This time it is on whether Asian Foreign Policies are basically Trade Policies.
This essay took a lot of time cos I have to compile statistics and create tables and graphs to try to impress my lecturer. Hopefully I can stun him with the work I did and he would be more lenient in grading the paper :P
Sorry there is going to be another one more essay coming up. Sigh ... my life right now seems to be about writing essays rather than anything else. Sad really.
Here is my conclusion (edited for your viewing pleasure):
We can propose a general hypothesis about when a country’s foreign policies are dominated by trade policies. Trade policies would dominate when a country, without much resource, enters the development phase. The country would want to maintain a peaceful environment to pursue its development objectives. This would most often entail a neutral and bland foreign policy as the country would not be able to properly separate economic and political goals. Trade policies would supersede its foreign policies especially if the country subscribes to an export oriented industrial policy. International environment and external influences also affect a country’s use of trade policies. The general orthodoxy of economic liberalism, coupled with the trend towards economic regionalism and bilateralism, has created an environment where trade issues are becoming more important. The military support of the US and its support for economic liberalism during the Cold War have also contributed to the dominance of trade policies among Asian foreign policies.
Presumably, when it becomes developed, the country will proceed to ‘higher’ forms of politics. However, Singapore will not change its reliance on trade policy, as the domestic constraints will always be present. Conversely, there may be a reverse in the dominance of trade policies in Japanese foreign policies. Japan exhibit signs of decreasing their reliance on trade policy and increasing the role of their military force. However, Japan’s shift to other non-trade policies tools will be a slow process. Moreover, the trend towards economic regionalism and bilateralism will continue to place a great importance on trade policies. Although many countries hope to engage China in trade activities and make it more economically interdependent, trade policies will not dominate Chinese foreign policies. The military force will remain an important instrument to execute Chinese foreign affairs. Short of a drastic change in international system, Asian countries without any alternative tools will continue to use trade policies.
31 March 2005
22 March 2005
My Book Review
Been busy doing my assignments. Just completed a review on an interesting book about Singapore politics and the opposition parties.
The book is:
Mutalib, Hussin. (2003). PARTIES AND POLITICS: A Study of Opposition Parties and the PAP in Singapore. Singapore: Eastern Universities Press.
Here is a sample of what I wrote:
Hussin Mutalib provides essential scholarly work on the opposition parties in Singapore. Prior to this book, little was written on the Singaporean opposition parties, even though since 1950 there are more than 18 registered opposition parties in Singapore. The next best works are the edited chapters by Rodan (1996a) and Yeo (2002). The lack of scholarly attention can be attributed to the general view that there is little value in investigating the opposition parties in Singapore since they only play a small role in the Singapore political system. Since the People’s Action Party (PAP) came into power in 1959, the party has dominated Singapore politics and has not hesitated to use their power to suppress the opposition...
Mutalib has been comprehensive in his presentation of Singapore politics and the opposition parties, but one wonders why he did not address two pertinent questions. First, given that the PAP controls the system and has won the majority of the popular votes in all elections, why is the PAP so desperate to obtain all the popular votes? The PAP has uses many tactics to ensure that the opposition gets as little votes as possible. Why not concede more ground to the opposition, up to the one quarter mark? Second, and more importantly, how does the opposition find the strength to continue their fights? The system places restrictions on their support; the PAP undermines their authority by implementing the NMP scheme; the public thinks that they cannot achieve much. Yet, they continue to contest in every election. One would wonder what will happen when the oppositions do tire of their campaigns. Would it even make a difference to Singapore politics?
The book is:
Mutalib, Hussin. (2003). PARTIES AND POLITICS: A Study of Opposition Parties and the PAP in Singapore. Singapore: Eastern Universities Press.
Here is a sample of what I wrote:
Hussin Mutalib provides essential scholarly work on the opposition parties in Singapore. Prior to this book, little was written on the Singaporean opposition parties, even though since 1950 there are more than 18 registered opposition parties in Singapore. The next best works are the edited chapters by Rodan (1996a) and Yeo (2002). The lack of scholarly attention can be attributed to the general view that there is little value in investigating the opposition parties in Singapore since they only play a small role in the Singapore political system. Since the People’s Action Party (PAP) came into power in 1959, the party has dominated Singapore politics and has not hesitated to use their power to suppress the opposition...
