You Understand ?

"YOU UNDERSTAND", the word my wife hate most at work. One day she told me that why people keep saying this bloody word so often regardless of whom they are speaking to. I answer, perhaps it is their habit by experience with construction foreign workers who are poor in communication, especially such incident can be easily found at HR manager/ staff because they have the most exposure with low level workers. She cautiously agreed with me but dispute not necessarily to specific rank. In fact, I also don't like this word if I am being told. I have to admit that we, Myanmarese, are poor at English proficiency level. However it didn't deter us to go and work at English speaking country like Singapore. The stupid working condition forced us out of country with the prospect of getting greener pasture. Indeed, here has much better opportunity for us. It is not the thing only my wife is facing at work. Most of my compatriots may find it the most difficult barrier to overcome work life crisis I think. 

Our colleagues probably double confirm if we fully understand with their speaking/instruction so that they can avoid bad consequence from misunderstanding. But sometime telling such words have surely bad ingredient. The action speak louder than words. One word, but different people has different tone in term of polite or rude. "You understand", on the other hand, is some form of underestimating or bullying or abusive or bully or attempt to put additional pressure in front of other professional people. Anyway, it would be difficult to avoid such incident as long as we need to work in English speaking countries. The mitigation effort however could be done by trying to improve our English skill at the same time. We have to assess our skill and accept as it is and seek the remedial process. I would rather take it lesson than a word of depression. I am hopeful that my wife will try to convert such unpleasant words to a strength of force to make her language skill up. I have to admit that I also a member of those struggling group.

Myanmar Springs

THERE is Burmese saying with regard to a definition of news. If the dog bikes a person, it is normal and not a news. But if a person bike the dog, it become news. If it is the case, current Myanmar's situation resemble the latter. Whatever Myanmar does for the time being, it easily become news both local and international. When the government privatize public properties, it become news. When our president meets media, it seem hot news. When our authority deals with western firms, it was easily made news. When our banking sector got refurbished, it is seen major move. When our currency was put on floating than usual fixed, it is considered signs of reform. When authority release political prisoners, it have drawn people's attention. When ASSK meets president, people applaud. When industrial zones plans are revealed, journalist see it big news. 

It look like anything move in Myanmar, it become readily news because the whole world is looking at Myanmar interestingly. For sure, change is in the sky of Myanmar at the moment. Some people still unconvinced with the change of Myanmar, they have been cautious optimistic. The time will judge their opinion or remarks towards Myanmar. Anyway Myanmarese are seeing several changes and start feeling freedom that they have been missing for a half century. Nowadays, people goes protest for their expression if something they think goes wrong. Sign of democracy country. Some worry for boom and bust as changing is happening so fast. Since we have been left behind for few decades against neighboring countries, we can't move with slow pace. It is appropriate to move quickly if we are about to close the gap with our region. Hopefully, we all would have a chance to see developing nation within our life span. I strongly believe in seeing if we are able to keep the current momentum to its eternity.

Rohingya, problem makers?

I am sad to read news of fresh violence at western part of Myanmar. What had happened to Rohingya society? I am not racist and just want to see the matter as natural. I see them as a human being rather than Muslim or Bengali or Stateless people, whatsoever people call them. At the same time, I wish them stay peacefully just like locals. As a multi-ethnic country, our people should exercise constrain and respect each other for their believe. The history cannot be destroyed nor created. As such, Rohingya have never ever been part of our family. Our authority have allowed them to stay on our land following illegal migrant. It have prove how our people have been kind toward them. It is not fair to get adverse condition for our kindness.

Rohingya society appear not happy with the situation of peaceful which the authority had restored peace and order in the region after bloody sectarian violence few months back. They seem waiting lapse time to ignite the fire again. Our leaders are so busy with several debates for the sake of reform. Perhaps some hardliners might have been unhappy with their success. We are on the well track to go ahead. The chance come once a life time and we should grab it without wasting time. In this circumstance, the unexpected Rohingya problem effectively drag our progress and reputation. Some outsiders are trying to unshake our country purposely. Some Muslim organization seem try to intervention. At the same time, some urged UN to intercept. We have one of the biggest army in the region and we can handle it within our capacity if we are determined to do it. The different is how our leader consider it. As it is sensitive issue, our leaders seem hesitant to issue necessary order in order not to disrupt their reputation. Hopefully, the fresh violence would be handled with minimum casualties in favor of diplomatic way.

Sex is private matter

HE is a 21 years old law undergrad at NUS with ASEAN scholar. He became under spotlight after he posted sex video and photos with his girlfriend on his personal blog. It effectively drew a lot of public attention and of course earn a lot ill-critics. To avoid public outrage, the blog was shut down to halt public access. However, it remain hot topic online through yahoo Singapore website. Under normal circumstance, it is embarrassing saga for those who perform in video if they are uploaded by third party without their consent. But this is different case. The young couple deliberately took video recording at their home and uploaded in their blog. The problem is their action is not accepted by our culture. Perhaps it would not be problem if it is happened in western world. Plus, he is just ordinary person rather than law student with scholarship at prestigious university. I'm interesting to read the full story and wants to see how it is going to end.

Sex for grade saga is still on-going trial for NUS law professor and former law student, another sex related case is surfaced. Unfortunately, both case come from republic's top university. I think, the NUS students society also not happy with the latest story because it may affect reputation of university. Surprisingly, the young couple not go silent, instead they are trying to explain their opinion to the hotted media. Today, they tried to use Facebook for their defense. It seem needless to explain for public because the value of Asian culture should not be compromised by such behavior. We cannot avoid sex but we have to keep it secret. It shouldn't be public affair. We all even disgust to see couple kiss in front of public on public transport. Then, how do we accept their wrong doing? We may need special heart to forgive their act. This is clearly some form of unacceptable especially within educated society. Even ordinary people might have have done such thing and have such courage. Perhaps they have different reason to support their feast. But we don't want younger generation to make copycat. At the same time, people doubt the standard of education in republic. Do we really teach our students properly to behave themselves in life? The question is there and open for authority to review their system.

Card is coming to our shore

CARD have been part of our daily life activities especially in the developed countries. Everyday, we used cards for commuting, paying money for daily expenses, borrowing books at public library, accessing EPR expressway for drivers, making phone calls, among others. We keep minimum cash in our wallets for small expenses and where cards are not accepted. Anyway, those high tech card make our life easier and convenience against cash-only nature in part. It is undeniable. My country used only cash in daily routine including business/trading. It make our people carry ton of cash for things they want to buy or service they use. As a result of international sanction, there is no choice but use 19th century method. Now, together with political reforms, our country's financial sector also got fresh treatment to upgrade with the help of international experts. 

