I have the privilege of attending a training course on Economic Development in Singapore and today was actually the second day. I must say I’ve been enjoying it and so far have learnt a couple of ‘development tricks’.
Now, we (at least, I) often wonder how did Singapore do it? From Rags to Riches. From Zero to Hero. From Third World to First World. What are the secret recipes or the brilliance of it? Well, the answer is NOT so secret or complex at all! In fact, it’s all about simplicity.
We know for a fact that Singapore has no natural resource and uses its human resource to develop the country into what it is today. But it doesn’t mean Singaporeans are different from any other people in the world. What actually make Singaporeans appear to be superior (or cleverer or more hardworking) than Bruneians, for example, are simple basic rules that they live by.
1. Do Not Make Life Difficult: Especially for a small country where human resource is limited. We don’t have many people to handle too many regulations/jobs/complexity. Take Ease of Doing Business as an example. In Singapore, there’s only 1 form to fill and takes less than a day for a business application to be processed. Does this mean the Singapore government is not being vigilant i.e. by letting any Tom, Dick and Harry to set up whatever business he wants? Does this mean the business can be set up anywhere and anyhow it wants it to be? So how does the government ensure that any business is properly set up? The answer lies in no. 2 and no. 3.
2. Treat People as Humans with Brains: Normal human being should be able to think rationally and generally will abide by the rule. Not forgetting, almost everyone wants to do well for themselves. So a genuine businessman should follow whatever regulation there is.
3. Implementation is Key: No matter how perfect a policy is designed, without implementation, it is guaranteed to fail. So in our example of setting up a business, any businessman that does not follow the regulation, must be punished and treated according to the law. The implementation act is the perfect deterrence of any wrong-doing.
4. Think Ahead: Singapore policymakers are trained to think ahead, see the bigger picture, and to do something now in preparation for the future. This act of pro-activity as opposed to re-activity, to me, is the secret recipe to the Singapore success.
All of the above appear to have been applied to all sorts of policies including the administration such as the appointment of leaders and top management, the budget allocation and so forth and so on.
So to conclude, Singapore did not and perhaps never adopted any complex policy after all. All they did was applying the commonest sense in all of its development policy. And this continues until today. And it works.
Salaam.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Monday, 2 November 2009
Tips to a Blissful Marriage
I was reading the Star this morning and there was a story (news) on how the Terengganu state government wants to ‘spice up sex life of newly-weds’. The divorce rate in that state has gone up and apparently the main contributing factors are Body Odour (I cannot imagine!), Humdrum Sex and Boring Pyjamas (including those worn-out t-shirts that we so dearly love that actually horrify our other-halves) . I don’t know what the divorce rate is in Brunei or the causes. But I think these should also be addressed in Brunei pre-marital course (kursus nikah).
So before you buy ‘Tongkat Ali’ or ‘Kacip fatimah’ these are a few ‘investment for life’ products that are vital in every marriage:
1. Deodorant and perfume;
2. Lingerie for women (I need to buy these too!); and
3. Decent pyjamas/sleepwear for men.
It was also suggested that taking a bath/shower together can also help in the S department.
Ok, Abang……!
Salaam.
So before you buy ‘Tongkat Ali’ or ‘Kacip fatimah’ these are a few ‘investment for life’ products that are vital in every marriage:
1. Deodorant and perfume;
2. Lingerie for women (I need to buy these too!); and
3. Decent pyjamas/sleepwear for men.
It was also suggested that taking a bath/shower together can also help in the S department.
Ok, Abang……!
Salaam.
Friday, 30 October 2009
The Planet in Trouble
This morning I had the pleasure of attending a BEDB Forum entitled ‘The Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia’. I must admit, when I received the invitation I thought ‘oh dear, I will sleep..’. On the contrary, it was quite interesting and had me thinking that I should blog about this.
There was a presentation by the Asian Development bank (ADB) about how the climate has changed and caused the natural disasters. And that if the world continues its business as is, in about 50 years from now, the planet earth may no longer be a healthy planet to live in.
There was also a panel discussion on ‘Towards a Strategy on Climate Change: How Can Brunei Darussalam Contribute?’ Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay until the end of the discussion due to an office appointment. So, I didn’t actually get to hear from the experts what Brunei could and should do to help our planet which appears to be in great trouble.
Earlier on however, while listening to the remarks made by Dato T, which was as captivating as any of his previous ones, I began to list down what Brunei could do immediately without having to incur millions of dollars in cost. I would like to share this with you.
1. Public Education: Call it ‘Awareness’ or ‘Changing the Mindset’. This has to be done Pronto. This alone however will not have a big effect unless back by some policies because let’s face the fact, this does not appeal to our culture of ‘it’s –my-money-I-can-do-what-I-want-to’. So, by having some advertisement or one-off ‘awareness day’ (only) on the cost to the environment of diesel car or excessive electricity or excessive recyclable rubbish, my bet, will not change anyone’s mind let alone, centuries-old habits.
2. Policies: Now, before we talk about investing in solar power or wind power and what not, I think there are a number of policies that can actually make a difference.
