A Commander's Journal - The Last Leaf

It was in Sep 07 that I left my last command appointment. Jun to Sep 07 was a very trying period, where I had to juggle between my new trainees, National Day Parade, a new appointment, and the preparations for a massive exercise. I often looked back and wished that I had more time for my trainees. As course commander, my primary intent was not to turn them into better soldiers. Rather, I hoped to make them realise, why they have to be soldiers. It was with this hope that I started the Commander's Journal to accompany what my trainees wrote daily.

Since I left, I've learnt from other sources that what I've tried to do (whether successful or not, I know not yet) was correct. The specialists and men I'd spoke to in my new job revealed that many of them do not understand the necessity of the two years of national service. The usual shallow understanding was that it was a waste of two glorious years, and the national economy would benefit if national service was abolished totally.

I've kept a close tab on the developments of my guys (through covert means of course) meanwhile. I'm glad to see that there had been vast improvements in attitudes. I've always emphasised that understanding the higher-order meaning of NS is more important than learning to adapt to NS. You can adapt to and yet hate NS, simply because you would find no meaning in a tough regime which you have grown used to. That's not the point. The testimonials written by my guys who had taken part in NDP last year, gave testimony to their maturity in this sense. I'm proud of you.

Two years on, William had left for his studies. Some of them have completed their obligations, and the rest by March; and I know they had learnt something valuable from their short stint as a conscript. It would be unfair to not mention my specialists who had trained and guided them well. Amanda, Melvin, Jackshen, Edwin, thank you. And to Amanda, this post also serves as a tribute to the tremendous effort you've spent on the men from 160 Sqn. You're irreplaceable, and yet the difficult job of replacing you is looming large; but nonetheless, thank you!

Hwa Chong Night 2005

As I was looking thru' all my old bookmarked websites, I am in a way, running thru' how I led my life in the 'schooling' era. Of the lot, the most significant (I suppose) will be the organisation of Hwa Chong Night 05 and my two year tenure as the vice-chair of the UK alumni. I'd glad I am able to take a snapshot of my websites - the memories are irreplaceable :)

On facebook...

It's fascinating how, by locating just one friend who I had not contacted for the last four years on facebook, can lead to a reunion with many others (also on facebook). This is really a darn powerful e-social networking tool. But I suppose we have to be cognisant that this is all virtual; there's no way the hugs, kisses and even slaps can replace reality. I guess it's up to the individual to really follow up on what facebook can offer. Do you want to just shout "happy birthday!" on facebook to your peers whom you have not met for 3 years, or would it be more 'human' if you'd met up and enjoyed a face to face conversation together; perhaps reliving the good'old times? Or would the next time you meet your friends be during a wedding, and subsequently during a funeral? This sounds all so morbid, but unless you take leave from you laptop occasionally, this could be a reality.

Friends, it's time to meet up =P

London - Autumn - A figment of my imagination?

Three summers had passed, and school would be starting in two days time. This used to be a period of hustle and bustle, preparing my new 'home' for habitation for another 9 months, preparing for lessons to begin. Even now, I look back on those days fondly. I'm still checking the Singsoc website now and then, and meeting up with my old schoolmates sometimes. But as I prepare to meet the 'old folks' of the alumnus tomorrow for a gathering, I understand; there will not be another four years like the four years I'd spent in London.

My very first photo taken in London

Top of Wish List

I need / want a camera for my holiday to Japan at the end of the year. Given that my aging and trusty semi-dSLR ought to be retired to spend time with his predecessor, I'm now left with the dilemma of deciding how much to splurge on a new camera.

... this probably depends on whether SAF is going to issue us our growth bonus this month..

《稻 香》

《稻 香》 词：周杰伦 曲：周杰伦

对这个世界如果你有太多的抱怨
跌倒了就不敢继续往前走
为什么人要这么的脆弱 堕落

请你打开电视看看
多少人为生命在努力勇敢的走下去
我们是不是该知足
珍惜一切 就算没有拥有

还记得你说家是唯一的城堡 随着稻香河流继续奔跑
微微笑 小时候的梦我知道

不要哭让萤火虫带着你逃跑 乡间的歌谣永远的依靠
回家吧 回到最初的美好

不要这么容易就想放弃 就像我说的
追不到的梦想 换个梦不就得了

为自己的人生鲜艳上色 先把爱涂上喜欢的颜色
笑一个吧 功成名就不是目的
让自己快乐快乐这才叫做意义
童年的纸飞机 现在终于飞回我手里

所谓的那快乐 赤脚在田里追蜻蜓追到累了
偷摘水果被蜜蜂给叮到怕了 谁在偷笑呢
我靠着稻草人吹着风唱着歌睡着了

哦 哦 午后吉它在虫鸣中更清脆
哦 哦 阳光洒在路上就不怕心碎
珍惜一切 就算没有拥有

Liverpool 0 - 0 Stoke City

Liverpool 0 - 0 Stoke City

Here's a look at the starting lineup and employed formation:

On Singapore Youngsters: Part II

After ranting so much on Tuesday, I went on a crusade to prove myself wrong. I'd so wanted to believe that most Singapore youngsters are not what was made out to be. I had a couple of pleasant surprises today.

1.) I'd received a collection of reflections of my platoon's NSF, recollecting their experience of participating in NDP 08, Guard Of Honour Contingent. I'll just quote a couple of them here:

"... I truly felt how it is to be a Singpaorean. 43 years of independence had not come by easy, with the many tumultuous periods in hour history. When the National Anthem was played, and as I sang it with pride and gusto, I realised how important I was to the Nation's prosperity. With my loved ones depending on me to guard the sovereignty of Singapore, I discovered the importance of National Service, and a deterrent Armed Force... "

"... I thank the parade for teaching us the values, skills and discipline to make the parade successful. It was the parade that taught me to continue fighting on and uphold my professionalism at times when the sun is burning hot. I learnt to sing my National Anthem from my heart, portraying my loyalty to my country. I treasured the care we received from the trainers, and the ethics we uphold..."

