15 October 2010

It seems greater effort has been placed into allowing alternative voices to be heard in Singapore. We will never have a 100% free speech system like Taiwan or the US but we are getting there, slowly but surely. There has to be a compromise isn't it? It may be a slow and sometimes painful journey but we will get there, somehow.

There was a specific lesson with Dr. Cherian George when we dicussed the media models around the world. It is a school of belief that I do not subscribe to, which dictates for a country to follow suit one model in particular. What works in the US might not for China or Singapore. There are just too many elements to consider and the cultural context is more important than ever because we need the difference and competition to thrive.

Earth is a melting pot. Hopefully, we will all learn and accept each other's differences, as with individuals, companies and countries.

Speaking of which, I feel so strongly that the US is desperate in seeking a solution to its domestic problems and the most convenient resolution is to pressure appreciation of the yuan. I know economic wheels are at work too and it is probably about time to for the currency to be re-evaluated. But the yuan did not cause the financial crisis or unemployment in the US. Greedy bankers on Wall Street did. Bankers that ultimately created the empty mind shell for the men on the streets, who trusted that the financial "professionals" were at least, managing real money.

I learnt from AT that PR is like a theatre play. This show staged by the US has been running way too long and I am opting out as a member of the audience already.

14 October 2010

Eat Pray Luv

Such a movie buff. Today, Eat Pray Love is added to the list. The movie triggered many thoughts and emotions within me. It was a magical journey because of Julia Roberts. There was not a moment where I felt disconnected to the story. From Italy to India then Bali, the urge for freedom was strong. It certainly posed food for thought and I believe the movie not only speaks out to me, but also all the women out there who's looking for love, balance, peace and faith.

If the Italians think that Americans do not know how to appreciate the pleasures of life, I wonder what are their thoughts on Singapore? Sometimes, I feel so stifled that the lifestyle seems to be devoid of enjoyment. Don't get me wrong. The system works great and there are many things in Singapore that I don't take for granted. To feel the void, we need more choices in our way of lives.

Maybe I am just a coward who has yet to indulge in my individuality. And sometimes I surprise myself with the conflicted thoughts. My life is flawed in many ways. But if perfection is not within reach, one can simply make the best of it. what really matters is that I have a strong support network.

Best family, coolest friends, sweetest colleagues, and a very important soulmate.

13 October 2010

Awesome Professionals

It was a great press conference where I got to work with the most awesome professionals like Danny, Jean, SJ and Vicki Zhao Wei. It's the combined efforts that marked the success. The word gets around and once you have found the right business partners, you can't wait to work with them again.
I believe in what goes around comes around.

I also believe in my bf's profound soundbites. Like how we would not know if our partner is the one until he/she is indeed the person by your deathbed in the end. Kinda morbid but also true.

Stop waiting. Start enjoying the present and to appreciate.

18 July 2010

The odds were against them but the protagonists survived anyway, just like all other Hollywood blockbusters. Yet 2012 felt real, that the end of the world is possible and the selection of the humanity is filtered by genetics and level of wealth. Who is to say who should live or not? This is not natural selection, but a case of "survival of the richest and brainiest".

No one ever said Life is fair.

01 April 2010

Andrea Bocelli to perform at free YTL Concert of Celebration 2010 in Singapore Botanic Gardens

In all honesty, I have never been formally introduced to opera so I'm not an avid fan. But I'm excited about Andrea Bocelli's free performance to be held at Singapore Botanic Gardens on 8 May 2010.

Andrea Bocelli is a rare successful crossover from classical music to pop and has now made opera so much more accesible for people like me. It is a traditional Italian art but I think he has played a huge role in making it timeless and relevant for the "new" generations yet retaining the audience's support from my parents'era.

So I logged onto www.ytlconcert2010.com.sg hoping to win a pair of complimentary tickets for my parents to enjoy the performance under the stars in May. A really convenient excuse for me to create a bonding opportunity for them too. :) Not forgetting my sister and bro-in-law too.

This is part of YTL Concert of Celebration series and of the company's special tradition of thanksgiving to God and the local communities where their businesses are based. Singapore has been chosen as this year's concert venue as YTL's recent milestones and successes are recorded here, with the acquisitions of PowerSeraya, Starhill Global Reit and the launches of luxurious villa collections - Sandy Island and Kasara - The Lake. The businesses are diversified but it creates a dream, that inspires me to fulfill. Like owning a piece of the lifestyle YTL promises. It is also heartwarming to know that a foreign company has us in

It is closer to heart and home, to hear of successful Asian businesses on the global platform. Especially when the businsses are aligned with YTL's Managing Director, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh's belief in doing good for the community with every business decision he makes.

Being given this opportunity to participate in this concert has broken the barriers between the brand and me. A "layman" consumer like me is not forgotten.