First and foremost, look at the way we use the air-conditioner in the government offices! I tell you, in some departments frozen chicken can actually stay frozen for days if left in the rooms…well, ok I’m exaggerating, but some offices ARE cold. Now, can’t we have some sort of regulation to ‘cap’ the temperature? They do this in Japan, I was told.
What about the use of energy-saving light bulbs? Are these being used in all departments?
Before we ask the public to recycle, please can we practice what we preach? I do not recall ever seeing a recycling bin or box in any of the government building (at least in those I’ve been to). Well, they don’t have to be expensive or special bins, the normal ones with some pictured labels should be enough I think. I mean, if my children’s school can do it, I’m sure government departments can do it too, no?
Other ideas in my head (which may not easily implementable) include the encouragement for supermarkets to charge their plastic bags. Those plastic bags are not free in the first place. So let the consumers know how much they really cost.
Limit the number of parking spaces in government buildings, so people can be encouraged to come in twos.
And I can go on..
But the point of me writing this is that yes..we can contribute..We can start at home. (We do). You may say, ‘I alone won’t make a difference’ but if everyone contributes in his or her own little way, I’m sure it will.
Salaam.
There was a presentation by the Asian Development bank (ADB) about how the climate has changed and caused the natural disasters. And that if the world continues its business as is, in about 50 years from now, the planet earth may no longer be a healthy planet to live in.
There was also a panel discussion on ‘Towards a Strategy on Climate Change: How Can Brunei Darussalam Contribute?’ Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay until the end of the discussion due to an office appointment. So, I didn’t actually get to hear from the experts what Brunei could and should do to help our planet which appears to be in great trouble.
Earlier on however, while listening to the remarks made by Dato T, which was as captivating as any of his previous ones, I began to list down what Brunei could do immediately without having to incur millions of dollars in cost. I would like to share this with you.
1. Public Education: Call it ‘Awareness’ or ‘Changing the Mindset’. This has to be done Pronto. This alone however will not have a big effect unless back by some policies because let’s face the fact, this does not appeal to our culture of ‘it’s –my-money-I-can-do-what-I-want-to’. So, by having some advertisement or one-off ‘awareness day’ (only) on the cost to the environment of diesel car or excessive electricity or excessive recyclable rubbish, my bet, will not change anyone’s mind let alone, centuries-old habits.
2. Policies: Now, before we talk about investing in solar power or wind power and what not, I think there are a number of policies that can actually make a difference.
First and foremost, look at the way we use the air-conditioner in the government offices! I tell you, in some departments frozen chicken can actually stay frozen for days if left in the rooms…well, ok I’m exaggerating, but some offices ARE cold. Now, can’t we have some sort of regulation to ‘cap’ the temperature? They do this in Japan, I was told.
What about the use of energy-saving light bulbs? Are these being used in all departments?
Before we ask the public to recycle, please can we practice what we preach? I do not recall ever seeing a recycling bin or box in any of the government building (at least in those I’ve been to). Well, they don’t have to be expensive or special bins, the normal ones with some pictured labels should be enough I think. I mean, if my children’s school can do it, I’m sure government departments can do it too, no?
Other ideas in my head (which may not easily implementable) include the encouragement for supermarkets to charge their plastic bags. Those plastic bags are not free in the first place. So let the consumers know how much they really cost.
Limit the number of parking spaces in government buildings, so people can be encouraged to come in twos.
And I can go on..
But the point of me writing this is that yes..we can contribute..We can start at home. (We do). You may say, ‘I alone won’t make a difference’ but if everyone contributes in his or her own little way, I’m sure it will.
Salaam.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
That's Life!
I know it's been a long while of me updating this blog. Sometimes I wish there are more than 24 hours in a day. I can tell you my life has never been busier..(Can I do another PhD?!). Busy at work and equally busy at home. A boss at work, an amah at home hehe. That's life!
Actually there is so much in my head that I'd love to write about. Maybe one of these days.
For now, I just want to wish all Muslim readers, Happy Fasting..let's embrace the last 10 nights of Ramadhan..and at the same time Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya..
A reminder to myself and readers, Spend wisely! Buy Needs, avoid Wants! In the words of one very distinguished religious Pehin, "Tidak Kedekut, Tidak Membazir" (Not miserly nor wasteful).
Salaam
Actually there is so much in my head that I'd love to write about. Maybe one of these days.
For now, I just want to wish all Muslim readers, Happy Fasting..let's embrace the last 10 nights of Ramadhan..and at the same time Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya..
A reminder to myself and readers, Spend wisely! Buy Needs, avoid Wants! In the words of one very distinguished religious Pehin, "Tidak Kedekut, Tidak Membazir" (Not miserly nor wasteful).
Salaam
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Dewasa Bernegara Part 1
I’ve been back for more than 4 months but I still cannot accept how Bruneians, especially parents, actually live. They don’t seem to value their lives and their children’s. I’m referring to the use of safety belts in the cars of course. Everyday, everywhere I see children jumping up and down in the passenger seats. What is worse, I always see parents who actually drive with a child on his/her lap. Once, I actually saw a car swerved in the middle of a road and when I looked at the driver, it was a man holding a crying BABY!
It looks like the law on child-seat and safety belts fall on deaf ears.
