This titled was inspired by a report on Banyan Tree Holdings, a
Singapore based hotel chain, building an eco friendly hotel in the
backyard of the Singapore Zoo. The front page article in thenewpaper on
12 Oct read, ‘Fancy sleeping in luxury ,quoting the CEO elaborating
about this novel and creative concept of building a hotel in the jungle
for guests to experience what it was like living in the midst of a
tropical jungle and about co existence with wildlife and nature.
On reflection, I think I will not be far wrong to say that all the CEOs
of Singapore’s holiday attractions like the Zoo, the Bird Park, Botanic
Garden, Sentosa are all foreigners. Not sure about the artificial
garden in the heart of Singapore, could also be a foreigner. This one
could be an exception as Singaporeans are very good in anything that is
fake. And foreigners are heading most of the banks in Singapore, local
banks and foreign banks. And foreigners are CEOs in many other
institutions including institutions of higher learnings. Singaporeans
first, do good, do together.
What do all this said about Singaporean talents? Is Singapore able to
produce Singaporean talents for employments? I am very specific here, I
am referring to Singaporean talents not locals. And to be more specific,
Singaporeans that were born and bred here?
Why is it that Singaporean organizations are hiring foreigners as CEOs?
Is it that our universities are not producing them, not doing the right
stuff? What about our super talented students sent abroad to study in
the best universities where these foreigners were educated? If it is due
to a failure in our own education institutions, then sending them
overseas should do the trick. But no, many of our best students went
overseas also came back showing very little employable talent except to
be civil servants or generals.
So what is the real stuff that makes the difference if it is not
education? I think the foreigners are born with talents. Talents are
born, and no amount of university educations, from the best universities
could make the difference. There is no need to go for that expensive
education. When one is born, one is either daft or talented.
Now you can understand the title, Fancy finding a Singaporean with a
little talent. Singaporeans just don’t have talents and it is right and
necessary to hire foreigners that are born talented to run Singaporean
corporations and to provide jobs for Singaporeans. Without these
talented foreigners, Singaporeans would be clueless about anything,
except maybe queuing up to be Grab and Uber drivers. Or is that what
they were taught in the universities, to become taxi drivers?
Let me be a little bit generous to say that actually Singaporeans still
have two skills left. One is the ability to employ foreigners to hire
more foreigners to replace Singaporeans. The other skill is to train
jobless displaced Singaporeans to work overseas. This last skill is
admirable, a heart of gold, thinking and caring for Singaporeans.
10/20/2017
Xi Jinping, a man of his time
The leaders of China since 1949 had their roles cut out for them by
history. The most difficult period was the unification of China and the
driving out of foreign invaders that wanted to break up China as their
respective colonies. During such turbulent times, a tough and strong
leader with strong charismatic appeal in the form of Chairman Mao was
necessary to bring about a new unified China and avoided disintegration.
Chairman Mao was a leader of his time. Mao was an exceptional leader
under very demanding conditions, the founding of a new nation rising
from the ruins of historical forces.
When Deng Xiaoping took over the reign of China, his task was to rebuild China practically from scratch. Mao tried but with limited success in wanting to build a strong and self reliant China. Deng was a very brave and decisive man, to break away from doctrinal constraints and Mao’s ideological dominance and embarked on a new economic experiment, embracing the full force of capitalism and individual endeavour. Deng was instrumental in laying out the blue print and the foundation for rapid economic growth for China, breaking all rules as long as they worked.
Apart from opening up China to the world, Deng was best remembered for China to be patient, to bid its time, and plunged head on into economic development at all cost, even to ‘swallow bitter pill’, to stay away from major conflict whenever possible. Under his policy of rebuilding and reconstruction, learning everything from the world, China also had to suffer humiliation in silence by not fighting back in many occasions.
The two immediate successors to Deng, in Jiang Zeming and Hu Jintao were dedicated leaders/administrators to continue Deng’s work diligently, and yes, also taking a low profile, avoiding the limelight, avoiding playing an active role in world affairs. The works of Jiang and Hu saw China going through a carefully planned economy nation wide and the rise of China as an economically successful model of development. China moved from an underdeveloped nation state into a highly developed and industrialized country. The quality of life of its people and their economic well being took centre stage. During this period China successfully eradicated poverty country wide. The people were well fed and the country becoming more self sufficient in every field of economy and enterprise. China has arrived as a newly industrialized and rich nation.
