Informal Dialogue With The Ex-Students of Brookes Business School Saga

This saga happened in Year 2007. It was about the now defunct Brookes Business School (BBS) falsely associating itself with RMIT and offering fake RMIT degree programmes. A significant number of Singaporean students were affected.

To better appreciate the current circumstances of affected BBS students, the MP of Hougang hosted an informal dialogue this evening with them.

Moving forward, Shin Leong organized the students into 2 informal sub-groups:

a) BBS Students’ Testimonies Gathering Sub-Group
b) Communication & Outreach Sub-Group

The group is actively seeking out fellow ex-students of Business School Saga to share and to pen down their testimonies.

Below are the details of the 2nd dialogue:

Date: 31st January 2012 (Tuesday)
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
Venue: To Be Confirmed

If you are keen to part of this informal dialogue, please email Edwin Yeow at (eylew1983@yahoo.com.sg) to indicate your attendance. Thank you.

Best Regards

Shin Leong

Shin Leong's Keynote Speech at The Book Launch of Veteran Chinese Author Tan Mui Hua

KEYNOTE SPEECH BY YAW SHIN LEONG, AT THE BOOK LAUNCH OF VETERAN CHINESE AUTHOR TAN MUI HUA ON 18TH DECEMBER 2011 (SUNDAY), 2.15PM, AT 115, KENG LEE ROAD SINGAPORE 308401 (NANYANG PHO LENG HUI KUAN) - An English translation is provided below:

1） 今天作为一位客人，我获邀出席《爱的足迹》和《戒烟》两部新著发布仪式。

2） 对于华文文学我认识得不多，但我还是接受邀请，荣幸出席今天的盛会，这是因为：

ⅰ） 陈美华先生（我亲切地称他美华叔）是南洋普宁会馆的宗亲。

ⅱ）美华叔也是我在武吉班让政府中学时的前辈，他就读于1961年O 水准班及1963年A 水准班。

ⅲ） 美华叔作为社会主义阵线议员王连丁先生的助手，是武吉班让支部秘书及社会主义阵线组织秘书，同时也是我的政治偶像之一。

3） 他在1966年10月26日接受任命到总部接受组织秘书的第一天，就被内部安全署逮捕，并在内部安全法令下被拘禁七年，直至1973年获得释放。

4） 美华叔在被拘禁期间开始写作，并完成首部8万字的华文小说《阿秋的婚事》。在那期间，他同时完成了长达40万字的华文散文著作《长夜阝水 笔》。

5) 自从他获释后，美华叔共完成了13部著作，获得无数华文文学奖项。事实上，美华叔的商界小说《窈窕淑女》是第一批在中国大陆销售的新加坡作品之一，他被誉为商界小说的始创者。

6） 他也是新加坡第一位长篇小说超过100万字的作家，他的巨著《狮城记》详尽描述了从上个世纪50年代至1965年新加坡的发展历程。这部作品对新加坡当年的政治、经济、社会和文化有深入的探讨与描述。

7） 《爱的足迹》这部长篇散文是新加坡首部超过15万字的散文作品。这部著作感人至深地追忆了美华对已故的女儿一份深爱。他32岁的女儿在仅仅新婚后一个月就不幸离世。

8）《戒烟》是包括《戒烟》这篇故事在内的17篇短篇故事的合集。

9） 美华叔不仅是华文文坛，而且是新加坡不可多得的瑰宝。他给与我启示并激发着我，他是一位信念坚定不移的人，坚持不懈创作，战斗着。尤其是在新加坡的华文文坛现状下：
（一）文学创作不是赚钱的活动，向来没有得到应有的重视，没有得到官方的支持，华文文学更是如此。

（二） 华文文学创作的道路更是一条崎岖曲折、艰苦难行的道路。华文文学的写作者不但刻苦耐劳、辛勤艰苦、埋头写作，还自掏腰包、花钱出书。这种不怕辛苦，不计个人得失的苦干精神是可贵的、是难得的、是值得学习。

