Papa, can you hear me sing? 搭错车

Strongly recommended...

It was 25 years ago when my mum brought me to watch this movie at Odeon cinema, upper Penang Road. It was a quarter century then, I didn't really fully understand what was the movie about as I was still small, but nevertheless, I still can remember some scenes in the movie. I rewatched it again last night and this is definitely one of the very few best movies I have ever watched... A touching, tear jerker movie but it offers good value, provokes self-reflection and reminds us to be filial children before it is too late...

This movie was a real hit in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. It won 4 golden horse awards. I love the acting of the male lead actor 孙越 and supporting actress 江霞 very much.

The plot:

In 1958, Uncle Dumb, a retired soldier who now made a living as a scrap collector. He found an abandoned baby girl, Ah Mei. When he decided to raise her, his girlfriend decided to leave him. Luckily, his neighbours were very helpful and they lived like a big and happy family. Uncle Dumb was a bugler in the army where he became deaf, so Ah Mei was brought up to the tune Uncle Dumb Played. After finishing high school, she worked as a singer in a restaurant. Ah Mei is soon spotted by a big time talent agent, Yu Kwong Tai, who arranged a South-East Asian tour for her. After she has left on tour, Yu pays Uncle Dumb the money, hinting at Uncle Dumb to stay away from Ah Mei. This breaks Uncle Dumb's heart... (Universe Laser)

Snippet

Watch full video:

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/cd8dTG_N2sM/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2OgB__U5Ss

Besides screaming of electric guitar, it is truly amazing that parts of the two theme songs of the movie 酒矸倘卖无 (any wine bottle for sale)，一样的月光 (the same moonlight) can be played at such fast tempo and yet carry strong feelings of helpless, sadness, dejection and loneliness. They were a hit and are still popular nowadays. Performing the songs with superb vocal technique, powerful yet clear and silky voice, the popularity of the singer 苏芮 surged overnight and propelled her to the peak of singing career. She was so popular in Taiwan and China and was equated to 邓丽君.

酒矸倘卖无 MTV
Continue reading ...

Ong Tee Keat a good Transport Minister?

Not to mention not fulfilling what he promised before MCA on the 10-10 EGM, two news reportings within three days make me thinking whether our Transport Minister is either incompetent or lack of trustworthiness...

19 Dec 2008, when Pakatan Rakyat was Perak State government,

Lack of space to extend Ipoh airport runway, says Tee Keat

Earlier this month, Perak executive councillor in charge of transport Nga Kor Ming had reportedly urged the Government to fulfil its promise to improve and expand the airport.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Ipoh Timur MCA division’s 59th anniversary dinner here on Thursday, Ong said the Federal Government was not facing financial constraints or lacked commitment in not extending the airport runway.

The runway of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport cannot be extended due to lack of space, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

He said the airport, which was currently underutilised, was surrounded by a mountain and adjacent to it were densely populated residential areas. “If we talk about extending the airport runway, do you have space for the extension? We certainly can’t extend it vertically,” he said.

News on 7 Nov 2009 and 13 Aug 2009, after Barisan Nasional controversially grabbed power from the democratically people elected Pakatan Rakyat state government,

RM 60 million approved to upgrade Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

Work on extending the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport runway and upgrading the terminal building will start next year.

Government to upgrade Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

The government has agreed to upgrade the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here at a cost of about RM120 million, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

He said the upgrading works would cover the terminal building, extension of runway to 2km from the existing 1.8km and the construction of another taxiway.

He said the upgrading would not involve the relocation of residents in several housing areas near the airport.

COME ON LAH!

Previous posting that showed the level of Ong Tee Keat's trustworthiness/ competency Continue reading ...

HELP — grossly undervalued and expanding aggressively

Insider Asia 5 November 2009

LAST week, we took a look at HELP International Corp's (RM1.50) recent third-quarter FY October 2009 (3Q09) results, which saw growth momentum accelerating further. Today, we take a look at the education company's expansion plans and underlying asset valuations.

HELP has consistently delivered double-digit earnings growth over the last few years, even during the recession. Indeed, its earnings have grown over 20% per year since 2006, and remain on track this year.

For FY October 2009, we expect net profit to rise 21.1% to RM14.3 million, or 16.1 sen per share. At RM1.50, the stock is trading at only 9.3 times FY09 earnings, and 8.5 times FY2010.

These valuations are very attractive for a company with strong and yet defensive, recession-proof earnings — and a solid brand name. Its underlying price-to-earnings (P/E) is much lower if we subtract the sizeable cash reserves, although much will be invested in the new campus.

