Article on Channel NewsAsia on 26th March.
EDB to pump S$350m to develop Singapore's clean energy industry
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 26 March 2007 2115 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore will pump in a total of S$350 million to develop its clean energy industry.
This includes the previous S$170 million announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently.
The money will be spent to develop clean fuel products and groom manpower over the next five years.
There are also plans to export locally developed products overseas.
The fuel cell car, currently on trial in Singapore, is powered by electricity.
Such prototypes and more are expected under the Fuel Cell Community, set up at Temasek Polytechnic's School of Engineering, which is supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Its focus is to help local companies and technopreneurs get started on developing fuel cell products.
Companies can even test-drive their prototypes at the poly's S$5.5 million fuel cell application centre, which will be completed in November this year.
Cham Yew Thean, Head, Temasek Engineering School, said: "We'll be initiating projects with members and partners in the hope of developing fuel cell commercial products for the market. These fuel cell products will develop an industry. Once we commercialise the products, then we're able to generate an industry manufacturing plant to produce these systems."
The Fuel Cell Community currently has about 17 members, including Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, which can partner companies to test their products at housing estates.
All these come under Singapore's Clean Energy Industry Blueprint.
Headed by a newly formed Clean Energy Programme Office, the blueprint sets out to fund projects, build world-class research centres and groom manpower to power up the industry in Singapore.
Lim Siong Guan, Chairman, EDB, said: "EDB wants to do the same for the broader clean energy industry, not just fuel cells. We want to position Singapore as a global clean energy hub where clean energy companies can come to incubate, develop and produce solutions not only for Singapore, but to export to the world."
EDB said another reason why Singapore is going big on the clean energy industry is because of the growing market due to rising prices of fuel.
Nearly one billion people live without electricity in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and companies in Singapore can bring their clean energy products into these markets.
The clean energy industry is expected to boost Singapore's economy by about S$1.7 billion and create 7,000 jobs by 2015.
I need to find some way to wriggle into this field. I strongly believe, not only is there money to be made, it's going to change the world.
And I just learnt that my big boss is interested in renewable fuels too.
Post Date: 28 Mar 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Acceptance
My colleagues left for lunch without me. They went in 2 groups. Nobody called me; each assumed that I had left with the other group.
When I was younger, I used to get really upset over such incidents. It means nobody bothered if I’m there or not, that I’m not one of the “in group”. I remember once, at my grandma’s place, the cousins locked themselves in one of the bedrooms because there was this one pesky little cousin that kept irritating them. Unfortunately, I was locked out as well. My ego took a major hit. It was a while later that the bedroom door opened (can’t remember if I had knocked), and my eldest cousin exclaimed “What are you doing outside? Get inside!” and holding me by my arm, yanked me into the room.
There was this other incident in college. My girlfriend’s (now wife) good friend, for no rhyme or reason, decided one fine day that she will stop talking to me. I probed and I asked, but no response. I asked Wifey, she also got no clue. Wah, I really lost sleep because of it. (It was only years later, like recently, that she decided the war is over).
Not that I want to be Mr Popular, but I craved acceptance, acceptance into the group, into society. Yes, I may have been over-sensitive, but the lack of self-confidence was a greater devil.
Now, I’m still sensitive, but I don’t such things bug me. Actually, the truth is: I can’t be bothered anymore.
And my colleagues are back.
Post Date: 26 March 2007
When I was younger, I used to get really upset over such incidents. It means nobody bothered if I’m there or not, that I’m not one of the “in group”. I remember once, at my grandma’s place, the cousins locked themselves in one of the bedrooms because there was this one pesky little cousin that kept irritating them. Unfortunately, I was locked out as well. My ego took a major hit. It was a while later that the bedroom door opened (can’t remember if I had knocked), and my eldest cousin exclaimed “What are you doing outside? Get inside!” and holding me by my arm, yanked me into the room.
There was this other incident in college. My girlfriend’s (now wife) good friend, for no rhyme or reason, decided one fine day that she will stop talking to me. I probed and I asked, but no response. I asked Wifey, she also got no clue. Wah, I really lost sleep because of it. (It was only years later, like recently, that she decided the war is over).
Not that I want to be Mr Popular, but I craved acceptance, acceptance into the group, into society. Yes, I may have been over-sensitive, but the lack of self-confidence was a greater devil.
Now, I’m still sensitive, but I don’t such things bug me. Actually, the truth is: I can’t be bothered anymore.
And my colleagues are back.
Post Date: 26 March 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
War and Beauty (Final Episode)
Fwah, finished watching the entire VCD series with Wifey just.
Straight away got withdrawal symptons already.
I'm going to do some reading-up on the show, stars, comments, whatever.
Post Date: 26 Mar 2007
Straight away got withdrawal symptons already.
I'm going to do some reading-up on the show, stars, comments, whatever.
