Heritage Trail

Fort Canning Park

On 7/7/18, My friend and I took the MRT to Clarke Quay. It was a 5 Minutes walk to Fort Canning Park. The weather was a little breezy, the sunlit clouds drifted across the clear blue sky.

 Finally, we reached and were greeted with a flight of stairs.

The park was originally known as Bukit Larangan, or 'Forbidden Hill' in Malay.

After a tedious climb, we reached the top. A breathtaking scenery captivated us. This made the climb so much more worth it.

This photo does not do justice to the scenery we saw...

Followed up, at the corner of my eye, I saw something moving around which caught my attention. Astounded, it was a rooster! No, there was two rooster and three chickens. 

That rooster is so gorgeous, the colour of the feathers is so vivid. I have never seen such a beautiful rooster before. The ones that I have seen at a farm were all dull and dirty.
Followed up, we went further in and saw a tall pole with different flags hanging over it.  

My friend and I were curious about it, and we went down to take a look. It is called a Flagstaff and it was an integral part of Singapore's maritime role, announcing the arrival of the ships. However, it was replaced with a new Flagstaff made of steel when the British regained Singapore following the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. Yet, the new flagstaff was short lived and was taken down. Thus, this Flagstaff I saw is a faithful replica of the wooden structure that had played such an important role in Singapore's maritime trade. 

As interesting as it is, we continued with our trail.
Not far, we saw a lighthouse and went to check it out!

 The Fort Canning Lighthouse was completed in 1903, with an elevation of more than 60 metres. With its superior height, it was immediately accepted as an important navigational aid for ships moving in and out of Singapore's water. Soon in 1904, it was upgraded.
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore (1942-1945), the lighthouse was neglected due to the new rulers. However, what made me felt touched was the dedicated and faithful lighthouse keepers who had operated the facility before the British surrendered. They risk their lives to conceal critical components of the lighthouse mechanism, rendering the lighthouse unusable to Japanese.

We continued walking further in and saw the Keramat. At first, I was afraid to take a look as I saw the tomb. But my friend just dragged me along. I found out that the tomb belongs to Keramat Iskandar Shah where an ancient ruler of Singapura. The Sejarah Melayu or Malay Annals, refer to Iskandar Shah as Sri Sultan  Iskandar Shah, the descendant of Paduka Sri Maharaja and heir to the Singapore Throne. He is the fifth in a line of kings and ruled Singapura for three years. 

He fled Singapura when he was attacked by a Javanese and eventually founded Melaka which causes him to change his identity. He ruled Melaka for twenty years and was succeeded by his son, Raya Kechil Besar. I was still unsure of this after reading the board at fort canning, so I went to do find out more online.

After the Keramat, we went into this sheltered place. It was the Archaeological Dig, it is a small, open-air exhibition. The first archaeological dig at the site took place in 1984 and was sponsored by the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company. Which led to the discovery of artefacts from as far back as the Yuan Dynasty (established in 1200). This location was strategically chosen for excavation as it was believed to have a higher likelihood of being undisturbed.

The Archaeological Dig   

Just in front of the Archaeological Dig, we saw a white building which looked quite new among everything we have seen. So we went to look take a look at it and we found out that is the first time of marriage. It was the Registry Of Marriages. We never knew ROM was at Fort Canning till today! 

One and a half hour had past and we decided to head back as it was the clouds were turning grey and the sky was gloomy. On our way back, my friend said this " it is so cool how they maintained the structures and we did not even learn this during History lessons! " I agreed on what she said and I ponder on our way back " this is Singapore history and me myself as a Singaporean do not know our history well until today. "

Objective

 As a citizen of Singapore, I feel that we should really have a knowledge of our country history. By knowing them, we can understand why our country has developed the way it is today. It has allowed me to become much more integral to know about our country's culture, customs, and relations with other countries, as well as beliefs and attitudes about Fort Canning. After this trail, I  appreciate where I come from and understands why my country is what it has become.

Frankly, this trip was indeed a heritage trail which I have learned so much from it. I felt that I have become a better citizen then what I was before. And I would love to share it with my family and friends for them to play a part in being a citizen. I strongly encouraged my friends to visit Fort Canning Park. Moreover, they hold musical events in the evening to hang out and chill there! 