HELP has a very strong balance sheet. Net cash stood at RM72.4 million in July 2009, as compared with a market capitalisation of RM133.2 million. This translates into a significant 82 sen per share — or 55% of the current share price of RM1.50.

Strong, understated balance sheet
HELP's present net trading asset (NTA) of RM1.02 per share is also severely understated.

The company's main property asset is Wisma HELP, an 11-storey building in the prime Damansara Heights suburb of Kuala Lumpur. The 29-year old building has 269,086 sq ft of built-up space on 43,292 sq ft of freehold land. This property is carried in its books at only RM32 million — or just RM119 psf for the built-up space.

Although the building is relatively old at 29 years, the valuation is far too low compared with current market prices of RM520-750 psf in the wider Damansara Heights, Bangsar and Mont'Kiara areas, as well as current replacement costs.

As a comparison, an even older nearby building, the 37-year old Wisma Damansara was sold last year by HELP's parent, Selangor PROPERTIES [], to a joint venture between Selangor Properties and E&O Property Devt for RM371 psf (the venture was later unwound due to the financial crisis).

If we place a conservative value of RM350 psf for Wisma HELP, we would arrive at a value of RM94.2 million for the building. Thus, the value of the building and cash alone would total RM168.8 million — or RM1.90 per share, or 27% above the current share price.

This implies — at the current share price — investors are getting HELP's other assets, including the underlying business, valuable franchises and strong branding built up for over 20 years, for effectively free.

Solid branding
HELP's strong branding has helped to expand its student population base, extend its presence overseas and increase the appeal of its own home-grown degrees awarded under the "HELP University College" banner.

From just 8,600 students in October 2007, HELP now has about 11,500 students, including 1,500 from HELP-ICT. This excludes over 1,000 students studying for HELP accredited courses overseas in Vietnam, Indonesia and China through franchising arrangements.

The company has been growing its student base through acquisitions and new branch campuses, organic growth and overseas tie-ups that are now featuring more strongly.

Fraser KL campus to open in early 2010
In November 2007, HELP acquired the loss-making HELP-ICT (the former Sepang Institute of TECHNOLOGY []), giving it various new courses and a student base of about 1,500 students.

We understand the institute will be relocated to the new Fraser Business Park campus in downtown Kuala Lumpur, in line with branding the new campus as a hub for vocational courses. This will also increase economies of scale at the new city campus.

The campus at Fraser Business Park will open in January 2010. HELP will lease space in the business centre, which can accommodate up to 5,000 students. It will cater largely for post-graduate, technical and vocational courses, including a wide range of new courses such as culinary, hospitality, performing arts, physiotherapy and others.

Subang campus to anchor longer-term growth
Further out, the longer-term expansion plans will centre on the Subang 2 campus in Sungei Buloh. Located on 23.3 acres, the land was acquired for just RM20 psf, or RM20.3 million, which is being finalised. The entire campus is expected to cost around RM100 million, including land cost. HELP hopes to start building next year.

The first phase, with 300,000 sq ft of built-up space will cost RM50 million, excluding land cost. This can be easily funded through annual cash flows, although it will take advantage of the current low interest rate regime. The full-fledged campus will support its application for full university status.

HELP's home-grown degrees, granted under the HELP University College brandname are also gaining popularity — not just locally but abroad as well. The company was awarded "University College" status in 2004, enabling it to design and award its own degrees. The shift towards more home-grown degrees has helped improve overall margins.

Overseas ventures faring well
HELP's overseas ventures in Vietnam, Indonesia, China and Saudi Arabia are also taking off well. Its ability to penetrate the international market is a strong testimony to its brand.

The overseas ventures involve a "franchise" or "twinning" like arrangements with low risks and entry costs, but high international visibility and earnings potential. HELP provides software, syllabus, training, technical and academic support, without heavy investment in buildings or physical assets.

There are currently over 1,000 students studying overseas for HELP's degrees, most of them in Vietnam and some in Indonesia and China. It is also exploring opportunities in other parts of Indochina.

The Vietnam venture is the largest and involves twinning programmes with Vietnam National University in Hanoi. Under these arrangements, students will transfer to Malaysia after a year or two in Vietnam to obtain HELP or other accredited degrees.

Similar "twinning" arrangements are being done with several Indonesian and Chinese colleges, but on a smaller scale. We understand the company has also been invited to explore similar ventures in other parts of Indochina. Continue reading ...

KTM = Keretapi Tak Mari

(No one told PM that no passenger should stand beyond the yellow line... )

First Pak Lah, then Najib... Now Ong Tee Leat pula... They had been giving promises to improve the public transport system, particularly KTM komuter...

