tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post571645583668520405..comments2024-03-01T15:11:54.107+08:00Comments on Little Stories: Vivian Must Be AnnoyedGilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-56049863583513770502008-09-12T10:39:00.000+08:002008-09-12T10:39:00.000+08:00Hooray for Laurentia Tan, Why is the local press a...Hooray for Laurentia Tan, Why is the local press and government so stingy about her victory when she is one of our own and not a foreign talent? This goes to underline what is wrong with the ft policy: an elephantine apprach that seeks to assert only the fts in pursuit of justification where a even handed approach woulc be more appropriate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-26263987234286205942008-09-05T10:00:00.000+08:002008-09-05T10:00:00.000+08:00Alamak. the Straits Times Forum page (5 September)...Alamak. the Straits Times Forum page (5 September) carried a convoluted reply by Wayde Clews, Chief of the High Performance Group of the Singapore Sports Council, to Vernon Sim's earlier letter on "Punish disloyal foreign talents". After a reiteration (once again to the breach, dear friends) on the need for foreign talents Mr Clews comes coyly to his point which is that while the SSC " works closely with the national sports association to support athhletes throughout their sporting career" it is "a personal decision on an athlete's part should he decide to retire from international competition". In other words. not my business. There you have it from the oracle's mouth. Based on thatline of reasoning it is all right for our scholars to break bonds. Hooray!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-42151005618520901642008-09-04T21:30:00.000+08:002008-09-04T21:30:00.000+08:00More on Kendrick Lee.He defeated China's Chen Jin ...More on Kendrick Lee.<BR/><BR/>He defeated China's Chen Jin twice in row and latest being this yr's Malaysia Open.<BR/><BR/>Chen is the current All England Singles Champions..<BR/><BR/>Most importantly, Chen Jin won 2008 Olympic Bronze medal.<BR/><BR/>and Kendrick was deny a place to represent Singapore in this yr olympic. A genuine chance of winning a medal for us. and at the peak of his game at the age of 24.<BR/><BR/>No local talent?<BR/><BR/>Judge yourself....<BR/><BR/>p.s more on Kendrick on badminton fans forum..<BR/><BR/>http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51514<BR/><BR/>just look at the determination in his eyes... against the weak minded FT who was choosen ahead of him..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-29103298167201189982008-09-04T14:52:00.000+08:002008-09-04T14:52:00.000+08:00Dear Mr Wang. What worries me about the government...Dear Mr Wang. What worries me about the government is its lack of sensitivity to the larger picture. Policies may be rationally arrived at after debate and discussion but then when set in motion a kind of mindless inertia takes over and the policy is the administered inflexibly as if all and subdry are afraid to amend let alone deviate from or question the policy. The posting of sept 4 notes,<BR/><BR/>"I would like to highlight the plight of Kendrick Lee into this discussion.<BR/><BR/>Remember, how he done Singapore proud by defeating 2004 Olympic 3rd(Bronze) and 4th place in last yr SEA games? He won us a silver. when he bear the flag for Singapore( he nvr let it sweep the floor), he mentioned he is not tking this lightly, he will done well for Singapore. Indeed, he has. Defeating a host of world class player along the way."<BR/><BR/>Our administrators mesmerized by the foreign talent policy are seemingly unwilling to risk the wrath of the powers that be by advocating the possibility of alternatives. So by default, the foreign talent polict becomes set in stone, unchangeable and unalterable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-47208259078977415252008-09-04T01:07:00.000+08:002008-09-04T01:07:00.000+08:00I would like to highlight the plight of Kendrick L...I would like to highlight the plight of Kendrick Lee into this discussion.<BR/><BR/>Remember, how he done Singapore proud by defeating 2004 Olympic 3rd(Bronze) and 4th place in last yr SEA games? He won us a silver. when he bear the flag for Singapore( he nvr let it sweep the floor), he mentioned he is not tking this lightly, he will done well for Singapore. Indeed, he has. Defeating a host of world class player along the way..<BR/><BR/>What happen to him in this Olympic? he was ommitted!! his place was taken by an weak minded FT!<BR/><BR/>He is rank higher than Susilo in current world ranking, and had proven track record of beating the best in the world in last yrs SEA game.<BR/><BR/>Why, this talented former World Youth #2 was not choosen? When Singapore was given only one place, why the place given to a weak minded FT? who was rightly defeated in quick 2 set in the first round?<BR/><BR/>Why Kendrick, who was rank higher, and a locally born Singaporean, was marginalised? especially at the age of 24.. the peak of his game now..<BR/><BR/>and Kendrick.. did stand a very good chance of creating some upset.. like i said.. he did it last SEA games.<BR/><BR/>Irony.. the Thai player whom he defeated (in Thailand mind you) at last yr's SEA games semi final and was 2004 Olympic 4th place.. was the flag bearer for Thailand in this Olympic..