Run Your House

Doubts on managing household finances?

I have interviewed my mother on how she runs the house financially.

Firstly, there are six factors in spending

1. House loan
2. Foods & groceries
3. Insurance
4. Education fee
5. Transportation
6. Bills eg Telephone, Shopping, Credit Card & Holidays

After knowing the detailed financial planning by my mum, I am truly amused by it. And I came to realise how running the house may not seem as easy as it seems to be. There are many responsibilities in doing so. 

Here are some tips I got from my mum in financial planning

1.Envelope system  on a weekly basis 

2. Set a budget table

3. Review your financial plan regularly

The Envelope System is an amount set for a category, and place it in an envelope and spend it from there. For eg, if the weekly budget on food is $100, $100 is placed in an envelope and it can only be spent from there. It does not necessarily to be an envelope.
Budget Table is an example of the pie chart above but it can be more detailed. To allow effective planning.
  Reviewing your financial plan as your resources, needs and situations might change, thus it should be adjusted if changes occur. And also to keep track of your financial planning. 

Other than that, I have learned a 50-20-30 framework. This rule allows a simpler planning and keeps your goals in check as well.

50% of your income: This is for the essentials which pay for your basic needs such as Housing Loans, Foods, Bills etc. Each expense is different in amount and will vary in terms of the individual.

20% of your income: Saving 20% of earn income. This second step includes additional savings and funds you have beyond your basic survival. It acts as a rainy-day fund which allows any inevitable crisis to be saved.

30% of your income: This acts as a disposable income which allows entertainment and leisure to oneself such as luxury items, holidays or other expenditures that are not necessary for your day to day basis. One reason why it has a larger scale than your savings as it has a broad spectrum which varies from our cell phone plans, gadgets you use, dining at restaurants so on and so forth.

I feel that this rule would be really effective as it offers a simple way of financial planning and establishes a good habit. And it is also a good start for those who are having difficulty in planning. 

Objective

Starting today, I am going to spend my money wisely and I should have plan my finance as well. Even though I do not have a house to run yet, I would to start early and have a habit of planning so I would be prepared in the future when I own a house. I am also very proud of my mum and I would want to learn more from her. I used to get annoyed by her nagging whenever she asked us to off the lights when it is not in use or save the water as the price of the water have increased. But now I understand and I would try to save the electricity and water meanwhile saving the earth as well. And of course, I will participate in the Earth day from now on.

As a citizen, this would help me and my country a lot as well. As being able to plan my finance well, I will not be ended in debt and lending money from an illegal company which would cause unwanted fear and troubles for myself and the close one next to me. Also, by keeping control of my finance I would also save the electricity and water. Which kills two birds with one stone as I will be able to save on my utility bills and helping my country and earth to save its resources. A second of thoughts, I feel that most people have been complaining about the surge of price in water. However, what I realised was also how everyone started saving water. I feel that our government might have done this a reason and I perceived it is for good of the citizens. Thus, I would not blame our government for the surge of price in water. This does not mean that we have to always say yes to the government. But what I feel that is we should support our government and gives opinions if we find something that we do not agree with. Afterall, whatever the government does is for the benefits of the citizens.

What/How To Eat

A meal for $10 for 2!

How to make the most of a tight budget without sacrificing flavour or variety. With a few calculated indulgences, you can make a stunner of a meal. 

Processing
 The budget I have is $10 for two people.

Many factors occur to me, whether if it will be filling and putting the healthy plate scheme into consideration. After much consideration and roaming around the supermarket, I have decided on cooking salmon spaghetti with peas and Cambell chicken soup.

I got a salmon fillet for $5.05 and spaghetti for $1.95. For the peas, it was $1. Lastly, the Campbell soup was $1.65. The total cost of it was $9.65.
In The Kitchen 

I started preparing dinner at 6pm, by cutting the salmon into half and marinating the salmon with salt and pepper. I placed the marinated salmon in the fridge for it to absorb the flavours in. Followed by boiling the spaghetti with a pinch of salt and the chicken soup for a good seven minutes with constant stirring. Lastly, I fried the salmon three minutes each side and the peas for roughly seven minutes with olive oil for a healthier option. After the spaghetti is cooked, I stir fried them for five minutes and add a little chicken soup to make it creamy so that it will not be very dry.

