Get me medicine

THIS afternoon, I feel uncomfortable as my stomach bloated. I don't have history with stomachache problem. Take some traditional medicine from my desk drawer to cure it. If my little daughter knows my problem, she would tell me take medicine while go and take medicine. She would shout until I take the medicine she brings in. Strangely, she is affectionate to give medicine to people who complain their health. When we say, today is very hot, she would say take medicine. When we say, I'm itchy, she would say take medicine. When we say, finish dinner, she would say take medicine. She herself is also not afraid of taking medicine. It's not a problem to feed her medicine. I think the tame with medicine make her interest in giving medicine to others. 

She rightly knows the correct supplement for me and my wife every night after dinner. If she brings us medicine without water, we used to complain her that where is water to swallow it. She will go back and get cup of water for us to drink. It's wonderful experience for us as a parent of her, especially when she is just 20 months old. Sometime we wanted to test how much she is able to understand our command. Hence, we would ask her to help us doing something around. She knows where to dump when we ask her to throw some rubbish. She would straight go to rubbish bin at the corner of the room. When she see her mum finish showering, she would ask her to apply thanaka (Burmese traditional makeup made by a trunk of a tropical small tree). Sometime, she would make it herself for her mum. She wants to do everything she see around. If we block her will, she would cry and protest. In such circumstance, we have no choice but let her do a bit. Soon after she would return to us and we can continue the thing done. 

I think such experience cannot be found if you are not married with child. We rate it quality family time. We even value it more as such family time rarely come to us. Last month, our daughter visits us here and stay with us for a month and we have a chance to study her. We previously knows about her only through her aunty's talking. We would imagine how she would be when we are being told how clever our daughter is. Last month, we could have an opportunity to witness her in person. If the best things in life are shared, our daughter would be our precious gems take share happiness among our very own family members. Hopefully, we could able to possess such time as much as possible in near future.

There must be a reason

IT's overwhelming crowd that greet her where ever she goes regardless of places, in or outside country. She is a powerful woman from our country. She is renowned for her democratic effort against world's worst dictatorship. She has been widely recognized by world's leaders. She is noble peace price laureate as well. First time in 24 years, she has embarked homeland for Bangkok-bound flight to attend WEF yesternight. She'll stay few days in Thailand and she insists that her focus is not only on WEF but migrant workers. She is such a person who take care of inferiors. It make her different from usual leaders of Myanmar. Undoubtedly, she has a kind heart to empathize the poor. 

She was greeted by Thailand authority as a VVIP according to photos and news online. She is definitely stealing the headline of world news. People are eagerly awaiting her speech alive on stage on coming Friday. Why people are think of privileged if she presents on the events they organize? There must be strong reasons behind. Unfortunately, the respect given by our authority cannot be rated the same as she receive from outside world. The world is competing to convince her come visit their country. There must be reason behind that drive them motivate. Why invitation come to her alone rather than other superior leaders. Of course, there must be reason to do so. She is acquiring one honour after another. I think she may find it difficult to keep them properly as there are vast quantities of those honors.

I am sure, no other fellow citizen would have given the same kind of respect from Thailand. In open, she is just a MP of one constituency. She is just a leader of opposition party from a third world nation. She may not get this respect unless she is a powerful woman. One researcher from Japan comments that she is very confident with her world tour movement. Another analysts from Thailand suggests that she is a rock star among international politic. One said she is new found international state-woman. Another said, world absorb ASSK effect. There are so many positive comments towards her. Nobody come out with negative one. It would be foolish to do so nowadays. But we surprisingly found that there are some website that criticize her seriously. I just don't understand what's the attitude of the person behind that blog/website. Let be it. Her shining on international community won't be dimmed due to those baseless accuses. 

I feel sad when I see my fellow migrant citizen crowd greeting her in Bangkok. I don't know why. May be it come from my happiness. I am really proud to witness her surrounded by Thai special police force. Some netizens pointed out that why our authority do not take same security measure against her when she travels domestically. May be, somebody has to be wise enough to value at quality things in life. She is real precious gem from Burma. She has a royal blood. She represents all walk of life from Burma. She is brave enough to rule the world. She is ambitious person. She knows how to use courage at the right time. She is quiet. But nobody look down her. There must be reasons that make her stand ahead of others, for sure.

Our Lady in Land of the Smiles

Lang Lang - Last Night Proms 2011 - Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E flat...

