Gaddafi lesson

WHO have been thought few years ago that Gaddafi will have such horrible life end? Definitely will answer NO to this question since he has been in the power for more than 40 years. He might have thought he'll never encounter such tragedy in this life. However time has shown us what's been to this world. Everything can be happened at any given time. We have to aware that. Otherwise we are more likely to suffer when we are falling in life experience. Now we have witnessed regimes are falling to the hell one after another. The universal law will not always favor the iron-fist rulers. If there is up time, also there will be down time. We should take lesson from it. This incident might have shaken other regimes who are still in the control of power.

The US has shown the world that they can pursue what they want if a particular region is not dealing with their people. People from some communist countries might have accused US for interfering other countries' internal affair. At the same time, some countries desperately need US to get internal security because there are some neighboring big countries who intend to bully them. With US presence at the territory, they can feel the sense of security and free from potential bullies from the big boys. In general, we need to balance any rising power in order to maintain peaceful situation regardless of place in this planet.

May all regimes able to change their hardline policies in order not to follow Gaddifi's way.

Arab Spring

"ARAB SPRING", the new word to reflect recent middle east countries revolution. I also don't fully understand the meaning of this beautiful word until I see a cartoon in the straight time newspaper. I always love to see the cartoons drawn by ST's core cartoonist "Miel" which is usually published on the reverse side of the front page. This section is mostly for editorial's article or commentary by some well known columnists. In order to attract readers and bore, the cartoon illustration was put with regard to article's highlighting. Miel is really talented cartoonist from Singapore I think since he can make people easily understand and remember the article by one block cartoon. The area given is relatively small but the value of its part is invaluable. I appreciate the way he think on drawing cartoon. I can rate him the Awpikyae of Singapore.

As I said above, one of his cartoon enlighten me to understand Arab Spring few months ago. Yesterday I read an article on local popular website, EMG of Myanmar. I surprisingly found Arab Spring again in that article. However, this time the translation of writer is far different from the original meaning of Arab Spring. I'm not 100% sure with the meaning of this. But I could feel that Miel's translation is better reflect to actual situation of middle east. Then, how my fellow citizen professional writer did translate it. He repeatedly mention that word by Myanmar language rather than as it is by English. His translation is easily correct at first word which is "Arab" where the revolution come out. The latter word "Spring" might have been translated wrongly as per his article.

I take Oxford Dictionary and find an exact meaning of Spring and found as follow:-
1) Spring (Verb) : Move or jump suddenly or rapidly upwards or forwards.
2) Spring (Noun): the season after winter and before summer, in which vegetation begins to appear, in the northern hemisphere from March to May and in the southern hemisphere from September to November.

From the definition of above, Arab Spring's original intention might have been first rather than second, I think. Because the Spring represent here is the demonstration of people from middle east nations with the prospect of ending their iron-fist regimes. Thus, I do believe the possible of second definition has no chance to stick with the Arab Spring. However, the writer used generously the second meaning in his article. It'ld be more safe and good for readers if he use original English word in his article if he is not very sure with translation. Because giving wrong message to readers can be deemed dangerous I think. I admit again that I also didn't understand the meaning until Miel's cartoon as shown in this post. One day I got Miel's blog address in the newspaper and now I am following his blog at www.blogtoonistmiel.blogspot.com.

May our professional writers able to write as it is to give true message to their fans.

Disclaimer: I am not writing this post to offen my fellow citizen writer. As I admit in this post, I also not sure with the meaning of original Spring. I just wanted to feel something wrong and share with my friends only. Nothing more. If there is something wrong with my idea, I am solely responsible for that.

Maid Story

I AM so concern whenever I read DWs (domestic workers) related news here. In the Asia-pacific region, Hong Kong and Taiwan become dream lands to work in as a maid among young women of maid exporting countries. Recently, the decision made by Hong Kong judge that allow the maids who have been working in HK for more than 5 years eligible to apply permanent resident status became hot news among Hong Konger. Hong Kong make another history by showing it's openess and lawful manner despite there were some protests and unhappiness among its people. We have to appreciate for such decision since maids are also human being.

In Singapore, there have been some voices with regard to maids since maid agency demanded better salaries and one day off by their respective countries. The maids might have thought they deserve better paid since inflation make their earning less worthy now. Moreover, they want a condition of their right to be given one day off in the employment contract. On the other hand, the employers got reasons to block those unwanted demands. Among others, security and social problems might have been raised should they allow them one day off. Currently S$300 to S$400 salary for the service of domestic helper is deemed already heavy burden for them and they are cautious to increase. Those circumstances changed the existing maids their mind to shift other better paid countries like Hong Kong & Taiwan by refusing to sign new deal.