Why did I choose this dish
 I wanted to fulfil the healthy plate scheme into this meal. Spaghetti is made out of starch and what I was lacking was protein and vegetables thus, I choose salmon and peas. Additionally, a side dish of chicken soup is served to sooth the dryness of the salmon.

Served

Salmon Spaghetti with Peas and Chicken Soup

Here is the feedback I got from my diner who is my Mom.

" The salmon taste good and the vivid peas makes me feel healthy. It was as appetizing as it looks. The portion was just nice to go with the chicken soup. I think its value for money for a meal that is under $10. I had an enjoyable meal with Mitch."

Through this project, it teaches me about financial planning as my budget was only $10. I had to consider many factors when getting the ingredients such as the healthy plate scheme and the portion for two people. Cooking it was not really a big deal to me, as it is not my first time cooking. And for the first time, I am really thankful to my parents that taught me to cook at the age of  14. To my astonishment, it was not as challenging as I thought it might be as the budget did really worry me at first. I did replace quite a number of ingredients when I was shopping. Initially, I wanted to get a packet of mushrooms however I had to give up on that as my budget exceeded. After all the detailed thinking, I came up with my current dish.

Worth it?
After preparing this dish, I realised this per serving costs only $4.825 round up to $4.80. In a restaurant, it would roughly cost about $15. For example, Swensen sells their Salmon pasta with mushrooms for $14.90 without the soup. 

Objective

This makes me feel that eating at home is much better than eating out as it is cheaper and healthier. And I get to save a sum of money. Cooking at home allows me to bond more with my family as I get to chat with them while we are eating. Secondly, I find that cooking is an essential/survival skill as well. As eating is a daily part of our life in any case, if we are do not have money to buy food, we can always cook what is there in the fridge. 

References

• URLhttp://www.streetdirectory.com/businessfinder/menu/119970/30314/Pasta/486/
• Website TitleDifferent Types Of Cheesecakes
• Article TitleSwensen's Singapore | Product & Services Online Catalogue
• Date AccessedJuly 14, 2018

Responsible Pet Owner

Photo from City of Grand Prairie

What does it take to be a responsible animal? For myself, I have two pets a dog and a hamster. 

                                        

                                                 Ice
                                                (Japanese Spitz)

Pancake
(Syrian dwarf)

 
Ice is 7 years old this year and Pancake is 3 months old!

As much I love animals, I know that it has a lot of responsibility to own one. There are many factors to consider as it is a lifelong commitment towards them. Factors are such as the basic needs of the pet and the well being of them. 

How does this affect being a good citizen? Well, it plays a big role in it.

Due to some actions of the pet owner and the pet, it may cause some misunderstanding. For example, owning a dog might cause unhappiness between neighbours if the dog is not well trained. It may be due to the constant barking of the dog that is disturbing the neighbours. 

Residents may get upset with dog's faeces lying around the floor without being cleared as well.
I have seen some dogs that are unleashed and run around the neighbourhood. It might frighten those who are afraid of dogs and also unhappiness to the Muslim. As they are not allowed to have any physical contact with a dog. Even though some Muslims may not be as strict, It would still cause an inconvenience to them.
This is a poster that I recently saw around my house estate. A few days ago, I was chatting with another dog owner named, Derrick. He shared with me that there was a guy who shouted at him " WASH! CLEAN! " when his dog was peeing. Derrick calmly told him that it is not necessary to shout. At the time, Derrick did not have any water to rinse the pee away. Thus, he said he does not have any water to do it and walked away. To my surprise, the guy threatened the owner to kill his dog. This incident really allowed us to reflect and improve ourselves in being better responsible pet owners.

