The Marketplace & Beyond

Obama's Inauguration Speech

2009-01-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

A Place I Can Call Home Soon...

2008-11-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

GOTTA Watch This: Third 2008 Presidential Debate (Full Video)

2008-10-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Wedding Shoot 27Oct'08

2008-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

We had our photo shoot from 9am till 9pm...it was only on the journey home that the fatigue sets in.

It was a wonderful experience - we thoroughly enjoyed the experience, greatly attributed to having our good friends coming together with us, and also having a very experienced photographer who equally enjoyed shooting this fun couple!

Here are some raw shots taken by our friends who went with us:

Just Before I Venture Out

2008-10-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." - Ecc 7:8

Today is the second last day of my work before I venture out full-time with my business. Taken all the name cards, copied all the contacts, cleared all the outstanding work, emailed all my contacts to inform them of my move, packed all my belongings, guess nothing much left for me to attend to...

Feel the reluctance within me right now, because it has been my comfort zone, yet I forced myself to step out of it. Things are just going to get more exciting, more challenging, more demanding, and DEFINITELY better!

Taken several photos of my large work cubicle to remind myself that there's no turning back...

About Faith, Leadership and What We Have

2008-10-21T18:51:00.001-07:00

About Faith

Faith strengthens our attitude.
The moment we complain, we de-energise ourselves.
Even if faith is never to accomplish something, it keeps us in a better place in life just with our attitude.
But faith is not incompetent, it WILL accomplish, and that's the greatest news of all.

About Leadership

Leaders train, not blame; they develop, not restrict.

Level of leadership (from lowest to highest):

- Positional leadership - people follow because they are under you and therefore have to
- Relational leadership - people follow because of your good rapport with them
- Productivity leadership - people follow because they can see your fruits and they want to be part of your success
- People development leadership - people follow because you've made a positive difference in their lives and they want to follow with all loyalty.

What kind of leader are you?

About What We Have

We think we have nothing. We have EVERYTHING.
The worst thing that can happen to us is when we start to feel that we are worthless.
If we think that everyone has got the real stuff, we start to think that we've got nothing.
Stop looking at what we do not have, and start to look at what we have.
When Christ is in us, we are complete - we have everything we need to make it in life.

Colonel Sanders was 65. He was sitting on the rocking chair in his porch when he received his social welfare cheque. He thought, "Is this what I want to have for the rest of my life?" With that, he made a list of what he had, and one of the items was his mother's family recipe fried chicken-with species and herbs.
He went to a local eatery and asked if he could do the dish and have it up as one of the dishes on the menu. Given the chance, his fried chicken became an instant hit and LOOK WHAT WE HAVE TODAY - a worldwide phenomenon of KFC...more finger-link'in chickens and a whole lot more fats....

We have everything we need in our hands.
The moment we change our attitude into one of faith, we start to see opportunities and resources.

What is in your hand today?

Be for me, not against me.

2008-10-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

"It is recession time, you'll be affected."

Yes, I'll be affected, in the positive way that I believe.

Be of a different spirit. Be the Caleb, be the Joshua, lest I become like the other spies.

With every fall of empire, there will be the roar of new giants.

What appears as an adversity in one's eyes is an opportunity to another.

Rise up and be that anti-current. Why do you have to be like everyone else?

You are unique and you are able.

Be strong and of good courage.

The greater the adversities, the more others will know that it is through Christ who strengthens me that I can overcome them.

In every adversity, there are opportunities.

In every sunset, there will be sunrise.

The bigger the storm, the brighter the rainbow will be;

The One in me is greater than WHATEVER circumstances that are around me.

Will you be for me today, and not be against me?

Pray for me, shout for me, strengthens me by encouraging me, give me that extra push, would you be my cheerleader?

My Sisters

2008-10-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I spoke to my sisters recently - one through MSN, and the other called me from Australia.

I did a search for poem regarding sisters, found one and made slight amendments cos I think they deserve special words as my tribute to them.

My sisters are special to me.
I fought with them
I cried with them
My sisters can sometimes understand me better than anyone else (or at least they think so)
My sisters are there for me through good times and bad
As a toddler, I've seen my sisters sharing their clothes
As a little boy, I've seen them emotionally drifted apart in their rebellious teenage years
As a teenager, I've seen them becoming emotionally knitted again
And I've seen them drift apart geographically
Sometimes I may wish I can change my sisters
But if I ever change just one thing about them, it might ruin everything unique about them
They are just special as they are
and they are just as precious as they are
Some people think sisters are just sisters
But my sisters are more than that
They have showed me the way to Jesus,
showed me in their teenage years how to be passionate for Christ through their serving in church,
showed me what fighting for one's dream is by going for multiple times of English language test and saving money to live in a foreign land,
showed me what a mother's love is through their sacrifices for their little boys and girls.

Silent respect is my salute to them...

Blessed to be blessed!

2008-10-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Next week is my last week of service with my current employer. Received a beautiful gift from my two AEs (Admin Execs) today. Was really touched by their effort. As I walked back from the gent to my work cubicle, I saw two of them sneakily hanging around outside my cube. Then one suddenly handed me this orange paper bag which has a nicely wrapped blue box inside.

Why is it that more often than not, it's always the ground ppl (instead of the management) who learns how to appreciate ppl?

"Thanks for your help and support all these while when you've been with us. All the best to your business." Two simple sentences, one unforgetable moment.

Thank you, Jeslin & Kamaliyah.

Peek-A-Bride!...

2008-10-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

A peek at M.Y. bride-to-be...

What Kind of Audio Device Is This?

2008-10-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Those are my earpieces...given them a new twist to help stay bended. Thought it's a pretty interesting shape, so decided to snap it. Our creativity can bring us far.

Getting A Kick Out Of A Ball...

