signal me to come. I approached her and ask for calling. She asked me to sign on my application form of driving license. I asked her if there is any problem with my over due of expiration date. She said no problem and seem hesitation with waiting time. She even told me that she's trying to get director's signature and she'll pass it to me asap. I notice her action is not normal. She might have thought I am someone from authority or intelligent. Anyway, I got advantage from her wrong judging. In real world, there is no such thing to treat an applicants so politely by an officer like her. I am a bit strange in mind and even want to laugh.

A few minute later, she told her staffs not to go back early as all must clean the office today. She told loudly so as I can hear her voice, I think. Then, she went in a room and get out to me together with my new smart card. I was really surprised with my card as I thought I'ld need to come back tomorrow for collection at least. I saw a lot people queuing for their name being called by officer for their card collection. They might have submitted their application form since morning time but still wait. I felt unfair to them being privileged for nothing. Once I receive my card by hand, I ask the officer if I need to pay anything for service. She quickly replied me no need, it's our duty. I said thanks and return home. In my way back home, I keep thinking what did make this officer very helpful and so kind to me.

One thing I can able to find is my very short style of hair-cut. It look me like an army official. Meanwhile, my action of taking photo by mobile phone might have assist me to get express service. I got lesson from this event that those flawed system may lead unnecessary confuses to not only customers but servicing staffs too. May we have a fair system which work base on first come first serve regardless of ranks.

Oldies are goldies

RECENTLY Singapore and Malaysia made historic agreement on shifting the existing KTM train station from the almost downtown area to the land close to JB. There were a lot of voice with regard to the news. Some are happy with upcoming development while others are unhappy with disappearing of historic icon which is integral part of Singapore's history. Anyway the station eventually had been moved successfully to the designated location. Now some part of railway lines would be reopen to public for the remembrance of history. Just before the final day, some people are going the vicinity to take some picture of historic building as well as railway track. Even some wedding couple are choosing the antique railway line as their pre-wedding photo site. Now people are not necessarily need to rush to get those famous scene after government announce on reopening of some part to public. Perhaps it is another stunt by republic to add one more attraction on the menu of their tourist attraction places. What a clever move is it?

If Singapore could find some value from the scrap, while not for our country, Myanmar? The new government is currently busy with changing some outdated policies. One of them is replacing very old car exercise and the government is exchanging them with with new car import license. As a result, newer cars in the market price declined to 30% while old car price enjoy sky-rocket price due to sudden demands. Anyway, those owners of very old cars are going to surrender their antique cars to authority in the exchange of new car import permission. Then what the government will do with those antique cars? One news read that the authority is going to send those cars to factories where they would be transformed to metal by pressing. If the news is right, it's not wise enough, in my opinion. May be the authority can catagorize to cars based on manufacturing date as well as brands. I'm sure those over 40 years old car factories won't be existing in the world.

So, it should be transformed as a car museum rather than making just scrap metal. I'm sure it'ld be top tourist attraction in the future. Also we can show our younger generation the process of car history. I believe, some of those antique cars cannot be found in the world. The tourist would love to see such grand-father of modern cars. The modern cars are no longer strange to them as they can be easily found in their countries. Meanwhile, those 3 to 4 decades old cars can be seen valuable antique which cannot be bought nowadays. I sincerely hope the authority will take this into consideration to generate a good and attractive car museum for our people.

Be responsible and earn respect

I frequently read news of recalling cars which has been flaw with some technical system. It's not a small task for respective motor company but they're doing this if it is necessary. It doesn't matter to wait until there is complaints by their customers. They used to make this practice whenever they found out any related flaws with cars already on the market and roads. If they don't know the drawback until complain come out, it's most likely they need to compensate to those victims due to road accidents. It'll definitely lose the consumer's trust on their brand and the sale will follow by declining. Thus, they are always alerting in their R&D to ensure their products are good enough for consumers.

Believe it or not? My country is producing our own brand motorcars through local industrial parks as well as government factories. It's hilarious to learn one of poorest countries in the world is trying to manufacture cars by its own technology. In fact, the producers are importing all spare parts and assemble in their workshops. Some parts of body are being made domestically. It look like computer clone which has several branded components inside. It's still working but obviously dangerous to drive on roads. Because there is no quality control, there is no standard, there is no authority to monitor the product's quality, etc. The producers can sell their products in the market. Of course, they are a bit cheaper than fully imported cars and some locals are using such cars. The sellers always boasted that their cars are brand news cars while imported cars are at least 10 years old. Let it be.

