flatmate diary

SINGAPORE is one of most expensive cities to live in. Obviously, migrant workers who earn relatively less wages can't afford to rent the whole flat. Thus we have to rent a room or flat and share with others. As we have no experience in sharing a place back home, there are some social problem arisen inevitably. In order to reduce rental fees, we have to share a room with others. It depend on owner, but one room accommodate at least two heads. Some economic tenants even have to stay as compact as 4 heads per room. In such case, those tenant has to sleep on double deck bed. Just imagine the flat has 3 rooms and each room has two person. There would be total 9 person has to share whole flat at least. However, the facility is sometime not enough to provide tenants, particularly in peak hours such as early morning and evening.

We have to survive in the hectic life both in work and home. Our work is already stressful and it's a little bit beyond tolerance when we have to face some pressure at home. More or less, we can't avoid some form of pressure. Some from flat owner, some from flat leading occupier, some from flatmates, some from roommates, some from neighbor, some from bad hygiene, some from noisy environment, some from inconsiderate people who never think of others' feeling. Luckily, I could able to avoid roommate problem as my wife and I rent entire room. But we notice the plight of our neighbor room anchor tenant. He arrived the current flat earlier than us. Since he is a single man whose family is left home, he has to share a room to reduce rental price. He is not lucky with the incoming roommate. He is not a leading flat occupier and he has no choice roommate when new come in. As a place is worth about S$ 400 a month, no flat owner wants to see vacant any bed. Sometime, he reveals his bad experience with other roommate and I learn from it. As my wife and I are trying to rent an entire flat, we should know such experience. In fact, we are indispensable to each other as we still have to share some facilities such as common toilet, kitchen, living room, washing machine, dryer, etc.

(To be continued)

Earth Hour

SOME activists are busying with urging world's citizen to participate in tomorrow's Earth Hour celebration. The whole world is expected to participate for one hour long celebration. The task is simple, just switch off the light at your room/house/office. The timing is 8:30pm to 9:30pm. The environmental activists want to give message to the world's leader how badly our earth has gone due to carelessness of people. Regardless of reason, it's undeniable to tell our world is sick. Some scientists even said world's environmental condition is irreversible by people's effort few days ago. Meaning, the problem has been beyond recoverable. It's alarming as we can't stay away from our planet. It is our home and we are apparently spoiling our home with or without noticing.

I think we all should take part in this goodwill celebration. We shouldn't give any reason for failing to do so as it will take us an hour only. For the cumulative offense we have committed on our earth, we should give one hour as a penalty. Some are preparing for mini-party among family members and friends under candle-light. My country authority are not late to response towards good activities like Earth Hour. Our ministry of energy announced one statement yesterday to its people that the public in biggest city will get electricity 6 hours rotation basic effective from April-2. What a good practice is it to save our earth? In fact, our people automatically know that they're going to face block-out more frequently in summer by citing summer that cannot provide water to our hydroelectric power dams. We are very used to see electricity to come and out without prior notice even in the biggest city. Most of villages and some cities are still relying on their own mean of getting electricity or replacement methods.

Our country is top 10 nation who export natural gas to the world particularly to Thailand & China. But our people are stay living under moonlight at large. Our students are still relying on candle-light to sturdy at night. Everywhere, we can see hydroelectric power stations. But all production are sold out to neighboring countries. There are hundred power projects on the blue-print which are also intended to export. Meanwhile, our people from border are paying money to foreign firms for importing electricity from them. What a mess is it? I don't know what our MPs are doing in the parliament. They should have started the benefit of our own people since they are elected by people. Despite they always shouted that they are civilian government and represent people's desire, the act are still remain unchanged to favor their own benefit.

Anyway, lets celebrate earth hour tomorrow night. If it's our duty to save our own business, I am sure it's also our responsibility to participate in saving our unhealthy earth. May our earth able to recover soonest possible. May the world leaders able to find some ways to reduce carbon print. May our world citizen able to live in the better and healthier world.

third world behavior 2

MY office is located in one warehouse. Thus, we have to share in common toilet provided by warehouse management. There are other companies in the same level. What make me disgust is when I find something irresponsible left by inconsiderate person. There are some scratch on the cubicle wall. There are some hand written that abuse all reader/user. Some even got f words. I just cannot understand why they did it. Some written words got response by another who show his displeasure by rewriting the same tone of bad words. Definitely it's not appropriate.

Another rest room story is some people never lift the seating cover up after using. It become worse when the next person pee from the stand position as it's male's toilet. Most likely to miss target and strain on the cover. Imagine if you are next user after the offender. Definitely you will not feel good, right? But I have to swallow my anger by wiping them away as I am in the emergency mode. I can't move forward without cleaning it. It's upsetting to clean others' shit at the very last minute. I think such people should be sent to corrective center to learn how to use public facilities.

In Singapore, most of public area are designated as smoke-free zone. Again, some people are smoking while they are using toilet's facilities. Still ok and understandable. The problem is some leave the residual of their finished cigarette behind in the urinal as well as bowl of toilet. The urinal is flashed automatically and smell are controlled by some chemical rolls. Imagine, such cigarette residual are in the container and absorb the urine and force next user to smell inevitably. Bad enough, right? When those rubbish are in the bowl of toilet, it simply don't go through water trap when flashing. As a result, they are buoyant and seem teasing at user. What a bad practice is it? Besides, some people are apparent don't know how to use European type toilet properly. Because there are some foot-print on the seat cover sometime I encounter. I don't know why they are behaving like that. Perhaps they are used to with squad type toilet in their background. Worst come last from the forgotten people. They left their shit behind remain without flashing/flash successfully.

Hopefully, my fellow warehouse facilities users will improve their life style and able to become considerate people to make our society healthy and happy.

Myanmar's self-destroyed spirit

Once a famous joker said we Burmese wants to establish two parties if possible. It seems joke but much reflect to our attitude. In domestic, there have been a lot political parties as well as rebellions since we got independence. Once Singapore's founding father highlighted to one opposition leader who urged for world-class parliament to be built in island state. The opposition leader said that the world class parliament should have several rival parties rather than single/few party. MM Lee answer was quite obvious to understand. He answer that "if so, Myanmar may have world class parliament by citing its several parties".

In outside, also Burmese are forming several group by the people of same attitude rather than making one which is strong. In fact, once the members grow, there are more likely the group/firm is broken. Thus, most people seem favor to establish small group at first if it is not for ever. Lets see it smaller cycle, say in a flat. In foreign country, we have to rent a room and stay together with others who are most likely to be compatriots. To my personal experience, it's hard to see flatmates staying and eating together without problem unless they are couple or siblings. Some try to partner in eating together with the prospect of reducing food expenses. Sooner or later, it's going to be broken due to unfair workload. If worse, the close friends become enemies who cannot face each other for the rest of life.

