My first class

Memories of your first is always memorable. I just had a first moment. I created a class object out of need. This brings me to a whole new level on my understanding of class.

When big organisations just don't get it

I used to pride Singapore Transport systems as one of the best. As far as I can remember, there were no major disruptions prior to the three last week. Like all news worthy saga, one news lead to another - 3 major disruptions, one death at NEL, one critically injury while on a bus. Just like the Bedok Reservoir floating bodies and the series of NTU death last year, when it starts to rain, it starts to pour. Unlike the previous two series of unfortunate events, a public transport disruption incurred much much more wrath from the general public. It should.

For the majority of the Singaporeans who do not drive, public transportation has a really strong influence on a scarce and deeply treasured resource call "time". Although not everyone use it wisely, some choose to upgrade themselves on a weekday night, some choose to spend quality time with their family after a long day at work and some may choose to rush home to play a game of DOTA. But any attempt to take it away will definitely bring out the best Singaporean spirit - Complaint in Unison. Who can blame us? We grew up in a environment that pride itself on efficiency where time is the very resource that defines it. Losing time on a stalled transportation is something that should not have happened if you are in Singapore.

Commuters has articulated this desire of not losing precious time on public transport in their numerous complaints about not being able to board buses and trains at peak hours. If losing one or two buses/trains (*5 to 10 min) is concern, missing out one entire evening out with friends and family is national problem. If SMRT had a proper contingency plan, Singaporeans would and should had been more forgiving. We all know, things are getting more and more complicated, and they will fail. Does Google place all its data centers in one city? However, contingency plans were slow to be activated and safety procedures for rescue were glaring absent. Yet, SMRT choose not to admit its flaws.

From the SMRT responses, track records and public comments surfacing on the new media recently, it is obvious that SMRT had focused on doing one thing and doing it good. That is generating profits - from its retails rentals and efficient nets of trains and buses. No one is blaming them for doing their job. However, did SMRT consider itself an essential public service provider that should endeavour to ensure Singaporeans precious time is not lost on waiting and sitting idly on non moving, non ventilating trains?

* arbitrary figures based totally on my own estimates

Other good reads:

Does SMRT value its property over the well-bing of commuters

SMRT needs to review its priorities: NSP

Experts question use of plastic ties (I am seriously doubtful this will work. So no train for me till they fix the real problem.)

Coming of age

I attended my first p sch classmate wedding today only to realise that many more are already married. Some even have two kids. It is really heart warming to know that we have all grown so much since those days of carefree marble, catching, humtumbolla days.

In the name of Democracy

Singapore has just witnessed one of the most epic failure of the GRC system. Widely recognised as one of the best in the current minister rank, ex-Foreign Minister George Yeo is now officially unemployed. At least he won't be serving the Singapore for the next 5 years as a minister. This happened while the most incompetent candidate, judging from the level of backlash from her comments, actions, (bimbotic) media replies and (act cute) picture, was elected as a MP all in the name of Democracy.

Hours after the election results, petitions were set up to replace Ms TPL with Mr GY. This was the public consensus and desire. However, it is unlikely this would be achieve as this is definitely unconstitutional.

As it has been proven that opposition can win GRC (Aljunied) and Minority candidates can win SMC (Punggol East). Maybe it's high time that the election board think harder about the GRC system. It may have been absolutely necessary in the past but the results today showed that the society has progressed beyond the fears of the 1980s.

Singapore shall make do with a TPL for the next 5 years. Maybe I am overly critical, but odds are against her to appease the public displeasure. If she doesn't, I hope that there is a stronger WP next election.

How Will I Vote?

All my life I yearned for the chance to exercise my rights as a Singapore Citizen to cast my vote. It feels great to know that I am playing a part in deciding the country's future. 5 years ago, I was rather crestfallen to find out I am staying in a constituency that is not contested. Now, I got my chance but never had i imagine that it is not such a straightforward process.

Am I voting to choose someone to represent me or am I choosing the government?

What makes a good government? People centered, empathising, or bureaucratic, efficiency, growth oriented....

What makes a good opposition? Critical of the government, innovative, voices of the people?

People and People

There are so many types of personalities at work. When I studied diversity in HR I truly believed that diversity is good. The more (greater) the merrier. I feel like an idiot now.

What I love about December

December is my favourite month of the year. It has always been so since my memories beings. When I was young, it was the long holidays that I was always yearning for. Now, it is the lack of school kids and the substantial time saving from commuting to work that I adore. Thoughts of crowded buses, the need of squeezing through the bus aisle to alight, non stop giggling and chatters scares me now. I will definitely miss my peaceful bus journey where I could really sleep soundly throughout.

I dread January.....