Rare Strike

FIRST time in 25 years span, Singapore is seeing industrial strike now. But it is not conducted by locals, it is from Chinese immigrant drivers. They are showing their displeasure with regard to salary increment by management. The employer is one of two major public transportation company of which 57% of shares are owned by state firm. The walk-out started in Monday by some 171 drivers and 88 continues on Tuesday as the response is not as quick as they expected. The problem is that foreign drivers are not members of local labour union which usually offer assistance to deal between employer and workers. One participant worker said, they are not trying to compare with local drivers. They just want to be treated with the same manner with other foreign drivers which they refer to Malaysian fellow drivers. Another one highlight that they have been receiving 3 time increments, adding another S$57 in total against Malaysian's S$257. The media are following the incident trying to discover the roots of problem. The authority is apparent worrying to see similar one in future and trying to find out the best solution to settle current problem. Meanwhile, some say the latest incident show how Singapore is overly reliant on foreign workers. Anyway, such strike should be discouraged as innocent public can suffer from their act. Hope the on-going investigation will bring both parties to justice soonest possible.

I'm interesting to read the news as I sympathize the plight of foreign workers. Being foreign workers myself especially coming from poorer country, I have come across a lot of work abusive within my 8 years foreign working exposure across two different nations. This incident make me recall the days we were treated badly 8 years ago in KL company. The management judge one's capacity based on where he came from rather than how he is contributing the company. As a result, we, Myanmarese workers get increment every two years in service. Each time our workers receive RM2.00 extra in daily wages. At the same time, workers from Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand enjoy RM4.00 per day per annual basis. When the unhappiness pile up by days, we all went to face lady boss for seeking explanation why like that. Her answer is quite simple. Because your background and their background are not the same. She also added your countrymen cannot compare to them who came from better places. We were so frustrated but can do nothing. The problem is our passports are kept by management and we were not allowed to return home. We knows it is totally unfair and unacceptable but keep quiet until our contract time is fulfilled. 

I want to share one encourage word that I heard from a monk when I was depressed to Chinese workers, " you will never find justice until you find it in life".

Disappointing Match

IT is disappointing to witness our national team players were outplayed by Thai counterparts on last night AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 group match. It's understandable if they lost by a small margin. But we were beaten well to 4:0. What an embarrassing match for our fans who off the work to support our players on stand? Our immigrant workers never failed to support our national team regardless of places they are playing for. Our diehard fans keep their faith in our national team despite they have been disappointed by several competitions. But we all can't stay away when it come back for kick off again. We are disappointing ourselves and keep angry at their lousy play rather than enjoying the football. In fact, we should have tried to accept the realistic thing in real world. We couldn't beat Thailand for few decades now. Unfortunately our media and some people keep recalling the golden days of Myanmar's football in the region back on 1960s.

We generally know the outcome will not be fruitful despite there is little optimistic to given condition in which Myanmar has up several world ranking in recent report as well as training stint at Japan for some time. Plus Myanmar's semi-professional National League have made local players find a better place to exercise their skill. Overall, we have a bit better expectation from our national team to draw some result that will make our people. Yesterday the government television transmit the match live and I am sure the whole country silent during the match and will fell the same as me so called disappointing. Visibly, we have been much behind in the region not only for sport but every sector. Our leaders have to be wise enough if we want to get some respectable result in upcoming sea game on 2013 which we will host. Last night has shown us the real place of where our football quality are for the time being. We have a lot room to be improved for this popular sport. We can't deny the fact that our players cannot match Thai players in term of individual or team. The past is past and it has been recorded as history. Lets look forward the next match with Philippine as a slimming hope of escaping the death group. We need miracle to do so.

Thai Rice Lesson

THAILAND has a stock pile of milled rice for 19 million tonnage in state warehouse, one media reported. I'm amazed and impressed by the reason the media has uncovered with the extra-ordinary stock. As a part of fulfilling their campaign pledges, ruling party keep buying farmer's paddies with over-market prices. The source said, the government gave Bt 9,000 per ton of paddies, well above market price of Bt 5,000. Despite critic by opposition party MPs, the ruling party keep buying them to show their gratitude for rural farmer's votes. As a result, Thailand has no choice to raise the selling price which threaten Thailand's world's no.1 rice exporter ranking. As order declining, the stock pile up by the time that struggle Thai authority with storage place. Let it be.

