tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310037042011-11-27T17:23:18.293-08:00This blog was set up in response to the shutting up of Mr. Brown in August 2006. Long live freedom of information, thought and expression!Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.comBlogger881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-3084946663930208962011-01-01T10:13:00.000-08:002011-01-01T10:35:24.059-08:00

[Quote] Dec 28, 2010 MERSING FERRY TRAGEDYGiant waves hit boat and flipped it over Survivors tell of struggle to break free of cabin and stay afloat in choppy seaBy Kimberly Spykerman & Amresh Gunasingham Malaysian fire department officers yesterday in the process of recovering the wreckage of the doomed boat that capsized on Sunday, killing four Singaporeans. Another Singaporean is still

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-59719552515523655912011-01-01T10:12:00.000-08:002011-01-01T10:13:06.236-08:00

Sounds familiar? A little like Singapore or the other way around?Stay tuned......

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-6275731705356233702009-07-07T21:48:00.001-07:002009-07-07T22:23:58.124-07:00

Q1. If all opposition were branded as 'incredible' why are there now more pushes for internal opposing voices?A1. A realization that group think is very dangerous? Or to further protect the rice bowls of some by pandering to 'populist' demands for more opposition? Or is the ruling party and hence government of the day trying to look good in some international forum where a KPI such as 'level

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-79809857243087724732009-07-07T21:46:00.000-07:002009-07-07T21:48:00.426-07:00

No one likes to give them or get them. But you can conduct performance reviews that actually assess performance. Here's how By Jeffrey Pfeffer Some years ago a human resources manager at a Silicon Valley computer company offered managers free tickets to San Francisco Giants games if they completed their subordinates' performance reviews on time. When David Russo headed up human resources for

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-35574709173604701372009-05-28T19:49:00.000-07:002009-05-28T19:53:08.658-07:00

Logic is hard to appeal to at a differing level given the virtual impossibility of the majority of Singaporeans to even have an opportunity to enter our hallowed (some say hollowed) halls of higher education. The writer below, in response to recent Parliamentary fubars, lists out in laymen terms how logic should work.But we of course understand that politics and propaganda work hand in hand with

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-58930455298914907632009-03-30T08:32:00.000-07:002009-03-30T08:36:22.256-07:00

Letter from Marine Life ParkCorporate Social Responsibility Add To: (no named receipients)Dear all, Thank you for the interest that you have expressed towards our Marine Life Park. Although the feedback we have received till now is not always positive, it shows how concerned everyone is towards the success of the Marine Life Park and its ability to balance the need to educate the public on

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-75707103039016750202009-03-13T02:42:00.000-07:002009-03-13T02:43:15.889-07:00

http://singaporecitizen.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/shameless-st-sinks-to-all-time-low/#comment-851

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-77269571366502245872009-03-01T02:43:00.001-08:002009-03-01T03:18:04.497-08:00

Another great diving year starting!On average the local (Singaporean) scuba diving community has seen 1 fatality per annum going back some 8 years that I have been involved.I hope 2009 goes by without any.Some of the main reasons I have seen for these accidents and incidents are:1. The dive professional is distracted. Personally or otherwise. Which should not be the case.2. The customer knows

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-74184684850584150772009-03-01T02:07:00.000-08:002009-03-01T02:14:15.472-08:00

Going by the date sequence of these headlines ........ I'd say money was flowing out anyway whether or not it was given out as cash - which it is. At least our neighbours are profitting from Singov's pro-business policies.Feb 28, 2009http://www.straitstimes.com/Prime%2BNews/Story/STIStory_344059.htmlCourts prepare for 'recession crimes' Feb 28, 2009http://www.straitstimes.com/Prime%2BNews/Story/

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-75937757816116120002009-02-11T05:08:00.000-08:002009-02-11T05:10:06.640-08:00

"I know how frustrating it is for taxpayers when they're looking and they're saying, 'let me get this straight -- you've got a guy who's making 20 million a year who ran his bank into the ground, and now we've got to come in and clean up the mess?'" - US President ELECT Barrack Obama. http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090211/tts-us-politics-obama-972e412.html

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-18622492284518009062009-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:002009-01-26T20:34:40.034-08:00

Dear friends and readers,I am currently completing my Master's of Business in Logistics & Supply Chain Management with Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia.To complement the thesis I am performing some empirical research taking the form of a survey.Most people who have worked 5 years or more qualify. Any sort of improvement work performed or business process re-engineering experience

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-5735788764117334832009-01-19T06:04:00.000-08:002009-01-19T06:15:59.479-08:00

Now Singaporeans can legally engage in businesses from the age of 18 and run the risk of runaway success or otherwise as luck, prudence and other factors may so allow.But 18 to 21 year olds still remain unable to vote and choose a government they may want to have.Makes sense?The former arguments so vehemently raised by so many quarters on how 21 year olds can barely think for themselves since

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-6631152893210918242009-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:002009-01-18T06:10:31.235-08:00

When we reach this comfortable level of discourse and are not potentially sued till our undies are gone ..... perhaps there is yet a political future .... for the people, of the people and by the people ...