The concern is who take responsibility when such cars go wrongfully and hit accident? It's up to owner's destiny. Our people might have accused their own fake rather than flawed products. Our government is trying to pretend our people by showing such cars and say we are already industrialized nation. Perhaps only uneducated people from rural areas will believe in what they are talking through state media. But it's really happening in my country. Our people need to pay more to get used cars than counterparts from other countries buy new cars. The government effectively control motorcar import license and make sure there is less supply than demand so that they can sell permit with very expensive. The custom fees is about 300% on car price. There are other taxes to be paid if you want to own a car. However there is no insurance, no guarantee on the car. If someone encounter a problem, it's belong to him only. There is no such thing to go court and sue the company or seller. We live in such world while others enjoy their right.

Recently, the government announced to withdraw the old cars which are as old as 40 years on the road and will replace with new car license to those who surrender their old cars. It follow few days after government tell media that they'll allow foreign car dealer to come and open car show rooms. People are happy with the news and the car price has gone done as much as 30% within few days after announce the news. We are seeing the sign of changes and people started to recognize the civilian government. Hopefully our government able to make meaningful policies changes in the benefit of our people. Later is better than never.

A frank lawyer

AFTER carefully think of consequence, I decided to hire a lawyer for the final phase of my property contract. My cousin sister suggested to get professional advice as we can't see hidden risks before we pay final cash as it's huge amount for me. She recommend a lawyer she always hire whenever she buy property and I finally decided to agree with her. One afternoon, we make an appointment with lawyer at her office. My cousin sister and I went the office to conclude my flat purchasing story. Once we reach her office, my sister introduced me with the lawyer as she is mutual person between us. We gave her a deposit paying agreement letter first before we continue to speak. After reading the content of the letter, she break silent by questioning. This is my first ever meeting with a lawyer in my life and it wasn't gone easy for me.

Lawyer: How old are you?
Me : 34
Lwr: Where are you working?
Me : Singapore
Lwr: What kind of job are you working there?
Me : Engineering
Lwr: YOU, being working as an engineer in the abroad?
Me : yes I'm
Lwr: Wondering how are you surviving there by not knowing even basic one.
Me : hmmmm
Lwr: you failed to put the date of agreement in your letter, first.
Me : hmmm
Lwr: the contents are favoring the seller
Me : hmmm
Lwr: the duplicate and original are not exactly the same
Me : hmmm
Lwr: then, do you understand you're going to lose if anything goes wrong in next phase?
Me : I just used a ready made contract bought from roadside shop.
Lwr: Anyway anyhow, you should have done it better to protect your money
Me : ya, but I did it urgently as it happened just an hour away from departure time of my bus
Lwr: Are you so rich to lose such amount?
Me : Not really, Mdm
Lwr: Don't be stupid next time, OK
Me : Yes, I'll remember this and don't let it happen again in future
Lwr: Don't let people know you are working in abroad.
Me: alright
Lwr: It's your fault to mention it as people can easily cheat at you
Me: alright, I'll remember it
Lwr: Once people ask you why you want to buy, just tell them because I want it, enough ready
Me: Ok
Lwr: There is nothing to do with others for your bank account
Me: Yes, I agree
Lwr: Good, lets go and see seller of the flat.
Me : Alright

The lawyer is driving her own car and it was raining afternoon in Yangon. She continuously talked to me how people are untranslatable these days by giving several stories she had encountered. It also included some stories in which she was victim of greedy people. She is now over 60 years old and she seem quite confident with her job. She waste no time since I'm meeting her. She makes several calls to her partners who are working at the government's home management authorities to check the flat owner's name. In the way to seller's house, she received a call to confirm who is the owner of the subject flat I intend to buy. I've got a big lesson by seeing her and thanks God for letting her to defense my hard-earn money. The rain is heavily falling and I'm exciting with the mission ahead.

Will we finish this case successfully?

To be continue.

Emigration

WHY do people need to emigrate from one place to another? There might be so many reasons while some of them are quite common. To flee war-prone place, for quality education for their generation, for better healthcare, for better human right, for better living society, etc. These are quite norms among emigrants for their changing. However, I was surprising to learn one of special reason for those Chinese multi millionaires who are seeking a place to emigrate. What should it be? It's just because they wanted to get internal security of their valuable assets. I paused and think it about and able to understand as it's quite similar the condition of my home land's modern billionaires.

One resident highlighted that the land they buy in China will belong to government after certain lease years. So some millionaires are trying to buy land plots in abroad that allow owner to own their property forever. At the same time, they are seeking a chance to get foreign passport so that they can find a place to live in when they are treated unfairly by government. However most of such millionaires can be either retired government staff or business men who made their assets from illegal things. That's why they are afraid of their assets being taken by government in one day of future. Some of them are doing business in China but sending their family in abroad such as US, Canada, Australia, etc. This scenario suggests that Chinese people are not trusting in their own governments and trying to emigrate if any chance given. One report said Chinese people are not trusting in the China product and avoid if they can.

