Hovman said "Singapore didn’t win the medal. They bought it". I can understand his sentiment. You see, Singapore didn’t really create these winners..we imported them. Nevertheless, I see it as a very successful Singapore-China investment. Funny, we always have different perceptions about the Chinese in our country… Yet we owed a couple of great Chinese ladies imports to fulfilled our 48-year old dream. Truly, Li Jiawei, Wang Yuegu and Feng Tianwei earned this night! They have worked very hard and it is their dream too. This will be their eternal glory to remember – not just for themselves but for Singapore.

Now, we have the imported talents and winners. It is time to grow and nurture our own "Made-in-Singapore" winners. Bring back the "Ang Peng Siong" and "Tan Howe Liang" of yesterdays. They were our true Singapore Champions.  Let’s import the expensive "retired and celebrated champions" to train our young. (How about pretty Guo JingJing – she said she will retired after this…) We got to start creating our own legends – and not some "big ass empty talk of Goal2010". (Man, we should shame Minister Ma for putting up a goal and not achiving it!). Oops… I am not suppose to mix sports with politics.

888 marks a very special date in Chinese’s 5000-year history. Like its auspicious numeric characters, the Olympic Logo symbolizes the unity of the 5 continents – instilling virtue, respect, peace, glory, equality, compassion, unity and grace to all citizens of the world. Tonight, China not only opened its door to the world…but she also opened her heart to many.

I have had great expectation of tonight’s Olympic Opening Ceremony and China didn’t disappoint me. Zhang Yimou did such a fantastic job! It is awesome! The cultural performance is beautiful, enchanting and spectacular! It shows a China in transition – from its great ancient inventions to its modern achievements. The theme song "You and Me", performed by Sarah Brightman of Britain
and Liu Huan of China atop the Globe is touching. It demonstrates China’s willingness to embrace the world as one "big family".

Being a Chinese, I understood the "face value" of a host nation. While the world took on this global stage and threw wet blankets at the Chinese, her people stood strong as a nation. That is certainly remarkable. Despite the recent ugly PR (of bomb scare, Tibet riots and human rights issue), I feel Chinese displayed much better grace and tolerance than its ugly superpower counterparts and self-righteous individuals.

It was a memorable night. Not about its mega-buildings and big fireworks. Or the medal tally. But the grace, humbleness and openness that China displayed. Every iconic display signified important message to the world. Conveying Confucian idea of humanism, that is, "Harmony is precious" – the thousands blossoms of peach blossoms romantically demonstrates the good wishes of the
peace-loving Chinese people. Chinese’s 800 year-old martial art "Taiji" connects the balance between man and nature.

China is a compassionate nation who didn’t forget those who suffered in the recent disaster – Yao Ming walked into the parade
with a 9-year old boy beside him – he is the survivor and young hero
who rescued many of his schoolmates during the Sichuan earthquake – enduring his own injuries.

Despite her superpower status and unprecedented economic success, China pays tribute to her past. True to its rich Chinese values and virtues, China honored many of her past sport stars. Retired sportsman, Li Ning (age 45, more commonly known as the "Prince of Gymnastics" and his Nike-lookalike "Li Ning Sports Shops") took the centrestage last night. Defying gravity, Li Ning ran horizontally around the stadium and lighted up the flame cauldron! (Man, like the flying stunts you see in Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons)

At that moment, the TV commentators exclaimed in awe "China is finally ready for the world".

I disagree and I questioned, "When will the world be ready for China?"

The foundation of our world is not built on the heritage laid by our forefathers but on the legacy of our children. The leaders of China clearly understood this.

As wise Calvin said "Fear not the power of the rich but the hunger of the poor." Respect China. Honor China. Do not fear China.

Not sure how many of us know this – Conrad Hotel Singapore does sports a striking "number 13" on its facade. Can someone enlighten me on this? Why this unlucky number? (Sounds good for the Cantonese though)

I spent the 1st 30 minutes of my 33rd birthday (last night) working (on a Taipei project). My wife, Tracy and friends were at home playing mahjong. At the stroke of 12am, 4 of them were yelling and wishing me "happy birthday" – er…still glued to their tiles and chips. Mmm…not very convincing hor… And Elkan was of course, asleep.

