So excited!! I got an A for my essay on trade policy for the Asian Diplomacy Class. hahaha ... spent so much time and effort on it and I got an A. Only 6 pp in the class got an A or A- grade so this is a GOOD thing. The lecturer said that my essay was professionally written. I even got a higher grade than pp who did political science in their undergrad. Who says an economist cannot do PS??
"My, what a big head you have!!"
Guess it is time to stop gloating.
13 April 2005
Musings about my Future
I will be finishing my indenture soon. Then it is off to the real world. But then what to do, what to do? I know I should work but then where? I want to work in some fantastic and challenging job that deals with international issues and lets me jet around the world to see new things .. but how likely is that :D Maybe a bank, investment firm, a consulting firm, or even god forbid ... the government. The ministry of foreign affairs does seem to suit me rather well but I can't seem to get any information about the culture or work that they inside. That's very annoying!!
Also, am thinking of applying for a scholarship to go to Europe to study "economic analysis of law". This scholarship allows you to go to three different European cities to study for your masters. So I am eyeing Rotterdam, Netherlands; then off to Hamburg, Germany; then finish off in Manchester, UK. Then I will be able to work in UK after that? Not too sure about that or even about getting the scholarship. Seems that competition is tough and it is open to international applicants. Scary!!
So in the meantime, I have to struggle through another round of exams, then it is the holidays and then another semester of studying ... THEN i will be ___ B.com (Honours), M.Soc.Sci (International Studies) :P
Till then, the status quo is maintained.
Signed
Your ever faithful indentured servant.
Also, am thinking of applying for a scholarship to go to Europe to study "economic analysis of law". This scholarship allows you to go to three different European cities to study for your masters. So I am eyeing Rotterdam, Netherlands; then off to Hamburg, Germany; then finish off in Manchester, UK. Then I will be able to work in UK after that? Not too sure about that or even about getting the scholarship. Seems that competition is tough and it is open to international applicants. Scary!!
So in the meantime, I have to struggle through another round of exams, then it is the holidays and then another semester of studying ... THEN i will be ___ B.com (Honours), M.Soc.Sci (International Studies) :P
Till then, the status quo is maintained.
Signed
Your ever faithful indentured servant.
11 April 2005
Anti-Japanese Riots in China
How is it that in a communist country, where supposedly the restrictions on speech and assembly are cutailed, can riots be held so freely and blatently?
It is because it is government sponsored, hence condoned by the Chinese government? When the students protested in Tianenman, they were CRUSHED. Now students protest in Beijing, the chinese government "appealed for calm"?? Right ...
Well at least they get to do something and be heard ... unlike some other countries where you would need to apply for a permit to assemble and would need to remain within the OB Markers.
It is because it is government sponsored, hence condoned by the Chinese government? When the students protested in Tianenman, they were CRUSHED. Now students protest in Beijing, the chinese government "appealed for calm"?? Right ...
Well at least they get to do something and be heard ... unlike some other countries where you would need to apply for a permit to assemble and would need to remain within the OB Markers.
General Elections are coming to a neighbourhood near you ...
Just read in the online CNA that the Lee Jr has just gone to visit his constituency. This sparks off speculations that there will be a general election coming up. Hurrah!! This will be my first time voting in an election. My voice will be heard by the polity. My opinions will matter. I can do my part to help the opposition parties in Singapore. Unless...
There is a walkover in my area ... hahaha!!!
The peculiarity of Singapore politics is that there is just too little opposition so they tend to concentrate their resources on more shaky constituencies. Also, the government's idea to have a multi-racial party running for the constituency elections also disadvantage the opposition. (Yes - all this from the insightful book by Mutalib. Read the previous post ;)
So the General Elections are coming to a negihbourhood near you ... UNLESS yours is a walkover.
There is a walkover in my area ... hahaha!!!
The peculiarity of Singapore politics is that there is just too little opposition so they tend to concentrate their resources on more shaky constituencies. Also, the government's idea to have a multi-racial party running for the constituency elections also disadvantage the opposition. (Yes - all this from the insightful book by Mutalib. Read the previous post ;)
So the General Elections are coming to a negihbourhood near you ... UNLESS yours is a walkover.
5 April 2005
Blissfully Departed
Unless you have been living under a rock or in a cave, you should know that Pope John Paul II passed away on Sunday Morning 3 April 2005. The whole world seems to be in a sombre mood with the multitudes pouring out their condolences and sorrow at the loss of a great man. I am, however, slightly ambivalent about his death. His policies in the vatican and his staunch adherance to conservative values seems to divide me. Even though I am catholic and am obligated to follow the rules set out by the vatican, I can't help rile against the stance that the church has taken against abortion, against contraception, against women in the church... But then these positions may because of the growing catholic population in the developing countries who tend to be more conservative compared to those in the developed countries.
It would be interesting to see who will be the next pope but I suspect that he will be of the same conservative streak as the late pope. Due to his long reign, Pope John Paul did select ALL of the cardinals that are currently responsible for the election of the next pope. Also the issue of the developing countries would require a conservative candidate to take over the papacy.
One more note: When the media mention that he is the most travelled Pope in history, don't they also realise that he was the pope during a time when travelling was made easy with airplanes and there was a relative peace throughout the world that allowed him to travel so extensively.
It would be interesting to see who will be the next pope but I suspect that he will be of the same conservative streak as the late pope. Due to his long reign, Pope John Paul did select ALL of the cardinals that are currently responsible for the election of the next pope. Also the issue of the developing countries would require a conservative candidate to take over the papacy.
One more note: When the media mention that he is the most travelled Pope in history, don't they also realise that he was the pope during a time when travelling was made easy with airplanes and there was a relative peace throughout the world that allowed him to travel so extensively.
31 March 2005
Another essay ...
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.
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.
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.
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