2008-10-08T02:17:00.001-07:00

Another Step Towards Happiness

2008-10-08T02:11:00.001-07:00

We saw those lavender-coloured wrapping papers with wedding vow on it...exactly what we've been looking for. Bought them on the spot and our Ang Pow boxes were made that night...

A Step of Faith Really...

2008-10-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Kissed from a "ROSE"

2008-08-12T22:26:00.001-07:00

We went for a visit to the Asia Pacific Brewery (APB). At the end of the tour, we get to drink free flow of beer (of all sorts)...and that was where all the funny things happen.

Okie...this' gonna be shocking (at least I was so shocked...so much so that I laughed non-stop)..got kissed by my group director! Gosh!....

Multiple Identities...

2008-08-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

Decided to do a search on my name and found the following identities...just for the fun.

Hmmm...anyone knows which one is the real me?...

Singapore Vertical Marathon 6th November 2005
Corporate Team Ranking
19 Accenture Team
3 Total Team Time: 00:25:25
Rank :1
Bib No. :809
Name: Jimmy Ong
Total time: 00:11:40.00

Chay Sing Hai Challenge Cup was awarded to Vanda Robert's Delight 'Blue' exhibited by Jimmy Ong for the best V. sanderiana or strap leaf Vanda with V. sanderiana strain.

Amos International (S) Pte Ltd was incorporated on 16th December 2003, and commenced operation on the 21st June 2004.
Amos International’s mission is to be a reliable business partner to all our valued customers. We aim to provide sound marine & offshore logistics management and supplies solutions to vessels calling at major South East Asian ports.
Operating out of a 1,800 square metre (approximately 18,000 square feet) office cum warehouse space, Amos International has the capability and capacity to handle the logistical requirements of ship-owners / ship-managers. From supplying common consumable stores to techinically challenging ship spares, Amos International has the expertise to ensure all ships’ requirements are accurately and punctually attended to.
Located in the vicinity of the Port of Singapore, Amos International can respond effectively to any urgent requirements of vessels in port with its comprehensive range of inventory items.

General Manager - Jimmy Ong
Mobile : +65 – 9388 ****

Chatterbox cafe presents "Everybody's Choice" menu.
Singaporean Executive Chef, Jimi Ong has created an innovative menu complete with 22 new menu choices from the appetizer, fresh cream of tomatoes soup or shrimp coctail, continuing with a tempting main courses deep fried dory fish with spaghetti, hainanese chicken chop with onion sauce or choices of wantan noodles with beef and end up with lovely dessert, tau san, pan cake with black cherry and apple or coconut ice cream with cendol and red bean.

Air Defence
by MAJ Chiun Koon Wee and CPT Jimmy Ong

Since the German attack on Poland in 1939, no country has won a war in the face of enemy air superiority, no major offensive has succeeded against an opponent who controlled the air, and no defence has sustained itself against an enemy who had air superiority. History has proven that air superiority is essential for winning a war. Although recent wars have demonstrated the supreme effectiveness of offensive operation in gaining air superiority, one should never under-estimate the importance of defence operation. When the Israelis parried the Syrian air offensive in June 1982 it showed that a sound air defence acts as deterrence. It also demonstrated that a well executed defence can inflict high losses to the enemy and achieve air superiority.

The University at Buffalo’s Executive MBA programme that is offered by the Singapore Institute of Management has drawn organisations like Philips and HP Singapore to enrol their middle and senior managers in it. SIM-UB EMBA Graduates 2006: Jimmy Ong, Regional Director, PSC Inc Singapore

Ventures Started by Students of Minor in Entrepreneurship Program
Company Name: Petals and Co.
Industry: Florist
Name: Mr. Jimmy Ong and Mr. Nasrul Lim
Minor Batch: 3
Appointment: Founder/Management
Website: http://www.petalsandco.com.sg
Year set up: 2005

Madam Tan Lau is a familiar sight to those who dine on the crab and frog leg porridge at Geylang's Shun Kee Eating House, on the main road between Lorongs 6 and 8. Mr Jimmy Ong, the third of her six children, has been running Shun Kee for more than 30 years. Madam Tan is the head of five generations with more than 30 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren...She added: 'I am 100 years old.'

Jimmy & Ong Pool Services
760 Choa Chu Kang Nth 5 #10-169, 680760, Singapore
p: 67694663
Products & Service Areas : Swimming Pool Equipment, Supplies & Services, Swimming Pool Service

A Calling And The Destinies Of Many

2008-07-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

"And in this I give advice:

It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;
but now you also must complete the doing of it;
that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.

For if there is first a willing mind,
it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;
but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack,
that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.

As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”"

~ 2 Cor 8:10-15

Steps of Faith, literally

2008-07-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

I was very encouraged when I saw old men and women taking steps of faith yesterday during dialect church. The message was about being a new creation in God. Try telling an OLD citizen that he is a NEW creation in God, he would have looked through his blurred vision at his folded skin, degenerated muscles, clutches, and probably thought you've gone insane.

Not only they were ministered by the word, they took it a step further and received miraculous healings! One man in his 60s could not lift up his hands even before he started coming church, but yesterday he raised up both hands in testimony of God's healing!
A man, in his early 50s, could not walk and talk properly, and wasn't able to lift up his hands after he's struck with a stroke. He came forward to testify God's healing by lifting up his left hand high up without any assistance!

One Cantonese lady came forward to the stage with her clutch and declared her faith that she is a new creation in Christ, and she trusted God for her healing. She was prayed for, and then her clutch was taken away from her by the preacher. To an old lady with weak legs, the clutch is EVERYTHING to her - her independence and her strength. Initially she was shocked by the preacher's action, but nevertheless she started to lift up her knees and move her feet. The atmosphere was even more charged up with every step she took, and the band even played a praise song to encourage her to move with the rythem. Before we knew it, she's walked a good 5 meters UNASSISTED! And what's more, she actually lifted up her legs - the FIRST time she does these things! These elderlys are literally taking steps of faith!!!

