A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary
Probably the only taxi driver in this world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments, I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career, and unable to find another one, for reasons I can only describe as something "uniquely Singapore". As a result, I am driving taxi to make a living and writing these real life stories just to make the dull job a little more interesting. I hope that these stories are interesting to you too.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Preface
Preface
Since the takeover of leadership by some western “big shots” a few years ago, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) of ASTAR, Singapore, a place I have worked for 16 years as a PI (principal investigator), a place that was once flourishing, promising, and pleasant to work in, has been in a mess. Bestowed with the kind of power they had never seen before, these once reputable scientists turned everything in the institute upside down. The previous democratic and consensus-oriented management system that had worked well for more than a decade in the past was thrown out of window and replaced by one that was marked by domineering, manipulation, and incompetence. What they lacked in experience of management, adequate understanding of the institute, and proper respect for fellow scientists as their colleagues, they made up for in arrogance, prejudice, and naked muscle of political power. Some PIs were sent packing, and some were promoted, all up to the new leadership’s manipulative and twisted standards. Despite my considerable contribution to building up this place into what it is today, I was among the first few PIs to be told to go. My employment contract with IMCB was terminated by May, 2008, without any forms of compensation given.
I was hence forced into a deeply difficult position. Becoming jobless at my age is perhaps the worst nightmare that can happen to any ordinary man, not to mention the loss of life-long career. Ever since I was informed of their decision sometime in 2007, when the economy was still booming, I had been trying hard to find a job. I had submitted countless CV and application letters to various places in Singapore including universities, government agencies, and private companies. Most of them, however, never responded. A couple of replies I did receive never materialized into anything positive. Later, the outburst of financial crisis world wide helped extinguish my last hope of finding a job anytime soon. By November 2008, I finally made a decision to become a taxi driver.
At the time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people. I signed up for a training course run by a government-linked transport company in November, with a course fee of nearly $280. On paper, the Express Taxi Driver’s Vocational License Course, or TDVL, is supposed to run six days a week, five hours a day. But in reality, the daily course never lasted longer than 3 hours. The whole purpose of the course was to help you pass the test and get the license. It was divided into five sections, Rules and regulations, Routes and landmarks, Names and locations of buildings, Defensive driving, and General paper, which included subjects such as highway codes, vehicle maintenance, healthy living, etc. The instructors were either veteran taxi drivers or representatives from government agencies such as Land Transport Authority (LTA).
My class started on 1st of December, 2008, which consisted of more than 30 people. There were three classes running at the same time and all were about this size. The course was very easy. Every day, the instructors told us what to highlight on the manual and asked us to memorize them because these were the materials that were going to be tested. As long as you did that, it was impossible to fail the test. Even if you fail, you still have one year to take an unrestricted number of retest. With such ease, no wonder there are nearly 100,000 people possessing taxi driver’s license today in Singapore, almost 3 for every 100 Singapore citizens, children and infants included.
By the end of February this year, I finally received my taxi driver’s license, and thus began my new taxi driver’s career. This blog records some of the events that I have experienced as a taxi driver. They are all actual events and are presented as truthfully as possible. Special precautions have been taken to avoid revealing any specific information which may help in any way the identification of the persons described in these events. The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with the first hand accounts of my experience of converting from a veteran scientist to a rookie taxi driver in today’s Singapore. The views and encounters described in this blog may be insignificant, isolated, or biased. Nevertheless, I am sure some readers will find this blog interesting and helpful in widening their general perspectives on Singapore.
Finally, I want to thank my family for their trust and support, and for always being at my side to endure with me the trauma, the distress and the anxiety caused by my job loss. I also want to thank all of my customers, especially the ones who have shown their grace, kindness, and understanding to me when I made mistakes during my work. They are the important factor to encourage me to carry on.
Posted by Mingjie Cai at 1:58 PM
87 comments:
sh said...
Hi Mingjie,
My name is Say Heng and I am a journalist with The New Paper.
I chanced upon your blog by chance and have been fascinated about your encounters as a cabby here.
I would like to meet up with you to find out more about your stories.
I am contactable at sayheng@sph.com.sg or 63194079, and am looking forward to hearing from you!
August 13, 2009 6:04 PM
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
besides which, another option is tuition. Im sure many parents will pay big bucks for someone with a phd from stanford to teach their children. Subjects like general science, biology and chemistry are popularly in demand, and im sure that you are more than qualified to teach!
The average full time private tutor can easily make anything from 2-4k a month, and the demand for tuition is almost inelastic ;) something for you to consider perhaps? =)
nonetheless having read your entire blog from the most recent entry to this one, i suspect that you've learnt more from your stint about life than you may have ever did in your office perhaps? Far be it for me to moralize but im very glad that you have chosen to share these experiences of yours =)
August 14, 2009 12:33 AM
Melissa said...
Hello! I found your blog very interesting! I would like to sit in your taxi and hear your stories from yourself one day. Is this OK? How can I make a booking if so? Thank you very much! =D
August 14, 2009 4:51 PM
jx said...
I do have a need for cabs now and then and i rather sit your cab rather that of other taxi drivers. do leave a number so i can call you if im in need of one.
btw, stanford is my dream school. i hope to be able to read there one day. (:
August 14, 2009 10:46 PM
testtube said...
Many of us are very curious to know the 'unique' reasons for which your other job applications were ignored/rejected. Could you enlighten us?
August 15, 2009 1:12 AM
filmografik said...
I enjoy following your blog. Perhaps one day I might end up in your cab too.
All the best, and may you and your family be blessed always.
August 15, 2009 12:03 PM
Joseph said...
Old man, take care.
never forget to look after your own body.
it can be the most valuable asset or the worst liability for anyone.
August 15, 2009 12:33 PM
Qwerty said...
I suppose your decision to become a cab driver is by and large an act of protest against your former employer.
But if you're really in need of a better job, or when you realize that nobody in ASTAR would give a shit about a former employee, go to http://www.stanfordalumni.org and register for an account. Then click on the "Career Services" link and follow through.
It's completely free of charge and comes with a lifelong Stanford Alumni e-mail address, which may come in handy when you e-mail people about job opportunities.
Don't write off the worth of your Stanford degree so quickly, membership has its privileges.
August 15, 2009 1:32 PM
Attemptressinme said...
Hello,
EDMW Supports you!
August 15, 2009 3:09 PM
|SiLeNcE| said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am one of your fellow ex-imcbean too.. how I miss the good old days when IMCB is still at medical drive... Sad to see that it's no longer the same anymore(I am glad I left).. Well life still goes on..... I think you should continue to try your luck in the scientific field... Dont give up(unless you are tired of science)..
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
RupertGee said...
I just want to thank you for your heart warming blog.
Also you should consider hosting the blog yourself, so you can put up Google Adsense advertisements. Your blog can then be an additional source of income for you.
Cheers!
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
loren said...
sir, please hang in there. i have enjoyed your blog, and i see the hardships that you go through, through your words.
i sincerely hope you are now on the way to a better job, one that you're more familiar with. i pray that you don't waste your knowledge and talent, mainly because singapore has need of it.
August 15, 2009 4:44 PM
Albert said...
Sir, I enjoy reading your blog and I appreciate the frank and sincere manner which you log your life as a taxi driver.
I'm sure more Singaporeans can benefit more from your talents if you could consider a career in teaching, rather than to put aside your knowledge and drive a cab.
Look forward to more of your blog posts, and hopefully, you would consider going back to the world of academics, where your contributions will be huge.
August 15, 2009 6:20 PM
Jia Min said...
Dear Sir,
Don't give up! (: It's awesome how you're still living life to the fullest with ur postive attitude, even if it means working as sth a far cry from ur previous profession! Either way, JIAYOU! :D
And yeppp I think the other comments made by ur blog readers are rly rly good! (: Like TEACHING/TUITION is rly a viable option! You could teach the sciences so you could still use ur expertise from Stanford (whoa) and A*STAR to good use, since its what you are passionate about, anyway. (((:
All the best! I hope to be ur customer someday! (:
-jiamin! (from yishun HAHA)
August 15, 2009 9:17 PM
lee said...
Dear Dr Cai, hang in there. I hope you will find a job soon or do whatever makes you (and your family) happier. And thank you so much for keeping this blog - I read everything so far and it has been interesting, entertaining and enlightening. -lee
August 15, 2009 9:20 PM
Lyn said...
Hi I enjoyed reading your blog...
God Bless you and your family!
August 15, 2009 11:09 PM
Recruit Ong said...
Hi prof, i hope you don't grant any interview to The New Paper. It is a tabloid and will simply sensationalise and distort whatever story they may hope to get from you. If it is the Straits Times errr.... well.... they will still spin but maybe can see how, of course if it is foreign press than just go ahead!
August 16, 2009 12:12 AM
Yustynn said...
Dear sir
I just wanted to thank you for blogging. I've just finished reading all your posts, and they have opened my eyes to a lot of things I never thought about before. I am sure a lot of people chancing upon this blog feel the same. It is so unique that, even as a taxi driver, you are stepping above your peers (not to say that taxi-driving is anything but "noble") to write this blog. The insights and lessons I've learnt are profound. I hope you pull through with finding a new job - much as I have gained by reading your blog, it surely is not worth it for the hardships you have to endure. I guess I'm trying to say this - you are making an impact on people's lives, and though I am sure you know that, I feel the need to confirm it. Thank you very much.
August 16, 2009 1:17 AM
eng60340 said...
heh.
with the press coverage. you will get a new job soon.
August 16, 2009 1:32 AM
Rayning said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am impressed by your blog and the down-to-earth, real life perspective you present. Not to mention I do feel angry about hearing that you were 'remove' from your post so to speak, in the Defense Science field. I am very appalled that public servants are rendered such treatments as well and how unprofessional this is in HR perspective.
I'm also in awe of your fighting spirit to perserve in such challenging circumstances. Jiayou!
August 16, 2009 2:08 AM
The Master said...
Hello Mr Taxi Driver,
I think this blog one of the very few that ive read from front to back at one go... The observations and insights into people, their behaviour, very interesting to actually know how a taxi driver thinks. How many taxi drivers will be able to communicate their thoughts so fluently and effectively? Plus i think your academic background helps you to see and understand things that other laymen might otherwise miss, very nice combination, scholarly taxi driver.
Your ability to speak Chinese well also plays a big part in extracting untold stories from people we otherwise would not talk to.
I think you are pretty cool, and when i get back to Singapore, i will be really lucky to spend a few minutes with you to gain some of your insight and wisdom on society and people.
I wish you all the best, and hope you actually read the comments posted on your blog, some seem really helpful.
Good luck and God bless
August 16, 2009 3:18 AM
ILMA said...
Dr. Cai,
Why don't you consider becoming a teacher at one of the schools in Singapore? Need not be one of the Universities, but surely you could be a teacher in the secondary schools or junior colleges?
August 16, 2009 4:43 AM
Clarisse Teagen said...
Hello there.
I love your blog.
I hardly ever get to read of anyone who would post something such as this. Write a book. Malaysian Cab drivers have done it. I've seen it.
It's not as good as your blog. . . .
Keep up the good work. I shall be linking you to my blog. and Do take care.
August 16, 2009 10:57 AM
Jean said...
Dr, I'm not thanking you. Not at all. You put at risk my life long theory about the evil conspiracy of taxi drivers. However, I'm willing to let it pass for this once.
August 16, 2009 3:29 PM
fraunsay said...
Having a doctorate does not mean a job must be given to you.
it depends on the economy. if its bad, who needs to hire will hire if not they wont hire any.
but i do feel sorry for you - like all without phd's and out of job, i hope you land a job similar to your doctorate job.
But some may say, you already got a job - as taxi driver thanks to the transport company's program that helps people like you.
some may even say, be content, you already have a job now. think about those who have none.
hey officially, at least, now you are not part of the unemployment statistic.
August 16, 2009 5:12 PM
Michael said...
Hi,
I had been reading this blog from it's newest entry to now.
Many suggestions from others, but I know few will have the courage when the time comes, like you do.
I agree with you is that moving from a nice office to a so-called lowly job can be tough, but the lessons society or those less fortunate around you, teaches you much much more.
I, unlike you, chose to throw away everything I had built up, work in a foreign land, and till day, I am NOT disappointed at the lessons I had learned.
Have faith, old man! Regardless of age, it's the spirit that matters.
Salute, from a fellow friend...
August 16, 2009 6:19 PM
David Balasundaram said...
Dear Mingjie,
You recall we were former colleagues at IMCB, fellow yeast researchers and neighbors at harborview towers. Sorry to hear of your plight and the situation there. In a way, I am glad that left when I did. I have reinvented myself too and don't regret it now. Scientists have that amazing talent to metamorph into something new. What you did is daring. I am sure other productive ideas will flow. I admire Singapore a lot. However,Its a shame that SIngapore cannot make better use of its human resources.
All the best and good luck
David Balasundaram
August 16, 2009 7:44 PM
Michele said...
Hello,
Interesting stories you have on your blog. My name is Michele and I am a contributor to www.commonpeople.sg. Would you be interested in a video interview? You can email me at micadz@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care!
August 17, 2009 1:12 AM
Temasek said...
Hi Mingjie,
The Temasek Review is looking for freelance writers.
We pay an attractive rate of between $20 and $40 per article.
Please email us at temasekreview@gmail.com if you are interested in our offer.
August 17, 2009 8:25 AM
News Update said...
Hey!
Are you still interested in Research jobs?
You should try European/US Universities.
They are looking for researchers and can provide funding....
Don't give up and continue to pursue your dreams...
If you find taxi driver job is not satisfying...
August 17, 2009 3:45 PM
snake86 said...
Sir,
this is one of the few blogs around that really struck me. i do wish and hope you will get a job befitting of what you have archived. If there is a chance you do west side booking do leave a number, i am sure your ride would be alot more interesting then other ones.
August 17, 2009 8:32 PM
xantho_cn said...
向来自中国的同胞致敬
相信你在这段人生的低潮中，会有超乎想象的收获
他日东山再起，必将一鸣惊人
——只是希望你不必再浅水中游弋太久。失去一飞冲天的能力就可惜了。
p.s. 非常喜欢你引用和翻译的那首古诗。更难得的是这份心境。
August 17, 2009 11:59 PM
swissfin said...
Congratulation to doing what needed to be done! I've had to lower my standard of living at one time. It is hard at first but then becomes a challenge to be mastered.
I've talked to one particular taxi driver who seemed puzzled at his colleagues' lamenting. When asked why he has a different approach to the crisis he mentioned that to him there was almost no decline in passenger numbers. Obviously he knows the people's travelling pattern and honks once in a while to alert a potential client.
All the best!
Dominik
August 18, 2009 3:49 AM
野茶客 said...