In Malaysia, the most troublesome country for the maids among the region. However still one favorite country who need to import most of DWs for their 75% households especially from neighboring Indonesia. But frequently horrible news destroyed Malaysia employer's reputation now. I read a lot news that was so cruel to maids. It include rape, cage maid and leave her alone without foods, bullying, fail to pay their wages, abuse human right, breach contract, locking in a tiny room, etc. As a result, Indonesia had imposed a law to ban its women going Malaysia to work as DWs since 2009 and yet to lift now. Malaysia tried to replace the gap with other nationals within region. The found new resources from Cambodia and Myanmar. Now Cambodia is necessarily imposed to ban its women to export Malaysia following several abusive reports from civil right group reports. The reports highlighted some horrible case that cost 5 Cambodia domestic helpers that prompt Cambodia authority to review their export.

It's encouraging steps to see how other governments are taking measure to protect their citizen's right even for domestic workers. Now Singapore and Malaysia is facing severe shortage of maids and urgently looking for a replacement. I worry that they will find Myanmar as a cheap and easy resource to fill the gap being left by Indonesia and Cambodia resources. It's not problem to go work oversea if they have proper employment contract that can able to prevent their right. The problem for our fellow citizens abroad is our counselors are not reliable. It make us vulnerable people. When the employer knows the weak points of our embassy, our workers are more likely to be abused/bullied. It's inevitable if our authority is not wise enough or ignore our people flowing outside country.

Yesterday, I found a news saying that Malaysia embassy will not issue working visa if the applicants fail to attach OWID (Oversea Worker Identification Card) from our Ministry of Labour. It might have made our people more difficulty in getting Malaysia visa/job. However we have to see, on the other hand, that our government is trying to control labour movement especially outside country. I hope our authority could able to minimize the potential risks that all migrant workers suffer. At the same time, it would effectively bar agents cheating their innocent clients especially from rural areas.

May our leaders able to protect our female citizen from going to the unlawful country to work. If Indonesia, Philippine and even Cambodia can take action to boost the chance of their workers, why not us to do the same exercise? I don't see any reason to say "NO" for this particular matter. May my fellow citizen able to find suitable job within our territory sooner than later.

Are we grasses between bull fighting ?

US is trying to create new policy at their parliament. The unfair trade surplus and jobless rate prompt them urgently create new law. US citizens blamed their government for failing to create enough job domestic. The US government pointed China's undervalued yuan as a reason of their crisis. US constantly urged China to appreciate their currency to match their development. However Beijing was so cautious to follow US's concern and only marginally appreciate its currency. I'm not trained as economist and I really don't understand how does it related. Being layman, it's macro and hard to understand such worldwide issue.

China's export sector got competitive edge from the advantage of undervalued yuan because yuan depreciation make their products considerably cheap against their rival products from worldwide. On the same time, they make all imported things become expensive and effectively block the consumer spending power. By this way, they became upper hand in any bilateral trade world against any country. No other country able to compete the China product in term of manufacturing and market price if the quality of the products is same. At some point, China could sell the better quality product at low price due to their advanced mass production as well as low labour wages. No wonder, China overcome Germany and Japan to gain world's 2nd biggest economy in the world. Only US is sitting on the top spot and this place also now shaken by China's rapid progress in all area.

US feel it's totally unfair China government subsidy its currency stay at lowest possible to generate their products remain competitive. Being layman, I couldn't understand why China are so refused to appreciate their currency. I thought every government would happy to see their currency appreciate against world currencies. I was definitely wrong when I try to understand the trend a bit. Finally the circumstance forced US to come out with double standard policy which need to take more import tax to products from China and similar country if any. This news make China angry and China are quick to respond the unwanted news. Some economist guess it can lead to trade war between US and China if the parliament pass the draft law to reality. Last week Upper house already passed and only lower house vote is needed to pass the law now. At the same time, US secretary Hillary urged other countries to join US in the mission to force China take necessary measure to appreciate yuan. She was so confident that devalued yuan is not only American problems but other countries. It contributed all exporting countries become loser in the long run.

At the moment, Europe is struggling to cope their own problem in saving the euro. US is also facing their problem with the own version. The middle east is uprising and going to increase fuel price at the market which make things expensive. Then what China is doing while other are struggling? China is trying to take advantage from troublesome countries around the world. China is investing almost every country across 5 continents. Of course, my country is another core target by big boy since my country rich natural resources. In real life, we are still relying on Chinese cheap products since we are one of the poorest countries. China export their almost rejected things to our country and import the best natural resources from us. However, they still enjoying trade surplus from doing business with us. It seems we are exchanging our best with their worst. It's disgusting to understand the real things as we seem being semi-colonial by China. It's arguably truth that China has a big influence on our leaders.