Similar happen in the workplace. If there is only one Myanmar citizen around, he/she can survive in the broken places. There would be trouble when another fellow citizen join him/her. Instead of being united and form stronger contingent just like Philippine counterparts, they are likely to stay away. The senior would conceal some techniques that is alien to new comers to protect his/her place in work. Sometime, junior also failed to convince senior so that he/she can learn more within probation period. Traditionally, such behavior/attitude is not recommended way of what we are being taught in our early-hood days by our teacher/elders. Sadly, being united among Myanmar society is easier said than done. If we are supposed to transform our nation successfully, we, including me, have to change our bad behaviors soonest possible.

Respect people's desire

MYANMAR's by-election is around the corner now. April-1 by-election will take part in coming Sunday that is few days away now. All participating political parties are busying with their campaigning trips to convince people. Myanmar is seeing some real campaign this time after several decades missing. Despite election committee and the government keep telling that the upcoming by-election would be free and fair, there are so many news suggesting the wrong lists of voters from all the regions where participating. The delegates from opposition parties keep checking the wrongdoing of ruling party toward preparation of by-election. Without correct voters number, it'ld be so difficult to hold free and fair election.

Some news expressed that there are some dead people's names in the list of eligible voters. Other said there are double name with same IC. Another found out that there are some households in the list for two places. And so on. I just can't understand why the ruling party is so worry even for only 45 seats. They already taken overwhelming seats in the parliament. People know what has happened in last year's general election. People know who they should vote this time if they are not forced or threaten. This time, the international watchdog and ASEAN delegates will come and scrutinize the situation of real day by-election date. I don't know what exactly will come out on coming Sunday. In my opinion, the result is already known if the by-election will go free and fair as the authority always said. My wish and answer is NLD will take majority of 45 seats available this time. Who else able to beat NLD in term of quality and star power? I see no one else but our lady, Aung San Su Kyi. Cheer NLD, this is time to celebrate together with your beloving supporters. The world has seen how people have been affectionate with NLD and it's likely to happen in future, without doubt.

May our people's desire able to reflect in the result of by-election on coming Sunday.

Clone Champion

IF there is competition for clone/counterfeit/duplication, no other country would able to compete China I think. China's ambition is simple. Allow technology know-how companies invest in the main land, copies and regenerate products with their own brand names. At worse, they will apply to get patent right and make them their own invention technology. Look some example, recently China sued Japanese rail company for copying their railway technology. In fact, the China hired Japanese company to assist their ambitious nationwide project. Later, they gained some technology and produce their own and even dare to accuse Japan's railway giant, Kawasaki.

Another one, China buy a lot military hardware products from Russia. Later they duplicate technology and reduce order. Recently revealed China's J-20 steath fighter has much input from Russia's MIG-29 both in physical and technological. Russia wanted to sue China but can't because China never allow outsider to access their military production lines factories. Most recently, China wanted to buy Russia's latest advanced fighter for USD 4 billions. But Russia doesn't dare to sell unless China grant not to clone their technology. Once Russia raised their query, China withdrew their intention to buy. What a dishonest move is it? Russia is facing problem whenever it come to sell military products to China. If they refuse to sell, they are going to lose lucrative deals. If they proceed with selling, they are facing the risk of their technology being cloned. At worst, China's duplicate military hardware with cheaper price are competing in third world countries market. It means China is taking some pie of military market formerly dominance by US & Russia.

US new president-elect once told its people in once presidential campaign that China is stealing our technology and taking advantage from it. It's due to Obama's flawed policy and he promised audience to change such incident if he is elected in upcoming election. What a dare speech is it? How does he effort to tell such defaming words to public if it is not true enough? Why China is quieting when they are being accused by world's leaders? There might have been something unusual in China's compound. Recently, China highlighted how our exported products are inferior to its standard and block import. What a funny is it especially when a country like China speak out such words. Chinese do almost everything if it is economically profitable for them. Tainted milk, faked egg, contaminated oils, etc. Nobody can imagine to do such bloody things at the expense of other lives.

Since we are neighboring country to China, our citizens are at risk of exposing China's sub-standard products. At worse case, we could find counterfeit medicine from China in our market. Our authority shouldn't take this danger lightly. Without corruption, we have to check properly the China make products at the border checkpoints. Otherwise it's most likely to get China's inferior/rejected/sub-standard/counterfeit products in the market and our citizen will suffer of it. Eventually, the health-burden will become national level unless our authority take necessary action against possible China make bloody products. Lets protect our citizen's right.

Vulnerable S'porean ?

ONE of many reason why foreign workers apply for permanent resident is due to its world class educational system. It's all parent's dream to provide their children quality education if possible. Knowing huge gap in school fees between locals and foreigner, more and more people are trying to become PR around our community. After foreign worker quota reviewing, the P1 registration quota was introduced yesterday to upset SPR. Following complaints of Singaporean parent of school-goers and the fact that more than half of island city's primary schools has been experiencing to make balloting for its insufficient places last year, MOE tried to change existing policy to make Singaporean feel absolutely priority in all phases. It mean PR students will find it mission almost impossible to get access to a good school. They would be last in line of registration process just ahead of foreign students. The news also express the feelings of some PR with the new movement.

In fact, the current system already good enough for Singaporean to qualify the admission to their desired school. Current one let Singaporean student get double ballot than their PR student, that make their chance to gain access double. Surprisingly, it still unable to make Singaporean parent happy and prompt the authority to change policy again that apparently shut doors to PR and foreign students. It won't probably affect to rich PR students as they have choice to go international private school which grantee quality education as well. But for poor PR student, it's most likely to be gotten bottom class schools. At usual circumstance, I see Singapore as a meritocracy country that count everybody by their own merit. However the latest stunt seems to be authoritarian than meritocracy. Since Singapore is multiracial country, all the students should have been given the same chance by deciding their own merit regardless of where they come from especially between SC & SPR as both parties are contributing same CPF to the country, I think.

For sure, the latest movement make me clear what should I do next when my wife urge me to apply PR again in future. I'll try to convince my daughter to value and appreciate our own education system when she come visit here next month. Relax Singaporean, you have very kind leaders who always interest in your own benefit. Hopefully we also will get such leaders in the near future in our mother land. It's most likely as our lady is contesting in upcoming by-election on this Sunday. May NLD able to win the by-election with landslide result. We already itchy to return home soonest possible because there is no other places better than home.

Task for Foreigner Only

CHANGI airport group is planning to develop its low cost terminal facilities to new terminal 4. CAG advertised on ST for terminal design bidding to potential architect firms. The advertisement brought some controversy condition that severely upset local architectural firms. CAG clearly stated that "Only foreign firms need to apply". What does it mean? CAG is not recognizing the local talent pools and only intend to convince foreign famous Architects. Following the advertisement, CAG's CEO received a protesting letter from SIA (Singapore Institute of Architect) to show their displeasure with the advertisement. CAG was quick to response to avoid adverse effect from their apparent wrong movement in their latest stunt. They changed their mind and allowed local Architect firms to participate in the design competition.