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-31632398152910607222008-09-03T23:09:00.000+08:002008-09-03T23:09:00.000+08:00i believe Singapore can qualify for the 2014 FIFA ...i believe Singapore can qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. juz pay Jose Mourinho $100million per year to be the next manager and convert all the top EPL players to become singaporeansAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-15277254133162645482008-09-03T00:01:00.000+08:002008-09-03T00:01:00.000+08:00"Merely followed" - that's the worst thing to do.A..."Merely followed" - that's the worst thing to do.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, the Romans hired mercenaries etc.<BR/><BR/>Of cos u noe in the end what happened to the Roman Empire. Gladiators or spartans all die in the end.<BR/><BR/>(Listen to the 70 yr old brother's message above.)<BR/>(Also go google Ngiam Tong Dow)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-59981411984782942062008-09-02T16:22:00.000+08:002008-09-02T16:22:00.000+08:00"They began to want to think out of the box - actu..."They began to want to think out of the box - actually out of mind."<BR/><BR/>That is not correct. PAP merely followed the same "sound" economic policies as Republican USA. Great Leap Forward to knowledge\service based economy. Fell a bit short though. Our working population was not ready. They had not choice but to import FTs. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, the Roman emperors used to bring in the best entertainment from the 4 corners of the world to distract the population. <BR/><BR/>Lets look forward to better gladiators :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-46876207470817678712008-09-02T15:49:00.000+08:002008-09-02T15:49:00.000+08:00What has gone wrong is perhaps the way they go abo...What has gone wrong is perhaps the way they go about choosing people to go into politics, the way they always equate everything about the ability to do the job in dollars and cents and their extreme criteria of picking people for holding office. <BR/><BR/>Are we really correct to assume that ability in political office is always tied to academic excellence and having ideals attuned to the ruling party? Sure, we need smart people, but there are people without excellent academic achievements who can also excel. Two such examples would be our two late Presidents, Wee Kim Wee and Devan Nair. <BR/><BR/>Most people know President Wee's grace and intelligence very well. I still harbour admiration for Devan Nair, despite what they say about him, for his oratorial and writing skills. He was also an excellent people mover. Those were the days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-85952057354013039612008-09-02T15:37:00.000+08:002008-09-02T15:37:00.000+08:00Off topic but Mr Lee is a "manager" not a "coach"....Off topic but Mr Lee is a "manager" not a "coach". His skills in managing "team dynamics" may not be as valuable outside of Singapore.<BR/><BR/>Why dun we just rescue a hundred or so pregnant mothers (with male babies) from Zimbabwe, Nigeria?<BR/><BR/>We would be doing a good deed, and have pool of 100 potential "b and b" Singaporean Kanu\Drogba?<BR/><BR/>Frankly I am so appalled at the FTs we are getting for our soccer team that I no longer mind if we import some1 from Mars if he plays like Cristiano Ronaldo ... my 100 year old grandma can defend better than that Precious dude...<BR/><BR/>oops talking thru my backside again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-28522620566971613712008-09-02T15:05:00.000+08:002008-09-02T15:05:00.000+08:00Mr. Wang, 'Well, for starters, we might send her t...Mr. Wang, 'Well, for starters, we might send her to play in the SEA Games. Then we might send her to play in the Asian Games.'<BR/><BR/>Talking about the SEA Games, we have our Every Sea Games WATER-POLO Champions right?<BR/><BR/>But why wasn't they being fielded in the Olympics?<BR/><BR/>Aren't they good enough? But they win in EVERY Sea Games.<BR/><BR/>WHY? WHY? WHY?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-89674614865033712602008-09-02T14:58:00.000+08:002008-09-02T14:58:00.000+08:00Have we lay Singaporeans got too carried away by t...Have we lay Singaporeans got too carried away by the Olympics? A sport that originated in Greece for its' people to compete, has now become an issue for Singaporeans to compete for glory.<BR/><BR/>Our leaders want to use the Glory to impress us to win our supports, it is reasonable and justified. That is its' way of politicizing sports to brainwash us. But what has the citizens to gain from the glory?<BR/><BR/>When we are complaining that livings(survivals) are difficult and indeed they are. Are we to be concerned with glory and fame?<BR/><BR/>Btw, I think if the Foreign Sports Talents want to improve their skills and professionalism, none should remain in SIN. There are no 'good enough' coaches here nor any equal calibre to spar(train) with.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, seeking fame and glory while facing more crucial and immediate problems, simply do not make sense. Borrowing the Pingpong(table tennis) Incidents to politically criticize inept leadership is quite apt though.