It's humbling to know that extreme poverty exists at our doorstep. The very rich and the very poor are living next to each other, but in our pride and worldly pursuits building our own kingdoms, we can be blinded to the sufferings around us.
Ever considered the possibility that the more wealth we accumulate, the poorer we are in our spirit? The higher we climb in our social ladder, the lonelier and less satisfied we become? In contrast, you can see the genuine joy and gratitude in the faces of those who are materially poor - even if it's a simple gift of toiletries they are receiving.
On the contrary, isnt it true that we are often upset that the salary/performance bonus we receive is less than what we expected? Nothing wrong with wealth creation/accumulation, because wealth itself is a resource to improve ourselves and others. But the attitude towards handling wealth as a resource is what matters.
Remember: Godliness (together) with contentment is great gain!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cheaper, Better, Faster
Labour movement working towards cheaper, better, faster economy
By Ismail Saifulbahri / Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 October 2009 2230 hrs
 | |
 Lim Swee Say | |
| |
SINGAPORE: The labour movement, NTUC, will be working towards helping put on track a "Cheaper, Better, Faster (CBF)" economy in the next two years.
The CBF strategy will help drive Singapore into the next phase of growth.
"We want to create early successes in all sectors to demonstrate how the CBF concept can be implemented on the ground," said labour chief Lim Swee Say.
Mr Lim gave examples of companies that have already taken the CBF strategy to heart.
The wafer fabrication sector had launched a national framework for skills upgrading in August. ST Microelectronics began training 7,000 engineers this year, to be followed by 3,000 technicians and operators next year.
Making his closing address at the NTUC Ordinary Delegates' Conference, the labour chief was also encouraged by the strong endorsement given by union leaders to the CBF concept.
However, even as they pledged their support, unionists raised concerns over how it would translate on the ground and impact workers. Some delegates at the conference were worried that the CBF strategy might lead to job cuts.
Mr Lim said: "They feel that it's very important that the management has the same understanding of the CBF because the CBF economy is not about downsizing the workforce.
"It's not just about applying them to manufacturing sector, it's not about just including the younger workers, better educated workers, but instead it should be inclusive for all workers - young and old."
Mr Lim pointed out: "Which country, which tripartite partners will want to work together to become cheaper, better, faster, to improve productivity so that every one per cent improvement in productivity will lead to one per cent rise in unemployment rate?"
He added that the end result will be stronger economic growth, more profitable companies, and higher wages.
Mr Lim also said that older or less-educated workers will not be left out in the drive to be cheaper, better, and faster. Foreign workers too, will be given training.
Over the next two years, NTUC will be working with companies to raise worker productivity.
It will also work closely with the Singapore National Employers' Federation (SNEF) in the months ahead to ensure that both businesses and workers are on the same page regarding what the CBF strategy entails.
The three-day conference, which ended on Thursday, was a time for unionists to take stock of their progress and to raise issues on the ground.
Some said more could be done to get women back to work, and to provide better support for working mothers. Others suggested ways to make training courses more accessible.
- CNA/sc
Monday, August 17, 2009
Principles of Engagement in Religious Sphere
We must preserve racial and religious harmony.
We value our diversity and are determined to stay a united people.
~ National Education message #2
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 August 2009 2142 hrs
Special Report - National Day 2009
SINGAPORE: Singapore's religious harmony must never be taken for granted. This was why the Cabinet had decided that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong should speak on this unusually sensitive subject for the National Day Rally and spell out clear directions for engagement between religions, Mr Lee said.
It has been almost 20 years since Parliament passed the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. But Mr Lee noted that from time to time, the issue must be sensitively but honestly discussed to remind Singaporeans to do better.
Singapore has done well in the past 40-odd years. Contributing to the peace is the work of religious leaders who respected one another and made practical compromises. Still, there has been rising religiosity in the world - from the US to Malaysia.
And Singapore is not immune, with mosques overflowing on Fridays, churches filled on Sundays, Buddhists reaching out to youths and Hindus celebrating more religious festivals.
PM Lee said: "In itself, (there's) nothing wrong with people becoming more religious. But at the same time, stronger religious fervour can have side effects which have to be managed carefully, especially in a multi-racial and multi-religious society."