I fully understand what you have gone through as I have been through the almost identical situation in one of A*STAR's sister RIs. From your blog, felt like I have known you for ages and with your positive attitude adapting to changes, I am sure a better tomorrow will not be far from you. Hang in there and good luck.
August 18, 2009 4:20 AM
yeyyangguo said...
Hi Ming Jie,
Can we meet up? I'm Eng Yew, advisor to Scholars' Village (www.scholarsvillage.com) - a talent development centre. We can work something out together for your career. Please drop me an email at enquiries@scholarsvillage.com
Thank you.
August 18, 2009 10:50 AM
Brian said...
Dr. Cai,
Thank you for posting these interesting tidbits from your new life. I'm happy to see that it provides you moments of pleasure despite the obvious difficulty of your job.
I hope that some day soon you might reveal a little about what transpired in IMCB, and why you think it's no longer the scientific establishment it used to be. It's a little worrying hearing such things because I'm considering a career in the life sciences myself :p
August 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Xinmin said...
I read your article with tears. At the beginning, I was very sad, but at the end, I was so proud of you. I admire your courage and spirit. With these, nothing can beat you. As your former colleague, another PI in IMCB, we share a similar fate. I graduated from University of Chicago, working in IMCB for 19 years, publishing >50 papers (including 7 in 2008), trained many PhD, university, and polytechnic students. All the years of hard work and teaching don’t seem to count for anything. My lab will be closed down soon. You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service. More importantly, we have made our contributions to put Singapore on the world’s scientific map! Isn't it ironic that when the government is putting in considerable efforts to develop life science in Singapore, we lost or will lose our jobs? I may not have the qualification to become a taxi driver, but I will do my best in my life after IMCB, whatever that will be and to be like you. Even as a taxi driver, you live in a brilliant and wonderful way. I wish you all the best!
August 18, 2009 1:00 PM
singaporecabbies said...
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
Easier said than done. MOE is looking for someone younger. I am a graduate with 20 years of management experience, I submitted my application to MOE during their last round of recruitment to apply for post of management executive, and was rejected within the first week with a rejection email. I guessed their filtered out applicants by age. After all, there are many younger PR waiting ...
August 18, 2009 2:32 PM
旧人 said...
Dr. Xinmin wrote: "You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service...". Aha! But 19 years ago, you were a Foreign Talent! Now, you are a local. Doesn't that make a difference? Perhaps, you are not familiar with this very wise AESOP FABLE narrated at the 3:27 minutes of this video:
但见新人笑，哪闻旧人哭！
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ukpIEP1nM
你是旧人。哈哈哈！
August 18, 2009 5:35 PM
Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world.
August 18, 2009 9:54 PM
Alison Tuition said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Thank you for sharing your interesting stories with the public. I read many of the entries with eyes brimming with tears, touched by your courage and principles. The antics of passengers you exposed here reminded me of the importance of being gracious.
While parents would like a tutor who is familiar with latest MOE syllabus and exams style, if you are keen on tutoring, I'll be glad to assist on pro bono basis, in return for the enriching read.
Perhaps you can apply to be a lecturer in the polys or ITEs where your rich academic profile stands out. MOE, as singaporecabbies pointed out, seems to prefer younger graduates.
Anyway, you appear to be enjoying your new working environment. As the saying goes, it's a blessing to be enjoying your work. With the stories accumulated, your next publication would probably be a book instead of a journal article.
Cheers!
August 18, 2009 10:58 PM
Recruit Ong said...
"Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world."
You got conned, but u don't know it yet. I suppose u saw Spore's superficial and material "success", but don't know Spore's history well enough. In time u will realise your respect for him is misplaced... becos i think any decent human being has such a thing as moral compass in him/her to to tell right from wrong.
August 18, 2009 11:36 PM
ML said...
Dear Mingjie,
Guess one has to be an old guard to truly understand how you feel!
Reading your blog and Xinmin’s comment brought us back to the old days that we all worked hard together to bring Singapore to the forefront of the scientific and research domain within 10 short years. Your contribution as one of the leading pioneer can never be sidestepped and swept under the carpet. But alas, that’s history! Hardwork, dedication and commitment Count For Nothing!
Like David, he reinvented himself at the right time. Whether you are running a lab or driving a taxi, what matters most is you are happy, at peace with yourself and put bacon on the table. Sincerely I wish you all the best.
Best regards, Mui Luan
August 19, 2009 12:48 AM
joyinthelord said...
Dear Prof Cai
I was taught by you when I did my honours year in Biochem in NUS in 2002. I have not kept up with the research field since graduating and did not know about the changes in IMCB..
I really admire your courage and determination to move on and do the best that you can in the situation you are in. It would have been so much easier to give up and sink down into depression but YOU DID NOT and you are taking things so positively.
I am currently working for an independent school and may be able to ask if there are any teaching or research positions available. Would you be interested? Please email me at firstcor1614@yahoo.com if you are.
Thank you!
Wang Hui Ming
Class of 2002-2003, NUS Biochem
August 19, 2009 12:55 AM
Big Big Return said...
I admire your resilient spirit and mental strength! Actually I am sure lots of schools will be able to take you in in Singapore. Universities, JCs and Polys should be happy to take you in as a teaching staff with a difference - one who is able to teach resilience and strength to his pupils and students. Take care and all the best.
August 19, 2009 8:34 AM
split personality said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 19, 2009 2:41 PM
split personality said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
I read your entire blog from the most recent post. I greatly admire your resilient attitude and perseverance.
The stories and encounters are indeed heartwarming. They made me reflect upon life and my past attitude towards taxi drivers. Although I don't consider myself an obnoxious person, I might have overlooked some of my little actions and words that have inadvertently caused distress to them. Without reading your blog, I may never have made this realisation.
Your blog is indeed a great source of education on life's lessons and experiences. You have connected to a lot of people, me included. Keep your blog going, and more importantly, your ever-positive attitude! :)
Warmest regards,
Ron
August 19, 2009 2:44 PM
stephen said...
Good luck, man!
August 19, 2009 2:52 PM
traveler of Sg said...
I somehow agreed with entry by David Balasundaram about Singapore cannot make better use of the HR. Being a homegrown Singaporean, I think my country is still not up to the standard in aspect of many things. Sigh
August 19, 2009 3:57 PM
zhang said...
Dear Dr Cai,
I am truly touched by your stories. As a native Chinese, I am proud of your courages and flexibility. I do agree withmany people that it is a waste that you drive a taxi for living, given your quaification. However, I should comment that all jobs have their honours and enjoyment. Hope you have enjoyed yours. Good luck.
August 19, 2009 4:39 PM
shawn said...
Dear Dr Cai,
very nice blog.
it's very heartwarming to learn that you are doing your best to support your family.
yes, all must plan for the worst, in the future,
i have got myself a class5 lorry license last year as a backup plan, just in case my job in IMCB is no longer needed.
yes, its so sad to see all old colleagues left imcb, Dr Fu JL, BenLi, AGP, PeterLobie, Mrs Tay... to name a few.
all the best to you!
take care
August 19, 2009 5:39 PM
Xylec said...
Dr. Cai
I admire your courage and resilience. You came to Singapore and became a citizen, However, the country decided that an expat should run the place "better". Hence, many of you have to leave. Rather than mope and become depressed, you resolve to become a taxi driver. We salute your determination. There are many institutions where highly experienced PhDs have to leave: NUS, NTU, your institution. Seems like when they want you, they hire you...when they do not want you, you are left in the streets...at an age, where it is difficult to get employment. I hope the Ministers and director generals in Singapore are more sympathetic. After the restructuring, the chief will leave...we see this in other institutions. We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore. We salute you and your resoluteness in surviving. I am sure there will be many venues where they will more gainfully employ you.
August 19, 2009 7:37 PM
tho662003 said...
Sinagapore prides itself to be meritocratic society. Winners get to climb higher, losers have to join the rest as rejects and downgrade. Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat, you are probably near or at the end of useful life and have to make way for the young.
August 19, 2009 9:04 PM
KK said...
Hi, please have your talent in appropriate use. Reach us at skdx@yahoo.com
August 19, 2009 9:24 PM
Niki said...
I have never read any blog before this. After reading about you in the newspaper, I decided to look up your blog. I find your blog very interesting. One can see from your blog you have a flair for writing. You may want to consider putting your thoughts into a book. I am sure such a book will sell well.
I admire your courage to become a taxis driver. Not many people in your position will consider becoming a taxis driver. I am sure this blip in your career is just a transient period in your life. You will eventually find a better job. Recently I read that China is aggressively recruiting foreign trained PhDs. You may want to consider exploring job opportunity in this direction. Your stint as a taxi driver will definitely become one of your most memorable episodes in your life when you pursue other career options.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
Kian said...
I would like to encourage you to seek your passion in writing, even as a cab-driver. Historically, there are many instances of qualified people known for authorship than being doctors, engineers or scientists. I am also a "retired" PhD from a Singapore university and also seeking alternative careers - I should feel worse being a born citizen and displaced by "foreign talent". Maybe there will be many more like us. Our situation is an example of an impressive plan to fill Singapore with knowledge workers (such as 1000 PhDs) and since not all can become the "cream", fall thru the cracks as highly qualified unemployed. It seems such a criminal waste. But we can and will succeed in anything we try because the PhD trains one to overcome any intellectual challenges. Nobody owes us a living - even if we were attracted to this corner of the world and promised things that go sour.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
C H SIA said...
Hi Mingjie,
I agreed with Mui Luan that your blog actually brought back many good memories in IMCB. But that was in the past. IMCB has undergone many waves of Tsunami ever since the new management came on board, with singaporeans being terminated and replaced by foreigners who perform the same job duties at many times the salary. Changes have affected many greatly especially pioneers who have been with IMCB from the start to make it a world known research institute.
Think of it this way that you have groomed many Masters and PhD students which are doing well elsewhere. They have grown up and take a good time to enjoy life after working hard for so long.
Stay healthy no matter what (PS: same to Xinmin and Jianlin)
Chuan Han
August 19, 2009 9:58 PM
raymondw said...
Hi Dr Cai. Sorry to hear of your plight. You will survive this. When I left singapore for o'seas many years ago I had to go thru diffcult times as well starting right at the lowest again as a dr. I am now successful. Fortunes change and so will yours. Don't give up. I almost went to be a labourer just to see how is it?
August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
Ying Rui said...
In life, there are times when we are faced with challenges but we will, always survive it and morphed into a more resilient person. I was from the Life Science industry for 4 years and I knew exactly what transpired and to preserve my sanity, I have since left that industry and reinvent myself. I hope you will continue to believe ... when one door closes, the Lord will somehow leave an opening ... :) I am a true example of a survivor.
Take Care and God bless.
Rui
August 19, 2009 11:16 PM
searched for his goddess said...
Welcome to Singapore. thats all we can say. sighhh but you have courage, and I admire that.! good luck !
August 20, 2009 1:22 AM
头毛 said...
tho662003 wrote:
"Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat..."
That's NOT meritocracy! Meritocracy means employing people based on merits, not age! That is, a 50+ year old man should be as employable as a 20+ year old man, all things equal. What Dr. Cai is facing is really UNIQUELY SINGAPORE, and something that all of us will be facing one day - age discrimination due to 头毛白苍苍 (teochew song) (among many others discrimination e.g. suppression of wage due to influx of cheap labour and lack of minimum wage system etc).
August 20, 2009 2:29 AM
Lemi4 aka. fERDI:) said...
Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta is expanding rapidly I heard... You could also try other unis at Kuala Lumpur, etc.
Good luck Sir, God Bless, and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
August 20, 2009 3:05 AM
wtdba said...
Life is a process of experience. The value of the life is to share the experience. It will be great if we can put rest of things aside and enjoy life in it own way. It is easy to say but hard to do. Good luck and enjoy the life.
August 20, 2009 3:19 AM
Fabian said...
Dear Prof,
I hold you in high esteem for what you are and what you truly believe in, do not give up! Maybe you could look for other Universities to continue your research as your research truly benefit mankind. All scientists are contributing to the common good of mankind and in their own ways to the scientific fraternity.
Good luck and take care. Stay healthy as ultimately health is more important than work,don't overwork yourself as we always does in pursuit of perfection. The same wishes goes to Dr Cao and Madam Mui Luan. Take care always.
FL
August 20, 2009 9:35 AM
IPS said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is very popular in every institute of Biopolis these days. I find you are more charming in your blog than in the cell-cycle-regulation lectures you had given me in IMCB. Pen is a more powerful tool than research instruments which will make more Singapore residents to recognize your intelligence. Your blog strikes my heart and I admire you. You are really cool professor!!!!
from Genome Institute of Singapore, Biopolis
August 20, 2009 10:44 AM
unfair said...
可惜了！当蔡博士的博文最近被本地传媒竞相热烈报道的时候，ＩＭＣＢ的６个头头中的５个洋老人现在都还在国外游山玩水过度假日子呢（这次是不是又巧立名目拉好友坐商务舱乱花本地纳税人的钱就请ＡＳｔａｒ好好查一下吧？）！洋大人们应该是根本就没有看到这个最早还是从美加同行转给新加坡学术界的热门博客吧。。。或者是看过了笑一笑根本没有放在心上？
也请ＡＳｔａｒ彻底查一下这几个都比蔡博士年纪还大的退休洋老人自从来了ＩＭＣＢ以后都出了几篇好文章？！干了几件好事情？！他们把能够挑大梁干活搞研究出文章的建所老臣们陆陆续续都赶走之后，都把巨额经费花费到哪里去了？住豪宅的房贴？开名车的车贴？几倍于本地人的高薪？乱买仪器霸着不让别人共享？巧立名目付费请亲朋好友来本地逍遥度假带讲一课？
也难怪大家都怀念ＩＭＣＢ的旧日好时光，之前是三四个华人管理五六百号人，还同心同德创出了许多科研好文章；现在是六个洋人加一个华人管理四百多人，可是却人心涣散：经费只多不少，文章数目剧减！
不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？
眼看ＩＭＣＢ一世英名毁于一旦！博导们前程迷茫，博士们前途堪忧！
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
外人行动党 said...
Sigh! Election coming soon. This news of a PhD holder working as a taxidriver is very bad timing! 早不来，迟不来，偏偏这时候来！Need to refine my election speech and get the 154th-ranked media to twist the situation around!
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
YiJia said...
蔡博士你好！你的故事让我很动容。大丈夫能屈能伸，小弟我佩服得五体投地。希望好运接着就会伴随你。
衷心祝福你与你家人。
August 20, 2009 2:51 PM
KNNBCCB said...
楼上的"unfair"仁兄，
您"不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？"。
您这么一问，就显得没“学问”了。因为已迟了46年。如您在46年前就提出这个问题，就恰恰好了。因为，早在1963年，新加坡的真正的开国元老（不是李光耀）已说了：
"Sir, when the prime minister talks about defending our country, we find it hollow. This government has betrayed all the vital interest of the people to the British".