So, to the many of us who need to step out in faith, what are we waiting for?! Lets go... =)

Returning to our point of reference

2008-06-12T18:44:00.001-07:00

Was engaged in a chit-chat with a friend who was facing some challenges in his life. In our conversation, we discussed about how the passionate prayer life of an on-fire Christian, can (over time) become a religious routine. There and then, I believe it's the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded of what my fiancee shared with me about our point of reference. Each of us ought to have a point of reference in our life. We need to have a point of reference in our walk with God. After I shared that with him, not only was he encouraged, I got encouraged too by remembering that.

It's not whether challenges will happen, but a matter of time that they happen - times when we don't feel like praying, when we are discouraged because things we are working on are not happening in our life, when we don't feel the tangible presence of God. This is where our remembrance of our first love with God will be crucial. It is our point of reference. Remember how He has blessed our soul, changed us and filled our life with blessings. Same goes to the area of marriage - if we lost touch with the feeling of love with our spouse, then the remembrance of our first love during courtship, how we have been through the ups and downs together - that remembrance will be our point of reference.

It's time I return to that point of reference, how about you?

Believe the verses that I posted will encourage you, just as they did to me...

An Invitation to Abundant Life

“6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,

Call upon Him while He is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

Let him return to the LORD,

And He will have mercy on him;

And to our God,

For He will abundantly pardon.”

~ Isaiah 55

“6 For there shall be a day

When the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim,

‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion,

To the LORD our God.’”

…‘O LORD, save Your people,

The remnant of Israel!’

…9 They shall come with weeping,

And with supplications I will lead them.

I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters,

In a straight way in which they shall not stumble;

…‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,

And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’

…17 There is hope in your future, says the LORD,
That your children shall come back to their own border.

18 “I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself:

‘ You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained bull;

Restore me, and I will return,

For You are the LORD my God.

~ Jer 31

For you were like sheep going astray,
but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
~ 1 Pet 2:25

Encounter with God

2008-05-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

"One person with passion is far more influential than ninety-nine without."

Our encounter with God will give us the passion to seek our destiny, and a sense of purpose to fulfil it.

~ Our life is the result of our choices. We set our own standards. ~

Clear Violation of Privacy for Public's Pleasure...

2008-05-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Watch while you still have the privilege to!...before I pull this off the web to protect my dear friend, Adam Tham...

To Brave Adam: I love you a lot and seriously, I REALLY think you're talented!

A tribute to the Champion!

2008-05-12T04:04:00.000-07:00

What you set your heart on something, PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens) for it!

~ Your life is a result of your choices. You set your own standards. ~

Different Perspectives, the Same Great Minds

2008-04-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

It is often said that "Great minds think alike".

I must say that "alike" does not equate the same things. It also does not equate the same perspective, but rather a pattern of thought......

"Great minds think on a similar thought pattern."

To keep on keeping on? Or not?

2008-04-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Amazing how our lives can be so inter-twined by our work, friends, relationships, finance, future prospects.

I received some very discouraging comments today, followed by bad news. All these happened after a terrible weekend I had just gone through with heart-breaking setback and 5 times of diarrhea on Sunday.

Have I failed to shine?

Please don't dwell in the negativities, for God is able to turn every stumbling block into stepping stone......using our own hands (hard work).

Keep on keeping on, just as you have always been doing. Pick yourself up, motivate yourself.
It is OKIE......

Enriching Your Life with Knowledge

2008-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Just completed "Ngiam Tong Dow: A Mandarin and the Making of Public Policy" and "Goh Keng Swee: A Portrait". I personally won't recommend the book on Mr Goh Keng Swee...apart from the book being written in a monotonous historical style, many reviews have commented the incompleteness of the autobiography.
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Now halfway through "The 4Rs of ASIAN Shopping Centre Management". Gonna go on to "Innovation Japanese Style: A Cultural and Historical Perspective". Last week I went past Bras Basah and bought 2 second-hand books on the spot..."Management Consulting: A Guide to The Profession" and "Business Consultancy". Though they cost quite a bit, but I walked out of the shop feeling very satiisfied and happy...it's like you've found the keys to some locked treasures...Wohooo!
.
I'm really looking forward to be enriched by these books, so that I can share the pragmatic wisdom with the people around me. My love for knowledge really originated from Mingyan, my girlfriend. It was during her NUS time when I saw how she loves the study of American films & media history and many other subjects that I was influenced to FINALLY start reading. (It was really personally challenging at that point when I was in army). More importantly, I saw how her love for knowledge has made her to become such a perceptive (the most suitable word I've come across so far to describe her) and wise person. I'm eternally grateful to her.
.
Would like to encourage you to take up reading. Bring a book with you everywhere you go - after a while, you will develop a "relationship" with it..haa. You don't have to start with a 100-pg novel. Read something that will add fire to your passion. Mine is in the areas of entrepreneurship, consultancy and personal excellence, so I read about Richard Branson's autobiography "Losing My Virginity" on how he started Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, and how he deals with challenges etc.
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Your life is the result of your choices. You set your own standards.
.

The Story Behind

2008-02-18T06:37:00.001-08:00

This year's V'day is finally over. Didn't sleep on 13th and drove the entire 14th. It was great experience. That's the joy of owning your own business I guess - it brings the best out of your - your every extra ounce of energy and leadership.

