My 1st rally this year

I attended my 1st rally of the year in serangoon stadium last night. It feels like a festival. WP flags, books, newsletters are being peddled around for a fee, people are sitting in and outside the stadium with the whole family, everyone seemed excited. But excited about what??

I paid $2 for a party flag, treating it as a small donation to the party's causes, and went into the stadium. Overwhelming crowd, sea of people everywhere. From the entrance, I couldn't see where the stage is, let alone identify who is speaking and on what issues. Finally managed to squeeze my way in eventually to have a better listen. In all honestly, the whole experience was a bit underwhelming, I had looked forwarded to and expected a better speech with more substance especially from CSM, but what disappointed me more was actually the crowd.

As impressive as the large numbers in the crowd may seem, a majority of them didn't seemed to be there to listen to the candidates speaking, to learn about what the party is doing or trying to do for them. I saw many simply having a picnic in the middle of the field, taking pictures, busy tweeting/facebooking then really listening to what is being said. To many, it's simply nothing more than a novelty, a form of 'entertainment'. Is it a new fad, especially for the younger crowd, to be seen as anti-establishment, a rebel? To be seen at an opposition rally? To take photos and 'check-in' on facebook just because its cool to be seen there?

Personally, that is not my ward. But I was there because I wanted to see how WP had evolved. The party is contesting in my ward, albeit with a different team. Not the 'A-team', but I wanted to get more of a feel on the party, and how they would make things better for us. I remember visiting quite alot of election rallies the last time round and the crowd was visibly different. There is a sense that people were taking things more seriously. This time round, people seemed to be taking it as entertainment, and the speakers seemed to be playing to the crowd as well, making generalistic popular statements that evoke emotions but doesn't really say too much.

I had hoped this election will be different.

I had hoped that it will be a next step towards a better future for us.

But I am not feeling so optimistic.

Lets pray it doesn't end 87 - 0

Respect

Really salute Mr Low Thia Khiang for his decision to move out of his comfort zone in Hougang and contest a GRC in Aljunied. Put me in the same position and I may not have the guts and resolve to do what he did. He could pretty much stay put and keep on doing the same job which he had been doing very well, and drawing a high 'allowance' at the same time. He could treat it as his own little retirement village, a little bit like a small village chief in the old days, where he will live a comfortable life, and commands respect from the people in Hougang.

I used to live in Hougang a long long time again. Long before I knew anything about politics. To me, Hougang was never any different from the nearby AMK (which I moved to next), nice housing, amenities, places of worship etc. Only real 'difference' or question to me at that time was why there are no MRT there. I did not feel that it had been in anyway 'shortchanged' or disadvantaged. There is no reason for me to feel that way.

Only much later in life, just like in the matrix movie, after taking the red pill, did I realise how many things work in our uniquely Singapore context. Learnt new terms, such as 'pork barrel politics', 'gerrymandering', 'character assassination' and 'fear-mongering'.

I often see Mr Low when I visit Hougang. I even see him around my estate once or twice over the last couple of years even though he isn't contesting here. Rumor has it that he attends every single funeral wake or wedding banquets held in Hougang. Not sure how much truth there is to it, but if true, speaks volume for his character. To voters living in PAP wards, I pose this question, "when was the last time you ever saw your MP if they didn't need something (ie your votes) from you?" For me, its easier to strike 4d than to meet my MP.

By choosing this route, he is basically forcing voters that are still sitting on the fence to make a decision. To break status quo. To bring WP and opposition in Singapore to the next level. I sincerely hope he succeed. Its not going to be easy, especially against George Yeo who seemed to be genuinely well-liked by many and to give credit where its due, had been doing a pretty decent job as a foreign minister. The other members in his team are certainly no TPLs and can be counted on to stand on their own feet, but the WP team seems intent to match them all the way by fielding an very impressive lineup as well.

For this election, I finally decided to start doing something. I've volunteered my services as a polling/counting agent with WP.

A small step forward, may it lead to a big leap next.

DBS ramps up offerings to high net worth clients

From Todayonline:

DBS ramps up offerings to high net worth clients
10:30 PM Apr 26, 2011
SINGAPORE - As part of its strategy to grow its assets under management from US$35 billion (S$43 billion) to US$50 billion in the next three years, DBS is ramping up its offerings to the high net-worth segment through a new wealth management platform.

Called Treasures Private Client, the platform is a one-stop shop of private banking and consumer banking solutions to give clients access to everyday transactional banking, along with investment offerings.

Analysts estimate that the number of high net worth individuals, with upwards of US$1 million of investable assets, is set to grow by 40 per cent in Asia in the next three years. Wealth amassed by such individuals in Asia is seen growing by US$80 billion in the same period.

Ms Pearlyn Phau, managing director and regional head, DBS Treasures, said, "We will roll Treasures Private Client out to Singapore and Hong Kong as these are the two key markets. We will roll it out to the rest of our key markets in due course."

"In terms of the growth of our customers in the US$1 million to US$3 million wealth bands, we see exponential growth in the next three years. So this will be the target market we're looking at," she said.

DBS also said that the new platform will have a team of 200 staffers, of which 30 to 40 per cent will be new hires.

Hmm... is it just me or is this new DBS CEO trying to mimic his previous employer? Even the name and the criteria is exactly the same. Just like their adding of 'specialists' and 'consultants' to the investment team. Similarly, can't even be bothered to change a title.

Let me guess what next. Instant credit card issuance? hmmm...

Sure makes the job look easy.

I'm getting a bit of news overload lately. My RSS feeds are filled with election news. The local papers are full of articles glorifying the incumbents while the online articles are mainly full of articles 'de-glorifying' them. Its getting real predictable and boring.

