Tagged with singapore …

02/26/2013
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IMO, Uncategorized

Tak Boleh Tahan!

saying goodbye

saying goodbye

“Tak Boleh Tahan!” is Malay that can be somewhat translated as “I can’t take it anymore!” (if i’m not wrong!) so why this title you ask? Because I can’t take it anymore, I feel so blessed with such awesome friends and I actually feel really sad leaving (again) this time!

So minus the fact of the escalating cost of living in Singapore, I realized this trip home made me miss being in Singapore more than the past few times when I was traveling around. Perhaps because I have been back for more than a month, I got really comfortable with the environment and weather (even if I wished for more sun). Or perhaps I have been away for too long? haha though 2 years away from home is nothing as compared to some of my international friends out there.

some of the fond memories from this vacation <3

some of the fond memories from this vacation <3

Since it was Chinese New Year period and the fact that I was so busy with my thesis preparation/PhD application, I didn’t get to meet up with many people but still I had fun with the few cliques that I managed to meet up. I am so so so sorry for those whom I didn’t have time to meet up with! But thank you for the others who managed to take time off for me, especially knowing how everyone is busy with work or tired after work but still came down for me Smile really appreciate it! The unplanned numerous hi-bye small chats were pleasant surprises too! It was awesome to know new friends too, especially the team behind re:solve, all the best for the rest of the production and looking forward to the upcoming movie!

Fear not! (haha I don’t think anyone is..lol) I will be back in June and be done with Beijing very soon! Please pray for me and wish me luck for my thesis and I promise to keep everyone posted! I will also try to do the vlogs that I have always wanted to do while in China to show how life is over the great firewall! But that’ll come probably in April, after I submit my MA thesis.

In the meantime, take care everyone and God bless! Thank you Singapore, it’s been a great time being home. (As much as I still do not want to settle down here yet..lol)

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02/18/2013
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Film

[MovieBuzz] Re:Solve 决义案

resolveIf I were to be honest, I don’t think I have been a huge fan/supporter of the local film industry. Probably because I can’t relate very well to the local sense of humor, which unfortunately everything seems very lame/fake to me, or I find them all “sama, sama” (same, same in Malay). If you are a movie/tv junkie like I am, you can certainly tell which films are produced from which country based on their plot, style etc.

So Hong Kong is rather known for our (I’m still born in Hong Kong afterall, will always be a partial home to me..haha) police/crime/gangster classics. The whole police vs lawbreakers/triads relationship seems to be more seductive, probably due to the high adrenaline tenuous border between the two. So why only Hong Kong? Can’t we also produce something good and new in the Singapore’s film scene apart from the usual naggy parents who wants their kids to score A1, kids who cry too much in every other scene or something that only Singaporeans can relate to instead of going more international?  Question

ceremony

So recently the media has been talking, there’s an upcoming movie that just kick started its production. “Re:Solve 决义案” is gonna be the first police action thriller in Singapore!  This feature film will be directed by Randy Ang, who happens to be a friend and also an alumnus from the same design school I attended a couple of years back. Extra props for that!  But anyway, personally I am looking forward to this because finally we Singaporeans have something that is not sappy/lame/with boring family plot/too localized for international audience…but actually exciting enough to emerge from the Asian cinema that we can proudly call our own!  Yes

Anyways, there’s Sunny Pang and two really hot Taiwanese leads, Chris Lee 李至正 and Mico Chang 张玮纯 to look out for in the movie too. Of course there are familiar local faces of the Singapore TV scene too. (oh..psst..friends from our local twittersphere will notice a familiar name/face too! *coughs*)  Not gonna share more but do like their facebook page here if you want to be updated on the progress and look at more pictures/videos! Can’t wait to be back from Beijing for its premiere!  Laugh

 

disclaimer: I wish I’m paid to write this but no I wasn’t..haha..just genuinely looking forward to the movie (haha setting such high expectations eh? lol just kidding) and supporting my friends+local industry as a whole!  Cool

 

 

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02/06/2013
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Beijing, IMO

Reverse Culture Shock

"Train is coming, train is coming"

“Train is coming, train is coming”

So after being home for almost a month, I have been traveling around and exploring Singapore like I’ve never before when I actually residing here.