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-6283481648654236342009-01-16T18:12:00.000-08:002009-01-16T18:15:36.270-08:00

Is Singapore ahead of or trailing the curve in this New World Economic Order?WEF (World Economic Forum): shaping the post-crisis worldThe global financial crisis will dominate discussions at the World Economic Forum’s 39th Annual Meeting later this month.Taking place in Davos, Switzerland, the meeting will be attended by some 2,500 people, including leaders from business, politics, religion and

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-67260863824565799362009-01-09T18:33:00.001-08:002009-01-09T19:42:17.236-08:00

Intentially written BEFORE the budget is announced and discussed .....As debate rages on about economic stimulus packages in this once-a-century occurence (in the words of the Toyota CEO) the government seems to be falling head over heels to appease the business sector.A business friendly budget in the form of rebates and or subsidies for businesses to apparently keep jobs is the most vocal

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-25911175374324089082008-12-04T19:48:00.000-08:002008-12-04T19:54:38.579-08:00

Hopefully, S'poreans can look beyond self-interest in their answersBy Goh Chin Lian - as carried in the Straits Times.I will defend my right to live in a country where the majority votes to keep one party in power.I will defend my right to live in a country where the majority votes to keep paying excessive amounts for basic services such as water, electricity and telecom services so that these

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-44756527858775603002008-12-04T18:27:00.000-08:002008-12-04T18:30:27.329-08:00

When Singaporeans should come lastShed foreign workers first in tough times, says labour chiefBy Goh Chin LianPresent at The Singapore Tripartism Forum yesterday were (from left) labour chief Lim Swee Say, NTUC president John De Payva, Acting Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong and SNEF president Stephen Lee. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUANLABOUR chief Lim Swee Say wants companies to put Singaporeans at

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-88483188316095690802008-12-04T16:52:00.000-08:002008-12-04T17:03:08.317-08:00

For the Electricity Sector1. Given that electricity tariffs are adjusted every quarter and2. Given that the price of electricity is economically elastic, since that is the way the policy on usage and taxation treats electricity pricing3. Given that Singapore is a free market economy where nothing should stand in the way of potential consumption (read as protectionism in its various forms) then

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-19823076590452545162008-12-02T05:31:00.000-08:002008-12-02T05:40:36.395-08:00

Get it while its hot. The link works as of 2130hrs SST, 2nd December 2008. Not my fault if THEY decide to remove it.In brief:[Start Abridged Quote]Guiding Principles1.13 Our work was guided by the following four principles:(a) Government regulation should be used as a last resort1.14 One of the long-standing debates about the Internet is whether it should and can be regulated. Given the

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-79965625009747467972008-12-02T05:22:00.000-08:002008-12-04T17:05:19.715-08:00

Following my 2 previous posts on why money should be given to Singaporeans for consumption an interesting rebuttal took place.The gist of that rebuttal over a period of 3 days basically stated that money in the hands of Singaporeans would basically end up flowing out of the country. Hence, money should be given to businesses instead.Fast forward to today. We read of a hawker who is imploring the

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-37863326234895525932008-11-24T19:44:00.000-08:002008-11-24T20:00:32.948-08:00

Sunday evening prime time news on 5 can be quite a shocker.Parents to decide what to do with school sessions? The choice is in their hands?Residents to decide on how to invest Town Council sinking [would have been an excellent pun here] funds? With a veiled threat that if residents choose to invest in Fixed Deposits the funds could diminish in value due to inflation?WOW! The sudden surge of

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-9257200437687793332008-11-24T19:28:00.000-08:002008-11-24T19:43:55.150-08:00

Never thought I'd see this headline. But here it is!In all fairness. This is an excellent move by the government. Now I wonder why no one is clamouring for pay increases since they are doing a swell job of (going to) leading us out of this impending time of gloom. I would! Our glorious PAP ministers should be paid much more since they are going all out to help Singaporeans to ensure that '

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-85324043362010030102008-11-24T19:03:00.001-08:002008-11-24T19:28:33.464-08:00