<BR/><BR/>patriotAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-2296748157881909112008-09-02T14:30:00.000+08:002008-09-02T14:30:00.000+08:00Mr Wang. I beg your indulgence if the following co...Mr Wang. I beg your indulgence if the following comments are too laboured. I am 70 years and have seen something of our nation from the early days. It worries me that our politicians are no longer willing or able to bite the bullet, to be hard headed and to take rational, if tough, decisions. Have our politicians become namby pambies, soft and wet behind the ears? What's wrong with what Mdm Lee Bee Wah said? Maybe she was abrasive but then her comments were surely in line with remarks made by people like Toh Chin Chye and Goh Keng Swee - do not go for the populist approach, choose what is corect no matter how difficult. Our politicians molly coddled and inexperienced as they seem to be nowadays play to the gallery especially to the table tennis players and coach. I can remember not so long ago when the government would have said, "OK. Back to the drawing board. Start again and this time make a better job of it.Remember what we were told when we were ejected from Malsysia or when the British withdrew their naval and air bases from Singapore throwing thousands out of work? Instead politicians are rushing to sound apologetic. No offence to our government but the reason we elect them is because of their perceived ability to make hard headed decisions for the good of the nation. At least that is what they proclaim. What do we have now? I shudder to think? What has gone wrong? Perhaps the government should look at themselves more critically?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-69835294107838791702008-09-02T14:00:00.000+08:002008-09-02T14:00:00.000+08:00"There is controversy surrounding PAP policies in ..."There is controversy surrounding PAP policies in the current FT athletes and players."<BR/><BR/>Correction:<BR/><BR/>There ARE CONTROVERSIES surrounding PAP policies for FT athletes and players to compete for S'pore. Fact number two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-69822414257854595042008-09-02T13:37:00.000+08:002008-09-02T13:37:00.000+08:00"I worked in onr of our local universities and cam..."I worked in onr of our local universities and came across many foreign talents, most of which signed on with us because of the scholarships (very substantial, I will tell you). Many of them made no bones about returning to China or immigrating to the USa, Canada, UK, Australia or Europe once they completed their studies. Several had the cheek to ask for advice on how to break bonds."<BR/><BR/>of cos, MOE would hv these statistics.<BR/><BR/>the govt already accelerated the remaking of singapore since 2001. Anyone who remembers back in the early to mid 90s, LKY made remarks abt the safety net for singaporeans. There was also an 'interview' of a singaporean working in one of HK's polytechnics who said he invests and who was quoted to have said the CPF and housing are safety nets.<BR/><BR/>Point here is that PAP never forgot these things.They began to want to think out of the box - actually out of mind.<BR/><BR/>PAP has never been forthright and transparent with the people abt its policies and mistakes. How could they be? This is politics. There has never been forthright political debate. They rather believe in their own self-thoughts but they are also trapped in the faustian deal or social compact made with people from years ago. Something that most people refuse to accept that is being annulled.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-36258200587322198632008-09-02T12:27:00.000+08:002008-09-02T12:27:00.000+08:00I greatly respect people who will look up and beli...I greatly respect people who will look up and believe in fellow Singaporeans to do their best, to try their best. Plain and simple.<BR/><BR/>I do not like the whitewashing of our current (or future) batch of youth and teenagers as not good enough and therefore need to throw money for FT to compete on our behalf.<BR/><BR/>It doesn't matter if we have to wait for another 100 years to get a Olympic medal, in the same vein, it doesn't mean that we belittle or disregard their efforts and achievements in other smaller international competition. Singaporeans representing Singapore for national pride and glory. Trying their hearts out. This is the main point.<BR/><BR/>Just like Mark Chan, Patricia Chan, Jocelyn Yeo, Fandi Ahmad and many others to name here. Former Great Athletes of Singapore. They have not won an Olympic medal. Are Singaporeans, past and present, not proud of their achievements? Are Singaporeans not proud of the national pride and glory that they have brought to our nation? No Olympic medals but Singaporeans stands proud with them. Fact number one.<BR/><BR/>There is controversy surrounding PAP policies in the current FT athletes and players. Fact number two. <BR/><BR/>People who are proud of their fellow b and b Singaporean athletes and players. I respect. Fact number three.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-13584629566780987572008-09-02T11:28:00.000+08:002008-09-02T11:28:00.000+08:00So, Bee Wah said that goondos singaporeans made mi...So, Bee Wah said that goondos singaporeans made mistake in misunderstanding her? <BR/><BR/>Singaporeans must apologise to her.<BR/><BR/>How many goondo singaporeans still believe the media slant that Bee Wah has apologised to singaporeans?<BR/><BR/>Hah! Hah! Malaysia 1 - Singapore 0Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-85760094060445497962008-09-02T11:18:00.000+08:002008-09-02T11:18:00.000+08:00/// don said... But I notice the tendency to co.../// don said...<BR/> But I notice the tendency to conflate all our grievances into one single rant. ///<BR/><BR/>don - unfortunately, what you said is very true. I guess it is the people's sense of the power-that-be's arrogance and high-handedness in so many areas of life that all these little gripes add up until they explode when given half a chance. Like the Mas Selamat case and now this ping-full-of-pong case.