Pak Lah: Not satisfied with the rail services and wanted immediate improvements to be made. The existing services were not systematic, there were not enough coaches and coverage was not comprehensive, leaving many areas not serviced. I’m not happy with this because the people are not getting satisfaction from riding the trains. This, we must fix. I found the trains really packed with so many passengers. Some had waited for three trains and yet could not board. “There’s no queue. People push their way in, women with children and old people are pushed aside.

Najib: Experienced first-hand, by the walkabout and boarding the LRT, what people have to go through daily – like jams and other difficulties in congested areas

In December 2008, Ong Tee Keat said: By March 2009, commuters using the the KTM Komuter service need not push and shove and wait for more than 15 minutes, assured Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat on Monday.

See what was reported today, less than a year after his previous statement...

A waiting period of 20 minutes is rather long and should be reduced to only 15 minutes. This can be achieved when KTM Berhad operate new trains in 2013 but this depends on the budget to be presented to the Finance Ministry.

FROM MARCH 2009 to 2013??? And yet this has to depend on the budget to be presented to the Finance Ministry?

Look at Singapore... They have started the expansion of MRT line in anticipation of ridership in year 2020! The government of Singapore even brought forward the targeted completion date for Downtown Line Stage 3 from year 2018 to 2016...

Back home... The overcrowded KTM komuter service did not happen overnight. Malaysia government not only fail to anticipate future ridership of public transport, this issue of overcrowding in the past has been long outstanding... Malaysia Boleh?

COME ON LAH! Continue reading ...

Singapore Flyer

Even without any major natural attraction, Singapore managed to transform the island into tourist destination within a generation.

I was in Singapore last week so I took the chance to take a ride on the world tallest observation wheel with height of 165m.

At the ticket office

Each visitor is given a audio device that briefs the visitor about the history and story about the surrounding places and building. It comes in few major languages to be selected by visitors according to their preference.

Inside the capsule. Eight seats in each capsule

Compass at the ceiling of the capsule

In flight compass

Compass showing places of interest, buildings and landmarks

The observation wheel with 28 capsules was built by Japanese contractors Takenaka Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Terminal building is landscaped with plants and turf.

Singapore F1 street circuit is just next to the Singapore Flyer and passengers can clearly see part of the circuit before the start/ finish straight, one of the very few stretches where overtaking is possible.

Marina Bay Golf Course

Marina Channel before the dam. Plenty ships at Straits of Singapore

Marina Barrage. A dam built across Marina East and Marina South

Construction of Marina Sand Integrated Resort in progress. The deck for sky garden being constructed.

The football field is surrounded by water, known as the "float"

View of Marina Bay

Fullerton Hotel. Previously General Post Office building.

Besides two vehicle bridges, an artistic steel pedestrain crossing is being built.

See the figure "13" on the building?

Singapore Flyer is more expensive than Eye on Malaysia previously in KL. However, I find the experience riding Singapore Flyer is far more a pleasant one.

Singapore Flyer is at least 100m taller, longer riding duration, friendlier staff, come with lively and interesting story-telling audio device, compass given... Unlike Eye on Malaysia, the experience of riding Singapore Flyer is not bored but a mesmerizing one... Continue reading ...

Top 10 Reasons to take an MBA

From JobStreet.com

You may be a fresh graduate from college or one with some working experience. Perhaps you want to do something more with your life, something with a higher purpose. Well have you ever thought about pursuing an MBA?

As the pace of change accelerates, we can take comfort in knowing that the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree is still a ‘constant' worth embracing. Indeed for many, an MBA continues to be the cornerstone for the success they're looking for.

There're many reasons why an MBA might be perfect for you. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should take the plunge:

1. Earn a widely-recognized top credential
   An MBA is a degree, granted after one to two years of graduate-level university study that provides training in both the theory and practice of business management. It certifies that you have a general competency in all the major functional management roles in the modern corporation. In fact, an MBA is recognized throughout the world as a *high-level* credential and may be your passport to a promising career.
   
   
2. Flexible study arrangements:- Full time, part time and online program are available.
   MBA programs can be taken at your chosen pace but must be completed within a maximum of five years. Some MBA programs are designed to minimize disruption to normal work demands and home life, so even if you are still studying or working, you could choose to attend classed in the evenings and the occasional weekends.
   
   
3. An increase in earnings potential.
   From an income point of view, statistics show that on average, a person with an MBA will start off at about 12% more than someone with a basic degree. Ten percent more each month for one year is 120% and in a 10 year span, that amounts to a very large sum. Your MBA is an investment in yourself and as with any other investment, you have to decide if the potential return is worth the time and money spent.
   