Mutalib has been comprehensive in his presentation of Singapore politics and the opposition parties, but one wonders why he did not address two pertinent questions. First, given that the PAP controls the system and has won the majority of the popular votes in all elections, why is the PAP so desperate to obtain all the popular votes? The PAP has uses many tactics to ensure that the opposition gets as little votes as possible. Why not concede more ground to the opposition, up to the one quarter mark? Second, and more importantly, how does the opposition find the strength to continue their fights? The system places restrictions on their support; the PAP undermines their authority by implementing the NMP scheme; the public thinks that they cannot achieve much. Yet, they continue to contest in every election. One would wonder what will happen when the oppositions do tire of their campaigns. Would it even make a difference to Singapore politics?
21 March 2005
The Library is coming to your neighbourhood!!
Finally, a library is being built in my neighbourhood. After so many years of waiting, it is going to be completed by May 2005.
I remember that I emailed the National Library Board to ask WHY there was no public library in my neighbourhood because this is a growing neighbourhood and there are many schools in it too. It would be beneficial to build a library there. They replied that they are looking into it.
Well, that was about 6 years ago. Nice to know that they have took their time to study the feasibility of building a library there. How efficient these librarians must be :D
I remember that I emailed the National Library Board to ask WHY there was no public library in my neighbourhood because this is a growing neighbourhood and there are many schools in it too. It would be beneficial to build a library there. They replied that they are looking into it.
Well, that was about 6 years ago. Nice to know that they have took their time to study the feasibility of building a library there. How efficient these librarians must be :D
14 March 2005
The extent of my Boredom
I am reduced to doing 'cute' quizes instead of doing my work. Oh well, at least I have a somewhat balanced Brain.
Your Brain is 53.33% Female, 46.67% Male |
Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female You are both sensitive and savvy Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve |
My New Phone
I just got a new phone :) Yes, I am giving in the middle class urges of upgrading my toys but it's not like I am riding the technology wave. This phone is at least one year old. Here is a pix:
At least now I can take photos of silly encounters. Now if only I can remove that stupid camera sound... Any ideas?
At least now I can take photos of silly encounters. Now if only I can remove that stupid camera sound... Any ideas?
2 March 2005
Singapore's Dilemma
The Singapore government has a few problems with its social policy.
First, it wants to increase the population by increasing the
birhtrates of Singapore women. It seems that the government is trying
to perform some sort of eugenics by 'encouraging' their university
graduates to get together and create even smarter kids. Also, they
have the agency called Social Development Unit (SDU), which trys to
match up (wait for it ...) local University graduates. I always
thought that it would be more aptly named as Singapore Dating Unit,
keep the acronym, change the words. But incidentally, it has the same
purpose :D
Secondly, there is a growing gay communnity in Singapore. The gay
community is making their presence felt. The government also wants to
encourage more a more gay-friendly society. Not because they are open
and inclusive, but rather becuase they believe (and have read some
reports) that the more cosmopolitan and financially successful cities
have an open queer culture. For example, New York, Sydney, London.
However, recently the government seem to change their policy towards
accepting them.
So what got me thinking was IF science found a way to allow men to be
pregant and have children, I am sure that the Singapore government
welcome the gay community with open arms. The government can:
1. increase their population by 'encouraging' gay graduates to
procreate. And the government can involve the SDU in this mission too.
2. make or create the impression that Singapore is a cosmopolitan city.
Also, would it be better if Singapore's bio medical industry was the
first to develop the technique to impregnate men.
Wouldn't LEE be happy!!! :P
First, it wants to increase the population by increasing the
birhtrates of Singapore women. It seems that the government is trying
to perform some sort of eugenics by 'encouraging' their university
graduates to get together and create even smarter kids. Also, they
have the agency called Social Development Unit (SDU), which trys to
match up (wait for it ...) local University graduates. I always
thought that it would be more aptly named as Singapore Dating Unit,
keep the acronym, change the words. But incidentally, it has the same
purpose :D
Secondly, there is a growing gay communnity in Singapore. The gay
community is making their presence felt. The government also wants to
encourage more a more gay-friendly society. Not because they are open
and inclusive, but rather becuase they believe (and have read some
reports) that the more cosmopolitan and financially successful cities
have an open queer culture. For example, New York, Sydney, London.
However, recently the government seem to change their policy towards
accepting them.
So what got me thinking was IF science found a way to allow men to be
pregant and have children, I am sure that the Singapore government
welcome the gay community with open arms. The government can:
1. increase their population by 'encouraging' gay graduates to
procreate. And the government can involve the SDU in this mission too.
2. make or create the impression that Singapore is a cosmopolitan city.
Also, would it be better if Singapore's bio medical industry was the
first to develop the technique to impregnate men.
Wouldn't LEE be happy!!! :P
22 February 2005
GI Joe/Jane? How about Jone = Jo(e) + (Ja)ne?