Let me get back on the track of this post. US is urging China to appreciate yuan. What if China follow US's demand. For sure, China products will no longer cheap and our people will suffer from that change. Then, is it good for most countries if China remain depreciate? Probably yes for poorer countries like us. May be Europe and US won't like to see China currency remain unchanged. Anyway, we are more likely to bear the consequence of fighting between those two giants.

May the world able to find win-win situation to save our world's economy and prevent from potentially falling into new recession.

Where are we looking?

IT's always truth that coastal cities are most developed cities in any given country. Look history, also the same since we can find world's ancient cities are situated on the banks of their rivers or next to the sea if any. It's obvious that coastal cities have advantage from the easy access of trading with their counterparts from other countries in macro or cities in micro. Thus, it's undeniable that coastal region become first and most developed zone once a country starts its developing process. After that, the attention of governments would be shifted to less developed regions which are most likely to be landlord area.

In view of above, China has transformed its coastal cities to world class metropolitan cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, etc. Now, World's second biggest economy has changed its focus on inward land provinces which are left far behind. So China began to change policies to pull their less developing provinces from western part. Since its western provinces are bordered with Myanmar & India, they have been land lock area and less developing. So China's now famous policy is "Look West" in which China is trying to give its aforesaid provinces access to ocean via neighbour Myanmar. They see us transit nation to get their dream come true and now we are witnessing several projects such as deep port, natural gas pipeline and rail net work, etc. These all are China's afford to unlock its inward land provinces with the expense of Myanmar.

On the other hand, India government has similar policy with China. What they said is "Look East policy". It's the attempt of India government in making its land lock province getting access to sea of Myanmar. Now we all are witnessing the development of sea port at Sittway township by India investment. Again, India is trying to improve their province at the expense of Myanmar. May be Myanmar can gain some development in trade and get commission from transit trade done by those two Asia giants. Our leaders should have review all existing and incoming agreements whether they will bring in much needed technologies as well as jobs.

Since our nation is located geopolitically well in the world map, world's super powers are starring at us with huge interest. No other nation is more promising than Myanmar within ASEAN. In this circumstance, our leaders may have variety of choice in partnering new nations in the wake of some political openness. It's not necessarily need to deal just only China, India & Thailand today. We are swiftly becoming recognized nation by world society and plenty of MNCs are already making the survey on potential trading and investment. No past time has been better than current one. So I want to urge our leaders to make fruitful decision that favor our people's interest when they are being approached by several developed nations. If China is looking west & India is looking east with the interest of their own people, there is no reason to make our policy to generate our people's benefit. Perhaps our policy would be "Looking Up".

Life'll never ever be constant

THIS week, I'm busy with shifting to the new office and failed to pose new ones. I needed to shift my belongings from the old office to new one which is just one level up. The common office belongings were being shifted by some Indian site workers. Seeing immigrant workers shifting office things make me recall my nightmare days of previous job. I was working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between early 2005 and early 2008. Fortunately I was assigned to do quantity surveying job at the head quarter. There are some fellow citizen working together with me at the office. I don't know it's proud thing or not that only Myanmar workers are selected to work at the office. Thus, we are the sole immigrant workers at the vicinity of head office. All other colleagues are locals.

In Malaysia, all employment pass to foreign workers are the same called work permit which is deemed for low skill workers imported from less developing and poorer countries of the region. I reached there by the help of agent as a site engineer. However, the formal document suggest that we were employed as a construction worker. We didn't understand what the government's IPA letter show because they all are written by Malay language. Let it be. As a result, we all are treated as the same class regardless of our post assigned. No matter where we came from. No matter what are we doing at work. We are deemed underdogs and we are not suppose to complain anything to our colleagues who are sometime less educated locals.

Since we are the only foreign worker group at the office, we were automatically assigned for those work which need to be carried or shifted around the office. Everyday, we need to carry construction materials supplied by supplier from ground floor to 3rd story store. Also we need to bring down those materials from the shafts of store to ground floor every morning. Even local drivers of lorry cars considered those carrying jobs are not theirs. What they need to do is just parking and inform to HR only. Then HR staffs will inform to all Burmese staffs to help them carrying things. They won't carry anything while we all are sweating out by carrying those heavy things. They just supervise us to ensure right things are placed in the right place only. In fact, those supervising staff are just office staff. We all are Engineers and working engineering jobs at the office. No matter, what post we are doing, we have to follow their instruction. It's very obvious we were bullied by locals. The problem is we were forced to sign employment contract as soon as we land KLIA and we were not allowed to go back home before fully entertaining those unfair and unlawful contract.

