My Son's Commissioning (17 Jan 2016)

Yesterday was a proud moment for my wife and I. My son commissioned as an officer after 38 grueling weeks of training, both locally and overseas. He has done well and yesterday, he was commissioned among 582 officer cadets (OCTs). Among them are 454 (army), 66 (navy), and 62 (air force). Below are some video clips of the happy occasion.

A) Excited parents waiting from as early as 3pm. Parade starts at 1741 hours.



B) The contingent marches singing the OCS song.




C) My son is among the five carrying the parade colours. He is behind the one carrying the Singapore flag.



D) Singapore President doing the review of the contingents




E) Religious leaders from different faiths praying for the about to be commissioned officers





F) The Commissioning Moment (After the reciting of the SAF Creed)

G) Slow Marching Out by the Newly Commissioned Officers (99/15 cohort)

H) Parents Fixing the Epaulette. We got lost in the crowd and couldn't find him. Thankfully....

I) Finally .. . .. ..  (If you are interested, here's the officer's creed)




J) Proud Moment for Us

All smiles around.

Congratulations Aaron! We're so proud of you.

dad

Happy Mother's Day 2015 - Touching Tributes

This is a really touching video clip about showing our love and appreciation for our mothers. It is a project done by Jurong Point officials who set up a booth to ask shoppers at random to call their mums. Many of us would be able to identify the universal expression of love.

Make this Mother's Day a really special one.



conrade

In Remembrance of Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015)

With gratitude for what you had done for Singapore.

In remembrance of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away Monday, March 23rd, 2015, 3.18am Singapore time, there will be a seven day mourning period for the nation. The picture above showed a flag at half-mast which I feel is a fitting tribute to Mr Lee's passion for the country. After all, he lived, breathed, fought for, and eventually died for the only country he ever loved: Singapore.

Contrary to what many sites I have seen that had shaded their sites in shades of black and white, I prefer to remember Mr Lee with the full bright colours of the Singapore flag and his own photo. This is because his very name is "light and bright" and I feel that a fitting tribute ought to let this light shine on his passion for the country.

As a mark of respect, this week's BookPastor Recommendation and Midweek Meditation will be held over. I wish his family my deepest condolences during this time. Together with my family and many Singaporeans all over the world, I want to say: "Thank you."

conrade

Three Postures I Seek to Adopt

There is something that troubles me whenever I read posts on Christian forums or public debates that pit different groups against one another. Whether it is the AWARE debacle, the CHC trials, the prosperity gospel debates over Joseph Prince, or the most recent HCI social media storms on the FOTF session, I ponder over the many responses that appear tit-for-tat rather than listening and learning. Some debates turned into full blown attacks even on the personal scale, making it an ugly scene to encourage others to wade in constructive participation. What does it mean to speak the truth in love?

I like to suggest 3 postures to adopt. I write with myself as the primary audience, inviting you all to listen in. If it helps, that's great. If not, thanks for looking.

1) LISTEN. The New Testament reminds me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. In FB terminology, it means to be quick to understand and slow to respond. A pastor friend of mine once said that when he receives an email that hurts, he would take about 3 days to wait over it, to pray, and to ask how he should respond, if he needs to respond. I think that is helpful especially when tempers are high. Maybe we may not need 72 hours. Just ensure we set aside some time to cool off and to pray. The ancients taught us that Anger is a big inhibitor of prayer. The Quakers also have this saying: "The enemy is one whose story we have not heard." No wonder Quakers spend lots of time in silence, that they may listen. This attitude of listening is an act of grace. In our social media world, silence does not mean simply not speaking. It also means not typing our responses until we have understood any particular viewpoint in its entirety. Lord, teach me to listen well, (or simply ignore if appropriate), even to dissenting voices that are rude, or downright vicious.

CHC Pre-Judgment Daze (Three Planks to Remove)

TITLE: CHC PRE-JUDGMENT DAZE (Three Planks to Remove)
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 13 July 2012

[In this article, I want to caution anyone about pre-judging the CHC case. More importantly, it is to take another look at what Jesus means when He says, "Do not judge." It means to remove three planks of pre-judgment, so that whatever we say edifies rather than destroys.]

It has been more than 2 weeks since the much reported arrests of the five leaders from City Harvest Church in Singapore, including the founder, Kong Hee. I remember how this one news has become a hot-potato issue, splitting the public into multiple camps, both Christians inside the Church as well as outside the Church. The media has their say. The unbelievers have their say. Many vocal supporters of the arrested leaders also had their say. It does not take any genius to recognize at least three main views.

The first view is a point-blank judgment, that says, "You guys deserved it!" It is simply based on a gut-feel without firm reference to any pointed evidence. The second view is an active rebuttal to the first, but also committed the error of pre-judgment. This second view has triggered public statements of defence from both the Church as well as many individual groups within the MegaChurch. It looks like it is based on what they want to believe, more than what the evidence suggests.

The third view, are watchers, where people anticipate with interest how much punishment and how CHC is going to deal with the fallout of a potential conviction of the five prominent leaders. This is what the Germans call, "schadenfreude" in action, a word describing the heightened interest of people surrounding the misfortunes of others. It refers to the curiosity that peaks as a result of bad things that happen to other people. In John Portmann's treatise of this topic, he argues that our delight or disgust about bad things that happen to other people, is more a reflection of our own selves rather than the issue itself, (see my review of his book here). In my opinion, all of the three views above have committed the cardinal mistake of pre-judgment, albeit in varying degrees.

My purpose in this article is to make a plea to all not to pre-judge. Let justice runs its course. In the meantime, watch ourselves that we do not sin. Our goal is not to try to meddle in other people's messiness, but to deal with our own muddiness. Beware of three planks.