I remember coming across an essay by a local writer, saying that it is funny how the government will send impressionable boys into the army for their national service. Boys who are exploring their sexuality and the government puts them into a place where there is noone but boys.
Well, I thought of this when I came across this hilarious poster on whitehouse.org. There are more on this page.
Well, I thought of this when I came across this hilarious poster on whitehouse.org. There are more on this page.
Santa's been real naughty last Christmas
I found the hilarious letter written by little johnny to Santa. Read on...
18 February 2005
Engrish Website
Came across this website that has all these photos of Engrish in Japan. These are a sample:
Remarks: "Little too hot for my taste..."
Remarks: "Hell, I can get roguefarts at home...."
I have included the link in the 'cool' Section. Most are hilarious!
Enjoy!!
Remarks: "Little too hot for my taste..."
Remarks: "Hell, I can get roguefarts at home...."
I have included the link in the 'cool' Section. Most are hilarious!
Enjoy!!
16 February 2005
Singapore Inc.
Ever thought that the Singapore government is controlling a lot of the
companies in the private sector.
Well, I found this website to prove that point. It seems legitimate
although I believe that the author's name is a pseudonym.
Click here
to read the article. It is titled "Why it might be difficult for the
government to withdraw from business"
companies in the private sector.
Well, I found this website to prove that point. It seems legitimate
although I believe that the author's name is a pseudonym.
Click here
to read the article. It is titled "Why it might be difficult for the
government to withdraw from business"
Bus Sleepers
Ever notice how people are willing to let go of their inhibitions when
they sleep on the bus. People don't notice that they look weird or do
things that they don't normally do. For example, a sleeping person
might allow her head to fall on your shoulder. In some cases, the
person might sleep-talk or snore. All this, in the company of the
hundreds of the people that go through the bus.
Why is it that people are so willing let their barriers down when they
are sleeping on the bus? And yet, they are embarassed when asked to do
other things. I think it is because they are asleep and so they don't
realise what they have done?
Well, you tell me .... zzzzz
they sleep on the bus. People don't notice that they look weird or do
things that they don't normally do. For example, a sleeping person
might allow her head to fall on your shoulder. In some cases, the
person might sleep-talk or snore. All this, in the company of the
hundreds of the people that go through the bus.
Why is it that people are so willing let their barriers down when they
are sleeping on the bus? And yet, they are embarassed when asked to do
other things. I think it is because they are asleep and so they don't
realise what they have done?
Well, you tell me .... zzzzz
30 January 2005
Email to ST (Part 3)
My reply will be published in the local newspapers. Yayyee!!
The guy from the newspaper, Andrew Duffy?, called me on Friday to
confirm my details. I wonder if my reply is actually interesting or
rather, the newspaper is printing it because it serves their agenda?
Am I thinking to far ahead?
Anyway, I will update my blog when the article actually appears.
Hark!! Is that Fame knocking on my door? I don't think so :P
The guy from the newspaper, Andrew Duffy?, called me on Friday to
confirm my details. I wonder if my reply is actually interesting or
rather, the newspaper is printing it because it serves their agenda?
Am I thinking to far ahead?
Anyway, I will update my blog when the article actually appears.
Hark!! Is that Fame knocking on my door? I don't think so :P
27 January 2005
24 January 2005
Email to ST - Fees Hike
I read this article in the local newspaper asking for replies to the recent fees hike in the local universities. I was inspired to write a reply. BUT I have not sent it in yet.
This is what I wrote:
I understand that the fee hike is required for the universities to
provide a better education for the students. However, the universities
should consider exempting all current students from the fees hike. By
increasing the fees of all students (current and prospective), the
current students might feel that they are being 'cheated'. The
university fees that the students accepted before entering the
university should remain unchanged throughout his education. The price
for the service was agreed upon at the beginning of the contract and
it should follow that the price should not increase midway in the
contract.
For example, a home owner decides to engage a contractor to renovate
his house. They agree upon a payment of $5650. However, after the
renovation is completed, the contractor decides to ask for a payment
increase. The contractor wants a 15 percent increase or a payment of
$6500. Wouldn't the home owner feel cheated? (This is the concept of
Loss Aversion, where the person would rather avoid losses than making
gains.)
The universities should only apply the fee increases to prospective
students. As they have not invested their time and effort in the
institution, they can choose whether they want to pay the higher
school fees. The current students do not have a choice as they have
already invested in the institution and cannot withdraw easily. The
local varsities should examine the fee policy of their Australian
counterpart, for example the University of Melbourne, where fee
increases only apply to new students.