In my opinion,
I think that the guy that shouted who shouted should have talked nicely to Derrick. And also as a pet owner myself, I would only pick up my dog faeces and would not normally clean up his pee. It might seem a little absurd to clean the urine as well. As we do not bring water down with us while walking the dogs. But after some thoughts, a dog's urine might cause unhappiness among the residents as well. However, I feel that it is fine if a dog urine on the grass. Maybe this is something we should discuss when I meet Derrick again. Probably we can bring a small water bottle to rinse the urine away on the floor or the corner of the wall. I feel that Derrick could have explained to the guy why we do not clean our dog's urine as we do not have a habit to that and maybe the guy who shouted will understand.

Being the best pet owner

The first step to being an outstanding pet owner, according to Dr Becker, is taking responsibility. Research on your pet breed knowing what is their characters, the number of walks they need, the portion of food they eat and their maintenance. Knowing the basics of your pet’s upkeep ensures you won’t be caught off guard by troubling behaviour. 

Learning to detect your pet's stress helps too. Major indicators of stress to watch out for include Excessive yawning, licking of lips, shaking dry when not wet, trembling, avoiding or hiding or Hardening of the eyes.

You can reduce their stress by for example If you have a vet visit, “don’t get the carrier out the night before,” give them a few days to get prepared. If they’re nervous alone or travelling, play soothing music, or draw the shades. The fewer stimulus pets receive from the outside world, the less anxiety they’ll have about events outside their control.

Control the pet's reproduction to avoid overpopulation which may lead to them being abandon.  

Some breeds have a harder time socializing than others, but nobody benefits from an antisocial pet. Dr Becker offered these techniques for introducing your pet to strangers:

• Meet on neutral territory, where nobody feels territorial.
• With humans (read: mail carriers), give them the treat to feed your pet.
• With other animals, time and patience are key. Reward calm behaviour

Here are some tips to be a responsible pet owner when walking your dog and make our community a better place!

1. Socialization and appropriate training for your pet to facilitate their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people. 
2. Preventing your pet from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment. This includes proper waste disposal and noise control.

Objective

As a citizen, we should spare a thought for our neighbour and the people around us that might be affected due to our negligence. Thus, being responsible pet owner would contribute a lot towards the society. And what I have realised is also how I get to know more of the neighbours in my estate whenever I walk my dog, Ice. This is also another way of bonding with them and getting to know them well. As at times, we might need their help one day since they are living the closest among us. I feel that maintaining a good relationship with our neighbours is crucial. It also allowed the neighbourhood to become much more joyful and livelier! As whenever I go to school, I would bump into my neighbour from another block and she would always say have fun in school which did really make my morning.

References

• URLhttps://www.purina.com/about-purina/better-with-pets/11-ways-to-be-the-best-pet-owner
• Website TitlePurina
• Article Title11 Ways to be the Best Pet Owner: Advice from Dr. Marty Becker
• Date AccessedJuly 14, 2018
• URLhttps://www.gptx.org/city-government/city-departments/animal-services/responsible-pet-ownership
• Website TitlePublic Art | City of Grand Prairie
• Article TitleResponsible Pet Ownership
• Date AccessedJuly 14, 2018
• 
  

  

Made In Singapore

Here are some Brands made by SIngaporean companies

1. Tiger Balm 🐯
2. Nippon Paint 
3. UIC Detergent
4. Osim 
5. Prima Taste Sauce Kit - Chilli Crab 🦀

I never knew Singapore was so independent in upbringing their own companies. What caught me off guard is Osim. I never knew this internationally well-known brand, Osim was a home brand until today. 

Photo by OSIM

                                          

The founder of Osim is a Singaporean named Ron Sim Chye Hock who is a businessman and investor. After an estimation of three centuries ago, the businessman saw an opportunity in the healthcare products industry in Singapore. 

Here is a brief description of his background:

He comes from a destitute family which led to difficulties to pay for his tertiary studies. At the age of 8, he had to take up odd jobs such as selling prawn noodles and being a waiter to support his family. Albeit, he found out that he has a talent for doing sales.