Last week or the week before a Straits Times writer inked about the perils of states going the communist way with a plea to maintain the free market economic model.Fast foward to this week. The US is bailing out banks and automakers for 'public ownership' stakes ..... communist sounding? There should be a public slap on the face somewhere for someone(s).We may live in a country that was never

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-86915838613997625072008-11-20T23:15:00.000-08:002008-11-20T23:42:11.313-08:00

Quote:SINGAPORE: From next month, the government will enhance its business financing schemes to support an additional S$2.3 billion in loans to help local firms gain access to credit in the current economic slowdown.The measures will take effect 1st December 2008, and will be valid for one year at which point the enhancements will be reviewed for further extension.The Ministry of Trade and

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-40925686283647358412008-11-06T01:17:00.001-08:002008-11-06T01:18:48.241-08:00

The often quoted 'theory' in politics that people chance their votes with the underdogs only during good times is now officially debunked with Obama's presidency!!Reality 1 - Armchair critics 0

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-55192898990643370732008-10-13T06:36:00.001-07:002008-10-13T06:54:28.290-07:00

As news breaks on France, Germany, the UK and the US pledging incredible sums of money to shore up markets worldwide we need to bear in mind that when such actions take place it is ultimately the tax payers who are footing the bill. That is the only way governments obtain the 'cash' to spend.While it may be the duty of 'governments to help their peoples, businesses, savers' and all - it is not

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-31517648190155550692008-07-20T21:19:00.001-07:002008-07-20T21:43:25.346-07:00

Straits Times ForumJuly 19, 2008Introduce disincentives to deter small families THE Saturday Special last Saturday ('We'll have more babies if...') featured the effects of our population control policies. It also highlighted the mentality of modern-day married couples who seek to maximise the subjective well-being of their marriage and small family, and reject the need to integrate their personal

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-56771443440332386862008-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:002008-07-16T21:08:39.819-07:00

Much Ado Over Humanity.While the 'rights' debate has been largely 'kept silent' after the initial outburst reported in the local press others have taken headlines. These include the IBAHRI report and a UK author. Let's put the disparate pieces (as the press is wont to do to keep our minds befuddled until the next progress package comes along) together to complete the puzzle ....Both were in for

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-33934987609263105232008-07-09T21:12:00.000-07:002008-07-09T21:15:28.418-07:00

'More pay not the answer'SINGAPORE : Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has warned that Singapore could face another round of inflation if companies increase wages to help workers cope with the higher cost of living today. He said this will also affect Singapore’s competitiveness and the ability to create jobs.Mr Tharman was speaking to some 500 workers at the Singapore Industrial and

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-10635978581020223432008-07-02T19:21:00.000-07:002008-07-02T19:40:51.400-07:00

"Responding, the minister outlined the Government's attitude: 'The most important attribute is that we want accurate reporting. Because, if the journalists are just writing fiction and are just writing glowing portraits of me that nobody believes, then it is pointless.'Our attitude towards the press in Singapore is that they are partners in nation-building. 'Our mass media also understand our key

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-35971921313964371102008-06-18T19:28:00.001-07:002008-06-18T19:41:33.834-07:00

The speed of vehicular movement downtown where the brand new ERP gantries with their very expensive cameras to catch 'recalcitrant' motorists are an abonimation of the common sense when it comes to this form of 'taxation'.How could the case that ERP is not simply for revenue but rather for 'ease of traffic flow for motorists' stand in the CBD area when:1. The grid system of lights ensures there

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-89539017371223517522008-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:002008-06-18T19:25:39.012-07:00

Why Did The Chicken Cross the Road??BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-66728787331044773042008-05-19T08:19:00.000-07:002008-05-19T08:20:53.069-07:00

Wishing the Prime Minister's mother a speedy recovery and good health.

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-68525319551419308582008-05-11T20:32:00.000-07:002008-05-11T21:04:44.100-07:00

As the Myanmar crisis mounts there is a lack of voices in ASEAN, perhaps particularly from Singapore when it comes to 'supporting' the military junta's style of governance in Myanmar.Surprisingly there are no more calls of "let them handle it internally" in relation to the Safron Revolution some months ago. Back then, several countries in ASEAN repeatedly refrained from commitment to political

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-81339599497596892442008-05-08T07:52:00.001-07:002008-05-08T08:34:00.770-07:00