Beware the Three Planks of Pre-Judgment

A) The Statement, "Do Not Judge"

In this followup article to my earlier article on the CHC arrests, I want to bring into focus Jesus' teaching about judging one another. The first plank is what I call the "Shut Up" plank. In other words, when in doubt, learn to shut up. Let me quote the passage in full.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” He also told them this parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:37-42)

The words, "Do not judge!" are often quoted for selfish reasons. Instead of letting God's word speak, it has become a tool to shut people up, especially those who oppose your view. It has become three useful words to take the moral high ground. It has become commonly used but often misunderstood.

Legal wise, the courts have recently sent out warnings to CHC to shut up as the case is pending judgment. Likewise, it has warned other inside parties not to comment farther on the particulars of the case. My question is this: Is "Do Not Judge" equated to only shutting up? No. When in doubt, shut up. Can we who are blind to the facts, see clearly what the facts are about?

B) The Sawdust and the Plank

The second plank goes beyond shutting up. It is the "Ask Appropriate Questions Humbly" plank.  When Jesus says, remove the plank from our own eye first? It does not just mean that we shut ourselves up. Neither does it mean we cannot comment anything at all.  It means, if you want to make statements, do so out of a clear heart and mind. Better still, be pure as God the Father is pure. Let me deal with the context of "Do Not Judge." In the preceding verses, remember the few examples? I call them the two negatives and the two positives. Note the reciprocal nature.

• NEGATIVE: If we judge, be prepared to be judged likewise.
• NEGATIVE: If we condemn, we will likewise be condemned.
• POSITIVE: If we forgive, we will likewise be forgiven.
• POSITIVE: If we give, it will be given to us.

In addition, Jesus reminds us that the blind cannot lead another blind, just like a student cannot pretend to be more than his Master, until he is fully trained, that is. Jesus then lists the impediments to our own journey to holiness: Pre-judgment. I call this the pre-judgment daze. Pre-judgement daze is that condition of a muddled person trying to use his own mud to wash another person's dirt.

We become muddle-headed when we commit the following pre-judgments. We dazzle ourselves into self-deception when we fill our heads,

• Thinking we are so smart and knowledgeable as if we have seen all the evidence with our eyes and testimonies with our own ears.
• Thinking that the crimes of others are worse than us.
• Thinking that we see better than most.

If not, we will be behaving as if we know more than God, which is precisely what Jesus is speaking out against in Luke 6:40.

C) On the China Wine Music Video

The truth is, we are not as pure or innocent as we like to think. I know there are lots of criticisms over the "China Wine" project. Here, we need to be careful on what we mean by results.

When we criticize projects like "China Wine," are we being fair? Are we clear ourselves about the WHOLE project? If unsure, suspend your judgment. Only judge according to what you know or see. Leave speculation, and the unknowns as unknowns to us.

Personally, I do not have the details behind the rationale and the results of the music video. I do not like the video at all. That does not mean I can pre-judge the results or the process. For people who cannot see how "China Wine" can lead to conversions, they need to remove the "plank" out of their own eyes first, before they can see.

• Rather than an emphatic, "This is useless!" Ask: "How is it useful for the Kingdom?"
• Rather than declaring: "Those are worldly!" Ask: "Show me your reasons."
• Rather than pre-judging the results, ask to learn from the people what is going on.

All of the three questions above do one thing: They disagree with the video, but are open to acknowledge the possible presence of other unpublished facts about the video. They ask appropriate questions without pre-judging.

Do not pre-judge the good intentions of others, especially those who accuse Sun Ho and Kong Hee of intentionally committing fraud, and of living off the money of the rest of the Church. The details remain unknown to most of us. Thus, let our judgments be minimal, better still, none. If you want to make a judgment, find out the facts first. Learn to ask appropriate questions without pre-judgment first. Humbly.

D) The Plank of Non-Involvement

The third plank I want to highlight is called the plank of non-involvement. Jesus warns those of us who "pay no attention" to our own eye. Those of us who think so highly about our own definitions of outreach and evangelism, what are we ourselves doing about it?

If China Wine is a "speck" people complain about, what about the "plank" of not doing anything at all with regards to witnessing, outreach, missions, and evangelism?

Some critics like to use the remote control of easy criticism to shoot down the efforts of others. If they themselves are unwilling to venture into unknown territory of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, why "pull the rug" out of others who are trying their best to be a witness there? By pre-judging the efforts and the results of "China Wine," are we not guilty of seeing the "sawdust" of the witness of China Wine, and ignoring the "plank" of non-action, non-outreach to the people in the entertainment industry? In other words, when we ourselves are not actively witnessing to the target industry, why are we then trying to pull out the "sawdust" of others trying their best to be a witness of Christ there?

The purpose of the sawdust and the plank episode is not that we cannot judge. It is we need to become clear and pure ourselves first, so that we can see the impurity outside us. For to try to give advice to another without ourselves being clear is doing others a disfavour. This is a critical teaching. Without being pure ourselves, we cannot judge or pre-judge others fairly. Let me close with a story. The great ascetic, Evagrius Ponticus tells the story of a disciple wanting to learn what purity is about. Asking the great teacher, the disciple asks what he must do in order to save his soul.

"Go and insult the dead." says Macarius, the Teacher.

The disciple obediently goes to the cemetery and insults the dead as best as he can. Returning to the Teacher, the Teacher then asks, "What did the dead say?"

"Nothing. They said nothing." comes the reply.

Macarius then says, "Be like the dead. Judge nobody and learn to keep silent."

Summary

Beware the three planks of judgment. If you have no facts at all, practice removing your first plank by shutting up. If you are genuinely interested in fairness, and in the kingdom of God, learn to remove the second plank by asking appropriate questions, without any pre-judgment. If you are personally aware of your own sinfulness, why highlight other people's sins more than your own? This leads us to the third and most important plank we need to remove: the plank of non-involvement.