Like many would experience culture shocks when you arrive at a new place, we get reverse culture shocks because the place we used to call “home” is now so foreign to us.

So I was experiencing this on the subway, in Singapore’s term “SMRT” or train, and I found it really hard to adapt to. Minus the fact that our trains are somehow forever at their peak period no matter what time I board – it’s always packed! Most of the time it stinks because of the mixture of perspiration, humidity and lack of a/c. I think what I couldn’t accept more is the lack of manners or courtesy.

Sure, most people would think I’m being ridiculous if I would say the Chinese are more polite and courteous, thanks to the media stereotyping Chinese in that way. Perhaps not all the time but passengers in China will gladly give their seats up to elderly and children, which is something I’ve yet to see so far after being home for weeks.

At least when in Beijing, you can’t complain much about being pushed and squashed into the train like sardines because it is actually really packed! I would almost think that the Chinese have no idea what minimum personal space is! However, I have experienced so many times in Singapore that it was only the door areas that’s filled with people and the middle of the cart is practically empty! It annoys me so much to see that and having to wait for yet another train just because people do not understand the concept of moving in.

So this phenomena of how Singapore passengers are always crowding around the entrance confuses me so much – would you rather be trampled over by the exiting crowd or just have the courtesy to move in if you’re not getting off the next stop? I got pretty used to how the Chinese would go “有下吗 (you xia ma)?” to see if the people in front of them are alighting at the next stop, This way, people will know when to move in and not block the exit for alighting and also you don’t have to frantically squeeze and push your way out. But Singapore passengers do not exactly ask or excuse themselves to move closer to the exit before alighting, nor do they feel awkward to be standing in the middle of nowhere when everyone is trying to push their way out. All they do is stuff their earphones in, listen to their music and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

Oh wells, I guess everywhere has their own public transportation quirks or strange local habits that we will never understand!

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02/03/2013
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Fun, MYY

Your Royal Hikeness

So somehow after being in China for almost 2 years, I developed a new liking to do “healthy lifestyle” activities like trying out new sports (i.e ice skating) or getting out in the nature. I knew about the “hidden” side of Singapore a few years back when I was trying to strike an event location deal with nparks for our Voice Personality Hunt in 2008. But being a typical lazy Singaporean who imagined I would probably melt under the sun and it was too much walking as compared to just sitting down in a nice cafe with a/c, I never had the chance to visit the parks in Singapore – not to mention, go hiking. This vacation, I was rather determined to do what I wanted to do since last summer vacation – and that is to explore Singapore! I swear it was a painful process to ask/beg/whine/drag my friends or even family to do these activities with me but I miraculously managed to convince my 3 awesome poly friends to do the HSBC treetop walk with me! (which I kept calling Tabletop instead) I’ll let the pictures do the talking…(click to view bigger pictures)

So after the treetop walk, we figured that since we are there, we might as well do the whole hike and we went towards Jelutong Tower which is a steel tower built primarily as a viewing tower for hikers and also serve as a makeshift shelter in case of sudden storms. The view was pretty awesome so I was pretty pleased that we decided to hike further. We met this nice young couple who offered to take the group shot for us! Along the way were some signs that explain the surrounding and introduce some plants/animals in the forest…but somehow we had our minds down the gutter (as usual) and everything became NC16 – “hardwood” etc…which we sniggered and chuckled along the way down…

Then it was time to decide which way to exit from – the shorter route or the longer one that takes us to MacRitchie Reservoir? Obviously we braved the hot humid weather and proceed to the longer route. It was almost a 7-10km walk we did in total I’m guessing but damn, it was so worth it! I really had a lot of fun, thanks to the noisiest lamest hiking partners I can find (lol, I swear we were the loudest in the forest trails) and the trees really protected us from the sun and heat. It was alil tiring but not exhausting till I felt like I wanted to give up halfway. So I would encourage all of you to go on to this hiking experience during your weekends (it wasn’t even crowded!) and see the beautiful side of Singapore!