为了这番话，他没被提控，没被定罪，就这样坐了32年牢狱。不过，你还好啦，虽不免嫌后知后觉了些，但总算提出这问题来。你楼上还有一个叫xinmin的，至今还执迷不悟呢。或许他连谁是推翻殖民地政府的"Giant", 谁是挟洋自重的"political dwarves"，谁是真正的开国元老(闽东福安话版本哟！)，这段新加坡历史都不知道呢。呵呵。
或许这些新来的前中国人必须等多一代人，待他们孩子长大了，才由你们孩子来醒悟吧。我们这些祖辈就来了的老移民也是如此。呵呵！
August 20, 2009 3:06 PM
FirmwareMBA said...
Norway Life Science University
www.umb.no
August 20, 2009 6:39 PM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 12:23 AM
Taikonaut said...
Why don't you leave Singapore? Singapore is too small for you.
August 21, 2009 1:46 AM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 1:58 AM
breakout said...
Dr. Cai,
your blog is truely a wake up call for all PhD students like me. i used believed that academia is the last clean place on earth where fairness actually means something. how ignorant i find i was!
dirty polics trashed every dream from my childhood. what's happening to mankind is beyond my undertanding now. what is wrong with an institute consists of only ppl passionate abt science instead of twisted politicians? why can't we all be judged by how well we do science instead of manipulating others and sucking up to ur superior?
what happened to the faith of mankind where we believe that scientific advances are the actual pushing force for human evolution? are we all over this now?
or perhaps we are just a bunch of knuckleheads in denial of reality?
if we get a 2nd chance, stay the hell away from this tainted stinky place!
August 21, 2009 12:17 PM
bo said...
"We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore."
I just got my phd from a local univ and working as a researcher. After knowing your story and reading all the comments, I have made up my mind not to staying SG any longer if I got an oversea offer. I was reminded that SG is not as rosy as it looks like.
August 21, 2009 1:47 PM
onny said...
I read your blog from the newest to this page.. keep your spirit, hope we can learn something from anything. I salute for you as a good dad. that afraid to move to a whole new situation for ur family, child and wife. Just keep your heart&strength and still be a good dad for family ^^ 加油
August 21, 2009 4:27 PM
linda said...
It is really sad and depressing to learn what a mid-aged scientist have to go through in nowadays. I really admire the courage you have. Best wishes!
August 22, 2009 7:50 AM
猴年马月 said...
您就是又一个刘国栋啊。
典型的新加坡式“卸磨杀驴”。
August 24, 2009 10:40 AM
ryan said...
Jus read your blog from start-present. A really interesting read I must say, hope u continue to update us with the different happenings in your life. And I wish you all the best in whatever it is you may do.
August 24, 2009 12:35 PM
Joan said...
Hi Prof Chai,
It has been an inspirational story to read from the beginning to the end. Can not wait to see more...
I truly admire your survival, your dedication to your family
All the best of luck, I am confident that you will make your way up for you & your family
Greetings from Melb
:) (will watch out if there are opportunity for you here)
August 24, 2009 3:10 PM
Double Beans said...
Dear Dr.Cai
我把您的Preface转载到了一个SNS网站希望我的朋友阅读。已经标明转载来源与版权所属，并做好了与这里的链接。如果您觉得有何不妥请与我联系：wellsleeplz(at)gmail.com
SNS网站因为无法非实名访问所以如果您需要我可以截图给您。
感谢您为我及我的朋友带来的信心和勇气。
祝一切顺利，继续更新。
August 25, 2009 1:55 AM
Tataz said...
Dear Dr Cai, your story strikes similarities on my encounters, a friend who worked for government linked research on marine industry get laid off, and my father-in-law a taxi driver who was an engineer. It is perplexing to me why people of good qualifications turn to a lowly paid job and give up on finding monetary rewarding job. It is also equally perplexing that I have seen people with no qualifications making big bucks. Both groups of people become famous anyhow. For me, I am still struggling to be contented and guard my mind from not doing any silly things to lead to an extreme averse situation like yours. My last straw of course as I told my other colleagues in times of stress is I just become a monk and give up everything. But, of course, easier said than done. I enjoy reading your blog. And I think what you have done is unique and do create a lot of awareness to things/values that we all may forget at times. Doing the right things are not always profitable, and having the courage to do it, takes a lot of courage. I wish you be happy and resolve issues as fast as possible so that one day you will be free the burdens that you are carrying now. And thanks for sharing and taking the efforts to blog!
August 25, 2009 12:00 PM
owenvanc said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is the most interesting one that I've found and read so far. It's inspirational to see your perseverance to keep on moving.
I, Myself used to live and work in Singapore, but after a while I decided to move to another country for a better job offer. I personally think that Singapore as a country and as a nation can never value a good qualification such as yours.
Anyway a man have to provide for his family, so hang in there.
For me, if I have a Stanford's Phd. I would already be moving to Canada or the U.S.
What's so special about living in Singapore anyway.
August 25, 2009 5:52 PM
Jordan said...
I chanced upon your blog this morning and have just finished reading all the posts. There are much insights and inspirations to be found in your blog posts.
I think you are still working as a scientist though - as a social scientist. Thanks for sharing interesting accounts of your experience dealing with all walks of lives in the society. This blog could well become an invaluable social documentary.
Lastly, just like to say you have my respect and admiration for your courage and resilience, and to share something you probably already know:
"天将降大任于斯人，必先劳其筋骨，苦其心志，饿其体肤，....."
All the best!
August 26, 2009 10:38 AM
Jacky said...
Wa Lao eh SIR!!! Ur english so powerful go be teacher la. I am sure MOE needs talants like you!. Or else u can be part time property agent too! now the market very hot u may consider being a real estate consultant and earn some extra income. wadever it is life still has to go on la so dun feel so sad and negative k. stay positive and someday who knows things might get better. god bless you =)
August 27, 2009 1:26 AM
Bai Hu said...
Hi Dr. Cai, i m currently taking my PhD in NUS. After reading your blog, i m beginning to get cold feet already. I don't want to end up like you.
Anyway, i wish you all the best & hope that you will get your dream job soon.
August 27, 2009 8:06 PM
oryx said...
Oryx said,
Hi Dr Cai,
I dont normally read blog, but I find yours very interesting. Like me share with all others who have posted comments. We have to realise one thing that even though we are highly qualified, we will not have INCOME SECURITY. Meaning to say, a surgent depend on his hand to operate, but if he loose his arm, he lost his income. For as long as the job depends on you....you will not have INCOME SECURITY. Sometimes through no fault of yours, you loose your income as in the case of Dr Cai. So now, how to make sure you have INCOME SECURITY. Dr Cai and anyone interested to know how, can write to annalth33@yahoo.com All the best to you DR Cai.
August 29, 2009 12:42 PM
2009年8月29日星期六
Driven to driving a taxi despite having a PhD
Saturday August 29, 2009
Driven to driving a taxi despite having a PhD
INSIGHT DOWN SOUTH
By SEAH CHIANG NEE
Bio-chemist Dr Cai Minnjie who failed to land another research position after losing his job last year now happily prowls the streets as a cabbie.
SINGAPORE’S fraternity of taxi drivers, with its fair share of retrenched executives, has now an exalted new member – a PhD bio-chemist from Stanford University.
Prowling the streets of Singapore today is 57-year-old unemployed scientist Dr Cai Mingjie who lost his job at Singapore’s premier A-Star biomedical research institute last year.
The China-born naturalised citizen with 16 years of research accomplishments said he began driving a taxi last October after failed efforts to land another job.
The news shocked this nation, which holds an unshakable faith in the power of an advanced university education.
One surprised white-collar worker said he had believed that such a doctorate and experience was as good as life-long employment and success.
“If he has to drive a taxi, what chances do ordinary people like us have?” he asked.
I have met a number of highly qualified taxi drivers in recent years, including former managers and a retrenched engineer.
One cheerful driver – a former stock-broker – surprised me one day in giving me detailed reasons on what stocks to buy or avoid.
“At a time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people,” said Dr Cai.
To me, his plight is taking Singapore into a new chapter.
“(I am) probably the only taxi driver in the world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments ...,” blogged Dr Cai.
“I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career” and was unable to find another job “for reasons I can only describe as something uniquely Singapore”.
The story quickly spread far and wide over the Internet. Most Singaporeans expressed admiration for his ability to adapt so quickly to his new life. Two young Singaporeans asked for his taxi number, saying they would love to travel in his cab and talk to him.
“There’s so much he can pass on to me,” one said.
Others questioned why, despite his tremendous scientific experience, he is unable to find a teaching job.
His unhappy exit is generally attributed to a personal cause (he has alleged chaotic management by research heads) rather than any decline in Singapore’s bio-tech project, which appears to be surviving the downturn.
The case highlights a general weakening of the R and D (research and development) market in smallish Singapore.
“The bad economy means not many firms are hiring professional scientists,” one surfer said. “Academia isn’t much of a help – there’s a long history of too many PhDs chasing too few jobs.”
While the image of taxi drivers has received a tremendous boost, the same cannot be said of Singapore’s biomedical project – particularly its efforts to nourish home-grown research talent.
“It may turn more Singaporeans away from Life Sciences as a career,” said one blogger.
One writer said: “In my opinion, PhDs are useless, especially in Singapore. It’s just another certificate and doesn’t mean much.”
Another added: “The US is in a worse situation. Many are coming here to look for jobs.”
“I won’t want my child to study for years to end up driving a taxi,” said a housewife with a teenage daughter.
The naturalised Singaporean citizen underwent his PhD training at Stanford University, the majority of his work revolving around the study of yeast proteins.
His case is not unique. US research-scientist Douglas Prasher, who isolated the gene that creates the green fluorescent protein (and just missed the 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize) faced similar straits.
Prasher moved from one research institution to another when his funding dried up, and he eventually quit science – to drive a courtesy shuttle in Alabama.
“Still, he remains humble and happy and seems content with his minivan driver job,” said a surfer.
With an evolving job market as more employers resort to multi-tasking and short-term contracts, more Singaporeans are chasing after split degrees, like accountancy and law or computer and business.
Others avoid post-graduate studies or specialised courses of a fixed discipline in favour of general or multi-discipline studies. “Experience is king” is the watchword; there has been a rush for no-pay internships.
“The future favours graduates with multiple skills and career flexibility, people who are able to adapt to different types of work,” one business executive said.
During the past few years, as globalisation deepened, there has been a growing disconnect between what Singaporeans studied in university and their subsequent careers.
It follows the trend in the developed world where old businesses disappear – almost overnight – and new ones spring up, which poses problems for graduates with an inflexible job expectation.
I know of a young man who graduated from one of America’s top civil engineering universities abandoning the construction hard hat for a teaching gown.
Another engineer I met is running his father’s lucrative coffee shop. Lawyers have become musicians or journalists, and so on.
Cases of people working in jobs unrelated to their university training have become so common that interviewers have stopped asking candidates questions like “Why should a trained scientist like you want to work as a junior executive with us?”
In the past, parents would crack their heads pondering what their children should study – accountancy or law or engineering, the so-called secure careers – and see them move single-mindedly into these professions.
A doctor was then a doctor, a biologist generally worked in the lab and a lawyer argued cases in courts – square pegs in square holes, so to speak.
Today the world is slowly moving away from this neat pattern.
Driven to driving a taxi despite having a PhD
INSIGHT DOWN SOUTH
By SEAH CHIANG NEE
Bio-chemist Dr Cai Minnjie who failed to land another research position after losing his job last year now happily prowls the streets as a cabbie.
SINGAPORE’S fraternity of taxi drivers, with its fair share of retrenched executives, has now an exalted new member – a PhD bio-chemist from Stanford University.
Prowling the streets of Singapore today is 57-year-old unemployed scientist Dr Cai Mingjie who lost his job at Singapore’s premier A-Star biomedical research institute last year.
The China-born naturalised citizen with 16 years of research accomplishments said he began driving a taxi last October after failed efforts to land another job.
The news shocked this nation, which holds an unshakable faith in the power of an advanced university education.
One surprised white-collar worker said he had believed that such a doctorate and experience was as good as life-long employment and success.
“If he has to drive a taxi, what chances do ordinary people like us have?” he asked.
I have met a number of highly qualified taxi drivers in recent years, including former managers and a retrenched engineer.
One cheerful driver – a former stock-broker – surprised me one day in giving me detailed reasons on what stocks to buy or avoid.
“At a time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people,” said Dr Cai.
To me, his plight is taking Singapore into a new chapter.
“(I am) probably the only taxi driver in the world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments ...,” blogged Dr Cai.
“I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career” and was unable to find another job “for reasons I can only describe as something uniquely Singapore”.
The story quickly spread far and wide over the Internet. Most Singaporeans expressed admiration for his ability to adapt so quickly to his new life. Two young Singaporeans asked for his taxi number, saying they would love to travel in his cab and talk to him.
“There’s so much he can pass on to me,” one said.
Others questioned why, despite his tremendous scientific experience, he is unable to find a teaching job.
His unhappy exit is generally attributed to a personal cause (he has alleged chaotic management by research heads) rather than any decline in Singapore’s bio-tech project, which appears to be surviving the downturn.
The case highlights a general weakening of the R and D (research and development) market in smallish Singapore.
“The bad economy means not many firms are hiring professional scientists,” one surfer said. “Academia isn’t much of a help – there’s a long history of too many PhDs chasing too few jobs.”
While the image of taxi drivers has received a tremendous boost, the same cannot be said of Singapore’s biomedical project – particularly its efforts to nourish home-grown research talent.
“It may turn more Singaporeans away from Life Sciences as a career,” said one blogger.
One writer said: “In my opinion, PhDs are useless, especially in Singapore. It’s just another certificate and doesn’t mean much.”
Another added: “The US is in a worse situation. Many are coming here to look for jobs.”
“I won’t want my child to study for years to end up driving a taxi,” said a housewife with a teenage daughter.
The naturalised Singaporean citizen underwent his PhD training at Stanford University, the majority of his work revolving around the study of yeast proteins.
His case is not unique. US research-scientist Douglas Prasher, who isolated the gene that creates the green fluorescent protein (and just missed the 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize) faced similar straits.
Prasher moved from one research institution to another when his funding dried up, and he eventually quit science – to drive a courtesy shuttle in Alabama.
“Still, he remains humble and happy and seems content with his minivan driver job,” said a surfer.
With an evolving job market as more employers resort to multi-tasking and short-term contracts, more Singaporeans are chasing after split degrees, like accountancy and law or computer and business.
