Balance and Adrift

This view captures the general landscape of the island Singapore that attempts to maintain a delicate balance between keeping pace with modernization and the preservation of her historical heritage. Historically, it was a fishing port. On the left hand side of the picture was the landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles who founded Singapore in 1819. The skyscrapers in the background depict the spirit of constantly raising its citizens to greater heights of achievements. Situated close to the river bank is the Asian Civilisation Museum where we treasure our nostalgic past. Change is a constant feature of this relatively tiny island in South East Asia. Behind the historic landing site are two outstanding buildings. One is the modern Supreme Court that has a "space ship" architectural design. The other is the newly built Parliament House where national polices are debated and laws passed. More significantly, today thousands of people from all walks of life stream into the House to pay their respects to Dr. Goh Keng Swee. The former Deputy Prime Minister passed away on 14 May 2010 at the age of 91 years old. We pay tribute to him for his outstanding contributions in terms of the shaping of the modern Singapore, specifically in education, finance, defence and the arts. While Dr. Goh and the leadership have contributed significantly to the development of this nation to a First World status within a generation, including the transforming of this once very dirty foul smelling river to its presentable condition, we need to be mindful that there are others who may not be able to keep up with the pace of change and are, as illustrated by the floating sandal found at the right bottom corner of this photograph, drifting albeit aimlessly. The sandal neither has an outstanding color nor is large enough to attract people's attention. Notwithstanding that, compassion must be demonstrated to them and opportunity be given to share in the economic fruits. Realistically, there will always be a segment of the population who would lag behind (due to a complex variety of reasons) and there are others such as the foreigners (approximately 20% of its population) who have come from far away places, had incurred huge debts and are in search for a better world in this shore. Maintaining a delicate balance and reaching out to those who are adrift is more than just an art for a civilized nation.

Adorable Pandas

The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding near Chengdu, Sichuan China is where pandas and other animals that are classified as endangered species are kept, protected and cared for. According to the tour guide, it is estimated that there are about 2,000 of them in the world and can usually live up to 25 to 30 years old in captivity. They feed mainly on bamboos (90% of their diet). Zoos pay about one million dollars (US) to the Chinese government in terms of loan fees . If you are interested to see the pandas, the address is 26, Panda Road, Chengdu or at your national zoo.

Easter 2010

Easter is a faith celebration based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a couple of weeks' time, millions will flock to churches and sanctuaries to worship "the ONE who is no longer in the tomb, but have risen from the dead!" Christ has conquered death. And the butterfly is often used to depict the new life.

Some 2,000 years ago, the shepherds witnessed the glory of God while they were at the fields tending to their sheep. And several months before that, the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "She (i.e. Mary) will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). Christians believe that it is the act of God's love that He sent His only Son to become man, live among us and die on the cross so as to redeem us from our sins. The Chinese character for the word love is 爱. Have you received the love of God in your heart? Easter 2010 can be that special day for you.

Mystery solved ???

I have been puzzled at the unusual rapid worn out rate of the string of my outdoor bamboo chicks. Was it due to the normal wear and tear/weather? One morning, I was attracted to the chirpings coming from my backyard. I went there, returned with my camera and captured several shots. The photograph explains it all! I suspect the bird (s) must have discovered that the string would serve as a useful material for its nest. If that is the case, I shall be glad to leave it that way. That's my guess. BTW, is this a Yellow Warbler (Dendroica Petechia)?

Have you had a mystery that kept you wondering??? Anyway, it's a good feeling that my (small) loss can become a (huge) gain to others. I welcome the bird family!

Underwater Life

It's an amazing sight under the water. Enjoy this home made movie using a waterproof digital camera.

Last week, my wife and I visited the Sungei Buroh Wetland Reserve. We enjoyed the peace and serenity of the natural oasis plus the fresh air that it offered. It was very different from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities that had just passed. There were few people around except for several teachers leading a group of young children on an excursion.
We spotted some interesting species of birds in the swamps from a "window" that provided an excellent view without disturbing them.
As we enter the New Year, there will be "windows of opportunity" around us. Are we taking time to reflect more deeply the things around us or have we been drawn into the busyness of our routine already? I believe that what we see or perceive will invariably affect the way we act or respond to the situations/issues before us. Today, what do we see? I am reminded of the airplane window seat that provides an ariel view. Alternatively, we can venture to visit the recently completed tallest HDB Building in Singapore, the 50 Storey Pinnacle@Duxton or the 828 m tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The view up there must be extraordinary. However, wherever we are i.e. on land, in the air or under the sea, let's take cognizance of the views that will our shape our future. Have a Blessed and meaningful New Year!

