Update: Learning on the Job

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the latest addition of my blog.  Today it rained.  And then it rained, and rained...and rained.  And then it rained.  So much in fact that instead of taking bus 184, I opted for bus 700 in connection with the MRT train service to avoid arriving at worked looking like I had just gone swimming.  After two hours of floating to work in the bus (yes it took that long), I finally arrived and began another day of work. 

It was the big meeting day for the opening of the research center, ASC Pandan, which will happen next week.  The entire crew attended this meeting.  Set up, personnel roles, transportation, seating, rain precaution, ceremony aspects and so on were all discussed. What it really meant for me, was that all the planning we have been doing is soon to be tested.  We project 200+ people at this point - and hopefully it will be quite a show.  Quite a rain free show, otherwise the canal on which this research center sits might wash all of us away.

For me there remains now just under three weeks.  Work wise, we have covered a lot of ground from even and booth planning, design, creation, and organization, to the creation of promotional materials, to work on the opening ceremony the science center to working exhibitions for sustainability.  It has been a great engaging experience thus far, not only in terms of the various project involvements, but also in terms of learning about office communication, deadlines, budgets, and sometimes how to resolve conflicts. 

Today, I started applying for internships/work in the fall.  All of the above has in a way helped me to further refine the parameters of the type of job in which I would like to be.  As it stands now, I am looking at three crucial components... a job in which there is a creative marketing element - creating, designing, and producing marketing materials, events and campaigns...a job in which there is a management element - planning, organizing, and managing events, campaigns, projects...and of course, an international element in which I can utilize my cultural knowledge and skills in adaptability and serve a global client base. 

Beyond that I know now how important communication and office personalities will be.  I have also learned to be proactive and the importance being self-confident in offering up proposals and ideas.  And perhaps most important, I have learned I can be successful being me.  There are still a few weeks to go, and still a few things to learn and experience, of this I am sure.  But so far, the learning experience has been pretty sweet - well worth the 4000 miles and time zone flip!

Singapore fun fact day 40: the National University of Singapore was founded in 1905

Funny Signs!

 the fist reads "do not assault the bus captain"

Urban Sustainability R & D Congress

It is my first day post-moustache.  Don't worry, I will be alright.  In more serious news, this week, we (Henry, Meghan, and myself) are representing the Singapore-Delft Water Alliance at the Urban Sustainablity R & D Conference at Biopolis.  The convention is set-up in order to provide a platform for the public sector, industry, and researchers to come together and discuss urban sustainability issues.  Of course networking is large part of this event, along with booth exhibits and speakers.

Our new friend from work Kalyan, was quite fun to work with at this event.  He comes from the research and scientific side of the isle and offered us a great deal of insight.  Most of our work at this events included representing the organization, distributing pamphlets and information, and directing intersted parties to further information where they requested. 

It also happened that a French girl worked a booth across the way, so I even got in a few minutes of French conversation.  How convenient.  Finally, the fact that the food was on the house, was also I nice perk to this event.  As we move forward in the week, we will be working hard to finalize plans for the opening of ASC Pandan, the science center, next week.

Singapore fun fact day 35: August 9th is Singapore's National Day

BREAKING NEWS: The End of an Era - Goodbye Mr. Moustache

Today, after great deliberation and sadness, I cut off my moustache.  It was a difficult decision, yet knowing that networking opportunities and important events await in the near future, I decided to say goodbye to Mr. Moustache.  We were together when I first arrived here in Singapore through the hostels phase, through Malaysia, many meetings, and a convention.  Through the highs and lonely times alike - there was a moustache.  On monkey quests and jungle hikes - there was a moustache.  But now, that moustache is no more.

I have always been an unfortunate product of the wrong generation.  My fascination with sports, history, and especially music would have been better matched in decades of the prior generations.  Not to be missed in the allure of prior generations, is the popularity of the moustache. 

It became a presence in my life, attracting all kinds of attention at work by friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.  But like all good things, this moustache's days came to an end.  The world may never see such a magnificent moustache again, at least not until I turn 35 when it is socially acceptable to adorn one. 