Post Date: 26 Mar 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
NATAS 2007
Woohoo, we are going to China!
Booked at NATAS today, at CTC. It will be 4 of us.
Very excited about going to the Forbidden City, and would be nice to cover more of Shanghai this time around.
Woohoo!
Post Date: 26 Mar 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
War and Beauty (金枝慾孽)
Started watching from the middle of this show when it was on TV, and am watching the complete series on VCD now with Wifey. This show really got under my skin. The storyline is captivating, and the characters believable, beautiful on-location filming and an impressive cast. 2 Saturdays (and a few hours last night) later, it got me interested in almost all aspects of the show, that I:
- read the 1st resource available, Wikipedia
- have been visiting forums that discuss this show
- read a number of Qing related articles
- bookmarked 2 unofficial blogs of Charmaine - in English and Chinese
- went on Youtube to view interviews, reviews and bloopers
It's not often that I get so drawn in, so I was thinking through the reasons, and I think they are:
- I've always preferred period dramas (神雕侠侣, anyone?)
- 人心险恶 shows make for a more interesting story (大长今, anyone?)
- it is based on history (although most of the characters are fictitious)
- it is backdropped against the place that we will be visiting soon (Yippee!)
- and finally, well ... it helps that *ahem*charmaine*koffkoff*isinit*koff*ahem*
Post Date: 20 Mar 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
Dunno why
Was driving to work this morning when I got all pensive and serious and deep-thinking.
"Is there a need to rush?"
"Nothing wrong with giving way, right?"
"Is there a need to get angry with the traffic, something which you can't control?"
"Don't you want to decide to make today a great day?"
These questions popped up in my head unsolicited, and strangely, the drive was really smooth.
I then read Trisha's piece on the 1-roomers and Ting's article on being both scared and tired of meeting people.
Trisha's 1-roomers taught me that I really should be contented with what I have, rather than dwell on what I don't. For the life of me, this is one of the hardest and darndest thing to achieve. I was going to give the excuse that I was constructed this way, but no. I'll ... give it a try.
Ting mentioned that she wants these people to stay away. I'm glad that I'm not the only one feeling this way.
Now I remember why I was feeling like that this morning. I was recalling something my boss said to me last week, that I was only displaying less than 50% of what I'm capable of. Not that he was blaming me for non-performance, but rather, wondering why I'm holding back. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad.
I so badly want to sit by the beach right now.
Post Date: 5 Feb 2007
"Is there a need to rush?"
"Nothing wrong with giving way, right?"
"Is there a need to get angry with the traffic, something which you can't control?"
"Don't you want to decide to make today a great day?"
These questions popped up in my head unsolicited, and strangely, the drive was really smooth.
I then read Trisha's piece on the 1-roomers and Ting's article on being both scared and tired of meeting people.
Trisha's 1-roomers taught me that I really should be contented with what I have, rather than dwell on what I don't. For the life of me, this is one of the hardest and darndest thing to achieve. I was going to give the excuse that I was constructed this way, but no. I'll ... give it a try.
Ting mentioned that she wants these people to stay away. I'm glad that I'm not the only one feeling this way.
Now I remember why I was feeling like that this morning. I was recalling something my boss said to me last week, that I was only displaying less than 50% of what I'm capable of. Not that he was blaming me for non-performance, but rather, wondering why I'm holding back. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad.
I so badly want to sit by the beach right now.
Post Date: 5 Feb 2007
Friday, December 29, 2006
Why got this dream?
Had a weird dream last night / this morning. Of all the things I could have dreamt of, I had to dream of people of the god-forsaken company, no less 2 of the Top Management.
I was talking to the 2 of them along a corridor and it was pouring outside. They were supposed to be going somewhere for an appointment. Somehow or rather, I don’t know why I did it, but I offered to drive them there. They were supposed to wait for me at the carpark.
The next few bits were quite blur, and I can’t recall what happened. But I think I took a long time, cos when I reached the car, they were already there, and I was feeling apologetic. One of them even said “We even had time to change!” (My goodness, into ugly Hawaiian shirts??!!)
And about the car. It … wasn’t my car. But somehow, we all gathered around it. When I put my car key in, I was able to open the door, and start the car! Problem is, it was a manual car. I’m not very proficient with manual cars, due to the lack of practice. Anyhow, the Top Guy proceeded to tell me the destination, and also driving instructions. In the dream, I was able to feel the anxiety of not knowing any of those places / roads that he was saying … and then I woke up.
TMD. I left the company so many months ago, and not once did I dream about the fucking place or the people. Must be yesterday lah, after catching up with my ex-colleagues and talking about all these fuckers.
Post Date: 29 Dec 2006
I was talking to the 2 of them along a corridor and it was pouring outside. They were supposed to be going somewhere for an appointment. Somehow or rather, I don’t know why I did it, but I offered to drive them there. They were supposed to wait for me at the carpark.