This biz originated from Mingyan and myself. She had a primary school friend who is the son of a flower importer. I was in army then. Sensing the opportunity with the readily potential customers in my camp, Mingyan got me to order some roses together from her friend, and we began collecting order from friends around. We stayed up all night to wrap bouquets - with minimal skill. We were inexperience, BUT we were willing to learn and to try. The following years were the building up years where I outsourced the production to a florist in order to ensure quality bouquets. And the branding - that's when Petals & Co. was formed, by Nasrul (my former Uni mate), Hweeting (who later opted out of the biz) and myself.

This is the 5th year I'm doing this. In fact, I was contemplating if I should continue with this or not. This year's planning began with some interesting collaboration, only to turn out to be some unfulfilled words and blank talk by suppliers. I learnt a great deal. Didn't want to continue the biz this year actually, but I thought I should at least use this to be a blessing and teach some ppl interested to get a taste of biz, than to just gave up the entire operation without impacting anyone.

Gotten Tenghui (my sec classmate and collegemate) and Jane (his gf) involved. A very interesting couple - Tenghui met Jane on the street when he was doing roadshow as a just-started-out insurance agent. He got her contact, and quitted his insurance job thereafter.

This v'day is meaningful - I helped an army buddy with a proposal bouquet - delivered to JAAN restaurant up at the high tower of Swissotel Stamford Hotel. Our delivery and operation went so smoothly, without late/wrong delivery. I credited that to the prayers I made. Thank God.
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I know this is good training ground. Many times I wished for my friends who have similar aspiration to join me on the road, but only to remember that everyone has their own priorities.

To those aspiring to start your own business, be far-sighted and not despise small beginning. You can make a difference if you will to do so.

Your life is a result of your choices; You set your own standards.

Part of the Harvest

2008-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Suggest to them that they should take some all-families photos...and that came to past...

Reading Ngiam Tong Dow: A Mandarin and the Making of Public Policy

2008-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Recently I chanced upon the name Ngiam Tong Dow through a businesss owner whom I was chatting with, and somehow repeated saw this name overs newpapers. I was never interested in public policies or politics and such, yet I made the unusual move to google this name and read a profile of this great man.

I set out this year to read a certain number of books, with a specify number for each genre, so that I can enrich my knowledge and deepen my insight. One of these genres is to read memoirs of leaders. I took the deliberate act to visit Popular to get this book by Ngiam Tong Dow, yet it was out of stock. I was determined to get it somehow - went down to Borders and took me a while before I got the book - cost me $38 (one of the more expensive ones I possess), yet it is all worth it!

When you read the life journey of great men and women, you start to realise that they are just as ordinary as us. Many of them rose to the occasion out of the pressing need leadership in their situation.

On being a Christian
"I must tell you that wherever I am posted in my service career, I have always regarded each posting as God's will for me. I will do my best in each job and through my work shine for Him.
I must confess that I had hoped to be given certain appointments, doing my will. And each time I set my heart on something, my will, I have been disappointed. At every fork on the road the Lord, on looking backm has always provided a better alternative for me, doing His will, not mine...We should be as gently as a dove, but be as wise as a serpent."

On Singapore being a gem after a blessing-in-disguise separation from Malaya
"Singapore, like other developing countries, adopted a policy of import substitution. Politically, Singapore merged with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia. We had hoped that a Malaysian common market would be formed to provide the economies of scale for out manufacturing industries. A common market never came about...The Tengku was alarmed that the PAP's campaign for a 'Malaysian Malaysia' was the wedge that would threaten Malay supremacy. No Malay leader can forsake Malay supremacy.

In political history, Singapore must be the only country in the world that sought survival by merger with a bigger neigbour, only to be expelled to become an independent nation. It could almost be said that Singapore gained independence not by choice, but by chance.

In industrial policy, we made a virtue out of necessity by switching from an inward-looking import substitution strategy to an international export-oriented policy. All at once we had to learn how to swim in the deep oceans of global competition"

Guess where our CPF system originated from?
"(During the colonial times)..the Singapore civil servants, we all were entitled to pensions, So when we retired, we would all exoect a pension from the British Government, I can imagine somebody in the British Treasury thinking, ' Why should Britian keep a pension fund for all these chaps (colony citizens)? Why should we fund them? We better make them pay for themselves.'

So they started a Singapore Central Provident Fund. So all us civil servants had to save our own money for our pensions. So the British started this CPF because they didn't want to have the burden of caring for our old age..The British imposed CPF system on the colonies.

By the way, they never imposed these measures on themselves. They imposed a Currency Board for the colonies, but they never imposed it on themselves. So theit own sterling pounds went haywire, and they could never get it under control..But for these two measures, we have to credit the British. They really instilled strict discipline on the colonies. This was to our overall benefit; our great benefit."

One book leads to another - I'm now con-currently reading Dr Goh Keng Swee: A Portrait.
A quote from him during his younger days as a student...

"Anybody who want to prosper in this world must have ambition, ambition comes from a thought and the enthusiasm and determination to carry out that thought."

Start reading.

Your life is shaped by the words you speak,
the books you read,
and the people you associated with.

Without Shame

2008-01-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

It's a NEW YEAR, and yes, I sat down to make plans and goals - both the major and the minor ones, the certain and the uncertain ones.

I decided to have a fresh start by re-reading the bible from Genesis. Took a little time to check out simple words that I didn't pay attention to in the past.

"The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it...Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.'...Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man...Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame."

I checked out on the word 'shame'. It means, "disgrace, which gives the definition as loss of respect, honor, or esteem"

Understand and remember this: That nothing, absolutely nothing, can crush our value or self-esteem; not pressure of work, not criticism from people, and not ourselves definitely!...because God did not make us to be with shame (loss of esteem and respect).

We are nothing if we look at our own strength, but we will realise that we have everything if we see ourselves in Christ.

By the way, I tried to make a subtle positive difference in my office with this message board...