It was quite a dramatic 1st hour. Things got worse when Tracy and I had a silly fight over spilled water. Long story…but here was the ending shot last night – I drenched myself in hot water (from neck to ass)…at 1am. I kinda gave myself a stupid-looking water parade… and wet the whole dinner room. Tracy went back to her room, Felicia mopped the floor dry and I went back to my computer. (wow…quite stupid last night).

This morning, Elkan woke me up with his chirpy greetings!  He actually sang me a "happy birthday" song! (consider that is the first birthday song from him). In fact, Elkan has been waking me up with surprising wake-up calls recently. Just yesterday, he shook me awake and recited "Z to A" at such alarming speed that I looked at him blankly in awe. Apparently, he taught himself that and we were very very impressed. (Bet many of us can’t do that)

Johnny, Joanne, Tracy and Felicia have left me presents since last week. I haven’t open them…waiting for the last hour tonight. (My fingers have been so itchy to strip them since last week!)

My phone had been ringing since last night (with sms + calls from all my friends, colleagues and families) – starting with Joanne, Scott, Yei, My Mother, Aunty Amy, Leon, Bishan, Yifu, Jimmy, Alicia, Duuk, Juliana, Meijie, Kalinda, Stephanie, Yixi, James (BAT), Sandy (BAT) and Calvin (Ogilvy).

The weather looks really bad today – gloomy, dim, wet and hazy (looks like a storm is brewing). Really ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon nap.

Like previous years, I am contemplating to buy myself something nice for my birthday. (I bought a JVC Speaker in 2006 and Xbox in 2007 for myself). Guess what I got myself this year? Meijie called me at PC Show just 2 hours ago and I told him to get me a 8G Titanium Cruzer. (I have been looking for it since May).

Johnny and Ming joined us at my favorite restaurant at Jin Mao. It was foggy and drizzling. Quite a cool night..so peaceful and nice. We actually wanted to go for dessert but it was still pouring (and the wind was big). Thus, I decided to call it a day and go home.
 
Surprise, surprise. Just 1 hour after we split, someone rang the doorbell. It was "Ah Yue" (my food delivery friend). I opened the door and asked why he was here. He wished me "happy birthday" and took out 2 bottles of wine and some pizzas (more food???) from his bag. I was really surprised. And 2 minutes later, Johnny and Ming re-appeared with a bouquet of sun flowers at my door! (Haaaa…so it is party number II).

We served the wine and had more food. The wine was so strong that it knocked out Johnny and Tracy.

Elkan was pretty upset and got jealous today. He thought it is his birthday today. He got pretty emotionally when I opened up all the presents – he actually wanted the gifts. Very naughty boy indeed.

All the gifts are really meaningful. I got my long-awaited fountain pen and favorite crystal from Felicia. Tracy (who planned for all the surprise today) got me a iPhone Mic for my phone. Joanne got me a beautiful wallet with a very sweet greeting card (on a old "bird series" SGD$20 old note!). And Johnny and Ming seems to know my desire and bought me my favorite vintage robot.

This may be my last birthday celebration in Shanghai. With only 15 more days to go, I will be packing for a new island life in Hong Kong. (Oh yes, I just booked and confirmed my new beautiful HK home! Wonder who is my 1st visitor there…)

Joe, joe, you are indeed a blessed man with so many good friends. 🙂

Heee…(shy, shy) – I have a very very good birthday.

Life is an irony – I am now doing best of what I used to hate most. Over the last 2 years, I have taken more than 50 flights – over 200 hours. And I am working in the tobacco industry. Have I got rid of my fear of flying and dislike of smokers? Not at all, I still detest people smoking in my face and I am still nervous on every flight I take.