Some people blame it on the implementation of the regulations. They say the police are not doing anything about it so why should we. I say: when accidents happen, those policemen won’t lose their lives but you and your children will.
Some people say the child-seat is expensive. I say: more expensive than the lives of your children?
Some other people say their children refuse to sit in the child-seat and/or wear safety-belts. Since they don’t want to upset their children then let them do as they wish. I say: You don’t love your children!
I’m ashamed and saddened by the way we Bruneians see and live life. After 25 years of independence, do we deserve to be called ‘Dewasa Bernegara’ when we do not even want to be responsible for our own lives and that of our children? When we still need other people to look after our lives? When we still embrace the old-skool mentality of law-breakers as opposed to law-abiders?
Oh dear.
Salaam.
It looks like the law on child-seat and safety belts fall on deaf ears.
Some people blame it on the implementation of the regulations. They say the police are not doing anything about it so why should we. I say: when accidents happen, those policemen won’t lose their lives but you and your children will.
Some people say the child-seat is expensive. I say: more expensive than the lives of your children?
Some other people say their children refuse to sit in the child-seat and/or wear safety-belts. Since they don’t want to upset their children then let them do as they wish. I say: You don’t love your children!
I’m ashamed and saddened by the way we Bruneians see and live life. After 25 years of independence, do we deserve to be called ‘Dewasa Bernegara’ when we do not even want to be responsible for our own lives and that of our children? When we still need other people to look after our lives? When we still embrace the old-skool mentality of law-breakers as opposed to law-abiders?
Oh dear.
Salaam.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Islamic Banking in Brunei
This morning on the way to our children’s school we listened to ‘Pedoman’ (Nur Islam Channel) and the topic discussed was Islamic Banking. The good Ustaz was explaining the virtue of the system and so on and so forth, which reminded me of my fourth year Islamic Economics course that I took ages ago.
Although I can’t recall 95 percent of what I had learnt during my early twenty’s, the one thing that I still remember is that the system is based on ‘profit and loss sharing’ and the prohibition of ‘riba’ (interest).
Now, a few days ago, I bought a car and took a car loan from one of Brunei’s Islamic finance institutions. I am no expert in Islamic banking so I asked the loan officer to explain to me the difference between the car loan offered by them and those offered by the conventional banks. Well, his answer was simply we’re Islamic! Well, that didn’t answer my question, I pointed out to him that the monthly payment for the loan was exactly the same as the monthly payment that I would need to pay if I were to use a conventional bank. It was only a matter of preference!
I did not want to press the poor guy partly for the fear of rejection of my loan application and partly I knew it was not his fault in the first place. I actually asked the same question to a number of that particular bank’s staff whenever I visited it and I always got the same answer. It makes me wonder whether the bank has ever given its staff a training course on Islamic banking. I feel sorry if it hasn’t and I think it should.
Anyway, somebody please explain to me how Islam are the Islamic banks in Brunei? Frankly, I don’t see the difference between them and any of the conventional banks, in terms of their operation. They may not be involved in the financing of any of the unislamic activities such as gambling, entertainment etc. but I think in terms of profit and loss sharing- which is the basis of the system, they only share the former but never the latter, which to me makes them no better than any conventional bank.
So, please prove me wrong.
Salaam.
Although I can’t recall 95 percent of what I had learnt during my early twenty’s, the one thing that I still remember is that the system is based on ‘profit and loss sharing’ and the prohibition of ‘riba’ (interest).
Now, a few days ago, I bought a car and took a car loan from one of Brunei’s Islamic finance institutions. I am no expert in Islamic banking so I asked the loan officer to explain to me the difference between the car loan offered by them and those offered by the conventional banks. Well, his answer was simply we’re Islamic! Well, that didn’t answer my question, I pointed out to him that the monthly payment for the loan was exactly the same as the monthly payment that I would need to pay if I were to use a conventional bank. It was only a matter of preference!
I did not want to press the poor guy partly for the fear of rejection of my loan application and partly I knew it was not his fault in the first place. I actually asked the same question to a number of that particular bank’s staff whenever I visited it and I always got the same answer. It makes me wonder whether the bank has ever given its staff a training course on Islamic banking. I feel sorry if it hasn’t and I think it should.
Anyway, somebody please explain to me how Islam are the Islamic banks in Brunei? Frankly, I don’t see the difference between them and any of the conventional banks, in terms of their operation. They may not be involved in the financing of any of the unislamic activities such as gambling, entertainment etc. but I think in terms of profit and loss sharing- which is the basis of the system, they only share the former but never the latter, which to me makes them no better than any conventional bank.
So, please prove me wrong.
Salaam.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Still Alive
Finally, the broadband is now up and running. Thanks for still dropping by. Will write soon (although the choice of topic is now quite limited).
Salaam.
Salaam.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Friday, 19 December 2008
Bruneians and their toys
As I said never say never again, I cannot resist in making some comments regarding the more stringent enforcement of down-payment for car purchases. Firstly, I say it’s about time! This should have been enforced many years ago. Secondly, before many of you hurl all sorts of negative remarks toward the ministry and its directive, I urge you to think twice. Believe you me, this policy is not about making the rich gets richer or the poor gets poorer (i.e. the argument that poor-people-now-can –no-longer-afford-to-buy-cars or make it ‘expensive cars’), in fact it is the opposite.