There is a joke that talks about the difference between eggs and ham. The chicken contributes eggs, while the pig is totally committed. Too many people like to behave like chickens, throwing eggs at others. Remember that any party taken before the courts are fully in. They are fighting for their lives, their careers, their reputations, etc. It is not a time for anyone, especially a Christian to comment gleefully, or arrogantly. It is a time for us to reflect on ourselves and how we practise our faith. Above all, if any Christian thinks they are purer and brighter, and more Christlike than the arrested leaders of CHC, Kong Hee and all, do not simply talk. Show grace. Demonstrate gentleness. Let Christ shines through you.

If we can remove the three planks of pre-judgment, we will have done ourselves and others a favour. We have made a turn to the direction of holiness.

THOUGHT: "You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments that stand out, the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love... The test of a man then is not, 'How have I believed?' but 'How have I loved?' The test of religion, the final test of religion, is not religiousness, but love. Not what I have done, not what I have believed, not what I have achieved, but how I have discharged the common charities of life." (Henry Drummond)

conrade

Five Responses to Consider (CHC Arrests)

City Harvest Church, Singapore (Credit: Asiaone)

The big news in Singapore is the arrest of key leaders, including Kong Hee, the founder of City Harvest Church, a Singapore Megachurch established in 1989. They have been charged with financial mismanagement and fraud. Arguably the single largest church in Singapore, it boasts an attendance of more than 23000 people weekly. I have attended the church meetings before, and am amazed at the vibrancy of the people, but also the huge proportion of young people. If you are to do a search on Twitter or Google, it is common to see CHC supporters expressing wholehearted allegiance to the leadership and the Church. These are the die-hard supporters. Some may even behave as if the church has been persecuted.

On the other hand, many others in the public have thrown in heaps of sarcasm and cynicism on the Church. One popular blogger, XiaXue feels "disgusted" about the "amount of deluded people praying for Kong Hee." Anger and disgust appear to be the general sentiment of the day among those outside the Church.

My blogger friend, currently based in Singapore has kindly reproduced his professor, Dr Daniel Koh's prompt response for the Christian community to consider. In a nutshell, the writer urges restraint for both groups of people mentioned above. To the first group who are pro-supporters, he suggests refraining from blind faith. To the second group who are aggressively condemning the leaders, the CHC members, he recommends suspending judgment to let justice flows its natural course. He then points all to learn to pray for all parties affected or involved in the whole process.

Like Dr Koh, I am similarly concerned for many of the younger believers in City Harvest Church. There will be repercussions. There will be a general mood of despondency among many. There will also be additional salt added to the wounds by insensitive people who behave as if they themselves are on a higher moral ground to judge.

While it is important to remember that one is innocent until proven guilty, it is fair to say that something has gone horribly wrong in the financial aspect of the Church. Whether we fault the person or persons, the organization or its poor financial transparency, or the overall investigative process, I want to focus on the assumption that the worst case is true, that the 5 leaders arrested are guilty as charged. The difference is in terms of the extent to which the charges are true. Having done that, I will suggest some way forward for any genuinely concerned or interested member of the Christian community. I will base my meditation on how King David was found out in his adultery and murder, and how he coped with it. It is important to note that while the crimes committed are different, there are teaching moments about how to cope.

Remember, the following is based on an ASSUMPTION that the charges are true. I make no final judgment on the arrests, but merely want to pose responses based on this position.

1) Call a Spade a Spade

First, the prophet Nathan helped to open the eyes of King David to his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-12). Instead of fighting back, see how David responded.

"Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.'" (2 Samuel 12:13a)

David recognized his sin. Instead of hiding, he admitted it. Even the smallest sin is still a sin. The Bible says that all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Before a Holy God, the smallest speck of sin is still sin. For those of us who argue that small sins are nothing compared to big sins, they have totally missed the significance of purity and holiness. Call a spade a spade, and stop any devilish forces from tempting us toward self-deception.

2) Suspend Judgment

I agree with Dr Daniel Koh that until investigations are complete and the courts have determined the results, we ought to suspend judgment with regards to the case. This means both ways. The pro-supporters need to suspend judgment about how "right" or how "innocent" their leaders are. It is one thing to support leaders. It is yet another to apply blind faith. The vociferous accusers and sarcastic corners of the public will also need to suspend their judgment, lest they themselves are guilty of casting the first stone. Look at Nathan's reply.

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die." (2 Samuel 12:13b)

If there is any judgment to be made, it is definitely not us distant observers. The responsibility and the ultimate Judge is God.

3) Truth Must Be Told

Whenever we read news from the media, we cannot base our entire opinion on one single piece of news. For that matter, there are also multiple news outlets, social media, and foreign reporting as well. Which do we believe? Who is speaking the truth? Remember that every piece of news material is biased to some degree. Even if we can gather all the available news material, it is still second-hand news.

• Have we seen the evidence first hand?
• Have we heard the confessions of the five leaders charged?
• Have we understood and analyzed the information gathered from the investigators?
• Have we any privy knowledge of what is actually happening, the background etc?

Truth must be told. Yet, it is not easy to get at truth. This is why we will need to be open and let any opinion or mini-conclusion be always a qualified one. See the judgment of God meted out, and see how truth is matched by action.

"But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.” (2 Samuel 12:14)

God is honoured when truth is revealed. Granted that David's admission of guilt has brought along harsh punishment, the important thing is when truth is revealed, the path to righteousness is lighted up. However, before that can happen, punishment needs to take its course. The painful one is the death of David's firstborn son.

4) Learn From Mistakes

David's remorse is evident from the Psalms he writes, especially in Psalm 51:1-2. The admission of guilt and the plea for mercy is nothing less than amazing. It is not justifying one's deeds, but seeking God's mercy. Unreservedly and totally.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

While this is the response of David, the rest of us need to learn how to pray as well. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is an appropriate lesson for us to learn.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:  “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

(Luke 18:9-13)

Those of us looking in from outside, are we to behave like the Pharisee, or to seek mercy like the tax collector. This is perhaps the key response tip for all of us. The CHC arrests need to make us look to behave more like the tax collector, that we recognize our own sin and weaknesses. That we do not put ourselves higher than the people at CHC. At the same time, we need to warn ourselves against any acts of self-righteousness like the Pharisee. For instance, not being arrested like the five men, does not mean we can tell everyone,

"Thank God I am not like them!"