（三） 可是，这种艰苦经营、辛劳的付出却得不到应有的回报，甚至是：华文读者越来越少。面对这样的惨淡情况，在座的各位华文作家前辈们还是坚持理念，继续埋头苦干。你们的精神值得深深的敬佩。

（四） 这次南洋普宁会馆资助美华出书，说明会馆对华文文学创作的重视和支持，这可以做为所有宗乡团体的楷模，希望所有宗乡团体仿效，让华文的创作得以在更顺通的道路前进。

10）对于目前英文背景下的年轻一代，了解这位华文前辈，感受他的思想和无畏的勇气尤为重要。我们中的文学巨匠，美华叔是我的英雄，他也一定是新加坡年轻一代学习的楷模，让我们向美华叔献上热烈的掌声。

11）谢谢大家。


饶欣龙在资深华文作家陈美华先生新书发布会的致辞 （2011年12月18日 星期天 下午2时15分于庆利路115号南洋普宁会馆）

1) I have accepted this invitation as Guest-In-Attendance to speak at today’s books’ launches of:

a) 爱的足迹 (The Footsteps of Love)
b) 戒烟 (Quit Smoking)

2) I am not an expert in Chinese literature but the reasons why I accepted the invitation are:

i) Mr. Tan Mui Hua (whom I fondly call Uncle Mui Hua) is a fellow clansman of Nanyang Pho Leng Hui Kuan.

ii) Uncle Mei Hua is my senior of Bukit Panjang Government Hgh School (BPGHS ‘O’ Levels Class of 1961 & BPGHS ‘A’ Levels Class of 1963), &

iii) Uncle Mei Hua is also one of my political heroes, being the Branch Secretary to Barisan Socialist MP for Bukit Panjang, Mr. Ong Lian Ten & Organizing Secretary of Barisan Socialist.

3) However on the first day of his appointment In 1966 (26th October), he was arrested by the Internal Security Department (ISD), and was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 7 years prior to his release in 1973.

4) Uncle Mui Hua started writing while he was in detention and completed his first 80,000 characters Chinese novel titled 阿秋的婚事(Ah Qiu’s Marriage). During that period, he also wrote the 40,000 characters Chinese Essay titled 长夜水笔 (Writings of the Night).

5) Since his release from ISA detention, Uncle Mui Hua has written a total of 13 books and is the winner of numerous Chinese literary prizes. In fact, Uncle Mui Hua was the author behind 1989’s 商界小说 (A Commercial World Novel) that was amongst the first Singaporeans’ works to be sold in Mainland China.

6) He was also the first Singaporean Chinese author to write a 长篇小说 (Lengthy Novel) that is more than a million characters. The title of this novel is 狮城记 (The Story of Singapore). This novella detailed the development of Singapore from 1950s-1965.

7) 爱的足迹 (The Footsteps of Love) is a 长篇散文 (long essay) and the first Singaporean Chinese long essay of more than 150,000 words. The Footsteps of Love is written in loving memory of Uncle Mui Hua’s late daughter (1976 – 2008) who passed away in her sleep at the age of 32, just one month after her marriage.

8) 戒烟 (Quit Smoking) is a collection of 17 short stories, including one on the subject matter itself.

9) Uncle Mui Hua is a rare gem of Singapore, not just in the Chinese literary world. I see him as an inspiration, a man who stood up for his convictions and kept on writing (fighting). Particularly, in Singapore’s Chinese literary scene:

i) Chinese creative writing is not a moneymaking enterprise and has never been given due recognition or much governmental support. Chinese literary is as such.

ii) The road of Chinese literary creation is a long, narrow and difficult path. Chinese writers not only have to work hard despite the difficulties, at times they have to even spend their own monies to get their books published. The spirit of overcoming obstacles and the willingness to accept and overcome obstacles is exemplary for many.

iii) Given such circumstances, the price of labor does not equate the fruits of labor. The truth is, Chinese readers are becoming lesser by the day. Given such sad state of affairs, I just want to give my deep respect and acknowledgement to the many Chinese literary greats, authors and artists in this room for your perseverance, conviction and spirit. Your fighting sprit has my deepest respect.

iv) The fact that Nanyang Pho Leng Hui Kuan is hosting and assisting Uncle Mui Hua in this book launch has made clear that the clan association’s support and role in Chinese literary creation. This possibly could be the model for all other Chinese clan associations to follow. I hope that, in so doing, collectively may our efforts to promote Chinese literary writings can enable a smoother path for current and aspiring writers.