The previous lax in the enforcement has made many Bruneians spent what they could not afford. This is what we called ‘wealth illusion’. We think we are ‘wealthier’ because we can afford to buy new and big cars, without even batting an eyelash. When in actual fact, we have actually trapped ourselves into ‘debt-slavery’. Don’t many of you feel that the more you earn, the less you actually take home? I’m not going to talk about how the US started (and now many parts of the world) its recession, but in one line, it is really due to this slavery.
Anyway, it should also bring good news to consumers. I am predicting (well hoping actually) that this policy will have an impact on the price of cars in Brunei. [To economics students, don’t read the next paragraph, think about it for a moment :)]
The policy will reduce the demand for cars. If the car-dealers are behaving ‘normally’, they will have to knock down the prices of cars (hurray for me! as we need to buy one) at the expense of their profit margin and perhaps the commission of our friendly car-salespersons. Either that or the interest rates will be knocked down.
So, there. That’s what I think and ought to happen. I’d be quite surprised if it doesn’t. I don’t think the demand will be unchanged since there are already too many cars waiting (at home) to be driven by too few people in Brunei.
Next, credit cards please!
Salaam.
The previous lax in the enforcement has made many Bruneians spent what they could not afford. This is what we called ‘wealth illusion’. We think we are ‘wealthier’ because we can afford to buy new and big cars, without even batting an eyelash. When in actual fact, we have actually trapped ourselves into ‘debt-slavery’. Don’t many of you feel that the more you earn, the less you actually take home? I’m not going to talk about how the US started (and now many parts of the world) its recession, but in one line, it is really due to this slavery.
Anyway, it should also bring good news to consumers. I am predicting (well hoping actually) that this policy will have an impact on the price of cars in Brunei. [To economics students, don’t read the next paragraph, think about it for a moment :)]
The policy will reduce the demand for cars. If the car-dealers are behaving ‘normally’, they will have to knock down the prices of cars (hurray for me! as we need to buy one) at the expense of their profit margin and perhaps the commission of our friendly car-salespersons. Either that or the interest rates will be knocked down.
So, there. That’s what I think and ought to happen. I’d be quite surprised if it doesn’t. I don’t think the demand will be unchanged since there are already too many cars waiting (at home) to be driven by too few people in Brunei.
Next, credit cards please!
Salaam.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
DONE
After having a 50-minute viva, I'm done! Yeayyy! Well I still have some corrections to do but Ya, I'm in Cloud 9..
Thank You to my darling husband and my beautiful daughters for their support and understanding in the last 4 years. Mama's coming home soon...!
Thank You to everyone who's been reading my ramblings for the past 2 years or so. Well, now that I'm about to go home and work (back to reality), there is a BIG possibility that I won't have the time to write as frequent as I want. Plus, I probably cannot write as freely as I want (in terms of topic)..so never say never, but there'll be less of me.
It really has been a pleasure...
Salaam
Thank You to my darling husband and my beautiful daughters for their support and understanding in the last 4 years. Mama's coming home soon...!
Thank You to everyone who's been reading my ramblings for the past 2 years or so. Well, now that I'm about to go home and work (back to reality), there is a BIG possibility that I won't have the time to write as frequent as I want. Plus, I probably cannot write as freely as I want (in terms of topic)..so never say never, but there'll be less of me.
It really has been a pleasure...
Salaam
Monday, 17 November 2008
Melayu Mudah Lupa
Our Malaysian friends held a farewell dinner for us last night. After the delicious beriyani and rendang, as usual we talked and discussed about the current issues. Last night’s discussion was interesting as it revolved around the ‘malay dilemma’ topic. At the moment, as you and I know, the racial tension in Malaysia is quite pronounced.
There were two camps last night. One opinion was that it is the malays’ right to be given the privileges given the fact that it is the malay land and therefore, the non-malays should not have any right to demand what is not rightfully theirs. And the success of the non-malays is seen as the result of some ‘conspiracy’ against the malays which include the policies that seem to be in favour of the non-malays or rather disfavour the malays.
Another opinion however believes that it is actually the malays themselves who are not utilising the privileges and opportunities that are given to them to their great advantage. The fact is ‘Melayu Mudah Lupa’ (Malay Forget Easily – the title of Mahathir’s book). We forget why we are given those privileges. Believing that they are our rights, we don’t value them anymore. As a result, we don’t work as hard as the non-malays (who have to survive) and the non-malays have emerged to be more successful, cleverer and wealthier.
And for this reason, we believe that there should exist a healthy competitive environment for the malays to prove that they are as good as or in fact better than the non-malays.
In Brunei, Alhamdulillah, we still live harmoniously together. Partly I believe is due to our small population and partly due to our ideology of ‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ (Malay, Islamic, Monarchy). As a result, the competition between the malay and the non-malay in Brunei is less severe or almost non-existent. This however does not mean that the Brunei malay is immune from the symptom of forgetfulness. In fact, we even take many things for granted. Take the ‘Ali Baba’ syndrome in the business sector for example. We want to be rich easily and quickly. Instead of genuinely running a business, we sell or rent out our permits and licenses to foreigners. As a result, the number of Brunei malays who have become true entrepreneurs that we can be proud is less than the ten fingers in our hands as compared to the number of business establishments (especially ‘kedai runcit’, barbershops and tailor shops).