God forbid! We are sinners and all of us are capable of doing the wrongs that have been charged. No one is immune from wrongdoing. We need mercy. We need grace. In the same way, we need to show mercy and grace to others.

5) The Gospel Must Still Be Preached - Start CLEAN

Finally, I want to acknowledge that the reputation of CHC and even for the Church at large will be negatively affected, at least for a while. We cannot run away from it. We can only pray, seek forgiveness, learn, and do our best to be competent and ethical in what we do. No one is immune from sin but everyone is capable of honouring God with doing the right thing. Let me suggest five things.

First, Comfort One Another. See how David goes to comfort his distraught wife, Bathsheba. Even though they have committed adultery, they are still people who need love and comfort. As a Christian community, we can comfort one another by praying, and by seeking to do all the good we can, in spite of all the bad that we are hearing.

Second, be always Learning. What has happened to CHC does not mean it will not happen to any other churches.

Third, Encourage one another to improve our own systems of governance. If there are weaknesses, do our best to implement checks and balances. If there are any wrongdoing by anyone, stop. Repent. Correct.

Four, Accept one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Family members do not disown one another simply because one has committed a crime. A family is a family. We rejoice together, we grieve together, we serve together. Like Jesus said, the world will know we are His disciples through our love for one another.

Five, Need for God. May this be a time for which all Christians will turn to God in a more intensive way. We tell others that they need God, now is a time for us to demonstrate with our own lives that we ourselves need God.

Be comforting, be learning, be encouraging, be accepting, and be needful of God. Together, they form the acronym CLEAN. Through CLEAN, may the gospel be preached with our lives that are filled with grace toward one another.

Praying for mercy beginning with myself.

Conrade Yap (Dr)

World's Strictest Parents - Singapore

I have heard this reality show running for a few years already. This particular episode is from the Australian edition show #5 on Singapore, and holds a few lessons for us to learn. Two Australian teenagers learns to see another perspective of life after their stint in Singapore life. While the clips do show a change in the teenagers' life, it is important to remember that things that happen in front of the camera, may not always reflect the reality without the camera. The episode was telecast on 19 Aug 2009 in Australia.

1) Part 1 of World's Strictest Parents (Singapore episode)




2) Part 2 of World's Strictest Parents (Singapore episode)





conrade

THE COURAGE TO CHANGE

TITLE: THE COURAGE TO CHANGE
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 14 April 2011

The year 2011 is gearing up to be an election year for a number of countries I am familiar with. Canada, Malaysia and Singapore are all gearing up for elections. Canadians are free to vote, as well as not to vote. Malaysians can vote only if they are registered on time. In fact for Malaysians, any three consecutive failures to vote can mean the forfeiture of future voting rights. In Singapore, it is compulsory to vote, only if there are no walkovers. In this note, I will argue that a stable democratic society is one that voters can freely choose, and freely agree to live with its consequences.

"The Soy Sauce Towkay"

First Book on Christian Entrepreneurs in Singapore
This is a soon to be launched book by my Christian Fellowship alumni in Singapore. Written by a NTUCF alumni, it is a story of how the founder of the Yeo Hiap Seng company, Mr Yeo Thian In builds his business using Christian principles as guidelines for practicing his faith.  Through letters and interviews with the descendants of Yeo, the 23 chapters make up his story of humble beginnings, that grew to becomes a household name throughout Southeast Asia. The name of the company ( 楊協成) is worth noticing a little more closely. In particular, the middle name, '' 協" (hsien) comprises the cross “+” and three “力” (strength). With Christ supplying perfect strength, the founder begins his business. The word "成" (cheng) indicates success. In Christ, the company will enjoy success. Unfortunately, after the rebranding, the original name has been replaced with a snappier "Yeo's" instead.

Nowadays, if you go into any Asian supermarket, there is a good chance you can find Yeo's products. They have diversified into packet drinks and many others besides brewing traditional soy sauce.

The book is packed with rave reviews from key figures in politics, in churches, in social circles as well as academic dons. By telling the story of the founder, it is hoped that it can spur the imaginations of many, and especially Christians, that it is possible to be a successful Christian in the marketplace. For more information, excerpts and photos, click here.

If you are interested to buy the book at the promotional rate of $10 (Singapore currency), click here. This price will change after 22 Feb 2010.

Singapore Skyline Video

One of my fellow Regent-College friends have captured the typical busy Singapore lifestyle with a beautiful video. I understand that it took her many months and lots of energy to put them all together. Kudos to you Rachel for a job well done! You have that special talent.

Singapore Lights Timelapse from Weehan Yeo on Vimeo.

As I reflect on the pictures, I cannot help but sense the irony of life in Singapore. "Everything seems to change (lights etc) and yet, nothing has really changed (stationary buildings etc)." Is this another enigmatic expression of a busy life? I remember someone saying to me about being too busy: So busy going places, that at the end, one realizes he/she has not really gone anywhere.

ks

A Call for Cool-Heads-Warm-Hearts

It has been a tumultuous week for many Christians in Singapore. The AWARE saga, while largely recognized as a body for women and women's affairs has heightened the interests of men, religious groups, non-government organizations as well as the government. Why is this so? Many point to the reason being the invasion of religion (in particular, Christianity) into a body that is meant to be secular. Some argue that it is a morality issue pertaining to different sexual themes taught in schools that originated from the AWARE platform. Others are fearful that if not checked, the AWARE saga may form a precedent for religious bodies to infiltrate other organizations as well. The Press practically had a field day, covering the details of the heated organization's EGM with such fervour that under watchful eyes of many interested readers, any word used, a phrase chosen or even the hinting of a small sentiment, can easily sway mass readers to the views of the reporters or the press organ.

