5 random thoughts on a Christmas Eve

5 random thoughts on a Christmas Eve ( 24 December 2012)

As the year draws to a close, I thought I should pen my thoughts and experiences for the year 2012.

2012 is a year filled with many highs and lows, as with most other years. 2012 is a year where sex scandals, social media and smrt clogged the media agenda of local papers/media extensively.

While 2011 was very much focused on General Election. This year, it seems sex scandals, PSY pop culture and of course, Olympics became the flavor in 2012.

As usual, I will round up what I have learnt, and hopefully my learning will influence you to think alittle further, and to contribute in baby steps to make our world a better place.

1) A dirty secret for everyone

No matter how prominent, influential or powerful you are, I would like to think that everyone has a dark side. The high profile cases of Cecilia Sue/ Ng Boon Gay, Laura/ Michael Palmer have proven that it is easy to fall from grace especially if you are toying with infidelity lines. What came out from these dramasodes was that we need to believe that no one is perfect. Even the most powerful, influential, perfect or wealthy person has flaws.  The question here is, are we qualified to judge and throw our little stones at these people, who happened to be in the media scrutiny and public interest? Don't we have our little secrets too?

2) Anyone can be a Gangnam style

The Gangnam style phenomenon has suggested that popular culture is transient and ever-evolving. The world has shifted their focus to Korea and out of a sudden, Korea is IN. This is partly enabled and propelled by Social Media and a likeable character & song, which happens to have the viral scalability. Social Media has levelled the playing field in my opinion. The social structures and bureaucracy of every society has broken down flatly as a result of the proliferation of social media. Early adopters who understand such opportunity would leverage on this trend and use social media to promote their causes, products or services. The question here is, are you able to accept that this 5 min of fame could be over in a matter of time?

3) Social Media vs Social Gatherings

Perhaps the major issue surrounding social media is the suggested lack of genuine and personal interactions amongst people, especially during social gatherings and functions. Much have been said about people obsessing with their cellphone, playing games, whatsapping, facebooking or instagraming during a regular dinner get together. And perhaps it is a matter of habit that people are checking their phone now and then, or perhaps people are just using such actions as a filler amidst the silence and awkward moments. Whatever it is, such actions have infiltrated deep into our lives and we have to learn to live with it. Whether it is social media or social gatherings, the question is, are we really interacting in today's world? Amidst the casual chats, laughters and get togethers, are there voids in ourselves that still cannot be filled?

4) Guns & Children

How can we not talk about this? The recent Connecticut shootings have opened up debates about gun control laws in the US. On the broader sense, there are many intricate points to discuss about. But what strucked me the most was why would an innocent looking young boy be so heartless to open fire at some cute little ones, & of course six other adults? I would like to think that he could be one of the long forgotten ones in our fast moving society. 

Look closely around you ... & You might realised there could be many oppressed lonely souls out there bottling up their emotions, & waiting to end their own life. I'm not suggesting that everyone could be a potential killer. What I meant is that the thought to kill, assasinate, malign or speak ill of someone, could be equally hurtful. And all these actions perhaps sprung from our innate void and loneliness in us that manifested into a level when we don't see love & peace in our little own world.

One question is , why do we have to inject hurt and pain when we can't get love and peace. Why can't we be the agent of change by giving love and peace instead? If everyone starts doing so, in little ways, wouldn't this world be a safer & better place?

5) Commercialisation of Festivities

We all need reasons to celebrate, gather and spread love. Festivities provide marketers  reasons to launch promotions, campaigns, and to get people to consume more. In a world of distrust, friends get together to feel safe, happy and connected to a wider world. What is the true meaning of Christmas? A time of celebration? A time to reconnect with friends? A time for office gift exchange?

Much have been discussed about the commercialisation and mainstreaming of festivities. Do we spend time exploring and understand the true meaning of the festivals we celebrate?

Christmas, to me, is a time to love and be loved. More importantly, it is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, & God's love for us. In a time of clutter, commercialisation, media noise, I wonder, could we really find solitude in our lives, and explore the true meaning of living? 

It seems harder and harder as we get by.

However, I know there are certain things we cannot change.

This serenity prayer is always entrenched in my life and prayer list.

'God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,


The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference'.


I sincerely hope you will find love, peace and joy during this Christmas season and May the Lord bless you richly and abundantly.

I believe 2013 will be your best year yet. So drink more, be merry & stay pretty & handsome this holiday season.

Take care folks.

Dennis Toh

Organic skin and body care brand forays into Singapore market

Organic skin and body care brand forays into Singapore market


SINGAPORE, 13 September 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Artiscent, a new organic skin and body care Brand is now available in Singapore.

This Skin and Body Care range offer a unique and holistic approach towards total body care.

Established in 1997 and originated from Bangkok, Artiscent uses Virgin Sesame Oil as the main ingredient for making its range of products because of the high in Vitamin E content, its anti-oxidant property and an abundant supply of quality sesame seed from reliable sources.

With Artiscent’s commitment and concerns towards the mother earth, its consumers, and society, Artiscent sources its sesame oil from a group of villagers who were determined to make a sustainable income from organic, ecological and chemical free agriculture. Even though it involves low yields at a high cost comparing to the use of chemical and insecticides.

Customers who purchase the products can be assured that their ingredients are natural, chemical free and are organic products. Additional skin beneficial properties are also added into the products through herbs, spices and natural extracts used in each of the product.