Last week, our authority has shown green light to card heavy weight company to come invest in our market. It include famous Visa, Master, etc. Definitely, this latest movement will change our people's life significantly because our people are disgusting to use deteriorating money in the market. Hope, the card culture will spread among public quickly. In the mean time, 19 private banks are keeping to upgrade their service so that they can convince people use their service in the competitive market. Despite most of people are very poor and far away from saving, open economy will quickly create jobs and middle income families. As the people's income rise, the banking culture will also rise directly. Anyway, I am happy to see quickly changes of banking sector within country which is badly missed for extra long time in past. May our people able to enjoy the card technology asap.

Silent Threat Coming

I am appalling to read a news of buying wife for delivery on local media website. Myanmar is likely to become victim of China's one child policy and son favor culture if it is not well protected. As a bad consequence, China's men are now facing to find a wife when they reach marriage age. Taking advantage from our poor and non-educated people, China's men are trying to get a wife from Myanmar through agent. No wonder, human trafficking data suggests most of cases (>80%) are going China for forced marriage and prostitution. Now they dare to advertisement for their wife purchasing just like material buying. What a disgrace news is it? The news publish that those women who want to marry Chinese man will get Ks 3,000,000 (S$ 4,350) for their service with condition. What's condition? She must deliver a child for the man and she could return home upon after according to agent. What a cruel is it? I don't know if such advertisement is legal or illegal. But I know we should condemn such action under human right ground.

Personally, I don't think Chinese men will release the wife after deliver a child for their heritage generation because Chinese are money-minded people and they will take full advantage from any deal they are doing. With this regard alone, there won't be return home for our women if they accept the offer. I understand that I can't deny those possible women for doing this as they have no choice if they are to find money in a shortcut way for specific reason. Those reason might be for their needy parent or supporting their siblings who go schools. Regardless of reason, our authority should take necessary measures if they are about to fight human trafficking against our children and women. At the same time, the government should try their best to create necessary jobs for our people so that they could avoid going abroad for 3D jobs. Hopefully, our authority will find this offensive advertisement and take necessary action against those who lure our innocent women. We have to aware of China's threat. It is real and we can't afford to ignore. We just can't afford to look at West alone for Bengali matter. Chinese are coming in silent way to influence our land. It is national matter and we all should united to protect our people falling pits. 

Lets say "No to Human Trafficking".

Meritocracy Society

AT Singapore, parent went wild if necessary when the time come to select school for their children. They appear cannot tolerant when something went wrong against their favor. Especially they show their displeasure when their children lose a place to pave much better PR or foreigner students. They would make noise toward authority for not giving favor enough to ensure their children get a good school. It is a growing trend and not see cool in near future despite MOE adjust its policies to ease Singaporean parent's worry. School balloting system changed recently is a good example for how MOE response people's voice. At the same time, MOE periodically increase school fees to bar foreign students from their school. In fact, such measure will make republic's school vulnerable in competitiveness. The talented foreign students offer locals counterparts a good competition to gauge their level of smartness. 

Given condition, I am surprised to learn about my PR friend's school going children story. How? He is now only P6 which is considered an important year for a place at good secondary school. Hence, competitive level among P6 students is very high with the prospect of getting a place at famous school. To do so, they must score impressive exam result to convince the school board. My friend family is all PR which can be considered second class citizen. However they are treated more likely as foreign students than second tier citizen in term of school fees. Let it be. They have only one child and he is extra-ordinarily doing his school work. He always make sure top in the class every academic year during his primary school journey from P1 through P6. As a result, he got offer letter from two top local schools even before he finished his P6. As a student who currently attend express class in which top crops of republic able to attend, I am not so wonder to get offer letter from top school.

One is NUS High School which only offer 150 students per year. Another is ACS (I) who accept 500 students each year. It is up to him where he wants to study. What a good feeling for a foreign student is it? No wonder his parent are always proud of their child's achievement while I am even proud of him. At the same time, I think of Singapore's meritocracy system that make republic different from the rest of world. No wonder Singapore's education system is among world class. They know who should be awarded and who should be penalized. My friend family doesn't need to worry for getting good school for their single child. These two school will not accept any student for money or background. It only measure merit of student at their entry test. I think such practice will make Singapore government to capture talented students for their future scholar or leaders. Anyway, I wish to share this experience to those immigrant family who has school going children. Make sure your child is doing well and the offer will knock your doors. Needless to worry for a place at good school so long as your child is excellent. Lets believe in meritocracy culture society.

Miss Internet Title for Myanmar

YESTERDAY was final day for Miss International 2012 show. In past, it was nothing but an event for our people. However, this year competition has drawn our attention due to resuming our country's representative after absent for more than 50 years. There were 68 beauty from the countries across the world. As a new comer, we can't expect a lot from our representative beauty. With the help of our people, she made a good kick start by winning two titles yesterday. What a great achievement for her and for country? She is not in the list of final 15 beauty. But still she can walk off stage with her head at high because she will bring home two titles, Miss Internet and Popular Choice Award. Of course something is better than nothing despite main priority is not getting minor titles. We all have to welcome her land home for her tirelessly effort to make our people and country proud. I am sure it is not an easy task for her.

What make me more surprise is the name of her winning title, Miss Internet. In fact, our country has very poor infra-structure for internet. Very less ratio of people only can access internet nowadays. A bit better than past time in term of internet speed under newly civilian government. It show how much our people's desire have been toward internet. It might have shown our authority what our people have intended to do. Even with very limited access, our people can effort to vote our representative winning titles for our country. No matter who does when it come for the image of our country. Our people will automatically come unite and create powerful that goes and get objective. I'm very sure, the international communities also would surprise to learn Myanmar's representative take Miss Internet title home because Myanmar has reputation with her very poor internet access. Anyway, it is always feeling good to be winning side. Thanks all for making this mission success. At least, this event again highlight the return of Myanmar towards international stage following most recent ASSK's showdown across Europe & US tour.