How does it concern to me? Our civilian government tried to ease our farmer's plight facing lower price when the crop come to collect by local traders. Last year, the government judged the fixed rate and bought all paddies from farmers in attempt of regularize paddy price and to kill manipulation of traders. However our government cannot able to pay beyond market price which is unlike with Thailand's government. We have 70% of population working in agriculture related sectors through either family or small trade. If our government's target is to reduce our people's poverty, our leaders have to provide possible subsidies to ease our farmer's plight, just like Thailand does. Our government should absorb some lose when they are making business with poor because their money is indirectly owned by people as well. Without a success making our rural people's life better, it would be very difficult to say they are successful in democratizing. Recent news suggest that the government will not go down to the fields to buy paddies this year. They will wait and purchase paddies from the designated places of township in order to avoid last year difficulties in collection. Sound lack of kindness. I cannot deny that government effort in buying farmer's paddies is good. However it would be better if the authority make their collection points easier assess to farmers as well as ensure price is not under-market at least.

PSY - GANGNAM STYLE coming to the shore of Singapore soon

Father's Worrisome Love

I bought a glaxy tab2 in last weekend Sitex 2012 show. The original intention for buying this famous gadget is not for me, for my two and half years old daughter who live away from us. It is not an easy decision whether I should give her such electronic device or not. I have been debating myself and seek some of my friends opinions. I frankly asked myself if this present to my daughter is just for proud to surrounding people. A lot perspective I have thought of including if the gadget will spoil the eyes of our little princess. In fact, I wanted to buy it for quite long time ago. On public transport, I see some parent and child relationship through gadget frequently. I have also seen some children are using it as a learning facility.

I have to accept that we can't get the best of both world. When we were young, owning an electronic gadget is impossible. Even to own a TV at home is not possible for ordinary family. I remember the young days when we used to go a certain place to see television program. It wasn't come for free, everybody has to pay owner for viewing television. I don't know how to use computer even after I graduates for civil engineering course at local university. We did have such pity days to come across. Let it be. It was our destiny to be survived under iron-fist military rulers. I have been working for 8 years in a row now abroad. But I still using basic phone while I can easily afford latest gadget for myself. I could be easily rated kind of stingy man. But I found myself that I become generous when it come to buy for my daughter. So does my wife.

The news of Thailand government giving its students tablets for free make me suggest I have to create an environment that make my daughter familiar with IT technology. I believe that if she is allowed to use such gadget, she will not be alien when the time come for her to enter higher education/ corporate world. I am pleased to know that my daughter enjoy the colorful books I brought back home when I return home for holiday. My guardian sister told me that she always ask somebody to read those books at first, later she would teach her cousin brother the same chapter. She is loving to view the books when she is going toilet. This experience understand me that she would be more fond to read if I can provide better circumstance with the help of technology. From some experience on public transport, I have secretly aimed to give an iPad to my daughter so that she could find it easier to learn education.

Other reason I have to admit is to befriend with her by convincing with tablet. As she grow by days, she seem a bit strange to parent that make us worrisome. I am sorry to learn that she will have to be lured by some her favourite snacks to talk some words to parent through mobile or internet. This will not be the case if we are living together. Unfortunately, we need to work abroad to save some earning for our future that make us apart each other. For the moment, I am trying to learn how to use newly acquisition tablet and try to download some educational game for kids. Later on I have to ensure that I know how to play them so that I could able to teach my daughter properly. Though I am happy with the new gadget for my daughter, there is a worry in mind that my daughter will become game-addict and off natural playing ground with peers. I don't want to be regret for any wrongdoing as I have very little time to spend with our daughter unless we don't return home for permanent basis. For sure, my wife and I are trying to seek an opportunity to return home and reunite the family for the rest of our life.

May my daughter like to get the gadget I have just bought for her.

Controversial China

THE whole region is not comfortable with the act of China, especially for the maritime disputes in South China Sea and East China Sea. China has made successfully divided ASEAN family through the help of current chair, Cambodia. Everybody know that Cambodia is influenced by China with the decision making as a bloc. Asean's claimant nations want to deal with China as a multi-lateral discussion plus international coordination especially US as witness. But China maintain their wills to discuss as bilateral basis. The long attempt to set up code of conduct for maritime area to avoid possible flashpoint in the region, again, failed to reach agreement in last summit at Cambodia where China's leader attend. At contrary, Asean family seem much wider in divided on the ground of unity as a bloc which is worrisome for the future of Asean's prosperity. Significant adverse fact is that Asean's proposed free trade plan which is tend to start on 2015 is delayed another one more year to 2016. In addition, five claimant nations, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippine will meet to discuss themselves after realizing the bloc's attempt won't help them settle with problem. It is embarrassing for ASEAN bloc in deed that will doubt its credibility on solving out incoming challenges as a bloc.