The Workers' Party Youth Wing (WPYW) wishes to thank, once again, all participants who attended the inaugural YouthQuake forum on Vote @ 18 on Saturday, 3rd May 2008.A full house with many new and youthful faces is testament to the timeliness and impact of this matter but more so an editorial by Andy Ho of the Straits Times (8 May 2008) perhaps alluding to the WPYW forum (as a public forum -

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-10825354525936377562008-05-01T04:56:00.001-07:002008-05-01T05:34:44.302-07:00

Labour Day, May Day, ..... protests ..... rallies .... dinners .... gatherings ..... public holiday ... continual good news from our friendly local press ...This holiday gave me a chance today to get together with a close friend's family today, May 1st, 2008 ...Ever since I've known Uncle (my friend's dad) he has always having been an open and vocal PAP supporter. Nevertheless Uncle respects my

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-12583706886060180172008-05-01T04:46:00.000-07:002008-05-01T04:55:52.686-07:00

Should a First World country like Singapore continue supporting oppressive regimes like Myanmar? And where should we stand on China vis-a-vis Tibet? Do we export arms and ammunition to conflict regions?Are we ready to stand by our beloved crescent moon and five stars on a background of red and white? Internally? Externally? Given our inextricable global position and interactions what do

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-24942320935459058582008-04-28T22:02:00.000-07:002008-04-28T22:14:29.407-07:00

So the judicial system is letting this go with a fine of $200 and 9 demerit points?What is the message to Singaporeans from this? That it is perfectly alright to cause potential death and mayhem? That we tolerate this kind of behaviour which causes the massive jams which are partly in the first place responsible for all this ERP nonsense to begin with?If Singaporeans are bound by rules of law

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-5451077661569078672008-04-24T17:20:00.000-07:002008-04-24T17:25:40.437-07:00

or Freedom of Speech: The UK example?or Freedom of Press: The UK example?or Media Censorship: The UK example?or Speaker's Corner: The UK example?Political expediency and propaganda never cease to amaze!FRIDAY MATTERS 25th April 2008 - The Straits TimesMinisterial responsibility: The UK exampleBy Chua Mui Hoong, Senior WriterSINGAPOREANS this week are seized over the issue of ministerial

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-55932387842302048242008-04-23T21:49:00.001-07:002008-04-23T21:56:25.222-07:00

In reference to blog published here on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 'Public Firing?'Could the hoo-ha over the MHA / WKS / Mas Selamat case be an effort to blow over the multi-billion dollar loss of Singaporean capital in supposed investments made by Temasek?In my earlier article citing the loss of our money, the source was foreign - The Financial Times. Why would the local press not pick up on

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-27963596317221784312008-04-23T21:45:00.000-07:002008-04-23T21:47:32.254-07:00

YouthQuakeThe Battle Cry of Singaporean Youths“Should Singaporean Youth Be allowed to vote at 18?”The first YouthQuake forum will be touching on the vote@18 agenda and the details are as followed:Date: 3rd May 2008 (Saturday)Time: 1400 hrs to 1600 hrs.Venue: 216G Syed Alwi Road, #02-03. For more information please contact bernardchen@wp.sg .In order to assist us in the organisation of this forum,

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-68316907795400423762008-04-15T04:15:00.000-07:002008-04-15T04:17:21.872-07:00

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore state investor Temasek, sitting on paper losses of $1.2 billion for its investments in Merrill Lynch and Barclays , is expected to shed more assets and conserve cash to offset its exposure to the ailing western financial sector.Analysts said the sovereign fund, which recently unloaded an Indonesian bank and a Singapore power producer, may choose to consolidate its

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-79048013725376295992008-03-20T18:14:00.000-07:002008-03-20T18:17:27.538-07:00

Let's see how this letter comes out of the 'chop & change department', if at all, in the press.Dear ST Forum Editor,In reference to this article:http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapore/Story/STIStory_218958.htmlMarch 21, 2008SMRT appeals against $387k penaltyIf it is true that the incident occurred “ … because SMRT workers failed to engage the parking brake of one portion of a maintenance train.

