Attending social events

I'm really NOT good at socialising with people I don't know.

So I was attending one of such events yesterday evening. It's not the typical Singaporean event. 98% of the crowd are China Chinese. I have nothing against them unlike many Singaporeans. I just see us as different people like other Singaporeans to me.

It was an event organised by a close friend. So I attended without any expectation. I was blown away. In the wrong direction. I attended with another three friends. I thought I would at least have someone else to eat with. Each table seat eight person. So one of my friends sat in another table while three of us sat in one table with three other strangers.

Shortly, a lady (Stranger) came by with a big watsons plastic bag on her hand and start throwing candies on the table. After that, she took out opened packets of peanuts and chips and put them on the table. Hmm.. Not typical of what strangers will do. So as usual, I just smiled at her.

Food was still not serving up after some time and I got really hungry. People started chatting loudly in other tables. There were alcohol. And in order to hear each other, another table raised their voices too. It became a market in no time. Imagine market in the 80s in Singapore. Not like NTUC market. People were shouting and laughing LOUDLY. Even chatting with the person next to me requires a good amount of concentration on his lips in order to read him.

Another reason why I do not like social events was because I don't drink. I think it's difficult to get into the atmosphere if you don't roll like they do. Drinking or being slightly tipsy make you do silly things. Like holding a person you are not so close to another table, dragging her to ask everyone else in that table to toast for a drink. And the cycle continues.

Oh ya, I also missed the pass name card phase. It's not that I'm ashamed of myself or my job. I really don't think they'll need to know my job. People who went to such events are mostly for networking. Knowing more people and seeing if they can get a cheaper or better job by having some kind of relationship. I think this applies locally.

So there was this make up artist. She didn't give out her name card as she forgot to bring. She was a sweet lady and also tried to chat a bit. When people introduce herself with her profession, it's difficult not to judge the person on the angle that he/she should be good at. So I started focusing on her make up. Not that I'm very good at it. But at least, there should be some kind of beauty in it?

Firstly, I find her complexion a tad too tan. Maybe that's why her skin color is quite uneven. What's disturbing me the most was her lips. She used a creamy pink lipstick and its ran all over the place. It was very distracting.

So the event ending with some not so nice food. Maybe I wasn't in the mood to eat. My friend told me that the fish was uncooked. So I didn't attempt.

Wasted another 3 hours of my life where I could be happily sleeping. Lol! I'll consider real hard if I were to go again. Real hard. 

Online scams and misleading information

After getting my diploma in Business IT, i understood more about how people make use of the online anonymity to say about things that they don't dare to say or do things that they don't dare to do in life.

*disclaimer* no pun intended. not directed to anybody.

Above disclaimer is just in case. I'm just writing what I felt. Not that a lot of people is going to read it anyway.

Singaporeans are not highly dependable on the internet. Being one of the first few countries to have wireless network in the world, the younger generation of Singapore is very much IT literate. We learn how to use computers in primary school (my time). Toddlers are walking around glued with iPads.

There are certain things government don't wish to comment or action on. A good example is the SMRT Feedback fb page. Started just a few years ago when they realised there isn't an official FB page for our local transportation system.

According to what I understand, they initially just left mean or funny comments on people who thought it was the real channel and make a fool out of them. It was funny most of the time but could be a little racist. They dare to do a lot of things. Including tagging our Prime Minister's fb or asking him to add them. (Which he did). I'll think of it as him having a sense of humour.

The people behind this page is very intelligent and very good at IT. I don't know if they got the ability to hack in people's system or what. But at the recent Joven Chew (Sim Lim warranty charging) case, they managed to dig out a lot of information about this person. His affairs and all. In such cases, a lot of netizens see them as hero. Doing what the police didn't managed to. This Joven Chew guy is simply playing with the law. Using law of contract's loophole. Didn't take morale into the picture at all.

Also, they found and released information about the Cat Cafe. Sudden deaths of several cats in the Cuddles Cafe resulted in the closure of it. Without the advancement of technology and these people, the public would most likely be kept in the dark on these information.

In Chinese, we have this saying. 树大招风. If the tree is big, it will attract wind. So this FB page influence people a lot! They have a lot of supporters. Xiaxue, our famous blogger on the other hand, is a lone ranger in my opinion. Although she did impressed me on her recent Glushcloud Expose. But i really don't understand her reason for doing it. Cleansing of the online community?

So SMRT feedback somehow got disturbed by her actions. I also don't know why. And decided that they will do a Xiaxue expose. No information yet. But they are saying that Nuffnang is luring Glushcloud's influencers to come up with negative information about the company.

Looks like must get my popcorn ready.