Protect our workers

IT's understandable that we, being immigrant workers, frequently got bully by local staffs and employers. The day my ex-boss tole me in KL about 6 years ago that it's not realistic to expect stranger to be good to you while your own parent is bad. My ex-boss told me following serial work related complains I encountered in KL. I was a bit relieve after hearing it. However, I moved to another country after 3 years contract with Malaysia company was completed for greener pasture. This time, working condition and worker's right is far better than my first ever oversea experience with Malaysia. Thanks Singapore for enforcing strict law and making no one is above the law.

I read a lot labor strike news through local paper online. Most of them come with the same reason, extremely low wages. I am appalling to learn that the steel factory workers' monthly basis salary is Ks 4800 (S$ 7.38). They would be penalized for Ks 5000 if they absent a day. They could bring maximum Ks 40,000 per month only if they do not take any kind of leave as well as doing all given OT, plus allowance and incentive for 100% attendance. No wonder they're expressing their desire now as the rising cost is skyrocketing and not match with their earning. Nobody review their wages and there are hopeless for them unless they are striking now. The government staffs has been enjoying salary increment recently that make inflation at greater pace. 

I am happy to read a good news saying some factories has been make agreement in favor of labor's demands while some factory owner still refused to agree. My happy didn't long enough by another news saying one foreign national skill worker kicks 3 female factory workers in public. The reason for being kicked is they didn't follow his instruction, not to alight from the bus. The report is not complete enough to understand but the victims filed to police for abusive. This incident show how bad our labor rights within country are. Why our workers are still being abused by foreign worker within home land? It's understandable that our workers in Thai, Malaysia, Singapore and middle east countries are getting trouble with their respective works. But it's a shame to be exposure the same in our country. What a dare is it by foreigner? He may not dare to do such crazy thing in public unless he knows our law is strong. I hope the judgement will come as it is for this particular case so that there will not be another similar case towards our people. 

May our inferior workers able to have a law that can protect their rights.

 

Why we're still favorite?

I and my wife have been working in republic for more than 4 years in a row. Luckily, we both are able to work at office despite we are immigrant workers. Recently, my wife needed to work in site for temporary basis in order to capture variation work as the project begins now. The project is quite far away from our flat, approximately take about 2 hours to reach site office from home. She needs to leave home earlier and come back later than me. A week after she start working at site office, she got problem this morning. I got a call from her this morning. I was shocked to learn that she has been fallen down to MRT floor and got helps this time from SMRT staff to bring her out of underground. She was stuck in metro line way to work. It's not first time for her to experience like that. First time was happened to her when she was in one month pregnancy. That time, nobody helped her lying on the floor and I needed to rush to pitch her and send her nearby hospital. Thus, I am so concern when I got a similar call this morning. She stops SMRT staff to call ambulance car in order to avoid complicated process. She tried to settle herself while MRT staff watch on. She was brought up by wheel-chair by SMRT staff this time. Few minutes later, she continue her journey to the site office.

As we have experience the same, I asked her to take MC and return home. She refuse with me to do so and continue her journey. I give her frequent calls so that I could able to know updated condition. I know her attitude well and don't try to stop her wills. Fortunately, she is able to work for light duties. No wonder employers are favoring foreign workers ahead of fellow citizens due to certain reasons. There have been a lot restrictions, rules and regulations to discourage them to do so. They try to overcome those unwanted blocks in keeping employ FTs. Today incidents perhaps partly answer why employers keep employing foreign workers and PAP open the door for immigrants. What if my wife is a Singaporean. Definitely it is a MC. Thanks SMRT staffs for your kind assistance to passenger regardless of nationality.

Top Six Germy Places in our office

People are aware of the risk of germs in the restroom, but areas like break rooms have not received the same degree of attention," Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona professor known as "Dr. Germ" because of his controversial, high-profile studies on germs and household surfaces, says in a release.

"This study demonstrates that contamination can be spread throughout the workplace when office workers heat up lunch, make coffee, or simply type on their keyboards."

Germ hotspots in the office with readings of 300 or more include:

• 75 percent of break room sink-faucet handles
• 48 percent of microwave door handles
• 27 percent of keyboards
• 26 percent of refrigerator door handles
• 23 percent of water fountain buttons
• 21 percent of vending machine buttons

Places in your office that "could be cleaner," with readings of more than 100:

• 91 percent of break room sink-faucet handles
• 80 percent of microwave door handles
• 69 percent of keyboards
• 69 percent of refrigerator door handles
• 53 percent of water fountain buttons
• 51 percent of computer mice
• 51 percent of desk phones
• 48 percent of coffee pots and dispensers
• 43 percent of vending machine buttons

source : http://sg.news.yahoo.com/top-six-germy-places-office-141450626.html

Who am I ?