Sometime, we are fully concentration in the work we do while we received calls from those office staffs. We are suppose to act swiftly to all instructions. Otherwise we would be fined by those supervisor who will inform lady boss secretly. What a bitter experience is it? But we have to swallow those stupid things everyday. We sometime protest for early release by citing unhappiness at the work. We know that they won't agree with us and won't return our passport such easy. Despite we continue to show our unhappiness, they have no intention to change our relationship. The keep bully us and press by time. Sometime we even think that we were brainwashed by the horrible lady boss. She is so sweet in appearance, but so fox in her mind. We got life time lesson from the work of KL and it make us feel more comfortable in the workplace of city state.

That's why I said before that seeing Indian workers shifting office common things make me recall my past days. I was in the same position of them. I tried to escape from that prison alike workplace and seek a job in city state. Now I can enjoy fairer work environment in Singapore without being treated terrific. I am now able to feel that republic make me feel more security in term of lawful. I thank to my previous employer making me stronger man by setting a workplace of hell. I understood from this experience that life is ever changing as long as we do not stop moving forward. We have to believe that every single trouble is temporary and solvable. May all my fellow citizen able to find a comfort zone at their workplace.

Change is in the air

TODAY our president has issued the statement of amnesty for 6359 prisoners which will be affected from tomorrow. It is coincidence with the end of 3 months holy period of Buddhist people. This amnesty make this year thadingyut celebration more meaningful and bring happiness to the people of Burma. Since this is exactly reflect to the will of international community, I have no doubt on lifting sanction against us soonest possible. The only unfinished task the current civilian government need to tackle is reconciliation of our ethnic races. I believe, we'll find the best solution on the table through meetings. We all have seen several very good changes recently which are strongly recognized by both local and international society. The government is gradually building people's trust by showing their meaningful steps which were impossible in the past year.

I personally hope the media censorship also would be freed sooner than later so that our people can know the activities of government on time. Also guess, those prisoners will fully understand the will of current government and will not pose any threats against government's interest in building nation's development. Even they'll happily participate in the role they are profession. If seeing is believing, then we have to believe in the ability of our civilian government, at least on our beloved president. He's making big big decision which people never expected before. He keep making people wow almost everyday. I am sure he'll be remembered in the history of new civilization of Burma. Thanks Mr. President, for transforming our sky from the cloudy to sunshine. We all are getting smell of changes and feeling some comfortably due to your big decision. We all will remember you for at least by generation.

Relocation Story

OUR office is suppose to shift to bigger office tomorrow. Unfortunately, it is the same building and just different level. Following the gradually increase of man power, the company was needed to search an office with wider floor area. In the new renovation office, there are some extra rooms created for future employees. We're expected to start work in new office from tomorrow. Thus, we all are informed our new workstation by HR today and also urged to take responsibility in shifting our own computer and its accessories by this evening. The seating layout plan was needed to revise repeatedly by several senior staffs. Eventually we know the confirm workstation just hour away from actual shifting things. I don't know how our management is handling this matter. For me it's just a simple task.

As usual, I feel there are some unfair in the seating plan which is strongly linked to personal. The account personnel take full back row seats by citing they are handling top secret matter in office. I am not agree with that reason because it's not compact work environment. People from the same department should be placed together in order to generate better productivity. The person who need to use most system files should be given workstation next to file cabinet. Likewise, the person who print most should be placed next to printer. I don't know what is the real idea behind the sitting plan. I wonder as if it was based on service in which most senior are being placed behind rows while junior in front.

With regard to the seat plan, I heard some noisy complain from my colleagues. Some are vocal while some are silently disappointing. I might be latter group. Wonder why I'm not being put behind row which is next to cabinets. I need to use most files among fellow QS since I handle most projects both in running and unclosed past ones. Moreover I am only one QS who involve in the tender processing. It need me to use variety of files and my current workstation is being over loaded by colorful files both on and under table. I have limited place to work and it sometime make me work improperly position which lead me wrist pain at night. I wanted to complain with this but keep silent because I am always first to response senior management in the office. I felt we are treated differently. Perhaps I have been pessimist against my colleagues.

But I do believe it doesn't matter where to work for those who work hard. In this perspective, I console myself by trying to silent in this case. But it's long journey and once we are placed, it's going to be affected till we finally resign from company. In view of it, everybody should have been treated fair way. In brief, it is small matter and I just trying to record my feeling through the process of our office relocation. May all my colleague enjoy with the place they are being offered by management.