10) It is important that our younger generation of English speaking Singaporeans know this Chinese gentleman, his ideas and his courage under fire. A chinese literary giant in our midst, Uncle Mui Hua is my hero and certainly a role model for Singapore’s younger generations. Let us give Uncle Mui Hua a big round of applause.

11) Thank you.

HGCC Christmas Children Party 2011

The MP of Hougang, Hougang Constituency Committee’s (HGCC) networks’ volunteers & WP members celebrated ‘HGCC Christmas Children Party with the children of Hougang yesterday.

It was a fun filled evening, where more than 500 children & their parents participated in carnival games, watched the enchanting dance steps of Hougang’s very own private kindergarten (Sunshine kids), Ukulele performances (School of Ukulele), musical showcase by talented students (SOTA) and fabulous lucky draw prizes.

Our children were very fond of the funny magic show, they loved the helium balloons and the gifts inside the door gifts packs. Our very own HGCC Santa Claus and Uncle Clown were a hit and many took photos with both of them.

In his Christmas message, MP Yaw Shin Leong shared with the children of Hougang that Christmas is about, being kind, caring for one another and helping each other. He also shared that Christmas is also ‘not about what your friends can do for you’ but Christmas is about ‘what you can do for your friends.’

In the same spirit as the above, HGCC is honored to host World Vision (Singapore) during the celebrations. HGCC is very pleased to note that Hougang residents have responded generously to World Vision’s call for essential items sponsorships. These sponsorships are meant to help needy children living in distant lands.

The evening also saw the MP of Hougang disbursing 71 HCET (Hougang Constituency Education Trust) bursaries to the needy students of Hougang. HCET was founded in 1991 by Mr. Low Thia Khiang and the continual disbursement of this Trust is possible because of the vast generosities exhibited by kind donors over the decades.

HGCC Christmas Children Party 2011 would not have been possible if not of the dedication and passion of HGCC’s volunteers working very hard behind the scene in preparing the games stations, the programmes and logistics behind the very successful party.

Last but not least, the MP of Hougang and HGCC networks wish each Hougang resident a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Click to view more photos here.

Informal Dialogue on Purpose Driven Citizenry

To share his perspectives and to better appreciate current thoughts on Purpose Driven Citizenry, the MP of Hougang will be hosting an informal dialogue with concerned Singaporeans.

Below are the details of the dialogue:

Date: 7th January 2012 (Saturday)
Time: 1.30 to 3pm
Venue: To Be Confirmed

If you are keen to part of the informal dialogue, please email Shaun Lee at (cheewai.lee.lcw@gmail.com) to indicate your attendance. Thank you.

Best Regards

Shin Leong

Discussion With Estate Agents (II)

Earlier this afternoon, Shin Leong hosted the 2nd informal dialogue with real estate agents (across agencies) to better understand the current issues and challenges face by real estate agents.

This second informal dialogue built upon the foundations of the 1st informal dialogue and was attended by over 30-odd Estate Agents.

Moving forward, Shin Leong organized the participants into 3 informal discussion groups:

a) *Review & Proposal (Version 2.0) Discussion Group
b) Communication Discussion Group
c) Corporate Social Initiatives Discussion Group

As the review and proposals are still work in progress, the enthusiastic group is seeking out fellow like-minded estate agents (& legal professionals) to play a part in the review + proposal to further professionalize the industry.

The updated views will be complied in a finalized paper to be submitted to relevant channels. Please email yawshinleong@gmail.com if you are keen to be part of this journey.

* The original Comprehensive Review Of the Estate Agent’s Bill (CROEAB) & Proposals To Improve Our Real Estate Industry (PTIOREI) could be found here:

http://yawshinleong.blogspot.com/2011/11/comprehensive-review-of-estate-agents.html

A third informal dialogue will be hosted once CROEAB & PTIOREI (Version 2) are up and submitted to various institutional stakeholders. If you are keen to be part of the third informal dialogue, please email Ms Koh Wee Leng at kohweeleng@gmail.com to indicate your attendance. Thank you.