Many headhunters asked me how I ended up working for Ogilvy in Shanghai – It is always the same answer I gave them. A wedding dinner in Shanghai changed my life (and affected many others). Back in 2006 May, I had the most comfortable life – running my own studio with a group of very passionate friends. Those were the days of love and passions. No matter how late we worked every night, every day was an enjoyment. We were a small agency but we grew a sustainable business of 2.5 years. Month on month, our accounts were growing. We had steady growth and we were working great.

 
Why Shanghai? Looking back at my old blogs of March-May 2006 – I needed a "change" badly. I am no longer challenging myself and I am hungry for a new adventure. Coming to Francis-Echo’s wedding dinner was more like a holiday trip with my family and friends. I have never expected to extend my career in Shanghai.

A casual chat with Francis and Hovman at the old XiangYang market changed everything. March 2006 was my 3rd trip to Shanghai – it was also that trip that I fell in love with Shanghai. (not the night clubs – but the lifestyle and weather).

Francis was telling us about a potential opportunity and asked us if we are interested. None of us took his offer seriously. I just replied I love Shanghai and really love to stay here. I still remember the last departing conversation we had at Huai Hai Road, Francis told me "Give me 6-9 months. Prepare yourself. I get you an assignment here." I casually replied "Sure. I be here."

That was it. One week later, Francis arranged a meeting between my future boss and me. It was a quick 15-minute meeting at Regent Hotel Singapore. And I was offered to fly back to Shanghai the following week for another meeting. After more than 7 hours of meetings (in 2 days) – I was offered a position. And 5 weeks later, I was here.

I remembered my 1st month in Shanghai – it was very demoralising and uncomfortable. Many times, I asked myself "what the fuck I am doing here". It was this experience that taught me the reality of separations and the preciousness of family-ties. For more than 14 months, I lived without my family and wahbiang clan. It was painful not having Elkan by my side. I felt the emptiness – Gone were our usual Sat nights at Hotel 25 or supper at Eunos Kopitiam. I missed my old brothers – Meijie, Jimmy, Yifu, Duuk and Gareth. MSN, Skype and Spaces were my connections to them.

It is ironic. The job which emptied my personal life, filled those void with the most beautiful and priceless experience. My stay in Shanghai changed a lot of my perception about China. It also confirmed many life assumptions that I had before. Being with a big MNC isn’t as grand as I thought – in fact, I concluded that my own small agency in Singapore fared much much better. It was just a different set of games and turfs. The fundamentals are the same.

Most importantly, this journey fulfilled one of my school-day wishes – that is to work with the Great Ogilvy. I love Ogilvy like the way I love Caffeine. It is a name that I strongly believe in and a name I feel proud carrying. Like what my old intern, Steven, would said – "Ogilvy is a Legend." I couldn’t agree more.

Felicia knew about this – I missed a great working opportunity with Ogilvy
back in 1999 – and it was one of the big regrets in my career path.
By fate and pure chance, I was united with Ogilvy 8 years later. And I was
glad that I entered at a good level – a role that allows me to
perform and prove my worth.

Time passed fast, in a blink, 24 months have flew by. Just when I finally settled myself in Shanghai – I was "ordered and offered" to move to Hong Kong. It was a painful 6-month struggle. For many moments, I came very close to give up the HK offer. I kept swinging "yes and no" within myself – that frustrated the people around me. Finally, last Thursday (after 6 months), I ended my struggle and signed the letter. In less than 30 days, I will be moving – From 东方明珠 to 东方之珠.

Will I miss Shanghai? An astounding "yes"! If you look back at my life over the last 24 months, you will only see images of fun, excitement and love.  I met a group of people that I want to keep as long life friends – Rebecca, Alicia, Calvin, Nick, Franklin, Clare, Angela, Hong Ai, Johnny+wife and a bunch of "Malaysian kakis".  And I am blessed to have Francis, Echo and my cousin Yei who accompanied me throughout my lonely weekends. Not forgetting my frequent visitors – Joanne, Hovman, Scott, Desmond and Kalinda who filled my house with so much joys whenever they were here.
 