Mr. Moustache RIP

May 23 2011 - June 27 2011

Singapore: from Third World to First World

From third world to first world in 50 years.  That is the drastic and impressive feat of Singapore.  I spent the afternoon on Saturday back at my favorite Singapore museum, the National Museum of Singapore, and was there specifically for the temporary exhibit all about the economic development of Singapore.  And referencing my previous blogs praising the city for free to the public events, this too was on the house.

So just how did Singapore rise to where it is today?  It was a combination of government's push to industrialize, promote for investors, and of course the workers themselves, to produce a diversified and competitively global economy.  At first the country was welcoming in any and every type of production including musquito coils and hair wigs.  But as time moved on more advanced production began to occur.  Precision engineering  - watches, TVs, electronics, cameras and so forth are all examples.  The government of course added making Singapore a welcoming and attractive place for foreign investors.  Texas Instruments is credited as the first big name to come over.

Eventually it became less about preforming labor, and more about learning skills, abroad in many cases through government sponsored programs and bringing knowledge back  to Singapore to further develop.  Service was eventually emphasized and today the economy is capital, labor, and innovation driven.  One specific example of this transition in Singapore is the pharmaceutical industry here.   Singapore first established the trust and ability to be a regional producer and manufacturer of drugs in Southeast Asia.  Eventually R & D came to be and research in the Biopolis Research Park is now a major role player along with hospital service. 

I came away from the experience with a new appreciation of how government and smart and organized economical and development planning can shape a country.  Couple this with the work the government has done towards revitalizing neighborhoods, and waterways such as Marina Bay and the Singapore river, and one can begin to appreciate the magnificent transition that is Singapore - from third world to first world in 50 years.

Singapore fun fact day 34: the GDP per capita in Singapore in 1960 was SGD 980, today it is almost SGD 60k!

Elvis Concert

I had such a great time at the National Museum of Singapore on Friday, that I went back for more on Saturday night to watch Elvis in "Elvis: That's the Way it Was" - a rockumentary about the preparation and first shows in Las Vegas in 1970.  They cranked up the sound - it was awesome.  Take a look...

Outdoor Movie at the Museum

Somedays not everything goes well.  One of our projects have proven especially difficult to get in motion. Today, even after a media meeting, meeting with the event production company, and a meeting with the director we are still struggling with a particular element for the opening.  So it is a good thing it was Friday.

Singapore can be an expensive city.  It can also be done cheaply and offers many options of the latter to the public.  I have done Marina Bay lazer/light, opera at the Botanic Gardens, heck I even heard a band at Marina Bay at a free concert last week that I heard on the radio yesterday.  Friday night, I learned the National Museum of Singapore was doing an outdoor movie presentation, part of there interntional and classic movies exhibit.  They we showing Viva Las Vegas with Elvis.  What a cool combination - old films, outdoor films, musuems, and Elvis.  It definately lived up to the billing, and I had a great time. 

Internship Update

Yesterday at work generally speaking, things went well.  I have learned the hard way about difficulties that communications and budgeting can play in an organization.  But through networking and and quick work, I was able to get a vital piece aligned and approved for our booth at Singapore International Water Week.  An additional connection element we were working on was also finally approved and ordered yesterday.  It was a great feeling.

Today we have another media meeting with the heads here followed by a meeting with the event production company for the opening of the Aquatic Centre we have been working towards.  With only two weeks remaining before the grand opening, we are working out some final details and hoping all kinks can be resolved in the next few days. 

This Saturday I hope to grab lunch with a friend and perhaps some time at the beach/pool/Botanic Gardens in the afternoon.  Sunday we will be setting up for another expo - the Urban Sustainability Congress, and will then be working the booth Monday and Tuesday.  Full speed ahead!

Tropical Storm Malaysia

The end of the first day around 5PM a storm seemed to arise from nowhere.  Five minutes is all it took for this storm to blow from the mountain beyond to the beach where I bungalow stood.  Thunder shook the earth, rattled it, as rains drowned the skies and sea.  It was a very impressive burst of nature's power.

check out this sequence!