Chinese Author Mr Tan Mui Hua to Launch Two Books

I have accepted an invitation as Guest-In-Attendance to speak at the books’ launches of veteran Chinese Author Mr. Tan Mui Hua (陈美华先生) on 18th December 2011 (Sunday), 2.15pm at 115, Keng Lee Road Singapore 308401 (HQ of Nanyang Pho Leng Hui Kuan).

The two books’ titles are:

1) 爱的足迹 (The Footsteps of Love)
2) 戒烟 (Quit Smoking)

I accepted the invitation to speak because:

a) Mr. Tan (whom I fondly call 美华叔 － Uncle Mui Hua) is my fellow clansman of Nanyang Pho Leng Hui Kuan (Teochew Clan Association)

b) He was my senior from Bukit Panjang Government Hgh School (BPGHS ‘O’ Levels Class of 1961 & BPGHS ‘A’ Levels Class of 1963)

c) He is one of my political heroes, being the Branch Secretary to Barisan Socialist MP for Bukit Panjang, Mr. Ong Lian Ten in the 1960s.

In 1966 (26th October), Uncle Mui Hua was appointed as Organizing Secretary of Barisan Socialist. However on the first day of his appointment, he was arrested by the Internal Security Department (ISD), and was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 7 years prior to his release in 1973.

He was officially locked up for the reasons of being a pro-communist and for participating in the protest movement against USA bombardment of Indo-China during the Vietnam War.

Uncle Mui Hua started writing while he was in detention and completed his first 80,000 characters Chinese novel titled 阿秋的婚事(Ah Qiu’s Marriage). During that period, he also wrote the 40,000 characters Chinese Essay titled 长夜水笔 (Writings of the Night).

Since his release from ISA detention, Uncle Mui Hua has written a total of 13 books and is the winner of numerous Chinese literary prizes. In fact, Uncle Mui Hua was the author behind 1989’s 商界小说 (A Commercial World Novel) that was amongst the first Singaporeans’ works to be sold in Mainland China.

He was also the first Singaporean Chinese author to write a 长篇小说 (Lengthy Novel) that is more than a million characters. The title of this novel is 狮城记 (The Story of Singapore). This novella detailed the development of Singapore from 1950s-1965.

爱的足迹 (The Footsteps of Love) is a 长篇散文(long essay) and the first Singaporean Chinese long essay of more than 150,000 words. The Footsteps of Love is written in loving memory of Uncle Mui Hua’s late daughter (1976 – 2008) who passed away in her sleep at the age of 32, just one month after her marriage.

戒烟 (Quit Smoking) is a collection of 17 short stories, including one on the subject matter itself.

Uncle Mui Hua is a rare gem of Singapore, not just in the Chinese literary world. I see him as an inspiration, a man who stood up for his convictions and kept on writing (fighting). It is important that our younger generation of English speaking Singaporeans know this man, his ideas and his courage under fire.

Do join me at this book launch. You may RSVP via this Events Page or telephone 6-253-6282 (Receptionist speaks only Chinese or Teochew). All are welcome!

Best Regards

Yaw Shin Leong

Words Of Wisdom

晨钟一击，警觉灵山方外客。
暮鼓三通，唤醒苦海梦中人

Raw Translation:
One strike of the morning bell stirs the hearts of reclusive individuals.
Three beats of the evening drum awaken the spirits of troubled souls.

Further Explanation:
The above is a profound inscription of wisdom found at doors of an old demolished temple in Singapore. The message is targeted at the capable but reluctant hearts who are unwilling to step forward to serve society. Concurrently, the message also offers a word of comfort and courage for the troubled to step out of their sadness.

Current Application:
Will you step forward to serve our country? Our country needs more willing, sincere & capable hearts to step forward. My WP comrades & I cannot do this alone. We welcome and look forward to hear from you. Do join us today at the Workers' Party!