Grab opportunity as it never come twice

I'm very pleased to see positive news on the international media with regard to our government. Previously, I could able to see bad news about my country. I disappointingly thought as if there would be no good news come out of my mother land. Following the constructive movements made by our newly elected civilian government, there are several improvement tie with the outside world. In past, we can't reach beyond China, India & Thailand and occasionally among ASEAN countries. I felt that we were treated by different category. Of course, we being migrant workers from such underdog country too are being treated by double standard policies. It's better late than never. Now we all believe that our country is on the right track in achieving democratic country.

I am happy to see a lot delegates from various countries for possible investment. I believe, the more investor we can attract, the more jobs would be created for our graduates and people. More importantly, we are about to gain much needed technology to leap frog neighboring countries. It look like mission impossible to leap frog our neighboring countries. But why not if we move it as a unit since our country is the most promising country in the region. We are the place where world's biggest country China meet India. We are look like a cross road country in the Asia. Some advanced countries such as US, Germany and Japan are getting trouble in dealing with China's unfair trade policy which are mostly self centered. They cannot invest freely because they are required to make joint development with local companies. They know that such policies is about to get their technologies to Chinese SMEs. Finally they will make similar products with copycat technology and kick them out of their land. But they find, at the moment, it is not easy to find solution if they want world's biggest market.

Since our country is situated between China and India, I believe they'll come and invest in our land if our FDI policies open to them. We don't need to worry about losing our natural resources because they'll bring in technology that we need and can help us building industrialize nation in future. In reality, we can't build an industrialized nation ourselves without their help. They are seeking a chance to invest this time especially in the wake of our government's meaningful movement. If the world's leading countries come in, we don't need to rely on Chinese's cheap and outdated products. Once we allow them to come invest in manufacturing factories, our people would enjoy good paid jobs that can make their life easier than ever before. I hope the government will grab the best possible chance this time.

There is no point by retaining political prisoner as long as the government is doing good work. Since NLD is giving credit to President and its people, there is no risk in freeing such politician. Just one step away to lift unwanted sanction. Please release them and get biggest opportunity offered by the world's community. Otherwise, the China would be happy from behind. We should have understood the China policy since we have been their client country for few decades. The past is finished and we have no time to regret. What we can do now is making good decision that can really change our lives. We never seen government and people are united as this time as before. Irrawaddy had again made us united and time has reached to change our future. Lets make it together, Mr. President. We'll be happily come back and serve our country's building as a part of obligation.

Flawed world-class education

DEAR my daughter, if we fail to send you study abroad, please do understand there are reasons behind our decision as a parent. Their education can be world class but there are missing something special in it. For one instance, character teaching is desperately miss on their curriculum. As a result, I read a lot of terrible news in which students are involving. At first, I was shocked to learn the sexual relationship between teacher and student. Later, I myself seem don't bother since such news arise frequently. It doesn't matter to be male teacher, sometime it is relationship between female teacher and male student. How do we value such education then? In term of physical, they might be one of top education system in the world. Let me draw other example to get your attention.

At US court, a criminal judge was asking a student on why he did committed the offense. The student's answer shocked the whole world. What could it be? His answer was "Crime is the way to fame". I don't know what did he study in his school. But it's obvious that he has been thinking wrongfully. May be it's extra-ordinary story among student communities. How would you excuse me about the cases of student involve shooting spree in a class. Such incidents seem increasingly become a fashion among western countries. It is sign of disobedient and may be part of depression.

I have a couple friend who has a kindergarten student daughter. I was shocked when I heard their daughter's incident at the school campus. One day, their daughter complained her mother that her private part was touched by fellow classmate. Can you imagine how her mother feel once she is being told? Of course, she see nothing but blue. They went and complain to school administration and they are told that it's not possible. I wonder what if it's happening to Singaporean student. Unable to speak fluently could make my friend couple lose in their report to authority.

But I believe the child are not lying. She might have suffered from those unexpected bully by big classmates. What make me don't understand is why are they doing such adult chapter? Let it be. I also read a news in which one kindergarten school daughter's parent admitted their shock once they are being told by their daughter. One fine day, he brought her to school and she strangely told him who is bf of who and who is gf of who. He was definitely concern seriously. He is Singaporean native and can't imagine how come those very young age child are talking about bf, gf things. They decided to withdraw their daughter from that school and tried to shift another.

Frankly, I don't think it's inevitable as long as they are living in this society. Their society is quite copycat to western developed countries. Since IT technology make people easy to access almost everything what they want to do in virtual world. It would be strange to see a primary school student using mobile phone in our country. But it's no longer the case in our neighbouring countries. The parent cannot deny and prevent their child using mobile as it's part of their life. Also IT gadgets are essential for today students to activate their school matters. They make homework through internet. They need to do project by searching required data from internet. The problem is they are not mature enough to identify what is good and what is bad for them. Internet is a data base in which everything can be reached regardless of good or bad. It's up to user's will.