I have been working in oversea for more than 7 years now in two different countries. As our pasture at home are not green enough, we seek opportunity to get oversea job where possible. Some would say "brain drain" for mother country while host nation residents say immigrant workers. Being a worker from third world country, I could be easily called a foreign worker. No matter what kind of post I am working with. The host residents would name expatriates to those coming from first world nations. Some say FT (Foreign Talents) while other name Cheap Workers. Anyway, we all have to thank host country for letting us stay here and work because we can't deny the fact that there are greener pasture here than our home land.

I got surprised to read recent survey's found that Singaporean view immigrant workers in three categories. They are leap frogs, hungry immigrants and immigrant scroungers. All seem correct despite a bit pessimistic for guest workers here. It would be a happier world if the people are optimistic even in the circumstance of uncertainty. Dr. Terence Chong, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, explained the definition of said labels as follow:-

A "leap frog" is a new citizen or permanent resident that Singaporeans feel has access to benefits without contributing to what Singapore has become today or doing national service.

The "hungry immigrant" leaves Singaporeans feeling inadequate in comparison - such as being not hungry enough or lacking certain skills.

The "immigrant scroungers" are those perceived as merely using Singapore as a stepping stone to other countries like the United States.

I am leaving in puzzle after reading the article that is published in local free paper. Just wondering where should I stand with the new gauge of immigrants defined by locals. I would like to assure locals that we are just a guest of Singapore with temporary stay and not every immigrant workers has the same attitude that you all accuse. If your nation is supposed to be a dynamic metropolitan city, it'ld be better suit for you to change your mindset towards migrants. At the end of the days, we all have to gone and left everything we own for next life. Then it's not worthy to be proud of where we are born or living in. God will surely bless to those who has a kind-heart towards people especially inferiors.

(source: Today news dated on 22/05/2012)

Accept change for good cause

I AM a fan of EPL football matches. It's my sole entertainment at the end of stressful day long work. I enjoy watching them play as long as they are competitive. I have no favorite team that make me less excitement. Thus I want a better team win at the end of the match. Unfortunately, it's not always true to witness a better team wins at end point. If it turn worse, the best team is not about to get a champion by grant. We have seen this year EPL champion change from conventional teams to newly rise Man City. Frankly, I wanted to them win this year so as to prevent Man U's dominant in EPL and historic 20th league title.

I don't have favorite team but I may easily pick a hate team. It would be Man U that always say big big words not only their manager but players. They might have been super team in the past. They have some momentum from the history now. Nobody fear red devil today I think. The way they play is not really worth for champion team. The way they play is not really attractive. But strangely, most of football fans supporting Man U worldwide. I think, English's media make them more famous than what they are. They apparent unrivaled to any other leagues in the world. But always wonder why they fail when it come to UEFA champion league football. It's widely accepted that Spanish teams are more technical and dominant in UEFA football. EPL team are more physical than technical. No wonder, famous footballers dream to join Spanish giant teams. 

Fortunately, I can watch EPL at home. Unfortunate thing is my house main occupier is Man U fan. The whole flat, we two only watch football match. Other guys are not interested in it even final play. I quietly wish Man U lose when I seeing TV with my flatmate friend. He is hardcore fan of Man U. He would only watch Man U match and he is visibly disappointing if Man U lose or draw at the end. I am happy when he is disappointing. But he might think I am the supporting the same team with him. As you know, this year final day was fully excited as champion had to be decided on the very last minute of final game. I am disappointing to learn Man City is beaten at home soil until 90 minutes. Man U won the match on the other match and they are just injury time few minutes away to conquer 20th championship title. I never thought Man City will turn over the result at the injury time.

But, this is football and everything can happen. Man City equalize and scored a winning goals during injured time and became a champion of EPL in more than 4 decades. I am equally happy with them despite I am not a Man City fan. Thanks Man City for showing Man U their right position. In fact, the second spot is even better than what they should stand for this season I think. One week later Chelsea won UEFA championship final at the expense of Bayern Munich. Nobody think Chelsea will win the match. Bayern went the match as favorite as they are playing on home soil. Again, football shock the fans. Since Bayern Munich is competing for their 5th cup, I support Chelsea to win it as this is first time for them. And the reason why Chelsea boss is heavily investing in football. As the best thing is life should be shared, let the weaker team win some championship taste as it's rare opportunity for them, even once in a life time.