OSIM

OSIM International Ltd was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Singapore. It offers massage chairs, foot reflexology rollers, diagnostic equipment, neck and shoulders, handheld massagers, and fitness equipment. Initially, it was named Health Check & Care in 1987. In 1994, he decided to rename the company as OSIM, a combination of his own surname, with the "O" to represent the world. 

Failures & Successes
When the recession hit Singapore in 1985, it was clear to the young company that the small island nation had no economy of scale and, if the company wanted to grow, it would have to seek out new markets.
The first step overseas was to Hongkong in 1986, followed by moves into Taiwan, Malaysia and China. By the time the Asia financial crisis hit in 1997, they were not affected due to the strength of the brand which has grown to more than 590 OSIM outlets in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. However, just having more stores isn't enough. OSIM's success has attracted a range of competitors and copiers. 
Not all of OSIM's moves have gone smoothly, though. During the global financial crisis of 2008, OSIM had to take a write off of " a couple hundred million dollars" for the Brookstone deal. Since then OSIM had become much more structured and systemized, and Sim has taken it upon himself to be more involved in the financial side of things.


Through this research
I am pretty ashamed as I never knew Singapore has the capability of setting up its company of its own. I feel that we should not deem ourselves even though we are just from a little red dot. This has really changed the way I think and broaden my horizon. Understanding Singapore so much more. I always think we are just a small country and is impossible to be successful in Singapore as the others might despise us too. But this has taught me that if I, a Singaporean is ashamed of myself then, of course, the others would not support me too. Most of the successful people does not come from a wealthy family and is it because of their hard work which led them to be successful. To my surprise, Singapore has many capable individuals that can be globally recognized in the future. This has proven to me that Singapore should not undermine their local talents and give them a chance by helping to develop these talents. Also, giving the proper support such as financial schemes etc. instead of looking for foreign talents. After reading up on OSIM, what astounded me was how Mr Ron give a solution to every problem he faced and had never raised the white flag. We should really learn from him for his perseverance and determination no matter what crisis he faced. Today, I am really proud to say I am a Singaporean.

If I were an inventor
I would like to invent a machine with a medical AI inside to be able to form formulae of medicine to cure any diseases such as cancer, aids or uncommon illness. For instance, if a pregnant lady found out that her fetus has development issues. There will be medicine to cure the issue. This would give a chance for the fetus to live. Every life is precious, and I perceived we should cherish and protect each an every life the best we can! Thus, I would love to create such machine to save every life. Since I am taking Food Science and Technology for my diploma, I would be learning science and I can pursue in the medical field for my degree. Maybe one day, I will be able to invent this! And I would proudly say I am a Singaporean.

Reference 

• URLhttp://thinkbusiness.nus.edu/article/osim/
• Website TitleThinkBusiness Zheng He Exploration and collaboration Comments
• Article TitleOSIM and the use of celebrity marketing
• Date Accessed6 May, 2018

Unusual Occupation You Can Ever imagine!

"What do u want to be when you grow up?"

frequently asked by our parents and friends and the common replies are " Lawyer! Doctor! Teacher! "

Have you ever thought of jobs that are uncommon? I am here going to share with you some jobs that you never imagined of!

1. Professional Ad-Clicker
   Ever dream of having a job without having to stand up and is less tedious? Well, dreams do come true! You are only required to log in to shady-looking websites with weird fonts plastered all over their main page to start your ad clicking business!
   You can easily earn an extra income of $300/month by just working your finger.
   
   
2. Food Stylist
   A food stylist is a creative professional who prepares food for photographs or television. They often work closely with chefs, editors, and photographers. Food stylists usually prepare food dishes and use styling techniques so the food looks appetizing as well as lasting for the length of the photo shoot.
   
   
3. TCM Vet/Nurse
   Traditional Chinese Medicine may be getting more common in Singapore. An alternative choice besides looking for the western doctors. But TCM for fury animals? Yup, it exists. Like the effects TCM has on humans, TCM proves itself to aid our pets in recovering at faster rates than commercially available medicine with visible improvements in just one session. 

Choosing it as my career
There are more unusual occupations around the world. These are a few that I find extraordinary.