Sometimes i find these online wars quite educational. Trying to reap any positivity out of negative stuff.

*my 2 cents*

Is Singapore a safe place for tourists?

Many people would see Singapore as a safe and secure land as compared to some other countries. There are a lot of effort put in by the various government boards to ensure this. STB is being put under the spotlight recently on the Sim Lim Square case. Well, mainly the CASE.

Personally, I know that STB actually hires mystery shoppers to go to certain places, restaurants, to see if they are in "compliance" with their guidelines. If yes, they get a little decal that they can paste on their doors that says something like "tourists friendly". These shops, they are able to provide good service and also, introduce tourists to SG. Like if you ask, "Are there any places of interests around here?" They should be able to recommend a place or two. While I appreciate and support STB for making SG a better place for tourists. Somehow, they are only interested in the shops in Orchard etc. When promoting these places, they should also look at places that are well-known for conning people... Singaporeans know that. Tourists.. I don't think they do..

I just did a Google search on "cheapest place to get electronics in Singapore". The second link provided was an article from TIME. Sim Lim Square was recommended. "10% - 20% cheaper than other commercial outlets". Sounds attractive isn't it? That's the power of internet. The third link also mentioned Sim Lim Square. I would say anybody (at least 80%) who is computer literate would google about the places that they are visiting. Personally, I do that every single time I travel. So if I intend to buy something, this is what I would do also.

Now. It's not the first time that Sim Lim Square is having this kind of press coverage for the first time. Tourists seldom get these information unless they really drill in deep and do their research. Still. How can you prevent it if people lay traps on purpose? The owner of Mobile Air has no conscious in my opinion! This guy con people of their money spend it happily!

Since the respective government bodies are not doing anything, here comes the heros of social media! Voices of the public unite on facebook. There are LOTS of coverage on this case. A lot of the netizens pitied the Vietnam tourist. There's even a donation drive to send him a new iphone. Now it's at 6K plus already! I'm impressed! SGag and SMRT (feedback) was one of the few who came up with creative ideas to shame this Joven Chua (Owner of Mobile Air). His ex-employee uploaded a video of their conning in action. Proof to put him behind bars. As much as I know, the shop is now close. I think they do not want any attention for the moment. But I really hope the police are doing something about it.

Avoid buying electronics at Lucky Plaza also.

In my opinion, a lot of the stuff are overpriced in shops and malls in Singapore. You need to go to the right places if you want to buy anything.

Food: If you are a tourists, the best place for food would definitely be our hawker centres! They are cheap and delicious. You can fully experience the weather of Singapore because none of our hawker centres have air con. LOL! If you want to try Crabs, go to Melban Seafood. I think the prices are reasonable and the crabs are fresh and the chefs are superb. Plus they don't con people!

Necessities: While Wastons and Guardians are available in most of the shopping malls, they are still a tad more expensive for most of their stuff. Compare prices with Daiso (our favourite $2) shop. You might be able to find what you want at a fraction of the price. Watsons is usually cheaper if you get in bulk. Like buy 2 get 1 free. But if you are a tourists, I don't think you need 3 bottles of 1Lt shampoo.. Lol!

Alternatively, you can go to the Sundry stores at the neighbourhoods. It's still within walking distance to the MRT station. Experience the heartlands! There's one sundry store that I often visit in Yishun. The same sanitary pad I buy is $3.20 there. Watsons sells them 2 for $11.45!! And that's a PROMOTION PRICE! Lol! Therefore, I always recommend my friends to go to get the pads at this shop.

Places of Interest: Singapore have a few of these interesting places to go. Usually food and drinks are super expensive at these places. So I would recommend you to bring your own bottled water. You can just get at the supermarket. It would be less than a buck for a bottle of mineral water. In those places, you will be charged like $3-$5, so don't be shocked. Also, SG's tap water is 100% safe to drink. Water coolers are available in SG Zoo I think. You can just refill if you bottle is empty. And there, save $3 again. lol!

Also, you can get cheaper deals online. So buy the tickets of the places of interests online before visiting. Plan first. I haven't been to all of the places of interest but I've been to a few.

SG Zoo/ Jurong Bird Park: Iconic place of SG. Go. Long walk. Go in comfortable shoes. Prepare water, cap/ umbrella, tissue paper/ handkerchief/ wet tissue, insect repellant/medicine for mosquito bites. Camera! There are scheduled animals shows. So go early.

Night safari: Quite interesting also. prepare similar stuff as above. minus Cap perhaps?

Universal Studios: Buy express pass if you are taking the rides. It's expensive but you will not regret it. Travel light. Some rides you cannot even bring your DSLR camera. So it's just you and your locker key. Water! Vitamin water is like $5 inside! Try the mummy ride and transformer ride.