I'm really, really proud of my guys, and the commanders in my platoon who had groomed this bunch of mature Singaporeans.

2.) I had a word with Ken before I ended my work this week. I'm glad that I'm wrong in stating that most youngsters his age are ignorant of the hard work that allowed them to enjoy the bliss they are in now.

What's wrong with Singapore youngsters?

I'm somewhat disturbed by trends.. there are two issues I wish to address here.

First, why is it that better educated Singapore youngsters 'shallower' than the previous generation?

Here's the background. We had been talking to some of our guys at work. It all stemmed from a simple case of bad attitude that needed correcting.. then it developed into a disturbing discovery that they find no meaning in their work. They do not feel that there is a need for defence, and that our politicians are doing such a great job that the defence industries are a waste of national resources. They feel that transnational security threats will not affect Singapore, even though an attempt had happened before; and even if it does happen again, our home team is more than capable of dealing with these.

Wes had a long talk with them. While doing so, we discovered that they know nothing about the history of Singapore. Of China, India, American and European history, they may be aces: all it takes for them to impress their interviewers for scholarships and big earning jobs. They know who's Obama and Clinton, and how different are the governing styles of Bush Jnr and Bush Snr. But they don't know who's our President before Mr Wee Kim Wee. They do not know that it is Singapore's credible defence that's bringing in the investment and cash. The diplomacy space and flexibility created by a strong deterrence force was a surprise to them. Or perhaps, they don't care. To them, the inclusion of the little red dot into numerous world organisations is simply, because "its fated to happen". So why can't our youngers see what the older generation can?

So what is wrong with the Singapore education or upbringing that makes Singaporeans.. well significantly less Singaporeans? I think our media had been debating this to the ground. They have no answers that satisfied me. And I have none either.

One of the guys I talked to is a "XXX" scholar. I asked him what he intended to study. No idea. I advised him that he should study something relevant to where he wants to work at. He agreed. So I asked him which department he wants to work at at XXX. He has no idea either. So did he take the scholarship for the scholarship, or for what the organisation had to offer? I had my own choice before. Between a (then) TDB overseas and (then) a local award, I chose the latter. After my masters in London, I was given the choice again: to serve my bond, or to earn big bucks with KPMG who's willing to buy my bond? I chose integrity. I may not be a slated 'talent' or scholar at my organisation despite any achievements, but I am with a bunch of guys whom I can fondly call bros. I have great bosses and colleagues. No back stabbing, no politics. I love my work. I am merely 6 years older than the guy I talked to. Is there really that vast a difference in the things we experienced and learnt at school? I'm perplexed..

Where in the World...?

And does anyone knows whether this is worth watching? LOL..

Its a momentous day I suppose. Liverpool had not beaten Manchester United for the last 5 EPL matches, and none under Rafa. Without Gerrard and Torres in the starting lineup, its really a relieve that the hooboo had been broken. And the manner the first Liverpool goal was scored was.. well take a look..


~~~

Work life's been pretty good since my last update. Note, I said good, I didn't say easy. I was on course in August, and juggling my office work at the same time. Despite the lack of attention I gave to my course, I was glad that my course results turned out ok. Now that the "big thing" I had been planned for was conducted successfully, all's left is to complete the report. I'm about to move on soon.

~~~

Hui Min and I had given up on new HDB flats. Something's totally wrong with the HDB policies, but I dun suppose we are in the position to change anything. A private property is definitely out of range for us, so we're just gonna wait till M-6mths before looking for a resale. I'd gotten a few contacts from my friends, especially my lao jiao course mates.. so hopefully we will be able to get a nice place near her parents.

We're planning a trip to India at the end of the year. Just starting to do a bit of research on that place. Anyone interested in joining us? Let me know! :)

Just gotten a mail from HDB (again) regarding my application for Punggol Sapphire.. this is like my 4th or 5th application? Forgive me, I'd lost count. 

But anyway, the ballot number I received is 967.. and Hui Min pointed out that this number is - at least - confined to 3 digits. I couldn't agree more, but I subsequently came to a stark realisation that only 1200 people applied for 5 room flats.

Now, this is how I read the newly implemented policy:

At the beginning, with a ballot number of 967, HDB will inform you that your ballot number sux because "your queue position far exceeds the flat supply".

Then subsequently, after some of the less appealing flats had been rejected by the luckier brats, they will write to you informing you of how lucky you are to still get a chance to select a home of your choice. And if you don't, you are a step closer to getting disqualified for the next project. Now, choose. 

Going on course for a week is a godsend, after hectically trying to ensure that all 3 workplan speeches turn out sweee sweee..

Anyway, the main modules we did today was on coaching, and in one of the activities, we were to in 60s, account to our partners, 5 most interesting events that happened in the past year. Here's how I rated them:

1.) Trip to Phuket. It was a good break with good company. Although nothing much was done, that was pretty much the intent though :)

2.) Imperial College Asian Convocation. I miss my life at Imperial, and after a year away from London, this was the nearest I could get to the life I treasured. I had Hui Min and mum with me, two people I would not even think of leaving out from my convo. 

3.) Celebrating Birthday with Hui Min (and her classmates). 

4.) My ADA system live firing. I dun think an ADA operator can be called so without seeing his system live firing. I'm glad I had. 

5.) Organising NDP, and inviting Hm and family to it :) Loads of shit, but loads of ensuing satisfaction. Hate it, and love it. 

Happy Anniversary Dear~