We won't be excited to witness the same team winning all champion in football. We thought Barcelona will be dominant force in football. In table tennis, China has been invincible team at all competition that make world's table tennis boring for fans. No need to excite, predict for who is going to be next champion in table tennis. A gulf in different of quality even between China and any finalist nation. Lets accept the change in life, not only at sport so that we all could able to excite. May people able to accept the change around them.

Get people's plight addressed

MY country is in the list of top ten natural gas exporting countries in the world. Not only natural gas, but off and on-shore oil also can be found within our territory. The given geographic favor us to generate hydro-power electricity throughout the country. Static show about more than 80% of FDI are invested in our natural resources. Then why do our people not getting daily necessity like electricity? Even biggest commercial city like Yangon's resident are getting electricity about 4 hours a day. The authority is citing the summer season that make our reservoir dry out and stop hydro-power stations. No like previous seasons, our world has become warmer after warmer. This year summer reach record as high as 49'C and people are suffering the heat. Cutting electricity make our people's burden bad to worse. No electricity mean unable to pump water to their respective water tank for daily usage.

It's possible to survive without electricity. But there are several consequence for blackout. No fan, no water, no aircon, even more risky to be fired by using candle light at night. In this circumstance, the authority seem taking those trouble into normal  by standing aside rather than addressing people's crisis. They might have forgotten that our nation has been transformed to democratic nation from dictatorship now. They are apparent to apply old policies regardless of reform-minded president's statement. Our people and media has changed their mind-set on expressing their desire openly that is aligned with new drafted law which allow peaceful demonstration. International media have put watchful eyes on our people's behavior, commenting that our people are testing democratic muscles toward civilian government official.

As a least developed and poor nation, there are so many inconvenience within country. People were ruled by iron-fist in the past and have to be quiet when the things around goes or against their wills. Our people lived in fear when military junta ruled for a half century. In fact, we don't deserve the place where we are standing right now. We are just a victims of mismanagement and miss leadership. Now our country has been changed and open up both economy and political. Thus, definitely, sooner than later, our country will prosper from the benefit of FDI and they are subject to how deep our leaders are in the long sight. Today, people are staging serial demonstration against authority, employers, environmental issue, etc. There are reason for why people are out of their work. It's our authority's obligation to settle all those problems that our people struggling with. It's likely to be longer unless their target are met by authority. Seeing people on the road long suggest you have been poor in public relationship. It's your duty to solve those problems. People are not out for fun definitely. Just to highlight their daily suffering to authority. Our authority should try to change their minds toward public servicing. Otherwise, it's not people's problem once public outbreak at the end.

Long Waited Raise

IT has been couple months to speculative about our raise but never come. A lot survey conducted on this week suggest that republic's employers are willing to raise their worker's wages up to 4.5% amid inevitable inflation this year encountered. In past, our salaries would be reviewed by every 6 months under local SMEs. The pattern has been dramatically changed since one UK based MNC acquired our local one. We all had much optimistic to learn the process with the better prospect. However, the expectation has never met by new boss. Longer interval in wages review, lower welfare service, more workload but being informed no profit, etc. It's sad seeing some senior staffs have left us to find a greener pasture outside. Most of my colleagues at office are long term service, most junior even has more than 10 years service in this company.

By experience, rumour cannot be considered true especially for good news like salary increasement for us. We heard it's going to come in March this year. At the end of the month, we got pay slip that bring same amount. Again, some smelling news saying that April for sure. No different at the end of month. How do we believe in verbally pledges after witnessing like that. For May, we are seeing some senior level are getting meeting for review. Just now, I receive an email from our department head. It bring long waited news to make it official this time. Visibly, we all are happy in our face by latest news regardless of % we'll get this time. I try to convince myself that "It's better late than never". No different in this aspect. Thanks my new employer for your kind consideration that will definitely make our productivity better.

Bum Bum

"BUM BUM", a sound my wife used to make to give her daughter a kind of protection from her fearsome lion at night during her one month holiday here. As our daughter was left by her mum when she was only at 100 days old. Thus, she used to absorb her thumb as a replacement of mum's breast, especially when she is sleepy. We are very much concern to learn her bad habit on the ground of hygiene. We doubt it would be reason for why she often falls to sick. My sister and her nanny aunty tried to stop her doing this but failed. She would cry as a sign of protesting when somebody try to stop her. Eventually, people around gave it up to our daughter.