Being foreign worker myself, I am just neutral in looking into the case. No wonder CAG invite purely to foreign famous firms as there is no room to make less quality design if Changi is to keep its edge against widely competitors from the regions as well as from the world. There are rising competition in term of cost and quality in the aviation sector. Look famous buildings in the lion city, most of them are the artwork of foreign Architect. The fact is that those buildings which is designed by famous Architect went well in the sale. For developer, it's easier to convince potential partner. I recently visited to Marina Bay Sand Casino and admired the brain behind the MBS Sand Building who is from Israel. I have read some comments made by locals on its opening day that it's completely different from those design they used to here. The visitors made comparison between Resort Sentosa World Casino and MBS's design to distinguish.

In brief, we, being foreign workers, always experience in the job advertisement that only S'porean or SPR need apply. We understand the feeling of locals but it's a little bit beyond enough. While government is doing the best, its people also need to play their part I think. It's too easy to point at government when things go against them. In fact, it's like a person's behavior who is not mature enough. Naturally, S'porean are given upperhand in all aspect of life. They can easily occupy a good life with very little effort. I am really surprise to see poor S'porean and can't imagine how do they become such situation amid good governance. Let it be. I shouldn't go further as I am just visitor here. May Singaporean able to get their wishes from the ruling party.

third world behavior

SINGAPORE, easily can be called first world country. But her people's behavior, sometime, are not apparent in the same class of its counterparts from other first world countries. Long time ago, I read somebody's concern with regard to this issue under voice section of local newspaper. She reiterated the story in which one woman is accompany with her about 5 years old son. The two are in the queue of toilet for their turn to come. The writer is just behind a women and her son. Suddenly, the woman pull her son up and put on the nearby counter basin top. Then, she took the boy's pant off and let him pees into the basin in front of fellow public members who are in queue. The boy first a bit reluctant as he seem shy. Later he realize that he cannot deny his mum's instruction and did it. After that the two went out of room. The unhappy writer stop a woman and told that she didn't do such kind of thing in public because her son is still young and shouldn't be encouraged such bad behavior. Instead of she has to say sorry politely, she just hit back to considerate person with few words and straight away went out of room. What she told is, "This is emergency".

Famous Quote

OUR president said in his one speech to the public that he was so deeply concern to be told by one ethnic insurgent leader who is arriving in administrative city for reconciliation effort. An ethnic leader told president that his younger soldiers would like to use laptop rather than rifles nowadays. The message seem working as our president reiterate it in his speech to public. What exactly president's message is?

"I will try to change their rifles to laptops soonest possible". Sound pretty good despite it's easier said than done. But we all can smell of reconciliation today. The civilian government is setting up a committee that take responsibility to deal with all ethnic group. One after another, we are seeing several halting agreement are being signed by several group. I hope this time transforming is real and not only due to the aspect of lifting sanction. We all know that without having a peaceful nation, we can't quickly go in building our nation. Hopefully our president's pledge can be fulfilled within his term.

China faces another suspension

COUPLE weeks ago, I read a news in ST saying China is winning a hydroelectric power project over usual dominance India firms in Nepal. I was surprising to learn China's hungry on generating power all over the world. I even told my wife that no wonder China is exploring opportunities in our country for power generation by citing Nepal's news. China Three Gorges International Corporation signed an agreement with Nepal's government last month to build the 750-mega watt hydroelectric power plant. The project is estimated to cost US$1.6 billion (S$2 billion).

One month after commencing project, Nepal's parliamentary committee ordered the company to suspend work while investigating possible irregularities in the granting of the firm's license. Nepal's parliamentary Natural Resources and Means Committee said it was probing the government's decision to grant the project to the Chinese company without calling for international bidding. I am really impressed to learn their reason for suspension. It's totally different from our own version of awarding projects to China's companies. Till now, people are not subject to know about the detail of story why the ruling party is awarding to a particular company.

Five months ago, our president suspended the China invested hydroelectric power project which is tend to generate 2000 MW in order to avoid public outrage. Now authority is asking local villages to move by certain dateline. So the ethnic residence and the whole country are worrying about resuming the job. Initially, the president promised to the public that he won't allow the project during his term (5 years). Now five months later, the project is apparently going to restart. In fact, the project will sit on the junction of two small rivers which make our life-blood river, Irrawaddy at the end. Thus people are so much concern with the effort of killing our 100% own river. Besides, all the people who rely on the river for their life would be severely affected. The ruling party will get negative response in the upcoming by-election and next general election if they are moving against people's wills.

There are others things to be developed in Burma. I just don't understand why our leaders are still very obedient to China. People are not really like the attitude of China. You go ask people if they like China, I am sure you will get 99% of them answer "NO". The rest 1% are likely to be ethnic Chinese or those immigrant Chinese who take double citizen illegally. It's not wise to go China way against people's desire. I wish our leaders will review the mega dam project that will sink our invaluable natural resources in ethnic Kachin region and change plan to the best interest of our people. May our people free from modern colonization threaten by big boys like China.

Who is Aung San? What is his Speech? part 2

who is Aung San? What is his Speech? part 1

Help protect our maids

WHEN a Thai girl was accidentally fell into SMRT track, Thai embassy step in the matter to protect their citizen's right to its fullest. Wonder what she will get if she is Myanmar citizen. Perhaps she would be prosecuted for negligence or intruder. The case prompt the SMRT to install half height screen doors in all surface stations to avoid similar expensive case in future.

WHEN an underage Indonesia maid murdered her employer, Indonesia embassy didn't ignore her by hiring a lawyer to mitigate the case. By Singapore's law, murdering is punishable by death penalty. However due to her age, being minor, together with her embassy's effort, she eventually escape death penalty. She only needs to serve 10 years in prison.

WHEN several bullish cases to Indonesian maid by Malaysian employers surfaced, Indonesia authority block exporting their domestic workers to Malaysia until they get assurance for required protection to their maids by Malaysia authority. It took about couple years to settle. Finally Malaysia government find it hard to replace the void Indonesian maid by other sources and agreed with Indonesia's demand.

WHEN Saudi Arabia court executed Philippine maid for murdering her employer, The Philippine government stop exporting their maids to middle east country to show their protest. The philippine still maintain their moves by finding alternative places for their maids.

What a good preventive measure by their respective government? Even though those maids didn't need to pay income tax, their authority never fail to protect their citizen's right. They know what does government mean toward their national abroad. This kind of action was severely needed by oversea workers.

Unfortunately, our maids and workers are not getting enough couselling service by our embassy. Despite we need to pay 10% of our wages to country, our embassy seems no interest in our tragic matter. Most recent case with regard to the previous post is a good example to highlight the lack of our authority's responsibility to its people. Why does it come to us alone? Why we are not deserving the necessary protection while our counterparts from other countries are enjoying? Only attitude of our government staffs might be reason for difference between us. They don't need to wait until instruction come out from senior management. They don't need to wait until complain come out if they are about to filfill their duties. I am frustrating to know that abused maid is sent to HOME to be taken care she need following discharge from hospital. Where gone our authority to assist her? What for they are here unless they help our citizen's case? Do they here just for collecting income tax? It's really appalling. Unless they take immediate action, our countrymen are supposed to be bullied by their respective employer.