Myanmar's President Mr.Thein Sein & CNA Interview

Winds of political reform in Myanmar-INfocus-12-28-2011

Threat is at the backyard

I am reading the terrorist bomb attempt news happened in NY city this morning on the way to office. The suspect is a young student from Bangladesh. He is just 21 years old and arrived US on last January with student visa. He tried to destroy State Reserve Bank Building by a mega bomb with the help of underground gang. What make me concern is to know his native land where is our neighboring country. Few months back, our western part has communal violence between ethnic Rakhine and illegal settlers, Bengali Rohingya. It has not totally finished with the most recent OIC's attempt to open branch in our land. Get back the case, obviously, the US is the most advanced country in the world and they still feel threat of their internal security from the terrorist-minded people. This case show US that they can't underestimate anybody regardless of their ages, professionals and tourists. 

If US appears to have security mishaps by Bengali terrorist, there is no doubt that our country have a lot likelihood to exposure their danger. This news really make me worry for my compatriots especially from the western part. Our boarder guards and immigration department should have put greater efforts to mitigate the risk of Bengali terrorist threat. It is real threat that can hit rock us and just on the next door only. I am relaxed to learn our government have prevented the OIC to root in our land. This is time to alert as our security would not be compromised by any negligence.

Kokogyi in Paris

Ceiling Fan Story

FINALLY, our Choa Chu Kang station got a ceiling fan last week. I smile at it because I remember the voice article I read in the paper few months back. In the wake of accident pertaining Thai girl falling to the track, the SMRT decided to install screening doors at all elevated stations. It cost SMRT million dollars for the sake of commuter's safety. Previously, passengers are supposed to stand behind the yellow line for their safety. SMRT staffs keep reminding people who do not follow the rules that are shown everywhere on station. The audio system keep reminding commuters to stay behind yellow line.

Once screening doors are in place, people start complaining for less ventilation while they are waiting for train on platform level. I know there would be always something for people to complain so long as they are not contended with what they have. For a person who come from third world country, Singapore's transportation system is beyond expectation and world class. We praise it and feel comfort to use it. But authority here never fail to fulfill their people desire/concern. Sooner, we could able to see big ceiling fans at elevated station. Now all commuters do not need to worry about feeling hot there due to screening doors. I don't know if all elevated stations have been install them. The station nearby my house has got it and we're blessed by the convenience. Thank you SMRT for your considerate effort. We appreciate it.

Tray Lesson

SINGAPORE government keep urging its people to generate better productivity if they are about to rid of foreign worker's present here. Among others, schooling its people to exercise returning tray after they finish their meal on hawker center. As Singaporean are not cooking at home, it become norm for them to go foodcourt for their meals. This daily trend make hawker center become their kitchens. To better serve, the vendors have to employ foreign workers to collect dirty trays, return to washing bay, make sure table are clean by wiping any possible dirty left by patrons. Despite the authority keep encouraging people to return their own tray, people seem not bother with the suggestion. 

Instead, some feed back through voice section of the paper, saying if they do so, those people who works in hawker center become jobless. Sound like excuses, isn't it? Some argue with this saying alternative. Another one said, let user clean the table themselves and occupy the place. The tray manager will stand by to make sure process go smooth. If somebody refuse, he may ask tray manager but have to pay $2.00 for the service. When he left the place, next user will clean for the same table. The trend will cycle by this way. Another suggest, no no, it is not the way to treat public. Put the empty trolley on the passage so that customer can put their dirty tray easily. Also no working despite the authority follow it. For this minor thing alone, they are unable to find solution. In fact, they hawker centers will easily become mess if foreign workers are not placed there. No wonder, some taxi drivers I talk to said you do not think of other things. Just try to imagine what if there is no workers in the food court. I agree with him. Singaporean keep complaining with the present of foreign workers, but the question is that if they can perform the job that are occupied by those workers. 

For me, as a foreign worker, I always try to return my tray whenever I enjoy the food at hawker center. It may not affect the whole system, but for that particular tray, the worker would not need to take any effort. Thanks Singaporean for keeping complain because it make us think of wider perspective. I don't think the government will find a proper solution to solve out this problem near future as long as their people do not change their mindset.

Japanese lesson

AT the moment, Japanese are too good to believe towards Myanmar. They are showering serial aids to Myanmar in recognition of her reforms. Making few hundred billion yens deducted from Myanmar's outstanding bills as well as giving fresh loans with very low interests for development. Also Japanese are giving us helping hand as a grantor in paying World's Bank and ADB's USD 900 million loans that Myanmar have to clear to get new loans. I last week was reading a news quoting a chairman of Nippon Foundation words with quite interesting. According to him, he is helping Myanmar as a personal feeling. He continue to explain that he feels that Japanese are paying back already late obligation to Myanmar for its kindness in past.

He also highlight how Japanese were grateful to Myanmar's kindness when they survive by the rice imported from Myanmar during post war time. As a loser, Japan were struggling to stand up from scrap after WWII. He said it is overdue for Japan to pay back Myanmar's kindness. They were unable to help in past due to international sanction. It doesn't mean they don't like Myanmar. He stressed that this is right time for Japan to pay back Myanmar for its kindness in history toward them. A week later, Japanese investment consultant was interviewed by a local media and he also said the same tone as Nippon Foundation Chairman. 

I think of myself and asked myself that if Japanese are grateful for the rice imported from Myanmar, why not us to contribute our country's building? It would be embarrassing if anyone of Myanmar citizen fails to do so because we were born in Myanmar and raised there. I sincerely hope my fellow citizen would be committed for the country's democratizing by helping on the area they are excelling.

Bomb Blast at the Martyr's Mausoleum (Oct 9 - 1983)

Dowry Headache

MAN set wife and his own child ablaze while they are sleeping at home in India. What horrible news is it? But such news uncovered frequently unfortunately. The reason? She paid dowry payment of 1.2 million rupees (S$28,000) and a car for the groom's parents who expected more than that. A year later she delivered a baby girl of which her in-laws and husband are not happy with. What went wrong with India with this bloody dowry trend? I don't know who initiated this cruel illegal dowry to put Indian women in the worry end. Despite the government keep saying such dowry payment are not legal obligation by bride family, it is unlikely to change mindset of grooms in India. In other words, it is human right matter that extremely endanger the foetus of baby girls. No parent in India wants to have baby girl. If this trend go continue, gender inequality will become major headache for India in near future. China also have been suffering the same experience as a bad consequence of one child policy which forced couple to opt baby boy only.