So I understand from those life time experience that sometime it's good to be less developed because it's more likely tot pass our life based on real world. Here most of students are spending most of their time through internet which is virtual world. They can make friends without seeing in person. It doesn't matter how far away each other, technology can make people feel near and touchable. Here, students are more confident and independent compare to our child. However sometime overconfident is dangerous to them as they ignore the advice of their senior. The way they wear is sometime awesome. But they see themselves fashionable and parent are helpless but see. There are so many things that come cross to my eyes and I'll share you once you understand my words. You are still too young to understand some of my words now. There are much time ahead to share you and I'll give you the best of our life with my best endeavor. Believe me, we'll never give you unhealthy education and let you grow amid self-centered society. At the moment, please try to keep exercise to walk.

Your worrisome dad.

Transparency is crucial in charity exercise

I'm pleased to see CGTI fund allocation table in excel sheet as it should have been before to attract potential donors among our family members. Previously I am disappointed to find myself unable to access the link they refer to. I asked myself why CGTI family fail to attach easy documents with excel, words or pdf format. Now my wish eventually fulfilled by family and thanks to those who make this real.

However, I'ld like to suggest that it could be better revealed by graph rather than long listed table. I believe that the hectic life of Singapore might have forced us unable to read long listed & complicated report. Thus, it'ld be wise enough to present by graph/pie/chart for those who are not interested in table and hard to find enough time. At the same time, I hope the nice presentation will prompt the members getting notice on a glace and can change their mind with regard to donation. I herewith attached two sample graph based on the data available by CGTI family.

Since more educated people become more cautious, the competitive style of fund allocation chart based on major, year, number of member would help them understand the updated situation and make quick decision. As we are running non-profitable organization, transparency is the most crucial step to maintain existing members and attract new potential members. By letting all members knows the financial status, it will boost their already generous minds in sharing their wealth to a meaningful event like CGTI family keep doing.

I welcome for publicizing CGTI bank account which will allow those who want to transfer the fund instantly via internet. Since the mind has a thousand eyes, it's a must for a firm to ensure its member having easy access to donate. I review myself with regard to this, I wanted to donate monthly funds for teacher tribute. But I find it hard to contact fund collection person. This make me feel cool and change mind. So my experience teach me that we have to do good things on the spot while our mind is in good mode. Otherwise these good mode can be easily gone away by time. So, by putting bank account on CGTI website, any member can donate easily once their mind become generous and feel responsible to our ex-teacher's plight. Moreover, people cannot make it excuse for unable to reach fund collector. It can make them easy access to donation box regardless of where they are. I see this as a good step forward and hopefully our CGTI family able to do such meaningful steps in near future to strengthen our unity.

My Walking Princess

IT has been the focal point of conversation among family members since my daughter started to walk with the aid of other. Since this is very early attempt, she cannot walk by itself confidently. Thus, she needs somebody to help her to exercise. It's obvious she loves to walk because she never complain for walking regardless of time & distance. Luckily she has several Aunties around her and she is able to afford to ask one after another. As she is living away from her parent, everybody loves her and try not to annoy her. It make her to become a bit stubborn girl as she has lost her cool whenever things go against her will. She still unable to speak but can manage asking people around to do what she wants. People around mostly can guess what she means by seeing her behavior and body language. She would throw things if being given wrongly. Being a father, I am of course worry about her becoming a disobedient girl. It prompt me to tell my eldest sister who supervise the nanny around her to make sure there is at least one person she not dare to protest.

As 15 months old girl, she already started to recognize what people around doing and try to copy that. So I think it's important for a baby having a soft & polite manner people around. Otherwise it is look like she is given wrong environment to adapt in her early development. We are worry when she failed to walk while her peers enjoy start walking. We are worry when she is refusing formula-milk to drink following lack of breast-milk. We are worrying when her medicine intake increased to prevent potential diseases. She was born under weight baby and seems easy to get diseases. It prompted her guardians unable to let her play like normal babies in the quarter. Sometime over worry contribute the babies become extra-ordinarily soft and weak at resisting incoming virus, I think. On the other hand, my sister can't afford to test her since her parent are away. We have to understand situation and I needed to convince my wife sometime on some issue because our princess was taken care by paternal Aunties.