May our authority know the plight of its people abroad while they never failed to collect tax from them. May all fellow citizen get necessary protection by governing law. May all countrymen free from fear/bully at work. Wishing is only one thing I could do for those sufferer at the moment. Open up Myanmar, create jobs, we're desperately want to come back home. You know, nowhere is better than home. It'll never ever change, I tell you.

Why can't she go our embassy ?

"On Feb 25, this maid from Myanmar named Khing (not her real name), aged 24 years according to her passport was transferred from Changi General Hospital to Singapore General Hospital's ward 43 Burn Centre as she had been abused by her employer.

"One of her neighbours had informed to police and they had gone to the house in Tampines to investigate.

"They found that she had many scratch marks on her face, many scratch marks and human bites on her hands, blisters on her back and both buttocks caused by people throwing hot water onto her.

"She also couldn't walk well because her legs are swollen due having been kicked by her employer apparently while wearing big boots.

"Her head also had been hit with a coffee mug.

"Police had sent her to CGH via ambulance on Feb 22. I had gone to see her on Mar 2 at SGH.

"I was shocked when I saw this little skinny girl, and I couldn't control my tears. She is suffering a lot and was mentally and physically traumatised.

"Actually she was born in 1995, so she is only 16 years old. She was discharged from SGH on Mar 2 and sent to a shelter home arranged for her by medical social workers and police.

Do you aware our maid's plight?

The 17-year-old Myanmar maid who was recently reported by a STOMPer to have been allegedly abused by her employer was also allegedly humiliated by them too. They took pictures of her while she was bathing and threatened to use those against her unless she worked harder.

According to a report in The New Paper, the maid was also allegedly:

• Beaten on the arms with metal hangers;
• Hit on the head with a ceramic mug;
• Poked with a pair of scissors;
• Kicked with big boots;
• Had an oxygen tube used by an elderly family member tied around her neck;
• Forced to drink five cups of water in the morning and subsequently not allowed to use the toilet;
• Had pictures taken while she was bathing and threatened that those photographs would be 'used' against her unless she worked harder.

The family is reported to live in a flat in the east and the Myanmar maid has been working for them since late 2011. The alleged abuse had started in January and was apparently carried out by the employer's daughter, said a source close to the maid.

The maid also had to work from 5am to 2am every day.

When the maid fell asleep on morning in February while using the toilet, the employer's daughter allegedly poured hot water on the maid's back to 'punish' her and 'wake her up'. A neighbour saw the maid waving to him from the flat on Feb 22, and the police were called in.

After she was discharged from SGH about two weeks ago, the maid was sent to a shelter run by the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home).

The group, Home, helps migrant workers in Singapore, and can be contacted via their toll-free 24-hr hotline at: 1800-7-977-977.


Source Ref:
http://static.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/1008440/myanmar_maid_abused_by_employers_they_also_took_photos.html

Public Fighting

SINGAPORE, the world's third wealthiest nation, most competitive nation in Asia, she is taking several crown in her pocket. Probably she might find it hard to keep those prices properly as there are too much. As nation developed, the authority seems wanted its people's behavior also improved. We could find a common sign saying "Be Considerate" everywhere especially on public transport vehicles. In the hectic life, people are increasingly inpatient in their daily route. On public transport, in work, in society, etc.

It was rainy Sunday. My wife and I were going to the Singapore Air Show 2012 by train. We two are standing in the middle of MRT carriage. There is one young woman who is apparent a lesbian sitting in the priority seat. Beside her is a upper middle age man. Both of them are in front of us and train is not so crowd. She is enjoying music by shaking her legs. She is much like a man rather than woman. The old man appear dislike her manner on the way she is enjoying and started to talk her by Chinese. The woman reply a bit and continue to enjoy her act. Gradually, the two's temper become aggressive and started to quarrel. Man's wife who is sitting about three passenger away stand up and step in to disrupt the quarreling. When the wife involve, the man show more anger and punch a young woman with his forceful arm. The situation become worse and nearby passengers moved away to avoid the incident. Some young Chinese man rush in and tried to separate. The young woman seem hurt by mature man and shout at him loudly by Chinese. I don't understand what they are shouting at. But for sure is the more people concern, the two parties become more aggressive and show how brave they are. They are much cooler when nobody aware their matter.

Few stations later, a young woman alighted. Just before she step out, she showed her fist to man and challenged him to come out of train for fight. The man rushed at doors, his wife pulled all the way, he angrily push back wife and forward. Some fellow young Chinese passengers helped to control the man. Train doors closed and the journey continued. The man stand up and see what station is it and look at the lesbian lady through window. People not dare to return seats which are vacant. Next station, new passengers come in and sit on vacant seats. My wife and I also stayed away from the troublesome man. I don't know why angry like that for a small reason. It can be settled by a nice talking. Perhaps lesbian woman is foreign worker and an old couple seem local resident. Anyhow, they both are Chinese and can easily communicate the dislike. Our happy imagination on upcoming air show are at least shortly gone.

If Singapore is supposed to be first world country, she definitely needs to convince her people to act as first world citizen manner. Otherwise, such behavior might affect Singapore's reputation. Of course, it won't be easy to upgrade all walk of life to become first world citizen as Singapore is multi ethnic country. But I believe in Singapore's ability in handling the matter to become smart from scrap. Hopefully, there won't be necessary to make public fighting is crime and punishable in future. May all passenger have a safe and enjoyable trip whenever they use public transport.

Shrinking Burma

IN our old historic days, our country's map is look like a shape of rectangle stretching from today eastern part of Bangladesh to western provinces of Thailand. In top, some parts of India & China are under our territory. As the quality of younger generation decline, our mother land has been stolen by neighboring countries until today map which is resemble to a shape of cradling mother. I always thought lucky to see Myanmar is not involved in the claimant states of current hotshot south east china sea sea claim dispute in which several ASEAN countries are against big boy China. I am relief to see our country's geographical location.

However, there are sign of modern colonizations by neighbor countries in term of economic especially by China. A lot of Chinese business men had dominated our big cities major business districts. Besides they have illegally acquired national identification card through bribe to local authority. Anything can happen in poverty country like Burma. Due to insufficiency of income, there are widely spread corruption throughout the nation. It's just money matter if corruption happen in central divisions. But it's different when the frontline immigration and custom officers take bribe toward incoming foreigners. Chinese business men try to get Myanmar IC to take advantage of being citizen in trading. There are sizeable population of Chinese who cannot speak Burmese language but they have Myanmar IC. Such kind of trend could be labelled modern colonization, I think.