Malaysia

Two city buses - one hour.  One coach bus - 4 hours. One ferry - two hours.  One car taxi - 30 minutes.  It was a long trip, but a trip filled with scenery and new images to the likes that I have never before seen.  Malaysia - it is an up and down country with hills and heights abounding, and I was amazed to note that the land was seemingly covered from one end to the other with palm trees (palm oil is their chief export).  There is a certain randomness to the country.  Buildings, shacks, and roads at time seem randomly placed and organization seems in places wanting.  The paint-chipped or paintless cement laden buildings stand next to dirt roads, or haphazard entries.  What the stores contained in these buildings cannot always be discerned, but they all seem very local.  Tin sheets covered most roofs and waterways seldom had walled banks to which I am so accustomed. 

Roads or highways - they seemed one in the same.  At times we were moving well, other times at mere crawls.  Mopeds, bikes, cars, and trucks alike shared the roadways, each at its own speed.  Nor was it uncommon to see dogs, cats, cocks, and monkeys also walking along the roadways as we wound through the fields and fields of palms. 

The ferry ride into Tioman Island (and back for that matter) was not one for the sea weary.  Fifteen foot swells made it impossible to stand.  It was a real roller coaster at times.  Once arrived at the island, we then had to take a car over the mountains on a road with a grade steeper than any I have ever seen.  It was a single lane cement-blocked route - with two 4" x 4" foot blocks placed side-by-side most of the way. But like the ferry, it was a truly beautiful ride.  This especially going through rainforest jungle.  "Did you see the size of that leaf," I would say to myself.  I never have seen at 30 foot palm leaf.

We made it to the tiny village on the island's isolated east side.  It truly was the first time I was on an isolated beach.  A few huts and homes of those who ran the places stood, but the population couldn't have surpassed 100.  It was a lovely time of soaking up the sun on the beach, in the aqua-colored ocean, in hammocks, and under palm trees.  The family that owns the bungalows where we stayed served food as well.  Dining experiences included pineapple curry, coconut sambal and chicken sambal (a Malaysian specialty that was as spicy as I could handle, my breath was fiery), coconuts, fruits, and yes, a few beers. 

I cannot tell you how many hours I spent in the ocean, too many to count.  The water never got too cold and remain a constant aqua-green-clear.  Behind us the view of jungle mountains was mystic with clouds floating out of hills side.  Mysterious vegetation sprang out of every angle from everywhere.   Frisbee was our game of choice.  Body surfing was a favorite of mine too.  One night we went to a treehouse-like bar, in which the owner had a monkey, cats, and birds hanging out.  He played music, dawned lights, and later into the night  spun fire on the beach.

It was a great adventure, a relaxing pace, a new experience of scenery, imagery and life for me, and all of it was wonderful to intake. 

Monkeys where art thou?

It's hot, it's Friday and there is an itch in the office.  Work due, closed quarters, and the planned weekend to Malaysia's Tioman island are all equal contributors.  The day began with meeting for our final proposal for the grand opening of the ASC center in three weeks.  Beyond that, it was a day of this and that in getting ready to be gone for a few days.  After work I grabbed some currency, changed some, bought some food for the long trek tomorrow - peanut butter, bread, trail mix, a few canned goods, and water, ate dinner and returned home.  Of course, I am not leaving until tomorrow.  So before spending the evening packing up, I embarked on day three of my monkey quest.

There are monkeys all over my new neighborhood, or so they tell me.  I saw a few from the bus heading into the reservoir at Upper Pierce last week, but I am looking for a close encounter.  So the last few evenings I have set out in the near by woods in pursuit.  Yet so far, nothing.  These primates elude me.  Oh, but I know they are they!

Unfortunately this also alters Operation Banana Bribe.   

Another evening gone, and once again...no monkeys.  Upon returning from Malaysia, a tactic change will need be.  Perhaps mornings or afternoons.  But I remain confident to encounter these monkeys!

So I am off to Malaysia to drink coconuts, exotic fruit, and seafood on some isolated bungalow on the beach.  I hope to see you all right here next Monday.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Grandpa and all other dads

Singapore fun fact day 25 - Singapore formerly belonged to the state the Malaysian Federation

A Community

It is an interesting perspective to live amongst the people of Singapore, in a area that is truly tourist-free and as far as I can tell representative of Singaporean life.  In a city with a population nearing 5 million in only 263 square miles space, one might wonder just where all the people live.  What is more, 23% of that area is comprised of reserves, rainforest and resevoirs.  I make this point merely to point of the shortage of land, as
certainly these things are important.