Mr Lee related the story of a Malay wedding and Chinese funeral that was meant to be held at the same void deck of an HDB block of flats.
Initially, both parties stood firm but after mediation, the Malay family decided to move to a nearby void deck and the town council decided to waive charges for it and so there was an amicable ending.
PM Lee added: "I cite this example not to criticise one group or another, but to point out that such sensitive incidents are bound to arise from time to time in Singapore. They're very rare - maybe one incident in 300 funerals.
"But if such an incident had been wrongly handled and you have a case that escalates into a racial or religious incident, then one case is bad enough. To solve such problems, to live peacefully together, we need good sense and tolerance on all sides, and willingness to give and take."
This issue also came into sharp focus during the leadership tussle at AWARE, a non-governmental organisation focussing on women's issues. Mr Lee said what concerned the government here was the attempt by a religiously motivated group to enter civil space, take over an NGO it disapproved of and impose its own agenda.
He noted that there was a risk of a spillover into broader relations between different religions but for the statements from the National Council of Churches of Singapore that it did not support churches getting involved and also from the Catholic Archbishop.
While the government stayed out of the tussle, Mr Lee said he spoke to the religious leaders after the dust settled so that everyone understood what was needed to maintain racial and religious harmony.
Going forward, Mr Lee pointed out three risks:
- aggressive pushing of one's religion onto others, which can cause offence
- not respecting the religious beliefs of others, sometimes within the same family
- segregating into exclusive circles
He added that some basic rules have to be observed to maintain racial and religious harmony.
Firstly, all groups must exercise tolerance and restraint. Secondly, religion must stay separate from politics. Thirdly, the government must remain secular and fourthly, the common space that all Singaporeans share - whether at mealtimes, at work or in school - must be preserved.
Mr Lee added: "You may ask 'does this mean religious groups cannot have any views on national issues? Or that religious individuals cannot participate in politics?' Obviously not.
"But they should respect other people's views and in the end, the debate and final decision must be based on a secular consideration of what is best for all of Singapore."
Ending on a positive note, he said while Singapore was in a good position, care must still be taken to strengthen this harmony and to never forget what being a Singaporean means. - CNA/vm
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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Thursday, May 7, 2009
OB Markers Over Sexuality Issues
Reflecting upon the AWARE saga, and the Ministry's stand which I wholeheartedly agree with, I concluded on the following principles to guide me when I am called upon to teach on this sensitive topic.
1) Uphold the acceptable societal norms.
Family as a core unit. Marriage as a basis for forming a family unit.
2) Refer to family values of individuals
Encourage students to find out and fall back on the values that their family wants them to have.
3) Educate on the consequences of alternative lifestyles.
At appropriate ages, present factually the existence of alternative lifestyles and their medical/emotional/social consequences.
4) Respect and allow students to draw their own conclusions and make their own choices/decisions.
In my own opinion, too much is made of the pro-conservative group fronted by the ousted AWARE president, trying to push their "hidden" agenda. If we read between the lines in the following article, the pro-liberals are also pushing for their own aims.
As a gatekeeper for my students, my role as an educator is to allow my charges to make informed and sound choices based on values that their loved ones (family) ascribe to.
SINGAPORE
The move came after it investigated feedback received on the school sexuality education programme conducted by women's advocacy group AWARE, and other lesson materials not by AWARE.
For the past few years, schools have been allowed to engage external vendors to supplement their sexuality education programmes.
The ministry said it has reviewed schools' internal processes for selecting and monitoring vendors, and found that it can be improved.
It said it will put in place more stringent processes to ensure that training materials and programmes delivered in schools are in line with MOE's framework on sexuality education.
MOE said its framework reflects the mainstream values ofSingapore
On AWARE's sexuality education programme, the ministry found some aspects of it positive, while other parts did not conform to guidelines.
It cited as positive - examples such as role-play practice for students to say "no" to sex. However, it found other instances - such as some suggested responses in the instructor guide - explicit and inappropriate, as they conveyed messages which could promote homosexuality or suggest approval of pre-marital sex.