Our Junta leaders always said how important is the army is at all time by citing the danger of world's biggest populous nations which are at our doorsteps. Also they always pointed out decade long ethnic fighters on the separation from the union. Regardless, it's all army's duty to protect their nations and its fellow citizens. There is even army song saying "they don't allow anybody to intrude our nation even an inch". What a good song to listen is it? In fact, our army is much attention to demolition of our own brothers who are ethnic minority. I believe much of our army's energy were used on fighting each other.

Currently, the verdict of Myanmar-Bangladesh sea claim dispute by ITLOS is hot among the local media. The international media mentioned that the verdict was favor to Bangladesh's side. However, Myanmar's media fail to say such situation. The dispute started a decade ago and it reached the peak on 2008 by two world's poorest nations. Following block by Bangladesh navy to the offshore rig mobilisation conducted by Daewoo International, both nations sent their navy to the sea front line to get ready for war. Later the case is taken to the table of international court. Myanmar hired foreign lawyer to defend its claim while Bangladesh delegate was lead by its foreign minister. Eventually, the ITLOS decided to draw a sea boarder which favor Bangladesh's way. In the new line, Myanmar also lost one island named St. Martin to its neighbor. It's not an inch lost, it's by several thousand nautical miles. Our leaders seems inactive with the verdict and people are less exposed with the case to fully understand what had gone with the matter. With the help of local private media, we were able to taste a bit part of full story. Myanmar's delegates in court

In general, Myanmar is losing its resource rich sea area to neighboring countries. China is developing our sea port at Kyauk Phyu, India is developing another sea port at Sittway, Thailand is taking Tavoy special economic zone to fully develop, Thilawa sea port is supposed to be done by multi-national companies especially from South-Korea and Japan. Even those we could see the latter development as a part of nation's building, why not we could alternatively see them as a modern colonization. Less or more, Myanmar is going to be victim in the transition of its democratic reforms, I think. Amid turbulent world's economy, hopefully our opposition leader Daw Aung San Su Kyi able to win upcoming by-election and make things in order to save our country just like her father did. May our leaders in power able to halt any movement against our national interests as well as people's benefit.

General Aung San Speech

Pay Rise

JUST couple weeks away to by-elections, long debated civil servant's salary raise proposal is approved by MOFR (Ministry of Finance & Revenue). Some pessimists said it's a way of convince to people to vote ruling party. Regardless of reason, we have to welcome such news that bring some relief to our government office holders. Probably, the ruling party will have a reason to enforce the law against corruption to become good government and clean governance. It's fair to introduce carrot and stick policy. Despite the new salaries sill not match to current living expenses, the new move definitely will make civil servants a new breath. It doesn't matter how much the salary is raised for those greedy officers, they will continue to take advantage of poor law by corrupting where possible. With new rise, the lowest rank in the government staff will earn 2,100 Ks (S$3.36) a day now. Perhaps it's enough for a person at least if he/she is deemed healthy.

The government should take necessary measure to curb corrupted manner in the premise of government office to ease public's plight in approaching government office. We definitely hope to see improved service by government staff at least from April 1 onwards. With the prospect of NLD members winning in upcoming by-elections, our people might have better chance to encounter such positive movements in near future. May all our people free from poverty and able to access basic necessities without worry.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Campaigning Speech on TV

Singapore Airshow 2012

ORGANIZER boosted it Asia's biggest airshow. This is not first time for me to witness such show. First time exposure was about a year ago when RSAF made open house to public. That time my wife and I was impressed with the display of warplanes by Singapore Air Force. It's not possible to see army vehicles in my country and we took this opportunity. However, this time didn't come free like before. It's civilian plane show and participated by world's leading airplane seller like Boeing and Airbus. Also we could find some spare-part making company's show rooms including local ones. The highlighting for the show is acrobatic flying show that take twice a day. The first two days was only for business men while the last two days open to public. It cost $21 per head inclusive of booking fees by sistic website. It'ld be more expensive if you buy ticket manual at the gates of show.

Just like others, my wife and I also eager to see flying show which is quite exciting. The flying display was mainly done by four teams, USAF, RAF, RSAF & RMAF. US & Australia display are more attractive and earn much more cheerful from the audience, I think. There are two shows a day as per schedule and it's worth waiting to witness breath-taking show. Due to unexpected long journey on shuttle bus, traffic jam and long queue, we were late when we eventually enter the show ground. The morning show was already half way and we could able to see less than half time. After show, we went around the open display ground in which there are so many planes both commercial and military. We all were busying with taking photos in front of variety of air crafts. The SIA's outgoing Boeing 474 is on display in their farewell. Only 2,000 tickets a day and we find it finish when we reach the ticket booth.

During exploring around the field, I notice there are so many flags flying on the roof of indoor exhibition hall. I was looking them with the prospect of finding our national flag. As usual, isolation nation's flag are not member of flag poles. I could even find Vietnam, Bangladesh ones. Only one clue I could find about my country is in the indoor display. It was ATR's show-room which show their historic planes from very early days to modern days. Our flag-carrier, MAI, is one of their customer as I could find a plane with MAI logo. I, without hesitating, took a photo in front of that model plane. The organizer didn't fail to think of juniors. The big draw for both junior and senior is star-war characters who are dressing like real Aliens and moving around the indoor show-rooms. Wherever they go, child and its hard-core fans follow them to take some picture. My wife also took a photo with one actor.

The show was ended by upset because the afternoon flying display wasn't gone as per schedule. As per plan, Australian air force and US air force are supposed to fly. Instead, Singapore air force replaced them by citing technical problems encountered by RAAF & USAF. I don't think both of them are having technical problems as announcer told audience. The weather wasn't bad to show their flying power. Despite Singapore pilots tried to act, it never meet audience's expectation, I think. The 30 minutes show was ended by about 10 minutes only. After the show, people straight away return home without delaying. It suggest that people are patient for the flying display especially done by US & Australia air forces. I hope the organizer won't do the same mistake in next edition which will come in couple years time.

The Lady

LAST Saturday night, I watched already famous movie, the lady, among Myanmar audience. It was rainy day and shown on 3 Golden Village Theater only. I arrived ticket counter about 2 hours earlier than show time and got only front row seat. I initially thought the lady movie would be interested among Myanmar community here. I knew I had wrong estimation when I enter theater and see full-house. It's likely half of the mover goers are foreigners. As I had viewed some parts of the movie through internet, I didn't expect the movie is going to be good enough and S$9 worth. I watched it with the prospect of what and how French director has created our history in term of artistic. I have read a lot critics both local and international. Coincidentally, another lady concern movie was shown that make Oscar award winning. This is Bratain's famous lady, so called "Iron Lady". Nevertheless, the latter lady was able to convince our people to watch.

The movie began with our national hero General Aung San telling story to his youngest daughter who is ASSK and followed by assassination of him. This is first time I could able to witness how does it happened to our beloving national hero despite it's just a movie sense. We know it by reading national history book when we are school-goers. The movie director made it by the clever mixed of personal and political life to generate a good movie. I believe that this movie will help our isolated nation to be known by younger generation of outer world. At the same time, it will provide world's citizen how much they are lucky not to be born in such country. You can't sympathize if you have been exposed the same treatment in lifetime. Our people have eaten such bitter taste in life and I hope that our religion had been playing crucial part by teaching us how to patient and overcome such nightmare days.

