Teaching students to be savvy across borders

Lately, there has been much buzz over the idea of an education that will qualify you to get a job anywhere on the globe. This concept of "global education" is more than going overseas to study and live in a foreign country. Education programmes with a global slant emphasise the study of cultures and the issues faced by different nations and communities, and seek to develop skills and attitudes among students as active global citizens. As part of their curriculum, many students go abroad to study one or more semesters. Usually they returned with fond memories of their experience and the bonds of friendship they formed abroad. One former University of London student, Pow Poh Wun, recalls, “I did a summer exchange in Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. It not only broadened my horizon on global accounting practices, it also provided ample opportunities for me to network with people from different countries and to understand their diverse cultures as well.” Poh Wun, 25, graduated in 2013 with a BSc in Accounting and Finance (First Class Honours) and now works as an accounting trainee with Singapore Press Holding. He experienced the different teaching style and student culture in Korea, and he found Korean students to be very hardworking. For instance, most of them were learning three languages in addition to their normal curriculum, he says with admiration in his voice. Learning one or more foreign language is definitely a smart way to fit in. A global perspective frees students from the shackles of racial, provincial and nationalistic prejudices, the “us-vs.-them” attitude, so that their thinking and problem-solving takes into account the whole of human society and the diverse environments we live in. Students develop the consciousness and willingness to accept the other – i.e. individuals of different backgrounds, race and religion. In their course of study, the students get many opportunities to explore social change, poverty and wealth, rights and responsibilities, identity and diversity, peace building, sustainability and global justice. They learn to respect and trust the stranger beyond the horizon, and are willing to offer help when communities beyond their shores are in crisis. Hence, despite the not insignificant sum that goes into study trips and overseas semesters, parents have identified global education as a worthwhile investment for their children. They are willing to put up the fees to support their children’s pursuit of global education either locally or in foreign institutions. The hope is for their children to undergo the valuable experience a global education can provide and gain socio-cultural insights. Thus, the importance of global education cannot be understated because of the vast exposure it can provide to students. Not only can a global education facilitate the broadening of international perspectives and development of global empathy, it also gives students the competitive edge in the working world.

Secret of good writing -- hire an unfriendly sub-editor

I stumbled upon this blog posting by someone called "Offbeat Girl" while checking out the Pick the Brain site. She was talking about writing and voiced the same old myths that you can improve and eventually be a great writer if you wish hard enough, write nonstop, copy certain bloggers, and pick up some sure-win techniques of successful writing.

Here's an excerpt from Offbeat Girl (note the not-so-subtle way she blew her own trumpet):

Does my writing suck? It’s all a matter of perception, isn’t it? Some might respond, “Are you kidding? You are a guhhh-rrreaat writer!” and it might be very true, because not everyone can write well. But there will also be others who have read a great deal of books, and studied various forms of writing, who might peer at my work and go, “Meh. Could do a lot better.”

Here’s my personal answer to my own question: I think I make a decent writer, but if I don’t add value and improve this skill, then yes, I will eventually suck.

I’m still a big piece of work-in-progress, really. There are various types of writing technicalities and methods that I still do not understand. And as far as blogging goes, I wish I could be a great content marketer, a la Brian Clark of Copyblogger.

I couldn't resist posting a comment. Here's what I wrote:

Your writing doesn't "suck" (whatever that means) but, in your own words, you're adding nothing of value to the string of words. But why am I on your site? I stumbled on it simply because I read and value Pick the Brain thoughtful articles and saw a side link to your site with an intriguing headline about learning.

Since I'm here, I might as well add some unsolicited comments about your naive assumption on writing.

You don't just write and write or adopt a certain writing "method" or follow certain "techniques" to be a better writer. What you need is to have something worthwhile to reveal -- a secret way to make a million dollars, the discovery that the Earth is an egg not a globe, that Colonel Gaddafi is Tony Blair's long-lost twin bro, that when you send your dress for dry cleaning, they merely vacuum it, iron it and charge you a fortune.

Then you hire a mean newspaper-type sub-editor to plough through your text, and to cut, cut, cut all the lor-sor parts (i.e. 90 percent of it) and ask you insulting questions on every single meaningless phrase that you wrote. "What do you mean by saying, I eventually suck? Eventually means when? When you are 90 years old? Suck what? Are you implying somewhat downright filthy?"