Xi Jinping inherited a China that is very different from that of Mao and Deng. The efforts of Jiang and Hu as great disciples of Deng Xiaoping and dutifully executed his plans for China have bore great results. The basic problems of poverty, survival, a disunited country, were no longer problems to Xi. Xi Jinping would have to take China forward, to carve out a new role for this new China.
Xi Jinping is in uncharted territory. Just to continue economic growth like Jiang and Hu would not be good enough. He would have to show that he could stamp his own mark as a worthy leader of a new China. The rapid expansion of China’s economic development also brought about different sets of domestic problems with corruption being a troubling task for Xi to tackle. Xi’s performance in domestic policies has been commendable. While the country’s economy is steaming ahead, Xi has chosen to take China forward as a world leader. It is this new international role for China that puts Xi apart from his predecessors.
Stepping into the international arena would put Xi in direct conflict with the major world powers, particularly the USA. There would also be opposition from the pro American camp. These forces would stand in the way of Xi as was proven in the launching of the AIIB and the BRI but would not stop him in his pursuit for a greater China.
Under Xi’s leadership, China would take the initiative in world affairs. China is not going to ‘swallow bitter pills’ anymore. Deng’s policy is passé and a new course and direction are taking shape. China would assume its rightful place as a respectable world power in the international community. And there were many opportunities for Xi to stand firm, to hold his ground and make his mark.
The American provocations in the South China Sea put Xi to his first test. This was followed by the rising tension in the Korean peninsula, climate change, free trade, border disputes etc etc. The China of Xi Jinping is a world power with a bigger role and responsibility as expected by the nations of the world.
The deployment of the PLA in peacekeeping role in support of the UN missions, in protecting Chinese nationals overseas, and the setting up of military bases in Africa and the South China Sea are the manifestations of a China emerging from its past shadow as an active participant in international affairs, to play a part in keeping the world peaceful and safe. China is not only an economic powerhouse but also a responsible military power and would exercise its power if called upon, responsibly.
This is a new moment for China and a calling for a new kind of leadership in the likes of Xi Jinping, a world leader, not just the President of China. The geopolitical forces need an international statesman. The world is the new stage for China and Xi Jinping, the President of China, the man with a new calling.
When Deng Xiaoping took over the reign of China, his task was to rebuild China practically from scratch. Mao tried but with limited success in wanting to build a strong and self reliant China. Deng was a very brave and decisive man, to break away from doctrinal constraints and Mao’s ideological dominance and embarked on a new economic experiment, embracing the full force of capitalism and individual endeavour. Deng was instrumental in laying out the blue print and the foundation for rapid economic growth for China, breaking all rules as long as they worked.
Apart from opening up China to the world, Deng was best remembered for China to be patient, to bid its time, and plunged head on into economic development at all cost, even to ‘swallow bitter pill’, to stay away from major conflict whenever possible. Under his policy of rebuilding and reconstruction, learning everything from the world, China also had to suffer humiliation in silence by not fighting back in many occasions.
The two immediate successors to Deng, in Jiang Zeming and Hu Jintao were dedicated leaders/administrators to continue Deng’s work diligently, and yes, also taking a low profile, avoiding the limelight, avoiding playing an active role in world affairs. The works of Jiang and Hu saw China going through a carefully planned economy nation wide and the rise of China as an economically successful model of development. China moved from an underdeveloped nation state into a highly developed and industrialized country. The quality of life of its people and their economic well being took centre stage. During this period China successfully eradicated poverty country wide. The people were well fed and the country becoming more self sufficient in every field of economy and enterprise. China has arrived as a newly industrialized and rich nation.
Xi Jinping inherited a China that is very different from that of Mao and Deng. The efforts of Jiang and Hu as great disciples of Deng Xiaoping and dutifully executed his plans for China have bore great results. The basic problems of poverty, survival, a disunited country, were no longer problems to Xi. Xi Jinping would have to take China forward, to carve out a new role for this new China.