It reads:

“…speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.”
~ Anonymous author.

It's a NEW year!...Amidst our busy schedules,
lets determine in our hearts this year to make a positive difference to someone’s day.

Can ONE man make a difference?
YES you can!!!
By starting your simple notes of encouragement here…

AND the beautiful thing is, that you can too! Good day ahead to you!

Preparing ahead

2007-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I last posted. Decided to just take a step back to rest and to observe my life.

Watched Warlord with Bro. Thought-provoking. It's beyond just a war movie filled with swords, spears, canons, archers and heroes who will survive despite pierce-through wound in the chest.

Was reminded of being single-minded about one's vision. Some descriptions of my takeaway from the show:

FOCUS
Humanity
Unwavering values
Being shrewed (often used in the negative way, but American Heritage Dictionary's definition is "Characterised by keen awareness, sharp intelligence and often a sense of the practical; penetrating"
Observing Discipline

The bible says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

What this means would be that I need to reach out for Christ's strength and not my own;

What this means would be that UNLESS these things are of God, it'll amount to nothing;

What this means would be that UNLESS I believe I am empowered to accomplish all that Christ has for me, I can go nowhere even if He strengthens me.

Hope this speaks to you too (whoever is reading)...Merry Christmas ahead!

To Samuel, Happy Birthday.

I Tasted Happiness Seeing My Family in Joy

2007-12-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

Being Thankful and Being Forward-looking...

2007-11-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

I'm just glad that I've got a gf who is with me;

A brother that understands;

A job that I can be exposed to learn new things and at the same time, make a difference;

A future that I look forward to.

I'm glad I'm walking my talk.

Life is simple, though filled with adventurous uncertainties.

Every obstacle is not to disappoint you, but to show you what you can do better to overcome it.

The fruit of the Christmas' Angel-Mortal game I proposed in my workplace...Angels writing to their mortal, and mortals returning note of encouragement and a stalk of rose too...

Walking My Talk

2007-11-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

I guess that's why NIKE's slogan is such a hit for decades...words can really be cheap.

What an interesting week, and LIFE, so full of uncertainty and adventure...

Staying on Course

2007-11-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

The Power of FOCUS.

Keep going.

Direction in Life

2007-10-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

Some quotes I found regarding finding directions in life:

You just have to be honest about what excites you.

Motivation that comes from inside is the first key ingredient to every successful endeavour.

Encourage yourself to find out what suits you, what thrills you, what brings you pride.

Find yourself a purpose in life and then don't let that be muddled or overshadowed by the hurly-burly of day-to-day events.

Go after your dreams - let them lead you.

If there are two vital elements in life, they are determination and enthusiasm - the result of their combination is stunning.

Own up to what you most want out of life, and then work out the most positive and directway of getting it.

You've got to fight against the urge to try to say and do what other people want. That's not how you earn their respect. They will most respect you for thinking and doing what they didn't think of, what they didn't dare. That's the key.

Find yourself a path that you could put your whole heart into.

Whatever you do, do it well. Doing things well brings a great sense of satisfaction, no matter that it's cleaning your bathroom or making a movie.

Identify your 'unusual features', your differences, and make these work for you. Make them a strength and explore and mine them. Let your 'uniqueness' be your competitive advantage.

Make a niche for yourself.

Earn your living doing something that you thoroughly enjoy for its own sake before any consideration of the social status, or salary or approval it affords you.

Ask yourself, 'Do I know what my capabilities are? Where does my potential lie?' However, just because you're good at something, doesn't mean you have to pursue it.

It can be painful to realise that sometimes even people whom you consider as good friends don't always want to help you get to where you're going, simply because they don't want to lose you.

Many young people are worried about disappointing their parents, but this means theirchoices for action are limited by their parents' values.

The greatest influence on everyday choices, behaviour and expectations is the real-life examples in your immediate vicinity. This is why you need to brush shoulders with a whole hostof different worlds.

Don't expect to get the right job first time around. Be prepared to change. You will inevitably have acquired certain transferable skills, perhaps with computers, people or presentations, that you can always take with you into another line of work.

Lives will change direction faster than you have expected. What you want to do now might not be what you want to do in five or even just two years time. So don't be afraid of making a new choice.

First rule is to love what you're setting out to do. Second rule is to give yourself a time limit. No one's a one trick wonder. Find or create another way forward for yourself. Deploy your well-developed talents in another direction.

What have you always enjoyed? Your answer might be a good vantage point from which to see new directions in life.

You will only feel dissatisfied with yourself if you don't try your best.

You only keep going and get really good at things if you enjoy them enough. So don't kid yourself or other people. Once you've given something a go, own up to how much you really like it.

Every sportsman has to build a second career, and there's only a small number who can goon to be coaches or managers or commentators. You have to look ahead and work out what you'd like to do and start preparing the ground for it.

It can be very exciting going into another profession after several years in a previous one. Nothing to be worried about, because you'll have developed a whole range of transferable skills and experiences from your previous field.

Regularly ask yourself if you're doing the right thing for yourself and for those you love dearly.

Don't do things just because other people think it's a good idea.

Never lose sight of those things that are fundamentally important to you, and use them as landmarks to help you keep your bearings on route.

Today's charity worker is next year's corporate lawyer, and vice versa. Keeping a flexible outlook and esteeming people is the key.

There is a grave danger that if you undergo a miserable journey in the hopes that it will lead to better things, it may only lead to more or the same miserable journeys.

There will always be 'tough days' or even awful weeks, but miserable months might be telling you something.

You'll only make the most of your life if you feel it really is your life and you get to choose which direction it goes in and what routes it takes.