At the certain screen sense, I was unable to resist my tear rolling down to cheek. Perhaps M Yeoh is too good in performing the role as the lady. She is quite resemble with the real ASSK, I feel. She has been selected perfectly by producer/director. Her Asian look face is added bonus to her role. We didn't know before that Michael has been a good-minded person who has lent a hand in helping her wife's mission. May be there are discrepancies between real life and screen script. However, it's pretty acceptable movie to given circumstance of shooting places. I am sure the movie might have been more attractive if it is able to shoot in Myanmar. We could see the effort of director and actors in the movie. We could understand the lesson of a political person's life. Probably this movie will make our people appreciate our lady's effort more than before. In general, I rate the movie is worth for my hard earn money (S$9.00). Hope all my fellow citizen who are in town will not fail to watch and encourage the effort of foreign people.

By-election thought

Our by-election is already set to hold in April 1 and all participating political parties are busying with their campaigning across the regions in which there are vacant seats. Most visibly, popular NLD lead by famous lady ASSK is doing well in their campaign trip to almost every eligible regions. With the power of ASSK, wherever they go, people follow them. It doesn't matter how big barrier block the way, full house audience are granted. This manner never change by different state/division. So does ethnic minority. Without any single doubt, people will vote NLD this time and we believe NLD is going to win all 48 seats this time if by-election is transparent and fair. But the problem is who will know what's happening behind sense? Election commission is not as powerful and fair as we think because they are just look like ruling party's puppet. They would take action once they are being pulled or pressed by someone.

The current concern with upcoming by-election is that there are no exact population who are eligible to vote. Recently, NLD has found some suspicious moves made by ruling party. Most highlighting one is that there are some people names in the voting list who are already dead. Another opposition party also found out that people are unfairly allocated to different region to vote in order to avoid unwanted outcome. Also the existing government staffs are apparently put under pressure to vote military back party rather than what they really wanted. For those civil service staffs, their job is on the steak if they are going against the wills of their superior. Now election committee is censoring the speeches of all parties leader that are suppose to transmitted by state own television media to spread their message. It seem a little bit against democratic movement.

Wherever NLD goes, they got truck-load of flowers that are given by people on the way. It show how much people want to support NLD and how eager they are willing to change political landscape. NLD has several blockage on their campaign trip and have successfully overcome those barriers. With the sign of people's support and talent of ASSK, who else able to win over NLD in this April-1 by-election? If the election is free and fair, definitely we don't need to wait for the result of by-election. It's already known by heart.

Wages Matter ?

ONE month ago, our lower house president who is no.2 leader in the newly civilian government proposed to raise government staff's salaries. The news was gladly welcomed by all civil service people. However those happy didn't last long because our FM's explanation said it won't be achievable due to limited budget. At the same time, FM suggested it can be done on next year budget earliest. No.2 leader seems don't want to give up to his fellow cabinet minister despite his professional advice and explanation was also correct. The original proposer pointed out at character of office staffs due to insufficient salary. He added, it would be difficult to transform clean government without having clean staff. To achieve clean staff, the government have to provide enough income so that the government staff needs not corrupt/bribe. Sound quite right but there is no end result on this matter. The matter is apparently put on the agenda of parliament meeting to be reviewed. The no.2 leader come back second time proposal with minimum wages to be given out to save our staff. His proposed minimum gross salary is 100,000 Ks (S$156) and it should be retained at least 80,000 Ks after paying all sort of taxes.

We very often heard that our authority highlights how our country's living cost is cheap compare to regional countries. The problem is they never told how much other countrymen are earning. For instance, our people are paying world's most expensive for used cars as well as mobile sim cards. The telecommunication charge are among world's highest despite the people are deep in poverty. The fuel prices are no longer subsidies like in our past days. It make all commodities price up that make living cost severely raised. Nowadays, working person could able to earn for himself if he/she is working for private company. It doesn't cover for his/her health-care. If anything wrong with health, he/she may have to borrow money and those debt may not be paid for long time. Recently worker protest at local garment factory, workers got only Ks 75 per hour and they wanted their wages to be raised to Ks 100 per hour to match always increasing living expenses. It show how foreign investor has taken benefit from our labour forces. Once such matter raised, our labourer have no place to notify for. It lead them to protest which is yet to settle after month long. Our authority should let form labour union to protect our labor rights.

Today news state, Malaysia parliament has approved minimum wages for its worker between RM 800 (S$333) and RM900. On April 1, Thailand will also increase the minimum wage to 300 baht (S$ 12) a day in Bangkok and six provinces, and by an average of 40% in the rest of the country. In recent 2012 budget, Singapore has increased its lowest income workers (cleaners) to S$1,000. For those cleaners who needs to perform blocks washing service can even expect up to S$1,400 a month. I know our workers cannot expect the same wages that their counterparts from regional power house nation. But I think they deserve at least half of them because our living expenses is not necessarily cheap against those matured nations. May our leaders look into regional wages trend and review our workers' earning. Otherwise building our nation's development won't be as quickly as we are expecting.

Stop Human Trafficking

TODAY news said Chinese police rescued more than 24,000 abducted women and children across the country last year, the Public Security Ministry's statement was quoted. Trafficking in women and children is a big problem in China, where traditional preference for male heirs and a strict one-child policy has driven a thriving market in baby boys, who fetch a considerably higher price than girls. Girls and women are also abducted and used as labors or as brides for unwed sons. Exact numbers of victims are difficult to obtain as China's vast size, rural poverty and population of 1.3 billion mean many such cases never get reported beyond local areas.

I am reading the news excitedly by thinking how many of our women and children have been involved in the trend. Definitely there would be less or more fraction of the report since we are poorer than Chinese. We have often heard such report in Myanmar and our authority seem doing insufficient against the offense. We can't point at poverty alone to prevent such cruel act, some prevention can be done if we have some kind heart for our people, I think. Our ethnic people have been spending their hard life amid civilian wars and those unwanted wars might have forced them flee home and cross border. Such scenario might have made trafficker's job easier and put them on the cheap market. We might not bear if we are exposed to a real figure with regard to this case. Some childs are being sold for their organs, some young women are used as world's oldest profession, both of them are hell-living. It'ld be better die than living such life.

May our authority take necessary measure to minimize such offenses throughout the nation. It might be big task for our staff. But why not if we put our best efforts together in fighting? Lets hope there would be no room for those mastermind behind the cruel cases. May all innocent people free from human trafficking.