The answer - they build up.  Thousands of flats stretch across the island everywhere one goes.  In spite of the land constraints, people and local communities seem vibrant.  The local shops stalls and foodcenters bustle.  In the community areas I have seen already in my short time out here, entire buildings of people gather to watch basketball games, and gather together for community meals.  Of course part of life is death, and yesterday I saw a funeral ceremony in the commnn space below one of the blocks for someone who died who must have lived in that buikding.  A day prior, there was a wedding in the same manner one block over.  There are no individual lawns, no individual gardens, no individual pools, nor basketball hoops, nor really anything.  Rather, people seem to share and use all that is collectively and happily with one another. 

It is a certain change from back home, where everything is so spread out and isolated in many ways.  A change that assures one is rarely alone.  Of course if one wants to be, he or she has simply to walk to a nearby park, resevoir, or reserve.

A look into Singapore's politics and issues

http://audiovideo.economist.com/?fr_story=925a7d91bea37fdc5e8db6d480ca7cc31566032e&rf=podcast

Pics of me and my rainforest hike

the vegetation

 the summit

 the vines

the aftermath - one heck of a hike!

Out on the Resevoir

Up at 6h30 once again.  There are a number of tenants in this apartment so showering in the morning can become a bit congested with only one bathroom.  To solve this problem on my first day I made sure to be the first one up, and so I was.

This day like that previous would be spent largely in nature, though today would be work related.  With the others, we hopped in a van at work and spent the morning at the Upper Pierce Reservoir taking photos for our marketing project, and also assisting in water-sample collecting and learning about some of the processes of how reservoirs function and how they are monitored and maintained.  We collected samples at four different points on the lake at various depths.  Additionally we collected plankton samples. 

Back a work in the afternoon the afternoon was spent working busily to prepare for our meeting with the director to pitch are final ideas for the grand opening moment at the Aquatic Science Center at Pandan.  In my mind the meeting was successful as we produced numerous ideas in a well thought out fashion and the director generally seemed pleased.  We will have to prepare a final plan in the ensuing days. 

Sunday - a move and a rainforest

Sunday I moved into my new apartment.  It is quite a change from the hostels where I have been staying downtown, at the heart of all the action.   Marina Bay, Clark Quay, the lights, the bustle, the food, and entertainment were spectacular.  At the end of my time here, I shall be returning for a week.  But for now, it is to a more rural part of Singapore that I go.  It is a strange mix of many tall government housing buildings, blocks as they are called, lush parks, rainforests, and reservoirs.  If Marina Bay and the Colonial District are the known and touristy areas, then this is quite the opposite.  Yet like my time in France, this will be a fabulous way to get to know what real life is like in Singapore, and how people actually live.

My day began early at 6:30 when I awoke and headed one hour across town by bus.  Once I had completed the move (and with only one hiking backpack – this didn’t take much time) I was off to catch up on a few matters at NUS where I work.  I did not however dilly dally as the morning soon faded away and the afternoon shaped up, because I had intended this to be a day to get my first real hike in at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – a preserved land open to the public popular for hiking.  The hike itself unintentionally started off on the wrong side of the park.  An hour and a half later, after waking around the park along many busy roads and buildings, I finally came to the entrance by guessing and eventually asking.  The irony of it all is that it turns out the entrance is only a five minute walk from my new apartment. 

The hike itself was exhilarating.  This is one of only two urban rainforests in the world comprised of primary rainforest.  So the forest was quite dense even though it was sunny and in plain afternoon.  My two hour hike would take me to the summit, as I did the summit trail.  But this is apparently only a glimmer of what the reserve has to offer, and I look forward to going back for more.  Along my way up you could really see the effects the rain has on the paths when it rains.  When I started to hear thunder half way through the journey I decided not to get too far in for fear of being lost in jungle in a rain storm on sloping paths converted to mudstreams.  So at the summit I decided to call it a day and return the way by which I came.