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-88200956746239887822008-03-10T19:10:00.000-07:002008-03-10T19:39:02.545-07:00

Straits Times (Singapore)March 11, 2008S'pore firms hope business climate remains stableBy Grace Ng & Chia Yan MinSINGAPORE businessmen are holding their breath amid fears that Malaysia's business outlook could become rocky after the ruling coalition's worst election result in 50 years. Rule No.1 in SCUBA Diving ... never hold your breath ... you may suffer from lung over exapansion injuries in

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-67171921679837411922007-09-18T23:32:00.000-07:002007-09-18T23:34:12.760-07:00

All the trials and tribulations the public are unaware of.One fine day it will all be exposed. But will the people care?To all WP supporters: THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!! :D

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-42791076223070106422007-09-09T23:37:00.000-07:002007-09-09T23:44:47.864-07:00

Taken from the Bangkok Post, 9th September 2007. Sounds applicable in Singapore if not for propaganda and ostrich-like behaviour as well as a propensity for a single party state:"Thai students are capable of much more; they are the victims of an educational system that seems designed to discourage excellence and inspiration, writes FLEMMING WINTHER NIELSENRealities are taken from general

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-56572324581324360952007-08-09T05:29:00.000-07:002007-08-09T05:35:59.018-07:00

Great show man! Somehow there was some new fresh feeling about this NDP compared with previous years!Great job to all the performers, organizers and cleaners who will have a hell of a time tonight!Finishing off with 'dare to find, dare to find, dare to find ... new ways' is a great way to bring the country forward. Should be the mantra going forward. Wonder if it means 'dare to find new ways [

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-76606891838267359662007-05-29T23:23:00.000-07:002007-05-29T23:42:45.784-07:00

International Tribunal on Law of the Seas - ITLOS.Dear old Prof. Jayakumar is quite hilarious when he cites, among other things that states selectively choose to adhere to international law and this makes adjudication by ITLOS ineffective ......... well, roughly put anyway. That states should submit themselves to this tribunal is the underlying message.Hearing this on TV last night then

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-2266148794736745462007-05-29T22:40:00.000-07:002007-05-31T18:57:48.161-07:00

Just under 100 (2/3 of 148) Singaporean students left out in the cold by UNSW's shock closure once again demonstrates how restricted Singapore's tertiary education system is. Restricted to Singaporeans who are trying so hard to make it in life but who may have had circumstances stacked against them in their adolescent years.The old arguments can be dredged up again. Better genes, better

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-90802521332403135002007-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:002007-05-17T21:13:51.661-07:00

Recent job ads in the papers, particularly Saturday's recruit sections have been tweaked somewhat in my opinion.Almost gone are the hair raisingly ridiculous requirements of a good and high level degree coupled with half a gajillion years of experience in 5 dozen industries over and above multi-job duties that require sudden travel.Seems almost down to earth now with more realistic requirements.

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-51017525357258494452007-03-16T17:02:00.000-07:002007-03-16T17:08:19.376-07:00

Today's Straits Times:"Last October, laws were tightened against employers who put their maid's lives in danger. On conviction, an employer who knowingly allows a maid to endanger herself, or forces a maid into a dangerous situation, can be jailed up to three months and fined up to $250. The employer will also be permanently barred from hiring foreign maids."So ..... forcing a person into a

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-38423363250332159492007-03-04T00:35:00.000-08:002007-03-04T02:46:10.225-08:00

Yes, it is possible.Feel I have to add my share of spiel to the recent scuba diving related accident nonsense that's been raging in the press the previous week. Its not old and it'll happen again.1. Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) contains inherent risks like most sports do. The risks levels are increased because of one's dependency on compressed air* in a virtually airless

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-90984370195326272092007-03-02T16:55:00.000-08:002007-03-02T17:39:47.605-08:00

Thanks to NMP Ms. Olsen for once again casting the spotlight on Temasek. Your indirect drive for greater transparency and accountability is great! Right down my alley if I may say so please.While there's been almost overly much ado about Temasek given its Shin 'scandal' - I hope this write up is not sub-judice by Thai standards since they are the apparent plaintiffs - it seems that almost

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1172406475409118052007-02-25T04:18:00.000-08:002007-02-25T04:27:55.420-08:00

What an auspicious start to the New Year!Greetings to all readers! A most properous and healthy new year to one and all!I'm not sure if it is a misfortune or a small fortune having had the opportunity to witness a great example of driving behaviour in Singapore.SBT 5866 (dark green sedan) was seen turning from Orchard Link into Patterson road at around 6pm on 25th Feb 2007. The young men inside

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1169342219571737122007-01-20T16:46:00.000-08:002007-01-20T17:16:59.586-08:00

Wrap up the past month's happenings and perhaps we might get a glimpse toward real governmental policy.1. Janadas Devan, in an editorial, waxes lyrical about how high wages for top positions should be kept in the public sector, for fear that Singapore will lose top talents. A cursory note on sacrifice is made but the true meaning of the word is played down to look dumb where anything below 100k

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1167299680293935122006-12-28T01:27:00.000-08:002006-12-28T01:54:40.306-08:00