Others avoid post-graduate studies or specialised courses of a fixed discipline in favour of general or multi-discipline studies. “Experience is king” is the watchword; there has been a rush for no-pay internships.
“The future favours graduates with multiple skills and career flexibility, people who are able to adapt to different types of work,” one business executive said.
During the past few years, as globalisation deepened, there has been a growing disconnect between what Singaporeans studied in university and their subsequent careers.
It follows the trend in the developed world where old businesses disappear – almost overnight – and new ones spring up, which poses problems for graduates with an inflexible job expectation.
I know of a young man who graduated from one of America’s top civil engineering universities abandoning the construction hard hat for a teaching gown.
Another engineer I met is running his father’s lucrative coffee shop. Lawyers have become musicians or journalists, and so on.
Cases of people working in jobs unrelated to their university training have become so common that interviewers have stopped asking candidates questions like “Why should a trained scientist like you want to work as a junior executive with us?”
In the past, parents would crack their heads pondering what their children should study – accountancy or law or engineering, the so-called secure careers – and see them move single-mindedly into these professions.
A doctor was then a doctor, a biologist generally worked in the lab and a lawyer argued cases in courts – square pegs in square holes, so to speak.
Today the world is slowly moving away from this neat pattern.
2009年8月27日星期四
MCA presidential council sacks Chua Soi Lek
27/8 MCA presidential council sacks Deputy President Chua Soi Lek for tarnishing party image over sex scandal.
The sex scandal is not a new issue. It happened in the last election and also the previous leadership led by Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting.
Why does MCA take action now? Is it to protect the party image or is it a political move to end an opposition voice in the party?
Will MCA be a stronger party after sacking Chua Soi Lek? Definitely not. MCA will need a concrete action plan to regain its popularity among the Chinese people.
This is the press statement by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek:
Today, MCA Disciplinary Council recommended that I to be expelled from the MCA. The decision comes as no surprise because there has been a sustained attempt by the MCA President to subvert the wishes of the rank and file and end my political career.
But as a loyal party man, I have to abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Board and the Presidential Council. I am confident that MCA comrades will understand fully the events leading to the suspension and why the MCA leadership needs to keep me on the sidelines.
It is an open secret that those who are not on the same page with the MCA President are regarded as his enemies or a threat. These people are labelled as:
* Anti-MCA and out to destroy MCA;
* Gangsters;
* Cooperating with businessmen and taking money from them to topple him
The MCA President has outlined 3 main agenda for the party: Economic, Politics and Inter-racial Harmony. But in reality, it appears that his most important political agenda is to remove Chua Soi Lek.
Now that I have been suspended, I hope he can sleep well.
But not all of us have that luxury. For those of us who love the MCA, our work has just begun.
Today, it is not about Chua Soi Lek, neither it is about Ong Tee Keat. It is about MCA as the second largest component party of BN still drifting without direction and purpose.
It has been more than 16 months since the March 8 general election and 10 months since the last party election. But there has been little evidence of change.
There is no closing of ranks, no unity, morale is low and suspicion is the order of the day.
The Permatang Pasir by-election result is evidence of how far the party has slipped.
Comrades who love the party will come to realize that its time to stand up and unite to save the party. Otherwise, we will soon fade into oblivion.
I have confidence that MCA members will not let one man self-destroy the party. It will be a sad day for MCA that if we do not rise to the challenge of saving the party. Doing nothing is not an option; saving the party is the only way to move forward so that we can contribute to strengthen BN and together help to achieve One Malaysia.
-----------------------------
今天，马华纪律委员上呈报告建议将我开除。这项决定并不让人感到意外，因为总会长多次试图推翻基层的意愿，以终结我的政治生涯。
但身为忠诚的马华党员，我必须服从纪律委员会及会长理事会的决定。我深信，马华党员都彻底明白我何故被冻结，以及为何我党领导层须把我退至边缘。
任何与总会长立场相违的同志都被视为他的敌人或威胁，这早已是公开的秘密。这些人甚至被标签为：
* “倒党”分子；
* 黑帮;
* 与商人勾结集资“倒翁”的人士
马华总会长为党提出“三拼”改革：拼经济、拼政治、拼种族和谐。但事实上，“拼蔡细历”似乎才是他最重要的议程。
如今我已被冻结党籍，希望这能使总会长安稳入眠。可是，并非所有人有能如此奢乐，对那些爱护马华的同志，我们的工作才刚开始。今天，已无关蔡细历或翁诗杰，真正的问题是马华作为国阵第二大成员党，迄今仍然毫无目的和方向地漂流。
308大选至今已16个月，党选也落幕10个月，但却不见马华有明显的改变；不见求同存异、团结一致，相反的，党员的士气低落，大家不断地互相猜疑。
峇东巴锡补选成绩再一次证明马华已被远抛后头。
爱党的同志必能意识到，现在必须团结起来挺身救党。否则，我们很快就会被彻底地淘汰和遗忘。
我有信心，马华党员不会让一个人毁灭整个党。如果我们不挺身面对挑战挽救这个党，那才是马华的悲歌。
我们不能袖手旁观；救党是唯一的前进方式，这样我们才能协助强化国阵，并携手实现一个马来西亚的目标。
The sex scandal is not a new issue. It happened in the last election and also the previous leadership led by Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting.
Why does MCA take action now? Is it to protect the party image or is it a political move to end an opposition voice in the party?
Will MCA be a stronger party after sacking Chua Soi Lek? Definitely not. MCA will need a concrete action plan to regain its popularity among the Chinese people.
This is the press statement by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek:
Today, MCA Disciplinary Council recommended that I to be expelled from the MCA. The decision comes as no surprise because there has been a sustained attempt by the MCA President to subvert the wishes of the rank and file and end my political career.
But as a loyal party man, I have to abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Board and the Presidential Council. I am confident that MCA comrades will understand fully the events leading to the suspension and why the MCA leadership needs to keep me on the sidelines.
It is an open secret that those who are not on the same page with the MCA President are regarded as his enemies or a threat. These people are labelled as:
* Anti-MCA and out to destroy MCA;
* Gangsters;
* Cooperating with businessmen and taking money from them to topple him
The MCA President has outlined 3 main agenda for the party: Economic, Politics and Inter-racial Harmony. But in reality, it appears that his most important political agenda is to remove Chua Soi Lek.
Now that I have been suspended, I hope he can sleep well.
But not all of us have that luxury. For those of us who love the MCA, our work has just begun.
Today, it is not about Chua Soi Lek, neither it is about Ong Tee Keat. It is about MCA as the second largest component party of BN still drifting without direction and purpose.
It has been more than 16 months since the March 8 general election and 10 months since the last party election. But there has been little evidence of change.
There is no closing of ranks, no unity, morale is low and suspicion is the order of the day.
The Permatang Pasir by-election result is evidence of how far the party has slipped.
Comrades who love the party will come to realize that its time to stand up and unite to save the party. Otherwise, we will soon fade into oblivion.
I have confidence that MCA members will not let one man self-destroy the party. It will be a sad day for MCA that if we do not rise to the challenge of saving the party. Doing nothing is not an option; saving the party is the only way to move forward so that we can contribute to strengthen BN and together help to achieve One Malaysia.
-----------------------------
今天，马华纪律委员上呈报告建议将我开除。这项决定并不让人感到意外，因为总会长多次试图推翻基层的意愿，以终结我的政治生涯。
但身为忠诚的马华党员，我必须服从纪律委员会及会长理事会的决定。我深信，马华党员都彻底明白我何故被冻结，以及为何我党领导层须把我退至边缘。
任何与总会长立场相违的同志都被视为他的敌人或威胁，这早已是公开的秘密。这些人甚至被标签为：
* “倒党”分子；
* 黑帮;
* 与商人勾结集资“倒翁”的人士
马华总会长为党提出“三拼”改革：拼经济、拼政治、拼种族和谐。但事实上，“拼蔡细历”似乎才是他最重要的议程。
如今我已被冻结党籍，希望这能使总会长安稳入眠。可是，并非所有人有能如此奢乐，对那些爱护马华的同志，我们的工作才刚开始。今天，已无关蔡细历或翁诗杰，真正的问题是马华作为国阵第二大成员党，迄今仍然毫无目的和方向地漂流。
308大选至今已16个月，党选也落幕10个月，但却不见马华有明显的改变；不见求同存异、团结一致，相反的，党员的士气低落，大家不断地互相猜疑。
峇东巴锡补选成绩再一次证明马华已被远抛后头。
爱党的同志必能意识到，现在必须团结起来挺身救党。否则，我们很快就会被彻底地淘汰和遗忘。
我有信心，马华党员不会让一个人毁灭整个党。如果我们不挺身面对挑战挽救这个党，那才是马华的悲歌。
我们不能袖手旁观；救党是唯一的前进方式，这样我们才能协助强化国阵，并携手实现一个马来西亚的目标。
2009年8月24日星期一
上網購物新潮流‧網上開店最好賺？
上網購物新潮流‧網上開店最好賺？
* 副刊
* 新媒體
2009-08-21 15:32
*
女生網絡企業家擺脫沉悶的電腦工程師包袱後，小愛可以開心地自己當老闆了。（圖：星洲日報）
*
這些來自韓國的趣怪的USB隨身碟掛飾，最受網民歡迎，送禮或自用都得宜。（圖：星洲日報）
*
網上開店並不簡單，小愛還是得一手包辦所有事物，因此，生意好了，她就請人來幫忙。（圖：星洲日報）
*
電腦科學系畢業的她坦承比較喜歡美術設計，而對電腦編程沒有好感。（圖：星洲日報）
*
從Part time做到全職投入的鄭捷心：“網上開店仍有很大的發展空間，看看你身邊的人，大概還有八九人沒有上網購物的吧？” （圖：星洲日報）
