Shrinking Pool of Engineers in Singapore

Pertaining to my earlier blog post, Plight of Technical Workers, there is an article published in The Strait Times today (12 July 2015) on the shrinking pool of engineers in Singapore.

Basically the article highlighted several key points as follows.

1. Most school leavers are reluctant to study engineering-related courses so much that our tertiary institutions need to admit foreigners to makeup the shortfall.
2. Other sectors such as banking offer higher salaries attracted many engineering graduates and resulted in the engineering sector having one of the largest number of job vacancies.
3. Many locals feel that engineering involves hard tedious work, contain little opportunity to progress upwards and more importantly an unglamorous job compared to other professions.
4. Although hardware and expertise could easily be procured from abroad, there is a need to develop our own capabilities to maintain and troubleshoot.

As a fellow engineer or rather technical person myself, I fully agree with all the above key points mentioned by the writer who is also an engineer himself. This has been a problem since the time I was enrolled into the polytechnic many years back. Engineering courses were the least preferred choice in local polytechnics and universities so much that they had lenient entry requirements and cut-off points. Certainly, more could be done to attract more locals to take up engineering related courses. 

Meaningful TVCs

While searching for some videos on YouTube last night, I happened to come across a retro TV Commercial (TVC) shown on our local TV channel in the 1990s. In my opinion, a good TVC is one that captures attention and enables viewers to remember vividly in their mind. Thinking of idea to make a good TVC isn't easy as it certainly represents the concept and image of the product or service which is subjected to criticism or worse, a lawsuit. If you observe the TVC trend, those that feature condominiums would usually play a famous song to accompany the video and some wordings to describe the details of the condominium. Obviously, the use of famous song in this case is to capture attention. Whenever the viewer listens to the same song in future, he/she would naturally associate in with the TVC. However, there are also other creative methods like showing a funny scene which can also capture attention and make viewers remember after laughing. This method is in contrast to the traditional "Chinese" method of advertising whereby an artiste will say how good the product/service is which is rather lame.

Disclaimer
I am NOT promoting or reviewing any of these products shown in the following TV commercials.

Solvil et Titus (Pilot)

This TVC features an air force pilot who was blissful married and shared loving moments with his wife during the World War II era. When war broke out, he had no choice but to discharge his duty faithfully. Before boarding his warplane to join his fellow comrades, he gave a watch with the word "天长地久" inscribed which simply means as everlasting or unchanging as the universe. Clearly, this watch represents his token of love to his wife as he might not be able to return safely from war. Perhaps he might intend to be a suicide pilot who definitely not return.

As you can see, this TVC played my favourite Italian instrumental song "La Califfa" (also played in the Ferrero Rocher TVC) in the background with the self-explanatory video describing the romantic story. Everything seem perfect in this case, the story, the artistes who were most popular during that era, the instrumental song and most importantly the concluding slogan "不在乎天长地久， 只在乎曾经拥有" which means “It doesn’t matter whether something can last as long as the earth and sky. What really matters is whether it has ever belonged to you.”.  This TVC was so successful that many of my peers who grew up with me became familiar with this slogan. Hence, I feel that the way this watch was portrayed made it more suitable for a break-up gift instead. What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8ycB6JLpHk

Other related TVCs:

The lady waiting for her lover that never returned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFY3sBeG22E

Summary version of the Solvil et Titus (Pilot)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dLetmkEvN8

Lunar New Year Celebration

Time flies and once again, its the time of the year when Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and perhaps some other East Asian races which we are not aware of celebrate the start of their new year ahead. Being the most important festival in the Chinese calendar, Lunar New Year is probably the most extravagant and widely-celebrated occasion among the Chinese even in our local context.

First of all, being the most suspicious among all other races in Singapore, most Chinese would be curious to find out how they would be doing in the upcoming year ahead. Every year, the TV programme shown on our local channel 8 on Lunar New Year eve never fails to broadcast the zodiac forecast by one of our local grand master. Personally, I feel that we should take such zodiac forecast as a pinch of salt. From my past experience, while the zodiac forecast are not entirely untrue, there are often variations among those from different masters. In fact, every master would tell you that their zodiac forecast which are published are very generalised and there are detailed forecast (often available upon payment) based on one's birth date and timing. If you are curious to find out your zodiac forecast for 2015, visit https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=2015+Zodiac+Forecast+by+Grand+Master+Tan+Khoon+Yong+

As a preparation for the Lunar New Year, spring cleaning must be done to keep the house in clean and tidy mode to usher in the new year and to welcome guests. The next task is to buy goodies such as sweets, drinks and snacks which are getting increasingly expensive over the years. Some people also insist on buying new clothes to wear for the new year.