Xi Jinping is in uncharted territory. Just to continue economic growth like Jiang and Hu would not be good enough. He would have to show that he could stamp his own mark as a worthy leader of a new China. The rapid expansion of China’s economic development also brought about different sets of domestic problems with corruption being a troubling task for Xi to tackle. Xi’s performance in domestic policies has been commendable. While the country’s economy is steaming ahead, Xi has chosen to take China forward as a world leader. It is this new international role for China that puts Xi apart from his predecessors.
Stepping into the international arena would put Xi in direct conflict with the major world powers, particularly the USA. There would also be opposition from the pro American camp. These forces would stand in the way of Xi as was proven in the launching of the AIIB and the BRI but would not stop him in his pursuit for a greater China.
Under Xi’s leadership, China would take the initiative in world affairs. China is not going to ‘swallow bitter pills’ anymore. Deng’s policy is passé and a new course and direction are taking shape. China would assume its rightful place as a respectable world power in the international community. And there were many opportunities for Xi to stand firm, to hold his ground and make his mark.
The American provocations in the South China Sea put Xi to his first test. This was followed by the rising tension in the Korean peninsula, climate change, free trade, border disputes etc etc. The China of Xi Jinping is a world power with a bigger role and responsibility as expected by the nations of the world.
The deployment of the PLA in peacekeeping role in support of the UN missions, in protecting Chinese nationals overseas, and the setting up of military bases in Africa and the South China Sea are the manifestations of a China emerging from its past shadow as an active participant in international affairs, to play a part in keeping the world peaceful and safe. China is not only an economic powerhouse but also a responsible military power and would exercise its power if called upon, responsibly.
This is a new moment for China and a calling for a new kind of leadership in the likes of Xi Jinping, a world leader, not just the President of China. The geopolitical forces need an international statesman. The world is the new stage for China and Xi Jinping, the President of China, the man with a new calling.
10/19/2017
We Have NO Shame - Part 2
Willing,
Happy Victims of the Long Con!
Nunzio Quacquarelli,
the founding partner of Quacquarelli Symonds or the QS Ranker was amazed at the reactions from governments and the
universities because the QS rankings were NOT set up to serve University
administrators!
"What we've been surprised is the extent to which governments and
university leaders use the rankings to set strategic targets. We at QS think this is wrong. Also "Ranks
should not be a primary driver of university mission statements and visions.”
Just read for yourself:
Authenticity is the utmost important characteristic of integrity.
How much longer should Singapore continue to participate in the bogus and fraudulent World University Rankings? Have we no shame?
Willing,
Happy Victims of the Long Con!
Did
Singapore Government officials and NTU/NUS Managers knowingly become willing
participants of the World University Ranking scam and fraud for the past 10+
years?
Nunzio Quacquarelli,
the founding partner of Quacquarelli Symonds or the QS Ranker was amazed at the reactions from governments and the
universities because the QS rankings were NOT set up to serve University
administrators!
"What we've been surprised is the extent to which governments and
university leaders use the rankings to set strategic targets. We at QS think this is wrong. Also "Ranks
should not be a primary driver of university mission statements and visions.”
Just read for yourself:
Authenticity is the utmost important characteristic of integrity.
We need to set an honest and genuine example for our NTU Alumni, our Singapore Community and the world;
Or else, we are much better off selling fake Rolex at NTU
As the Chief "replica" Rolex Salesman has said: "It's fake, but it's a Rolex!" And he's selling them like hot “Hello Kitty” dolls! Well, the NTU grad is just copying NTU's branding strategy.
WHEN can we stop our Shame? If not now? If not by us?
Must Read: True Lies About Universities Rankings
Read All the Links … It’s Time to Stop our Shame! Now!
.
Class action suit against the Govt on CPF savings
Philip Ang is proposing a class action suit against the Govt on
accountability, transparency and the return of our CPF savings at 55.
Below is his proposal posted in the TRE. I will definitely support this
motion if it is finalized. Maybe Gilbert Goh should work with Philip Ang
to hold a mass briefing at Hong Lim and collect signatures of CPF
holders in support of this class action. Other forms of acceptance
should be work out to make it easy for the rest of the CPF holders to
accept this proposal, including house to house visit. The opposition
parties could be roped in to help in this cause that affects the pocket
of all Singaporeans.