1 of 5
眾所周知，本地網上購物都在起步階段，要全職經營網店而且長時間維持下去，沒有優勢和絕招，很快“黃飛鴻收檔”關門大吉了。
如果你知道現年26歲的陳美嬡，現在通過網上開店每月的收入（她要求保密），你就不會怪她毅然辭去做了3年的電腦工程師優差了。不過，這位畢業自柔佛工藝大學UTM電腦科學系的女性科技企業創業家的眼光，並不只是看到眼前的短淺利益而已。
她解釋：“我並沒有乖離我所學的知識。搞網站買賣，只是希望推動本地的網上購物風潮。網站開店成功上軌道後，我就可以賣我編寫的網站和網上購物的解決方案了！”
其實，她已應朋友的要求，幫人做了兩三個網站，但卻不是網上商店由於做網站需投入很多時間，她暫時少做而全心全力投入她自己的網店。
經營了她的中英www.aishop.com.my網絡商店一年多後，她已從家裡SOHO式的經營，從柔佛到吉隆坡租了間小小辦公室繼續營業。訪問她時，她正在新入伙的辦公室兼貨艙點貨和包裝貨物。儘管忙得不可開交，她仍然微笑的透露：“9月，我會請一位全職職員幫我，然後把網站改頭換面，做得更專業一點。”
這樣，她就有時間去搞促銷、進貨和吸引更多顧客了，也順便去物色她的概念展示店地點，因為“我準備在八打靈再也開一間Concept Store。”她充滿信心的透露了她的計劃。
薄利多銷送禮券
眾所周知，本地網上購物都在起步階段，要全職經營網店而且長時間維持下去，沒有優勢和絕招，很快就黃飛鴻收檔關門大吉的。她大方地公開了秘笈：“免費送貨和允許退貨。”
只要在她網上買足30令吉以上（東馬則是80令吉），她就免收運貨費。這樣的做法，削弱了她的盈利，但卻吸引了買家。她說：“還是有得賺的，不過卻要薄利多銷咯！”
她還允許顧客退貨。她說：“網站會把產品的所有資料列得很詳細，很多賣家都不會退貨，譬如：尺寸不合、顏色不喜歡、款式不喜歡等，這些買之前就應該自己看清楚的東西，大部份賣家都不允許顧客退貨，我本來也不允許顧客退貨的，但是，為了吸引顧客，我讓顧客把貨級回來，我會以同樣價格的貨物取代，但絕不允許退還現金。”
網上購物，最忌衝動，因為買賣兩方都損失。由於進貨量有限，有些顧客一時衝動下了訂單，後來改變主意不買了，結果該貨都保留給了顧客，系統內顯示沒貨了，其他顧客就買不到。她感概：“這樣的事情，時常發生，我們也沒辦法。”
她指出，由於大馬的網上付款系統並不完善，給網上開店者帶來了很多麻煩。譬如：“沒有信用卡也沒有開通網絡銀行服務的顧客，通常都得親自到銀行去存錢進賣家的戶頭。現在的銀行大都用機器，這些存款機，只能接受整數的紙鈔，如果顧客要付48令吉20 仙，只能存入50令吉。我們賣家要找錢還給買家，很多人都把1令吉80仙放入貨物包內一起寄給顧客，我打算以後的做法是給顧客禮券，讓他們累積起來買其它東西，不然就到一定數目後，才兌換現金退還給顧客。”
做這一行，
決心與恒心很重要
很多人都說，網上開店成本低廉，應該很好賺。但，網名叫做小愛的陳美嬡卻提高了音量反駁：“其實，網上開店所投入時間、精力和收入是不成正比的。我們辛苦沒人知！給顧客用信用卡付款，要被付款網關中介抽掉3%的傭金，新貨到了，我要分類整理、量尺寸、拍照寫產品說明……”
“我後來學了一些拍照和修飾照片的技巧，沒錢請模特兒、請人拍照，我還要自己當模特兒呢！那些只看到衣服和半身看不到頭的，都是我的自拍！”她苦笑著打哈哈。筆者在她辦公室內看到了一具半身的人偶，看來她是進步了！
她目前網上賣過千種產品。做了一年多，她發現衣服最好賣。她說：“其它的特別產品，如MP3音樂機、USB隨身碟和一些小玩意，都很好賣。”
通常她利用網絡的方便，從中國和台灣進貨。她也試過從韓國進一批電子產品，結果運輸途中，部份貨物被盜竊，經過多次投報與追查，至今不了了之。因此，她建議：“如果進大批貨，我還是會去批發商那裡檢查一下，避免發生貨不對版的問題。”
她也發現，很多年輕人，在念書時，就兼職在網上賣東西了，她認為，這些年輕人都是玩票性質，只想賺一些外快，而且很多都賺了一筆，就不再做了。
她有點感慨地說：“做這行，一定要有決心和恒心。網站跟普通店面不同，網站不像門市有Walk-in的顧客，顧客也不會有顧客自動到網站來。我們要做很多的促銷活動，到處宣傳，甚至用各種方式打廣告，如給人Review、用Facebook等。”
誤打誤撞學開網店
訪問26歲的鄭捷心時，她正巧丟信辭去了電腦系統支援一職，將全職從事網絡賣貨。自去年11月開始在部落格simpli-cious.blogspot.com上賣衣服和首飾的她表示，其實互聯網上，已逐漸形成了一個以英文為主的網上賣家社群，還不時組織設跳蚤市場，開襠擺地攤賣貨。
她這樣的業余形式賣貨，也有過百種貨品。她回想起進入網上開店時說：“一大班朋友談起要上網賣衣服，就興致勃勃地去買貨，第一次去到，店子沒開。第二天只有我一人再去，買了三四百塊錢的貨，就上網去賣了。”
開網店前，她先上網收集資料，發現了一批在網上開店的博客，大家聚在一起，各有各做生意。她就邊做邊學習，誤打誤撞進入了網上開店的行業。
“開始時，沒有有生意的，試過兩三週都沒有訂單。我要到處去打廣告、搞宣傳，現在每天平均有一兩份訂單。有時候，網上賣衣會突然爆紅的。我試過進了一款衣服，突然大受歡迎，一下就賣完了，我不斷補貨，結果賣了30多件！”
網上買東西會上癮
網上開店，最不喜歡顧客退貨。幸好至今，她仍沒遇過難搞的退貨問題，她說：“因為用部落格賣貨的人，都講明不會退貨，很多人一時衝動買了不想要的東西，通常會以便宜一點的價錢再賣出去，也有一些人，專門就賣這樣的二手貨。”
網購的一大問題，就是收錢與交貨。她比較喜歡“面交”（Cash on Delevery，COD），也就是一手交錢，一手交貨的現金交易，因此，她把顧客約在公司附近，方便她下班後與顧客見面交易。
她發現，網上購物者，受英文教育的與受中文教育者，有很大的差異。她說：“受英文教育者，看外國雜誌，多受歐美影響，都喜歡歐美風格的衣服，受中文教育者，則喜歡中國台灣影響，要的衣服設計比較簡單。”
不久前，大馬才發生過某年輕女賣家，在論壇用Pre Order方式，騙了很多買家的訂金，卷款而逃。網絡拍賣專家都不鼓勵這樣先收錢下訂單後進貨的Pre Order方式，但她卻發現很多賣家喜歡這樣做。她解釋：“這些人多在論壇上這樣賣，而且還賣得‘很恐怖’呢！因為他們的價錢真的很便宜，所以吸引了很多買家。”
原來除了衣服首飾外，網上最好賣還有手提袋和鞋子。她說：“手工製造的特別東西，都比較好賣，連Cup cake也有人上網賣呢！他們通常在跳蚤市場給人試吃，然後就在網上接受訂單。”
雖然是業號餘性質，但她“幾乎下班後都在做”，至今沒虧少賺，算是收支平衡。她說：“家人開始都不太支持我網上開店，後來家人看到我回檳城進貨的次數越來越多，甚至還叫父親來這裡時順便帶貨來，就覺得還可以做，都很支持我。”
為甚麼越來越多人喜歡網上購物？她笑笑說：“網上買東西會‘上癮’的！我現在都在網上買東西了。”網購可能是趨勢吧！
當然，網購也有風險的。她建議買家上網購物時，要多問，也要多看，“不懂就要問清楚，不肯定就要求賣家拍多一些清晰的照片，然後留意一下賣家信譽和貨源是否齊全，這樣就比較安全。”
至於看了此文就想上網開店的讀者們，她提醒大家別把網上購物看得太簡單，裡面還有很多大學問。她建議：“最好從Part time開始，還要注意很多方面，如：貨物品質、應付顧客、面交，還要投入很多時間等。”
後記：
訪問了兩位網絡女賣家後，才發現國內非正規的民間網購越來越活躍。大馬的電子商務交易額報告數據雖然看起來相當龐大，但實際上大部份卻來自網絡銀行付款（如繳交水電費雜費等）和航空訂票交易。若把網上交稅額也計算在內，數字更加好看。真正的民間網上購物活動，仍然非常少。
像小愛和捷心的這種網上開店或部落格開店的電子商務活動，其中主要的關鍵難題，即付款問題，最後還是被逼以離線親自到銀行存錢完成。嚴格來說，不算是完整的電子商務交易。
雖然政府大力推動電子商務和網絡購物，可是，網絡付款系統的不完善，加上執法鞭長莫及，管制不了互聯網上的活動，時而發生網絡欺詐事件，導致人們對電子商務和網購存有戒心，繼續保持觀望態度。如果政府不再做些實際行動，2020要當先進國的宏願，不曉得會不會延後到2030年？
星洲日報／副刊‧報導：李昱龍‧2009.08.19
* 副刊
* 新媒體
2009-08-21 15:32
*
女生網絡企業家擺脫沉悶的電腦工程師包袱後，小愛可以開心地自己當老闆了。（圖：星洲日報）
*
這些來自韓國的趣怪的USB隨身碟掛飾，最受網民歡迎，送禮或自用都得宜。（圖：星洲日報）
*
網上開店並不簡單，小愛還是得一手包辦所有事物，因此，生意好了，她就請人來幫忙。（圖：星洲日報）
*
電腦科學系畢業的她坦承比較喜歡美術設計，而對電腦編程沒有好感。（圖：星洲日報）
*
從Part time做到全職投入的鄭捷心：“網上開店仍有很大的發展空間，看看你身邊的人，大概還有八九人沒有上網購物的吧？” （圖：星洲日報）
1 of 5
眾所周知，本地網上購物都在起步階段，要全職經營網店而且長時間維持下去，沒有優勢和絕招，很快“黃飛鴻收檔”關門大吉了。
如果你知道現年26歲的陳美嬡，現在通過網上開店每月的收入（她要求保密），你就不會怪她毅然辭去做了3年的電腦工程師優差了。不過，這位畢業自柔佛工藝大學UTM電腦科學系的女性科技企業創業家的眼光，並不只是看到眼前的短淺利益而已。
她解釋：“我並沒有乖離我所學的知識。搞網站買賣，只是希望推動本地的網上購物風潮。網站開店成功上軌道後，我就可以賣我編寫的網站和網上購物的解決方案了！”
其實，她已應朋友的要求，幫人做了兩三個網站，但卻不是網上商店由於做網站需投入很多時間，她暫時少做而全心全力投入她自己的網店。
經營了她的中英www.aishop.com.my網絡商店一年多後，她已從家裡SOHO式的經營，從柔佛到吉隆坡租了間小小辦公室繼續營業。訪問她時，她正在新入伙的辦公室兼貨艙點貨和包裝貨物。儘管忙得不可開交，她仍然微笑的透露：“9月，我會請一位全職職員幫我，然後把網站改頭換面，做得更專業一點。”
這樣，她就有時間去搞促銷、進貨和吸引更多顧客了，也順便去物色她的概念展示店地點，因為“我準備在八打靈再也開一間Concept Store。”她充滿信心的透露了她的計劃。
薄利多銷送禮券
眾所周知，本地網上購物都在起步階段，要全職經營網店而且長時間維持下去，沒有優勢和絕招，很快就黃飛鴻收檔關門大吉的。她大方地公開了秘笈：“免費送貨和允許退貨。”
只要在她網上買足30令吉以上（東馬則是80令吉），她就免收運貨費。這樣的做法，削弱了她的盈利，但卻吸引了買家。她說：“還是有得賺的，不過卻要薄利多銷咯！”
她還允許顧客退貨。她說：“網站會把產品的所有資料列得很詳細，很多賣家都不會退貨，譬如：尺寸不合、顏色不喜歡、款式不喜歡等，這些買之前就應該自己看清楚的東西，大部份賣家都不允許顧客退貨，我本來也不允許顧客退貨的，但是，為了吸引顧客，我讓顧客把貨級回來，我會以同樣價格的貨物取代，但絕不允許退還現金。”
網上購物，最忌衝動，因為買賣兩方都損失。由於進貨量有限，有些顧客一時衝動下了訂單，後來改變主意不買了，結果該貨都保留給了顧客，系統內顯示沒貨了，其他顧客就買不到。她感概：“這樣的事情，時常發生，我們也沒辦法。”
她指出，由於大馬的網上付款系統並不完善，給網上開店者帶來了很多麻煩。譬如：“沒有信用卡也沒有開通網絡銀行服務的顧客，通常都得親自到銀行去存錢進賣家的戶頭。現在的銀行大都用機器，這些存款機，只能接受整數的紙鈔，如果顧客要付48令吉20 仙，只能存入50令吉。我們賣家要找錢還給買家，很多人都把1令吉80仙放入貨物包內一起寄給顧客，我打算以後的做法是給顧客禮券，讓他們累積起來買其它東西，不然就到一定數目後，才兌換現金退還給顧客。”
做這一行，
決心與恒心很重要
很多人都說，網上開店成本低廉，應該很好賺。但，網名叫做小愛的陳美嬡卻提高了音量反駁：“其實，網上開店所投入時間、精力和收入是不成正比的。我們辛苦沒人知！給顧客用信用卡付款，要被付款網關中介抽掉3%的傭金，新貨到了，我要分類整理、量尺寸、拍照寫產品說明……”
“我後來學了一些拍照和修飾照片的技巧，沒錢請模特兒、請人拍照，我還要自己當模特兒呢！那些只看到衣服和半身看不到頭的，都是我的自拍！”她苦笑著打哈哈。筆者在她辦公室內看到了一具半身的人偶，看來她是進步了！
她目前網上賣過千種產品。做了一年多，她發現衣服最好賣。她說：“其它的特別產品，如MP3音樂機、USB隨身碟和一些小玩意，都很好賣。”
通常她利用網絡的方便，從中國和台灣進貨。她也試過從韓國進一批電子產品，結果運輸途中，部份貨物被盜竊，經過多次投報與追查，至今不了了之。因此，她建議：“如果進大批貨，我還是會去批發商那裡檢查一下，避免發生貨不對版的問題。”
她也發現，很多年輕人，在念書時，就兼職在網上賣東西了，她認為，這些年輕人都是玩票性質，只想賺一些外快，而且很多都賺了一筆，就不再做了。
她有點感慨地說：“做這行，一定要有決心和恒心。網站跟普通店面不同，網站不像門市有Walk-in的顧客，顧客也不會有顧客自動到網站來。我們要做很多的促銷活動，到處宣傳，甚至用各種方式打廣告，如給人Review、用Facebook等。”
誤打誤撞學開網店
訪問26歲的鄭捷心時，她正巧丟信辭去了電腦系統支援一職，將全職從事網絡賣貨。自去年11月開始在部落格simpli-cious.blogspot.com上賣衣服和首飾的她表示，其實互聯網上，已逐漸形成了一個以英文為主的網上賣家社群，還不時組織設跳蚤市場，開襠擺地攤賣貨。
她這樣的業余形式賣貨，也有過百種貨品。她回想起進入網上開店時說：“一大班朋友談起要上網賣衣服，就興致勃勃地去買貨，第一次去到，店子沒開。第二天只有我一人再去，買了三四百塊錢的貨，就上網去賣了。”
開網店前，她先上網收集資料，發現了一批在網上開店的博客，大家聚在一起，各有各做生意。她就邊做邊學習，誤打誤撞進入了網上開店的行業。
“開始時，沒有有生意的，試過兩三週都沒有訂單。我要到處去打廣告、搞宣傳，現在每天平均有一兩份訂單。有時候，網上賣衣會突然爆紅的。我試過進了一款衣服，突然大受歡迎，一下就賣完了，我不斷補貨，結果賣了30多件！”
網上買東西會上癮
網上開店，最不喜歡顧客退貨。幸好至今，她仍沒遇過難搞的退貨問題，她說：“因為用部落格賣貨的人，都講明不會退貨，很多人一時衝動買了不想要的東西，通常會以便宜一點的價錢再賣出去，也有一些人，專門就賣這樣的二手貨。”
網購的一大問題，就是收錢與交貨。她比較喜歡“面交”（Cash on Delevery，COD），也就是一手交錢，一手交貨的現金交易，因此，她把顧客約在公司附近，方便她下班後與顧客見面交易。
她發現，網上購物者，受英文教育的與受中文教育者，有很大的差異。她說：“受英文教育者，看外國雜誌，多受歐美影響，都喜歡歐美風格的衣服，受中文教育者，則喜歡中國台灣影響，要的衣服設計比較簡單。”
不久前，大馬才發生過某年輕女賣家，在論壇用Pre Order方式，騙了很多買家的訂金，卷款而逃。網絡拍賣專家都不鼓勵這樣先收錢下訂單後進貨的Pre Order方式，但她卻發現很多賣家喜歡這樣做。她解釋：“這些人多在論壇上這樣賣，而且還賣得‘很恐怖’呢！因為他們的價錢真的很便宜，所以吸引了很多買家。”
原來除了衣服首飾外，網上最好賣還有手提袋和鞋子。她說：“手工製造的特別東西，都比較好賣，連Cup cake也有人上網賣呢！他們通常在跳蚤市場給人試吃，然後就在網上接受訂單。”
雖然是業號餘性質，但她“幾乎下班後都在做”，至今沒虧少賺，算是收支平衡。她說：“家人開始都不太支持我網上開店，後來家人看到我回檳城進貨的次數越來越多，甚至還叫父親來這裡時順便帶貨來，就覺得還可以做，都很支持我。”
為甚麼越來越多人喜歡網上購物？她笑笑說：“網上買東西會‘上癮’的！我現在都在網上買東西了。”網購可能是趨勢吧！
當然，網購也有風險的。她建議買家上網購物時，要多問，也要多看，“不懂就要問清楚，不肯定就要求賣家拍多一些清晰的照片，然後留意一下賣家信譽和貨源是否齊全，這樣就比較安全。”
至於看了此文就想上網開店的讀者們，她提醒大家別把網上購物看得太簡單，裡面還有很多大學問。她建議：“最好從Part time開始，還要注意很多方面，如：貨物品質、應付顧客、面交，還要投入很多時間等。”
後記：
訪問了兩位網絡女賣家後，才發現國內非正規的民間網購越來越活躍。大馬的電子商務交易額報告數據雖然看起來相當龐大，但實際上大部份卻來自網絡銀行付款（如繳交水電費雜費等）和航空訂票交易。若把網上交稅額也計算在內，數字更加好看。真正的民間網上購物活動，仍然非常少。
像小愛和捷心的這種網上開店或部落格開店的電子商務活動，其中主要的關鍵難題，即付款問題，最後還是被逼以離線親自到銀行存錢完成。嚴格來說，不算是完整的電子商務交易。
雖然政府大力推動電子商務和網絡購物，可是，網絡付款系統的不完善，加上執法鞭長莫及，管制不了互聯網上的活動，時而發生網絡欺詐事件，導致人們對電子商務和網購存有戒心，繼續保持觀望態度。如果政府不再做些實際行動，2020要當先進國的宏願，不曉得會不會延後到2030年？
星洲日報／副刊‧報導：李昱龍‧2009.08.19
2009年8月22日星期六
陳群川：不容馬華被操縱 得罪他人加速殞落
更新: August 22, 2009 18:17
陳群川：不容馬華被操縱
得罪他人加速殞落
獨家報導：鄭文德
（吉隆坡23日訊）馬華前總會長陳群川認為，當年本身在政經領域迅速崛起，及因不容他人操縱馬華，不但讓他陷入四面楚歌，也因此得罪他人，更讓他在政壇上瞬間殞落。
他說，當年馬化控股在他主導下，業績“蒸蒸日上”，引起很多人妒嫉。“他們說夠了，是我該停止了。所以馬化控股的發展，最終受到限制。”
陳群川接受全球首家華人基督教衛星電視台《Good TV》專訪時，如此指出。這也是他將近20年，首次接受電視媒體訪問。
他透露，1985年當選馬華總會長后，有人卻要代為他“安排”職位。
他強調，本身不是一位可以容許他人牽著鼻子走的人，所以斷然拒絕。
“我當時告訴對方 ，你可以提出建議，但絕不能強逼我接受，因為我不容馬華被人操縱。華人的事應由華人自行決定。我想我這句話得罪了他人。”
他說，在當選馬華總會長才數個月，由他控制的新馬掛牌公司“新泛電”卻出現問題，他當時認為應前往解決有關問題。
他透露，當時也前往請教“上頭”是否應該過去新加坡，“上頭”也認為應該盡快處理，以便盡快回來應對即將進行的大選。”
他指出，前往新加坡卻被扣留時，本身還不知已被扣留，甚至被提控時，也不知被控告什么罪。
“其實馬華早前在天后宮召開大會時，也引起有關方面不滿，然而否認有罪的我從新加坡返國后，在機場獲英雄式歡迎，更對我不利。”
探監留陰影女兒患憂鬱症
陳群川坐牢，導致天倫變色，大女兒一度患上憂鬱症，二女兒更質疑他是不是生父。
陳群川夫人鄭湘嬪透露，在陳群川被判坐監時，她根本不敢向女兒透露父親被判坐牢，而是向女兒謊稱爸爸生病入院。
她曾在大女兒兩歲時，攜女兒去探望“住院”的爸爸；但那一次探監，讓孩子幼小心靈留下無可磨滅的陰影。
“孩子從監獄出來后，直嚷那所‘醫院’很不好，因為裡面有鎗，還有凶惡的狗。女兒回來后也不再展笑靨，變得離群，也不喜歡和他人說話。”
鄭湘嬪是陪同陳群川接受專訪時，披露陳群川入獄對孩子所造成的影響時，這么指出。
而回想當年不堪回首的處境時，她更一度紅了眼眶。
陳群川指出，大女兒憂鬱症維持數年之久，直到他出獄后陪伴她多時才痊癒。
此外，一出生就看不到父親的二女兒，在陳群川出獄后，也一度天真的問他，究竟他是否真的是她爸爸。
“當時聽孩子這么說，心真的很酸…不過我還是抱著他，對她說：我真的是你爸爸。”
新聞背景
新泛電事件影響深遠
陳群川出生于雪州蒲種新村，童年家境拮据，他立志奮發向上、出人頭地。
1970年，他以30歲年輕之齡獲雲頂創辦人丹斯里林梧桐賞識，受邀出任雲頂集團總經理。
當時因為充分展現商業才華，他在1977年受到當時馬華總會長丹斯里李三春賞識，邀請他出任馬化控股董事經理。
他在較后更因此參政，于1978年當選勞勿區國會議員，並在1982年出任馬華副總會長。
1985年，陳群川擊敗梁維泮當選馬華第3任總會長，攀上馬來西亞華裔政治領袖最高峰。
在1986年，陳群川因“新泛電”事件， 被新加坡政府提控，罪成坐牢兩年；同年辭去總會長職。
他在1988年出監獄后又在大馬被控而被判坐牢一年，並因債務問題被判入窮籍。
1989年出獄的他從此絕跡政壇，並在1995年成功償還所有債務，脫離窮籍。
“無心問鼎總會長職”
提名截止前才競選
陳群川披露，他當年其實並無心攻打馬華總會長職。
“我是到了競選提名截止前最后3天才接受建議，參加競選。不過至今很多人還是不相信，我當時真的沒有要競選總會長的意圖。”
他說，馬華控股在他掌舵表現優異，讓他在短短數年內成為華社小英雄，使到當時要他掌管馬化控股的馬華總會長丹斯里李三春，也邀請他從政。
“因為接受李三春邀請，也因此讓我的整個人生因而改變。”