While it is too early to say goodbye, I just want to jot down my feelings tonight. Sigh, guess it is time to start packing. This time, my new adventure starts closer to home.

When my cousin Yei text-messaged me last week about an earthquake in Sichuan, I never expect the seriousness of this incident. I was in Singapore, setting up a booth for my client. And when I returned to Shanghai on Friday, I went back to my work. I have no chance to read about the earthquake or have any idea how bad it was. Not until today.

China touched my heart today. I have never seen a nation so united, so full of compassion. The power of their unity in this dark hours moved my heart. I can never understand their loss and tears. But I can feel their grieve. It is one of those rare moments when you see a nation together. Being a foreigner here, I admire their love for their country and their people. I felt so small in their presence.

At 2:28pm today, China observed a 3-minute silence. My colleagues stood still for 3 minutes. One by one, they stood up and bowed their head in silence. It was a sight that I can never erased from my mind. Their silence was loud and powerful. I felt so guilty (cos’ I was in the midst of my presentation call with a client). The strength of their silence empowered my teleconversation. It was almost impossible to even whisper into the phone. I have to cut my client short and hanged up the phone. I felt so bad about my disruptive conversation that I sank low on my chair and observed the silence.

Just now, I had dinner with my cousin, Yei. He told me about a fund-raising TV show on Sunday. When he was talking, I could see the sad emotions in his eyes. He was on the verge of tears. It was very emotional for me to see my "cold-hearted" cousin displayed so much emotions in his speech.

Back at home, I watched today’s footages on my TV screen. For that 3 minutes, every car, train and people on the street freezed their steps to observe the silence. A very touching sight indeed. (All karaokes, cinemas, concerts, entertainment joints are closed for 3 days) This is what makes us human. It is a side of China that I never knew. The Chinese people (no matter how materialistic they can be or how uncivilised and ill-mannered they can be), is one united nation. They love their country like no other. Everyone I know is pouring his/her heart and effort to raise funds and donations for the 4 million homeless victims. (Feli and Tracy prepared 2 big bags of blankets and clothes for donations). At this point, there are about 71,000 dead or missing people out there.

Sigh…it is really heart-breaking to watch any news today. Even the big websites are turning black.

Compared with Myanmar, the Chinese government reacted fast to her people. Perhaps, it is time when the world should take another good look at China. This is a Giant who is often misunderstood – yet attacked for many bad reasons. If you look back at the last 100 years, China has really never attacked another country. (The USA-Iraq War lasted longer than 2nd-world war!) Sure, China’s past house-keeping methods were questionable but it helped to unite a nation of a billion people.

Finally, after more than 6 weeks of waiting, I was amongst the first 10 lucky owners of the new "MBA" (MacBook Air) in Asia Pacific! Exclusively first launched (last week) in Hong Kong and Singapore, I got my MBA on the 1st day it arrived at the shop! Beautifully sexy, basic and intelligent. (And I would say it is the next best MAC offering after iPhone! Ever since iMac brought Apple from its ashes 10 years ago, Steve has done everything possibly right!)

It isn’t a performance laptop like MBPro but this is a big show-off for any presentation. It doesn’t come with a super-drive or ethernet port. No firewire slot and the battery is built-in (like iPhone). Nevertheless, this is what I call a "PC-killer", a "MAC-convertor". Compare with Sony’s TZ 11-inch compact laptop, the MBA is a far impressive one. It is affordable (at S$2,988 – S$11 cheaper than Sony) and visually stunning. It has that "I want to own and touch it factor". Weighing 1.3kg, incredibly 1.9cm thick, seriously, it is not really a blue-sky creation – why didn’t the PC makers (Jap brands) produce something so simple and nice? It is a smooth-seller. I am sure there are a lot of conversion to Mac platform right now.

Man, dun I love gadgets! Felicia is right when I got my iPhone. She predicted that I will be converting to Mac soon. My wife is absolutely right – "Once you go Mac, you never turn back."