The only person I am aware who wrote seemingly endless, meandering streams of text BUT where every phrase is a gem of humour and insight is Mark Twain. But you and I are not Mark, so we need unfriendly sub-editors to re-sculpt our words and reduce a chunk of stone into a compact, crafted, meaningful narrative.

If you can't afford a sub (they're paid $6,000-$9,000 p.m.), be one yourself. Take your own text and regard it as a piece of shit from someone you dislike. Then slash through it and see if there's anything left that is worth publishing.

7Skies Communication: What does CEO really expect of PR?

7Skies Communication: What does CEO really expect of PR?

Are you dying to travel?

Last Friday (Jan 7) two young Frenchmen were killed in Niger, less than 24 hours after being kidnapped, according to French military officials.

The bodies of the two 25-year-olds, one an aid worker and the other his childhood friend, were found in the desert near the West African country's border with Mali after an unsuccessful rescue operation.

Mr Antoine de Leocour had been living in the Niger for two years and was planning to marry a local woman last Saturday. His friend, Mr Vincent Delory, had flown to Niger to be best man at the wedding and arrived on Friday afternoon, a few hours before they were kidnapped by terrorists.

There are many more unsafe countries where civil war, suicide bombing and gang fights are common, such as in Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Sierra Leone and the border region of Pakistan.

Not so obvious but just as dangerous would be countries that appear to be attractive but where poverty is widespread and criminal gunmen operate freely.

Brazil, where the next soccer World Cup is to be staged, is the prime example. The big cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo are the murder capitals of the world. Sao Paolo has over 5,000 murders annually, while Rio has a murder rate of 18 a day. Even the cops in Brazil are crooked and can't be trusted.

How about the United States?

Would you believe it, even the United States is also a dangerous place to visit! New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC (where President Obama hangs out) and Detroit have high murder rates. Here are some scary figures: Every 5 minutes a rape is reported, and every 30 seconds an aggravated assault is conducted (somebody gets badly beaten up).


In Brazil, don't get caught in a crossfire between police and criminal gangs (picture above)

KISS of success

There are formulas for just about every task and activity under the sun, from making money in the stock market to winning the hand of the girl of your dream.

It has been shown, however, that the simpler the formula, the better it works.

So, whether you’re writing a million-dollar business plan, moving house or organising your own wedding, Keep It Short and Simple (KISS).

Not too long ago, two Stanford University students decided to develop an Internet search engine that would be simple in design and simple to use, and give you only the results that you want, without ads, animations and other distractions.

The rest of the world agreed with the two, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, that their search engine, which they called “Google”, was indeed simple and effective, making Google a runaway success, and one of the biggest companies in the world.

Consider the stock market. There are all kinds of “technical analyses” to predict whether a stock is going up or going down or just stagnating. You can ignore these complex formulas. According to an American investment guru Al Thomas, a straightforward, simple rule in investing in shares is, “If it doesn't go up, don't buy it!”

A few years ago, the giant European manufacturing company Philips decided to change its philosophy by adopting the motto, “Sense and Simplicity”. Everything it produces, from electronics to household appliances, should be both sensible and simple for its customers. As a result, Philips’ products continue to compete successfully against those made by the Japanese, Koreans and Taiwanese.

Living can be so difficult, so why make matters worse? To enjoy the KISS of success, following these four cardinal rules:

Rule 1: Do one thing at a time

Don’t multi-tasking, it doesn’t work. When your attention is divided between multiple tasks at the same time, you cannot do well in any one of them.

So, focus on only one task, do it well and complete it, BEFORE moving on to another.

Rule 2: Slow down your movement

Slowing down means you have the time and energy to notice things and enjoy them – your children at play, the sinking sun under the treetops, the aroma of morning coffee. What’s the point of living if you don’t have time to live because you’re always in a rush?

Rule 3: Give yourself space

We are emotionally attached to things, especially those that glitter – jewellery, electronic gizmos. Most of the time, you don’t need them. Free your life of clutter (including the latest cell phones and computers).

Rule 4: Reduce your purchases

The best things in life are free. Of course. Spend time with your family (at home, not in some pricey cruise), stroke the cat, listen to music.

Spend money on only the things that matter, not on indulgences. Shopping as therapy will make you bankrupt fast!