他說，因為馬化控股表現，他獲得強大支持，讓他又在極短時間內成了國會議員（1978年當選勞勿區國會議員）。
不過他指出，因為在政治上迅速竄紅，也讓原是朋友者成了政敵，讓他背腹受敵。
陳群川在較后因李三春“離奇”引退后，和代總會長梁維泮，引爆馬華歷史上最嚴重黨爭，陳群川和挑戰派成員如敦林良實、丹斯里李金獅等人也因此一度被開除黨籍。
不過在前首相敦馬哈迪介入，並委任國陣秘書長敦嘉化峇峇調停下，安排馬華進行改選。
獲眾黨員支持的陳群川，最終接受邀請挑戰梁維泮，並在1985年11月改選中，以2715票對809票狂勝梁維泮，登上馬華總會長寶座。
痛哭狂怒要撞牆
坐牢2月狂瘦48磅
從要得風、要雨得雨的華社救星，突被判坐牢，讓一時無法接受事實的陳群川在兩個月內狂瘦48磅，甚至在監獄內痛哭、狂怒及想撞牆！
陳群川指出，當年沒想到前往新加坡解決官非時，竟遭判坐牢兩年。
他還記得當天是在下午3時入獄，可是讓人意外的是，當天心情不但沒有憤怒，反而異常平靜，甚至聽到有人對他說：“孩子你累了 好好安心睡。”
“我就這樣睡著了，這是我踏入政壇30多個月來，睡得最安穩的一次。不過隔天早上7時起身發現身在監獄后，我才開始感到慌恐，特別是想到還有很多事需處理。我也想到年邁雙親、太太和孩子…”
因為一時無法接受事實，他在監獄初期情緒反覆無常，時而痛哭大怒，自責自己為何如此愚蠢，體重更在短短兩個月內，由160磅下滑至118磅。
為了讓他有安全感
鄭湘嬪當高齡產婦
為讓陳群川更有安全感，一直是陳群川精神支柱的夫人鄭湘嬪，冒生命危險當高齡產婦。
鄭湘嬪在接受《GOOD TV》訪問時指出，雖然陳群川不說，但她能感受到入獄的他，沒有不安全感，害怕會失去她，特別早在他入獄時，就有一大堆謠言指她會離他而去。
“所以我當時就有一個想法，希望再為他生個孩子，讓他更有安全感，無論怎樣，我對他不離不棄，絕不離開。”
當時她已年屆40歲，醫生對她堅持要懷孕一事責備她，並要她別拿自己性命開玩笑。
當時她依然堅持要生，可是努力一年卻沒動靜，反而在選擇放棄時，第三名孩子卻來臨。
“我在42歲生了第三個女兒，小女兒讓陳群川非常開心。”
因為宗教學會放下
陳群川入獄后，剛信奉耶穌的太太鄭湘濱，每天寫信要他不要緬懷過去，要他認真思考上帝會這么做，肯定有原因。
他說，身旁雖有聖經，但在初期根本看不下去，直到有一天看到新加坡領導人在國慶日對人民發言：“塞翁失馬，焉知非福”，“耶穌是來給我們豐盛的生命”。
他說，當時感覺，上述兩句話似乎是對著他講的；就在這時候，他也和耶穌開始對話，並向耶穌質疑，難道這就是祂給予他的豐盛生命（坐牢）？
“可我聽到耶穌對我說，我一直放不下，認為自己還是馬華總會長和華社救星，忘了自己人在監獄，並勸我辭去所有職位。”
他坦言，剛開始並不相信，不過神跡一再彰顯，讓他不得不信服，也讓他決定辭去馬華總會長等所有職位。
在做出上述決定后，他仿佛放下心頭大石，整個人輕鬆起來，而體重也開始回升。
上帝指將靠土地翻身
“在禱告中中，上帝告訴我，我將靠一塊地段翻身，一次過還清3億債務；如果不是，我需花3萬6000年才能償清這筆欠款。”
在監獄開始信主耶穌基督的陳群川指出，在讀經禱告曾詢問主如何翻身，而上帝對他說，會給予他一塊地段，幫他拿回失去一切，並指“蝗蟲吃掉的一切，都會還給我”。
他說，在接下數天內來監獄探望他的牧師，和妻子來信中，都對他說了“蝗蟲吃掉的一切，都會還給我”這句話，使他更堅信上帝指示。
他出獄后開始積極尋找上帝所指的土地，甚至到海外個國家找尋，卻不果。
“后來一次，我在國外尋地時，卻因為有關國家政變而無法繼續時，我當時躲在酒店放聲痛哭，求上帝指明有關土地，勿讓我再如此奔波。”
就在返馬不久，一名土地仲介來找他，介紹一片位于吉隆坡不遠處，深具發展潛能的土地，當時沒有資金的他在祈禱后，也出現願意資助他的朋友。
“可是當我們要簽約時才發現，兩人都沒錢，哈哈，不過最終有另一位朋友出現，促成有關投資；我就靠這項投資，成功還清所有債務。”
陳群川在被判入窮籍時，共拖欠債權人3億余令吉，不過在1995年，償還所有債務，脫離窮籍。
陳群川：不容馬華被操縱
得罪他人加速殞落
獨家報導：鄭文德
（吉隆坡23日訊）馬華前總會長陳群川認為，當年本身在政經領域迅速崛起，及因不容他人操縱馬華，不但讓他陷入四面楚歌，也因此得罪他人，更讓他在政壇上瞬間殞落。
他說，當年馬化控股在他主導下，業績“蒸蒸日上”，引起很多人妒嫉。“他們說夠了，是我該停止了。所以馬化控股的發展，最終受到限制。”
陳群川接受全球首家華人基督教衛星電視台《Good TV》專訪時，如此指出。這也是他將近20年，首次接受電視媒體訪問。
他透露，1985年當選馬華總會長后，有人卻要代為他“安排”職位。
他強調，本身不是一位可以容許他人牽著鼻子走的人，所以斷然拒絕。
“我當時告訴對方 ，你可以提出建議，但絕不能強逼我接受，因為我不容馬華被人操縱。華人的事應由華人自行決定。我想我這句話得罪了他人。”
他說，在當選馬華總會長才數個月，由他控制的新馬掛牌公司“新泛電”卻出現問題，他當時認為應前往解決有關問題。
他透露，當時也前往請教“上頭”是否應該過去新加坡，“上頭”也認為應該盡快處理，以便盡快回來應對即將進行的大選。”
他指出，前往新加坡卻被扣留時，本身還不知已被扣留，甚至被提控時，也不知被控告什么罪。
“其實馬華早前在天后宮召開大會時，也引起有關方面不滿，然而否認有罪的我從新加坡返國后，在機場獲英雄式歡迎，更對我不利。”
探監留陰影女兒患憂鬱症
陳群川坐牢，導致天倫變色，大女兒一度患上憂鬱症，二女兒更質疑他是不是生父。
陳群川夫人鄭湘嬪透露，在陳群川被判坐監時，她根本不敢向女兒透露父親被判坐牢，而是向女兒謊稱爸爸生病入院。
她曾在大女兒兩歲時，攜女兒去探望“住院”的爸爸；但那一次探監，讓孩子幼小心靈留下無可磨滅的陰影。
“孩子從監獄出來后，直嚷那所‘醫院’很不好，因為裡面有鎗，還有凶惡的狗。女兒回來后也不再展笑靨，變得離群，也不喜歡和他人說話。”
鄭湘嬪是陪同陳群川接受專訪時，披露陳群川入獄對孩子所造成的影響時，這么指出。
而回想當年不堪回首的處境時，她更一度紅了眼眶。
陳群川指出，大女兒憂鬱症維持數年之久，直到他出獄后陪伴她多時才痊癒。
此外，一出生就看不到父親的二女兒，在陳群川出獄后，也一度天真的問他，究竟他是否真的是她爸爸。
“當時聽孩子這么說，心真的很酸…不過我還是抱著他，對她說：我真的是你爸爸。”
新聞背景
新泛電事件影響深遠
陳群川出生于雪州蒲種新村，童年家境拮据，他立志奮發向上、出人頭地。
1970年，他以30歲年輕之齡獲雲頂創辦人丹斯里林梧桐賞識，受邀出任雲頂集團總經理。
當時因為充分展現商業才華，他在1977年受到當時馬華總會長丹斯里李三春賞識，邀請他出任馬化控股董事經理。
他在較后更因此參政，于1978年當選勞勿區國會議員，並在1982年出任馬華副總會長。
1985年，陳群川擊敗梁維泮當選馬華第3任總會長，攀上馬來西亞華裔政治領袖最高峰。
在1986年，陳群川因“新泛電”事件， 被新加坡政府提控，罪成坐牢兩年；同年辭去總會長職。
他在1988年出監獄后又在大馬被控而被判坐牢一年，並因債務問題被判入窮籍。
1989年出獄的他從此絕跡政壇，並在1995年成功償還所有債務，脫離窮籍。
“無心問鼎總會長職”
提名截止前才競選
陳群川披露，他當年其實並無心攻打馬華總會長職。
“我是到了競選提名截止前最后3天才接受建議，參加競選。不過至今很多人還是不相信，我當時真的沒有要競選總會長的意圖。”
他說，馬華控股在他掌舵表現優異，讓他在短短數年內成為華社小英雄，使到當時要他掌管馬化控股的馬華總會長丹斯里李三春，也邀請他從政。
“因為接受李三春邀請，也因此讓我的整個人生因而改變。”
他說，因為馬化控股表現，他獲得強大支持，讓他又在極短時間內成了國會議員（1978年當選勞勿區國會議員）。
不過他指出，因為在政治上迅速竄紅，也讓原是朋友者成了政敵，讓他背腹受敵。
陳群川在較后因李三春“離奇”引退后，和代總會長梁維泮，引爆馬華歷史上最嚴重黨爭，陳群川和挑戰派成員如敦林良實、丹斯里李金獅等人也因此一度被開除黨籍。
不過在前首相敦馬哈迪介入，並委任國陣秘書長敦嘉化峇峇調停下，安排馬華進行改選。
獲眾黨員支持的陳群川，最終接受邀請挑戰梁維泮，並在1985年11月改選中，以2715票對809票狂勝梁維泮，登上馬華總會長寶座。
痛哭狂怒要撞牆
坐牢2月狂瘦48磅
從要得風、要雨得雨的華社救星，突被判坐牢，讓一時無法接受事實的陳群川在兩個月內狂瘦48磅，甚至在監獄內痛哭、狂怒及想撞牆！
陳群川指出，當年沒想到前往新加坡解決官非時，竟遭判坐牢兩年。
他還記得當天是在下午3時入獄，可是讓人意外的是，當天心情不但沒有憤怒，反而異常平靜，甚至聽到有人對他說：“孩子你累了 好好安心睡。”
“我就這樣睡著了，這是我踏入政壇30多個月來，睡得最安穩的一次。不過隔天早上7時起身發現身在監獄后，我才開始感到慌恐，特別是想到還有很多事需處理。我也想到年邁雙親、太太和孩子…”
因為一時無法接受事實，他在監獄初期情緒反覆無常，時而痛哭大怒，自責自己為何如此愚蠢，體重更在短短兩個月內，由160磅下滑至118磅。
為了讓他有安全感
鄭湘嬪當高齡產婦
為讓陳群川更有安全感，一直是陳群川精神支柱的夫人鄭湘嬪，冒生命危險當高齡產婦。
鄭湘嬪在接受《GOOD TV》訪問時指出，雖然陳群川不說，但她能感受到入獄的他，沒有不安全感，害怕會失去她，特別早在他入獄時，就有一大堆謠言指她會離他而去。
“所以我當時就有一個想法，希望再為他生個孩子，讓他更有安全感，無論怎樣，我對他不離不棄，絕不離開。”
當時她已年屆40歲，醫生對她堅持要懷孕一事責備她，並要她別拿自己性命開玩笑。
當時她依然堅持要生，可是努力一年卻沒動靜，反而在選擇放棄時，第三名孩子卻來臨。
“我在42歲生了第三個女兒，小女兒讓陳群川非常開心。”
因為宗教學會放下
陳群川入獄后，剛信奉耶穌的太太鄭湘濱，每天寫信要他不要緬懷過去，要他認真思考上帝會這么做，肯定有原因。
他說，身旁雖有聖經，但在初期根本看不下去，直到有一天看到新加坡領導人在國慶日對人民發言：“塞翁失馬，焉知非福”，“耶穌是來給我們豐盛的生命”。
他說，當時感覺，上述兩句話似乎是對著他講的；就在這時候，他也和耶穌開始對話，並向耶穌質疑，難道這就是祂給予他的豐盛生命（坐牢）？
“可我聽到耶穌對我說，我一直放不下，認為自己還是馬華總會長和華社救星，忘了自己人在監獄，並勸我辭去所有職位。”
他坦言，剛開始並不相信，不過神跡一再彰顯，讓他不得不信服，也讓他決定辭去馬華總會長等所有職位。
在做出上述決定后，他仿佛放下心頭大石，整個人輕鬆起來，而體重也開始回升。
上帝指將靠土地翻身
“在禱告中中，上帝告訴我，我將靠一塊地段翻身，一次過還清3億債務；如果不是，我需花3萬6000年才能償清這筆欠款。”
在監獄開始信主耶穌基督的陳群川指出，在讀經禱告曾詢問主如何翻身，而上帝對他說，會給予他一塊地段，幫他拿回失去一切，並指“蝗蟲吃掉的一切，都會還給我”。
他說，在接下數天內來監獄探望他的牧師，和妻子來信中，都對他說了“蝗蟲吃掉的一切，都會還給我”這句話，使他更堅信上帝指示。
他出獄后開始積極尋找上帝所指的土地，甚至到海外個國家找尋，卻不果。
“后來一次，我在國外尋地時，卻因為有關國家政變而無法繼續時，我當時躲在酒店放聲痛哭，求上帝指明有關土地，勿讓我再如此奔波。”
就在返馬不久，一名土地仲介來找他，介紹一片位于吉隆坡不遠處，深具發展潛能的土地，當時沒有資金的他在祈禱后，也出現願意資助他的朋友。
“可是當我們要簽約時才發現，兩人都沒錢，哈哈，不過最終有另一位朋友出現，促成有關投資；我就靠這項投資，成功還清所有債務。”
陳群川在被判入窮籍時，共拖欠債權人3億余令吉，不過在1995年，償還所有債務，脫離窮籍。
2009年8月19日星期三
4 Chinese feng shui ‘experts’ to be deported
4 Chinese feng shui ‘experts’ to be deported
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:24:00 08/12/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Immigration
MANILA, Philippines—Four Chinese women claiming to be feng shui experts have been ordered deported for working as fortune tellers here without the required visas.
The board of commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration, chaired by Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, denied on Aug. 3 a motion by the Chinese nationals to set aside the deportation order issued Feb. 22 by the board, paving the way for their deportation.
Chen Ruiying, Huang Tumei, In Meili, and Wo Shaoyun were also placed on the immigration blacklist and banned from re-entering the Philippines.
In a press statement, immigration spokesperson Floro Balato Jr. said the Chinese women had been detained at the immigration jail since Feb. 11 this year when they were turned over to the bureau by the Manila police.
Balato added the women can now be deported to China as the criminal case that was filed against them in court had already been dismissed.
Policemen arrested the women on the complaint of another Chinese woman, identified as Uang Hiu Hiu, who alleged that she was swindled by the suspects of some P200,000 cash and assorted jewelry.
The victim said that on Feb. 1, while eating inside a fast-food restaurant in Manila’s Binondo district, she was approached and enticed by the suspects, who claimed they were fortune tellers and feng shui experts, to give them her money and jewelry after being told that she would soon get rich and avoid bad luck.
Less than two weeks after their arrest, the bureau approved the women’s request for voluntary deportation but their departure was delayed due to an estafa (fraud) case filed against them before the Manila Regional Trial Court.
The Manila court dismissed the case against the Chinese on June 22 for insufficiency of evidence.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:24:00 08/12/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Immigration
MANILA, Philippines—Four Chinese women claiming to be feng shui experts have been ordered deported for working as fortune tellers here without the required visas.
The board of commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration, chaired by Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, denied on Aug. 3 a motion by the Chinese nationals to set aside the deportation order issued Feb. 22 by the board, paving the way for their deportation.
Chen Ruiying, Huang Tumei, In Meili, and Wo Shaoyun were also placed on the immigration blacklist and banned from re-entering the Philippines.
In a press statement, immigration spokesperson Floro Balato Jr. said the Chinese women had been detained at the immigration jail since Feb. 11 this year when they were turned over to the bureau by the Manila police.
Balato added the women can now be deported to China as the criminal case that was filed against them in court had already been dismissed.
Policemen arrested the women on the complaint of another Chinese woman, identified as Uang Hiu Hiu, who alleged that she was swindled by the suspects of some P200,000 cash and assorted jewelry.
The victim said that on Feb. 1, while eating inside a fast-food restaurant in Manila’s Binondo district, she was approached and enticed by the suspects, who claimed they were fortune tellers and feng shui experts, to give them her money and jewelry after being told that she would soon get rich and avoid bad luck.
Less than two weeks after their arrest, the bureau approved the women’s request for voluntary deportation but their departure was delayed due to an estafa (fraud) case filed against them before the Manila Regional Trial Court.