Good news for us at the moment is she enjoys walking now with the help of other. She doesn't need to rest when she is walking. Only helping adults become tired and change one by one. She would even run at a point and always in front position. We're happy to learn her improvement. As a result, she can eat more because walking exercise make her feel hungry by increasing digestion rate. At night, she can sleep better than ever before due to this particular physical activity. She walks until the whole body is wet by sweat. We're happy to hear the progress of her walking experience via telephone. A few weeks after she started walking, she can stand independently on her own foot. We all believe that she's progressing considerably and we are about to see her walk alone in soonest time. The nanny old couple begin to feel that it's going to be uphill task for them after my daughter independently walk. Anyway, we all are happy to see them healthy at the moment. Thanks my princess for living well without disturbing us.

AGTI Vs EGTI

IT has been widely said among GTI graduates that there are two categories so called AGTI and EGTI. I think needless to elaborate why say so. Those who study at day time are considered AGTI and those who study at evening time are verbally called EGTI. I am not sure if this is happening legally or not among GTI society. But for sure is those words are created to divide among GTI graduates. AGTI graduates might have thought that they are better than EGTI graduates while EGTI graduates could feel some hurt once they are being called. I believe this is arisen by an improper step of authority which might have been forced to do by their superior department. In fact, there are more than such major divisive.

I myself joined AGTI through latest entrance exam in 1995. Later the admission was selected based on matriculation exam mark especially on Maths and English. At the same time, there was one particular year (1998 graduate if I am not mistaken) in which those student whose parent are teachers are allowed to join GTI regardless of their matriculation result. Moreover, there was another batch so called teacher training camp in which those students left from first chance are given another chance to become an engineer. No matter what batch a student is studying the course, the authority awards AGTI certificate to those who finished the course successfully. However there has been some bitter feeling that some AGTI students find it difficult to detach, I think. In real working world, we are judged based on personal skill rather than just paper qualification.

It's good to learn that CGTI family seems going to join All GTI family by advertising the upcoming gathering activity organized by All GTI family. In view of above, what make me appalling is there are so many AGTI words repeatedly in the invitation letter. Does it mean only AGTI graduates are warmly welcome to participate? Or does it mean EGTI graduates are not eligible to join? If the above my personal opinion of AGTI and EGTI is the case, the organizer of All GTI family should have used the better words in order to avoid negative impact. Hopefully, the All GTI media department won't have such negative attitude in making the aforesaid invitation letter content.

I'm solely responsible for the thinking of AGTI & EGTI thought and I'll take all consequence arisen from this. Frankly, I am not sure if my opinion is correct or not. If the post has offended you, I'm sorry for that. May all GTI graduates in Singapore transform coming Sunday evening a memorable gathering event life as before.

1997 civil graduate

Goodbye Steve

BREAKING NEWS everywhere come out this morning with regard to Apple's genius, Mr. Steve Jobs has been passed away from cancer. I'm not fan of Apple's product while everybody is nowadays crazy with the product of Apple company. Without Steve Jobs, the Apple wouldn't have been in this planet. So Mr. Steve Jobs deserve everybody's respect regardless of Apple fun or not. As Mr. Bill Gate of Microsoft who is a bitter rival of Apple quote, knowing Jobs was "insanely great" honor to him. If Jobs is such prominent figure for a genius person like Bill Gate, I can't find a proper word to thank him for ordinary people like us. No wonder everybody on the world show their concern since he has created extraordinary product for the world's citizen.

I'm really surprise to learn this passing news as I thought he could have been treated world's best medicine for his diseases. I even don't know what kind of disease he is suffering. I just know he was struggling for cancer from latest news. We all know that Apple recently employed new CEO to replace the void Jobs left. World media ever wanted to know if there is someone competent to fill the gap since it's quite huge. Soon after the replacement news, he left our planet. It show he was doing his duties until last minute to make us happy. Our world desperately need such person to make this planet more liveable. I never seen him before in person. But I feel I should have some words to pay final respect to his contribution to our world.

The world is sometime funny as it kick out the good people prematurely. Losing Jobs at 56 years is too early for our community. He might not intend to go this early. If I'm being asked what I would do to best honor him, I'ld give him noble price under creativity/innovation. Because no other product have been more popular than Apple's product in the modernize world. It'ld be wise if Noble Judge Panel select Mr. Steve Jobs for his ultimate contribution to our world. May you able to lie at the peaceful heaven under the guidance of the God, Mr. Genius. We'll remember you for at least by generation.