Another example relates to the work attitude of the Brunei malays. The five-tea-break-a-day routine becomes the culture in the government sector. The attitude of ‘karang tah’ has lost the government millions of dollars in terms of productivity and even revenue-generation. As a result, the government sector, which is the first employment choice of any Brunei malay, is slow, inefficient and backward so much so that it can take weeks to send a letter within one tiny district, and months for the results of a few applications. (Come on! What is our population again?)
I totally concur with Dr. Mahathir who said “it is not race or ethnicity but the culture which determines the performance (of the people)”. So, to succeed we must change our culture. It is difficult, of course. To hope that we Bruneians will realize and change ourselves is probably a big wishful thinking.
Therefore, we have to create an environment that can change our perception of our rights of being Brunei malays, our perception of running a business and our perception of work – ‘work to live’ versus ‘live to work’ for our family and our country. We must look towards work as the true reward and take pride in our work, for without pride there may not be progress. This kind of environment may involve monetary reward but the reward should not outweigh the satisfaction of the achievement being made.
We have been blessed with oil and gas. We forget that this will not last forever. While the current generation probably cannot change, the next generation needs to change. We have to ensure that the next generation understands their purpose in life (which sadly is not understood by the current one). It is not an easy task but it has to be done.
Salaam.
There were two camps last night. One opinion was that it is the malays’ right to be given the privileges given the fact that it is the malay land and therefore, the non-malays should not have any right to demand what is not rightfully theirs. And the success of the non-malays is seen as the result of some ‘conspiracy’ against the malays which include the policies that seem to be in favour of the non-malays or rather disfavour the malays.
Another opinion however believes that it is actually the malays themselves who are not utilising the privileges and opportunities that are given to them to their great advantage. The fact is ‘Melayu Mudah Lupa’ (Malay Forget Easily – the title of Mahathir’s book). We forget why we are given those privileges. Believing that they are our rights, we don’t value them anymore. As a result, we don’t work as hard as the non-malays (who have to survive) and the non-malays have emerged to be more successful, cleverer and wealthier.
And for this reason, we believe that there should exist a healthy competitive environment for the malays to prove that they are as good as or in fact better than the non-malays.
In Brunei, Alhamdulillah, we still live harmoniously together. Partly I believe is due to our small population and partly due to our ideology of ‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ (Malay, Islamic, Monarchy). As a result, the competition between the malay and the non-malay in Brunei is less severe or almost non-existent. This however does not mean that the Brunei malay is immune from the symptom of forgetfulness. In fact, we even take many things for granted. Take the ‘Ali Baba’ syndrome in the business sector for example. We want to be rich easily and quickly. Instead of genuinely running a business, we sell or rent out our permits and licenses to foreigners. As a result, the number of Brunei malays who have become true entrepreneurs that we can be proud is less than the ten fingers in our hands as compared to the number of business establishments (especially ‘kedai runcit’, barbershops and tailor shops).
Another example relates to the work attitude of the Brunei malays. The five-tea-break-a-day routine becomes the culture in the government sector. The attitude of ‘karang tah’ has lost the government millions of dollars in terms of productivity and even revenue-generation. As a result, the government sector, which is the first employment choice of any Brunei malay, is slow, inefficient and backward so much so that it can take weeks to send a letter within one tiny district, and months for the results of a few applications. (Come on! What is our population again?)
I totally concur with Dr. Mahathir who said “it is not race or ethnicity but the culture which determines the performance (of the people)”. So, to succeed we must change our culture. It is difficult, of course. To hope that we Bruneians will realize and change ourselves is probably a big wishful thinking.
Therefore, we have to create an environment that can change our perception of our rights of being Brunei malays, our perception of running a business and our perception of work – ‘work to live’ versus ‘live to work’ for our family and our country. We must look towards work as the true reward and take pride in our work, for without pride there may not be progress. This kind of environment may involve monetary reward but the reward should not outweigh the satisfaction of the achievement being made.
We have been blessed with oil and gas. We forget that this will not last forever. While the current generation probably cannot change, the next generation needs to change. We have to ensure that the next generation understands their purpose in life (which sadly is not understood by the current one). It is not an easy task but it has to be done.
Salaam.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Snail Mail
Can somebody from the Postal Department explain exactly the process of receiving/sending mails/parcels in Brunei, please?
Until today I still do not understand how it can take almost 3 weeks for a letter from the UK to be delivered to someone in Brunei. This happened many times to us. For example, about 3 weeks ago, we sent a letter to Brunei. It was an important document but not too important for us to fork 45GBP to send it through DHL. So, we sent using an express UK mail service. With a given tracking code, we could track the letter through the internet. It was express alright, the letter reached Brunei in 2 days time. Unfortunately, the tracking system only applied in the UK so its whereabouts in Brunei, God knew! Thinking that it should arrive in safe hands within a few days, we were happy.
We were wrong. 2 days ago, the intended recipient asked where the letter was. We were gobsmacked! Finally, today we were told the letter has now finally arrived. It took exactly 18 days: 1 day in UK, 1 day travel, 16 days in Brunei.