No time to stand and stare
Here's a poem to guide your action throughout the New Year:

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

The poet, W H Davies (1871-1940) lived the kind of life he wrote about. Born in Wales in the UK, Davies went to America and lived the life of a tramp. One day, he lost a leg when he jumped out of a train (an occupational hazard!). Davies returned to England where he continued to live the life of a tramp and wrote poetry along the way.

What will the Rabbit bring for you?

Whenever Chinese New Year approaches, almost everyone (non-Chinese included) is anxious to find out what will happen to them in the next 12 months.

The so-called "scientific" way is to consult political and economic analysts, but these fortune-tellers are so inaccurate in their predictions that no one trust them any more except the morons running big corporations and public institutions. The green parrot at the traditional roadside fortune-teller stall gives better answers.

Personally, I consult the ancient Taoist Almanac and the I-ching (Book of Change) if I want to divine the year ahead.

Here's a summary collated from my research on what you can expect in 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, depending on which Zodiac Animal you belong:

If you were born in the Year of the Rat, you can have good luck in love, career advancement and social life. 2011 will also be a good year for you to invest in stock market blue chips (but not casino chips!) and if you are thinking of settling down, this is the time.

If you're an Ox, be wary about going into business or making major financial commitments, at least in the first half of the year. Your safest strategy to ward off disaster is to keep a low profile and work hard.

If you're a Tiger, you can relax as this will generally be a slow year in work, business and romance. Be tactful in words and cautious in behaviour to avoid conflict at work and in relationship.

Rabbits may have a trying time despite this being the Year of the Rabbit. But you would still have your fair share in the good things as long as you are patient. Remember, all things come to him who waits.

This should be a splendid year for the Dragon. Take your chance and invest in your career (sign up for an MBA programme if you don’t have one) or business (a good time to expand). You may also enjoy good fortune in love and romance, although for men, it doesn’t mean you can hire a mistress from China!

2011 may be difficult for the Snake, so keep your guard up and review your investment portfolio with a finetoothed comb. Watch your money, check your health (especially your blood pressure!) and do not over-indulge.

A run of good fortune is what the Horse can enjoy in 2011. There are unlikely to be unpleasant surprises lying in wait, but be wary of business partners, especially those with candy words and big promises.

The surefooted Goat would still have to watch his or her steps in 2011. Be patient and wait for opportunities. It will be a busy year for you, but remember busy-ness does not equate with productivity.

The Monkey has emotional baggage to put down this year. Take extra care of your health and watch your expenditure. There is little to worry about regarding money matters as long as you are careful with the pennies.

For the Rooster, stay alert as this may be a challenging year. However there is nothing you cannot achieve with faith, patience and the support of true friends and family members.

2011 may turn out to be a Midas year for those born in the Year of the Dog. Everything you put your hands into is likely to turn to gold. So, live well, but remember to share your good things with the less privileged.

For the Pig, go slow. Do not commit to big-ticket items like loans, and save, save, save! Be patient and avoid any commitment that may get you into debt, including serving as financial guarantor to a friend.

The above are just possible outcomes. As 13th Century enlightened Taoist master Chiu Chang-chun [丘長春] says:

“The major determinant of your future is the heart. If a cruel heart is tamed, or a kind heart becomes cruel, the expected outcomes will change. Our destiny is determined by our own actions. People who were initially destined to die peacefully may end their lives in violence if they do evil deeds. People who were initially destined to die a violent death may die peacefully if they perform good deeds. Our destiny is in our own hands.”

China's economy: A new epic | The Economist

China's economy: A new epic | The Economist

Life sucks for A Serious Man

Don’t watch the Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man, if you don’t like dark comedy and unresolved endings. But the message from the movie is something many people are familiar with – that life can turn bad and get worse, without reason or cause.

Main character Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is a university professor besieged by all kinds of troubles – wife Judith is leaving him for another man, his unemployable, gambling-addict brother is sleeping on the couch, his son takes drugs and shirks school, and his daughter is stealing from his wallet to save for a nose job.

An anonymous letter-writer tries to sabotage Larry’s chances for staying on in his job at the university. A graduate student bribes him for a passing grade while threatening to sue him for defamation. Finally, the good-looking woman next door torments Larry by sunbathing nude.

Struggling to cope, Larry, who is Jewish, seeks advice from three different rabbis (Jewish spiritual teachers). Can anyone give him the right advice to become a righteous person – a mensch – a serious man - who can handle problems and difficulties and stay on top of life?