   
4. Greater opportunities to work in a country or geographical region of your choice.
   One word: mobility. Everyone hits the wall at some point and longs for an opportunity with more responsibility and different duties. MBA programs give you the competitive edge you need to separate yourself from the competition. An MBA degree can also be used to improve social, environmental and economic standards in private and non-profit businesses throughout the world.
   
   
5. Grow your networking resources.
   An MBA acts like a magnet attracting talented people from every corner of society. These professional relationships will serve you well throughout your career, providing essential mentoring and contacts. Such networking is not limited to fellow students but includes internship opportunities, drawing upon a highly qualified faculty. These qualities make the fabric of the MBA experience a good and comfortable fit for almost anyone.
   
   
6. Polish your communication skills.
   Communication skills are just as if not more important than the other business analysis skills as it is the key to business success. A survey conducted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business rated listening skills and the ability to manage change in the workplace as the most crucial skills to succeed in today's business.
   
   
7. Advancement in Career.
   MBA also at times serves as an entry ticket to many organizations, whose doors are open most exclusively for MBA graduates. A Master of Business Administration prepares you for a managerial role in your current field, whether or not you're already in the business world. Medical professionals, publishing professionals, real estate agents and tech support specialists are among the many that benefits from an MBA degree and attain a more rewarding position in their existing career.
   
   
8. A chance to learn standard tools for organizing business activity and managing business processes.
   MBA is a managerial qualification that is all about learning leadership. MBA provides the tools, techniques and resources needed to run a business, namely risk management plans, performances plans, and project management as well as marketing plans. Managing a business is a strategic asset. Just like job promotions, you get recognized for the work you've already done and not based on the work you are going to do. Start taking up more responsibilities in handling business activities both in good and hard times as you will never know when you will be facing a crisis in future.
   
   
9. Be your Own Boss with an MBA.
   If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, an MBA course can help you reach your goals. The leadership skills and management training gained can be turned into something profitable which includes bringing a new business to life. If you have the creativity, people skills and drive to start a business, a good graduate program will train you in critical areas like business planning, venture financing and small business management.
   
   
10. Gain an in-depth understanding of the business world.
    The world of business is ever changing and complex. It is composed of many fields and principles that all interact with each other at the same time. An MBA program is a well-rounded degree that covers a variety of business areas for an in-depth picture of the business world.

Did any of these 10 reasons appeal to your situation? Well whatever your reason for getting an MBA may be, the bottom line is that an MBA will teach you a lot about business in response to the challenges of today's fast paced and increasingly complex global business environment. As much as it is a hefty investment on your part, it could open doors of opportunities that were closed to you before. Good luck! Continue reading ...

Icapital.biz going overseas...

As speculated in previous posting, Icapital.biz Berhad is seeking shareholders' approval to invest in overseas markets...

Click here to see the company announcement.

If the agenda is approved:

With significantly much greater investment opportunities overseas, does Icapital.biz plan to raise her share capital in near future? Or are they going to liquidate some local investment to invest overseas?

Any change to the management fee?

Any cap to the percentage of the fund exposure in overseas markets?

What are the approved foreign stock markets approved by SC?

These are part of questions I wish to find out from the EGM... (eom) Continue reading ...

Singaporeans/ Government of Singapore "Superstitious"?

What I was told during my recent trip to Singapore and some tales I heard previously reinforced my opinion that Singaporeans/ Government of Singapore are "superstitious" and believe in Feng Shui. For example:

i) It was said the early MRT line was supposed to be underground but part of the line was changed to overhead to prevent further disaster as it was believed that the MRT work had disturbed the "dragon" underground and caused the collapse of Hotel New World in 1986.

ii) A Feng Shui master said every singaporeans need to carry "ba gua" 八卦 to avoid disaster and keep Singapore prosperous. Does it coincide with the octogonal shape in S$ 1 coin?

iii) While the one-dollar coin did symbolise the ba gua, it was of no use if everyone had it in his pocket and failed to display it. So the next novel idea was born the road tax label.It used to be round and now,it's Octagonal and it is displayed.

iv) Ever wonder why Singapore is known as a Garden City? If you were to look at Singapore from the top, Singapore resembles a crab, with its mouth the Singapore river and its back facing Malaysia. We all know that cooked crab (that means dead crab) is red, the colour of barren ground, particularly red soil that contains ferric iron and found in Singapore. But a live crab is basically a dark shade of green. So,by planting trees, you make Singapore look green and not red, and therefore alive.

Lee Kuan Yew runs Tanjung Pagar while Goh Chok Tong is in Marine Parade. If you look at Singapore as a crab again, these two locations are situated at the positions where the claws of a crab will be.We know the strongest parts of a crab are its claws, so there they are.