I wanted to do this entry as a guide (click here for official guide!) but I figured since the Treetop walk has been around for awhile by now, there is no need to but I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Let me know if there are any other places to explore in Singapore and if you’re going to take a hike to the Treetop walk+MacRitchie Reservoir, do share with me how it went! Smile

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02/01/2013
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IMO, MYY

The Final Hurdle

So….I have finally submitted my PhD application just a couple of hours ago.

Many of you will probably go “Whurrrrttt ?! You are STILL studying?”/ “How old already still schooling?” / “Not tired of studying?”/ “Crazy, wait later you get permanent head damage (phd)!” or judge me as one who is just purely going through the “paper chasing” route.

phd

So the billion dollar question is “Why go for a PhD in the first place?”

There are many reasons that can be grouped into some general categories, the most disinterested reason among all will probably be “curiosity and thirst for new knowledge”.  Very cheesy but I do find myself enjoying reading things that interest me much more after those university days because you start to analyze things in a different manner. You no longer read for leisure but often find yourself challenging the author or questioning the words written. (sometimes even in a romance novel..lol) It gets tiring at times but also rewarding when you find another source to support your own stand. I guess this is somehow related to doing researching and writing thesis, coming up with evidence and supporting literature.

Of course, it is not always such a “noble knowledge search” excuse but often a practical reason. I graduated from my Bachelor’s not knowing what I should/can do in the job market – certainly I can just apply for some companies and find myself a decent first job like many of my schoolmates (who are doing rather well). But I was feeling rather lost like as though there’s no purpose in life and didn’t really want to settle for something “less”. So when the opportunity came for me to do a MA degree in Beijing with scholarship, obviously I took it up. Now I face the same crossroad – work or continue studying? I struggled quite a bit on that over the last few months because I know I am not getting any younger and there’s always a little tinge of envy when I see my friends settling down in life while I’m still trying to skim through my textbooks in the library. But I guess I am starting to discover the joy of this whole “lifelong learning” process and I honestly still have no idea which career path I’d like to be in, except for the fact that I’d like to do something that allows me to work on different projects or analyzing something, travel and meet new people ..which sounds exactly like a researcher does!

On the other hand, I don’t think doing a PhD will get me immediate financial rewards, in fact it might put me on even bigger debt (which I already am, with my university loan..lol). But I guess it is also my SpartanDad’s dream to see both his daughters finishing up their PhD which he’ll be more than happy to take my place if given the chance to. So there you go, another reason for me to do my PhD.

In any case, I am still in the midst of writing my MA thesis (I won’t deny that it is killing me at times) and it is just an application sent. If all goes well, I really do hope that I will have a chance to study in Europe. However, if all else fails, it is back to home sweet home aka Singapore and join the work force! (Since I probably can’t financially support myself to go through PhD now) We shall let fate take its own course. Wish me luck!

 

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01/30/2013
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Beijing, IMO

The China Conundrum

recap

So time flies when you’re having fun, I have been in Beijing for 1.5 years (minus the fact that I was also traveling every vacation).  Many people have asked how’s my life in Beijing and it’s often answered by a “I hate it, but I love it..I don’t know..it’s a love-hate relationship” – which I figured most foreigners who have been staying in China for more than 6 months can relate to. Perhaps I can summarize it into Top 3 Love/Hate(s):

Love

2013-01-12 23.08.38

1) People – Being a “foreigner”, you’ll find the Chinese people always ready to help and really friendly (sometimes over friendly to the extent that they will text and call you at the most random hours) I have met a great bunch of International schoolmates as well! It’s really fun to meet people from places you’d never imagine meeting ever in your life and getting to know their cultures too.