Understanding China's Threat

AS we all expect, the China has demanded for a meeting to explain why our government has suspended China back mega hydro-power dam project. They pointed the legitimate government should protect the right of Chinese Companies. Also they assured that they'll protect the interest of China's benefit if it come against their way. By seeing this, China has been itchy considerably by the latest movement of our government. Now they are trying to say like they're gentleman and always complying international laws whenever they are trying to make investments abroad. Everybody in Myanmar and world knows what the China is doing in the business. They're trying to make allies with those countries who are isolated by world's society. More accurately, they are making friends with those countries who are anti-US. They know clearly that it's the chance to take by doing so. Because those isolated countries are mostly sanctioned by the world economy and they can get whatever they want from those countries with scrap value which is much lower than market price. Vice versa, the leaders of those countries have very little to choose option since they are being angled by effective sanction. Anyway, for sure thing is China is taking advantage from the plight of those less developing countries by heavily investing to absorb their best possible outcome such as natural resources.

In the past 5 decades, China has taken almost everything from our land regardless of government. They know how to control the Junta since they have vast experience of controlling wild people as a communist country. Our country leaders might have been accept their unfair demand in the effort of reducing poverty or making their own asset increase from huge bribe. They always express how they take care on us as well as how good neighbor country are they repeatedly. Probably, this time suspension of China back project is first ever experience for them in the history and they are feeling hot from unexpected news. Moreover, they might have been worry from the constructive efforts being made by new government including amending ties with opposition parties and western nations. China ever don't like to see us having good relationship with outside world. The more isolated we are, the happier the China would be, for sure. Because they can do anything they like only if Myanmar is isolated from outside world. Otherwise, Myanmar will feel some unfairness from comparison. Now we are trying to change all outdated policies and this latest news is a good signal to China.

I'm surprise to see they are telling us to respect the law. They shouldn't start this project had they respected our priceless biodiversity nature. They shouldn't invest in this project should they sympathize from their own experience of 3 George Dam. They shouldn't favor our ethnic rebels should they feel our good friend. In fact, I personally feel they are just bullying us. They are treating us like their colonial country. They even can't do everything what they want in their own county if the development is not right for long run. They have closed some factories to ease people's angers with regard to environmental effect. Wonder why they are doing such illness things in our land while they can't even do in their own land. It's crystal clear they are only taking care of their interest. It's proofing they are not interesting side effect of the project. Finally things go against them, they started to spark and demand explanation. It's needless to explain as the government has a right to protect their own people's benefit. Do they allow Google search engine freely to use its full capacity? There is nothing to do with outside world but accept if they wants to invest in that particular country.

I recall the incident in which China navy harassed the survey research ship of Vietnam by cutting the cables. It was happening in the South China Sea and Vietnam response angrily. How? Vietnam government allowed its people went out on the street to stage rare demonstration. Some went China Embassy and made prolong demonstration. The authority strangely allowed its people for several weeks. Moreover, Vietnamese government allowed US Navy carrier to visit its ports as they fully understand they cannot along counter China's power. So they tried to make good relation with US and itch China seeing US Navy ship touring around South China Sea territory. At the same time, Vietnam announce to make joint navy exercise together with US marines that make China really annoyed. In fact, China is trying to bully south east Asia countries in this sea dispute case. Before settle the case, they are taking control of those disputable area assuming theirs. They arrest and maintain all incoming fish boats, refinery rig, survey, building mission.

Recently collision of Japanese navy ship and Chinese fishing boat is good example to understand the dirty mind of China. Japanese navy arrested the Chinese captain for deliberately collide coastal ship and Beijing demanded Japan to release their national with immediate effect. Japan sooner released the captain and China dare to ask even appology by Japanese side. In that case, Chinese boat captain is committed the offense and they even asked for appology from Japan. Japan response by telling there is no way to appology in the case since they're fully comply the lawful way. After that, China halted the export of rare earth to Japan. China is a home of more than 90% of rare earth export in the world. The precious metal is used in making most electronic products such as hybrid cars, electronic goods such as mobile, TV, Computer chips, etc. Without this raw materials, it's obvious the technology giant like Japan cannot survive. China cited environmental effect for the halting operation that prompted US and Australia to resume their own rare earth operation sites. By seeing this scenarios, it's sure China has a bad foreign policy if things come against their will.

May our leaders and people able to avoid those dirty tricks from China by the strength of unity. I would like to request our leaders not to waste our money and energy in fighting our own ethnic brothers. Please try to make peaceful reconciliation as fast as possible by means of every effort. It's time to show our unity and we need every single citizen in protecting our country from dirty minded country. May we get win-win situation through peaceful and friendship consultation on the table. We are small compare to China. But we have to believe in ourselves that we can counter the possible threat by uniting people and government. In the mean time, trying to make a good ally with US and India would have made us safer than ever before. I personally trust in the ability of our president to cope with the present issue.

Wake up Myanmar, time to mature and show our strength to the world.