No wonder to see China's famous product like Jet Li and Gong Li were recently surrendered their citizenship for Singapore passports. Some critics said it is part of their attempt to avoid paying heavy income tax. Nevertheless, it show China has a problem with retaining its growing millionaires. How do they get back people's trust? Surely they are fighting corruption among government officials so that they can get people's trust. Also trying to create enough jobs for its people. Today, China has become world's second largest economy just behind US. But still got rooms to be improved such as healthcare and education. China has encountered several tainted foods cases in these years. It effectively damaged China's image among world's society. Most of tainted foods such as milk, pork, egg, now gutter oils are born in China. No other people from the world may not have such dirty minded to generate profit at the expend of other health problem. Hopefully China authority able to cope with such horrible things happening repeatedly in future.

Recently, I read local news of my country that more and more Myanmar's riches are buying in Singapore's properties especially in condo. What a proud news for us if it's happening as usual. But most of us believe that those people who buy such expensive condominium are spending their illegal/black money to hide their assets from government's investigation in future. It cost at least S$ 3million and who is able to afford such huge money with usual business in the one of poorest countries of the world? This is a try of internal security of their assets just like their counterparts from China. Myanmar's people are finding their lives very difficult to survive while those privileges are enjoying luxury flats and sending their children to foreign institutions. The gap of living standard become huge gap and it's major problem for our society.

May the authority able to close such huge gap by taking necessary action.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

OH, my mother land, your shape alike a pretty woman who is cradling. Not only such incredible shape you are, but also never failed to give us the best things possible in the world. You are perfectly located in the world map. You have very good cultivated lands in which we can grow most of plants spices. You give us more than enough foods for us as well as drinkable water by having enough rivers and streams. You provide us unrivaled three seasons so called summer, rainy & winter to enjoy the whole year. We have almost everything the world's citizen dreaming to possess in term of natural resources such as oil, gas, timber, gems, optimal weather, foods, fishery, plain cultivated lands, mountains, snow, rain, forest, river, streams, etc. We may not find a better land like you in this planet. You have performed more than a responsible mother. That's why let me label you "The Good" as you fully deserve it.

Oh, our brand new civilian government, you have been changing some outdated policies marginally since you succeed the power from your predecessor. We all loved to see some meaningful changes recently and appreciate that. Changing policies alone is not the duties of ruling party I think. You may have to listen people's voices which reflect their lives. Today, the loudest voice in the country is undoubtedly about the construction of Dam that is going to block the river source of our main river, Irrawaddy. Recently leak secrete report regarding to the research of this project unleash people's concern most. The China and our Junta took fully advantage from the lack of media freedom as well as people's lack of internet access by blinding our people from realistic things.

You, being people's government, are supposed to protect our valuable natural resources with the best interests of our people, not the interests of Chinese. You are buying almost everything to China with considerably scrap value. You better understand what kind of things are sustainable and which are not. Those sustainable things such as forests, gems are quite ok to sell. However, letting China do the project which is killing our life-blood river is not forgivable for our people. You, being a citizen of Burma, should have understood the consequences if the ordinary people even can feel that. What make you feel it right? Is it because you prefer Dollar than our beautiful nature? Is it because you cannot overturn the influence of China power? Anyway anyhow, you are the one who can make different before people's outrage wide spread. You may encounter worse condition if you continue to show green on this terrible project. Please save our essential river by stopping this horrible project. In the mean time, you will get people's heart by just doing this alone. Make it easy, men. At the moment, I would love to rate you "The Bad" to reflect your performance.

Dear China, you always said you are very good neighbor for our country. You always take care of us by using your veto power in the UN meeting to block UN security council's proposed action against us. You might have been our good friend in the past as you have claimed. However we are not happy to learn that you are enable to take all natural resources belong to us with the scrap value. You can do almost everything whatever you want to do within our territory. You took our oil, gas, forest, gems, even young women to fill the void by shortage of bride. Now you come invest for hydroelectricity. We know that you have got very costly lesson from your own version of hydroelectric projects such as 3 George dams. Those mega dam projects had killed your some major rivers in the like of Yangtze river, Yellow river, etc. You know how much does it suffer to your people by making those essential river drought.