2012-12-15 15.52.39

2) Places – I think I can spend more years just exploring China and the list of places I have yet to visit is extensive. Coming from a city environment, the nature bits of China never fail to astound me and I really enjoy traveling via the train (surprise surprise) because I get to meet different people with interesting stories all the time. Traveling alone in China is actually rather safe, or at least I have done it without any problems so far. Yunnan, JiuZhaiGou and Qingdao are priorities on my to-go list for now. Perhaps Tibet too, if time and finances allow.

2012-12-30 12.12.57

3) Culture -Being Chinese, it’s always fascinating to go back to my roots and understand the Chinese culture on a deeper level. I realized there is still so much to learn and the historical side of China with its many ethnic groups makes it even more attractive.  Plus I am the kind of traveler who prefers to live the local way instead of checking out tourist attractions or dining at high-end restaurants.

Hate

1) Pollution - What can I say? Like the Beijinger’s memes suggested, it takes me two years to get my MA degree and probably a shorter time to get lung cancer. It’s so ironic for me to tell my friends that I’m going out for some fresh air when I needed a break from work.

2) Traffic - I still have no idea what are the actual traffic rules in Beijing, it seems that the traffic lights are just there for decoration most of the time. Cars zooming past while u’re crossing with the green man staring at you seems pretty normal. I’ve gotten used to being a pedestrian in China. However, it is the traffic jam that kills. It takes you probably double the traveling time to get to your destination because the traffic is always at its peak, no matter at what time of the day it is. It really annoys me more than anything else to be wasting my time on a public transportation.

2012-12-30 19.49.01

3) Habits – Pushing through the crowd, spitting on the floor, getting into a verbal fight, jumping the queue and smoking right underneath a “no smoking” sign seems to be the norm rather than against the rule/law in China. Of course, not everyone in China is like what I mentioned above but I have seen plenty. (Note: But I must say somehow these scenarios happen more in Singapore than in China itself and that the media portrays a very negative stereotype of mainland Chinese that they do not deserve, there are nice well-mannered Chinese too!)

It’s been a whirlwind one and a half year with work, life, travel and learning all struggling for my attention but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m rediscovering China every day I am there.

 

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08/01/2012
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Beijing, MYY

Milestones: The First Year

Back on sunny island aka Singapore, hopefully to revamp the blog and attempt to keep it updated once again. It’s been awhile and I bet most people have forgotten its existence. (boohoo) This August marks the end of my first year in Beijing Normal University, it has been an exciting ride so far with many changes within just a short period of time. So for the fresh start to this blog once again, let me recall what went on for the past year in Beijing. (long entry ahead)

as most of you should know by now, i am currently doing my international M.A program in Comparative Education. The course is 2 years and conducted in English, with 15 other international friends from all over the world. It has been great and I’ve learnt a lot of things from my peers too. It is indeed different from my SMU days but life’s good so far. Almost done with most of my classes except for 1 core and 1 elective class. Now time to fight and struggle with my final thesis which is on social media+educational leadership.

so as usual, I am still pretty active in school – joining student clubs and helping out in events. Joined this chinese debate on Beijing Traffic (see pic) and we won second prize! That’s quite an achievement for someone who barely speaks Chinese back home. I was also dragged into a music instrument competition and forced to practice Guzheng once again after 7 years of not touching it..thank god my foundation is still strong enough for a Bronze award. The most ridiculous prize I’ve won is probably the cooking competition where I had to wrap dumplings. But it has been fun and adds on alil spice in my student life. It gets really boring some times. Of course, having friends do help – sadly, most of them are back home for good as they are on 1 year program or exchange. Hopefully the next semester will bring in more friends that I might get along with.