To kill a crab, you stick the chopstick at the side of the crab...which is exactly where the Japanese attacked and conquered Singapore.

Why clean up a river that spells different memories for many Singaporeans and was one of the reasons for our prosperity in the early years? During the 80's recession, we had just completed the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, which happens to suspend over the Singapore river, the mouth of the crab. This is as good as tying the mouth of the crab, thus choking it which explains the recession. In order to get out of it, one way was to clean up the river so that the mouth is clean and wealth can flow in without obstruction. Sounds unbelievable? But it seems logical, doesn't it?

v) Initially Singapore Flyer rotated in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from Marina Centre, its direction was changed under the advice of Feng Shui masters.

vi) Suntec City was designed with emphasis on Feng Shui. The five buildings and the convention center are arranged so that they look like a left hand when viewed aerially. The Fountain of Wealth appears like a golden ring in the palm of the hand. As the fountain is made of bronze, it is believed that the balance of metal and water paves the way for success. Further, the specially selected Chinese name, 新达, means "new achievement".

vii) Figure "4" which is considered inauspicious, particularly to the Cantonese, is avoided even in the tender numbers of government projects. The tender reference used for MRT Downtown Line stage 1 and 2 omitted "904" and "914" from the running numbers started from 901 to 921.

viii) A Feng Shui master gave advice to Mr. Lee. It was to place a dragon looking over the mouth of Singapore River to protect the Merlion (a half fish/half lion mythological symbol), a Singapore symbol of wealth and prosperity, that was placed there initially at the early period of Singapore’s independence, this would ensure Singapore’s continued good fortune. That is why on the lower right hand corner of the Singapore’s 50 dollar bill you can find the dragon safeguarding the Merlion.

ix) When the Paragon Shopping Centre on Orchard Road was being built, it was worried that fortress-shaped Ngee Ann City from across the road might "intimidate" the Paragon building. So it was suggested that Paragon be built to include features of a White Tiger - a celestical creature in Feng Shui. The silver "stripes" on the white building are done exactly for that reason.

And see what was the reaction when the Merlion was struck by lightning recently.

Do you agree with me?

Continue reading ...

MAS moves up to 8th position?

MAS moves up to 8th position in Best in Travel poll

SUBANG: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was ranked eighth in the Top Airlines, worldwide category under the Best in Travel 2009 poll by Smart Travel Asia, a dedicated travel magazine for Asia. This sees the national carrier in a tie with Lufthansa and moving up one rank compared to last year.

MAS managing director and chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Azmil Zahruddin said: “Once again, we are among the world’s top 10 best airlines and have moved up one rank as we continue to focus on what matters most to our customers.” He said one of MAS’ key initiatives was in the introduction of new aircraft.

MAS moved up one rank? Is it true? See the image below and make a count on the ranking

MAS was actually ranked at 9.5. Instead of so claimed moving up 1 place, MAS dropped 0.5 place. The rankings for business class and cabin service dropped as well.

"We .... have moved up one rank as we continue to focus on what matters most to our customers"

COME ON LAH!
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Special Dining Experience at Santaro Japanese Restaurant, Singapore

Had a special Japanese dining experience in Singapore middle this week...

Look like just another ordinary Japanese restaurant from outside.

It is actually a frequent award winner of one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

Inside the restaurant

Special seats reserved for us

Our food was being prepared

Bean curd with tasted like prawn flavoured paste as appetizer

Sashimi... Very fresh. Just flown in from Japan the same day

Grilled fish. The whole fish except the head and the bone can be eaten, including the stomach

This is one of the best parts, the stomach. A bit bitter, but the meat is yummy. It is rich and comes with fat. This is the best time to eat this fish, right before winter, the fish is building up fat in the body.

Not full. So went for Sashimi rice set. The rice was really filling.

The Japanese meal is incomplete without Sake. See this special pot with compartment in the middle of the pot to store ice and keep the sake chilled without diluting the liquor

Dessert

This was one of the most expensive I have had. The bill was more than S$ 700 for 3 of us. My portion already cost more than S$ 250 or RM 600.

Maybe the numerous awards they have won and the photos below can explain the special price...

Gong Li with Santaro

In 2007, the chef was given the honour of cooking for Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. I was told these photos were taken at the residencies of Singapore's founding father and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

To my surprise, the staff told me Santaro is a Chinese from China. His full name is Santaro Li Kwok Wing.

三太郎 寿司.割烹
Santaro Japanese Restaurant
165, Tanjong Pagar Road #02-26
Amara Hotel Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 63248388
Fax: +65 63241766

http://www.santaro.com.sg/

Continue reading ...