Get back to the case, the woman died when she reached hospital while 13 months old baby girl survive with high degree of burning. The in-law and husband are at large and wanted by police. The decease wife told authority just before dying. It is extremely unacceptable to a human being society. I am sad such things happening to a land where our Buddha born. India can be considered a leading civil society nation in the world. But seeing such inhuman things make India's reputation badly. Why only boy? Does it mean girls are not human being? They should have been given equal chance as a person. Fortunately, my country has no such thing. At contrary to India's problem, grooms used to pay some valuable assets to bride's parent as a form of present when they propose to marry their loved ones in Myanmar. What a lucky to be a girl in Myanmar is it? However, do not misunderstand with this tradition of Myanmar. Bride's parent would not take such present as their own, these are return to the newly wed couple to mark their beginning of life journey. What a lovely habit is it? I am proud to be a citizen of Myanmar with this reason alone. We all have to condemn such inhuman act regardless of where on this planet. Wish the justice to come against this horrible murder case as soon as possible.

where's life's value

I was converted to a monk for a week during my 2 week holiday. It was really peaceful moment for me to go through. Only the position able to stay away from computer, mobile and internet alone make my life quite different. It is indeed holistic way to spend time like that. Everyday, I spent my time in meditation and listening dhamma lectures alternatively. As a monk, I need to wake up early to fulfill one of disciplines by going out somewhere to collect rice by people who offer. Everyday, the place changes and it make me explore the life of people from my native small town. I noticed that people are generous despite they are poor mostly. It is not easy to offer hundreds of monk by daily basis unless they have not enough generous and kindness. As a Buddhist, we all make sure to donate first before we consume our foods or things. What a lovely culture is it? I got more time to think of life as I have nothing to do about my work. I tried to behave like real monk despite temporary term. Tried to understand the art of meditation as much as possible. Tried to listen dhamma sound to calm my mind. Tried to talk resident monks to learn their experience and life. 

I conclude my fellow monk's life as a peaceful life despite they are not as rich as I am. I got almost everything a man can own by material wide. But I asked myself if I am as happy as them. Definitely not. But knowing have to go back work after two week holiday make me feel stupid man. As a married man, I got obligation to support my family in which my wife and 25 months old daughter. It make me feel not ready to adapt a monk life with full time basis. I appreciate the time I stay at monastery. It is healthy and mindfulness time indeed. That particular week teach me that I don't need everything to survive in life. What matter most is to tame ourselves to become contented person. When we could have some power to kill our unstoppable greedy mind, we might have found a time of happy. Hopefully, I could one day able to possess such life without needing me much effort to do so. It need only practice and practice will make us perfect. Keep our mind free from worry and jealousy, then we have reached some level of human highness. It is not so difficult if we want to learn Buddha theory. The different is we can't find time for ourselves by throwing our life to a material needed world. At the end of the day, the solution is within ourselves.

Is protest always good ?

PROTEST, couple years ago it is the word for the people who goes the hell at the end. Now it have becoming norm in our newly open society. Under iron-fist ruler, our people have been swallowed those angers generated by bullied authority. As Myanmar open up, political and economic reforms are made quickly including the law that allow people to protest peacefully with advanced permit by the police. Unlike before, our people became very motivate people who happily join several NGOs and social firms as a volunteers. Those firms make people unite and make it easy to walk out whenever they feel something wrong is happening to our country. They are trying to highlight those unfair big government contract, education, health, environment problem, etc. As a poor nation, we have got ton of things to be improved or upgraded. Everything need to be changed if we are about to go ahead. 

However, seeing people protest very often may make the government effort dragging because it need authority time to adapt and restore order. On the other hand, it is helpful to check and balance within community. At least the government knows that they can't do anything carelessly like in the past. At the same time, the media censorship has been removed and the media has been more powerful than ever before. They are equipped with latest IT gadget and internet, it make their job easier and swift to share their finding to the public. It is another good thing to become a democratic nation. As long as our authority exercise constrain against people's protest, I am sure our democratization will not return and hopefully we would be an ideal democratic nation at least within ASEAN region. Thanks authority for letting our people express their feeling more freely than before.

OIC Headache

UNTIL recent communal violent happened in Arakan state between ethnic Rakhine and illegal settlers, Rohingya who are originally from neighboring Bangladesh, our people didn't even hear about OIC. What's OIC? Organization for Islamic Cooperation, a firm to take care for Muslim people across the world. For us, it is nothing but immigration leak problem. For violent minded Rohingya, they deliberately made it to generate their ambition which is to separate an Islamic nation. The exiled Rohingya are fueling the matter to become international problem from a just local one. Since the news come out that our authority have agreed OIC to open its branch, our people started to walk out to show their displeasure with the news. As a Buddhist major nation, we don't need OIC to settle on our land for their religion mission. In fact, if OIC wants to help their fellow Muslim people, they could send their assistance through government channels such as Red Cross Organization. 

The protest appear to grow by time across the big cities by not only people but Buddhist monks. It reach strong message to ruling party and force our president office to issue statement saying we never agree with OIC as the news suggest. Our people are not stupid and able to understand what is right and what is wrong. If the news is considered rumour and incorrect, why not our government sued those media who circulate the news? It is becoming common to see authority and media houses are suing each other for generating incorrect statements. As the government's response come late, our people are presuming that it is deliberate effort by ruling party to make our president become more popular among our people as a savior. This is not first time for our president to use his vito power in favor of people's wills. The first time was noticeably happened when people protested for China invest Myitsone hydropower dam project at the upstream of Irrawaddy. That time our president's effectively announced to halt the dam project at least within his term. It make him earn people's loving kindness.

Despite our government announced that they never agreed or signed MoU to let OIC in and open branch for humanitarian assistance, our people find it a little bit hard to believe. Because OIC's spokeswoman told a media that they just can't understand why thing come like that. They, at the same time, insist that they have obtained necessary permit from authority for a branch. This news make our people confuse with the statement of our government. We sincerely hopeful that our president office's statement always come in correct manner. I am personally very concern to learn Philippine's peace pack with their Islamic libration front rebel by the help of Malaysia peace coordinator. It's good to see peaceful pack signed anywhere. What make me concern is that Malaysia as a moderator make me doubt if they are worth to trust as a Muslim majority nation. Now the Philippine must allow those rebel region as a special administrative zone. On the other hand, we can't afford to let those illegal Rohingya set up the same priviliged like ILF in Philippine. Because our story is far different from the Philippine's rebel who has been rooted there for few decades. Anyway I welcome the latest news of presidential office to announce that we don't allow OIC to open its branch as it is against the wills of our people. Thanks Mr. President for your bold action, again. We hope that we could prosper our nation under the guideline of your goodself.