This first hike was a true challenge.  The physicality, the sun, and the humidity, all contributed.  It’s no surprise I was in bed at 19h00 (7pm) and slept through until morning.  All in all, a nice first day in my new location.

Botanic Gardens, Botanic Opera!

I spent today at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a nature reserve lush with exotic plants and garden arrangements rival any.  By the time I arrived at the heart of the park, rain began and then it really began.  Quite quickly the opacity of the trees faded in my gaze as a haze dimmed as I reached the rain forest part of the park.  Then suddenly, torrential rains unloaded from above and soon the paths seemed to turn to rivers. It just kept falling and falling and with it thunder and lightening with such intensity, frequency, noise, and earth shaking magnitude, I thought, this must be what it is like to sit the a bombing campaign during a war.  Yet all the explosive rain and power was fittingly right for the rain forest.

As time went on and the rains let up somewhat, I wandered out from the shelter beneath which I had taken shelter and headed deep into the rain forest of the park.  It is amazing to see the haze, smell the odours of the wet and rich soil and earth, to hear ever rain drop crackle of the massive leafs, and gaze upon mysterious vegetation the seemingly leap miles from earth into the sky. 




As I passed onto other areas of these botanic gardens, I wound my way through other amazing garden arrangements as well including a bonsai collection, sundial garden and a ginger garden.  Although hiking around through this giant park in the rain made for a fatiguing day, it could not stop me from remaining to see a once a summer spectacular to be shown at that park that night - the summer opera in the park, and it was everything it was billed to be, even if there was a little rain.  There was Puccini, Dvorak, Mozart, and others - a two-hour collection of highlights from various operas of the composer choice.  The scene and sounds were perfectly produced, and the performance perfect.

I finished the night eating at my favorite hawker center on the bay, watching a live band and enjoying the lights as always.

Singapore fun fact day 19: the botanic gardens were founded in 1859 as a pleasure garden

As part of the previous blog - View from up top

cheers!

Work and Play

My housing situation is still in limbo.  Now I am having problems with my hostel which is in general mayhem.  The Internet isn't working, there are no keys or door locks, service is suspect and cancellation has been difficult too. 

But that aside all is well here in Singapore.  Work wise I am very excited about the work we are doing.  Most promotions materials are complete or nearing completion.  The booth design proposal is in, and I am quite happy with how everything looks there.  As for the opening we are working on, today we had an on site meeting with one of two potential event companies which will be putting on the event.  This meeting was followed by a media meeting which included the heads, sponsors, and media folks.  Naturally, it was quite neat to be part of both meetings.  Are big task now is to focus in on the grand opening moment.  Are key idea main idea concept was shot down today because it too closely resembles another idea to be used at a near date in the future.  But that's alright, they say if you are batting 300 you are doing well.  So getting shot down once isn't so bad.  If anything we know have the chance to do more creation.

Last night Henry, Meghan, and I returned to Marina Bay, and the hawker center with such great food.  Henry and I split on-the-spot-made crab balls with mee goreng, a spicy pasta with sea food in it.  I capped with off with a coconut while we watched the lights over the bay.  Finally, because it was Thursday and on Thursday you can get to the top of some buildings for a view, we did just that, went up 70 stories to have a night view panorama of the bay.  A nice series of events to end the day.

Wednesday's meal

the hawker center by the bay

last night's meal

me and my coconut

Sometimes in Singapore...

Today I cut my hand on some sort of object in the MRT subway although I didn't realize it until my hang was soaked in blood.  I figured there is probably a fine for bleeding in public - maybe they would even think I cut it on the prickly shell of a durian, which is also illegal to transport on the MRT and carries a s$500 fine.  With this in mind I headed for the nearest restroom to wash off my bludgeoned fingers.  Luckily for me in spite of this inconvenience I caught my connecting bus to work because the driver was late.  Unluckily for me she drove like a maniac and so just as I was approaching a new record score in pinball on my phone the turbulence of the bus ride ended my killer pinball effort.