China is calling

AGAIN, China is calling by urging Myanmar government to restart China-funded Myitsone dam project which is reportedly cost at US$3.6 billion (S$4.5 billion). The dam is currently suspended by our civilian president on last September 30 following people and activists' nationwide protests. There have been leaking some secrete information through online and our less knowledge people have been concern by the increasingly report and campaign by nationalists from all division both inside and outside country. We all happy so much by the time our president suspend the dam apparently without notice last year. It drew people's love considerably for the newly elected president. It was highlighted as a one of big move/surprise by even hardest critics.

The Singapore local paper quoted Mr. Zhang Guobao's saying that "the dam is a good project that will bring local residents a better life." It also quoted Mr. Lu Qizhou, president of CPIC which is providing the financing for the project, as saying the company will do all it can to avoid negative environmental impacts. The officials of China also said the dam would produce badly needed electricity for Myanmar and raise living standard. I rate them all rubbish for our people. We all know that China won't do anything unless there are considerable profit. China has taken all benefits from Burma by taking our precious natural resources with scrap price. But they ever highlighted how our historic tie are strong and maintain for the interest of both countries. The whole world know that China is dirty-minded country especially when it come for trade. Even US and EU countries are suffering from unfair trading rules created by Beijing.

It would be so kind if China do not import electricity generated by the dam. Quite ridiculous, right? Who will invest huge amount without getting interests? Understandable. But fact said, 90% of the electricity the dam would generate would be exported to China, while the vast majority of Myanmar's citizen have no power. Our people will keep oppose this project even if China do not export the electricity at all. Because the dam project would displace many villagers and upset the ecology of the Irrawaddy River which is invaluable for us. It would also submerge a culturally important site in the ethnic Kachin heartland.

Both Mr. Lu and Mr. Zhang are members of the Chinese People's Consultative Committee, an advisory body to the annual National People's Congress being held in Beijing. No wonder they'll protect the interest of Chinese company CPIC and Chinese people. They know better than us on how badly they had spoiled their own rivers due to their crazy three main George dam. Then they are dare to say that they'll do what they can to protect our environment is complete cheat and lie. We have to show our unity this time and let them understand we are no longer foolish like outgoing Junta. I doubt the Chinese leaders might have pushed to our lower house president who recently visited to Beijing. Because the trip was just happened on few weeks ago and suddenly China urged Myanmar to restart the project. Our president has promised to our people that he will suspend the project until his term is finished. It means at least for 5 years as our election come every 5 years time. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope our leaders will be wise enough to response China's last calling to protect our beautiful environment.

The choice is to made by our civilian government between China & People. It would be another major test for them to show their commitment to the world. We don't mind if we have to live in the dark without electricity. But we'll severely unhappy if the government shows green light to China to spoil our invaluable environment. It would affect the current peace process between KIA and the government should the government proceed the project. CPI might be hero for China while we could easily rate it as an enemy. Lets united and oppose those modern gold digger. I pray for the best shield possible by our long sighted leaders through diplomatic way.

Visa Headache

EARLY next month, my daughter will come visit to Singapore together with her aunty. We are of course busy with the preparing for her comfort stay. She is as young as 19 months old and this trip would be her first ever traveling to outside country. We start counting days to welcome our little princess. Every step closer, we are relief. First, getting passport and she got it without much trouble. Second, applying online visa for the permission to enter lion city. Yesterday, my PR brother helped me applied online visa for my sister and daughter. It took 15 minutes to get wanted result for my 50 years old sister while my daughter's application is pending. From experience, I knew that it's not necessary to come out result on the same time for the same time application. But I feel a little bit uncomfortable to learn the outcome which is being told by my cousin brother. My brother said he never tried online visa application before. It make him to seek help from his experienced friend for application. Just worrying on whether he made some typo.

Hope it's nothing special but a bit delay. I couldn't able to check the status of outcome. I can't imagine why little baby has delay result while mature adult got almost instant result. Hope sister's application meets basic requirement and result generated by computer. Meanwhile, my daughter's application will have to hurdle through manual checking by officer. We have booked air-ticket and time is ticking close to reach deadline. We have to purchase ticket within a week time. Wish my daughter will get green light to enter world's 3rd most wealthiest nation. We can't wait to reunite full family members. As usual, Singapore least corrupted staff will expertise to issue the result soonest possible. Perhaps I am too worrisome or impatient regarding this case.

Our Unrival Lady

IN the construction industry, the construction methods have been developing by time. One of them, top-down method is important but need high accuracy. I never heard about it until I work in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia despite I am civil engineer graduate. Conventionally, we use to construct our buildings from bottom to up to the roof. However, in top-down method, we don't need to follow the conventional way. Once we finished piling work, we start construct at ground floor level followed by basement floors. Sound a bit strange if you have not heard/experienced it before. But it's real and useful way for construction firms. We left some voids to dig out bored earth after laying top layer slabs. In a big projects like shopping malls or office towers, top down method is quite useful to minimize construction time.

How about in the politic? Recently our opposition leader ASSK spoke to its audience during her campaign for April-1 by-election. She said, Myanmar has been declined to bottom state from top among ASEAN countries due to flawed governance/system. She added, we have been independence for 6 decades now and some fellow ASEAN members got their independence on later years. She highlighted on Singapore who is considered top most nation in the ASEAN family. When Singapore got its independence on 1965 compared to Myanmar's 1948, Singapore's gifted founding father LKY promised his people that he'll try to catch up Myanmar within 20 years. Now Singapore has been much ahead of Myanmar and we don't even dare to say we'll catch up Singapore within 2 decades from now. She insisted that the country is the same, people remain unchanged, the thing make this country from top to bottom rock is due to ineffective policies/government. What a good remark is it? People who heard these remarkable speech cheer her and support it unconditionally. She is such a good political person and able woman to convince our people. No wonder she has conquered people's hearts.

This whole month, she is going almost the whole country and everywhere she goes, people are following. These are not due to they are being forced. It's the power of the Lady. The magic of her strength. Nobody can deny it. People are happy when they see her coming their region. No matter what race they are, all have equal respect on her. Everybody knows that only she can pull us out of poverty. People's hope fully rely on her progress. People trust in her ability on developing our nation. People has no doubt with her ability of diplomatic skill. It doesn't matter the person she meets is local or foreign. The ministers from the world are lining up their turn to meet her at her lakeside residence. Speaking English like native make her mission more effective. She needs no other to assist her move forward. At 66+, the workload she is doing now is really amazing. She works 7 days a week for our people. She has no time to sick. She never failed to wave her hand and to fulfill campaign program regardless of her health.

No wonder she has received several honors from the various universities and countries. She is selfless and her action proof that. She has put her personal life behind and make those all setback become strength to drive her move even faster. Detaining her alone in the house did not make her ambition spoil. It even make her stronger woman and more determined person. We, all burmese, are lucky to have such a lady. She represents our dream. She brings our hope to real life. We'll definitely vote her party, NLD, in upcoming election. She'll win by landslide result if the election is supposed to hold free and fair way. Lets see how much ruling party is fulfilling their promises with regard to upcoming by-election to the international community. It's crystal clear that NLD is going to win this time.