Put it this way. We are all fallible people. Put anyone on the hotseat, and apply continuous pressure and verbal barrage. It then becomes not a question of whether that person will stumble or not. It is a question of WHEN the person will crack. The more experienced can last longer, but the novice can be easily swept away. I am fascinated on the one hand about the whole saga, where individuals and groups were forced to apologize or take sides. Yet, I am rather miffed by the way the emotions and all manner of anger are being fueled. This is further aggravated by the way the issue was covered. What makes this issue such a hot potato in the first place? Why can't the issue be resolved diplomatically behind open doors. I figure out that someone, or some people must have roped in the biggest influence of public opinion: The Press. It is curious to see the way the whole thing was played up, like a reality show on TV. Parties were shown to be bickering at all things. Emotions were stoked and tempers easily flare at the first sign of disagreement.

It is to this effect that we must learn to be discerning in our thinking, our speech behaviour and our external conduct. To this end, I would like to suggest that Christians learn to constantly adopt a stance of cool-heads-warm-hearts. When dealing with controversial issues or matters of great contention, one needs to reason it out rationally, think both logically and theologically. Be innocent as doves but wise as serpents is Jesus's teaching on how we are to live in this world. A cool-headed person is as wise as a serpent, carefully discerning the steps to take and the pitfalls to avoid. A warm-hearted person is as innocent as a dove, loving Christ as much as neighbour, retaining a posture of doing good not only to fellow Christians but to fellow people in society, regardless of race, language or religion. We cannot do it on our own strength, but can only depend on the Holy Spirit to empower, to guide and to humble.

A TOUGH FAITH QUESTION
I suppose some of us may struggle with the following question:
"What does it mean for us to integrate our faith and our various work or social responsibilities in the culture we live in?"

I admit that it is a tough question, especially after the AWARE team that is deemed a 'Christian team' have been given an 'embarrassing' no-confidence vote. Some people may even be left questioning whether the team headed by Josie Lau, have done the Christian church a disservice in their brand of faith-integration. Before non-Christians, perhaps some of us may simply shrug our shoulders and behave as if we 'disown' Josie Lau and team from the Church of our Saviour. We may even forget that brothers and sisters ought to stand together through thick and thin. Let me supply three filters to help us see the whole situation.

1. HONOURABLE INTENTIONS: I applaud them for being honest to themselves and their convictions. I do not doubt that they have honourable intentions, and were somehow led to take over the AWARE organization to correct some of their programs. We can fault the method but we ought to respect whatever noble intent they have. (This does not mean I am taking sides at this time.)
   
2. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: An ethical problem? Many people, including Christians have expressed doubts over the way the Josie-team have taken over the leadership. It became not a legal question but an ethical concern. While it may be true that one can be faulted on the basis of a technicality, this does NOT give the 'technicality' a blanket offer to forever taint anybody's sense of worth or integrity. Every ethical stance, especially Christian behaviour must be laced with grace. While it might be true that one cannot do the right thing by using the wrong process, similarly, we cannot do the wrong thing, even though we have the right process. In other words, those who do the "wrong-thing-right-way" is as guilty as those who do the "right-thing-wrong-way." The arms of ethical considerations stretches 3 ways; It needs a honorable goal. It requires adherence to proper rules of execution. It needs a heart of virtue. All three elements must be present in any ethical matter.
   
3. FAITH-INTEGRATION: Is Christian-Faith-Integration Negatively Impacted? That depends on what we mean by Christian-Faith-Integration. For me, it is not simply demanding conformity by sticking a label "THE BIBLE SAYS." It is an integration that starts with a cool head and warm heart. It begins with Christ. It is sustained in prayer. It is a loving confrontation that reflects a stereo attitude of listening to both sides intelligently, rationally, calmly and compassionately. Chances are, if we listen hard enough, there are more similarities than differences. Pity that the differences become played up, dividing people rather than uniting them. In this sense, whatever that has happened to the AWARE organization represents a LOSE-LOSE scenario. My answer to this third question is: "It depends." Who are we to determine that all halves of the game have been played? Are we the umpire holding the stop watch at the end of the finishing line? No! We are still on a journey of discovery and learning. Sometimes, the best progress one can ever make is by first falling down. Then one learns one additional way of how NOT to do it.

How do we practice Cool-Heads-Warm-Hearts (CHWH)?
Here, I like to close with some wisdom from two persons. Firstly, we can learn to practice CHWH through what John Stott describes as 'dual listening.'

“We stand between the Word and the world with consequent obligation to listen to both. We listen to the Word to discover even more of the riches of Christ. We listen to the world in order to discern which of Christ’s riches are needed most and how to present them in their best light.” (The Contemporary Christian)

The second way is to let our fruits speak for themselves. The wisdom of the 12th Century Franciscan monk says it clearly:

“Preach the gospel at all times -- if necessary, use words.” (St Francis of Assisi)

If Christians were to bear good fruit, practice dual-listening, speak out against the evils of society. Chances are, both Christians AND non-Christians will likely stand together for the common good. At the same time, always begin with a 50% discount to whatever you read in the papers or TV.

ks

Happy Chinese New Year 2009 (Ox year)

I like this evergreen rendition of the Chinese New Year favourite. Hope you like it too.

Happy Chinese New Year 2009.



ks

"Without Fear or Favour" - a good article

I find this article by Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of Singapore's famous leader, Lee Kuan Yew very thoughtfully written and deserves respect. I like in particular her view on leadership, which is one that is not based on fear but moral credibility. Yet, I will classify her religiousity as a mixture of moral values mixed with existentialism. While her views reflect a strong righteous upbringing, it lacks the eschatological hope that Christianity offers to all who recognizes God as Creator and Saviour of the world. While it is important to live well in the present, we cannot discount the importance of having a future hope, like Christians who pray the Lord's prayer: "Thy kingdom come."

Nevertheless, I still regard her article as one that is worth reading, even for Christians.