Embarrassing Moment

I am riding peak hour over crowded train on the way to work, taking reserved seat and deeply interested in my country's news. An old man came in when the train reaches Yishun station. A woman's finger came in and touch at my paper to signal an old man is there standing alone. I immediately stand up and welcome uncle to take a seat. An uncle is initially resisting my offer by saying it's ok. I told him, make it easy uncle, it is belong to you. At the same time I have to answer, it's okay to give up to the woman who repeatedly said sorry to me. I usually check around whenever I take priority seat. I don't have enough courage to sit priority seat especially in front of an old and pregnant passenger. I even wish to surrender seat if I am taking normal seat and priority seat taker do not give up.

The congested train and reading an interesting news really make me inconsiderate person that I feel was not appropriate. I am honestly didn't see him but I feel embarrassing for my own manner. My destination was Bishun and it was few station away. It is too long for me to reach as I don't want to ride anymore. I once experienced the same incident before. That time I was just witness. Now I became a performer but I didn't make it deliberately. Hope my fellow commuters understand me and forgive me for my careless manner. I decided not to take reserved seat in future to avoid the same incident. I sincerely thanks to a woman who remind me that I feel is much better than take photo and uploaded online.

DPM puzzle

LAST month, I attended two annual dinners held in RWS convention center. Both are considered nationwide event organized by contractor association (SCAL) and another one by institution of engineer, Singapore (IES). Coincidentally both events were held in the same venue which is RWS convention center. I never attended such large scale even previously. This time is first and happened to me twice within a couple week. First time SCAL's 75th annual dinner was attended by honorable guest, DPM Mr. Tharman. IES's 46th annual dinner was graced by another DPM Mr. Teo. Our Keller branch head also joined the dinner. He is not local born. He is from India and I think now getting SPR.

As we arrived earlier, our social Asia head was trying to chat with all attendees within our group. MD later join us. GM and most of PM also attending annual event to represent company. At one point, our Asia head suddenly raised question to Singaporean PM. The question is that "how many DPM in Singapore?". The young PM got first to answer and he gave wrong surprisingly. He said, "I think one." What a funny is it? Director continued to ask GM who is Malaysian with SPR, he answer even worse by saying "Is DPM mean Deputy Project Manager?. Eventually, director asked MD who is Singaporean and he easily able to answer correctly. What make me think is how come some Singaporean even don't aware their leaders. It show how Singaporean interested in their politic. I think there would be so many of similar cases among Singaporean. Despite I am foreigner, I easily know the answer of this question because I everyday read local newspaper on the go. I heard before that Singaporean do not read their paper because they rate them Alibaba as a mouth-piece of the government. I was hard to agree with them at first. But recent incident at annual dinner make me believe of Singaporean do not interest of their politic.

Inconsiderate flatmate

IT is real that having an inconsiderate flatmate make us getting additional unwanted pressure at home. Enough is enough. We have been struggling with our work pressure and nobody want another form of pressure at home. However, we can't afford to avoid sometime as flat rental come expensive and need to share with others to share accommodation cost. I am generally satisfy with my current flat in term of usual mess at house. It is tolerable at home compare to other flat stories my colleagues are facing at. But it is never perfect to have all flatmates are considerate in realistic. 

I'm staying 3 rooms flat and there are 6 six flatmates, two each room. All are engineers except one IT professional. All educated person, 1 PhD, 2 Master, 3 Bachelor. As usual, there is always exceptional one. IT guy is not a considerate person. He use utensils and never wash it. Leave it on the table with much messy, dirty plates make other people upset. Use washing machine, and leave all clothes for few days without thinking of next user. Not bad enough? Use toilet and frequently forget to flush. And frequently find step on the toilet seat cover that make me really disappointed. I can't understand how did he gets master degree. May be education and considerate are not the same department. He never mop at home but make things messy easily. We all are young professional and don't want to clash each other. It would be better if people make sure they don't leave their mess behind so that other people can instantly use the limited place. But it is easier said than done and will continue to happen.

We need to raise our living standard if we are about to rate ourselves as professional. Sorry, without consideration manner, I cannot see you educated professional, no matter what kind of degree you are obtaining. May all immigrant workers able to free from the troubles by flatmates.

No to offensive post

IN Myanmar, a joke saying that you can be an author if you can type and use internet. I am sure the originator meant to say people can write what he likes online without necessity of passing through censorship. They can freely write their opinion online and easily upload without difficulties. Today, internet has been exposed to much people especially through social media websites like Facebook and Twitter. Last Monday, our lady told media to take responsibility for their writing online. She also thinks that some journalists appear proud of their role by boasting that they can make a person promote or demote by their articles. She continues to remind Myanmar journalists to consider trial people as an innocence until the court make final decision to the case. The Journalist should not give some comments prior to the court's verdict which is very used to in local media community. As a result, now we are increasingly seeing defaming cases in courts.

Coincidentally, NTUC sacked its assistant director of membership wing for her offensive post on her personal Facebook account. She wrote a post which seem racist to Malay community here. She was disappointed to learn noisy Malay wedding held on the void desk of HDB and posted her anger on Facebook. It dearly cost her executive post within less than 24 hours span. She later issued statement of apology to all who had suffered by her offensive post. This saga has been headline for past two days and the government condemn such post which is danger to the harmony of multi-racial communities. It make us timely reminder as most of us today are using social media websites and quite open to upload our opinions to public. In fact, it is real threat to our security of life unless it is with appropriate manner. If we use social media positively, I'm sure our world would be better place to live in.

Let's say "No" to offensive post.

Friends for funs

I have very few friends in life and tried to maintain our friendship through frequent calls. Our life style usually change less or more when we got married. However, I tried to make some calls to my friends so that they could able to feel that they are still in my mind. If I fail to call, I at least try to integrate with them through internet by chatting or commenting their photos through Facebook. Sometime my wife would complain that I take more care friends than her. Sometime she would accuse me that I would turn talkative when I talk to my friends. I am particularly quiet when we give a call to our stay away daughter. My wife would unstoppably talked to our daughter when we call through wires. Sometime my wife would jealously say you only remember your friends. Your friends only remember you when they have something to ask you. I would choice to silent when I am being told like that so that I can avoid unnecessary argument.

In fact, I am happy to keep contact with my friends. I make myself ready to help them when they need me. I would take immediate action if I can help. However, sometime I also feel upset to learn some of my friends are tend to be the same as my wife's remark. They would call me to ask something to do for them rather than to say hello how are you and how is your job/family. But I keep entertain. Recently, one of my best friend won local 4D and he didn't tell me the truth price what he had won. I later know exact price indirectly through another mutual friend. In fact, good thing in life should be shared among friends. Surprisingly, he also ignored me when he serve his friends for his winning. Soon after he calls and told me that he wants to buy a land plot with price money. He wanted me to find a suitable plot in mother land because I have better connection than himself.