In view of above, why are you trying to repeat the same problem in our country by investing heavily in hydroelectric power projects? Is it because it's non of your business with consequence? Is it because you pretend not to know what are side effects by doing so? We are poorer than you in term of money and technology but we can still able to understand what is right and what is wrong. We, people of Burma, are very disappointing with the action of our own government at the moment. We know only you can stop this miserable project with the ground of sympathy. We beg you for your mercy. If you are good neighbor country as you always said previously, please withdraw such cruel projects from our land. Please do consider the lives of residents though you got permission from our lousy leaders. We hope we can maintain this good relationship for long run by making meaningful efforts regardless of civil or junta government. At the moment, let me rate you as "The Ugly".

9/11

A FAMOUS DATE that shook the whole world and still being remembered after 10 years on. The historic violence by terrorist attack. The ugly for world's citizen and perhaps successful mission by Osma Bin Ladin & his JI extremist. Anyway it's claimed thousand lives of innocent people and outraged among world's citizen regardless of race and nationalities. The US might have thought their internal security was safe enough to protect possible terrorist attack and they got big lesson from this unexpected attack. The even felt they are declared to enter unseen war by underground extremist. Since then they have been busying with finding the master of 9/11 attack by all possible ways all over the world.

During their search mission, the US and its alliance might have lost additional lives of its soldiers as well as huge military mission budget which could lead US economy weaken considerably. The George W Bush lost people's vote for his unsuccessful mission and wrong tactic on the searching mission. However his successor, Obama, also continue to spend few years on the unfinished mission. Eventually US Army caught Osama Bin Ladin recently at Pakistan after almost 10 years on the run underground. The Afghanistan's terrains had been spoiled by a human hunting operation. Finally the world's most wanted person was found in Pakistan's land, surprisingly, the plot next to Pakistan Army Officer Training Center. The US Army made sure there is no clue left from this hero of extremists by cementing and spreading its ash to the ocean.

Some analyst say there is no change in the world 10 years after 9/11 while others said today world is more secure than 10 years before. The republic is doing its exercise in the effort of get-ready to counter any possible terrorist attacks so called 9/11, Mumbai attack, Madrid/London metro attack, etc. Sadly, the republic lose its reputation slightly by letting its native JI member escape from its prison. There was very big human hunting mission but he escaped by its own way. Few years later, Mas Salamat was caught in the territory of Malaysia and handed over to republic on about one year later. It gave city state costly lesson and they are making sure such story won't be repeat in future. The opposition parties took advantage in recent GE2011 by pointing out this failure and tried to steal people's votes. Luckily PAP managed to win and have a chance to amend its possible weak.

Finally, I have to adapt ASSK's words that starting violence end with violence with regard to this 9/11 nightmare. It's unforgettable by people after 10 years on. May world's people able to live peacefully and safely regardless of places.

TFR Vs Immigrant

IPS has highlighted that Republic will need 60,000 migrants a year to keep Singaporean young and economically active. It's the result of project which the IPS embarked in 2007 in which studied 48 scenarios which examined how the future population of Singapore will look like if the TFR remains extremely low over the long term. There are 4 scenarios submitted to government which reflect the conditions of the study time. They are pretty interesting story for the migrants especially those who are trying to get SPRs. The 4 scenarios could be summarized as follow:-

Scenario 1 : TFR 1.24 & zero net migration => 3.03 million in 2050
Scenario 2 : TFR 1.24 & 30,000 migrants added annually => 4.89 million in 2050
Scenario 3 : TFR 1.24 & 60,000 migrants added annually => 6.76 million in 2050
Scenario 4 : TFR 1.24 to 1.85 by 2025 & zero net migration => 3.37 million in 2050

TFR refer to Total Fertility Rate and current TFR for city state is 1.15 only which is far less than sustainable rate 2.2 if ICA is to close all its doors to migrants. IPS refer to Institute of Policy Studies. I think TFR 1.24 utilized in their projection is expected rate to get favorable figure. If IPS use actual 1.15, the result is likely to become more adverse.

It don't stop on just replacement of declining population, but also healing the trend of alarming ratio between elderly person to working adult. In 2005 research, it show every 8.6 working adult support to 1 elderly person (65 years and above). Working adult is considered the age group between 15 and 65 years old. If Singapore is not opening its doors to migrants, the ratio would decline to 1.9 : 1.0 which mean every 1.9 working adults have to support one elderly person. IPS suggest that in-migration alone would ameliorate this decline. In conclusion, immigration helps to reduce the dependency burden and raise the support ratio.

The figures has enlighten Singapore government and its people. The choice is theirs and to my opinion, it's most likely to opt scenario no.2 by ruling party. If my guess is right, the chance will come back to those who try to get SPR. At the same time I hope Singaporean will understand the trend they are actually face and see newly migrants as the solution of their future. If everything goes per plan, everybody will be happy and of course Singapore will become better metropolitan city to live in.