The movie synopsis is similar to the life story of many of my middle-aged friends who have to handle rebellious teenage kids, a dissatisfied spouse, relatives who are spongers, demanding bosses, knee-joint pains, and other cakesim problems. Life sucks, they say. How could they cope?

Many Singaporeans will reply that the way to cope is to be kiasu—not to lose out, whether to co-workers, neighbours or simply the person queuing in front of you for buffet.

It’s actually a shameful thing to tell foreigners that Singaporeans are well-known to be kiasu, as if we are nothing but mean, envious, competitive creatures, more than willing to shove others aside so that we alone get all the buffet and perks. And if we don’t get them, we want to make sure no one else will!

When I was growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, life was tough for most people but no one ever said life sucked. Instead I remember clearly that in school and at home, the lessons children learnt were on being a good individual, a “true man” (women included). Teachers and parents read to us stories from Chinese classics and history, of exemplary characters who studied hard (and did well in exams!), were filial to parents and faithful to friends, and earnest in serving their community and country.

In those formative years of Singapore as a nation, there were many words to describe Singaporeans, but not once did I come across “kiasu”. As we face the Year of the Tiger, let’s banish this word and all its associative traits once and for all from our action and speech.

Re-focus your life

Whether life sucks or not, is a matter of your own perception. You don’t have to be smart to figure out that when you change your mindset, you change your life. Try it: re-focus your thought and action on courage, self-discipline, and a kindly attitude towards family, friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers.

Thankfully, there is ONE book that sums up all you need to know in developing these three worthwhile traits of courage, self-discipline and a kindly attitude. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, a collection of personal reflections, by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who lived more than 1,800 years ago.

Life really sucked for the emperor: the country was invaded constantly by barbarian tribes, his wife was publicly accused of having affairs, his assistant emperor died while helping in a campaign, troops rebelled, and a third of the population was wiped out by the plague. He himself suffered from poor health and died at age 58 in the cold, harsh climate of northern Europe.

But in the notebook which he wrote for his eyes only, Marcus Aurelius did not moan and whine. Instead, he reflected on what he learnt from his elders, teachers and friends, and how to attune his attitude to cope with constantly changing circumstances and challenges.

And he left behind his Meditations that have since encouraged, inspired and taught countless number of people in the West. A recent example is Bill Clinton, former US President and a driving force in helping poor nations, who keeps the book as his self-help reference guide.

There are many translations available, but I recommend a recent edition in a handy, hardcover format, titled, The Emperor’s Handbook, translated by C Scot hicks and David V Hicks (2002). Get this book from Amazon.com and let the wisest, most compassionate ruler of all times, be your guide and teacher.

A parting word from Marcus Aurelius: “If you care about yourself at all, come to your own aid while there’s still time.”

The little girl with PANDAS problem

Twelve-year-old Lauren Johnson (picture above) of Virginia sneezed 12,000 times a day the whole year round! A week ago, she was finally diagnosed with a relatively unknown affliction called PANDAS or Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus.

Child neurologist Rosario Trifiletti who is treating Lauren, says PANDAS symptoms include:
• Cognitive inflexibility, difficult to reason with, as if stuck on an idea
• Obsessive/repetitive/compulsive argumentative behaviour
• TICS (repetitive vocalisations of body movements)
• Tourettes Syndrome
• Attention deficits and oppositional/defiant behaviours.

Lauren was placed on antibiotics and has improved considerably, says Dr Trifiletti. But she is at risk of getting this again, so she would probably receive a low dose of antibiotics for a long period of time.

PANDAS was only discovered 13 years ago after lots of trial and error. Dr Trifiletti says there could be millions of kids suffering from PANDAS, but only several thousand have been diagnosed.

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World Anti-Corruption Day

December 9 is World Anti-Corruption Day. I didn't know there's such a day until I heard it announced on BBC radio.

Here's an editorial excerpt from the Manila Bulletin, a leading newspaper in one of the world's most corrupt environment:

"Some say that corruption is the world’s second eldest profession and may end up as being the last.

"But corruption need not be a way of life. Recent international and national problems have shown that corruption can be separated into components which can be addressed. A vital tool in the fight against corruption is the enforcement of laws, strong political will. Once corruption is isolated, programs can be put in place that can identify where corruption exists in society, what it is costing citizens, and its impact on the economy..."

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