He even dare to ask me if I could want to sell back my plot at half price. It is not joke, he asked seriously by giving improper reason that the government is going to raise property tax to attempt slow down property price. I was angry with his offer half price but didn't reveal. He keep me calling until he got a plot through my help. From the perspective of my wife, I should have cut our friendship with such guy. But I tried to remember good things he had done for me in past. I saved friendship by forgetting his wrong move. In fact, I helped him a lot when he came here to find a job. I sent him a sponsor letter by the help of my cousin. I arranged accommodation for him. I prepared CV and even wrote a note for interview. It is not fair to see a friend as a provider than a company. Hopefully he will become a considerate friend as the time goes by. I would, on the other hand, try to help him if I got a chance to do so within my capacity.

Block New Chinese Spy

YESTERDAY, US declared their findings that Chinese tech giants ZTE and Huawei products are a threat to their national security. According to the report, their products apparent to perform as spy for their government. This news added additional spikes for US-China tie from existing bad for maritime dispute to worse. Not long time ago, Australia government also took the same measure not to accept Chinese tech giant's bid for their national network project. Definitely US and Australia has technologically know how and they will not say if their finding is not relevant because they can be sued by accuse upon announcement. Chinese companies are quiet on their remarks mean their findings are partly correct unless it is for 100%.

What make me worry by this news is that my native land is the last frontier in Asia and desperately need infra-structure to be built shortly. Of course, telecommunication sector is one of infra-structure projects. I have seen extended coverage in the phone market when I recently went back home for holiday. Even in my village telecommunication tower was made by ZTE. Also I could easily find Huawei mobile handset in the hands of people around because they are cheap and appear to include latest technology such as touch screen and camera function. I'm very sure China will export their second rated product towards our country as our people are not aware of quality product. Our authority also may not have enough capacity to properly choose operator and products from the submitted international tenderer. 

Chinese made products can be cheap but a lot question if they are worth for money due to its prone to easily spoil. I know it would be difficult to tell people not to use cheap Chinese product at the moment because they don't have deep pocket. However, the authority can protect consumer right by not awarding the Chinese firms as well as putting additional QC test for those products. Unlike before, good things nowadays is that our government has more to choose from when it come to tender. But it would be the case only if our authority apply rules and regulation rather than bribery. Hope our leaders will have the wisdom choices whenever it come to them to do so.

May our people able to free from Chinese fake products. May our leaders able to aware of this alarming news as we're extremely exposed to Chinese firms and products. Why Chinese while we have other choices which come in better quality and security? Life is short and do your best while you have opportunity to perform nation's building. Please see things as it is. In short, please show your patriotism by not choosing dangerous products from China. We are already late and we can't afford to go wrong way. We have to take advantage by learning other mistakes across the world. May our leaders free from persuaded and corrupt minded Chinese business men.

Moon Cake Story

LAST month was a moon cake festival month for Chinese dominant countries including Singapore. The companies are giving moon cakes away each other to participate traditional festival. Of course, my company also receiving a lot of boxes by our sub contractors and clients. It's nothing wrong up to this point. What make me disappoint is the wrong attitude of our handful Chinese colleagues. As usual, they are kiasu in this case as well because it is carrot, not stick. Though, these present packs are originally meant to our senior management such as GM/MD, our rich leaders do not bother it and pass it to some to share among staffs.

However, they will never know what happened to those things. A handful of selfish Chinese staff will manipulate them in favor of their way. They would share each other if the cake are good. They would put some open box if they are not interested at their eyes. By doing so, they are deliberately make senior management would have understand that those cakes are allocated by an equally chance. In fact, the best had been instantly allocated to their drawer. The lousy ones would be put on the table for show. If they feel good in mind, they would shout to announce that cake are here to serve, sound just enough to hear by their own ear. 

We are poor but we are not doing such unfair things. We are poor but we have dignity. We are poor but we know when to be proud. We are poor but we have self-esteen. In real world, the respect come by itself. It cannot be created nor destroyed. When I feel such unjustice things for a long run, I seldom smile at such people because I don't wanna pretend. I know it is not good for me not to integrate with locals. But I would like to be a man of my own style rather than adapted. But I don't mean all locals are the same as my colleagues. Because my wife brings back moon cakes from her office quota for me. She is working on site but she gets her share. Her HR manager one day contacts her if she has eaten moon cakes this month. Upon her reply on 'No', next day her HR manager arranged to send her a nice box. Perhaps I am not fortunate to have such considerate colleague that my wife enjoys at her workplace. 

May the people able to fair at their inferior when they got upper hand.

Attitude Matter

I was in a clinic last Thursday evening. After checking, the Doctor asked me if I want MC or not. I immediately replied "no, I don't want" which appear the Doctor a bit surprise. As his face change some form, he double confirmed me by questioning, "really, you don't want?". Upon my double confirm by saying "yes", curious doctor continues to ask "why". I just simply said him "I would not finish my job on time if I take MC." The doctor then gave up to me and say good bye for next patient.

I was thinking again the incident on the back home. Why the young doctor wasn't easy to answer no to his kind offer. Perhaps this is first time experience for him in the given circumstance. I wasn't take MC because I think my sickness is not serious enough to take MC. I had some difficulties to control my urine when I want to urinate. Another case is that my right eye was unfortunately hit by a very hot cooking oil while frying groundnut at my kitchen the day before I went to clinic. Hence, I didn't want to take MC. 

Hopefully the young doctor might have understand why the locals employers keep complaining at restricting foreign worker quota to the authority.

Explore Chances, Myanmar

MYANMAR is opening to the world by keeping its reform process at all cylinders. Unfortunately, the world is not feeling well. See the leading nation, US, it has not fully recovered from the economic crisis. Likewise, EU nations are getting difficulties to find a solution to settle its some member state's debit crisis. In the last of bad series, it seem turn now toward Asia. The on-going maritime dispute between China and Japan make sizable impact on Asia's two biggest economy. I don't know how much those tiny island change are worth. We see visible threat to make big boys enter to the war. Any wrong movement from each side could spark to the war. The US is trying to intervene while two giants are not seen to switch diplomatic button.