Doing what's right without fear or favour

I was born and bred in Singapore. This is my home, to which I am tied by family and friends. Yet many Singaporeans find me eccentric, though most are too polite to verbalise it. I only realised how eccentric I am when one friend pointed out to me why I could not use my own yardstick to judge others.

I dislike intensely the elitist attitude of some in our upper socio-economic class. I have been accused of reverse snobbery because I tend to avoid the wealthy who flaunt their wealth ostentatiously or do not help the less fortunate members of our society.

I treat all people I meet as equals, be it a truck driver friend or a patient and friend who belongs to the richest family in Singapore. I appraise people not by their usefulness to me but by their character. I favour those with integrity, compassion and courage. I feel too many among us place inordinate emphasis on academic performance, job status, appearance and presentation. I am a doctor and director of the smallest public sector hospital in Singapore, the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI). I have 300 staff, of whom 100 are doctors. I emphasise to my doctors that they must do their best for every patient regardless of paying status.

I also appraise my doctors on how well they care for our patients, not by how much money they bring in for NNI. My doctors know I have friends who are likely to come in as subsidised patients. I warn them that if I find them not treating any subsidised patient well, their appraisal - and hence bonus and annual salary increments - would be negatively affected. My doctors know I will do as I say. I remind them that the purpose of our existence and the measure of our success is how well we care for all our patients - and that this is the morally correct way to behave and should be the reason why we are doctors. In NNI, almost all patients are given the best possible treatment regardless of their paying status. My preference for egalitarianism extends to how I interact with my staff.

I am a director because the organisation needs a reporting structure. But my staff are encouraged to speak out when they disagree with me. This tends to be a rarity in several institutions in Singapore. The fear that one's career path may be negatively affected is what prevents many people from speaking out.

This reflects poorly on leadership. In many organisations, superiors do not like to be contradicted by those who work under them. Intellectual arrogance is a deplorable attitude.

'Listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story,' the Desiderata tells us. It is advice we should all heed - especially leaders, especially doctors.

I speak out when I see something wrong that no one appears to be trying to correct. Not infrequently, I try to right the wrong. In doing so, I have stepped on the sensitive toes of quite a few members of the establishment. As a result, I have been labelled 'anti-establishment'. Less kind comments include: 'She dares to do so because she has a godfather'.

I am indifferent to these untrue criticisms; I report to my conscience; and I would not be able to face myself if I knew that there was a wrong that I could have righted but failed to do so.

I have no protective godfather. My father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, would not interfere with any disciplinary measures that might be meted out to me.

And I am not anti-establishment. I am proud of what Singapore has achieved. But I am not a mouthpiece of the government. I am capable of independent thought and I can view problems or issues from a perspective that others may have overlooked.

A few months ago, I gave a talk on medical ethics to students of our Graduate Medical School. They sent me a thank-you card with a message written by each student. One wrote: 'You are a maverick, yet you are certainly not anti-establishment. You obey the moral law.' Another wrote: 'Thank you for sharing your perspective with us and being the voice that not many dare to take.' It would be better for Singapore's medical fraternity if the young can feel this way about all of us in positions of authority.

After the Sars epidemic in 2003, the Government began to transform Singapore into a vibrant city with arts and cultural festivals, and soon, integrated resorts and night F1. But can we claim to be a civilised first world country if we do not treat all members of our society with equal care and dignity?

There are other first world countries where the disparity between the different socio- economic classes is much more extreme and social snobbery is even worse than in Singapore. But that is no excuse for Singaporeans not to try harder to treat each other with dignity and care.

After all, both the Bible and Confucius tell us not to treat others in a way that we ourselves would not want to be treated. That is a moral precept that many societies accept in theory, but do not carry out in practice. I wish Singapore could be an exception in this as it has been in many other areas where we have surprised others with our success.
=============================================
Written: by Lee Wei Ling
Credit: Straits Times, 30 July 2008

The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.

A Dream. . . . . .

As the weather turns colder (Its 9 degree Celsius in Vancouver, Canada), the rains longer, the days shorter, and the evenings darker, sometimes it is nice to dream nice things. Here is my dream...... written in a song. (Sing to the tune of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go on" in the movie Titanic. Song adapted as well.

My Drool Will Go On

Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that my drool will go on…….
Once more you showed me the bowl
And I wish you’re in my stomach
Thought my mouth will drool on and on…..

Smell can reach me us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till you’re gone

Taste was when I loved you
One chopstick I hold to
In my life we'll always drool on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that my drool will go on…….
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my mouths will drool on and on…..

You're not here, there's nothing to cheer,
And I know that my drool will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are ever in my heart
And my drool will go on and on






"Bak Chor Mee (Egg noodles with pork)"

I stumbled upon this blog that highlights a potpurri of favourites that make me miss Singapore/Malaysia.

My saliva's drooooooooooooooling................. Help! Someone invent a instant food transporter!

ks

Happiest Country in Asia?

Singapore is featured in this ABC news as being the happiest country in Asia. Check it out here.

