UNEVENTFUL TWO DAYS

Since Monday, I'd have uneventful two days. I went for a part-time based job interview but learnt I'd know if I would be employed with the school only by mid November. Though business's slow in coming, I am still not calling quits yet.

However, two happenings really annoyed me. I have been volunteering my service at a GROs but discovered someone I respected had disappointed me. To add on to the injury, my old lady at home, because of the immatured behaviour of her youngest son took her fury on our FDW who had been serving her faithfully. I sympathised with her and advised my old lady to not pick a bone with her, while, asked patience from my FDW who imdicated not angry with her bug just couldn't understand why everytime misunderstandings must arise from this fellow. I should say she's been serving our family very well and I don't know why my old lady cannot differentiate right from wrong.

I also face a lot of difficulty in trying to apply for a debit card with POSB-ank. They gave me 3 reasons which I felt the bank should be responsible because they were proactively promoting the particular facility some years ago, which is hindering my application now. In my view, banks should be more responsible in implementing services and not let customers bear the brunt of their policy. I had been fighting with the bank for two weeks and don't know how long this will dread or perhaps, considering to switch bank.

Hopefully, as the week draws nearer to a close, it will get better.

The Power of Networking

I was invited to a networking event by a cousin yesterday. It was held at Raffles Town Club. Though I love meeting people, I realised the network marketing has blossomed a lot the last 7 years. Since I was introduced to the concept by a friend in 2000 about an american MLM company establishing its presence in Singapore and then only a handful bought the idea, I discovered even companies originated from asia also soon followed suit. Though there were about 200 strong, the hype that went on was remarkable. I recently did some work for another american networking company who encouraged its american independent business owners (designation), to make their presence felt in Singapore. I was amazed by the dedication demonstrated by one group. They moved together. Though most in his group returned to USA after two weeks, Fred actually impressed me with his willingness to return to Singapore for another 4 weeks to build his business. Like many networkers, my cousin also encouraged me to joined her. However, I do not foresee myself doing a lot cuz I only used products that benefit me in strengthening my health. I don't buy the idea of spending lots of money to beautify my external self. I believe so long as one is presentable, it is good enough.

Perhaps, since I do not see very much, I prefer to be my natural self. My niece has been putting a lot of effort in designing the site. Hope you like it and please do enjoy your stay.

INEXPERIENCED STAFF AT A RESTAURANT CHAIN

I Was out with a visually challenged friend at a restaurant at Hougang Mall for lunch yesterday afternoon. As we were in queue waiting our turn to place our orders he overheard someone order 'hainanese pork chop'. He asked me if it was a new dish on the menu. I told I wasn't sure but if he'd like to try, he can order. He proceeded to order the hainanese pork chop while I order my egg sandwich.

After waiting for a while His food finally arrived. I was aware two plates were being put on the table, but he wasn't. Just as he was about to eat, I told him the plate of rice was on his left while the plate of pork chop was to his right. He remarked, 'how to eat?' I waved and a waiter came to our table. I asked for a bigger plate and requested him to combine the two plates into the bigger plate we requested for. To my amazement, he came with the plate and walked away. I tried to get the attention of the staff for a few minutes but was in vain. I do recognise that it was lunch hour and the restaurant may had been busy. However, it wasn't very crowded during that time. I finally told him that I'd transfer his rice into the other plate before the food turned cold.

A staff then approached and asked what we needed after he started eating and I told him we didn't need anything any longer.

The reason for wanting to put this down was I too am a person who is visually challenged. I had to take a lot of caution that I did not make a mess during the whole process and that I realised unless I helped him, the food will turn cold quickly because the aircon was very cold. I been to restaurants where staff are at hand to assist diner. I believe if a restaurant wants to retain their customers, staff should be more proactive. My friend loves the food there and we had visited the restaurant several occasion at different time of the day. While I acknowledge some staff have been very helpful, paying attention to minor details may help bring more diners to the restaurants as word-of-mouth is the most powerful way of attracting people to visit the outlet.

Please leave a message for me if you have one.

A DIFFERENT YESTERDAY

Since I left my former employment at the beginning of July this year, I was busy searching for directions before I decided to become self-employed. The hope of being successful is the main motivation to go ahead to be my own boss, instead of working for others, putting more dollars into their pockets. Well, I must admit business has been slow but I believe perseverance and persistence are two main keys for success.

Well, I met with three ex-colleagues at Junction 8 last evening. After a meal, we went shopping and I was amazed at the many shops selling ladies clothes and accessories. The result of affluence in our society means that we are spoiled for choices? We walked a few shops and they managed to pick up somethings appealing to their eyes. We completely did not talk about work but wild the time away talking all kinds of things, from fire hazards to land sales. I came home very refreshed.

General issues

I have to admit that though minimal improvements have been made in that to employ PWDs for certain industries, jobs have also been lost due to automation. For example, in the 60-70s, when we were a young nation, the Ministry of Labour then had been actively promoting and training bisually challenged individuals with relevant qualifications with telephone operator skills. However, in the 90s, when MNC began to establish themselves in Singapore and semi-automated or automated telephone devices were being introduced, many visually challenged persons began losing their rice bowls.

Visually challenged individuals with minimal qualifications were being trained as production operators in factories then. Their jobs were also taken away when companies relocated elsewhere due to cheaper labour cost.

I really dread what the future holds for PWDs especially, when employers fail to recognise that PWDs can be an asset, for example, to foster a more cohesive working environment, to integrate PWDs with the society at large, to help them understand the world at large, and, most of all, to allay the fears of parents and care-givers that their love ones can be someone useful in society.

General Issues

Hey All,

To carry on from where I left off, It is a true phenomenon in Singapore. Of course, there are a minority who left their jobs due to various reasons. However, people with disabilities are conscientious workers and will give their all for their bosses working within their limitations.

Parents, on the other hand, hope for the best for their children and are frustrated when the children with disabilities are not motivated or are at a lost to find a fit for them. When these children arrive, parents will take months, if not years to accept the truth. Many parents even go extra miles to find a 'cure' for their children. They will financial resources if any, in the hope for a better future for their children.

Leave here for now.

GENERAL ISSUES

Hey all,

I am back to continue where I left off yesterday. I am glad that our nation progressed at such a rapid pace. During my childhood days, Singapore was then an infant nation. We were establishing ourselves in the international arena. As life goes on, (so they say), the plight of people with disabilities is still not been adequately addressed though we have attained the status of a developed nation.

Hey, don't get me wrong! I am not suggesting that we must be given charity all the time. I am talking about employment opportunities here. Many of my friends, though having attained an adequate level of education often realised they would be the last to be hired during economic boom and the first to be fired during economic recession.

Yes, I do acknowledge being physically challenged is not a choice. Parents did not intend to bring children into the world for them to suffer.

Well, continue next time.

General issues

Hey all,

This is my first blog and I'll like to focus on general issues pertaining to people with disabilities living in Singapore. Though I have to acknowledge some improvements have been made in the infrastructure, there must be a change in the mindset of the society at large, especially, in the employment sector.

I'll elaborate at my next blog.

first post

first post