I have also been traveling around China as much as I can. So far in the past year, I think I have been to Harbin, Xi’An (again), LanZhou, BeiDaihe, Tianjin, QinHuangDao, XiJiaZhuang, countryside of Beijing and of course the climb to HuaShan (see pic) was most memorable. Traveling around China is relatively cheap though I’d say every city looks pretty much the same to me somehow. Starting to love the great nature much more and looking forward to visit more places once I am more or less done with my thesis next year!

Came back to Singapore since 8th July and had the honor to help out with the University Events team in SMU at this year’s commencement. Was great seeing all my friends again and juniors who are graduating this year. Reminded me of my own commencement in 2011, which sadly, I didn’t take that many pictures of or any studio shots. Guess there’s always the next graduation to look forward to! Speaking of future, I am currently hoping to find a job in Singapore that will relocate me to Beijing. (p.s if you come across any companies hiring, do drop me a message! deeply appreciated!) Probably back to Marketing/PR/Events/Management field since I think Education requires much more patience than I have.

In the meantime, do remember this blog and come back for more updates. I promise to do this regularly once again since my classes are almost over! Give me suggestions on what to blog about too! =)

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05/17/2011
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MYY

The Longest Post-School Break

Tom: “Either she’s an evil, emotionless, miserable human being, or… she’s a robot.” (500 Days of Summer)

It has been a really long break I took from blogging. Like what Tom said, I was definitely a miserable human being trying to be a workaholic robot. Not an excuse for my tons of overdue posts (Timbre Rock and Roots, Timbre Song Writing Competition, Fairly Legal Review, many weeks of AOTW and TV+movie reviews)  I know. So sorry to all my readers but I AM BACK (-inserts awkward silence-) Those posts will come shortly after!

But yes, getting back to the whole blogging thing before I am doomed behind the Great Firewall. In case you have not heard, I will be leaving Singapore in a few months time for further studies in Beijing. The good thing is, it will be conducted in English (Phew!)  The bad thing is, I have to leave my loved ones behind and also having unstable internet for the rest of the months I’m there. Hopefully I can continue blogging with the not-so-secret mighty VPN power. More on that decision next time!

In other news, the last few weeks of school was great. Catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, getting enough sleep (or so I think) and busy planning for the Beijing trip and studies. I am currently working full time at Epiphany Education till I leave town, it has been real fun conducting workshops for students and knowing that they enjoyed the time spent together with their coaches, hopefully learning something out of the workshop too? Hee.

So how’s May coming along for you?

 

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04/11/2011
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Events, Music, SMUBE

[Event] Timbre Rock and Roots 2011

This gotta be one of the most exciting music festival  happening after the awesome Laneway Festival experience I’ve had at the start of the year. How can you resist having all this legend..wait for it..dary (No, wasn’t a pun for John Legend) performers up on stage for not just one but TWO nights! Fantastic lineup…and like many others, I’m really looking forward to catching Bob Dylan, Imogen Heap and John Legend!

It is good to know that Timbre is also supportive of our local talents! Check out The Sets Band and 53A on the 2nd night as well! It’s gonna be a rocking weekend! Happening this coming weekend at Marina Promenade, get your tickets at Sistic now! Just call 6348 5555 or log on to  www.sistic.com.sg

If you can’t make it for both nights, do stay tuned for I’ll bring you personal updates and highlights from the event! Gosh..I can’t wait for the weekends to be here!

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04/09/2011
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Events

[Event] Music-in-the-City Fund Raising for Japan

Music-in-the-City Fund Raising for Japan at Ngee Ann City,Civic Plaza [义安城］

10 April 2011 (Sunday..tomorrow!), 10am – 10pm

There will be Guzheng performances from 10-4pm and local musicians performing all the way till 10pm!

I’ll be there from 10am-4pm, and if you’re wondering whether I’ll be playing the Guzheng…you can come down to support and find out for yourselves!

What’s a better way to enjoy great music and do your part for charity? See you there!

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