The Manila court dismissed the case against the Chinese on June 22 for insufficiency of evidence.
2009年8月6日星期四
美國‧赴朝攜2女記者返國‧克林頓成功“救美”
美國‧赴朝攜2女記者返國‧克林頓成功“救美”
2009-08-05 15:43
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2位重獲自由的女記者凌志美（綠衣者）與李誠恩（紅衣者）雙手拎著行李今日（週三，8月5日）來到平壤一個機場，與美國官員會合，準備乘搭專機，與前來營救她們的前總統克林頓（不在圖內）一同返國。（圖：美聯社）
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克林頓與希拉里（圖：檔案照）
1 of 2
（韓國‧首爾）美國前總統克林頓親自出馬赴朝鮮“英雄救美”斡旋成功，今日（週三，8月5日）帶著2名獲朝鮮最高領導人金正日特赦的2名美國女記者，乘搭專機返國。
朝鮮媒體報導，克林頓為2名女記者非法闖入朝鮮“誠懇道歉”，因此，金正日特赦並下令釋放她們，而後克林頓還轉達了美國總統奧巴馬的感謝。
【Maxis用戶現在可通過3G手機瀏覽視頻新聞，馬上以Video Call撥打*22822。每分鐘收費RM0.20】
白宮否認向朝鮮道歉
不過，白宮已否認克林頓曾代表美方向朝鮮道歉。
克林頓在大馬時間週三上午7時許，完成救人任務，一行人乘專機離開平壤，前往美國洛杉磯。
克林頓的妻子、美國現任國務卿希拉里對2位女記者成功獲釋表示歡迎。
目前人在非洲肯雅訪問的希拉里說：“知道2位年輕女記者已登上飛機，準備回家與家人團聚，我當然非常開心，而且也松了一口氣。”
她透露，已經與克林頓通過電話，克林頓告訴她一切進展順利。2位女記者因為很快就到抵達加州，與家人團聚，也感到很興奮。
中朝邊界採訪被扣5個月
據美國一名資深官員表示，2人雖然被朝鮮拘禁接近5個月，但“健康狀況良好”。
32歲的凌志美與36歲的李誠恩是今年3月在中朝邊界進行採訪任務時被朝鮮拘捕。
儘管白宮強調克林頓此行屬私人性質，但朝鮮媒體稱克林頓代表2名記者進行了道歉，並轉達了奧巴馬總統的感激，還形容，克林頓此行“對加深朝美之間的理解和建立信任，作出了貢獻”。
據朝鮮中央通訊社報導，克林頓週二（8月4日）很“尊重地”向金正日轉達了美國總統奧巴馬的口頭信息。金正日對此表示感謝，並表示歡迎克林頓的訪問。
朝鮮國防委員會當晚在百花園迎賓館設宴，款待了克林頓一行人，金正日也在座上。
朝“指名”要克林頓出馬
代妻肩負重任救記者
據報導，朝鮮曾“點名”要美國前總統克林頓赴朝進行談判，才願意釋放2位女記者。
華盛頓消息人士稱，朝鮮官員曾向被捕記者家屬表示，可將2名記者交給克林頓，2人的家屬於是主動與克林頓接洽，希望由他出馬展開營救行動，白宮最終批准由克林頓執行此次“救援任務”。
而事實上，克林頓此次成功救回2位女記者，不但為妻子國務卿希拉理解決了不可能的任務，也實現了當年未完的夢想。
希拉里自出任國務卿以來，一直未能改善美朝關係，朝鮮更曾嘲諷她的言行像“小學生”、“老太太”。因此，由她的夫婿克林頓出馬，一來他是美國前總統，份量十足，任內與朝鮮領導層關係友好；二來克林頓是以私人身份出訪，即使最終無功而還，也不會影響美國政府的威信。
據透露，克林頓原本有機會在總統任內訪問朝鮮，最後因為時機及局勢終未成行。而今在他離任8年後，踏足朝鮮，也算是完成總統任內無法達成的目標。
星洲日報／國際‧2009.08.05
2009-08-05 15:43
*
2位重獲自由的女記者凌志美（綠衣者）與李誠恩（紅衣者）雙手拎著行李今日（週三，8月5日）來到平壤一個機場，與美國官員會合，準備乘搭專機，與前來營救她們的前總統克林頓（不在圖內）一同返國。（圖：美聯社）
*
克林頓與希拉里（圖：檔案照）
1 of 2
（韓國‧首爾）美國前總統克林頓親自出馬赴朝鮮“英雄救美”斡旋成功，今日（週三，8月5日）帶著2名獲朝鮮最高領導人金正日特赦的2名美國女記者，乘搭專機返國。
朝鮮媒體報導，克林頓為2名女記者非法闖入朝鮮“誠懇道歉”，因此，金正日特赦並下令釋放她們，而後克林頓還轉達了美國總統奧巴馬的感謝。
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白宮否認向朝鮮道歉
不過，白宮已否認克林頓曾代表美方向朝鮮道歉。
克林頓在大馬時間週三上午7時許，完成救人任務，一行人乘專機離開平壤，前往美國洛杉磯。
克林頓的妻子、美國現任國務卿希拉里對2位女記者成功獲釋表示歡迎。
目前人在非洲肯雅訪問的希拉里說：“知道2位年輕女記者已登上飛機，準備回家與家人團聚，我當然非常開心，而且也松了一口氣。”
她透露，已經與克林頓通過電話，克林頓告訴她一切進展順利。2位女記者因為很快就到抵達加州，與家人團聚，也感到很興奮。
中朝邊界採訪被扣5個月
據美國一名資深官員表示，2人雖然被朝鮮拘禁接近5個月，但“健康狀況良好”。
32歲的凌志美與36歲的李誠恩是今年3月在中朝邊界進行採訪任務時被朝鮮拘捕。
儘管白宮強調克林頓此行屬私人性質，但朝鮮媒體稱克林頓代表2名記者進行了道歉，並轉達了奧巴馬總統的感激，還形容，克林頓此行“對加深朝美之間的理解和建立信任，作出了貢獻”。
據朝鮮中央通訊社報導，克林頓週二（8月4日）很“尊重地”向金正日轉達了美國總統奧巴馬的口頭信息。金正日對此表示感謝，並表示歡迎克林頓的訪問。
朝鮮國防委員會當晚在百花園迎賓館設宴，款待了克林頓一行人，金正日也在座上。
朝“指名”要克林頓出馬
代妻肩負重任救記者
據報導，朝鮮曾“點名”要美國前總統克林頓赴朝進行談判，才願意釋放2位女記者。
華盛頓消息人士稱，朝鮮官員曾向被捕記者家屬表示，可將2名記者交給克林頓，2人的家屬於是主動與克林頓接洽，希望由他出馬展開營救行動，白宮最終批准由克林頓執行此次“救援任務”。
而事實上，克林頓此次成功救回2位女記者，不但為妻子國務卿希拉理解決了不可能的任務，也實現了當年未完的夢想。
希拉里自出任國務卿以來，一直未能改善美朝關係，朝鮮更曾嘲諷她的言行像“小學生”、“老太太”。因此，由她的夫婿克林頓出馬，一來他是美國前總統，份量十足，任內與朝鮮領導層關係友好；二來克林頓是以私人身份出訪，即使最終無功而還，也不會影響美國政府的威信。
據透露，克林頓原本有機會在總統任內訪問朝鮮，最後因為時機及局勢終未成行。而今在他離任8年後，踏足朝鮮，也算是完成總統任內無法達成的目標。
星洲日報／國際‧2009.08.05
2009年8月5日星期三
修改刑事法首宗判決 夫逼妻行房監15年打3鞭
修改刑事法首宗判決
夫逼妻行房監15年打3鞭
被告父親（前）以報紙掩護被告步出法庭。
（關丹5日訊）國會在2007年通過的刑事法典375A新條文，以維護為妻者權益后，全國首宗丈夫強迫妻子行房且致傷對方，及進行違反自然性行為案今日判決，丈夫被判監15年及3鞭笞。
被告凱魯昔山（35歲，技師）面對兩項控狀，被控于4月19日下午約3時15分，在關丹甘榜巴當再住家，在32歲的妻子不願意之下，強姦及強迫她進行違反自然性行為，還摑妻子耳光及掐她的頸，讓她無從反抗。抵觸刑法第375A條文，罪成者可被判不超過5年監禁；在非自然性行為下的第377C條文罪成，可被判不少于5年及不超過20年監禁，及鞭苔。
被告在第一項控狀被判5年監禁，第二控狀判刑10年加3鞭，兩項判決同時執行。
妻子在事發后在親友的陪同下前往報警，驗身報告指她的兩個手臂、頸項、屁股及胸部有瘀青，下體及肛門也有傷口。
昨天生日的被告在聞判後，在庭內與親人失控痛哭。
法官哈山說，社會無法接受類似事件，希望此判決讓被告覺醒，勿再重蹈覆徹。
“受害者的遭遇讓人同情，希望此判決能給社會所有男子一個警惕，勿對妻子做出類似行為。”
被告步出法庭時，親友以報紙遮住他的臉，掩護他至扣留所，親友也以手擋住攝影鏡頭。
控方是劉浚豪副檢察司，被告代表律師阿魯慕甘。
法官：警惕所有男子
法官哈山阿都甘尼宣判時，不忘訓誡，此判決是要讓被告覺醒，也希望給社會所有男子一個警惕，勿使用暴力強行與妻子行房。”
法官說，丈夫應該愛護妻子，而非讓她受到傷害或虐待，況且，被告沒有悔改，還重犯錯誤，法庭作出適當的判決。
身材瘦小的被告凱魯昔山，身穿白衣牛仔褲出庭，神情淡漠，其父與一名身穿黑衣友人隨身而行，不斷維護被告，深怕被攝影及公眾認清被告廬山真面目。
在法官宣判后，被告離開犯人欄到公眾席與親人相擁而哭。
法官也詢問被告妻子會否再回到丈夫身邊，妻子只以“隨緣”回應。
刑法第375A條保護婦女
國會于2007年9月7日制定的刑事法典第375A條文，用作保護婦女，若被合法丈夫使用暴力及致傷，並強逼行房，視為違法。
此條文主要是彌補1994年家暴法令的不足，即丈夫使用暴力強迫妻子行房及致傷妻子。
在家暴法令下，若有丈夫強逼妻子行房和打傷妻子，法庭只能發出保護令或禁止令，或判被告賠償
夫逼妻行房監15年打3鞭
被告父親（前）以報紙掩護被告步出法庭。
（關丹5日訊）國會在2007年通過的刑事法典375A新條文，以維護為妻者權益后，全國首宗丈夫強迫妻子行房且致傷對方，及進行違反自然性行為案今日判決，丈夫被判監15年及3鞭笞。
被告凱魯昔山（35歲，技師）面對兩項控狀，被控于4月19日下午約3時15分，在關丹甘榜巴當再住家，在32歲的妻子不願意之下，強姦及強迫她進行違反自然性行為，還摑妻子耳光及掐她的頸，讓她無從反抗。抵觸刑法第375A條文，罪成者可被判不超過5年監禁；在非自然性行為下的第377C條文罪成，可被判不少于5年及不超過20年監禁，及鞭苔。
被告在第一項控狀被判5年監禁，第二控狀判刑10年加3鞭，兩項判決同時執行。
妻子在事發后在親友的陪同下前往報警，驗身報告指她的兩個手臂、頸項、屁股及胸部有瘀青，下體及肛門也有傷口。
昨天生日的被告在聞判後，在庭內與親人失控痛哭。
法官哈山說，社會無法接受類似事件，希望此判決讓被告覺醒，勿再重蹈覆徹。
“受害者的遭遇讓人同情，希望此判決能給社會所有男子一個警惕，勿對妻子做出類似行為。”
被告步出法庭時，親友以報紙遮住他的臉，掩護他至扣留所，親友也以手擋住攝影鏡頭。
控方是劉浚豪副檢察司，被告代表律師阿魯慕甘。
法官：警惕所有男子
法官哈山阿都甘尼宣判時，不忘訓誡，此判決是要讓被告覺醒，也希望給社會所有男子一個警惕，勿使用暴力強行與妻子行房。”
法官說，丈夫應該愛護妻子，而非讓她受到傷害或虐待，況且，被告沒有悔改，還重犯錯誤，法庭作出適當的判決。
身材瘦小的被告凱魯昔山，身穿白衣牛仔褲出庭，神情淡漠，其父與一名身穿黑衣友人隨身而行，不斷維護被告，深怕被攝影及公眾認清被告廬山真面目。
在法官宣判后，被告離開犯人欄到公眾席與親人相擁而哭。
法官也詢問被告妻子會否再回到丈夫身邊，妻子只以“隨緣”回應。
刑法第375A條保護婦女
國會于2007年9月7日制定的刑事法典第375A條文，用作保護婦女，若被合法丈夫使用暴力及致傷，並強逼行房，視為違法。
此條文主要是彌補1994年家暴法令的不足，即丈夫使用暴力強迫妻子行房及致傷妻子。
在家暴法令下，若有丈夫強逼妻子行房和打傷妻子，法庭只能發出保護令或禁止令，或判被告賠償
A Malaysian Diaspora speaks up....
A Malaysian Diaspora speaks up....
I am a female Chinese Malaysian, living in the Washington DC area in the United States .. I have read many of the letters that often talk about foreign countries when the writers have no real knowledge of actually living in those countries.
Many draw conclusions about what those countries are like after hearing it from someone else or by reading and hearing about them in the media or after four years in a college town in those countries.
I finished STPM with outstanding results from the prestigious St George's Girls School in Penang . Did I get a university place from the Malaysian government? Nothing. With near perfect scores, I had nothing, while my Malay friends were getting offers to go overseas.
Even those with 2As got into university. I was so depressed. I was my parents last hope for getting the family out of poverty and at 18, I thought I had failed my parents. Today, I understand it was the Malaysian Government that had failed me and my family because of its discriminatory policies.
Fortunately, I did not give up and immediately did research at the Malaysian American Commission on Education Exchange (MACEE) to find a university in the US that would accept me and provide all the finances. My family and friends thought I was crazy, being the youngest of nine children of a very poor carpenter. Anything that required a fee was out of our reach.
Based on merit and my extracurricular activities of community service in secondary school, I received full tuition scholarship, work study, and grants to cover the four years at a highly competitive US university.
Often, I took 21 credits each semester, 15 credits each term while working 20 hours each week and maintaining a 3.5 CGPA. A couple of semesters, I also received division scholarships and worked as a TA (teaching assistant) on top of everything else.
For the work study, I worked as a custodian (yes, cleaning toilets), carpet layer, computer lab assistant, grounds keeping, librarian, painter, tour guide, etc. If you understand the US credit system, you will understand this is a heavy load.
Why did I do it? This is because I learnt as a young child from my parents that hard work is an opportunity, to give my best in everything, and to take pride in the work I do.. I walked away with a double major and a minor with honours but most of all a great lesson in humility and a great respect for those who are forced to labour in so-called `blue collar' positions.
Those of you who think you know all about Australia , US, or the West, think again. Unless you have really lived in these countries, i.e. paid a mortgage, paid taxes, taken part in elections, you do not understand the level of commitment and hard work it takes to be successful in these countries, not just for immigrants but for people who have lived here for generations.
These people are where they are today because of hard work. (Of course, I am not saying everyone in the US is hardworking. There is always the lazy lot which lives off of someone else's hard work. Fortunately, they are the minority.)
Every single person, anywhere, should have the opportunity to succeed if they want to put in the effort and be accountable for their own actions. In the end, they should be able to reap what they sow.
It is bearable that opportunities are limited depending on how well-off financially one's family is but when higher education opportunities are race-based, like it is in Malaysia ; it is downright cruel for those who see education as the only way out of poverty.
If you want to say discrimination is here in the US , yes, of course it is. Can you name a country where it doesn't happen? But let me tell you one thing - if you go looking for it, you will find it. But in Malaysia , you don't have to go look for it because it seeks you out, slaps you in your face every which way you turn, and is sanctioned by law!
Here in the US , my children have the same opportunity to go to school and learn just like their black, white, and immigrant friends. At school, they eat the same food, play the same games, are taught the same classes and when they are 18, they will still have the same opportunities.