I smiled as I read this. Simply because this news-video is only a tiny glimpse of some quick survey. It seems to be a hastily put together snippet of life in Singapore, reflecting little scholarship and contains insufficient credible sources. Many people in Singapore will disagree with the findings. While they may have their viewpoints and continue their posture of discontent, I think this is an opportunity to be thankful for this small island country and what they have achieved so far. We cannot deny that life has been good, even though tough, in the draconian state. We cannot let a good life make the people arrogant. We cannot be complacent that what is obtained today will remain the same tomorrow. Singaporeans have been witnessed being rude and arrogant when they go on holidays in other countries. They have been cited for lack of manners and social graces. Even the Mentor Minister has said that in his lifetime, he does not see any improvement. True, costs of living have gone up. Basic stuff are getting more expensive. Even education where many people cherished has now become something to fight over, where parents ensure that their children get the 'best' education possible. Let us not be deceived, and to be too narrow in our definition of what 'best' means. The best education is NOT necessarily to be accepted and enrolled in a premier school. The best results are not the multiple strings of distinctions at the end of each examination year. The best environment is not to simply surround oneself with top academics but humble learners. We have to measure our understanding of 'best' and taper it according to the word 'appropriate.' I have always believed that an A-student is called to get the best A he can get. The B-student is to get the best 'B' he can possibly get. The C-student is to get the best 'C.' Not everyone is called to be in the premier tracks of life, no matter how badly we want it for our loved ones. Not everybody can get the rare scholarship on offer. There is only one first prize. Yes some of us are called to do just that. Not everybody. It is not a reflection of our worth in life. We cannot let society define us based on what we do, or what the job title on our name card says. We are at the bottom line, loved by God. Trusting God to reveal who we are in the light of his will remains one of the most important education we can ever have for ourselves and for our kids. If we can gradually change our life vocabulary, preferring a thoughtful 'most appropriate' instead of a thoughtless 'best kind', we will be better servants for all. What good is the best gift on earth in the hands of one who is simply not ready to receive it? What society declares 'best' may not be the same for different individuals. I take comfort that our heavenly Father knows what is best for each of us. Just like an earthly father who long to give good gifts to their children, our heavenly father gave us his Son, defenseless, humble and loving Christ. He gave the disciples the best available fishes and loaves of bread at that time. He distributed the most appropriate symbolism of himself in simple bread and wine at the last Supper. No fancy top-quality Salmon or Japanese sushi. No high class multi-grained expensive bread. No famous Californian Cabernet or French wine. It is simply the most humble elements served with a golden heart. This is our Christian calling. Our small hands must be directed by a big heart of love. Our words must be communicated with a generous consideration for the integrity for our neighbour.

Finally, I believe that as a Christian, wherever we go or are called to live in, we ought to see following God's call as being the safest and best place on earth. It could be in first world, second, third or otherwise, what is most important is to be in the center of God's choice. Far better, wherever we go, we become a channel for God's kingdom to flow. This should be the perspective of anyone questioning where is the best place to live. This should be the paradigm hat that people contemplating emigration should wear. This should be the purpose that Christians are to live by. The safest, best and happiest place on earth is to be in the center of God's will.

ks

Queen of the Sky - A380

This A380 is a beauty. Come 28 Oct 2007, Singapore Airlines will be the first in the world to fly this plane, hailed as the largest passenger plane in the world. In market analysis, this is usually seen as a great opportunity for airlines to promote their brand by being the first to market. No doubt SQ will be taking the chance to go big on publicity. Singapore, small in size but big in visibility. Be prepared to see news flashes of the event worldwide. The interior is also attractive. Just see the pictures, taken from Singapore Airlines.
PRIVATE SUITES
Just like the train cabins
A place to lie down flat. I like this.

A Mirror to see whether one can slow down aging by flying luxuriously


This is lovely. Very romantic setting.
Then there are the business class seats.
BUSINESS CLASS
This is really comfortable.
I like the lighting
Book lovers will love this posture
See the large LCD screens?
Now for the rest of us.
ECONOMY CLASS
After seeing the luxurious cabins, these look very rudimentary.

There is a big difference between first class private suites and the economy seats. Point is, if you want the goodies, be prepared to pay.

---

Links
- Singapore Airlines A380 website
- Airbus website
- Singapore Airlines website
- AsiaOne website
- Today's New York Times article

"Singapore" by Mary Oliver

Singapore

In Singapore, in the airport,
A darkness was ripped from my eyes.
In the women’s restroom, one compartment stood open.
A woman knelt there, washing something
in the white bowl.

Disgust argued in my stomach
and I felt, in my pocket, for my ticket.

A poem should always have birds in it.
Kingfishers, say, with their bold eyes and gaudy wings.
Rivers are pleasant, and of course trees.
A waterfall, or if that’s not possible, a fountain
rising and falling.
A person wants to stand in a happy place, in a poem.

When the woman turned I could not answer her face.
Her beauty and her embarrassment struggled together, and
neither could win.
She smiled and I smiled. What kind of nonsense is this?
Everybody needs a job.

Yes, a person wants to stand in a happy place, in a poem.
But first we must watch her as she stares down at her labor,
which is dull enough.
She is washing the tops of the airport ashtrays, as big as
hubcaps, with a blue rag.
Her small hands turn the metal, scrubbing and rinsing.
She does not work slowly, nor quickly, like a river.
Her dark hair is like the wing of a bird.

I don’t doubt for a moment that she loves her life.
And I want to rise up from the crust and the slop
and fly down to the river.
This probably won’t happen.
But maybe it will.
If the world were only pain and logic, who would want it?

Of course, it isn’t.
Neither do I mean anything miraculous, but only
the light that can shine out of a life. I mean
the way she unfolded and refolded the blue cloth,
The way her smile was only for my sake; I mean
the way this poem is filled with trees, and birds.

~ Mary Oliver ~

(House of Light)

Confidentiality and the Courts

This is a tricky situation. Reuters was ordered (Friday, 25 May 2007)) to reveal its confidential source for a business case, by a Singapore court of law. According to Reuters,

"It is Reuters policy to protect the confidentiality of our sources," Reuters Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger said.

According to the Singapore law, it was said that:

Singapore law does not recognise the right of journalists to protect the identity of their sources, which is enshrined in the laws of many countries protecting freedom of expression, as well as recognised by the European Court of Human Rights.

It looks like a double-bind. If Reuters were to stick to its confidentiality clause, the reporter will have to be jailed for refusing to obey the court's directive. If Reuters were to allow the reporter to reveal the sources, it will mean loss of credibility for the news agency. Either way, Reuters is stuck. The only way out, is for the sources themselves to release Reuters from the confidentiality clause agreement. My feelings are mixed. It may work this time in terms of getting the information out. However, there will be a risk that in future, information sources will not be willing at all to talk to anybody, in Singapore! Who will then be willing to share information? Will this incident encourage individuals and corporations to be willing to share pertinent information? What will happen to people, for whatever reasons, needs to remain anonymous and yet the information needs to be disseminated safely? Will it lead to people who are already normally clammed up about sharing information, becomes even more clammed up? What if there is a legitimate reason to remain anonymous, but the court orders the anonymous sources to be disclosed? How can we resolve this ethical dilemma?