Soon after ASEAN summit, there was another controversial thing come out from China again. Most recently China introduced its latest digital e-passport which is showing its map. It's not problem to show the map in the passport. What matter most is that the map is shown beyond its original border including disputed maritime area which itch south east asian neighboring countries. First ever time I see India has lodged its complaint with regard to the aforesaid map. Meaning China is making troubles around its border regardless of East, West, South or North. What make me think is instantly is whether its border with Myanmar also correct or not. I don't think our authority/ leaders will bother with the news. No wonder American has pay more attention toward Pacific region in which south east asian is located. Now, Vietnam has declared that they will not stamp China's newest passport if it is used to apply visa to them. What a determined Vietnam is it? I believe this move will be encouraged by other claimant nations to protest China's bully nature. In this scenario, I am saddened to learn that one of our prominent ministers yesterday told public who are protesting a project which is invested by China company, that we are afraid of China due to certain reasons. I'm quite sure that all my fellow citizen will be unhappy with the saying of his words. It may be free and frank talking to public. But at his level of authorization, it is definitely not wise to do so. Hope China may not hear or see the report of this incident.

Baby Mix-Up

IMAGINE you bring back home wrong baby after your wife discharged from hospital following delivery. What a horrible experience will it be? This is not for a temporary crisis, it is for the rest of life with the wrong burden. It is the case happening in KK women and child hospital here. Today local paper reported the case to alert public not to repeat when it come to their own. Hospital only knew the case when the older couple report the mix-up after mother realizes the tag attached on the ankle of the baby was wrongfully shown mother name. She immediately report the mistake to seek the truth. The other side who took wrong baby was first time parent. They didn't bother the tag and threw it away without checking. According to hospital authority, the nurses are supposed to check baby's identity tag before they are being discharged. The realistic problem is the nurses are hesitant when babies are sleeping in wrap when they discharge. Likewise, most of parent are not cooperative as they don't want to distract baby's well sleep. This might have been the reason behind the case, said CEO of KK Hospital to media. At the same time, the authority pledges to media not to repeat the same mistake in future.

Distraught parents rush back hospital with anxiety and they are being taken to check their DNA to ensure the baby swap are rectified. The result would be known on coming weekend and definitely it will be difficult moment for the new parent until the result come out. I could imagine how would it like to feel for them as a father of a child. My daughter was delivered in a private hospital of my home town back in Myanmar and hopefully there was no such mistaken happened to me. The latest news will make all parent-to-be excited and may change their plan on delivering in KK. For the good side is that this finding will make new parent more alert when they're discharging from hospital. In fact, it is partly their responsibility to check the tag properly just before they left hospital. Anyway, the process is long and involved many professionals and all of them have to be right so that such incident won't happen to anybody. My current flatmate couple is getting pregnant and seeing doctor at KK Women now. I hope they will see today news and know what they should do next when the time come to their turn there. I may remind them in case they didn't aware of news this evening when I get back home.

May all parent free from worry whenever they welcome their new baby.

THIEF

IT is disgusting to read about news of misleading public money by several ministries. The recent news disclosed the detail by citing general audit's report on parliament. Then, we all wonder what kind of action going to to taken against offenders. In fact, one of similar case surfaced by auditor general on last financial year was under trial and yet to bring to justice. Such large scales was discovered in the following year was appalling for all of our people. How do we see the government as a clean government as it has declared on the first day they swore in? In other words, it is the sign of lacking rule of law in our country. As long as necessary action isn't taken, such kind of cases will not see end. Misleading/ Misusing public money mean waste public money for their own advantage. The justice must be drawn for those people so that there won't be repeated in future. Sadly, such bribery or corruption cases are common in our land and widely known by our people. No wonder the propose for assets of cabinet ministers by one opposition MP was rejected in parliament in the last section. As Mr Obama just highlighted in yesterday speech, no system would be succeed without the corruption is left behind. Hopefully our authority hear these strong remark by a world-class leader.

 

I was sadden when I was watching a short movie named "Thief" few months ago. It is one of participating movies in the domestic short film festival so called "Freedom of Expression". It wasn't good enough to impress judges. However, the theme of the movie is quite good by creator. Also it is reflecting the actual life of our country's people. In the film, one ordinary person steals some meals from a house. Owner knows it and shout loudly to get assistance from neighbors. The thief tried to escape from people's chase. Finally the thief was caught by angry crowd and beaten to dead. There is one small pack firmly gripped in his hand. The crowd wondered what the thief has stolen from the house. They all feel regret when they see things inside the pack. It is just a mix of rice and curry. The director shows the plot of hungry children at home and running thief alternatively. We all feel that it is not worth for dead for the thief at the end. The thief might have been forced by hungry children. He has no choice but steal from house if he wants to fulfill his children's hunger. He might have been jobless. He might have been very poor to feed the family. He might have been too lazy to work. He might have been solely bread-winner for his family. He might have been not good enough to earn sufficient amount to feed his family. Anyhow, he is a hero for his children despite it is not recommended way. Loving kindness of a father towards children might have made this guy to do something which is not correct and unacceptable within society. My tears well up and the short film ends.