Really, the term ‘snail mail’ literally applies to Brunei mail. What happened?
I don’t know about anyone else but a good, reliable postal service is crucial in providing a healthy and conducive business environment. Millions of e-bay UK sellers, for example, depend on the reliability of the UK postal service to deliver the goods in timely manner. Sending anything ‘First Class’ will usually mean next-day delivery wherever you are in the UK (the first time I experienced this, it knocked my socks off! haha). And you can claim for compensation if item is lost or damaged by the Post Office. So if the e-bay VP who is now in Brunei knows about the postal service in Brunei, I’m sure he will devote half his talk about the importance of a reliable delivery system.
Anyway, this is one service that can and should be corporatized (Read: the salary of all employees will depend on their ability to send letters/parcels quickly) so hopefully it can become efficient. I hear it’s in the pipeline. So, a big GOOD LUCK wish from me!
Salaam.
Until today I still do not understand how it can take almost 3 weeks for a letter from the UK to be delivered to someone in Brunei. This happened many times to us. For example, about 3 weeks ago, we sent a letter to Brunei. It was an important document but not too important for us to fork 45GBP to send it through DHL. So, we sent using an express UK mail service. With a given tracking code, we could track the letter through the internet. It was express alright, the letter reached Brunei in 2 days time. Unfortunately, the tracking system only applied in the UK so its whereabouts in Brunei, God knew! Thinking that it should arrive in safe hands within a few days, we were happy.
We were wrong. 2 days ago, the intended recipient asked where the letter was. We were gobsmacked! Finally, today we were told the letter has now finally arrived. It took exactly 18 days: 1 day in UK, 1 day travel, 16 days in Brunei.
Really, the term ‘snail mail’ literally applies to Brunei mail. What happened?
I don’t know about anyone else but a good, reliable postal service is crucial in providing a healthy and conducive business environment. Millions of e-bay UK sellers, for example, depend on the reliability of the UK postal service to deliver the goods in timely manner. Sending anything ‘First Class’ will usually mean next-day delivery wherever you are in the UK (the first time I experienced this, it knocked my socks off! haha). And you can claim for compensation if item is lost or damaged by the Post Office. So if the e-bay VP who is now in Brunei knows about the postal service in Brunei, I’m sure he will devote half his talk about the importance of a reliable delivery system.
Anyway, this is one service that can and should be corporatized (Read: the salary of all employees will depend on their ability to send letters/parcels quickly) so hopefully it can become efficient. I hear it’s in the pipeline. So, a big GOOD LUCK wish from me!
Salaam.
Not Likely to Change
Apparently our local youths still think that it is their given birth right to work in the government sector (here for full news). Oh perhaps, their life is still full of roses that having no job is better than having a low-paying job in the private sector.
To solve this dilemma, here’s a thought. Considering the government sector is already saturated (or so as I was told) i.e. it can no longer employ the whole 6000 job-seekers (and it shouldn’t be!), there should be some mechanism in place that should stop the idea that everyone can get a government job. And at the same time, make people value their private sector job or at least stick to their private sector job until their contract ends (with good behaviour). So I say, increase the level of qualification requirement and make ‘private sector employment’ a pre-requisite to the ‘popular’ public sector job.
Now, with regard to the ‘elaun sara hidup’, I think it’s either we scrap it off OR give to ALL Bruneians, fair and square (after all everyone is doing their bits to develop the country, regardless of the sector, no?)
Salaam.
To solve this dilemma, here’s a thought. Considering the government sector is already saturated (or so as I was told) i.e. it can no longer employ the whole 6000 job-seekers (and it shouldn’t be!), there should be some mechanism in place that should stop the idea that everyone can get a government job. And at the same time, make people value their private sector job or at least stick to their private sector job until their contract ends (with good behaviour). So I say, increase the level of qualification requirement and make ‘private sector employment’ a pre-requisite to the ‘popular’ public sector job.
Now, with regard to the ‘elaun sara hidup’, I think it’s either we scrap it off OR give to ALL Bruneians, fair and square (after all everyone is doing their bits to develop the country, regardless of the sector, no?)
Salaam.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Brain Food
In between shopping for a new house and packing to go home (sorting 4-year worth of stuff into ‘bin it’, ‘donate it’, ‘sell it’ and ‘bring it’ can be a pretty daunting task), I also try to catch up with my readings.
One of the books I just finished reading was ‘Predictably Irrational’ by Dan Ariely. It is insightful and entertaining (I laughed out loud reading this book, which is a rarity for an economics/business book) and that is why I’d recommend it to anyone. Written in simple english, it explains how we think we behave rationally, when in fact we are actually irrational and predictable. For example, we would be more willing to go (hunting) to different shops just to save $5 of a $15-good but would be less willing to save the same amount of money ($5) of a $500-good. So, if you have to buy 1 book this year, make IT this book. It can change how you think and hopefully can make us become 'rational' in our decision-making. It’s also good for any would-be entrepreneur and any businessperson as it contains a lot of marketing strategies.