• AsiaOne
  
• Reuters links
  

Singapore Ministerial Salaries

Here we go again, with the Singapore government talking about the need to 'close the gap' in order to make sure that the public-private pay gap are not widened, in order to "ensure competitive salaries for a competent and honest government." PM Lee also spoke about the need to 'retain talent.' We have all heard the argument before. Common folks (including taxi drivers) have often complained about the high salaries the ministers are drawing. Some people have even said that the way to become a millionaire is to become a Minister of the Singapore government!

This time, as I read and reflect upon it, I think PM Lee does have a point, and I applaud his courage to bring it out. Let me explain by giving three possible reasons.

#1 - COURAGE: It is not easy for a high profile minister to talk about salaries. Who dares to talk about one's own pay in a conservative Asian culture, where salaries spoken in public can be taboo! Look what happened to TT Durai of the NKF case. Do ministers need that level of pay increase to sustain their daily lives? It is actually more symbolic than anything else, that the pay amount makes it more palatable for talented people to consider entering into the political arena. A good economy does depend on a good government, and more often than not, nobody will even want to campaign openly for it, thinking that the government can take care of itself. In a sense, the government should take care of its interest, for afterall, they are working for the interest of the country in the first place, isn't it?

#2 - OPPORTUNITY COST: The current ministers DO have better pay in the private sector. I think many corporations will be prepared to pay PM Lee to be their CEO, at even double his current salary. There are also other ministers who have to take a pay cut to serve in the ministry. It will be less than optimal if a minister have to take on a second job to restore any difference. How can a minister then allocate fully his time and resources to the service of the nation?

#3 - LACK OF PUBLIC/PRIVATE APPRECIATION: In many cultures, people tend to talk behind the backs of influential people. They are more liberal with negative comments rather than positive feedback. At times, I even think, that it takes one to do SEVEN GOOD deeds in order to trigger some level of public recognition, while on the other hand, it takes a simple ONE BAD EVENT to unleash a storm of protests and complaints. Call it a form of compensation.

I think back on those social organizations where social-workers receive one of the lowest pay in the whole economy, yet people continue to say that the work they do are 'priceless.' Isn't it common to hear positive comments about social workers helping an unemployed widow of many children find a job? Yet how many people will raise their hands to become social workers? Not many, as one of the reasons is that it does not pay adequately). Jobs that result in 'obscene profits' are on the other hand not as widely acknowledged to be beneficial to society. Think about horse-racing, gambling and some forms of investment trading, which require shrewd/cunning politicking and deceitful strategizing.

The way the economy works is basically like the following levels of profitability/contribution.

Level 1 - HIGH Pay and HIGH Sociological/Ethical Societal Contribution
Level 2 - LOW Pay and HIGH Sociological/Ethical Societal Contribution
Level 3 - HIGH Pay and LOW Sociological/Ethical Societal Contribution
Level 4 - LOW Pay and LOW Sociological/Ethical Societal Contribution

Ministerial pay traverse either at levels 1 and 3, as far as the commonfolk is concerned. PM Lee seems to think that the ministers are at Level 2. Assuming that the Singapore ministers are on the high end of societal contribution, even assuming that their pay is relatively low, they are undisputedly the highest paid group of social workers or civil servants. The rest of the people like actual door to door social workers, religious organizations and civic self-help groups are at the mid to bottom of the rung. I would suggest that no matter how we put it, a majority of social organizations and non-profits will be at Level 2. Even if we were to assume that theGovernment ministers will be at level 2, it is most certainly the HIGH END of level 2. Nevertheless, I will suggest the following.

Firstly, let them 'close the gap' in order to attract and retain good people in leadership. Secondly, let them 'close the gap' as long as they are able to fight for the poor and the marginalized in society (not just the pay differential among top servants in public/private sectors). Finally, let them 'close the gap' and to promote a behaviour that does not close the people's gab.

ks

Link - "Top govt salaries far behind private sector's"

From 4.5 to 6.5 million people

The latest news reads "Singaporeans need assurance over growing population: sociologist." For an island that is only 270 sq miles (700 sq km), that would translate into roughly 279 sq metre for every individual. For an approximation, a family of four typically occupy a 4-room apartment that is about 1200 square metres. If we were to add to the space requirements the additional stuff people has, their furniture and basic shelf space, there isn't much room left to jump. Ok, there will be taller and deeper buildings, and logistically, it is still possible to envision an island being able to accommodate that many people, still, the social implications are not to be underestimated. If there is a squeeze for space, it will mean:

1) Increased competition and increased stress for the limited public resources. People might fight for everything merely because 'everybody is doing it.'
2) Heightened level of impatience which breeds bad social behaviour. I remember those times where queueing up is a way of life for everything, from waiting for a car-park space to lining up to buy cinema tickets. This will also challenge Christians on the spiritual discipline of waiting.
3) Quality of Life. Creativity and innovation requires space, both to think, to experiment and to review the results. If the pressure is always on for people to keep to their schedule to keep the queue going for the next person standing in line, it adds pressure to achieving short-term gains at the expense of things long-term.
Anyway, queueing up will be a way of life.

Well, there are merits if there is a larger population.
- Higher probability of a Nobel peace prize winner, or greater quantity of brainy professionals;
- Increased competition leads to lowering of complacency
- Higher investment by foreigners based on a larger domestic market

Yet the negative side must not be undermined. Packing sardines into cans is doable. Packing people into a tight space is another matter altogether.

Read it for yourself: here

ks