I urge that the local universities to reconsider their fee policy.
__________
So any opinions or comments?
This is what I wrote:
I understand that the fee hike is required for the universities to
provide a better education for the students. However, the universities
should consider exempting all current students from the fees hike. By
increasing the fees of all students (current and prospective), the
current students might feel that they are being 'cheated'. The
university fees that the students accepted before entering the
university should remain unchanged throughout his education. The price
for the service was agreed upon at the beginning of the contract and
it should follow that the price should not increase midway in the
contract.
For example, a home owner decides to engage a contractor to renovate
his house. They agree upon a payment of $5650. However, after the
renovation is completed, the contractor decides to ask for a payment
increase. The contractor wants a 15 percent increase or a payment of
$6500. Wouldn't the home owner feel cheated? (This is the concept of
Loss Aversion, where the person would rather avoid losses than making
gains.)
The universities should only apply the fee increases to prospective
students. As they have not invested their time and effort in the
institution, they can choose whether they want to pay the higher
school fees. The current students do not have a choice as they have
already invested in the institution and cannot withdraw easily. The
local varsities should examine the fee policy of their Australian
counterpart, for example the University of Melbourne, where fee
increases only apply to new students.
I urge that the local universities to reconsider their fee policy.
__________
So any opinions or comments?
11 January 2005
Classes start
Yesterday was the start of the school semester. Another semester of essays and readings. I am really looking forward to reading the International Political Economy course. My first class was Studies in Southeast Asian Politics. I thought that I would check out the class and decide on whether I want to take it.
So I arrive in school 1 1/2 hours early. I had my dinner and went to the library to borrow some books. Unexpectedly, I dwaddled and I only have 5 minutes to the start of class. I had to walk to the block and find the classroom. Reaching the block, I could not find the elevator so I had to climb up the SIX storey to reach the classroom.
BUT alas, I find the door and on it says "YOUR CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED". Dissapointment! Irritation! Annoyance!
What a way to start the new semester.
So I arrive in school 1 1/2 hours early. I had my dinner and went to the library to borrow some books. Unexpectedly, I dwaddled and I only have 5 minutes to the start of class. I had to walk to the block and find the classroom. Reaching the block, I could not find the elevator so I had to climb up the SIX storey to reach the classroom.
BUT alas, I find the door and on it says "YOUR CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED". Dissapointment! Irritation! Annoyance!
What a way to start the new semester.
5 January 2005
Tsunami
The funny thing was that when it happened, I was completely oblivious. I remember waking up early to go have breakfast with the indian (Ceylonese) and the Malay (Chinese). Then spent the whole day in town. It was only when i watched the evening news that I realise that a disaster happened in the region.
So it happended. Great ...
Now, there is a tsunami of media coverage. Endless news articles about the celebrity who are contributing to the aid relief; the people that were/are missing; the death toll ... It gets a bit too much that I start to switch off and gloss over everytime I encounter a Tsunami-related article.
Also, why does the local media choose to dumb down their coverage by naming the disaster a "Tidal Wave" instead of the more technical term "Tsunami"? As everyone knows, tidal wave is the incorrect term for tsunami.
Haha ... just realise that by writing about the Tsunami, I am contributing to the articles that are discussing about the tsunami. I will stop now!
So it happended. Great ...
Now, there is a tsunami of media coverage. Endless news articles about the celebrity who are contributing to the aid relief; the people that were/are missing; the death toll ... It gets a bit too much that I start to switch off and gloss over everytime I encounter a Tsunami-related article.
Also, why does the local media choose to dumb down their coverage by naming the disaster a "Tidal Wave" instead of the more technical term "Tsunami"? As everyone knows, tidal wave is the incorrect term for tsunami.
Haha ... just realise that by writing about the Tsunami, I am contributing to the articles that are discussing about the tsunami. I will stop now!
4 January 2005
Striking Resemblance
Just a quick observation: have you noticed that the 'Dear Leader' of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea bears of a striking resemblance to the current Chief of Defence Force in Singapore?
Kim Jong Il
Ng Yat Chung
Kim Jong Il
Ng Yat Chung
28 December 2004
Visit of the Indonesian
My loyal reader visited me over the christmas. It was really great and yes ... even the chinese orchestra was fun.
Thanks for coming down (or issit up?).
Thanks for coming down (or issit up?).
And the winner is
I received my results today. It was not as bad as I expected but that is not something that I want. I have an A minus average for this semester. Is that good? I don't know ...