Latest topic now is of cos on the sexual orientation of the SDP candidate, and the way the news was brought out. Now you really know things are in full swing.

Typical.Gutter.Shit.

Honestly unable to garner up any respect for any single of these incumbent MPs/ministers. Totally full of shit and out of touch. Yes, I do witness a lot of stupid singaporeans on a daily basis, but are they really the majority? Will they not be able to see through the bullshit and stunts that you are trying to pull?

random

Not feeling well over the last couple of days. Basically slept the long weekend away.. sigh... after working so hard, thought I can finally have some time to do my personal stuff. oh well..

Thought i would go home earlier to rest since not feeling so good. Ended up reaching home after 9pm. sigh...

But I spent some time talking to a colleague. Someone junior who I can see works really hard, but is not getting the results that others are getting. Kinda reminded me of myself when I was just starting out in the industry. Unlike me though, he asked. And unlike my seniors back then, I shared and taught.

I remembered back then, I never really asked anyone anything. I tried initially, but very soon I realised, being in a sales role where a newbie is potentially your competitor, the culture is such that the seniors either can't be bothered to even talk to you, or will only teach you the bare minimum, or worse, teach you the wrong things on purpose. I'm kinda glad to be out of that kinda environment.

Speaking of environment, my current workplace is a surprisingly comfortable environment to work in. Despite some hiccups and the obvious sales vs all other departments problems, I have enjoyed working here thus far as compared to my previous workplace. Less politics, less stress, more bonding. Pretty lucky and happy to end up where I am, its just the sales targets that are killing me.

I wonder how long it can last though.

Obviously when the numbers are not there, the stress will come in, and attrition will kick in soon. Then its a whole new process of getting used to new people again. I wonder how many more times I will go through this cycle.

Meet with an old friend for lunch today. Things seemed to be going well for him. Having been working overseas pretty much half the time over the last couple of years, he's finally getting his posting back to Singapore soon. He's planning his wedding and its going to be 2 days before my birthday. haha

Started talking about housing and costs of living and inevitably, on the upcoming elections. He seemed to be very optimistic about change coming along soon. I, however, is not feeling so. I just hope we don't end up with just one opposition seat for the next 5 years.

Finally booked a flat today. A cool half million for a HDB flat. Sigh... Seriously doubt its going to have any resale value or significant price appreciation for this area, its probably going to be another one of my poor investment choices. 80% loan at 2.6% HDB HL rate for 30 years. Monthly installment ~$1600/mth. 400,000 compounded 30 years equivalent ~$860,000. Seriously craaaaaaazy.....

End of the day, I suppose I should stop thinking of it so much of an investment but more as a home. Even if it never appreciates in price, I suppose its somewhere I'm willing to live in until I die. Welcome to a life of mediocrity, a life of middle income class.

Gotta start working harder. 3 more years to completion, 2 more years at most for me to really start saving up. Earn as much as I can, hopefully by then I would have upped my corporate rank and basic pay so that can move on to the next stage into a less stressful department and still have a comfortable enough income to maintain the lifestyle i want a family.

A family... kinda a scary thought.

By the time the house is completed, need to get married...... so.. finally came to this...

The thought of it is pretty daunting. I'm always someone who values privacy. I love being alone, hate crowds, doesn't like socializing. All the wedding dinners, ceremonies, photo taking etc... the thought of it alone is enough to put me off.. add to it the yearly cny dinners, birthdays, festives and what nots... its like my perpetual nightmare x2.

I wish I didn't have to go through all these.

But that's how life is I suppose..

That's how my life is now and going to be.

This is it.

I wish I still dared to dream.

Thoughts on CNA TV debate forum

Touted as first time ever in Singapore, unedited, uncensored. It got me all excited staying in on a Saturday night to catch it. Honestly, I was kinda disappointed but I probably got my hopes up a bit too high. Some positives to take away from the whole show though, and it certainly changed my opinions on some of the parties involved. A very good writeup on the performance of the participants are provided here Just like to add some individual comments.

Vincent Wijeysingha from SDP really wooed me. To me and I believe alot of other Singaporeans, the SDP is a party characterized by CSJ. Love him or hate it, its a there isn't much middle ground. Often seen as extreme and attention seeking party by many, I'm pleasantly surprised to see someone like Vincent who speaks well, calm and collected, making decent points for us to think about along the way and backs up his arguments with facts instead of succumbing to emotions. Based on the performance of all present at the debate, he would get be the one getting my vote. 9/10

Minister Tharman was pretty decent too. The 2nd best performance in the entire debate. Calm, speaks clearly, and comes across as sincere and genuine. Didn't say anything that we haven't already heard but doesn't come across as snobbish at all which is not something I can say for most PAP candidates. 8/10

Gerald Giam from WP did decent. Not spectacular, seems to show some nerves, but able to articulate and brings his point across. Nowhere as witty as Vincent from SDP, but bring up some valid points and comes across as genuine was well. Does have a mummy's boy feeling though. Need more experience and perhaps a stronger guiding hand. 6.5/10

Josephine Teo from PAP came across as scripted and fake to me. Maybe I'm biased, but she seemed to have a condensing look and tone when speaking to the opposition which I personally can't stand. Didn't offer much at all. 4/10

Nazem Suki from SDA looks very uncomfortable. The way he keep looking at the fellow opposition members when he speaks and constantly asking for reassurance doesn't inspire confidence. I ended the show not really knowing what he or his party stands for. 4/10

Lina Chiam from SPP comes away from the debate rock bottom. Honestly, whenever the camera pans to her, I cringe a little. There was this period she totally went blank and tried to blame it on a headache or something which I felt totally disgraceful. Did she fall asleep while the others are talking?? I don't know how I can trust a person like this with my vote. 0/10