My thinking is how different between above two case? Both are considered thieve, one public thief and another private thief. In fact, latter is much lighter in term of object but he was beaten to death. Meanwhile, self claimed high ranking officials can still able to breath away from justice. Hopefully, they all will be brought to justice sooner or later for the interests of public tax payers.

Obama Fever

FRESHLY look Yangon has seen world's most powerful man came in and gone back. Amazingly, its curious residents come out of streets to give warmly welcome to this special man. There are a lot saying about him since his news of Asian Tour was unveiled by white house. Visibly, our authority has been busy to make sure our old city get some form of treatment like face-bathing. The most noticeably area is the sleeping once famous Rangoon University where Mr. Obama gave speech to most civil societies from all walks of life. Everybody seem happy with the occasion. Everything seem went as per plan. Every moment of 6 hours time is motivated by media and its residents. No wonder Yangoners are excited with the scare moment since the whole world is following his news. Of course, my fellow citizen colleagues and I could not able to work properly, we follow the news stream via internet and facebook instead.

There were a lot optimistic by this trip. Just before the trip, US has announced that imported ban for Myanmar products to US has been lifted except arm-embargo. This news alone worth for Mr Obama trip to our land because it can draw foreign investor's interest to come invest in our land that will subsequently create much needed jobs for our people. During his speech, Mr Obama announced that he will re-establish USAID to help Myanmar's needs in any area. The initiated fund was placed for USD 160 millions for next two years project in Myanmar. On top of that, he encourages our civilian government's reforms and pledges to support every step of the way if we continue to change. To reflect US's action, Myanmar authority seem to please them by last minute release of political prisoners across the nation. I personally think that Mr Obama trip was successful for both sides and have proved that some civil right group's critics were wrong. Since Mr Obama will work for at least another 4 years, we are hopeful that US-Myanmar relationship will reach new high for the interest of our people. For that particular day, Obama has been on the mouths of our people and can easily label it Obama fever for at least 6 hours. Anyway, I am happy to see our people's delightful faces on the streets of once capacity city in Myanmar. Everybody will remember this special man for his outstanding speech and more importantly for making our long ignored famous university alive again.

Thank you Mr Obama for your unrivaled commitment to Burma. Wish to see you return our land again in near future.

President Obama Speaks at the University of Yangon

DAW Aung San Suu Kyi Nehru Lecture (14-Nov-2012)

Earthquake shifts attention

ONE test after another for our leaders. Rohingya headache yet to settle, now 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit upper central Myanmar on last Sunday to make it worse. The world is paying attention towards Myanmar like no other time before now. The civilian government is trying hard to make Myanmar look reborn. I notice that whenever ASSK left Yangon for oversea, there is something happening to us. In previous trips, western unrest unexpectedly come out which is artificial. Today, she is leaving nation for India where she spent her younger days, another unseen disaster come out to rock upper Myanmar just days before departure. What a coincident is it? Everytime she jump out of Myanmar, Myanmar seem in trouble. Does it sign of Myanmar's needs on her? Anyway, it's not good to see Myanmar fall in trouble like that. Good thing is that we could able to gauge our new leadership's handling on people's plight. Without testing, it would be difficult to judge someone's ability. Of course, I am glad to see our VP went to quake affected area to encourage victims online. Hopefully, it is not just for show just like his predecessors did in the past. 

Fortunately, there are a lot civil society like NGOs nowadays compare to past time. Our people seem more active in social service. I believe, it will help authority overcome the temporary crisis soonest possible. Plus, I am relieved to learn its epicenter got in rural area. I can't imagine what if it hit on crowded cities like Yangon & Mandalay. Thanks God for making it in remote area. In the mean time, other good news are coming to us as well. Obama is coming to our land within a week time. Our leaders may not have much time to prepare to welcome world's famous leader. World bank and ADB is unveiling new package of assistance for us. All are sweet to our ears and eyes. Hopefully, our leaders will get some advantage from their expertise including current disaster crisis as well as sectarian violence in west. I guess those disaster will make our people and authority get a chance to show unity. The earthquake also serves as a warning sign of environmental deterioration. Even without a huge dam like Myitsone Dam, the upper Myanmar is already under risk of existing Sagaing Seismic Zone. People will get a point from bad taste if our leaders permanently withdrew the unwanted Myitsone project. May our people free from worry, disasters, bad authorities and neighbours and able to possess a prosperous days in near future.

