Green Revolution

Here in the heart of the concrete jungle, I was walking on a swath of greenery on top of a building. The building is part of building complex that forms Singapore's newest public hospital, the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. The rooftop gardens have been built to reduce heat and the impact of carbon dioxide. The hospital recently received a prestigious award for the way it was designed and built - green and energy-efficient. Patients at the hospital can be assured of a comfortable, soothing and healing environment through the enhanced daylight design, good natural ventilation and cooler interior environment.

On the Edge

On this trip to the land of no natural resources but plenty of smart people and innovative ideas, I am staying at their latest attraction - the landmark Marina Bay Sands Hotel which has nearly 2,600 rooms!

I always envy those who have been here before and having first hand experience of being up there on the 57th floor. This is where the SkyPark and the amazing swimming pool are located, offering the most breathtaking views of the city of Singapore. What is even more incredible is that this part of Marina Bay development was an empty piece of reclaimed land just three years ago.

For the next few days, I'll be passing by the Casino next door on my way to place of work at the Convention Centre. That Casino is just amazing, full of overtly rich people, having the most stupefying moment of their lives in parting away with their hard-earned money.

Indeed there are rows of ATM machines lining up outside the casino to feed the frenzy minds and the only winner is the Casino. Last year, the Casino generated 1.7% increase GDP for the country in the 9 months it operated!

Class of 78

When I wiki-ed what’s significant about 1978 – nothing really. The three main things that popped up were Camp David Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt, Argentina winning the World Cup and the current Yemeni president came to power.

But for a bunch of 12-years old boys including yours truly, that was the year when a new beginning started, away from family for many years to be sent to lodge in a government hostel in Singapore and attending secondary schooling.

Last year we came together to mark 32 years since we converged as a group at the Brunei International Airport before flying off. This year we decided to do the same and tried to get all nine of us meet again with our spouse. So tonight, the 5th of March 2011, marks the 33 years since that day. Unfortunately one could not make it, but 8 out of 9 is already quite a feat to be able to sit together in one place and talked about the old days.

The five of us were put in Victoria School. Apparently three of Singapore presidents did their schooling there! We were really struggling in the beginning as the environment was very competitive. But with time we improved and clawed our way up. Nowadays, all of us will agree that each have done well in our own ways both in the Government and private sectors. But whatever jobs or positions we hold right now, those sweet years when we were together as young boys in Singapore will forever bind and strongly bond us together.

Still The Unsung Heros

Sans oil, Brunei runs huge budget deficit
Brunei Times. Thursday, March 3, 2011

WITHOUT the oil money, Brunei Darussalam is looking at a staggering deficit of at least $4.8 to $5.2 billion annually based on records of government expenditure and revenue in the past four years.

This is an "alarming image" of how much the country's economy continues to depend on the oil and gas revenue, said Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Ibrahim.

It is a matter that should be "taken into serious consideration to ensure the stability and sustainability of our source of income", he said yesterday at a meeting of the State Legislative Council (LegCo) 7th session. The minister revealed this finding as he submitted the motion proposing a budget of $5.8 billion for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.