A flat of my choice

MY sister and I were so tired after climbing up and down of more than 10 flats which are higher than 4th story. We're going another township with the prospect of finding a suitable one. In fact we are distraught with the manner of talkative agents. We are getting understand the condition of market and the possible flat type we can buy with our budget. We can summarize ourselves that we can't get a normal flat without spending more than 10 millions local currency. The whole afternoon had been spent on one township flats and we could able to satisfy with one hall-type flat which cost us 16 millions Kyat. We continue our hunting journey by taxi and make appointment with a sister of my friend couple who are also working in Singapore.

My friend couple had bought 2 flats in one housing and they strongly recommend me to buy one within their premise. She explained me how their flat look like and how pleasant their surrounding is just before I return home land. I didn't go there first because the flat price of that housing is far beyond my budget. However, after I made some survey around, I understood that the hall-type flats prices also raised and beyond my budget. Thus, I wanted to give a try in those housing in which flat come room-type. The housing is located in a popular township and easily accessible by public transport. It's mature estate and situated amidst of landed property. I guess the price would be sky high even I haven't seen the flat. I see surrounding of the housing when I first time go in by taxi.

The sister of my friend help me arrange with potential sellers to view their flats physically. Firstly I take a rest for a while at her flat and study how the flat is lay out and built. I straight away liked the flat style by seeing their house. It's healthy flat which receive enough natural lighting and ventilation. It come by separate rooms in which 2 bedrooms, living, dinning, kitchen and common bath & WC. One level is composed of 4 flats and all flats are corner. Thus there would be no other neighboring apartment/project to steal our light and air. Since it's done by government's housing authority's supervision, the flats come solid and appear good quality finishing. Each flat has its own balcony as well as wide verandah. My sister and I were happy to see the flat and both agree to buy such flat rather than hall type flat which we saw in previous visit to other towns.

There are two options available, one come without furnish at level 3 for 18 millions while another come with fully renovation at level 4 for 20 millions. We go and sight seeing two flats available for final decision and price negotiating. We met flat owners and it's positive for us not to medium any property agent. In addition, there need not to talk land owner as this housing is owned by government. I asked the sister of my friend for the cost of renovation her house. She said it cost them about 5 millions recently for timber parquet at living room and bed rooms, tiling at bath, wc and kitchen, security iron grilling at all windows and entrance door. It help me to decide on how much we should ask the owner to lower down the asking price. Finally, we choice the furnished flat at level 4 for 19 millions, 10 millions less from asking price. We verbally agree on the case and make appointment for deposit and sign pre-contract. We could able to sight after that. We tentatively finished the mission and it's going to continue until we make final contract within 2 week time. It's not going to be easy as we don't know what are procedure and how to check if the flat seller are real owners and there is no hidden risks.

We consult with my cousin sister if we need to hire lawyer or not. She got a lot experience on local property market and she advise me to better hire layer for further documentation checking and final step of contract. I agree with her and travel to my home town at upper Burmese. We paid 300,000 deposit and make appointment within 2 week time before I return Singapore. What're waiting me ahead? I can't stop keep thinking of this. At the moment, I try to think of joyous moment by meeting my princess in my hometown. It's been about 9 months I haven't seen her and I am back now to attend her 1 year Birthday celebration. I have partially done for one mission attached this time visit. What is going to happen in my final contract. Please stay tune in. I'll be back in next post.

To be continue.

Girl for Gold

On a pleasant day, I was chatting with a taxi driver on the way to my destination. He suddenly asked me if I'm married or not. When I said yes, he continue to question me whether got child or not. I said the same yes. He curious if my child is girl or boy. I response him mine is girl. He cheer me by telling it's good to have a girl today. I am a bit confuse with the reason he gave me as I know the culture of this society favor the gender of male. Thus, I ask him if he got any reason for his confident answer. He provides me a better picture to fully accept his claim.