TODAY, page 7, 28th December 2006 ..... Somebody gotta teach me how to put pictures into my blog.Anyhow, there was a 'full' page ad taken out in today's TODAY. Where Singapore Power announced a surprising drop in electricity surcharges. Great news to kick of the new year if any!!What was more amazing was that the full page ad listed the historical (back to 2001) prices and how there were pegged

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1166522100261381972006-12-19T01:27:00.000-08:002006-12-19T02:10:24.980-08:00

[quote] {me in blue}POSTED: 12:51 a.m. EST, December 19, 2006SINGAPORE (Reuters) -- When Wee Shu Min, the teenage daughter of a Singapore member of parliament stumbled across the blog of a Singaporean who wrote that he was worried about losing his job, she thought she'd give him a piece of her mind.She called him "one of many wretched, undermotivated, overassuming leeches in our country" on her

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1165200438412760402006-12-03T18:39:00.000-08:002006-12-03T18:47:18.426-08:00

Quote from ST, 4th December 2006:THE first responsibility of the Government is to Singaporeans, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday, when he announced plans to charge non-citizens more for education and health care.He told some 1,000 People's Action Party cadres at the party's conference that 'while we have non-Singaporeans here, citizens always come first.'Education and health are two

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1163957695944302452006-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:002006-11-19T09:34:55.963-08:00

So .... the election pundits were right. (Singapore Pools should start a bet on when GST will reach 10%) GST did go up. Technically not till next year but all of us in Singapore knows how legislation / governmental policy is made in the last five years. Once its announced its as good as done.7% consumption tax on a $126B (2005 CIA World Factbook estimate) GDP. Roughly works out to be $8.8B a

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1163955003229980402006-11-19T08:47:00.000-08:002006-11-19T08:50:03.230-08:00

Hi everyone,thanks for your comments be they positive or otherwise. I hope there is no confusion between 'freedom of expression' and 'freedom to create mischief.' If there is I apologise.

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1163954649677250862006-11-19T08:35:00.000-08:002006-11-19T08:44:09.693-08:00

And while PAP MPs & Ministers are going on and on about closing the gap and catching those who fall through the cracks, not that this is a bad thing, i reiterate my call for more pro-activity in a similar capacity through secondary school and beyond and especially through University.Singaporeans of the future cannot afford not to have an option to pursue a University degree at later points in

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1162357913077601532006-10-31T20:14:00.000-08:002006-10-31T21:11:53.093-08:00

Fortune shines. Lucky to have been diving in the Philippines between typhoons. Got there after Xangsane and came back right before this current one is hitting. Supposedly past typhoon season already but there's global warming for you!Amazing experience, the Philippines. Beers under a dollar, wide choice of reasonably priced cuisines at Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera, friendly service and an

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1162354210243715652006-10-31T20:08:00.000-08:002006-10-31T20:10:10.256-08:00

Dear YCK,the OCR would be much appreciated. Thank you. You may reach me at perrytongwp@yahoo.com

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1161232521569700212006-10-18T21:31:00.000-07:002006-10-18T21:35:21.570-07:00

It has come to my attention that I have been impersonated on Sammy Boy's Alfresco Coffeeshop Forums. An account going by the moniker of 'Perry_Tong' was created on Saturday 14th October 2006 while I was away in Tioman teaching scuba diving. Several posts have been made 'in my name.'It appears that an email address I use has been compromised. The password has since been changed.Apologies to all

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1160357502943086352006-10-08T18:24:00.000-07:002006-10-08T18:50:35.690-07:00

For 140 years (1819-1959), the Union Jack flew over Singapore. Then, on 3 December 1959, the National Flag, an important symbol of independence, was unveiled at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. Also unveiled that day were the State Crest and the National Anthem. The flag was conceived and created by a committee headed by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1160355798588196892006-10-08T17:40:00.000-07:002006-10-18T21:31:20.786-07:00

An annual event that never ceases to choke its neighbours - the haze, due to intentional forest fires, is back with a vengeance!While Singapore and Malaysia does their level best in terms of government proclamations and exhortations to their counterparts in Indonesia to stem the problem the people suffer.Why does it not work? The exhortations that is? Why does international law not prohibit the

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1160027692094298382006-10-04T22:37:00.000-07:002006-10-08T18:22:20.620-07:00

Lifted off the Straits Times:Oct 5, 2006 An elitist strategy in the best senseThis is an excerpt from Singapore's Success: Engineering Economic Growth, a new book by former International Monetary Fund official Henri Ghesquiere. The book is published by Thomson Learning, Singapore, 2007'THERE is little doubt that the PAP leaders are elitist,' wrote (University of British Columbia dons) Diane Mauzy