Puppet Delight

I was attending a traditional puppet show at cultural hotel in Singapore. Since I read a news of Myanmar puppet trope is going to participate ASEAN puppet festival, I was eager to view it. Yesterday, I got an email invitation for a puppet show sponsored by Myanmar community via my friend. Without delaying, I straight away register for booking a seat. Admission is free and there are 120 seats available and first come first serve basis. When I reach the venue, about 50 attendance already seated. The show was excellent as two superstar performing group regroup and entertain. The traditional musician is two academy winner and puppet artists are well known experienced. Combination of two superstar make the show went wild among audience. Sadly, the hall is not full house due to weekday program and last minute notification. Perhaps some people might have underestimate the quality of show due to free admission. Anyway, we find it worth for time.

Other than puppet show, we were introduced the history of Myanmar puppet by founder of Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppet Trope. I am impressive to learn that founder is not come from cultural back ground family. His careers was marine and he last worked as second mate officer on oversea ship. It tell how much he is entrepreneurship with new sector. His ambition was quite simple. He wanted to conserve our traditional puppet by establishing a performing group. The puppet was being ignored and artists are struggling with their profession. Hence, he compiled some famous artists and founded the group to deliver the message of our culture among locals and foreigners. Since then, his group has been invited to several countries for their performance. We applauds his effort in nurturing the ancient culture which is facing dangerous from missing among younger generation.

He continues to explain how puppets are made briefly together with some parts for easier understanding. To be honest, I never watched puppet show before. I however used to watch puppet show at annual festival. But they are different type of puppets which are handled by stick beneath. Last night puppet were controlled by strings which apparent more complicated to handle. According to founder, our puppets history can be found on the fact of Ava dynasty which has been on the planet for 600 years back. This is exact evidence and its original time could be even much earlier than that. He said, puppets are made of royal woods. It cannot be done by ordinary woods which deteriorate easily. Hence, puppets in past were made by royal woods so called "ya ma nay thar" in Burmese. Puppet consists of several parts which make resemble to real human being. Before craft to several body parts, the raw royal woods is put in the water so that craftman can decide which portion should be face and back. Also amazing secret rule is that all puppet must have their own private part just like human being. He continue to explain that puppets are considered as a real human being among artists. They strongly believe that each puppet has soul and treated them as a person. They must be worn and paint properly. The paints are not instant factory made one. They need to do customized home made one by crashing one kind of flower seeds called "kant ku san" in Myanmar. The estimated time to make one puppet is one week, according to him.

In ancient Myanmar time, there were two major classes in culture. One is higher and another called lower. Higher class performance made on stage while lower performed on ground. In this regard, traditional Myanmar puppet is considered higher class performance. Because it include all walks of artistes, such as paint, crafting, clothes, music, skillful controller, etc. By adapting puppet, we already maintain or encourage all other arts. That is why we should support the highly valued puppet not to disappear from our culture. There are several type of puppet in the world. But Myanmar's puppet is the most resemble with real human being due to its skeleton. Our puppet can perform like real performer. We witness last night and agree with him. The oldest puppet master is 75 years old and the youngest performer is only 9 years schoolboy. The traditional music made the event more grand. The leader is amazingly played one classical music after another. Given his age at 60 years, we are really surprised by his skill. In brief, we all had a unforgettable night. I just feel that we have a lot things to show the world in term of culture. The show is end by lucky draw, of which I was luckily got second prize. What an amazing night for me like that? I witness world-class show and went back home with second prize. For that, I paid nothing and this is called Myanmar hospitality which cannot be found anywhere in this world. 

Thank you organizer and sponsor to make that puppet show is made successfully. Htwe Oo Myanmar is participating ASEAN puppet festival on today and tomorrow. I sincerely hope they will grab some award for their performance. Wish them go back home with prize just like me yesternight. May all Myanmar citizen able to value our own culture which has very deep root in history. Then, you will feel that there is no reason to shy being a Myanmar Citizen.