A more serious book is ‘Rogue Economics’ by Loretta Napoleoni. This book is about the dark side of economic force. It actually makes me shiver that economics can actually cause misery to the lives of millions of people (in case you’re wondering, it is beyond ‘trade and globalisation’ stuff). Interestingly, her conclusion was that Syari’ah Economics could play a very positive role in saving the world from rogue economics.
Salaam.
One of the books I just finished reading was ‘Predictably Irrational’ by Dan Ariely. It is insightful and entertaining (I laughed out loud reading this book, which is a rarity for an economics/business book) and that is why I’d recommend it to anyone. Written in simple english, it explains how we think we behave rationally, when in fact we are actually irrational and predictable. For example, we would be more willing to go (hunting) to different shops just to save $5 of a $15-good but would be less willing to save the same amount of money ($5) of a $500-good. So, if you have to buy 1 book this year, make IT this book. It can change how you think and hopefully can make us become 'rational' in our decision-making. It’s also good for any would-be entrepreneur and any businessperson as it contains a lot of marketing strategies.
A more serious book is ‘Rogue Economics’ by Loretta Napoleoni. This book is about the dark side of economic force. It actually makes me shiver that economics can actually cause misery to the lives of millions of people (in case you’re wondering, it is beyond ‘trade and globalisation’ stuff). Interestingly, her conclusion was that Syari’ah Economics could play a very positive role in saving the world from rogue economics.
Salaam.
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Battle of the Sexes
While watching President-elect Obama and his staff having a meeting in the news today, it dawned to me that out of the 20 or so people sitting around the table, there were only about 3 females. Why? Are we less productive? Less capable? Less educated than men?
In Brunei, for example, this year alone about 80 per cent of UBD graduates were females but I bet this percentage does not reflect the number of female high-ranking officers (directors and above) in the government sector or even in the private sector. OK forget Brunei, according to Fortune magazine, in 2007 women made up only 2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs.
I found this interesting article from Slate that explains why we still live in a male-dominated world. Apparently, there are three reasons: 1) women are more risk-averse. 2) conscious discrimination still exists and 3) unconscious discrimination (despite women working harder). And according to this article, mothers earn 75 percent as much as men while childless women earn 95 percent as much as men of the same age and the same job.
Oh dear, apparently we women still can’t have it all.
Salaam.
Click here for the list of 50 Most Powerful Women in the world.
In Brunei, for example, this year alone about 80 per cent of UBD graduates were females but I bet this percentage does not reflect the number of female high-ranking officers (directors and above) in the government sector or even in the private sector. OK forget Brunei, according to Fortune magazine, in 2007 women made up only 2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs.
I found this interesting article from Slate that explains why we still live in a male-dominated world. Apparently, there are three reasons: 1) women are more risk-averse. 2) conscious discrimination still exists and 3) unconscious discrimination (despite women working harder). And according to this article, mothers earn 75 percent as much as men while childless women earn 95 percent as much as men of the same age and the same job.
Oh dear, apparently we women still can’t have it all.
Salaam.
Click here for the list of 50 Most Powerful Women in the world.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
The World in History
It's official. The most powerful man on earth is now Barack Obama.
This proves that nothing is impossible in this world, as long as you work (hard) for it.
Click here for his victory speech.
(Oh please God, Brunei needs someone like this to make changes!)
Salaam
This proves that nothing is impossible in this world, as long as you work (hard) for it.
Click here for his victory speech.
(Oh please God, Brunei needs someone like this to make changes!)
Salaam
Sunday, 2 November 2008
TAP
I was reading the news about TAP today and I couldn’t help doing a quick calculation on my own TAP. And I am worried. Because I don’t think I will have enough money to support myself, let alone to support my family, when I retire until I die.
With the current TAP contributions of 10 % (5%-employee & 5% employer), by the time I retire I will probably earn about $200K. Now, let’s say I live for another 20 years then my monthly retirement will be about $800. I have not taken factors such as inflation which will make the $800 have a lesser value, and Brunei-without-oil which will probably mean I need to spend more for my basic necessities such as medical care.
Oh dear. What should I do? Contribute more seems to be the suggestion.
But hang on, what about those who are earning less than me? What about those who have many children to support? Who, even now, are difficult to make ends meet. How can they possibly ‘voluntarily pay more’ in their contributions?
Anyway, I googled Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (click CPF for a quick summary) which is their TAP equivalence (but more superior). What I find very interesting is their principal behind their scheme:
I don’t know about you but the word ‘guarantee’ stands up. With their total of 30% contribution (10% employee, 20% employer) surely can make that happen. And reading further, there is a required minimum sum to be met, which at the moment is around $100K.
Now, I don’t mean to criticize and belittle anyone’s effort but we seriously need to review our TAP scheme. For a starter, I don’t see any harm in increasing the employer’s contribution. As for those who are working in SMEs, whose employers can’t make the increasing contribution, shouldn't they deserve a miniscule slice of oil income?
Salaam.
With the current TAP contributions of 10 % (5%-employee & 5% employer), by the time I retire I will probably earn about $200K. Now, let’s say I live for another 20 years then my monthly retirement will be about $800. I have not taken factors such as inflation which will make the $800 have a lesser value, and Brunei-without-oil which will probably mean I need to spend more for my basic necessities such as medical care.