For sure, Japanese firms have shut down their factories in mainland China to mitigate the risks. China is trying to survive from soft landing. It is obvious China's economy is export dependent and the weak of US and EU consumers will have some say on China's economical growth. Definitely China may not enjoy two digits growth that it had enjoyed for last decade. Singapore is in the brink of recession. The middle east is always risk due to its Islamist culture. World Bank and ADB are lowering its previous forecast % on economy growth that shown 6% around for Asia's emerging market. In this scenario, how does Myanmar gain its momentum by the help of international community? One thing Myanmar could gain is alluring Japanese investors as they are trying to move away from troublesome China. It is definitely they'll want to invest in Myanmar as we have big market and enough man power. Hope our leaders will able to make wise movement to attract FDI which we badly need at the moment to create necessary jobs.

Privileged Notes

LAST summer, my daughter and sister came visit here for a month. In case of somebody ask for show money in entry to city state, my sister bought some foreign currencies and bring together with her. After return home, she tried to sell back at a local bank where she bought for extra notes. However, she couldn't sell some of them as banking staff refuse to buy for certain reason. His reason is that foreign currency has a tiny ink and folding somewhat. My sister was shocked to learn the incident because she didn't do anything since she occupy it. When she buy, she didn't bother if they are fake or folder or ink or any form of suspicious things on notes because that is first time she is getting foreign currencies in hand.

When I return home for holiday recently, my sister gave me those notes and tell me story she experienced. I see the note and they are in good condition and acceptable to the market use I think. So I take them and bring back when I return Singapore. Coincidentally, my sister in-law also tasted the same experience. She went lion city to search a job and failed the mission. In return, she also went back banks and sell the notes. She gave me those notes which is not accepted by foreign exchange agents. I bought them from her and bring back to Singapore. Soon after I get back republic, I went nearby foreign exchange shop and able to change back to Singapore Dollar without any difficulties. 

I understand that those foreign currency especially US Dollar are expensive to our people and our local staffs can't afford to make any wrong doing as they will need to compensate if they did any wrong. However, it seem over cautious with regard to foreign money. At the same time, our own local notes are extremely spoiling despite they are being circulated in the market. The authority should replace them with new notes so that our people won't infect each other via dirty currency notes. It would be great if our people love our own currency with the same degree of their treatment towards foreign notes. If we don't value our money then who is going to value them? May our authority able to address this long ignore issue.

Kiasu Culture

KIASU, not English word. It is Chinese word which means afraid of lose. Who want to be a loser? It's obvious nobody to this question. But we have to accept it sometime in life inevitably because we cannot be winner every time in life. When I am working abroad, I could notice Singaporean are very used to complain to their associated places. It may include person, firm, council, even government. They would make noise if they feel going to suffer as a result of some action/policies.

Being foreign worker, I always felt unwelcoming voice by locals against the ruling party. They feel that foreign workers make their job market competitive and at worse cost their jobs. Also they are aware of higher property market price as well as uncomfort on public transport. We could understand but we also expect them to sympathy on their visitors who come here to plus the gap they left. We all know that construction industry and some service sectors jobs are usually shy by locals as they are considered less prestige and dangerous. It make ruling party no choice but to import required labour from abroad. Luckily, foreign workers are deem a necessary if republic is suppose to keep growth of its economic by the government. The PAP keep explaining its people how foreign workers have been contributing Singapore's economy as well as creating job opportunities for locals rather than stealing jobs from them.

Most recent report revealed that 80% of local SME are finding difficulties to recruit locals in line with the policy changes in favor of locals. The government is trying to switch to automation to boost productivity rather than relying on intensive labour. However, it seem not realistic for small local firms as it come more expensive in upfront cost unnecessarily. Most of SMEs are quite conservative with the labour enforcing act which they view not effective and practicable. The local employers realize that the locals cannot step in the shoe left by outgoing foreign workers due to tight quota system. Hence, SME association are requesting authority to review the system to suit their requirement. If it is the case, it is nothing to do with foreign worker to the joblessness of locals indeed. In fact, some Singaporean are just making it as an excuses to cover their laziness. They would ever say they cannot do less pay work that usually foreign workers happily do. If they are really want to get job, they should try it first before they can find a better paid job. In frank, no matter how good government is taking care, complain will not end to them because kiasu culture is in their blood, I think.

Women after money ?

ONE day morning, I was taking taxi for my embassy to pay income tax and change passport. Cabby is a retired old man who is 67. He seem quite social and talk from the time I board until I alight. He repeatedly claim himself that he is not driving taxi for money. He've got enough money to enjoy life. I was just a following by nodding my head only. He continues how clever and smart his children are. According to him, his son is working at MNCs with the post of regional manager while his daughter is senior executive manager at a big company. He also boasted that his son in-law is a pilot as well. I'm so pleased to learn Singaporean children are supportive towards their parent because an old man told me that he gets few thousands by his children with monthly basis. 

He was unstoppable to talk and said he gets S$ 2,000 a month from his son alone. I was impressing with the attitude of his hard working mind while he doesn't need money to work. He claimed he had spent so much saving of his life to invest in his children's higher education who went abroad. I said, no wonder they are paying back his faith in their education. At one point, he suddenly told me that he is going to China for holiday very soon. I said it's good to enjoy oversea holiday. When I ask if he's going holiday together with wife, he immediately answered "no, no, with my girl friend". Oh God, I'm so surprised to hear his answer. How come a 67 years old man has a girl friend. He continues to explain how does he keep his girl friend in lion city. She is a main land Chinese lady who is in her mid 30s. He needs to support her S$ 1,800 monthly. He rent her a flat. He said, S$ 2,000 he received from his son was spent for girl friend. What a damn cash flow is it at his age? Finally he concluded his experience on women. You know young man, "Women always after money". 

Perhaps those women around him are in such category. I don't want to argue with him for his remark. I just smile and said goodbye when it reach my destination. I got another lesson why Singaporean's silver age time are not fruitful and loneliness. Hope the cabby I met is not a typical Singaporean old man.

Little bargain girl

ONE fine afternoon, my little daughter was playing herself while her uncle is washing before bathing by the water tank. Suddenly, she see her uncle washing and approach him with the idea in mind. As soon as she reaches, she raised a question to gain her uncle's attention.

little girl: what are you doing, uncle?
uncle : I'm just washing my clothes, dear.
l g : can I help you please?
uncle: oh so clever, baby.
l g : but it won't come free, you have to buy me a snack from shop.
uncle: hmmmm,,,,,pause for a while before he could proceed with some words,,,,okay my dear
l g : you have to use your own money to buy snack
uncle : alright dear
l g : If you agree with me, I'll do it for you.
uncle : ha ha,,what a smart girl are you at your age? you need not to help me for snack. I can buy you a lot without doing it because I love you baby. Let me finish my bath and lets go to the shop for your favorite snack. Go play around.