Karma

BEING a Buddhist, we have to believe in karma. Whatever we stand present life is reflection of what we have done in past life. Likewise, whatever we do in present life will generate how we are going to be in next life. The life goes on and cycle within universe. We do believe that if we do good things, good karma will follow us and vice versa. Some people are happy despite poor. Some people are unhappy even though they are rich and successful. What make different between them? It is just right and wrong attitude toward life what matter most. One famous beer company boast with fine advertisement, "the best things in life are shared". It is quite nice to accept in life. We, Buddhists, make donation in order to kill our greedy minds frequently. In the meantime, we do believe donation will make us rich in other ways. Anyway sharing our asset to less fortunate people is a good practice and apply to all people regardless of religious.

Get back to my iPhone headache, I can easily afford to buy one now. But I do not want to buy it for certain reasons. Anyhow reason, the fact is that I cannot enjoy latest technology gadget. I miss some comfort given by that gadget. I am seeing people who earn less using famous gadgets around. Why do so? In the view through religious lens, it seem I am suffering from the bad deeds of past life. I cannot use them despite I am afford. However, I can easily become generous when I have to support my relatives in need. Every month, we spent more than a thousand dollar for those in needs. But I still cannot buy a dollar breakfast freely. Whenever I think of buying something, I think of it is necessary. In other words, I am easily rated stingy guy. I sometime see myself I shouldn't stingy to danger my health. I might have been wrong attitude in past life. 

My wife and I am feeling another problem in life. We notice that we always have problem with accommodation until now. In order to mitigate our bad destiny, we built a hostel and rent out to medical students. Despite doing business, we tried to make rental fees as cheap as possible with better service. We are happy if we see them happy stay at our hostel. We try to support them as much as possible. We think of their needs to find it worth stay. Besides, we bought a flat in biggest city and let our cousin sisters stay there. It is not easy to find a place to live in biggest city now. Once we stayed in past, we had to stayed at hostel or relative home with limited freedom. We simply hope such behaviors will help us ease in our future life. Being Buddhist, we will try not to sway our mind from believing karma. May all Buddhist free from worry, afraid and poverty.

Famous Gadget make me headache

I am not an IT-savvy. I read a lot tech-news between Samsung and Apple. And people are increasingly crazy with their products especially in smartphone and tablet. The two giants are suing each other for patent right. The two tech-giants keep fighting to get bigger pie of market. One Saturday, my wife and I went to a local telco's branch to extend my wife's prevailing contract. My wife desperately needs to use smart phone due to work nature. Previously she works at office where she may not have problem with information through internet. However, she was assigned to station at site office to better command with the work done because the project is their company's first ever main contract big project. Hence, she find difficult to get the same comfort at site office and needed to use her mobile as a single source of email checking. This prompt my wife to sign up new contract with data.

At telco's branch, we tried to compare famous iPhone-4S and Samsung's SIII. At one point, we approached a staff for help because we didn't find iPhone sample to test. Our opinion is to choose either. Same time, we notice that Sony is advertising their latest brand with big screen in the center of branch where few people are attending. A staff we approach immediately asked us a question, "why are you looking for iPhone?". We just simply reply, we intend to buy either iPhone or SIII. He continued with request, "can I advise you a good one?" What's that. I think you should try HTC's one. My wife and I suddenly look around him and understand he is a promotion staff of HTC by his shirt logo. We listen for a while and try to apart him for iPhone 4S counter. Finally, we decided to buy SIII as it gets world's no.1 brand recently that time. We felt that people nowadays only think of these two brands. They seem no bother with other big brands, such as Nokia, Blueberry, Sony, etc.

In return, my wife encouraged me to sign up new contract. I am currently using prepaid line with Nokia handset. I replied my wife that I'll sign up when iPhone 5 come in. Now, iPhone 5 has reached our shore for about one month. I am still yet to sign up. I am so confuse myself that it is going to be cruel to my eyes if I use iPhone on the go. As a office staff, my eyes already need to spend about 10 hours a day in front of monitor and feel tiresome everyday. At home, we mostly spend time on internet as well. Then we still see it on the go might have killed my eyes earlier than as it is designated. This thought make me delay and review if I am really need iPhone in my life. As a permanent office worker, I really do not need to use smart phone. If I sign up one postpaid line, definitely my monthly cost will up more than double. Good thing is I may able to taste latest technology by world's finest company. My wife still encouraging and I am still hesitating to go ahead. iPhone 5 has been distracting my mind for a few months in row and I still not make up my mind. On a day I lose the battle, I will sign up. At the moment, iPhone headache keep going on. A good test for my mind how much I could resist material's lure in life. 

Will it be proton's favor ?

RECENTLY Myanmar issued new custom law with regard to car license. According to new law, people have to pay only 2% tax, much drop from current 30%. The news make the market cool down with the prospect of further reducing trend. Our people have paid extreme price to own a car in past. In the wake of civilian government, a lot of policies reviewed to ease people's life. Of course, car market is not exception. Nowadays price is quite impossible in last 2 years. Following relax regulation, more people afford to buy car and our roads have been congested visibly as a consequence. Anyway it is good to see new model cars on road to verify current leaders are doing something for people.

