In Memory Of A Fellow Biker
I know it's a cliche oft used and overused by the Singapore Traffic Police Force.
In fact, each and every rider knows this, regardless of whether they choose to hold any regard for it.
"Motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable amongst all road users."
I implore you, my dear reader, to observe a moment of silence, to pay respect to a new-found friend of mine who has just passed away.
An experienced, selfless and friendly member of the Malaysian bikers' touring community, Dicky joined us for the Songkran roadtrip and offered his friendship to the group, while rendering technical and medical assistance when required.
Sadly, less than a week after the trip ended, he met with an extremely unfortunate freak accident, despite him being a very safe rider who didn't take reckless and unnecessary risks. Colliding with a dog on a straight road, the impact to the head proved fatal.
May your soul rest in peace and may God bless your family.
Despondence
So I'm back. At least for the moment. Someone needs to pop by to ensure that this derelict blog does not fall into disrepair. Ha. Who am I kidding?
It's been a tough week emotionally. Someone in the family just passed on into the arms of the Lord, my fiance has a lump at the throat which I hope will turn out benign, my furry companion is in the pet hospital due to kidney problems and my leaving of the company has been plagued with miscommunications.
Okay. I need to snap out of this mode of despondency. I've got a mind cleansing road trip tomorrow night. Hopefully, embracing some adventure will lift my spirits and snap me out of this emotional tailspin. Also, I've other things to look forward to in the coming months.
All right then. I've unloaded my burdens, I'm inspired again and I'm ready to take on and change the world! Onward!
The Uncertain Future
I worry alot about my future. When I ask myself, what is my 3 year and 5 year plan, I wonder if I can attain what I have set out to accomplish.
The 'big four-zero' is only 13 years away. That isn't very far away.
Here is an article that was sent to me yesterday. It doesn't reflect how I feel exactly, but I suppose it is a feel of what is out there. Food for thought it may be, such articles do fuel my worrying.
~
October 02, 2006
When I read the Straits Times article (dated 24 Sep) on PM Lee calling the young to be committed and make a difference to Singapore, I have so much thought about the issue. I am 35 years old, graduated from University and gainfully employed in a multinational company. But I cannot help but feel insecure over the future of Singapore.
Let’s face it; it's not uncommon to hear, "when you are above 40, you are over the hill". The government has been stressing on re-training, skills upgrading and re-adapt. The fact is, no matter how well qualified or adaptable one is, once you hit the magical 40, employers will say, "you are simply too old".
We have been focusing our resources and problem solving on low unskilled labour. But in reality, our managerial positions and skilled labour force are actually fast losing its competitiveness. I travel around the region frequently for the past 10 years. It didn't take me long to realise how far our neighbours have come over the past decade. They have quality skilled workers, and are less expensive. When I work with them, their analytical skills are equally good, if not better than us.
It's not new anymore. Taxi drivers are fast becoming "too early to retire, too old to work" segment of the society. I like to talk to taxi drivers whenever I am heading for the airport. There was this driver. Eloquent and well read. He was an export manager for 12 years with an MNC. Retrenched at 40 years old, he had been searching for a job since his retrenchment. Although he was willing to lower his pay expectations, employers were not willing to lower their prejudice. He was deemed too old. I wouldn't be surprised if we have another No. 1; having the most highly educated taxi drivers in the world.
On PM Lee calling the young to be committed and make a difference. Look around us. How dedicated can we be to Singapore when we can visualise what's in store for us after we turned 40? Then again, how committed are employers to us? But we can't blame them. They have bottom lines & shareholders' gain to answer to. Onus is really on the government to revamp the society. A society that is not a pressure cooker. A society that does not mirror so perfectly, what survival of the fittest is. But a society, where it's people can be committed, do their best and not having to fear whether they will still wake up employed tomorrow. Sadly, Singapore does not offer such luxuries and security anymore.
On the issue of babies. The government encourage us to pro-create. The next generation is essential in sustaining our competitive edge. Then again, the current market condition is such that our future has become uncertain. There is no more joy in having babies anymore; they have become more of a liability. It's really a chicken and egg issue.
Many of my peers, bright and well educated have packed up and left. It's what MM Goh called "quitters". It's sad but true, Singapore no longer is a place where one can hope to work hard their lives and retire graciously. It's really the push factor. A future is something we sweat it out, build and call our own. Unfortunately, people like me, mid 30's going on 40's, staying put by choice or otherwise, we can't help but feel what lies ahead is really a gamble.
To PM Lee and the Ministers, we are on a different platform. Until you truly understand our insecurity, the future of Singapore to me remains a question mark.
This article was rejected by the Straits Time Forum.