In response, AWARE said it was "disappointed", as instructors were trained to use language appropriate to their audience. It had also offered on Tuesday to meet with ministry officials, but have yet to receive a response.
"I hope it doesn't mean they are going to discontinue using such comprehensive programmes as ours. And I hope it doesn't mean they are going to bring sexual education back a couple of centuries," said Dana Lam, AWARE's president.
The ministry is also reviewing ways to provide parents with more information about sexuality education taught in schools.
It added, however, that parents are ultimately responsible for inculcating values to their children, and that MOE's sexuality education programme aims to complement parents' role in helping students make informed, responsible and values-based decisions regarding sexuality.
Separately, the MOE also said it has investigated feedback on materials used in junior colleges' General Paper (GP) lessons which carry information on alternative lifestyles, not provided by AWARE.
The ministry said GP lessons are meant to promote critical thinking and discussion on contemporary issues. It added that the teachers had used these materials to initiate discussion on family structures and not to promote alternative lifestyles.
It will, however, remind school leaders and teachers to exercise greater professional discretion in guiding their students when such topics are discussed, and that they should adhere to social norms and values of mainstream society. - CNA
1) Uphold the acceptable societal norms.
Family as a core unit. Marriage as a basis for forming a family unit.
2) Refer to family values of individuals
Encourage students to find out and fall back on the values that their family wants them to have.
3) Educate on the consequences of alternative lifestyles.
At appropriate ages, present factually the existence of alternative lifestyles and their medical/emotional/social consequences.
4) Respect and allow students to draw their own conclusions and make their own choices/decisions.
In my own opinion, too much is made of the pro-conservative group fronted by the ousted AWARE president, trying to push their "hidden" agenda. If we read between the lines in the following article, the pro-liberals are also pushing for their own aims.
As a gatekeeper for my students, my role as an educator is to allow my charges to make informed and sound choices based on values that their loved ones (family) ascribe to.
MOE suspends sexuality education programmes by external vendors
By Pearl Forss & Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 May 2009 1835 hrs
The move came after it investigated feedback received on the school sexuality education programme conducted by women's advocacy group AWARE, and other lesson materials not by AWARE.
For the past few years, schools have been allowed to engage external vendors to supplement their sexuality education programmes.
The ministry said it has reviewed schools' internal processes for selecting and monitoring vendors, and found that it can be improved.
It said it will put in place more stringent processes to ensure that training materials and programmes delivered in schools are in line with MOE's framework on sexuality education.
MOE said its framework reflects the mainstream values of
On AWARE's sexuality education programme, the ministry found some aspects of it positive, while other parts did not conform to guidelines.
It cited as positive - examples such as role-play practice for students to say "no" to sex. However, it found other instances - such as some suggested responses in the instructor guide - explicit and inappropriate, as they conveyed messages which could promote homosexuality or suggest approval of pre-marital sex.
In response, AWARE said it was "disappointed", as instructors were trained to use language appropriate to their audience. It had also offered on Tuesday to meet with ministry officials, but have yet to receive a response.
"I hope it doesn't mean they are going to discontinue using such comprehensive programmes as ours. And I hope it doesn't mean they are going to bring sexual education back a couple of centuries," said Dana Lam, AWARE's president.
The ministry is also reviewing ways to provide parents with more information about sexuality education taught in schools.
It added, however, that parents are ultimately responsible for inculcating values to their children, and that MOE's sexuality education programme aims to complement parents' role in helping students make informed, responsible and values-based decisions regarding sexuality.
Separately, the MOE also said it has investigated feedback on materials used in junior colleges' General Paper (GP) lessons which carry information on alternative lifestyles, not provided by AWARE.
The ministry said GP lessons are meant to promote critical thinking and discussion on contemporary issues. It added that the teachers had used these materials to initiate discussion on family structures and not to promote alternative lifestyles.
It will, however, remind school leaders and teachers to exercise greater professional discretion in guiding their students when such topics are discussed, and that they should adhere to social norms and values of mainstream society. - CNA
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Paradox of Our Time
Time for reflection.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember:
Spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
***
Written by George Carlin (comedian of the 70's and 80's):The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember:
Spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Monday, January 12, 2009
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