Lunch was once again a score.  I chowed down on food from a vegetarian stand - spring rolls, greens, and a mystery veggie.  Add a coke to that and s$2.70 bought me a great lunch. Back in the office while working away as usual, I was also trying to handle my potential housing situation with a potential lady.
We had an agreement by which I would move in on the 2nd of June.  I confirmed this in email a week before arriving stating "I wish to confirm the date of our agreement, that I will be arriving June 2nd," to which she said, "OK."  So when I emailed here the day before to see what time I might drop by, she informed me the previous tenant was still there and didn't know how long he would be there.  A day later I was told I would be able to move in the 5th.  Yet, once again she changed that date to the 12th of June this time.  So naturally I booked a room elsewhere until the 12th. 

Here is where is gets good...yesterday, she informs me that the room is ready and that I should move in immediately.  I promptly informed her that the terms of our agreement had changed and that I would now only be willing to pay a reduced rate and deposit to which she apparently had no choice but to agree to.  Of course she wanted me to send the deposit over before actually seeing the place or signing a contract and set a date for doing so, 12 hours later without consulting my availability.  Yeah.  So I nixed that idea and am waiting for a response.

To sign or not to sign, that is the question.

Singapore fun fact day 17: in Singapore, the Garden City, there more than 300 parks

More about what we are working on

What are events are we working towards? 

Singapore International Water Week

http://www.siww.com.sg/

We are working on designing the booth and promotional materials for the Singapore-Delft Water Alliance at this convention.

Grand opening of the Aquatic Science Center at Pandan

This center will serve to provide understanding of urban water systems in order to help develop adequate and cost-effective water improvement measures.  Specific research objectives will include research to provide understanding of fundamental processes underlying fresh water system functioning, and to generate knowledge and improve water quality and quantity, ecological and appearance of urban water bodies.  There will also be an interactive component for the public.

Singapore fun fact day 17: Singapore is 13 hours ahead of the Wisconsin, USA where I am from

Nights on the Bay

For now I am back at my perch on Marina Bay, and life couldn't be better.  I have a new colonial look (for the Colonial District), a very spiffy mustache, and my energy level and desire to get out on the town is at a high.  So the previous few evenings I have been strolling about the bay area, and this is what I saw...

Last night Daniel and his girlfriend Stacy, joined Meghan, Henry and I, and took us to a fabulous hawker center with a plethora of seafood choices.  We ate...stingray, yes, I said stingray - grilled BBQ style, with a nice spicy kick.  I can honestly say it was one of the best things I have ever eaten.  On the side we ate a spicy pasta with seafood which included mussels and shrimp.  Both were served on banana leafs.  Will I be going back tonight for more?  You know it!



My housing situation seems to be shifting once again.  After playing a little hard ball with my potential landlord, I negotiated down the price and deposit so I may not be staying in the Marina Bay area forever...but one thing I know, until I move, I am certainly enjoying my time living on the bay.

Singapore fun fact day 16: Marina Bay is actually a fresh water resevoir

The best eats of Singapore, and done dirt cheap!

My daily budget is s$40 per day.  Depending on exchange rates that's a bit over $30 USD.   That makes about s$20 for a roof over the head, and s$20 for food, transportation, and everything else.  That might not sound like a lot, but by traveling and budgeting wisely you can really make it stretch.  Of course, it always helps when the best stuff its cheap or free.

Take food, for which I have about s$10 per day.  Singapore is known for great food and a wide variety.  Of course this is true of fancy and touristy areas.  But the Singapore gem, hawker centers - local food hubs with dozens of little stands that serve dozens of dishes from a variety of ethnicities.  My favorites have been the spicy Indian dishes - great stuff!

Here is a sampling:

Mangosteen fruit! so sweet, but the outer-purple part stains, be careful

Dried-peppered beef, greens, eggplant, curry, and rice

Fried desserts including fried plantain!

The infamous durians - no way to describe the smell and taste, someday, you will just have to try it

Chicken, cabbage and rice

L

Lamb, chicken, and rice boiled in leaves

Indian - mutton, veggies of some type and curry and rice

A chicken and shrimp combo with rice

Does anyone notice a commonality here?  Recall, the Asian Civilization Museum blog?  Yes, rice is definitely a staple food here!

Singapore fun fact day 15 - the Esplande Performing Arts Center is called the Durian by locals because of its design and local popularity of the fruit