The Way Forward

2007-10-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

My 5th months into my job. Learnt many things. Exposed to many people - both the positive and negative ones, glad that the former forms the majority. Given the privilege to go on overseas trip. Blessed tremendously by the freedom I enjoy in my job. Learning the rope still, giving myself certain goals to achieve in my job - one of which is to be the best employee within my division of 13ppl. I can do it.

Got treated to a delicious meal by bro - shared with my his first harvest after landing himself a great job. One of the meekest man I've personally known. It is such a comfort to know than after 15years of friendship, he remains as a friend who sticks closer than a brother. An honor indeed to have him walking alongside.

Went BBG yesterday. Last min I gave KK a call. He was with Hardy and they came. A word in season - I believe it didn't speak only to me, but both of them as well. It's truly a time of establishing the principle in my life.

Pst shared that we are not under law - meaning to say that we go church, we praise, we pray, we fast - not because we need to, but because we want to (as a result of our love for God). If we do all these things out of us feeling the compulsion because of our leader or anything else other than love for God, then we subject ourselves to be out under the law, and become prisoner to that compulsion.

David did not desire to build God a house out of motivation that God will prosper him, but out of his love for God. As a result of that desire (motivated by his love for God), God prospered him. So prosperity comes as a by-product of our love for God. I can't set out just to impact lives for God, but more importantly, to please God. To be a man after His heart.

Was just thinking about my cg. It's time to move to another phase of life, and I need to be sure about it before I verbalise anything. Looking at my cg, I believe I've made a difference in laying the foundation on how to deal with matters in an adult cg. My leader doesn't talk to the ppl like he does with his youth cg.

Talked to Mrs Yang. Being former entrepreneur, she's constantly looking for viable biz opportunities to venture into. She encouraged me to start my own business, and even enthusiastically wants to link me up with many channels of help. Despite the great temptation, I know in my heart there is a season for me, and it will soon come. Not now though.

Coming to the end of 2007, and I'm already looking forward to 2008! Next year would be an even more exciting year - with even more challenges! It's going to be tough, yet adventurous - and I LOVE that! It may mark the change in my career direction, it may be the turning point for my life in many other aspects.

I'm just thankful for being able to be in this position where I am now in my life. For the many friends whom I'm blessed with, for the privileges I'm given, the finance coming in, and the loads of opportunities ahead. More importantly, I'm thankful for the chance to once again, re-establish my source of motivation.

What Would Your Last Lecture Be?

2007-10-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid452319854/bctid1199157902

There must be something more than this!!!

2007-09-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced, that there must be something more than this.

Yes, something more than just getting up early in the morning,

Rushing from point to point,

Calling friends up for a quick supper;

Yes, there must be something more beyond what I see, and even beyond what I can foresee.

Don't be anxious,

Don't be impatient,

You will begin to see a new light with every little step you take.

Your life is purposed for greatness;

Greatness not in your own measure,

But greatness according to His destiny for you.

Take that step forward.

Find Joy In The Rain...

2007-09-19T01:17:00.000-07:00

aRE YOu HAvING A rainy DAY?

There will always be sunshine after the rain. Remember the rainbow. =)

Fellowship

2007-09-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Is fellowship = quality time? Not necessary. Not all the time.

Why spend that much to travel all the way just to meet up for that few hours of activities with laughter and travel all the way back with all the additional expenses and less sleep? I wonder about that too.

Is this the kind of "quality time" we seek? I suppose it's a matter of relativity. Not so to me at least. I will watch the way I spend my time.

I don't think I'll be too tired to meet up, no matter how late it is. Seems like again it's a matter of relativity. Ppl may just get too tired to do so.

News Brief - 11 Sep 2007, Tuesday

2007-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT - Property giant CapitaLand and a church-linked business company, Rock Productions, announced yesterday that they will jointly develop an integrated complex in Singapore's one-north science hub at a cost of $660 million. CapitaLand's share of the proposed development will be about $380 million. Rock Productions - the business arm of the 16,000- strong New Creation Church - will invest $280 million.
The project came about after JTC Corporation last Friday awarded Rock Productions the tender to build, lease and operate an integrated civic, cultural, retail and entertainment hub at Vista Xchange on a 60-year lease at a land price of $189 million.
New Creation Church, which now holds its services at The Rock Auditorium at Suntec City, will be the anchor tenant of the theatre, using the space on a large part of Sundays and one mid-week night, said Rock Productions director Matthew Kang.
Rock Productions also owns and manages The Rock Auditorium and Marine Cove, the recreational and dining establishment at East Coast Park.
~ ST, Sep 10, 2007.

QUOTES - The current 21st century tourism trends point towards Singapore as a major Asian destination. The key is to support the idea for a 'prime hub' beyond mere rhetoric. This means physical and social infrastructure support for Singapore as a unique attraction among regional tourists.
I envision Singapore as the 'global city of Asia' - a 'clean and green' masterplanned city-state with world-class infrastructure, strategically managed accommodation, global connectivity, vibrant enterprises, unique and exciting shopping and culinary experiences, and a melting pot for diverse cultures.
It is critical for planners and policy-makers to harness internal and external resources towards sustaining and supporting this positioning with the flood of tourists expected in the days ahead. Most importantly, our continued competitiveness in this area will have to be found in the regional links we can forge to benefit from the flow of tourism in the region.
~ Dora Hoan, Group CEO, Best World International Ltd. Business Times - 10 Sep 2007.