The reunion dinner which is "mandatory" for everyone (except for those stuck overseas or on essential duties) can be pretty costly due to the sumptuous dishes which Chinese believe in eating would associated with being wealthy. These days, many of us are too lazy to prepare reunion dinner that we have reunion dinner outside. Such reunion dinners at hotel, restaurants or coffee shops are not only costly but also get fully booked so quickly that usually people place their booking at least a month ahead.

Finally when the Lunar New Year day arrives, everyone will be visiting family, relatives, friends and colleagues. Distribution of red packet either from married adult to unmarried children or adults to their elderly parents would occur. Perhaps this is the best occasion to chit-chat to catch up with friends and relatives due to the fact that these days most of us are so busy that we meet our relatives once a year. Besides chit-chatting, another favourite past-time among local during Lunar New Year is to play mahjong or card game which often have higher stakes.

When I was young, Lunar New Year was no doubt the most enjoyable festival in the entire year due to the massive celebration and generous amount of money spent. However, as I grow older, Lunar New Year seem to become less meaningful to me due to the following reasons.

Stressful Reunion Dinner
Preparation of reunion dinner is a hassle and eating reunion dinner outside on Lunar New Year eve is way too costly for the similar amount and quality of food you get on non-festive season. Worse of all, the huge crowd present on that day means a drop in service standards and there is also limited time for diners to consume their dinner as the service staff need to prepare for the next batch of diners. Due to the overwhelming workload, there is also high risk of getting contaminated food as the service staff preparing the food tend to compromise on hygiene under stressful conditions. This also applies to buffet catering services.

Disruptive Public Holidays
As early as Lunar New Year eve, some shops and food stores remained closed from noon time onwards till the second or third day of Lunar New Year. Some Chinese-oriented businesses even remained closed up to a week to usher in the new year which I feel is not appropriate for our city as a key financial hub. I have even heard of some of such companies mandating their employees to consume their annual leaves during this Lunar New Year period instead of granting off-days. As such, people of all races need to buy and stock up groceries before Lunar New Year. Even when food stores are open during this period, the prices are ridiculously expensive (at least 2 or 3 times more costly than usual), not to mention the quality and quantity will not be as good either. Alternatively, one can choose to consume fast food instead which is available at the same price and quantity but must be prepared to face huge crowd and longer waiting time.

Awkward Red Packet Culture
As a young kid, it was perfectly fine to receive red packets as a token of blessing from the elderly during Lunar New Year. However, when one is already earning his/her own income but still unmarried, it is awkward to receive red packets containing money. In fact, I never support this practice and would recommend it to be improvised instead. I have never liked the idea of receiving red packets especially as a birthday gift as it seems insincere due to the lack of the "surprise element" compared to presents. While it does make sense to continue distributing red packets containing money to young kids who are still studying, it would be more appropriate to replace money with chocolates or goodies for red packets given to working adults. Receiving money in red packets for me may seem to be an insult although the intent is never meant to be.

Curiosity & Comparative  - A Major Turn Off
It's part of Chinese culture to be curious, to gossip and compare. When meeting relatives during Lunar New Year visits, most of them would ask tons of questions which is pretty normal but to the extend of intruding one's privacy would be a huge turn off. When one is single, most commonly asked question from relatives is whether you have a partner. When you have a partner, they will ask when you are getting married. When they are married, they ask when you are going to have kids. When you have kids, they will ask which school you are enrolling your kids for and if they are studying, they will ask how well your kids are doing in exams. When your kids are working, they will ask how much your kids are earning and when they are getting married. The viscous cycle goes on. The comparative nature of some relatives is really an arrogant and disrespectful act which we should never follow.

Instead of following the same routine each year, perhaps we should think out of the box and plan for a more enjoyable Lunar New Year. Having BBQ for reunion dinner may be an interesting idea as it encourages bonding which is the primary objective. Alternatively, the idea for everyone to embark on a short cruise trip during Lunar New Year saves the hassle of going around for house visits and includes a complementary reunion dinner which is worth considering.