One day during her holiday here, we visited sentosa island for family outing trip. During the day, we enjoyed maritime museum showpiece. Part of maritime museum tour, there is one free show inside for all visitors. The lion head statue with red eyes will come out of ancient boat when the show start. The wooden lion head's eyes turn red while smokes are emitting from lion's mouth. My daughter was so scare to view the lion during the show. From that day onward, my wife took advantage by reminding our daughter that the lion will come home to search a child who absorb her thumb. Our daughter will quickly let her thumb free from bitting when she is being told like that. My wife will ensure her saying "I will beat the lion,bum bum, if it come to us". I'll tell the lion that our daughter is no longer absorb her thumb. Try to sleep fast by brushing her back. She would quickly fall asleep in the fear mode.

Later days, she would tell us that she don't absorb her thumb by showing her fingers to us. We know she is going to sleep if she show like that. My wife would be happy to learn that her daughter's bad habit has been eliminated by the lion head story. She would ask her mum to hit the lion "Bum Bum" if it come to home. My wife would assure her by repeating Bum Bum while hitting something around. Last night, we called to our sister who accompanied our daughter her last month, our sister told us that our daughter keep not absorbing her thumb couple weeks after return home from Singapore. Our daughter still remember the assurance of her mother as she is telling herself when sleepy that "don't come to me, my mother will hit you, Bum Bum". My sister was feeling sorry to witness it. So does my wife being told the matter.

May all family able to live together.

Singaporeaness

A WORD frequently shown this week on local paper I think is "Singaporeaness". The authority seem try to define the beautiful word for its people to understand. The most expressing answer to Singaporeaness is respecting multi-racial and religious. Does it really concern to Singaporean? It's challenging question to ask for. Through netizen world, we have seen so many shallow behavior of locals especially toward immigrant workers and newly join foreign born citizen. It'ld be impressive if majority of Singaporean comply the perfect definition of Singaporeaness. Yesterday, the latest survey find out some discrepancies between local born and foreign born Singaporean. The vast discrepancy come to how important is it towards national service. 69% of local born agree with NS while its foreign born fellow citizen support only 43%. It apparent to highlight two division of citizen among Singaporean despite they all are eligible to become Singaporean. As different people from the different background of life have been living together in the tiny island, it's understandable to witness their view goes untypical. I personally think, to fulfill the real definition of Singaporeaness will take longer time should the locals suppose to identify exactly. The above table would say louder than my words.

Another no show fees encountered

ONE week after my sister return Myanmar, one of my friend came visit to island city. As I am solely friend for him, I needed to arrange for his visiting here from almost A to Z. He bought air-ticket from Yangon agent and he intended to stay here for just few days only. He landed on Tuesday and intend to depart on Monday. As his wife have to go Taiwan on Monday, he wants to go back Yangon on weekend one/two days in advance if he could change the date. This intention make us approach CH agent to ask if possible. The agent helped him change departure date on Sunday early morning flight from his existing Monday flight. He paid S$10 for service. It took agent for about 5 minutes only. But we're willing to pay S$10 as he could return on desire date.

The problem come on very last minute of eve-departure day. My friend is suppose to fly on 5:00am flight on Sunday. It was over 11:00pm on Saturday night when CH agent gave me a call. I already knew something has gone wrong before she speaks. She started by saying sorry. When I asked why, she continue, she had been notified by Silkair office that my friend is suppose to fly by Saturday afternoon flight. Surprisingly her words because I personally see a return date on original hard copy ticket showing 15/05/2012. I raised question to agent that it's impossible since the ticket show the date is on Monday. She also admits that she saw that. At the same time, she is not taking responsibility for the wrong doing. It's not my fault, she claimed. Then what's the problem?, I said. She told me that it was Yangon agent's wrong that they select return date on Saturday through online despite wrote different date on ticket. What a ridiculous thing to do so?

I asked her question again, then meaning my friend cannot board tomorrow? She reply, no, he would be allowed but has to pay no show fee. Hmmmmm, again I am hearing this fucking fees within a week time. Is it for S$69? No, S$69 for MAI only, this is Silkair and it could be around S$120. Okay, I have been depart with my friend and I'll inform him the problem. She hang down and I straight away call to my friend to let him know the matter. What make me puzzle is why didn't she know the problem by the time she change the return date through online. Does she purposely ignore the case in order to generate S$120 from passenger. It's very last minute to complain when she inform us the problem. Another thing is I suspect Silkair inform agent at 11:00pm that she claim. Next day, my friend has to pay S$120 for what they accuse is wrong booking. My friend tasted bitter at the last minute that ruin his pleasure during first ever holiday in lion city. Overall, my fellow citizen agent's service as well as MAI are disappointing for customer. How do they survive long term when the competition become stronger upon open up to the world. Our people have to learn a lot to improve their service and breast international rivals.