Taxi Driver: Do you know 4C.
Me : Yes I know, It is the shortcut for Cash, Car, Condo & Country Club membership
TD : Good, you must have been here for quite long.
Me : Just more than 3 years
TD : Ok, the real fact is you will find it difficult to get a gf unless you have those 4C.
Me : isn't it? then where gone real love among younger couple?
TD : believe me, young girls are more fashionable and they would prefer to choose men who possess 4C regardless of age, handsome.
Me : if it's a case, it's not good for all adult men, I think
TD : Yes, we all Singaporean men found that it's very expensive to marry our fellow women.
Me : Imm I oftenly read such news in the local papers.
TD : So we Singaporean men have to choose alternative plan by opting to marry foreign brides.
Me : No wonder there have been such agent on the paper advertisement.
TD : Yes you are right, it has become a good business for them.
Me : Imm, customer can take their choice for S$4,000 in return.
TD : You must be a good reader.
Me : I enjoy to read daily paper, it's my only source of polishing my English.
TD : It's good anyway.
Me : Thanks for your elaboration.
TD : any time
Me : I once read a quote saying that "my daughter is my daughter until she die while my son is my son until he married."
TD : yes it's correct, we Chinese has a proverb that "my son is my son until he married and he become his wife's son".
Me : Woo, I never heard before. This also reflective of our real lives.
TD : Yes it is.
Me : Thanks for sharing.
TD : So do I.

After we depart, I carefully thought what we have talked on the way and more pleased to be a father of daughter. It look like we're more safety with daughter in future than having son. Despite our culture don't teach us to expect something from our children, we are obviously interdependent as a human beings. Thus, we are less or more depend when we become old and retired. Our culture teach our younger generation how to take care and respect their old grandparent and parent. We don't need to set up so many senior citizen houses as our child gladly take their own parent at their home. It show our culture still valuable to be appreciated.

May all parent love their child regardless of gender.

King & Queen

ANOTHER taxi driver shared interesting story that he had witnessed. One day a couple took his taxi and talking each other at behind. He notice the couple are not same race. Man is Singaporean and his wife is Thailand. Singaporean husband cannot speak Thai language while the wife can't understand English. But this two person can live together as a husband and wife under the same roof. The taxi driver was itchy to ask his wondering and eventually he frankly asked his fellow citizen husband.

TD : I really don't understand how two of you communicate.
Men: May be you are not, but we still have a good relationship.
TD : How?
Men: This is my wife & I had previous marriage relationship with my fellow citizen.
TD : so how does it split?
Men : She always wants me to treat her like a Queen.
TD : so, you can not bear in the long run?
Men : Yes of course, at first ok, in the long run, I felt it's unfair and even bully at me.
TD : good then you choice to break with her and met Thai wife?
Men : Yes I am.
TD : the are you finding new life is happy enough?
Men : Yes I am because she treats me like a King.

Taxi driver suddenly got an answer himself that people want to be loved, respected and appreciated regardless of race, religious and nationalities.

Lets treat our life partners as a King/Queen....:D

Mum's curry

I like to talk with taxi driver whenever I use their service. I see it a chance to understand the life of ordinary Singaporean. And they are deemed an informative person. On a fine day, I am going to a meeting which is so far away from my office. The traveling time is more than one hour as the venue and my office is located two extreme end of city state. That's why I got a chance to talk with a Singapore Malaysian taxi driver. He is quite friendly and active in talking. I was quite by thinking about the agenda of the upcoming meeting. He started to ask me by a simple question.
Taxi driver : are you Singaporean?
Me : No, I am not.
TD : Then where are you coming from?
Me : Myanmar
TD : Oh I see, how long have you been here?
Me : More than 3 years.
TD : Are you SPRs ready?
Me : Not yet, my application for SPR had been rejected for 2 time.
TD : Immm, this time may be difficult, I think.
Me : I believe so.

He silent for while and continue with a question....

TD : by the way, what do you miss most when you are away from home?
Me : Ummm,,,,,,,,(I'm just thinking of proper answer for his Q)
TD : he come out with answer by saying "it's mother's curry", aren't you?
Me : Oh definitely yes, brother..I agree with you.
TD : Yes, our traditional women are usually cooking at home for the whole family.
Me : ya it's good for everybody, I think.
TD : But......such traditional is no longer with our women nowadays.
Me : How,,,brother?
TD : Today women even don't know how to cook at home.
Me : So they all enjoy outside foods at hawker center?
TD : Yes it is the way they are passing their life.
Me : Then how is your wife? Is she one of such women?
TD : She also don't want to cook at home. I understand her as she also working and tired enough at the end of the day. She prefer to dine at outside.
Me : So you follow lah?
TD : No, I suggest her to cook at least once or twice a week so that our childs enjoy home made foods.
Me : Imm should be...
TD : It's not I want to save money, it's a way to bond among family members.
Me : You're absolutely right.
TD : At day time, we parent are going work while our children are going school. The home is empty until the bed time because everybody come back home after having their dinner at their convenient places. So home become just like a hostel/ inn. I don't want my family becoming like that.
Me : Imm,,,my wife and I always eat dinner together.
TD : Moreover, one day our children will go out oversea like you do, then there wouldn't be something to be remember at home if my wife fails to cook and serve them now.
Me : Oh it's good attitude, bro. I appreciate that.
TD : Sometime she even complain that some Chinese men are cooking, washing in their household while I don't need to.
Me : Really?
TD : I told her go and marry him lah...I am very upset to be compared like that.
Me : Yes she shouldn't use this as a reason/excuse for don't want to cook at home.
TD : Are you married?
Me : Yes I am
TD : Does your wife cooking at home?
Me : Yes of course, it's our traditional as well.
TD : You are lucky enough man.
Me : Hope so,,,she also working here.
TD : It's additional bonus, my friend.
Me : Am I considered fortunate enough to have cooking and working wife?
TD : Yes of course, it's valuable and appreciate it.
Me : Ok I'll remember that.