Shopping: Go to Orchard. There's a lot of shopping centres. Or cultural places like Little India and Chinatown. I haven't really been to Little India so I don't have much to say. Mustafa shopping centre is 24 hours. So if you are still kicking at midnight, can try.

Go to the Casinos for a visit. It's free for tourists. Do not Gamble! Lol! If you want to go to the heartlands, you can go Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Bedok, Tampines. Those places are typical of SG. Lots of places to shop. Try the food in the coffee shops and hawker centres.

For souvenirs, don't bother buying those "I love Singapore" stuff. Just get some bah kwa (BBQ Pork), can get in Airport. P.S. Fragrance bah kwa not nice in my opinion. But I got friends who like it. -.- Taste SG. lol! Bring back the used Ez Link Card ( The one without any value). Or Kaya from any yakun outlets. Taste nice, looks presentable too. Chiffon cake from Bangawang solo is also one of the souvenirs that people like to buy. But might be a tad difficult to bring back and keep.

Most of the souvenirs you can find in Chinatown is Made in China anyway. Lol!

Try our more and more confusing MRT. There are stations that I didnt know about! lol! Was shocked when i took train the other day. But it can bring you to almost anywhere in Singapore. Most of the shopping malls.

You can still visit places like Sim Lim Square. Just try not to buy anything. Go to the authorised resellers. Read through any "contract" carefully if presented. If something is too cheap, chances are, they are too good to be true.

The reason of my post is to want people who read this to feel safe to come to SG. All my posts are on how I see SG as a Singaporean. That's why I wish to say something about this issue on Sim Lim Square. My humble opinion. No offense intended.

Social gathering

Had a chance to attend a friend's birthday party. Have to admit, this friend is around 5 yers younger than me and was from the place my ancestors came from...

Firstly, setting: Function room of a posh condo located in the central area of sg.

A line of buffet available... from starters, mains, all the way to dessert...

2 boxes of bottled beer.. 1 cordon bleu, a few bottles of red wine, and some choya.. oh ya.. coke, sprite and juice.. --> mixer..

Ok.. friends.... chinese friends, korean friends, taiwanese friends... she studies at a more international school...

I arrived at around 7.30pm.. they already started drinking.. these people are around 20 years old on average... late comers had to down one whole bottle of beer.. big bottles.... similar to those tiger or heineken sold in coffee shops..

After that, they proceed to smoke outside the function room.. more than half of food untouched..

Main thing was to drink.. personally, i dont drink or smoke.. so i find it hard to blend... its more of an eye opener for me..

To me, they are like kids... but they behave like they are older than me.. cursing and swearing... Pushing others to drink..

hobbies

Apart from participating in the zumba classes in my work place, i recently thought of picking up a new hobby. Stamp making!

It's those DIY stamp carving where you carve from a rubber block or an eraser. Most Singaporeans know where to get their art and craft stuff... ART FRIEND.. So last week, we traveled down to Bras Basar to get the stuff. I bought the linoleum carving tools, 2 faber castel's erasers, and one purple ink pad.

One week passed and I haven't started making it. I admit i'm not good at drawing. So my intention is to print the design out on paper, trace it, and print on the eraser to carve it.

Just had a try earlier and really don't what to put on the eraser. The eraser was a tad too small. I'm afraid that it will make the carving very difficult. Some lines are simply too near each other. TOo much worries. I guess I'll really have to carve it to know it. But den again, i really don't wish to fail on my first stamp.. Cos it pretty much determines whether I'll continue doing it.

Hopefully I can continue.. Perhaps make it into a multimillion dollar business? Haha.. Think too much..

Anyway, it's always good to have a dream. Although not very realistic.. But still.. Possible. :)

Positivity!!

part time job assignments

Singapore is a very fast paced country. Well, not as fast as compared to places like Shanghai, still pretty fast. Most of the time, people work longer hours that stated in their job description or appointment letter. Some bosses simply like to overwork their employees. In my opinion, this is a short term strategy.

Lots of company are thinking from another angle, well, mainly the IT companies. Youngster, I would say around 30 years old and below, prefer a more comfortable working environment. Not because they are lazy, but they simply perform better in such situation -> comfort zone. Companies like LinkedIn, Google and Facebook are well-known for that. Pantries that look like a mini-mart, all things free. Comfortable lounge area, fancy sleeping pods, those are some great ideas. People will not dread going to work. But how many companies can have such benefits? Most are more concern about the sales than the well-being of their employees. After all, employees come and go...