Get back to track, recent new law allowing car import tax to 2% only with condition. The condition is that the car must be manufactured in ASEAN nation. However, foreign branded cars produced in third nation also not eligible. Then how? It must be ASEAN country's own brand. Say, Honda cars produced in Thailand cannot get that privileged. I wonder which brand can bring in with new low tax. First come to my mind is only Malaysia's very own car company, proton. In fact, proton got technology from Japanese big boy, Mitsubishi. Anyway, I believe, Malaysia's car manufacturer will gain some advantage from the new rule. Definitely, Proton will able to compete with counterparts from Japan and Korea. I guess more Malaysia made car show room would be mushroomed in big cities and will see more proton cars on roads. Nevertheless, I would be happy if our people can buy new car with affordable price so long as they are road-worthy.

Grab Opportunity before it is too late

GIVEN circumstance of world's economy as well as ever raising wages demand in world's factory nation, China, Japanese business-men are trying to turn their asset to ASEAN region. Recent and current maritime dispute with China make their idea become more realistic. In this regard, ASEAN nations are trying to convince Japanese investors for their money and technology. Each government trying to change some investment policies to lure potential FDI. Of course, Myanmar is promising country right now following its open to the world. Geographically, Myanmar is well situated between world's biggest nation. Also she is sitting between Indian and Pacific Ocean. No other place is better than Myanmar's location. The whole world knows that how vast untapped natural resource Myanmar has. With the star power at our lady ASSK, Myanmar will never get the same chance in future if they fail to succeed this time.

I am really concern whenever I read news of Japanese's investment in neighboring countries. Our leader must be wise to attract FDI by adapting flexible methods. The world keep changing and we have to reflect on it. No one formula would work for long time. At the same time, our people should take a part by understanding the side effect. It is sometime inevitable to face some side effect, such as environmental pollution, if we really want to develop our nation quickly. Please be remember that we were helpless in past when our former Junta did whatever they wanted. Nowadays, much free media timely inform our people through various channels for the sake of transparency. As a poor nation, we have less incentive than choosy. If we are compromising  with developer's right, we would be at the end of lose side. Some our neighboring nations are gunning out all to magnet potential FDI. If we are about to develop, we have to response quickly. I sincerely hope that recent signed foreign investment bill is able to lure potential FDI so that our jobless adults can find their earning within country. I think, our leaders won't waste time anymore as we have been far behind than any other country in the region. Without economic development, it is unlikely to see middle class. With no middle class families, it is likely to see one party dominant. Of course without having enough financial power, our education and health sector will not get much needed funds to repair.

China is trying to avoid hard landing from high flying for several decades now. EU is struggling to overcome their own crisis. US is apparent to press restart button now. Given condition, no other time will give us opportunity than now. Please grab it for the sake of our people.

Please Forward, Mr. President

I am delighted to know that finally Barack Obama has won the much anticipated presidential race. It is not because I know well about his rival Mitt Romney. I don't know how smart he is. But I am sure Mr. Romney must be as smart as Obama because he gave Obama a good and competitive race. I just personally feel that Mr Obama had made some efforts in changing our political system. As we all know, he took different measure which is contrary to his predecessors. He made bold decision whenever the world need him to do so. He however unfortunately cross the rough economy time of the world after he took up seat at white house. In the turbulent world, he has shown his talented leadership through hard working. 

I believe that recent US-Myanmar relationship might not been such speedy recovery without Obama. We need to credit him for lifting sanction against us for several decades. It is too much to swallow for our people against unwanted sanction in the past. I am really happy to see US-Myanmar relationship warmer than ever in past. I simply guess that our leaders and people would love to see Mr. Obama wins re-election for his second term. The whole world is busy with talking about who will rule America and keep guessing game. Our leaders have made tremendous relation with current leadership and it will ease them to continue if Obama re-elected. The final result seems in favor of Myanmar's destiny. We all believe in Obama's ability in handling crisis across the world. Combination of Hilary Clinton, Obama's administration will bring enough peace and prosperity to our planet at least for another 4 years from now. Coincidentally, Obama is scheduled to come visit Myanmar shortly and our leaders might have welcomed him with wide arms.

Congratulation Mr. President, you deserve to rule the world. Please forward.....

