I attended the 9^th Lecture of the Institute for Engineering Leadership’s Distinguished Speaker at the NUS. This opportunity was courtesy of our manager.

The lecture feature Ms Olivia Lum, Executive Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer, Hyflux Ltd who will speak on “Managing Complex Situations in Emerging Economies and More Challenging Markets” – a subject matter that we are sure would resonate with many in today”s challenging climate.

Many entrepreneurs, top executives, lecturers, students and others attended the 1.5 hour event. Olivia shared on her experiences in setting up her business. Like other business owners, she started of her business from a HDB or JTC rented industrial space. She had successfully steered her company to its current status as water is an important resource in Singapore and many parts of the World.

She also mentioned that she need to raised $1 million dollars in the 1990s for her business expansion. Her lectures and others chip in to made the funding a successful one. She even joke that $1 million dollars maybe peanuts today but was worth a lot back then. The attendees explode into laughter as this peanuts had been used in many context by our leaders.

She got her breakthrough in China when many MNCs was coming into the country to start their operations. They need waste water treatment and she was able to provided the solution ‘s to them. As she was able to communicate in Chinese and English, this gives her a clear advantage over the other competitors.

As the China business starts to mature, she look into into emerging economies that can provide new oportunity for her company. Hyflux is now in North Africa, Middle East, Algeria where water is a critical resource like Singapore.

In Singapore, engineers are deem fortunate as we have many many jobs to choose from. But she also reminded that the expectations are high. You will need to work extra hard as you are drawing a salary 3 to 5 times as compared with an engineer in other countries. Therefore the bosses also expect you to work 3 times harder compared with others.

We are not business owners but just executives of a hospital wanting to charge up our mind in this talk.

We did not pose any question for the speaker. But the audiences already had many question’s for her. New business owners had hard time to raise funds or find new opportunities in the market. It is a tough world out there and only the fittest bosses will survive.

The Singtel F1 race is finally here in Singapore. Millions of Singaporeans has been waiting for this mega event and all tickets has been sold out.
At the qualifying round held yesterday, all grandstand seats were filled up. Many others without tickets went to tall building to catch a glimpse of the event. Some just went near it to feel the sound of F1 cars.
The night race in Singapore has raised interest around the World. It is a safe event as we have bring in special lighting from overseas to light up the race track. It is brightly lighted up just like racing in the day. The World get to see the F1 race and the pretty skyline of Singapore.
All the best to all F1 drivers racing tonight. Enjoy the Singapore Marina area skyline.

The Singapore Fireworks Celebrations will be held on the 22 and 23 August. Fireworks will light the Singapore skyline at 9PM and will last for 15 minutes. The organizer, Festival Square Circle has invited France "Feerie" and South Korea "Woojin" to light up the Singapore skyline. They will made use of fireworks and music to amaze the audiences.
For the first time, the Marina Bay Floating Stage will be open to the public to purchase tickets. You will have a perfect view of the fireworks. Tickets are price at S$18. You may purchase the tickets at Substation, SAM machine and Gatecrash.
Call 6100 2005 for any queries or visit Fireworks online.

The Chingay 2008@North passed through our house at 8PM tonight. Many residents gather at the roadside to see the colorful floats that appear during the Chingay Festival held at the City Hall Area. The floats were travelling at a speed of 20KM/H and performers were waving to us. My children was excited as the lights were very colorful especially during night time.
Chingay 2008@North Pictures>>>

Free goodies bags were given to PAP Kindergarden students and their parents who turn up to attend the event. You get a mineral water and some snacks for you to eat while watching the floats. The Chingay Floats made 3 stops at Woodlands Square, Admiralty Hard Court Opposite Blk 717(Woodlands Dr 70) and Yishun Hard Court Opposite Blk244(Yishun Ave 9).