The next few bits were quite blur, and I can’t recall what happened. But I think I took a long time, cos when I reached the car, they were already there, and I was feeling apologetic. One of them even said “We even had time to change!” (My goodness, into ugly Hawaiian shirts??!!)
And about the car. It … wasn’t my car. But somehow, we all gathered around it. When I put my car key in, I was able to open the door, and start the car! Problem is, it was a manual car. I’m not very proficient with manual cars, due to the lack of practice. Anyhow, the Top Guy proceeded to tell me the destination, and also driving instructions. In the dream, I was able to feel the anxiety of not knowing any of those places / roads that he was saying … and then I woke up.
TMD. I left the company so many months ago, and not once did I dream about the fucking place or the people. Must be yesterday lah, after catching up with my ex-colleagues and talking about all these fuckers.
Post Date: 29 Dec 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wham - Last Christmas
I like this song enough to listen to it 50 million times, and not get bored. It epitomises the spirit of Christmas, and the feel-goodness that comes with it ...
Post Date: 21 December 2006
Post Date: 21 December 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Hougang Case VIII
Wed night / Thu: 4am, but went to bed at 6am.
The. Case. Is. Finally. Over.
I. Am. So. Farking. Tired.
I have also heard disturbing news, once again demonstrating the fallibility of men. Sigh.
Post Date: 30 Nov 2006
The. Case. Is. Finally. Over.
I. Am. So. Farking. Tired.
I have also heard disturbing news, once again demonstrating the fallibility of men. Sigh.
Post Date: 30 Nov 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Hougang Case VII
Tue night / Wed: 2.30am
Thank goodness the job is finally done. Summary tomorrow.
Post Date: 29 Nov 2006
Thank goodness the job is finally done. Summary tomorrow.
Post Date: 29 Nov 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Hougang Case VI
Mon night / Tue: 1.30am
Just got back.
I've just realised the differences:
Helper / 死党
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you clown around with
- someone that you show extraordinary patience and forgiveness towards
Helper / 亲信
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you confide with
- someone that you have a soft spot for
Helper / Senior
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone more senior than you
- someone that you discuss the obligatory issues with
Lord Buddha, are all these part of your divine plans for me?
(Update: I checked, and the response is ... yes.)
Post Date: 28 Nov 2006
Just got back.
I've just realised the differences:
Helper / 死党
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you clown around with
- someone that you show extraordinary patience and forgiveness towards
Helper / 亲信
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you confide with
- someone that you have a soft spot for
Helper / Senior
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone more senior than you
- someone that you discuss the obligatory issues with
Lord Buddha, are all these part of your divine plans for me?
(Update: I checked, and the response is ... yes.)
Post Date: 28 Nov 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Hougang Case V
Thu night / Fri: 1.30am
Fri night / Sat: 7am
Sat night: 11.45pm
Sun night / Mon: 1.30am
Post Date: 27 Nov 2006
Fri night / Sat: 7am
Sat night: 11.45pm
Sun night / Mon: 1.30am
Post Date: 27 Nov 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
See, the superficiality of society!
I so believed in it that I even wrote a GP essay on it!
Post Date: 27 Nov 2006
Post Date: 27 Nov 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
AMW
I abhor:
- not being able to control my own time
- being pushed beyond my limits
- being torn between personal life and "greater good"
- being held ransom (when it happens)
I miss:
- chilling out at home with Wifey, at our own leisure
- spending quality time with my family, without having to watch the clock
- going to bed at the time I want
I wish:
- to have my time back
- I can go to work everyday morning feeling FRESH
- my boss will not detect the drop in my productivity and efficiency
- I don't have to lie anymore
Post Date: 23 Nov 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Hougang Case III
Sun night / Mon: 12.45am, but to AMK first
Mon night / Tue: 1.30am
Tue night / Wed: 1.45am
Post Date: 22 Nov 2006
Mon night / Tue: 1.30am
Tue night / Wed: 1.45am
Post Date: 22 Nov 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Hougang Case II
Sengkang → AMK → Jurong
Jurong → Yishun → Hougang → Jurong
Jurong → Lornie → Jurong
Jurong → Hougang → Jurong
Post Date: 22 Nov 2006
Jurong → Yishun → Hougang → Jurong
Jurong → Lornie → Jurong
Jurong → Hougang → Jurong
Post Date: 22 Nov 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Mystery of the missing catalogues
When we went over to Mum's 2 nights ago, and saw the very inviting red-coloured, Christmas-themed Ikea catalogue, that was it.
"I'm going to call Ikea and Sony tomorrow to complain", I told Wifey.
Where is my bloody Sony catalogue? I can't even remember the last time I got one, but I keep seeing them pop up at Mum's. And where is my Ikea Christmas catalogue? I mean, I've been holding my breath, waiting for the Tampines store to open - how can they do this to me??