Time to show appreciation

OUR holy months just passed few days ago. In the wake of 3 holy months, our people used to pay homage to elder people especially monks, parent, teachers, etc. We will go visit one house after another to show our respect and appreciation on their great deeds in past. As a Buddhist community, it is another famous religious tamed season festival by lighting candles at night. Some places have special events like competition for air balloons. Anyway, this is another happy time for our people from all walks of life just like our happy new year time which is conjunction with our water festival.

Myanmar has a saying that "you won't become a couple unless you have common behavior/attitude" which is widely accepted among our people. My wife and I are naturally stingy at spending daily life. We hardly use on things we consider unnecessary. However, we both have of course one in common. It is time to consider how much we should send money to our families as a form of support. We would try to maximize when this subject is being discussed. No matter how stingy in others, we both will be visibly glad when we are able to support our families. We have strong believe that without our families support, we would not have been today we are standing for. Our families make our life easier by giving us proper education at their best endeavor despite they are poor. 

Hence, we always feel that our families deserve our assets partly at least. Whatever we own today will not be realistic without their help in past. We realize that no parent will reveal their plight in order to get a favorable support from their married children. Thus, we never wait until they are asking for. We make it as a form of our duty and showing our appreciation towards their tireless effort in raising our life through ages. Of course, no other time is better than now to pay homage them and we are really delighted to send some financial help yesternight. We hope they will be happy with our latest offering package of appreciation and deemed those happiness will divert to us by mean of other form.

M I betrayer?

I had a war in mind just before going to meditation training at clementi monastery last Sunday. It was nothing but what to wear. It didn't take me long to decide to wear our traditional dress. The war begins there. I asked myself if I have to wear it from home all the way or bring it along and change clothes after getting monastery. I really had yes and no repeatedly. Eventually I brought it in my bag and changed after reaching at monastery. Why did it so? I wasn't comfort indeed with my act. Why I can't be proud of wearing my traditional dress in public? I have seen many Indian people proudly wearing their sari as well as Malay wear their headscarf in public. 

Then, why not me the same attitude happening? I should have worn it from home comfortably. I might have been received some staring eyes at me had I worn it from home. Why I can't accept such glances since it is nothing wrong. I just secretly feeling that I have offense something I shouldn't do despite this is a minor affair in life. We have recently witnessed  how ASSK was beautifully dressed national attire with pride on stages across the world. The world has seen her gorgeous moment in our traditional dress. She really didn't needs a modernize/ fashionable dress to attract world's audience. We should have followed her step without a single doubt while we have a chance to show the world how beautifully nice cutting our dresses are. I sincerely hopeful that I'll be able to convince myself next time to wear it all the way start from home. I eventually feel that I betray my country by avoiding unwritten obligation as a citizen.

Talk Responsibly

WHAT a hilarious statement by a deputy minister? I was surprising to learn a news, quoting deputy labour minister's answer on parliament. He said that Myanmar's unemployment rate is not as bad as people are thinking. He continues there is only 4% of our working age are jobless which is not bad compare to world's economy while giving some facts come from some regional and international countries. We all seeing some form of requests/ highlighting/ seeking FDI recently which were mostly made by our president or lady. They keep saying, their top priority is to create job as much as possible. ASSK once even said our youth will become time-bomb if their helpless problem with finding a proper job in time. The problem seems unaddressed by our authority as they are not good enough to turn around by their own capacity.

Hence, our top leaders keep asking for FDI so that they can ease our people find some jobs. Without FDI, how do we create badly need jobs? We all know that our graduate youths are struggling to find a proper job domestically. As a result, most of our youth trying to turn oversea job through agents because it is only one option to get a job nowadays. Some pessimist people might point at the trend by branding brain-drain out of mother land. I am sure that brain drain is better than brains being drained and rusted and increasingly become extra burden for government. According to unofficial data, there are few million migrant workers from Myanmar. In this scenario, deputy labour minister dared to say we have only 4% of unemployment officially. I don't know if he had done proper research to make this answer in parliament. But for sure is his answer is not relevant to given circumstance that our working adults are facing currently. 

Thanks for answer because there is a question, there must be an answer in parliament. However, it would be better to take responsibility for whatever you talk publicly. Our people are no longer laymen like before and will have at least intelligent to judge what is right and wrong. Being migrant worker myself who work in Singapore, I hardly see educated ASEAN nationals other than Philippine and Malaysia. It mean, people from other countries need not go out of their mother land to find a job. It suggest our graduates has not found enough pasture within our comfort zone. Who would like to go out of mother land if they can find a proper job within country? In brief, it is ridiculous answer to believe in. I sincerely expect our authority to talk responsibly as they are meant to. Otherwise they are unlikely to gain public confident in the future.