While on this, the proposal should strictly be about Singaporeans and not about PRs and ‘locals’. Let them fight their own battles after all they could easily withdraw every cent they want when they decided to return to their home countries.
A class-action lawsuit against the government.
This will not be a mere request or begging the government for transparency and accountability in the management of hundreds of billions in CPF monies. CPF members will demand for a full set of accounts to be published.
On the assumption that GIC’s 6% rate of return claims are factual, we seek the return of the difference between the amount paid to CPF members and what GIC claims to have earned. Plus interest.
We also seek the return of our CPF savings at 55. Returning our CPF through monthly installments at 65 – till we die – is not acceptable.
Neither will we accept:
– Frequent tweaks of CPF rules which have impacted the well-being of hundreds of thousands of retirees.
– The appointment of unqualified CEOs such as former military personnel/civil servant with no prior fund management experience.
We are also opposed to government abuse of our retirement savings to:
– Conceal the size of our national reserves.
– Channel tens of billions to a single fund manager, government-linked GIC.
We seek a revamp of the failed CPF scheme which should be simplified. To increase retirement funding, a higher percentage of wages should be allocated to CPF SA with a corresponding reduction in CPF OA allocation.
The limits to the use of CPF MA – arbitrarily implemented by the government – for hospitalization, insurance premiums, etc must be removed. After all, this is our money.
The government should also appoint other non government-related fund managers to manage our CPF savings.
Besides the above, other factors will also be taken into consideration after CPF members have confirmed their support for the class-action lawsuit.
Costs
The lawsuit will be funded by CPF members through crowdfunding. Depending on the number of CPF members involved, the cost should not be prohibitive, eg 10,000 members X $100 = $1 million or 100,000 members X $10 = $1 million.
Transparency and accountability are of utmost importance and details could be worked out at a later date.
While on this, the proposal should strictly be about Singaporeans and not about PRs and ‘locals’. Let them fight their own battles after all they could easily withdraw every cent they want when they decided to return to their home countries.
A class-action lawsuit against the government.
This will not be a mere request or begging the government for transparency and accountability in the management of hundreds of billions in CPF monies. CPF members will demand for a full set of accounts to be published.
On the assumption that GIC’s 6% rate of return claims are factual, we seek the return of the difference between the amount paid to CPF members and what GIC claims to have earned. Plus interest.
We also seek the return of our CPF savings at 55. Returning our CPF through monthly installments at 65 – till we die – is not acceptable.
Neither will we accept:
– Frequent tweaks of CPF rules which have impacted the well-being of hundreds of thousands of retirees.
– The appointment of unqualified CEOs such as former military personnel/civil servant with no prior fund management experience.
We are also opposed to government abuse of our retirement savings to:
– Conceal the size of our national reserves.
– Channel tens of billions to a single fund manager, government-linked GIC.
We seek a revamp of the failed CPF scheme which should be simplified. To increase retirement funding, a higher percentage of wages should be allocated to CPF SA with a corresponding reduction in CPF OA allocation.
The limits to the use of CPF MA – arbitrarily implemented by the government – for hospitalization, insurance premiums, etc must be removed. After all, this is our money.
The government should also appoint other non government-related fund managers to manage our CPF savings.
Besides the above, other factors will also be taken into consideration after CPF members have confirmed their support for the class-action lawsuit.
Costs
The lawsuit will be funded by CPF members through crowdfunding. Depending on the number of CPF members involved, the cost should not be prohibitive, eg 10,000 members X $100 = $1 million or 100,000 members X $10 = $1 million.
Transparency and accountability are of utmost importance and details could be worked out at a later date.
10/18/2017
Deepavali in the Republic of Singapura
They really look very good, like bollywood actors. This could be the Singapura's national dress they have been looking for, smart, cool and fashionable.What is missing is Hsien Loong and Chee Hian joining the cast.
Bollywood can set up an office here to start producing movies and they would have no problem finding good looking and beautiful actors and actresses in Parliament.
And oh, last year they had all the ladies in saris. Halimah can take the lead by putting on a sari with all the lady ministers and MPs. The picture would be complete, picture perfect.
What do you think?
And happy Deepavali to all the Hindus and non Hindus celebrating this holiday.
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