Pages

Apr 26, 2011

Our Minister Mentor’s Very First Election Speech in Mandarin


As Singapore went gaga over PAP’s youngest candidate Tin Pei Ling in the election line-up, less attention was paid to the candidate at the other end of the scale. The party’s oldest candidate at 87 years is in the league of world’s oldest parliamentarians; he has served his constituency faithfully for more than half a century and has indicated his intention to run again. For our battle-hardened Minister Mentor, the upcoming general elections would be his 14th; for new candidates like Tin Pei Ling they would be facing their baptism of fire. As I look back at MM Lee's first elections in 1955, I could not help but feel amused and yet am full of respect for the man.

Apr 22, 2011

Warm Reception at Malaysia Tourism Office in Kelantan

From Malaysian Tourism Office

A month ago, I went to Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, Malaysia. It was to be my last solo overseas mission for a very long time. My primary objective was to check out the Japanese landing site around Kota Bharu; that the Pacific War broke out first with the Japanese invasion of Kota Bharu (and not the bombing of Pearl Harbor) made it a very special place, not that many people can appreciate the historical significance. I also made it a point to check out this city on the east coast - the trip was my first visit to an east coast state - led by the opposition PAS party.

Apr 14, 2011

2nd Shot: St Gregory's Place Conservation

St Gregory Place - 2

St Gregory's Place is probably the most well-kept heritage secret in town. Tucked in the courtyard of Hotel Grand Park City Hall, the unsuspecting pedestrian or motorist passing along Hill Street would not know the existence of these conserved shophouses. I have blogged about the modern day St Gregory's Place earlier; today we will find out more about the conservation efforts vis-à-vis a few "Then and Now" comparisons.

Apr 6, 2011

My First Ice Ball at Singapore Food Trail

Food Trail at Singapore Flyer

Few weeks ago I read about the Singapore Food Trail, our first 1960s-themed food street, and made a note to visit the place. Last Saturday I finally got my chance. After my free visit to Asian Civilizations Museum (thanks Jerome for the heads up), I trooped down to the Singapore Flyer via Anderson and Esplanade Bridge for lunch.