RETAIL - WingTai Asia Group subsidiary Wing Tai Branded Lifestyle has added furniture and home decor stores to its retail offerings.
Making its debut at with a 2,500 sq ft store in Raffles City, Zone Singapore is a one-stop store for home, bathroom, kitchen and office ware - the first franchise store in Asia for a Danish brand founded by Poul Jepsen. The 2,000-plus products are categorised into PersonalZone (bath accessories), LivingZone (living area), FoodZone (kitchen) and WorkZone (office).
Helen Khoo, executive director of Wing Tai Branded Lifestyle, says that Zone is an extension of the group's lifestyle activities. 'Shopping for the home has also become like buying fashion. Home furnishing is an expression of the owner's personality. We had to look for the right partner to bring in - and Zone was just what we were looking for.'
Zone is located at Raffles City, #03-25.
~ Business Times - 08 Sep 2007.

FASHION & DESIGN - Imitations are estimated to represent at least 5 per cent of the US$181 billion US apparel market. Critics of designers even argue that copies are good for fashion because they encourage designers to continuously invent new wares to stay ahead. A reliable estimate of knock-offs cannot be determined because designers and retailers disagree on which clothes are copies and which merely 'inspired' by a trend, a normal part of the fashion food chain.
~ TNP - 08 Sep 2007.

HR & TRAINING - An official survey on staff training shows that big companies are benefiting strongly from their extensive training, even though there are fewer immediate benefits for the staff members themselves.
Larger companies tended to be more likely to provide training for their staff; 96 per cent of companies with 250 or more staff sent people for training, while the percentage came down to 86 per cent for those with 100-249 workers, and 66 per cent for companies with fewer than 100 employees.
By sector, among the highest training participation rate was in construction (91 per cent), hotels (86 per cent), financial services (85 per cent) and companies in professional services (81 per cent). Retailers (50 per cent) and restaurants (39 per cent) were among the least enthusiastic about training, possibly because these sectors have a high reliance on temporary or part-time workers who are trained on the job.
~ Business Times - 08 Sep 2007.

QUOTES - When Singapore was young and poor, its civil servants worked like warriors. 'We spent 10 per cent of our time thinking, and the rest of the time doing - knocking on doors, asking people to invest in Singapore,' said Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, speaking at the Distinguished Speakers Lecture series, organised by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday.
Now that the country is prosperous, its civil servants sometimes behave like scholars. 'More thinking than doing,' said Mr Ngiam. 'If there is a problem, you call in the consultants,' he said, half-jokingly, to laughter from the 150 or so people at the Ritz Carlton ballroom. He observed that Singaporeans today could go into fine dining restaurants and know enough to order the best foods and wines. 'But if I asked you to do something practical, like fry an omelette, could you do it?'
He contrasted the 'warriors' of old with the civil servants of today. 'Scholars and warriors - you've got to be both,' he said.
In the early days, he said, Singapore didn't mind what jobs it was offered - it took them all, 'high-tech, low-tech or no tech'. Today, it is a financial centre that manages billions of dollars for foreign banks. It has high-value manufacturing sectors such as wafer fab. It is also an international hub for oil and other commodities.
Singapore, Mr Ngiam said, had expertise in many areas - from oil rigs to research in life sciences, from nanotechnology to media animation. But most of all, its forte is public administration. While the basics of government are incorruptibility and integrity, he said it is good administration that will 'deliver the public goods and services'.
~ TNP - 09 September 2007.

FASHION & DESIGN - Ermenegildo Zegna stands out from the luxury menswear crowd in its steadfast refusal, so far, to go into ladies' wear.
Paolo Zegna, chairman of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, who is in Singapore to open the company's Capital Tower store, says, ‘Asia accounting for almost 30 per cent - including Japan - of sales makes us feel great because it's in line with our plan for a third of our business to be Europe, another third to be the Americas and a third to be Asia. We expect Asia to be the market of the future, and what we're doing in both developing and developed countries makes us feel very good about the next year.'
Mr Zegna's sanguine outlook and commitment to aggressive moves in Singapore and the region herald interesting news from the company in the months and years ahead. Stay tuned.
~ Business Times - 08 Sep 2007.

News Brief - 10 Sep 2007, Monday

2007-09-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

Capturing headlines is one core expertise of the majority male. I've therefore decided to exercise this capability and extract major/ interesting trends and news brief on a regular basis to value-add to you, my faithful readers. I'm still learning to write my news brief, so bear with me for the first few posts. Hope it helps you to stay relevant and forward-looking.
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You have a good future, albeit one filled with challenges!

QUOTES - 'The young premium segment is especially important as they are the best educated and are the primary beneficiaries of Singapore's transition to a knowledge-intensive and service-driven economy,' the report says.
~ Business Times - 05 Sep 2007.

QUOTES - 'The biggest boon for India is that 890 million people are under 45,' said V Vaidyanathan, executive director with India's second largest lender ICICI Bank, at the India Retail Forum 2007 in Mumbai on Tuesday.
~ Business Times - 06 Sep 2007.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT - Fancy Ritz-Carlton luxury living at home? That will be possible come 2010 when the Ritz-Carlton Residences is ready. Hayden Properties — a joint venture set up last year between KOP Capital and Emirates Tarian — will build the 36-storey, 58-unit condominium, while the Ritz-Carlton Company will manage the development. Sale prices will be available before the launch in late October.
~ SPH - Tuesday • September 4, 2007.

COMPANY PERFORMANCE - Retail and property counter Second Chance Properties said yesterday it will launch a Muslim Mart concept store to sharpen its focus on the Muslim market. Second Chance unveiled the plan with its financial results for the full year ended June 30. Net earnings jumped 75 per cent to $18.4 million, thanks mainly to an $8.5 million gain on the fair value of marketable securities, compared with $900,000 in 2006. The result was achieved on a 13.4 per cent increase in turnover to $48.2 million from $42.5 million.
~ Business Times - 30 Aug 2007.