Regardless of whether you are celebrating or enjoying Lunar New Year, I wish you a happy, prosperous and smooth-sailing year of the Goat ahead!

Valentine's Day

Once again, Valentine's Day is round the corner. On this day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world but how many of us know how Valentine's Day originated? Well, the origin of Valentine's Day is not exactly known but it was believed to have originated during the Roman empire when all Romans are forbidden to worship Christianity or associate themselves with Christians. However, that did not prevent a humble Christian, Valentinus from practicing his belief. He was later arrested and imprisoned. During the time when Valentinus was in jail, the jailer was impressed with him as a man of learning and requested to bring his daughter, Julia who was blind since birth to him for lessons. Valentinus agreed and taught Julia Rome's history, described the world of nature to her and told her about God. Julia saw her world through Valentinus's eyes and found comfort in his quiet strength. Valentinus was executed on February 14 and before his death, he wrote the last note to Julia, with his signature "From your Valentine". Grateful for his love, Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.

Besides the almond tree, another modern symbol of love is represented by "love lock" or rather padlock which couples lock to a bridge, fence, gate, or similar public fixture to symbolise their love. Typically, the couples' names or initials are inscribed on the padlock and the key is thrown away to symbolise unbreakable love. This is a growing trend worldwide especially in European cities (particular in Paris where there are 2 love lock bridges) which the municipal authorities treat as vandalism and possibly littering (throwing of the padlock key into river). If you are stuck with ideas of Valentine's Day gift for your loved one, why not consider buying a "love lock" with both your names or initials inscribed? The "love lock" could be placed on the gate of your house door or office cubicle instead of public places. This is a simple and yet meaningful idea and best of all, does not burn a hole in your pocket.

The Story of Christine Daaé

Hello again, it has been some time since I stopped blogging due to work commitment. Regardless of how busy, my passion for musical never fades. Once again, I am obsessed by the all-time favorite greatest love story in the world, "Love Never Dies". To appreciate the musical, one must understand the background of the main fictional character. Christine Daae is one of them.

Christine was born in Sweden and was raised by her father (whom she called Daddy Daae) as her mother died when she was six. To earn a living, Daddy Daae played the violin while Christine sings at fairs. They are discovered at one of these fairs by kind-hearted Professor Valériuwho took them to Paris and provided for Christine's education. As a child without mother, Christine was extremely close to her father who told her Scandinavian fairy-tales of which the "Angel of Music" tale was her favourite.

Christine entered the Paris Conservatoire to be a professional singer but lost all her passion for singing after 4 years. When she arrived at Opera Garnier, no one appreciated her singing except Erik (the Phantom) who found beauty in her voice and fell in love with her. Erik told Christine that he was her "Angel of Music" and coached her in singing. When another singer fell ill during one performance, Christine was asked to take her place. Christine 's angelic voice captured everyone's attention including her childhood sweetheart, Raoul who was also present. The story continues in the Phantom of the Opera musical.

Christine's age however, was a mystery. According to the novel, she was around 20 years old when she first met Raoul but The Phantom of the Opera 2004 film altered her age to 15 or 16. Personally, as conservative Asian, I prefer her to be 20 years old when she first met Raoul. Even Christine's father name was also a mystery as Christine simply called him "Daddy Daae" in the novel.

Now that you know the background of Christine Daae, comes the question of which female artiste is your favourite to play this role in the musical?

(1) Sierra Boggess

This pretty American theater actress and singer (born in 1982) has previously been starred in this female leading role of Christine Daaé in the 2006 Las Vegas production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. She was also starred in the 2010-2011 West End (UK) production of Love Never Dies.

Watch Sierra's amazing performance of Love Never Dies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXzfGf0gJss

(2) Emmy Rossum 

This young American actress and singer-songwriter (born in 1986) was assigned the leading role of Christine Daaé in the 2004 The Phantom of the Opera movie.

Watch Emmy's lovely "Think Of Me" performance in the 2004 The Phantom of the Opera movie at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utdu_fTRP1U

(3) Anna O'Byrne

This Australian lady graduated with BMus (Hons) in classical voice from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. She played the role of Christine Daaé in the Love Never Dies musical down under and was later invited to join the company of The Phantom of the Opera and making her West End debut at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, UK.