That's not my point. A lot of the Singaporeans are trapped in certain settings or situations. Like me for example. I hold a full time job. But with weird working hours. I follow Australia timing. That's 6.30am - 3.30pm, for now. After 3.30pm, I'm pretty much free already. I've been looking for some part time jobs to do to earn some extra cash. But being a degree holder, there isn't a lot of brain require assignment that I can find. Well, not for the pass three years.

I've got experience in Transcribing. But I feel that this type of position is dieing down with the advancement in technology. When I did transcribing last time, I was using a cassette recorder! I don't even know how to spell that. LOL! It was quite fun back then, according to what I remembered. And also, it was good pay. Sometimes I hope to go back to those days.

Apart from that, part time jobs usually pay around $6 per hour. Being a graduate myself, I don't see why I should work for $6 an hour. Typical Singaporeans. I'm not hardworking like that. I am an efficient person. I find ways to make my job easier and more accurate with logical thinking. $6 an hour is illogical. Not for someone like me. Lol! Not as compared to my $180 for 6 hours job. You can do the math.

*Drooling and thinking at the same time. * --> Efficient. LOL!

Teaching tuition is another fast cash. But I've no passion to teach. Although I've done that during my Uni years. 

Please contact me if you are looking for any transcribers locally. Lol!

Foreign talent or foreign trash?

**disclaimer** The below are my views on the topics involving Singapore. It's for reading and not a propaganda or for disturbing the peace of Singapore in any form.


Well, this is the first time i've used this term, "foreign trash". Today while listening to the radio, they mentioned that "nationality" has become a concerned topic in Singapore now. With the flux of foreigners in Singapore, our workforce had became very much diverse. For a person like me who pretty much grew up with them, I really don't have any issues against them.

When I was in primary school, we had Chinese classmates who spoke with a different accent, some guys are extremely tall, already at the last stage of puberty perhaps. We were taught to make friends with them, help them to adapt to Singapore.

During my secondary school times, I had classmates from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China and Bangladesh. That was when I know that Bangladesh is a country by itself, not a part of India. We learnt greetings and vulgar words in different languages. We talk, play and go on excursions and activities together. We didn't really have a lot of difference. At least i don't see them differently.

My first job was in the hotel in one of the restaurants. Apart from guests from all over the world, the servers are mostly from Malaysia and the Philippines. It was a short but fun period.

After that, I went to get my diploma in Ngee Ann Poly. I had classmates from Indonesia, China and Hong Kong. It's really not much difference apart from the fact that the get to travel back to their home country from time to time that can disrupt our project schedule.

My first full time job in a research company was FILLED with foreign talents. Mainly in the higher management. Expats. My direct boss is from the Philippines, another two senior managers from China, another manager from India, director from England. Three other colleagues in my team, Singapore, China and Malaysia. See the proportion of Singapore to foreigners? We didn't treat each other differently. Everyone felt the same.

Since then, foreigners are everywhere.

Anton Casey... Hai~ Attention grabbing expat in Singapore. He posted some nasty comments on one of his ride on the MRT. Let's just admit it, we talk shit. Everyone, everywhere. The comments posted on facebook is even more scarier than what Anton Casey posted in my opinion. A lot of people attacked his son. Which personally I think is really unacceptable. The kid looks below 12 to me. Definitely below 21. Whatever his dad posted wasn't what he said. Give him a break!

On the latest post that Anton posted was a letter saying that he received death threats! People really that free? I dunno which is true but this is a bit extreme. Now that his gone, hopefully we can let the matter rest and talk about some other things.

I once had a colleague from another country. He chats with me quite often and have this THING against Singaporean. He worked here for a few years and cannot keep his comments to himself. He gets pissed off by the slightest thing. Even worst if it's from another country. I tried to ask him, if he hates Singapore this much, why is he still here.

That's the key to every problem. Choice. By choice, they choose to be here. Mainly! Money. Singapore pays them better than where they came from. Singapore offers career prospects. Well, at least they believe that. And in my opinion, if you think Singapore is giving you SOMETHING BETTER that where you came from, keep your comments to yourself. Nobody would appreciate being put down by some one else. It can go both ways. Motivation, or retaliation. Obviously the latter in Anton Casey's case.

A lot was wondering how come he didn't take a cab. Chances are, he will have shit to say even if it's the cab.

The point is, Singapore government welcome foreign talents. People who are useful to use. And don't you get it after so many years? Government do, we follow. Unless you think you got the ability to run for MP on the next coming elections, keep your comments to yourself.

On the contrary, we also have some good points when there's foreign talents. We get to eat great food around the world. Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia... Everywhere! And it gets nicer and nicer.

Thumbs up!