May we able to see our lady in the parliament soonest possible to escape our plights. If things goes right, we'll surely catch up island state within 20 years time. Our lady is already eye a place to be ahead of ASEAN as well as regional. Time will tell us. We trust in our lady and more importantly time to return home is coming soon day after day. Thanks the lady for making our life alive again.

Why not Burma in the list?

EVERY Friday, I received advertising email from Jetstar Airways as I was a register customer. Also notice on local papers that there are several low cost carrier advertising their highlighting routes for lowest fare possible. As Airasia's famous quote "Everybody can fly now", their convincing advertising seem their offer can be easily afforded by everybody. But what make me disappoint is I am unable to find my country's cities in the list. Even Cambodia has two cities in the list at capital city, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In fact, Myanmar is best known for its natural resource and wild beautiful spots that could easily attract any tourist from the world. We have several beaches to compete with Thailand & Indonesia's famous beaches. Our ancient city, Bagan, is no less quality than Cambodia's Anchor Watt. We have three seasons at summer, rainy and winter that our fellow ASEAN countries don't have. Geographically, We are at the cross-road of Asia. We are real gateway to ASEAN region from Indian Ocean.

Given condition, our tourism deserve than current position. What make our country outside the list of promotion? Perhaps, the difficulty of getting Visa and lack of cooperation with regional body are some of the reason behind. Why not our authority open fully to the market to ease transportation? If we are suppose to develop our tourism, we have to create level ground in the market. We are going to enter free-trade zone within ASEAN in 2015 which is near future. Our local companies should have been exposure with outside world amap. To date, we are still not eligible to enjoy promotion packages that are offered by low cost carrier while our counterparts from other countries enjoy to its fullest. I would like to request our authority to review the situation and improve the connectivity by allowing regional rivals to fly our land. It won't be a solution if our authority afraid of losing when they open market in favor of crony-own flights. May our leaders be long-sighted people with the interest of our people.

Winner's Feeling

EIGHT months ago, I bought a SONY digital photo frame to give birthday present for my one year old daughter. As she cross one year anniversary line, she started to recognize her surrounding and my wife and I wanted her to see us oftenly. Following one of my friends suggestion, we bought a photo frame and installed several hundred photos in it. I left the photo frame after returning to celebrate her birthday with the prospect of getting her recognition. My wife and I are working in foreign land and leave our child alone behind our home land. Thus, we afraid that she'll not recognize us once she grow up and able to understand that her parent are leaving her alone for money chasing job. We wanted to minimize the cold relationship and want her familiarize with us through the help of photo frame. The photo frame also can play some background music while the photos are moving in style. We hope she'll find it interesting and used to see us and familiarize by time. This is solely reason why we bought a digital photo frame from one IT show.

Couple week ago, I got one invitation from SONY to participate in S-Frame Survey Contest via email. I was needed to answer 10 questions online and conclude with one essay to show how does it useful to user. I sincerely wrote how does it help us in bridging mission between us and our little princess. For us, it's invaluable in term of helping rate to warm up cold relationship. It's only one option to convince our daughter who still can't speak. Surprisingly, today I receive a congratulation letter from SONY saying I am winner of the S-Frame Survey Contest. I never won such competition in my life and this is first ever time I did so. It's amazing to know I am winner despite the prize is not attractive. In the same email, they mention a place to collect price and things to produce while collection is made. The prize is S$50 voucher. I believe something is better than nothing. As we all know that nothing is free in this cynical world and I am glad to go and collect my prize. I can't really wait to get this evening.

Thanks SONY, I'll keep participating in future contests if invited.

Myanmar Hospitality 3

FOLLOWING the irregular sound, people get back the car to look for a faulty part again. This time, sound come out of body and people crawl and look the lower part of car body. They found one faulty item which is disconnect with the part that is suppose to join. The experienced villagers immediately know some parts have been dropped in the stream where we trap in. They without delaying rush back to the creek which is 20 minute running distance from the sense. Luckily, they managed to retrieve some missing parts under water and return to car to repair. As these all parts are not work well, they needed to modify and customize some part to repair. About half an hour later the faulty body have been rectified and we are ready to off again.

I don't know how to thank them really. The way they are helping is really appreciable. They seem have no expectation for their helping. There are altogether 5 persons who have been assisting our repairing process since morning. I requested their mother to accept some money to recognize her son's tireless afford. The father shouted at mum not to accept my money on the spot. She only take only when we double request to take this, otherwise we won't be happy. In fact the amount I gave her again is quite small compare to their help. It was only 5,000 Ks (S$ 7.81) for their almost the whole day hard working. In total, I paid them 10,000 Ks for their invaluable service. They gave us a plastic water tank to top up heating water on the journey as we still have long way to go. Besides, they gave us their home phone no to call if there is something wrong on the journey. Even they promised us to come and fetch with their own jeep in case we need. They show their sympathy to us due to our a little over one year old daughter. Fortunately, our little princess didn't add burden to the existing crisis. She just curiously look around as that journey was her first ever out of her room in life.

In brief, I learned a good lesson from the trip with regard to our people's hospitality. I will never forget such help and hope to get a chance to repay their exceptional help in future. This life time experience really make me proud of being Myanmar citizen.

Uphill Task

TODAY my sister in-law will come to lion city with the prospect of getting a job. Just like other foreign workers, she has to pass all the barrier if she is about to succeed her mission. As we all know that there is no other time than post CNY days for any job seeker. Under the usual circumstance, we have to agree with the higher probability for job hunter. However, this year is going to be a strange year for foreign workers in the wake of 2012 budget. The latest budget brought one apparent cruel package towards foreign workers as well as SMEs bosses. The foreign workers levies is to be raised while dependency ceiling ration decreased to 20% from current 25% for construction sector. The same manner apply to manufacturing and servicing sector that hit rock due to their labor-intensive nature. The good news is some MPs and local business men calling budget too much to handle to them. Despite the budget bring several schemes to raise productivity, most of the employers feel they can't raise productivity over the night. They need time to practice. The major reason behind the policy change is to create better chance for unemployed locals who keep noisy towards government policy makers.

In fact, foreign workers are working in the jobs that most of locals shy away from. They are plugging in the gap in those 3D works. Some SMEs know it's mission impossible to convince locals to work those hard works with long hours. But the government has shown how much they have taken into consideration for the benefit of its people despite the voices from some walk of life. Anyway, the recent policy change will definitely affect on foreign workers especially on the new comers. Nowadays, we heard a lot unsuccessful work passes application around us. Besides, even some existing work pass holders unable to extend their expired pass. It doesn't matter how much the employer need them in some cases. I'm sure the new requirements to qualify for work pass has made those job expectant hard to meet.

In this circumstance, my sister arrives on with the recognized diploma and 5 years local experience. We hope for her success while expecting the worst. Currently we could pray hardest for her luck drive well to get grant visa when she enter Singapore this evening. Later on, we'll see how and the time will tell us her destiny sooner or later. May all job hunters get favorable result amid turbulent job market.