Beyond the Horizon

As we come to the close of another calendar year, we look at the horizon and ask,"What lies beyond?" I invite you to reflect with me. But before we venture into that exercise, we would probably like to reflect on what have had transpired this year that had shaped our thinking and actions significantly. I am unsure whether you share my feeling that within the routine as well as the extraordinary activities that had occurred, there is much we can learn as well as there is a kind of mystery that remains incomprehensible to us. In fact, there are probably some "happenings" that do not make sense at all and consequently, we may find it difficult and painful to reconcile while there might be situations that had taught us to develop a deeper appreciation of life itself. On a whole, mine has been a journey of learning new insights and gaining fresh perspectives. The challenge for me is to to remain focused, be humble and cultivate a keen learning and growing spirit. What is your feeling as you journey towards the close of another year (i.e 2009) and glance beyond the horizon as you await the dawning of the New Year?

A Shanghai Rustic Charm

The Shanghai landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace and especially in her preparations for the hosting of the World Expo 2010. For example, the rate of construction of Skyscrapers, Shanghai Metro, Shopping complexes and Super highways is incredibly rapid as compared to my last visit 7 years ago. Population has reached more than 20m And in the age of Nintendo Wii, PS3, DVD, Youtube etc...this antique peep hole cinema retains its rustic charm. For the price of 5 yuan (approx SGD$1), you are treated to a 3 minute show plus a live commentary in the busy YuYuan Garden in the old town. What's inside? Visit Shanghai!

Leadership principles from the Lotus Plant

Nature has its unique way of preserving and propagating its own species. The picture shows a 3 generational family system of the lotus plant. The one in the lower left bottom was a lovely flower that has shed all its petals a couple of days ago. The pink bud in the centre is blooming soon. The 3rd generation is the tiny bud located towards the centre left hand of the picture. Let me draw some parallel lessons on the principles of leadership transition.

Lesson #1.
Just as the lovely flower has a season in its bloom, so do leaders in their service too. Therefore, it makes good sense that when in service, leaders should give their best that they can offer without reservations. And when they have served their season, they would not have to live in regrets for not giving their best nor be afraid to move on to new areas.

Lesson #2
When the petals are shedding off, it means that the flower season is almost coming to an end and unless new buds appear, there shall be no more flowers to behold. In the same way, effective leaders prepare the next generation of leaders. They are not afraid to 'let go' and allow space for new leaders to emerge. As in the case that every lotus flower is different, so the diversity of gifts, talents and leadership of 'new leaders' should be embraced and affirmed.

Lesson #3
It is interesting to note that at the centre left hand of the photo, a little bud has surfaced. I had observed that these young buds usually grow under the shelter of the large lotus leaves until such a time when they are ready. Then, they would be 'moved' to a full exposure to the sunlight in order for them to flower. I have been fascinated by such an interesting arrangement between the buds and the leaves. In terms of leadership transition, such an arrangemnent is like a mentoring phase where young leaders are not abruptly thrown into the 'deep blue end of the sea'. A process of preparations and exposure is a healthy aspect of leadership succession.

Lesson #4
Whilst the young bud is learning the ropes and the larger bud is fully exposed to the elements of rain and sun, the stem w/o the lovely petals (in the bottom left) should not be neglected. In fact, they provide the lotus seeds which are vital for propagation and in some cases, they are used in desserts such as 'cheng terng' and as paste found in mooncakes! In the same manner, 'retired' leaders should not be neglected but be accorded with the appropriate respect and honor for who they are and the contributions that they had made. And in some instances, they can continue to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

There are probably more interesting lessons that we can derive from a keen observation of the lotus plant and other species. I shall be happy to hear from you.

P.S. I am posting this w/o the pix as there is error on my page. Will edit it when the system is resolved. Thanks for your patience and undertanding. LATEST. I am glad to be able to post the photos. Here's a lovely lotus flower to further brighten your beautiful day :)

Where does my help come from?

The current economic downturn is affecting the world, albeit negatively in an unprecedented scale. Without a doubt, all major industries are faced with challenges that have escalated into an unimaginable proportion like that of the last Great Depression of the 1930s. The rapid decline in the world economy was probably triggered by massive bank collapse and stock market crash and according to some economists, the unequal distribution of wealth played a significant part in it too. Obviously, there are other factors that have led countries especially those that relied heavily on foreign trade and investments into an inevitable recession. This remained a subject of much debate and concern. At any rate, in the light of the continued financial crisis, and while governments develop various programmes to address the issue(s) at the macro level, the man in the street is left with limited resources at a micro level to fend for himslef and his loved ones. Where can he get help in an environment of fear, uncertainty and hardship? The pix (snapped by a phone camera) illustrates that the cat is not spared from the downturn too. While the tables at the food centre were folded and the prospect of finding food or even food crumbs was not at all encouraging, the cat looked up to the lone tree with her two paws seemingly in a praying posture and probably resigned to her fate, murmured, "Where does my help come from?"