What caught my eye is Food Stylist. I find it interesting as it is a very detailed job such as when placing the food. A good sense of art is crucial to let the consumer find the food appetizing. I personally think it might suit me as I have a passion for art and at the same time, I love food. Thus, I would love to try out this job. This job requires a lot of patience as well as helping me with my time management. Additionally, the course I am taking at Singapore Polytechnic is Food Science and Technology. Which has a broad spectrum in my career field and I would definitely try being a food stylist as my career.

More about Food Stylist 

Photo of Din Tai Feng featured dish
 which is called  " xiao long bao "
Photo by Din Tai Feng

Most people may think food stylist just sit at a kitchen table and make a pretty plate and someone takes its picture. Food styling may not be as it seems to be, it is actually a very physical job, 8-10 hours of sanding, hustling with melting food, wilting leaves and cheese pull. It might be tiring and stressful, but I perceived I would feel good when I see the outcome of the photo in which the food was stylist would be worth it. Many food stylists work as freelancers, but some companies do hire in-house food stylist. Such as Restaurants or cookbook publishers, they would hire food stylists to arrange their food menu pictures. The income of a food stylist varies on the number of projects they have if they are freelancing. Otherwise, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistic, these professionals made an average salary of $40,890.

Tami Hardeman

After all the research, Tami Hardeman's photo caught my attention. She started off being a food stylist in June 2000 and then a food writer/photographer/recipe developer in 2006. Her blog is called running with tweezers. The meaning with her blog name was because at it's most obvious, its a play on the Augusten Burroughs novel, but it is also what she does at her job everyday.
 She also did a $30 challenge for a week which inspired a lot of people including myself. This challenge is where she only has $30 budget for a week. She was motivated by this challenge was due to several factors. Firstly, it was because times were tough for a lot of folks these days. Secondly, hunger issues are the cause she most believes in. She wants to draw attention to the food and hunger issues that many struggles with, particularly our current times of layoffs and foreclosures. As good the responses were, she felt her voice is not loud enough. Thus, she calls out to folks in the blogsphere to join her in the Eat on $30 challenge.

Here are some of her work
Left: Photo from Tami Hardeman
Right ( A recipe book she published) Photo by Penguin Random House
 

Objective
I never knew Food Stylist exists as a job until today. I doubt many people know such job exists too. And some might even feel that it is a very easy job as it is just styling food, just like helping someone to dress up. As a citizen, I  think that everyone should be open to all the jobs that are in the world and not judge just based on its job title. We should have an open mind and understand any job before putting a conclusion to it. We should also support each other as there is always a reason behind it. Some do it out of passion, some do it to keep the house running, some do it to feed themselves. This also teaches me that every job is possible as long as there is a passion for it. I believe you can turn your passion into an actual business. We should not view things as it seems to be, yet to think of the box. As there is a Chinese idiom  “规矩是死的， 人是活的” which means the rules are dead but humans are alive.






























References

• URLhttps://www.dintaifung.com.sg/
• Website TitleDin Tai Fung Singapore
• Article TitleDin Tai Fung Singapore
• Date AccessedJuly 14, 2018

• URLhttp://www.commoncreativatlanta.com/?p=2633
• Website TitleCommonCreativ ATL - Celebrating Atlanta's Creativity
• Article TitleQ & A | Food Blogger and Stylist Tami Hardeman
• Date Accessed May 5, 2018
• URLhttp://www.commoncreativatlanta.com/?                                                                                      p=2633http%3A%2F%2Fwww.runningwithtweezers.com%2Fthe-                                              30-project%2F
• Website TitleCommonCreativ ATL - Celebrating Atlanta's Creativity
• Article TitleQ & A | Food Blogger and Stylist Tami Hardeman
• Date AccessedMay 5, 2018
• URLhttp://www.tamihardeman.com/#work
• Website TitleTami Hardeman's Portfolio
• Article TitleTami Hardeman Food Stylist
• Date AccessedMay 5, 2018
• URLhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548305/pulse-                                                     revolution-by-tami-hardeman/9781465459190/
• Website TitlePenguinRandomhouse.com
• Article TitlePulse Revolution by Tami Hardeman
• Date AccessedMay 5, 2018