When we are being told later, we are of course pleased to hear that but hard to believe. Uncle also share his experience in surprise. She is just over 2 years now and she can understand of give and take. I think nobody would teach her such thing at this age. Perhaps she would have seen somebody behave something like that in front of her. Anyway, as a parent of her, my wife and I were amazed to learn that. At the same time, we were aware of her as she has been cautious girl with money. In frank, we don't want her to spend money at very young age. Unfortunately, she has liked eating snacks from nearby shop than quality foods at home. Hope it is nature of a kid and may not lead negative attitude.

Are we real millionaire?

TODAY I am tagged by a friend for her own poem so called "M I Millionaire?". She wrote it as a feeling to reflect her colleague's remark. In term of Myanmar currency, she earns million Kyats as she is working in most developed nation of ASEAN family. Her foreign colleague remarks her as a millionaire after she is being told the exchange rate from S$ to Myanmar's Kyats. Actually, she is not wrong basically. In fact, we need to spend about half of our income for living, transportation, foods and others only if we make sure that we don't go shopping spree like locals does. Our people in Myanmar also think of the same way by seeing salary multiply with exchange rate. It is not in fact their problem because they don't know how much living cost here is expensive. Anyway being rated as a millionaire is a good feel factor at least for a moment being told I think. Depreciation of our currency make our hard earn saving worth less after less automatically.

I once read one day millionaire in a book. The author shared his experience while he was working in Philippine. He said, the Filipinos who work oversea come back to home and go shopping spree with their siblings like a real boss. They don't mind to spend their years of saving over night by staying on five stars hotel. They just want to feel like a real millionaire. No wonder Filipinos are known for social people. But this trend is completely different to other immigrant workers. We all knows what is the mission of working oversea. Hence, we save as much as possible by spending as less as possible. We, however, inevitably need to spend minimum spending of daily necessity cost. 

Recently I went back native village for couple week of holiday. The common question I encounter from around people was how much I earn in abroad. Under normal circumstance, it is not polite to ask such question though I am receiving it. I have to try to explain in order to avoid their miss-understanding that lead them feel over-impression on us. As a monk, I have to maintain not to tell lie as a very simply discipline of a monk among so many others. I got to explain them how much I could earn but how much I have to spend including paying taxes to both side governments. Then I could calculate the net income before personal spending for social activities. Anyhow, as a immigrant worker, I could able to spend much better than local people from my village. I could able to donate whatever I want to. It make me feel privileged as I am happy when I can give people something. I could feel responsible person when I could support people in need at my native village. I could donate some for my future/next life investment. Overall, working abroad make us feel some form of riches through different channels. I would like to emphasis to my friend's poem that it is good to be one day millionaire than never.

Myanmar Hospitality

A welcoming signboard infront of a Myanmar restaurant was found by my friend during her visit to Bagan, Upper Myanmar. She was apparent surprise to see it at first sight and took photo to appreciate it as longer as possible. She shared it on Facebook and I downloaded it for this post. The hospitality of our people can be found here so much, even when they are doing business, they don't forget the spirit of Myanmar culture. Let me explain a bit what does it meaning for those who cannot understand Myanmar language.

"Dear Customer"

"You need not order your favorite curries here"

* Please be reminded that we do not sell beef.
- Just tell us if you can eat pork or not.
* We'll make sure all curries accessible/available to you.
- You can enjoy them as much as possible.
- We'll top up your curry bowls without limit.
- We don't feel tiresome of your demanding on our service
- We won't shake (stingy) to your greedy taste buds
* You could even break our plates (guarantee) if you feel is not worth-eating for your money here.
- We are selling just like donation, not doing business as it is meant to.

(Nu Wah Buffet Restaurant - Owner's Signature)

What a good advertisement is it? Try to find said restaurant if you visit Bagan of Myanmar someday. I'm sure you'll find it pleasure to witness Myanmar's hospitality regardless of where you explore in land of Pagoda.

Strange Signboard

AS a result of serial reforms, our people have been afford to buy a car now and no wonder car show-rooms are mushrooming in Yangon. During my recent holiday back home, I followed my friend to a car show-room in Yangon. I am impressed to learn that customer can search a potential car online with the help of agent's staff in their show room. One year ago time, it would have been dream for our people indeed. Since our people are allowed to bring in car without permit, car price in my land has been upside down. Now a lot of upper middle class people are enjoying the new rule that make them afford to own a car.

There was another surprise I found in local car show room. It is nothing but a signboard stick at the wall. The show room is decorated by tile on floor and glasses on internal partitions. What the sign suggest is "you are allowed to wear slipper within the premise of this show room". What a really funny enough is it? For me, yes. But for our people who have been raising under iron-fist rule, they are dearly losing confident to step into the nicely decorated places. I feel something wrong with the notice and asked my friend if such signboard are necessary or not. He easily answered yes, because some locals not dear to wear their slipper in the office. It say a lot to me rather than an answer. It have made me understand how much our people have been brainwashed by former rule. In fact, those customers who are able to buy a car can be considered rich people. I suddenly understand from that incident that our young people's mindset must be completely changed if we are going to breast with others.

Versatile Sex

CURRENTLY, republic's newspapers has been influenced by a news of on-going trial against former CNB chief case. I become public interest because it is involving government's high ranking officers with relate to some form of corruption case. We thought corruption only relate to money bribery. However, we all learn from this on-going case that there are other form of corruption other than money. Anyway, the case has been under spot light among locals. What the media affectionately name it "Sex for contracts". Title make people interesting with the story including me. In fact, sex related cases are not new to Singapore's courts. I have been enjoying reading several similar news on local papers.

Most recently, there were so many high profile people involving in the case of paid under-age sex scandal. In Singapore, it is considered offense if you undertake sex with minor regardless of paid or consensual or force. I think that multi-richs people involving case still on going while some has been sentenced to jail and fines. Another similar case came to light was "Sex for grade" in which a NUS law professor and female student involved. That case is still adjourning on court and people are eagerly awaiting the verdict. Nowadays, teacher and student's love-relationship has been appeared to media one after another which is outrages for parent.

We generally understand that sex for love or money. Now I am repeatedly hearing another. Sex for Contract and Sex for Grade. Sex for position. Sex for favor. Sex for prize. Sex for marks. Perhaps, I would able to hear some more definition in future.