We silent again and taxi is approaching the destination. I wonder what if I told him that my wife is earning more than me as well........

May all men possess a cooking wife to shake their hearts for ever.

The Lady

THE world's media call her the lady, we affectionately call her Amay (mother) Su. She is another quality product from Burma to date. My country has been generating few world renowned leaders to date and she is one of those few elite list. The world had seen first ever Asian UN general secretary from Burma for instance. She is not coming from the ordinary background family. She has blood of our national hero general Aung San who is assassinated by fellow citizen just before the nation independent. Her grand-father was also popular national hero of anti-British in his time. So no wonder she has been politically famous not only in domestic but all over the world for his unrivaled service to mother land.

She set up NLD (National League for Democracy) and won 1990 election by landslide. But her party wasn't handed over to date since then. Instead, she had to make her own house a jail. Since her blood is so red, surrendering is not a word for her dictionary. She keep going and presenting the people's choice. She is never armed any weapon but the million soldier army afraid of her. There must be some kind of powerful in her mind. She is caged for more than decades but Junta never think of relax. She must has possess some magic power. She is quietly staying in her own house but the world has been awarding her several honorable prices. She must have an internationally recognized brain. People are proud of her non-violence activities but she still fail to get a place in our brand new parliament. Recently she went parliament to attend national work shop for business review with the invitation of President. People are too happy to see her in the photo of journals. I can't imagine how much people would be happy if she really acquire the right post in this parliament.

To be honest, I am not admirer of this powerful lady until I listen her question and answer section through video conference with the sponsor of Hong Kong University's 100th years anniversary. I thought she is making herself too safety without recognizing those who died for democracy previously. I thought she is too silent to fight back Junta. I thought she will never get power by non-violent method. I thought she is not as good as world's media stated. I thought world's media over awarded her so that they can involve in our politic more. I thought NLD is taking advantage from the donates of outside world by just branding. In general, I don't have valuable respect to the lady and her party until I listen to her speech.

Coincidentally, I was listening the speeches of 4 candidates of recent presidential election that time. Also I am always listening the PM's national day rally as well as other minister's speech whenever I got a chance in this country. Sometime I listen other leaders of the region in the media coverage. It make me do effectively comparison between the lady and the leaders of the ASEAN. I was overwhelmingly impressed by her answers to the students and lecturers of the Hong Kong University's 100th year celebration recently. The question cover very wide range from politic to religious, from human right to education, from democracy to healthcare, etc. I can't remember everything she speaks as there are so much cover and deep in depth.

I respected the way she speak in English and the way she answer to all questionnaire through video conference technology. It is instant question and answer. There is no room to be thought/ considered. But her answers are smooth and impressive. The lecturers and students are asking her as a genius. They paid her fully respect upon her manner. She seem so charming and so mature as a human being. I fully recommend those Q&A section to you if you haven't listen yet. It can be access via youtube. What you need to do is just type Aung San Su Kyi and thy youtube will suggest a lot related upload with regard to her. I hope you all like it and respect and appreciate the words she spoken. I even decided to do for her in future if I am give a chance. I hope I can get my wish sooner or later.

Sincerely hope Burma will has its version of female President in near future. If Thailand could have female PM, why not for Burma? I tell you it'll come sooner than later. Just wait and see how. Time will tell us the truth story as this land is belong to those who give more than 100% like the lady. I believe people will follow her good leadership when she conquer the presidential house in NPD. We can smell the changing now and sure we will see her wear the national dress and sit on president's seat sooner than later.

Ever Optimistic Property Agents

IN my country, property agents are not well trained or specialized person to run business. Some perform individually while other set up firm. I think those firm needs to register at government to operate legally. However most of the property agents are moving individual so as to avoid government income tax as well as raise profit. They are mostly considered smart and clever person who has big social cycle. In fact, this is just matter of information only because they gather information of sellers and looking for potential buyers. Then arrange to meet both parties and try to make the business done. From every successful deal, they receive commission from the seller mostly which can cost 5% to 10% of the property price.

