Intersting...

I think we should have this in our streets. A PR idea perhaps? In any case its a beauty to see coordination and style. Reminds me of the MK chain of restaurants in Bangkok, where all the waiters just stop and dance whenever a music is played every 20min or so...cos dancing makes all of us happy!

Elitist Chauvinist Pig

Ah, Elitism is breeding amongst us. It is a disease that infects us subconsciously and we only realize it when reality strikes.

It is inevitable especially in society where meritocracy is prevalent. Just refer to our educational system. We've been streamed or "put into our places" since primary school, you're smart if you land in EM1, screwed if you're in the Accounts or Arts class in secondary school. I was from the Accounts class, and we were told that being in the "last" class, we have already closed many doors in life -- Oh come'on... Coming into adulthood, the pain is more evident. There are annoyingly sanctioned paths to success in Singapore. Private/Investment Banker, Doctor, Lawyer, are all the desired paths. Take the boom of the financial sector in the last 3 years or so. Every university grad wanted to get into the banking band wagon. Never mind if you're not suited for the position or it is'nt your passion, status co is more important.(one of the reasons why bad banking practices occur -my previous article) Such society pressures actually restrict talent to be harnessed in the most efficient way. Our government is not really concerned actually. Lack of sporting or artistic talent? Import blatantly. (I shall explore this issue in another article ya.) Our free market economy, capitalism, materialism and government direction all contribute to the elitist chauvinist concoction.

Such meritocracy makes us Singaporeans painfully aware of our relative positions in society. We just need a form of measurement and feedback to satisfy our need for status co. A MNC company, a corporate rank, your office address, will quench that need. No where in the world will being an insurance agent, or doing sales for a multi level marketing firm bring about such social stigma. Its really astonishing sometimes.

Adding to that ingredient of elitism is that we are insufferable materialist. Nothing titillates our senses more than the Bang & Olufsen system, BMW car or Hermes bag. It is actually very human and even more so for Singaporeans. How about the 5Cs, something we all aspire to attain once we enter the workforce? Basically such superficial items helps you differentiate yourself and put you in an elite class of citizens.

In retrospect,we really can't fault the Singapore government. Human capital is our one and only resource. We must stay competitive externally and internally. Performance triumphs all else. Lure of the elite class will attract more wealth, talent and lead the nation to its development path.

On a personal level, I am guilty in certain aspects. Being educated in Singapore Management University, it is real simple to identify with the elitism mindset. Almost everyone is fighting for that management trainee spot in JP Morgan, Mckinsey, GE, just to name a few. Most of us come from the upper or middle upper class families, and traveling to places like Eastern Europe or America on a study exchange is becoming more of a norm. We are marketed as the best, and thus we think we are the best.

Here's my take on how to eliminate the elitism mindset in us.
1) Be aware of the difficulties of others. We don't have to look too far. There are many needy families in Singapore too. My university professor once mentioned that the gross average/mean monthly income of a Singapore household is a mere $2500. Go figure.
2) Volunteering. Being aware is not enough, action is required.
3) Appreciate a person for who they are. Character, passions, interests should take precedence when we want to know a person. NOT where he works or studied or whether he drives.
4) Finally, to totally get out of the rat race and for a total change of mindset, I suggest to relocate to another country, something that I intend on.....

Poetry in motion

Everyday I watch this and try to emulate it at the range. I emphasize TRY...

A Banker's Reflection

Ever stopped in the midst of work one day and reflect on the meaning of our job? How does it add value to society? Is it a function of life?

Being in the midst of this unprecedented credit crisis, I can't help but question the validity of my job. Have we bankers lost all sense of morality in the craze for sales and dough? One caveat. When I mention bankers, I refer to the sales people. In my short 3 years, I have witnessed far too many misrepresentations and incompetencies. It could be generalizing on my part, but safe to say that our beloved regulator, MAS has been sitting on the sidelines for way too long. The way bankers are remunerated needs to be changed. The way how bankers are motivated only by the carrot is preposterous. With the ridiculous targets thrown, what kind of personal relationship do you expect to cultivate with the clients?

Treat this banking crisis as a blessing in disguise, re structure, rebuild the respect and professionalism into the profession. On a personal note, I hope that there are more fee based independnt financial advisors out there. I even salute those who give financial advice and charge by the hour, just like how lawyers or doctors do. We need more professional financial practioners like that. If developed countries in the US, UK and Australia are practising it, I don't see why Singapore cannot follow suit. It all balls down to the consumer, and the regulators. First, the consumer must see the value in seeking such advise. Now that the financial Tsunami has occured, it is hopeful to think that most clients treat investments more seriously, and not some sure win game of chance. On the other hand, the regulators need to tighten its belts on bad practices among the financial institutions, especially the banks and raise the qualification and competency level of the practitioners. This is the way forward, especially if Singapore wants to be a financial hub in the coming decade.

I really question the need for a bank to segmentize itself into mass, emerging affluent and high net worth. Well, of course the simple rationale is for profit maximising, stakeholders satisfaction, blah blah. But if we look at in from another angle, from my perspective as a Relationship Manager in a bank, why should a poor man's money be any different from a rich man's one? Why is it that the high net worth category of customers get all the pampering, aesthetics, and most importantly better banking products? I'm just jaded to a certain extend. I understand that its all the effect of capitalism, elitism, which can be clearly witnessed from this little island of ours.

The Beginning

Let the pen be your sword, some might say.

Too myopic, too immeresed, well that's a shame, and it happens to all of us as we get caught in this rat race of life.

Let this blog shape who I am,
Let this blog be a portal of knowledge
Let this blog engrave memories that I cherish
Let this blog ignite the passion that's within
Let this blog lead to the path of enlightenment

Intro

This blog is dedicated to me, a reflection of the past, present & future...