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1159526395475297322006-09-29T03:35:00.000-07:002006-09-29T03:39:55.480-07:00

Thailand's coup leaders struggle for acceptance abroadThe Associated PressTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2006-->Published: September 27, 2006BANGKOK, Thailand Thailand's military rulers are struggling to convince the international community that staging a coup was the only way to maintain democracy here. But it's been a tough sell. Troops and tanks rolled through Bangkok's streets just over a week ago

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1159525977114212162006-09-29T03:29:00.000-07:002006-10-08T17:33:40.650-07:00

U.S. responding to coup, suspends some aid to ThailandThe Associated PressFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006-->Published: September 28, 2006WASHINGTON The United States suspended $24 million (€18.8 million) in military assistance to Thailand on Thursday, invoking laws that bar certain aid programs to governments that have taken power by force.Affected by the suspension is a $16.3 million (€12.8 million)

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1159442816351832002006-09-28T04:13:00.000-07:002006-10-02T20:17:55.553-07:00

The NUS department of Political Science would do well to pay attention to the international spats created by MM Lee. It is highly instructive in how not to conduct diplomacy. Any student at GWU would tell you that as well, much less other schools which conduct courses on diplomacy.But let's go back a little in time. Was it not just a few months ago, prior to Singapore's General Election where PM

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1159408287369964252006-09-27T18:24:00.000-07:002006-09-27T18:56:01.303-07:00

Your ExcellencyAmbassador ThanchittRoyal Thai EmbassyYour letter to the public in Singapore is re-assuring of continual growth of Thailand as a nation. It is, however, unfortunate that you were required, in your diplomatic capacity, to pen such a letter to be published in Singapore which does not truly respect the tenets of democracy and human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1159322699358840632006-09-26T18:19:00.000-07:002006-09-26T19:04:59.380-07:00

Hi JC, thanks for writing in. Please find my responses below:Those are some interesting insights to the Singaporean healthcare model.I'm a Singaporean studying medicine in Melbourne, Aus. I would like to point out that Singapore has relatively good healthcare compared to the rest of the Asian region and our prices are DEFINITELY affordable (be it pri. healthcare or that of a higher tier).

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157962823445298142006-09-11T01:11:00.000-07:002006-09-11T01:20:23.490-07:00

Dear YCK,thank you for the enlightening email. I strive to demonstrate what is palpable and palatable to the masses in terms of governance and policies without dwelling on the depths of their associated philosophies. Admittedly it is easy to fall into the same trap as everyone else with government propaganda and BS. Nevertheless I hope to gain your understanding for future pieces which I may

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157792977701015392006-09-09T01:20:00.000-07:002006-09-27T18:59:00.130-07:00

[This will definitely never make it to the MSM. Thank goodness for the internet!]Here we go again. Dear Minister of Health, you just don't get it do you? Sep 9, 2006Five steps to keeping health care affordableExcerpts from a speech by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health, at the China-Singapore joint health care forum yesterday in Xiamen, ChinaLAST week, I met Health Minister Gao Qiang in

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157789544113158782006-09-09T01:07:00.000-07:002006-09-27T19:02:09.770-07:00

Now why is it that Singaporean firms who go overseas (particularly GLCs) tend to fail? Could it be because they are so used to getting their own way (like the PAP) that they don't know how to play by the rules of others? Even when the others are guests that represent a sort of institutionalization of international law?It would be hilarious if only the totalitarian portion weren't true.First, here

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157637202411392652006-09-07T06:40:00.000-07:002006-09-07T06:53:22.470-07:00

Hello Dear Reader,thank you for your many comments and valuable links, particularly on NTU's 're-written' history. Though I do probably do not personally know many of you I would like to ask a favour to help keep these versions of history alive. Not just about NTU but also about many other things in Singapore especially occurring during the 'Merdeka' period. To the person whose eyes got zonked

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157599986080595732006-09-06T19:43:00.000-07:002006-09-06T20:33:06.143-07:00

Just finished reading Friedman's Flat World which is an apparent hot seller. Also just read MM's remarks in the ST today on how Singapore needs to buck up and be open, right after yesterday's comments wherein he claimed that Singapore will never have a culture to call her own even after 400 years. IMHO a bit of a cut and paste job from Friedman's book with some modifications to suit the local

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1157597003159504702006-09-06T19:40:00.000-07:002006-09-06T19:43:23.170-07:00