Why would I want to bring my children back to Malaysia ? So they can suffer the state-sanctioned discrimination as the non-malays have for over 30 years?
As for being a slave in the foreign country, I am a happy 'slave' earning a good income as an IT project manager. I work five days a week; can talk bad about the president when I want to; argue about politics, race and religion openly; gather with more than 50 friends and family when I want (no permit needed) and I don't worry about the police pulling me over because they say I ran the light when I didn't.
Comments:
I found this from the internet. Just put it up to see whether it is of interest to you.
I am a female Chinese Malaysian, living in the Washington DC area in the United States .. I have read many of the letters that often talk about foreign countries when the writers have no real knowledge of actually living in those countries.
Many draw conclusions about what those countries are like after hearing it from someone else or by reading and hearing about them in the media or after four years in a college town in those countries.
I finished STPM with outstanding results from the prestigious St George's Girls School in Penang . Did I get a university place from the Malaysian government? Nothing. With near perfect scores, I had nothing, while my Malay friends were getting offers to go overseas.
Even those with 2As got into university. I was so depressed. I was my parents last hope for getting the family out of poverty and at 18, I thought I had failed my parents. Today, I understand it was the Malaysian Government that had failed me and my family because of its discriminatory policies.
Fortunately, I did not give up and immediately did research at the Malaysian American Commission on Education Exchange (MACEE) to find a university in the US that would accept me and provide all the finances. My family and friends thought I was crazy, being the youngest of nine children of a very poor carpenter. Anything that required a fee was out of our reach.
Based on merit and my extracurricular activities of community service in secondary school, I received full tuition scholarship, work study, and grants to cover the four years at a highly competitive US university.
Often, I took 21 credits each semester, 15 credits each term while working 20 hours each week and maintaining a 3.5 CGPA. A couple of semesters, I also received division scholarships and worked as a TA (teaching assistant) on top of everything else.
For the work study, I worked as a custodian (yes, cleaning toilets), carpet layer, computer lab assistant, grounds keeping, librarian, painter, tour guide, etc. If you understand the US credit system, you will understand this is a heavy load.
Why did I do it? This is because I learnt as a young child from my parents that hard work is an opportunity, to give my best in everything, and to take pride in the work I do.. I walked away with a double major and a minor with honours but most of all a great lesson in humility and a great respect for those who are forced to labour in so-called `blue collar' positions.
Those of you who think you know all about Australia , US, or the West, think again. Unless you have really lived in these countries, i.e. paid a mortgage, paid taxes, taken part in elections, you do not understand the level of commitment and hard work it takes to be successful in these countries, not just for immigrants but for people who have lived here for generations.
These people are where they are today because of hard work. (Of course, I am not saying everyone in the US is hardworking. There is always the lazy lot which lives off of someone else's hard work. Fortunately, they are the minority.)
Every single person, anywhere, should have the opportunity to succeed if they want to put in the effort and be accountable for their own actions. In the end, they should be able to reap what they sow.
It is bearable that opportunities are limited depending on how well-off financially one's family is but when higher education opportunities are race-based, like it is in Malaysia ; it is downright cruel for those who see education as the only way out of poverty.
If you want to say discrimination is here in the US , yes, of course it is. Can you name a country where it doesn't happen? But let me tell you one thing - if you go looking for it, you will find it. But in Malaysia , you don't have to go look for it because it seeks you out, slaps you in your face every which way you turn, and is sanctioned by law!
Here in the US , my children have the same opportunity to go to school and learn just like their black, white, and immigrant friends. At school, they eat the same food, play the same games, are taught the same classes and when they are 18, they will still have the same opportunities.
Why would I want to bring my children back to Malaysia ? So they can suffer the state-sanctioned discrimination as the non-malays have for over 30 years?
As for being a slave in the foreign country, I am a happy 'slave' earning a good income as an IT project manager. I work five days a week; can talk bad about the president when I want to; argue about politics, race and religion openly; gather with more than 50 friends and family when I want (no permit needed) and I don't worry about the police pulling me over because they say I ran the light when I didn't.
Comments:
I found this from the internet. Just put it up to see whether it is of interest to you.
2009年8月4日星期二
Financial Cycle
Financial Cycle -
Dear Lovely Friend,
It is the month of August, on the shores of the Black Sea . It is raining,
and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is
in debt, and everybody lives on credit.
Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town.
He enters the only hotel, lays a 100 Euro note on the reception counter, and
goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to choose one.
The hotel proprietor takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his debt to the
butcher.
The butcher takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the pig
grower.
The pig grower takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the
supplier of his feed and fuel.
The supplier of feed and fuel takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his
debt to the town's prostitute that in these hard times, gave her "services"
on credit.
The hooker runs to the hotel, and pays off her debt with the 100 Euro note
to the hotel proprietor to pay for the rooms that she rented when she
brought her clients there.
The hotel proprietor then lays the 100 Euro note back on the counter so that
the rich tourist will not suspect anything.
At that moment, the tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms, and takes
his 100 Euro note, after saying that he did not like any of the rooms, and
leaves town.
No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now without debt, and
looks to the future with a lot of optimism.....
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the United States Government is doing
business today.
Dear Lovely Friend,
It is the month of August, on the shores of the Black Sea . It is raining,
and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is
in debt, and everybody lives on credit.
Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town.
He enters the only hotel, lays a 100 Euro note on the reception counter, and
goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to choose one.
The hotel proprietor takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his debt to the
butcher.
The butcher takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the pig
grower.
The pig grower takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the
supplier of his feed and fuel.
The supplier of feed and fuel takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his
debt to the town's prostitute that in these hard times, gave her "services"
on credit.
The hooker runs to the hotel, and pays off her debt with the 100 Euro note
to the hotel proprietor to pay for the rooms that she rented when she
brought her clients there.
The hotel proprietor then lays the 100 Euro note back on the counter so that
the rich tourist will not suspect anything.
At that moment, the tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms, and takes
his 100 Euro note, after saying that he did not like any of the rooms, and
leaves town.
No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now without debt, and
looks to the future with a lot of optimism.....
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the United States Government is doing
business today.
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