Since they are mostly running illegal way, they are on the other hand not taking responsibilities of consequent due to the hidden risks involved. That's why buying a property in my country associate with the in-detachable hidden risks. If everything goes right, there would be no problem. But as a buyer like me who cannot afford to be any mistake need to take extra care and time. The problem is I don't have much time to explore the market. I wish to spend only 1.5 days in searching a suitable flat. It make me taking mission impossible with regard to aforesaid things to be considered.

Believe it or not, my first ever property agent was a taxi driver. How? We took his taxi in going appointment with a property agent. On the way, we are talking about our business and he knows our mission by listening our conversation. He asked us if we are looking for a flat. We said yes and he come out with an information which he claims a chance to grab. After listening to him, we decided to follow him to witness the sale flat. He insist that we'll not like any other flat in that quarter after we see his. In fact, the flat is belong to his friend who is away from the city at the moment. We see physical condition of the flat with the help of him and take note for the asking pricing which he mention for in-discountable price. We took his mobile no and depart for another agent appointment.

The second agent is a woman of middle age who is also resident of that quarter. There are some flats on the market through her links. She continuously showed us one after another. Since our budget is about 12 million, we can't imagine lower flats. Thus, we are shown level 4 and above flats. Some are old but quality of flat is considered good. Some are new but quality is compromising. Some are yet to finish but already on sale and can buy with little upfront. Some are still in the plan but can buy installment with fraction of flat value. Every flat she shows, she is strongly recommend to us. It's obvious that she wants us to buy one flat so that she can enjoy commission from flat owner. We're carefully considering upon the information she provides.

All the flat she shows us are hall type with/ without renovation depend on price. The major withdraw of all flats are not healthy to live in. Because the apartment buildings are being built side by side and they are too close, I think about 1 m apart only. That's why flat windows become meaningless as there is no chance to welcome enough lighting and ventilation to breath. I am not happy to see them all but I can afford such type only. I can get room-type flat only I am afford to buy condo type flat which is far beyond my budget. I'm distraught to make a decision within a relatively short time. I understand the situation of the market and ask agent to let me think and reply later. I asked myself if I can live in such condition in future and my answer is very clear NO. Then I asked if it's good enough to invest in such fragile property to make profit in long term. Also NO. Then I tell myself better don't buy such flat if I am not happy with what I am doing. Then we tried to contact another agent contact for different township. We continue to discover the uncertain flat in the mega city.

We took another taxi and the rain fall down to cool my worry down on the way to another township agent. I quickly thanks to Yangon's famous rain.

To be continue.

Phay Phay

PHAY PHAY which is meant father in Myanmar language. This is the second word my beloving daughter can speak by clear voice after Ba Ba which is Grandpa in Myanmar language. Unfortunately, I am unable to hear such lovingly voice come out from my princess's mouth personally as we two are an ocean away right now. I'm silently pleased to be told by my eldest sister who take care my daughter via telephone. My sister continued that my daughter shout at Santa Clause figure as Phay Phay. It's delightful for all relatives to hear she say additional word after one year she arrived to this planet.

However, as a father of herself, I think of different way from my relative's thought. Of course, I am mixed feeling to learn that. Because I am happy to know she can speak father in Myanmar language clearly. On the contrary, I am sorry for unable to give her a chance to call at the right person, instead of Santa Clause Image that is pasted to the wall of my house by my niece. My daughter might have thought Santa is called Phay Phay in which she may not clear what exactly does it mean. I can't stop keep thinking of how would it be joyous being called as a father first time by own biological child in life. It's pleasure enough by just thinking, I may not measure if it is happening to me by truth. I silently joined by the message as I don't want my wife upset by my action. As a consequence, I dreamed of my daughter and of course she call me Phay Phay in the dream. It doesn't matter it is dream or not so long as I am please for her lovingly call.

Dear my daughter, let me tell you a good news that your mum and I are planning to bring you here in coming summer for visit. We two can't wait to talk with you and being called Phay Phay and May May by your small mouth. We already started how to celebrate and where to go in mind when you eventually arrive to the the land of our working. We sincerely hope you will forgive us for leaving you alone there. For the time being, I'ld like to request you to learn more words of mother languages there and kindly show us how you have been learned when we all meet in this city state. Also remember to practice how to call May May which is meant mother in Myanmar language so that you can steal your mother's heart all the way. I'm sure you'll fulfill our desire by doing this homework before you fly us.

The clock is ticking and we can't wait to meet you, my dear.