The call to Sony yielded some answers - the catalogue is not distributed island-wide. While the girl told me it's the management's decision where to send them to, methinks it's based on some profiling, and my area falls out of the crack. She was nice enough to offer to send me a copy, but I would still have to call her to demand a copy everytime I don't get it. TMD.
The call to Ikea was an angrier one. Although I remembered later that I have been receiving their catalogues (just later than Mum), the total inability of the customer service person to give me a straight answer put me very off. After saying she'll check with Singpost, I asked her why she never asked for my name and number. She grudgingly did. The case was subsequently resolved amicably after a Marcom lady Cassandra called to say she has checked with Singpost, and all delivery will be done by 22 Nov. Told her she has better customer service skill than her customer service team.
I definitely jumped the gun. Last night, in the mailbox, was the very inviting red-coloured, Christmas-themed Ikea catalogue.
Post Date: 17 Nov 2006
"I'm going to call Ikea and Sony tomorrow to complain", I told Wifey.
Where is my bloody Sony catalogue? I can't even remember the last time I got one, but I keep seeing them pop up at Mum's. And where is my Ikea Christmas catalogue? I mean, I've been holding my breath, waiting for the Tampines store to open - how can they do this to me??
The call to Sony yielded some answers - the catalogue is not distributed island-wide. While the girl told me it's the management's decision where to send them to, methinks it's based on some profiling, and my area falls out of the crack. She was nice enough to offer to send me a copy, but I would still have to call her to demand a copy everytime I don't get it. TMD.
The call to Ikea was an angrier one. Although I remembered later that I have been receiving their catalogues (just later than Mum), the total inability of the customer service person to give me a straight answer put me very off. After saying she'll check with Singpost, I asked her why she never asked for my name and number. She grudgingly did. The case was subsequently resolved amicably after a Marcom lady Cassandra called to say she has checked with Singpost, and all delivery will be done by 22 Nov. Told her she has better customer service skill than her customer service team.
I definitely jumped the gun. Last night, in the mailbox, was the very inviting red-coloured, Christmas-themed Ikea catalogue.
Post Date: 17 Nov 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Mazda CX-7
Sent Elliot for servicing this morning and walked past the showroom.
Got attracted to the CX-7, so I walked in. It is a real beauty.
A 2.3l with direct injection engine, 9-speaker Bose sound system, keyless entry, electric sunroof, and many, many more features.
I am only $100,000 away from owning this baby.
Post Date: 17 Nov 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Not very happy
An ex-boss together with an ex-colleague coincidentally brought their customers to our place just now. After the customers left, we had coffee together.
The first comment thrown my way when we were just about to sit down was: "Wah, ler see bare pui leh! So much fatter compared to last time!"
Basket. Yes, I know I've not as skinny as before, yes, I know both of you are vain gym fanatics. Not that I'm angry with them, cos that's the frankness of our conversations over the years. It's just that ... the truth hurts. I'm also angry with myself for being such a King of Procrastination. It's my own body, for crying out loud!! Next 2 months' RT should correct all this.
Our friend was driving the Lexus RX300, albeit the older model. This reminded me all over again how different I was from them (and some others back from where we came from). Definitely flashy, they lust after the good life, believe in club memberships, chase branded goods and are regulars at night spots. Not that they can't - they can well afford all these.
By comparison, the regular Joe on this side of the fence hadn't had life that well, regretfully. While considerably more subdued than them, let's face it - I also cannot afford their lifestyle lah.
But herein lies the crux: I want to have the choice NOT to lead their lifestyle even though I can, and not that I cannot afford to lead their lifestyle!
Sigh. Maybe I should stop feeling sorry for myself.
Post date: 15 Nov 2006
The first comment thrown my way when we were just about to sit down was: "Wah, ler see bare pui leh! So much fatter compared to last time!"
Basket. Yes, I know I've not as skinny as before, yes, I know both of you are vain gym fanatics. Not that I'm angry with them, cos that's the frankness of our conversations over the years. It's just that ... the truth hurts. I'm also angry with myself for being such a King of Procrastination. It's my own body, for crying out loud!! Next 2 months' RT should correct all this.
Our friend was driving the Lexus RX300, albeit the older model. This reminded me all over again how different I was from them (and some others back from where we came from). Definitely flashy, they lust after the good life, believe in club memberships, chase branded goods and are regulars at night spots. Not that they can't - they can well afford all these.
By comparison, the regular Joe on this side of the fence hadn't had life that well, regretfully. While considerably more subdued than them, let's face it - I also cannot afford their lifestyle lah.
But herein lies the crux: I want to have the choice NOT to lead their lifestyle even though I can, and not that I cannot afford to lead their lifestyle!
Sigh. Maybe I should stop feeling sorry for myself.
Post date: 15 Nov 2006
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