May all servicing agent/organization understand the real feeling of customer so that they could able to have sustainable success in the long run.

No Show Fees Lesson

FIRST time in life, I heard it from MAI airline office staff when I was trying to re-confirm the return ticket booking for my sister in-law. It was quite easy to call & confirm as the staff was helpful. Being asked what if I want to shift the booking date, she answered me that I have to inform one day in advance for any changes. Otherwise, there would be charge against me so called "No show fees". I understand from her that the fees would be S$65.00 if I fail to inform as stated. I got knowledge with regard to it as this was first ever time I give a call to airline office for my sister. I would have to give S$10.00 if I ask agent to make it for me. May be life is so easy to find money in lion city for Myanmar agent at Peninsular Plaza. Let it be. They will survive so long as a market.

Following fail mission to be headhunted, my sister in-law return home on labor day. It was rainy day and we last minute changed to use MRT instead of taxi as her cousin wanted to send her airport. As a result, we arrived T1 very late. My sister was last passenger to check in at the counter. The counter is going to close and we were lucky to catch them. I rushed to the check-in counter and showed traveling documents to staff. She seem PRC staff employed by MAI. After reading thoroughly those documents I given, she turn her face up to me and say

Staff: Where is air-ticket?

Me : Aww, just inside the envelop. (I pull it out by telling her)

Staff: Immm, you have to pay S$69.

Me : Why? my ticket is 3 month ticket and valid until 1st June.

Staff: Ummmmmm,,,,wait,,,I have to check..

Then, she gets up and approached to counter no.1 where apparent senior/supervisor is sitting. Few minute later, she come back and insist I must pay. I am visibly rushing as I am worried to miss flight.

Me : I can't pay as I did nothing wrong.

Staff: Ok, can you please go counter no.1 to settle?

Me : alright.

Me: Hi, good afternoon. What's wrong with my ticket?

Another staff: You have to pay S$69.00 for No-show fees

Me : why should I need to pay? I informed to MAI office one week in advance. You can see booking reference on the ticket case there.

Staff: this time speaking Myanmar language, why did you write S$69 on the case?

Me: by surprising, it's just a note to remember when I am told by MAI staff during booking process.

Staff: Okay, you can go now.

What a damn service is it? If I am unable to explain them, no choice but pay as per their will. The circumstance make us rush and might be easy to accept whatever they demand in last minute. The Chinese staff complained on over-weight a bit. I thought MAI allowed 30kg per passenger as my sister bought on normal price. The luggage weigh only 28 kg. She asked me if I take out some or pay extra charges on over weight. I asked how many kilo allowed per head. She answer only 25kg. It's appalling to know rule change last minute in deed. We took out some items and make it hand carry as my sister has less things to carry on. Then another staff apparent Burmese asked Chinese lady to allow a bit more. After that, my sister had to rush to immigration gate. We look at monitors that show airline gate status, MAI's making last call. We could able to relax when our sister calls us that she has come across final gate as a last passenger. What a rush day is it for us? In fact, MAI staff should have passed some error to a given scenario. In this case, we are not on the wrong side that make MAI's hospitality severely affected. I got another lesson from the departure day of my sister, finally.

Myanmar Spring

Arab Spring has been guiding light for some countries including my country. Fortunately, my country able to change without major uprising to democratic transition stage from existing iron-fist ruled nation. Probably, it show Myanmar's way of transforming political landscape. Just more than a year from general election, our people have seen much different both in political and economical. The world community has been active to encourage several reforms in Burma. Even critics has been surprised to see the pace that our civilian leaders are going. There have been more transparency among government plan and projects now. Today government let people know their intention with regard to policies as well as national projects.

Obviously, some investors are taking advantages from the lack of labor laws within Burma. There is no labor union that could protect worker's rights. The government staffs from existing labor office are lacking experience in handling the problems between employer and employees. We still don't have the rule/law for minimum wages for our workers. It favors the foreign investors to gain upper hand whenever things come against them. In past, the investors have nothing to fear as long as they have Junta's approval. As we were struggling with international sanction, we have no choice but to accept incoming investors regardless of their profile. Mostly come from neighboring countries like Thailand and China. They know the situation inside Burma well than any nation else in this world. The have spoiled our governance system by corrupting. It's not blamable as they are doing their own business. Our authority is only to blame for those backward movement at the expense of our people's interests.