COMPANY PERFORMANCE - WING Tai Holdings yesterday posted fourth-quarter group net profit of $243.2 million, more than triple the $75.4 million for the previous corresponding period. The results brought the group's net earnings for the full year to June 30, 2007 to $381.8 million - a record for the property and retail group - and almost three times the $128 million for the preceding year. The full-year results include $189 million in fair value gains on investment properties (mostly Winsland House I & II) as well as profits booked from the sale of residential property units. Wing Tai sold 1,311 homes for $1.8 billion in FY2007.
~ Business Times - 30 Aug 2007.

FASHION & RETAIL - In the early days when alldressedup first made its debut in Singapore and got lots of media coverage, articles about the label were often accompanied by headlines to the rhyme of 'all dressed up and nowhere to go'.
All those who did wonder just how far alldressedup would go though need not do so any more, because alldressedup has hit the racks at Saks Fifth Avenue (eight stores across the United States) and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, besides being stocked in multi-label stores in Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuwait, Riyadh, Bahrain and Brisbane.
'Now you can say we're all dressed up and going global!' declares Tina Tan-Leo, 47, the brains (and the beauty) behind the label, and the founder and president of The Link group.
In September, the label will get a shop-in-shop space at Parksons at The Pavilions in Kuala Lumpur; similarly, at Isetan Scotts here in October. Its flagship stores will open in The Gardens in Kuala Lumpur in January, and then in Paragon in March 2008.
~ Business Times - 25 Aug 2007.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP - Not every entrepreneur goes into business strictly with making money in mind. And not every socially conscious individual gives up a steady income to do charity work. 'I wanted a business that was built to benefit people,' Ms Joanna Soh explains. So she looked at the organic products industry, and since organic food and skincare had become quite established products, she reckoned that organic clothing could become the next big thing.
CooshLife was born just nine months ago, after Ms Soh hooked up with an organic apparel producer in Australia and a friend with creative design background here in Singapore. Their first product, CooshBaby - a label of 100 per cent organic babywear - is now available at three outlets here: Takashimaya department store, Supernature and Mothers Work.
~ Business Times - 07 Sep 2007.

ART - Eat, drink, and be arty! Call it window shopping for art. Put on your walking shoes for an art walk around 16 galleries having a combined open house. A chartered bus in two looped services will arrive at designated times to take you around galleries in areas such as Dempsey Road, Holland Village and Robertson Quay. Bonus: a free flow of wine and cheese at most galleries. Check out : www.agas.org.sg
~ ST - Sep 7, 2007.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – Not long ago, these 50 or so Housing Board (HDB) shops were almost forgotten as a number of struggling businesses took a payout to leave. Now, the area is buzzing with new life, as crowds throng trendy new wine shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants – all in a relaxed, alfresco setting.
Sunset Way’s new look will only get better: its town council and the HDB will pump in another $1.5 million to complete its makeover, said Mr Andrew Lim, chairman of the Sunset Way Trades Association (SWTA).
Some new food and beverage retailers told The Straits Times they looked at Tanglin Village before settling on Sunset Way, forking out an average $250,000 to set up shop. One tenant, who did not want to be named, said he was paying rent of about $5.50 per sq ft (psf).
That is far cheaper than the rent at Holland Village of $15 psf, and those at Tanglin Village of about $8 to $10 psf, as well as nearby Rochester Park of about $12 psf, estimated Sunset Way’s master tenant, Mr Victor Koh of Circles International Solutions. ‘I did my research before deciding on the prices here. It’s important to be affordable when the estate’s just starting again.’
~ SPH, Aug 30, 2007

QUOTES - Productivity must know no age and must enable us to propel the nation to greater progress instead of looking at the elderly as dependants. And fail not to consider the sunny side: an ageing workforce means the potential availability of knowledgeable and experienced older workforce to contribute to national productivity. It is also an opportunity to create new markets for products and services targeted towards the older population.
~ Business Times - 27 Aug 2007.

GOVERNMENT & POLICIES - Monetising two and three-room HDB flats owned by older Singaporeans is a good move as this will provide them with additional funds for their retirement needs. Besides providing housing grants to first-time owners who want to stay near their parents, perhaps the government may want to consider 60 or 66-year leases instead of the current 99-year leases for new HDB flats. This will allow the first-time owners to pay less for their flats and at the same time save more money in their CPF accounts. - Theresa Chew, CEO and Co-founder, Expression International.
~ Business Times - 27 Aug 2007.

COMPANY PERFORMANCE - Fashion and lifestyle group FJ Benjamin's full-year net profit has more than doubled to $21.5 million from the previous full year's $10.2 million. Turnover for the full year to June 30 rose 38 per cent to $257.6 million on the back of strong retail sales particularly from its Guess brand and maiden contributions from the Gap business launched in September 2006. The retailer - which also holds other brands like Raoul, Banana Republic and Celine - will return $74 million in a capital reduction exercise, which works out to be 13 cents per share.
~ Business Times – 24 Aug 2007.

MERGER AND ACQUISITION - Japanese department store Isetan Co Ltd yesterday said it would take over its 334-year-old rival Mitsukoshi Ltd for US$2.6 billion in a stock swap, creating the country's largest department store group. The merger is the latest move to consolidate Japan's US$68 billion department store sector. Industry-wide sales have fallen for nine years amid weak consumer spending. Isetan, the fifth-biggest department store, and fourth-ranked Mitsukoshi would together generate about 1.6 trillion yen (S$21 billion) in annual sales, surpassing a union of Daimaru and Matsuzakaya Holdings set for September.
~ Business Times - 24 Aug 2007.

PRPPERTY DEVELOPMENT - The sleepy foothills of Mount Faber are set to come alive. The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has been tasked with turning it into the next lifestyle-cum-entertainment hot spot in Singapore. He explained that Mount Faber was being tapped because the 500-ha Sentosa island was 'quickly running out of room'.
~ SPH - Aug 15, 2007.