Oh dear. What should I do? Contribute more seems to be the suggestion.
But hang on, what about those who are earning less than me? What about those who have many children to support? Who, even now, are difficult to make ends meet. How can they possibly ‘voluntarily pay more’ in their contributions?
Anyway, I googled Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (click CPF for a quick summary) which is their TAP equivalence (but more superior). What I find very interesting is their principal behind their scheme:
Over the years, the success of the CPF scheme has depended on values such as self-reliance, good work ethos and family support. Besides encouraging self-reliance, the various schemes underscore the members’ responsibilities as parents, children and breadwinners. The values that the CPF both promote and rely upon include: Standing on one’s own two feet. Every CPF member is encouraged to work, even beyond his retirement age. The CPF savings will guarantee him a comfortable retirement. Even those with modest savings will have enough for basic needs. This self-reliance—funding one’s own retirement instead of relying on the future generation—is a vital element of the scheme.
I don’t know about you but the word ‘guarantee’ stands up. With their total of 30% contribution (10% employee, 20% employer) surely can make that happen. And reading further, there is a required minimum sum to be met, which at the moment is around $100K.
Now, I don’t mean to criticize and belittle anyone’s effort but we seriously need to review our TAP scheme. For a starter, I don’t see any harm in increasing the employer’s contribution. As for those who are working in SMEs, whose employers can’t make the increasing contribution, shouldn't they deserve a miniscule slice of oil income?
Salaam.
Life
Life has been busy in the past one month (hence, the absence of post). First of all, I am very pleased to announce that I did it! I’ve finished and submitted my thesis in under 4 years (Alhamdulillah) and now I’m waiting for my viva. I don’t mean to brag but a few of my colleagues asked me how I managed to do it considering I also have a family to look after i.e. being a full time mom and a housewife.
Well, I must admit it was not easy and without the help from my husband, I don’t think I could manage (Thank You, Abang!). But most importantly I guess, is to keep on doing your work, every day. If you ask me, I don’t have any pattern. I would do my work anytime of the day, whenever and as long as I could (this ranged from only 15 minutes to 2 hours per day). If I had to follow a pattern, say only night time or early in the morning, I don’t think I could finish. What is also important I think is that once you start doing your work, you need to focus. When your concentration is gone, then stop doing your work or try to do something that requires very little or no thinking. There has to be some quality with the work you’re doing. There’s no point in sitting in front of a computer for 5 hours if nothing comes out of your head. You only end up bidding for handbags in ebay (which unfortunately happened to me a few times :p) and become upset when you don’t win them.
Oh and don’t forget to pray, du’a to Allah S.W.T to give you the understanding, the memory and to be always full of ideas and thoughts that can assist you in your study.
Anyhoo, I would like to say to those moms or would-be-moms out there who are now studying or who are thinking of going back to school, you can do it! Insya Allah, God will help you.
Salaam.
Well, I must admit it was not easy and without the help from my husband, I don’t think I could manage (Thank You, Abang!). But most importantly I guess, is to keep on doing your work, every day. If you ask me, I don’t have any pattern. I would do my work anytime of the day, whenever and as long as I could (this ranged from only 15 minutes to 2 hours per day). If I had to follow a pattern, say only night time or early in the morning, I don’t think I could finish. What is also important I think is that once you start doing your work, you need to focus. When your concentration is gone, then stop doing your work or try to do something that requires very little or no thinking. There has to be some quality with the work you’re doing. There’s no point in sitting in front of a computer for 5 hours if nothing comes out of your head. You only end up bidding for handbags in ebay (which unfortunately happened to me a few times :p) and become upset when you don’t win them.
Oh and don’t forget to pray, du’a to Allah S.W.T to give you the understanding, the memory and to be always full of ideas and thoughts that can assist you in your study.
Anyhoo, I would like to say to those moms or would-be-moms out there who are now studying or who are thinking of going back to school, you can do it! Insya Allah, God will help you.
Salaam.
"Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily,
it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise" (Baqarah 2:32)
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Eid Mubarak 1429/2008
Eid Mubarak!
May the Blessings of Allah
Fill Your Life With Happiness
And Open All the Door of Success
Now and Always.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
Terkasar Bahasa, Tersinggung Perasaan, diPohonkan Kema'afan.
Salaam.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
RBA And.....
...One angry employee ( BB Opinion 24 Sept 2008):
Salaam.
What's happening with our national carrier?
Where is our national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines heading?
A few months back, I remember they were boasting about the arrival of their new airplanes, the Boeing 777. But the new airplane is nowhere to be seen.
All that is left are the old Boeing 767s with seats, which in my opinion, is worse than a budget airline.
I do not see any major improvement as yet. First, the gone B777 deal and this year, the hope of getting merit increments and bonus for staff look bleak with nothing so far.
Unfortunately for those who resigned, the employer's TAP contribution is also affected from the employee's end of service benefits.
In its commercial side, I see failures especially in the decision-making. I have been in the sales and marketing industry and I personally think their commercial department needs a major overhaul putting those specialising in that field rather than putting a pilot or engineer instead. I guess, they just have the wrong people for the wrong critical positions.
Salaam.
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