Since late March, there have been several labor strikes in the industrial zone of Yangon which is biggest and former capital city in Burma. Regardless of which factory is it, the sole reason behind is the same. They have been working without complaints for so many years as they are not suppose to. In past, it is not impossible to show their desire in mass against anything. Also they know it's losing battle if they do so. More importantly, they can't afford to lose the job they are working for as it is not easy to find a new job. But the mindset of people have changed since general election in 2010, especially after recent by-election in which NLD enter the parliament. As things change almost everywhere, people become more open-minded as they gradually realize the authority has allowed people to express. The media are writing and publishing more inside news to reflect what's happening inside top levels.

As the first labor strike went successful, there have been so many to follow. The labor ministry is seeing more and more strikes from factory workers with daily basis. The situation become serious when their demand are not met or resolved by authority. Our authority seems irresponsible by citing some official's explanation words toward current labor strikes. Our labor are helpless when they are being told that labor authority unable to help them. It's irresponsible way to say people in crisis. The more our authority said like that, the more abuse are likely to come by foreign investors. If we are suppose to open up our nation, our authority have to be wise enough to protect our workers. Otherwise, the people's patient will reach unbearable end one day and lead to uprising which is not recommended. On the other hand, the potential FDI will see those ill strikes and our nation's image will be severely affected. In this circumstance, the government should have been wise in taming people's desire. Our worker are not asking for greedy money. They are seeking for a minimum wages that can make them survive in increasing daily expenses. The employers will defiant until last minute unless the authority step in to settle. 

May every worker able to get their rights by laws.

Globalisation

WE see it nothing more than just an fatal accident. But they see it in other ways. Some say it's the result of PAP's fault on immigration policy. Some said it's anti-foreign sentiment. Some say it's revenge for continuous press for PRC. Some are taking chance to point at the nation they come from. To me, it's Singapore's way of Globalization. Why? Let me explain.

Last Saturday's pre-dawn fatal car accident comprising two cars and one motorcycle. There are 5 persons involved from which 3 died and 2 survivors. The offender and his passenger are from PRC. The victims are Singaporean, Japanese and Malaysian. Look at participating vehicles. Ferrari is from Italy while Hyundai Taxi is from South-Korea. Most likely from Japan for motorbike. What else? One accident, too many nations involved. If you wanna add, may be on-lookers are from various countries. Comments are flying on Yahoo Singapore website's post. Some are moderating while some offend racist. Some take opportunity to highlight the risk of foreign worker being here. The different in this case is that offender who drive Ferrari is from PRC while local is cabby. It say another dimension of foreign worker story we used to hear. Anyway, it has been happened due to irresponsible and stupid person and we couldn't turn it over. Lets pray for the peaceful next life for all victims of this fatal accident because arguing and pointing each other won't work.

May all human being be rated as a person regardless of where they come from.

Singapore tragic accident video

May May Vs Oh-May May

AS my daughter was left by her mum when she was 100 days only for oversea job, she needs to spend time with her aunty more than parent. When she is able to speak after 15 months, she wanted to call mum as she sees her peers calling their mum. My eldest sister who guardian our daughter was sorry to witness she repeat saying mum when she see other call mum. It prompt my sister to let our daughter call her mum despite she is not biological mother. My sister ensure that our daughter's desire to call May May which is mother in Myanmar language to be fulfilled. My sister later reiterated that she don't want our daughter gets psychological damage in mind due to lacking person to call May May. It's absolutely right and we accept her decision on the matter.

Our little daughter was 20 months only when she first visited us here last month. She could speak short sentence well to show what she want and don't want around. She could able to commend black and white despite she is just beginner. She would point out right thing/person if she doesn't wanna speak. She never failed to speak properly when she is in good mode. There are two time she become a bit stubborn to people other than my sister whom she call "Oh May May". These times are when she feel hungry and when she want to sleep. During that particular time, my wife also will find it difficult to convince her to listen her instruction.

If problem persist, I used to step in to let our daughter be tamed by my sister who is her Oh May May. "Don't make her a bad girl by trying to do what she doesn't like". I understand my wife's feeling that she wants to live as much as possible with her daughter's one month stay here. She is stingy to share her playing time with other even me. The longest troublesome time come in bed time. Our daughter used to sleep while her back is brushed by her Oh May May. Thus, she would call my sister to lie beside her so that she would able to comfort her. But her Mum want to try to replace Oh May May's duty to befriend her daughter. Again, our daughter is stubborn in what she wants. She would cry and protest in what she wants until it is made. If the situation remain, she would shout at her mum by saying "Go away". What a painful word to a loving mum is it? Own daughter is affectionately wants aunty than biological mum. My wife will give up when she is being told like that and would turn around to hide her sadness. I know she may not be escape from it for long time and make her unable to sleep for long without seeing her in person.