<BR/><BR/>It is a bit like arguing with your wife. If she loses the current argument, she will bring in all your wrongs in the past 20 years (and maybe previous life) and hantam you with these crimes.<BR/><BR/>Remember the classics:<BR/>1) GST is to help the poor<BR/>2) Higher ERP charges is to help traffic flow, etc<BR/><BR/>Now you can add, sacking you is in recognition for your great effort in bringing in a Silver Olympic medal in 48 years.Thehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02941744057903049051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-2089167356185673222008-09-02T11:04:00.000+08:002008-09-02T11:04:00.000+08:00I happen to be up this way from Brisbane and happe...I happen to be up this way from Brisbane and happen to catch your site courtesy of a mate. Good on you guys to highlight this. Down under each gold medal costs us 15 million according to the telly news. So no tears if you get sack for not delivering. Hey that comes with the territory. You can't deliver you get sack whether you ar Ben Cousins or not. The rest is just bull. I mean if politicians screw up we'll drop him like hot potatoes. Anyway that's just my view from afar.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-45524707340705777422008-09-02T06:40:00.000+08:002008-09-02T06:40:00.000+08:00I like her apologies. She has made comments which ...I like her apologies. She has made comments which has been misunderstood. NOT that she had made the WRONG comments. So, singaporeans, wake up - she did not say anything wrong ok- You bunch of goondus misunderstood her - ok? <BR/>It takes only a foreign import from Malaysia to shoot us in a backhanded way, like the other Malaysian chap who said - no mean testing, got means testing.<BR/>whahaha!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-48847664487333051212008-09-02T03:44:00.000+08:002008-09-02T03:44:00.000+08:00Singapore definitely has her own talents, they wer...Singapore definitely has her own talents, they were just dumped by the govt to the wayside.<BR/>A brother of a very close friend was a national table tennis player in the mid-seventies. He was only in his teen when he reached the quater finals for the man singles in the world championship tournament. In other words, we can say he was ranked at least the number 8 player in the world at that time. He did it without much support by the govt or any foreign coach, unlike the cry baby Gao Ning. If you want detail of how good our men naitonal TT team was in the mid seventies, please check with STTA records, they were not world beater yet but they sure had the potential with more support.<BR/>If we can have players like this in the seventies, we should try our best to discover them now, rather than taking the easy way of importing FTs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-77893960727536865212008-09-01T21:53:00.000+08:002008-09-01T21:53:00.000+08:00I feel sorry for Lee Bee Wah. She was sacrificed b...I feel sorry for Lee Bee Wah. She was sacrificed by MIW to make Teo SL and Vivian look "good"!!<BR/><BR/>What's wrong with sacking a supposedly negligent Manager?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-5190710112274506772008-09-01T21:07:00.000+08:002008-09-01T21:07:00.000+08:00I worked in onr of our local universities and came...I worked in onr of our local universities and came across many foreign talents, most of which signed on with us because of the scholarships (very substantial, I will tell you). Many of them made no bones about returning to China or immigrating to the USa, Canada, UK, Australia or Europe once they completed their studies. Several had the cheek to ask for advice on how to break bonds. I hope that Mr Wang will not rule this posting as irrelevant but I write to shed some lighy on the issues of foreign talents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-339681145384081822008-09-01T20:54:00.000+08:002008-09-01T20:54:00.000+08:00anyway u can eat the silver medal.anyway u can eat the silver medal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-68639181882632914062008-09-01T19:40:00.000+08:002008-09-01T19:40:00.000+08:00What don says is right. Importing FT is good, if w...What don says is right. Importing FT is good, if we WANT a silver olympic medal. What most other people say is also right - we do not need a silver medal if it means a singaporean kid can never climb up to the level to represent singapore. I personally feel we do not need a silver medal by this way, and I prefer Jocelyn Yeo, Pat Chan et el who worked hard, and lost at the olympics.<BR/>The millions spent on the siver medal - let us refocus on helping the poor, those on assistance plan, those who need cash instead of some workfare misplaced into CPF where they will never see the light of day....<BR/>We are not a welfare state, and we cannot suddenly change our mind and be a welfare state to China 2nd list players, has beens, quitters who after getting their silver and money, decides to balek kampong to study and probably never come back. Seriously, the silver belongs to Singapore, or belongs to China when Tien Wei, Jia Wei and Wang all decides to return home to be with their parents, as they are their only child??<BR/>Or do Singaporeans seriously expect these people (only Child in beijing) to abandon their parents, forsake them for the sake of Singapore - their (dare I say...)homeland...hahahaha!family manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15947152469230212562noreply@blogger.com