Watch Anna's stunning performance of Love Never Dies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPvxOrsGwy0

Certainly, the perquisite to play the role of this leading female protagonist are:
1. Have suitable vocal range as Christine is a Soprano singer.
2. Have youthful look (Christine was portrayed between 15 to 20 years in The Phantom of the Opera and 20+ to early 30s in Love Never Dies) .
3. Able to perform ballet dancing as Christine also had some ballet training.

I have made my choice after watching the performances of the 3 female artistes and have selected my favourite based on her stunning performance which is full of expressiveness on stage. Perhaps you would like to make a guess on which one.

Another thing to ponder about is the tough decision made by Christine on whether to sing for the Phantom or leave Coney island with her husband, Raoul immediately upon learning that the one who hire her is the Phantom. Raoul had been a bad husband who gambled heavily until Christine had to sing to repay his debts. The Phantom, on the other hand had no right to interfere with Christine's life after her marriage. Ladies, what are your views?

Winter Solstice (冬至)

In scientific term, winter solstice (冬至) is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the entire year. In another word, it happens during the point in time when the earth has reached the position in its orbit such that the sun's daily maximum elevation in the sky is the lowest. When the northern hemisphere experiences winter solstice during December, the southern hemisphere would experience the reverse which is the summer solstice.

For the current year of 2014, winter solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs at 21 December 23:03 UTC time (i.e. 22 December 07:03 Singapore time). After this day, the daylight hours will gradually lengthen (for the case of equatorial regions like Singapore, there won't be any difference). For this reason, the Chinese considers this day as a start of a new lunar year as more daylight means more positive energy flowing in. 

Different cultures have their own ways of observing winter solstice. The southern Chinese consume glutinous rice ball (汤圆) during family gathering while the northern Chinese enjoy dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Since most Chinese in Singapore are descendents of southern Chinese, eating glutinous rice ball is a common practice during winter solstice. Every year around this time, my mum would prepare glutinous rice ball to offer to ancestors during prayer and also for the family to consume. According to Chinese tradition, eating glutinous rice ball symbolises becoming older by a year although in reality, we grow older each year whether we consume glutinous rice ball or not. Winter Solstice is widely observed by the Chinese communities in Singapore as this is a time for Taoist/Buddhist to offer prayer to ancestors and the fact that this day is very near to Christmas, it is almost impossible to forget. Most importantly, this is the time of the year when students are having semester break and working professionals are clearing annual leaves, thereby allowing more time to celebrate this occasion.

Glutinous rice balls are usually filled with peanuts, sesame or red bean paste. However, these days there are many new flavours such as Chocolate or fruit paste. Nevertheless, those filled with peanuts are my favourite.

If you are reading this post, whichever culture you belong to and wherever you are, I wish you a happy winter solstice and hope that you have an enjoyable time with your loved ones.

Christmas Island

Watching the drama The Journey: Tumultuous Times (信约：动荡的年代) currently showing on MediaCorp channel 8 made me reliased that my understanding of Singapore history is quite limited. Another thing that came to my mind recently is a place known as Christmas Island which I first heard of in secondary school when one of my classmate mentioned that this island used to be part of Singapore until one of our ex-president sold it to Australia. After doing some research online, I found out that he wasn't exactly correct.

Recently when Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott's flight stopped over in Singapore while returning home from London, our Prime Minister treated him breakfast and the two leaders had a discussion. This news was reported on social media and there were people who asked whether our Prime Minister talked about the topic of buying back Christmas Island. Apparently, I am sure it wasn't discussed.

First of all, I am sure lots of Singaporeans and perhaps even the older generation are unaware of this island. Christmas Island is situated in the Indian Ocean, quite near to Java, Indonesia. It probably takes only about 1.5 hours of flight to get there from Singapore. The main activity on this island is phosphate mining and the land crabs and sea birds are most noticeable fauna on the island. There are even flats on the island similar to the one shown below that are build in accordance to Singapore Housing Board standards in the 1960s.

The island got its name because it was discovered on Christmas day by either English or Dutch explorers. Somehow, the island was controlled by British and was administered under the Administration of the Government of Singapore which was still a crown colony of Britain back then. For some reason, the UK government decided to transfer the sovereignty of the island to Australia in which the Australian government paid £2.9 million in compensation to the Singapore government. Literally, it was the colonial government that sold Christmas Island before Singapore's independence and not our own government.