Kindly provided by a reader. Thank you dear reader.http://www.spug.net/forums/showthread.php?t=72535&highlight=ntuThis short synopsis of what went on and still goes on captures the main drift of my earlier argument on history being re-written. It appears that the press was in on this as well. Does it then mean that the press, if so and by association, is also responsbile for the lack of

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1156312623099869502006-08-22T22:52:00.001-07:002006-08-22T22:57:03.106-07:00

TODAY carried an exclusive article on August 18th 2006 relating how managed healthcare providers provided medicine in lower doses after the patient showed her a medical management company card of which her employer was a participant. This does not bode well for the medical consumer in Singapore. We will either get shortchanged in terms of medication as suggested by the article or conversely

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1156312493636840882006-08-22T22:52:00.000-07:002006-08-22T22:54:53.646-07:00

While it is imperative that Singapore addresses the lack of manpower situation in the near and medium term with augmentation by foreign talent we should not overlook local talent as well. All this chatter of foreign talent should come with strings attached to those who are first Singaporean. Recognition and retention of local talent should and always be foremost in the minds and hearts of the

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1156213939572608742006-08-21T19:25:00.000-07:002006-08-21T19:33:27.950-07:00

Taken off MINDBLOGGING STUFF - shocking when viewed in the right context. And yet 66.6% of Singaporeans .............. you decide.http://mindbloggingstuff.blogspot.com/2006/05/mindboggling-quotes-by-politicians-in.htmlTuesday, May 23, 2006Mindboggling quotes by politicians in Singapore"Retrenchment is good for singapore. If there is no retrenchments, then I worry." - SM Goh"The opposition's plans

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1155867811814322832006-08-17T19:05:00.001-07:002006-08-17T19:23:31.843-07:00

The last showing of Wild Rice's production, directed by Ivan Heng: The Campaign to Confer the Public Service Star on JBJ was wonderfully executed. Hats off to Pam and Rodney for pulling off the grueling feat of running a two person show casting a variety of characters.The play is reflective of what's going on in Singapore I would say. A playing out of the public's deepest political fears and

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1155867077411165232006-08-17T19:05:00.000-07:002006-08-17T19:11:17.436-07:00

As promised earlier: transcript of interview with some JC students doing a project related to politics in SingaporeTheir questions in blue.1. Our group realises the potental your organisation has with respect to increasing political awareness of youth in singapore. In the email dated 20th July you specified that the levels of apathy are decreasing in today's youth, could you please comment on

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1154510486410174622006-08-02T02:16:00.000-07:002006-08-02T02:21:26.430-07:00

ST sent me an email with the following questions (in white) and none of the responses got published. To be fair, to the best of my knowledge, neither did the PAP's. The politically correct article appeared in the Sunday Times 30th July 2006. According to the journalist who was writing the story the Editor decided not to use any of the political parties' responses as they were 'too political.'

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1154067532698001632006-07-27T23:13:00.000-07:002006-07-27T23:18:52.700-07:00

No doubt the title of the post is somewhat a misnomer. Nevertheless apt for what has been happening these past 2 weeks.First my article on Education got published in The Hammer and is now being sold. Next AJC students are embarking on a project to bring politics into the classroom (to put it loosely) and have sent me a questionaire which is being followed up by an interview later today. Very

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1152764813998393552006-07-12T21:23:00.000-07:002006-07-13T00:33:09.373-07:00

Straddling [the] Income Gap – ST Editorial July 12, 2006: A response which will never be published in the MSM.First and foremost an editorial like this chooses which statistic to use. Secondly it chooses how it wants to interpret and project the chosen statistic. Commonly known as propaganda … here I present another way to interpret the data presented and how to question such statistics in this

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1152684453255112122006-07-11T23:06:00.000-07:002006-07-11T23:07:33.266-07:00

The halcyon 80s, barring the slight recession in the early 80s, Singapore was an economic miracle with manufacturing and exports as well as tourism driving a vast majority of the local economy. Proof of economic interdependence on Asia was somewhat low relative to the same interdependence on American and European business and economies. In short, if America or Europe grew, Singapore would also

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31003704.post-1152680220613071262006-07-11T21:53:00.000-07:002006-07-11T22:43:42.880-07:00

I am a Singaporean writing in my personal capacity. The recent "demise of Mr. Brown" has prodded me to start a blog though I've known of the technology and existence of such a medium for more then several years now.With the apparent state control over the traditional avenues of mainstream media (MSM) those who wish to express opinions that may not gel with the PAP's mode of thought have only the

Perry Tonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748142380680783896noreply@blogger.com2