This time come to us at least once a day. It seem crucial moment to my wife. She definitely hates to face that time. Other time, they both are okay. They can play, eat, read, sing, dance, strolling in the park, etc together without problem. The problem is my wife is not satisfied with those time. She is apparent to own the whole loves of her daughter. She seem sorry when she see her daughter is loving other more than her. I could see crystal clear the loving kindness of a mother. I am sure all the mum around the world would have the same attitude toward their children. Sometime, I deliberately step backward to let my wife has enough playing time with her daughter. May be I am cold-blooded man as a father. No wonder my wife accuses me for inactive sufficiently. I would silent whenever being told as it is partially right. I hope the day my daughter able to fully understand to come so that I could answer her continuous questions. Perhaps, that time come, I would become favorite person than any other person including my wife. Anyway, one thing inevitable is we have to accept our daughter call her aunty as Oh May May and have to learn how to become a good looser.

May all family able to live together in this planet.

A little story teller

NATURALLY I'm talkative and my wife is a quiet person. It become contrary when it come to our daughter. My wife will talk without drinking water to her daughter while I am not more than on-looker. A week after our daughter arrived here, my wife realized what she likes and dislikes. At bed-time, my wife would tell her little daughter a story to make her fall asleep. My wife's story is, in fact, about her daughter. She would say starting 'once upon a time,,,,,there was a little girl who like.......Sunkist fruit, fried potato. She also afraid to see a lion, frog, pirate, etc. She always try to kiss her fingers whenever she wanna sleep or hungry. Soon after, she quit from this bad habit as the red-eye lion chase the child who absorb their fingers. She also like to sing and dance. She used to tell before she pees. The story would end here and repeat.

My wife told our little daughter every night and she know it by heart. Later she tell ahead of my wife. Next day, she approach me and tell me same story. What a good feeling is it for a Dad to listen what little daughter narrating? She is 3 months short to 2 years old. She can't speak well but tried to explain me. The way she speak is lovingly and what I need to do is just nodding my head and sometime say "aww, like that?" She will keep telling a story as long as I give her a chance. Sometime she ask her mum to recall some forgetting part of story. What a bonding time is it? How a parent can forget such moment easily? I don't think there would be somebody to ignore such time. Our little daughter has such talent. She can follow a song she used to at her age when her digital album's background music on. Of course, she can't sing whole. But it's good enough for us to hear her little crack sound when music reach her favourite part. She would dance when her favorite song was opened.

I get lesson from the occasion that we can't buy something in life. No matter how rich you are, you won't know how pleasure is it if you are single or childless couple. It means a world to us especially for parent with solely child. There is a saying in Burmese that "Oldest child is crazy". In fact, Parent with first child become crazy. I think there would be less people to argue with me that. May our daughter able to tell better and longer stories next time we meet again in person.

A bilateral friend

HE is my ex-boss. He is a young, dynamic, Chinese man. He is uneducated but he could stand as a rich business man. He has few high-ranking generals friends. I once needed to live in his house and worked for his own business for specific time. I'm much look like a family member than his worker. He has a young wife who is only one year older than me. He disbelieve men while he has some extra-marital affairs. As we stay long enough, he has been confident in my honesty and loyalty. He allows me to accompany his wife's holiday trip if he is busy with others. He would ask me to treat as a spy. Amazingly, his wife will tell me to report her what he's doing outside because he used to bring me out. I built their family bungalow at Yangon. I even brought some maids from nearby villages of my village. We have a good relationship that could easily long lasting.

I left them for further university study in 2001. Since then, I never return to him. After graduation, I left my country for oversea job in KL, Malaysia. 3 years later, I came to lion city and now working here for more than 4 years. Last Chinese new year holiday, I return home and got contact with him again. He was surprised to see me back on last January and last week he suddenly arrived to Singapore for first time. As we have been such good relationship and he has no other friends or relatives here, I automatically become responsibility for his comfort stay here. I arrange everything, hotel, visiting places, transportation, sim card, even mrt card. He was surprising to witness SE Asia's most developed nation. He never thought outside Myanmar would have been such goodness. He was learning every where I bring him.

During his stay, he told me situation of Myanmar's current stage as he knows about country better than me. He said some possible way to make good business. He brings me some options that can make me afford to return. He might be my oasis again to get back homeland. I have no relatives in Yangon and he might be my good and trusted fried that can show me a way to do business. I have helped all possible during his stay and hope I could need to get his hand to begin my own business when I return home one day in future.