A new semester is starting and I have no idea what course to take. Well, I do have some idea but I can't make up my mind:
1. International Political Economy
2. Contemporary Asian Diplomacy
3. Social Movements and Contentious Politics
4. Introduction to international economics
5. Globalisation, Modernity and Politics
I can take only 2 courses this semester. I am leaning towards International political economy and Contemporary Asian Diplomacy.
Any ideas?
A new semester is starting and I have no idea what course to take. Well, I do have some idea but I can't make up my mind:
1. International Political Economy
2. Contemporary Asian Diplomacy
3. Social Movements and Contentious Politics
4. Introduction to international economics
5. Globalisation, Modernity and Politics
I can take only 2 courses this semester. I am leaning towards International political economy and Contemporary Asian Diplomacy.
Any ideas?
Nobody Knows
I recently watched a Japanese movie. The movie was called dare mo shiranai or Nobody Knows. It was a fantastic movie and it was actually quite serendipitous how I got to watch this movie (Thanks Stef!).
Summary I ripped from www.moono.com:
Nobody KnowsFour siblings live happily with their mother in a small apartment in Tokyo. The children all have different fathers. They have never been to school. The very existence of three of them has been hidden from the landlord. One day, the mother leaves behind a little money and a note, asking her 12-year-old boy to look after the others. And so begins the children’s odyssey, a journey nobody knows. Though engulfed by the cruel fate of abandonment, the four children do their best to survive in their own little world, devising and following their own set of rules. When they are forced to engage with the world outside their cocooned universe, the fragile balance that has sustained them collapses. Their innocent longing for their mother, their wary fascination toward the outside world, their anxiety over their increasingly desperate situation, their inarticulate cries, their kindness to each other, their determination to survive on wits and courage...
What was interesting about the show was that it presented the information and allowed the audience to make their own judgement and conclusions. There was no "these kids are parentless and we should help them" type of comments. Rather, the director films the children a rather documentary style of filming and allows us to understand their plight without having blatent commentary. I like that the director respects that I can make my own judgement and that I am intelligent enough to do so.
BUT, what I find incongruous was that the children were so well behaved even though they have no proper role model. An absentee mother cannot provide discipline to the children. Yet, when the children are in a cramp apartment together 24 hours everyday, they do not bicker and fight? I find that difficult to believe.
Also, there were scenes when the lead boy is so scruffy but no one noticed that: there was the landlady, the grocery store owner?
But this is no different from the situations Southeast Asia today. There are many refugees in the Northern Thailand border areas and they are escaping the perseution of the Burmese government. Yet nothing is done for them. They are still in the refugee camps in Northern Thailand waiting for the violence and political persecution to end in the home country. The Southeast Asian countries know about this but choose not to act.
So even though people might have known about the four children in the house, starved and negliected, they might not want to know. It is not that they did not have noticed, but maybe because they don't want to.
Summary I ripped from www.moono.com:
Nobody KnowsFour siblings live happily with their mother in a small apartment in Tokyo. The children all have different fathers. They have never been to school. The very existence of three of them has been hidden from the landlord. One day, the mother leaves behind a little money and a note, asking her 12-year-old boy to look after the others. And so begins the children’s odyssey, a journey nobody knows. Though engulfed by the cruel fate of abandonment, the four children do their best to survive in their own little world, devising and following their own set of rules. When they are forced to engage with the world outside their cocooned universe, the fragile balance that has sustained them collapses. Their innocent longing for their mother, their wary fascination toward the outside world, their anxiety over their increasingly desperate situation, their inarticulate cries, their kindness to each other, their determination to survive on wits and courage...
What was interesting about the show was that it presented the information and allowed the audience to make their own judgement and conclusions. There was no "these kids are parentless and we should help them" type of comments. Rather, the director films the children a rather documentary style of filming and allows us to understand their plight without having blatent commentary. I like that the director respects that I can make my own judgement and that I am intelligent enough to do so.
BUT, what I find incongruous was that the children were so well behaved even though they have no proper role model. An absentee mother cannot provide discipline to the children. Yet, when the children are in a cramp apartment together 24 hours everyday, they do not bicker and fight? I find that difficult to believe.
Also, there were scenes when the lead boy is so scruffy but no one noticed that: there was the landlady, the grocery store owner?
But this is no different from the situations Southeast Asia today. There are many refugees in the Northern Thailand border areas and they are escaping the perseution of the Burmese government. Yet nothing is done for them. They are still in the refugee camps in Northern Thailand waiting for the violence and political persecution to end in the home country. The Southeast Asian countries know about this but choose not to act.
So even though people might have known about the four children in the house, starved and negliected, they might not want to know. It is not that they did not have noticed, but maybe because they don't want to.
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