The product range includes essential oil, aroma body lotion, sugar and salt polish, body scrub. Hand cream, foot spray, Foot balm, Foot Scrub, among others.

Artiscent is currently distributed in more than 10 countries like Moscow, Japan, Guana, Tanzania, Myanmar, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Hongkong and Finland, among others. Artiscent is also commercially used by hotels like Tokyo Dome in Japan, Samui Karma in Kho Samui Thailand, The Residen Zanzibar in Tanzania, etc.

Feet Haven Reflexology, a premier boutique Foot reflex spa is the official distributor for Artiscent. Customers can find the products at Feet Haven located at 136 East Coast Road.

When contacted, the owner of Artiscent Troy Lam said ‘we hope to bring in this brand into Singapore as it has received positive reviews and praises overseas. We believe that this will complement the Feet Haven Brand, which is a boutique foot reflex spa focusing on serving the lifestyle needs of our customers. We are confident that the products will receive rave reviews from Singaporeans as well.’

There will be future plans to market the products through online portals and retail shops in the near future.

The Artiscent Range

Brown Sugar Polish/$42

                                                            Herbal Citrus Salt Polish/ $39

                                                              Exfoliating body scrub/ $39

                                                           Aroma Botanical Lotion/ $19

Foot Spray/$19

Foot Balm / $22.90

Foot Scrub/ $24.90

Essential Oil/ $32

The following products come in these flavors:

Essential Oil: Botanical Tea, Citrus, Floral Herbal and Relaxing

Aroma Lotion: Herbal, Citrus, Botanical Tea and Relaxing

Salt Polish: Botanical tea, Botanical flora, Herbal Citrus, Relaxing Herbal and Apple Green Tea

Sugar Polish: Citrus Brown Sugar and Coffee and Spice brown sugar

Leos on August 8

Received an email from my boss this morning wrt Leos born on August 8.

Some parts are rather true. What do you think?


Leos born on August 8 can seem unemotional or even distant but are simply self-disciplined and in control of themselves. Although they are often forced to climb the hard road to success, they actually wouldn't have it any other way. An eagerness to feel as if they have earned every opportunity they receive is in their character. (This explains the coolness about the man)

Friends and Lovers

Friendship is an important part of life for August 8 natives, but it doesn't keep them from speaking their minds about issues that could be a source of controversy between them and their pals. In love, they are strongly marriage-minded. Once they fall in love, they want to settle down and make a home. (so when is the BIG day?)

Health

August 8 people have a sensible approach to keeping fit, especially if they're at genetic risk for an illness or disease. They should make weight-bearing exercise and aerobic workout part of their daily routine. (no wonder leisure is all about exercise and sports)

Career and Finances

August 8 natives have a take-charge attitude and do well in careers where they are responsible for motivating others. They are conservative about money matters. They rarely make any serious mistakes concerning their financial position. (Glad to know you will do more and save more!)

Dreams and Goals

August 8 individuals achieve success one step at a time. They don't look for shortcuts, believing that hard work and good planning are what make dreams come true. They're likely to achieve their dreams, though they seldom go beyond them. (more work/assignment coming your way )



Happiness always,

Sue

Thank you Sue.

Are you a Power 'Editorial' or 'Advertising' Blogger?

Are you a power 'editorial' or 'advertising' blogger, that is the question?

Fundamentally, Advertising and Public relations are two very different disciplines.

While Advertising is a paid form of communication, often less credible and costly, Public relations is the exact opposite. Public relations is the deliberate, planned, and sustained effort to establish and maintain a preferred point of view.  Public Relations builds good will, & sustain a long term- relationship with our stakeholders.

From a marketer's perspective, advertising provides an immediate solution in ensuring that marketing messages penetrate quickly into the minds of consumers. Since it is often paid, Marketers can control product messsages, promotions or launches and ensure they sink fast into the market.

Public relations is used in a more subtle way, often in the form of product publicity, embedded in news reports and articles. You'll read traces of PR from news reporting, product reviews, commentaries, documentaries, dramas and the list goes on.

It has been said that Public relations is valued more highly by consumers as it is often non-biased and endorsed by a third party source. Advertising, on the other hand, is often seen as too contrived and in your face.

In the media world, the editorial and advertising team are two separate divisions often functioning independently. The editorial team will hold on to their editorial perogatives and will only report anything that is factual, news worthy and interesting. The Advertising people, on the other hand, are focused on meeting sales figures, targets, creative selling and perhaps finding ways to help their clients get more mentions in their editorial team's papers. I know for a fact these two divisions are constantly at odds over sales, paid advertorials, sponsored series, editorials, as they are fundamentally different.

In the same token, the fundamental differences of advertising and PR can be applied & found in the realm of Blogging.

My Question: I wonder if there are too many blog posts recently focusing on product launches, food tastings, product reviews, contests.

I question whether an over emphasis of 'advertising' content in blog posts could potentially dilute the equity of a blog or even the overall discipline of blogging?

I suspect this trend is a result of increased marketers' interests in engaging bloggers and the increasing number of contests, events targeted at the bloggers. 

Bloggers lose focus as a result. Technically speaking, the rigour & spirit of blogging is about freedom of speech, expression and having a point of view to change perceptions in our society. The role of a blogger is important as bloggers are opinion leaders who are able to sway public opinion. Since they are often not bounded by media red tapes and structures, bloggers have the free play to write whatever they want. That is one reason why celebrity bloggers like Mr Brown and Xiaxue have up their rank in social influence as they believe their independent voice matter and  they understand the need to strike balance between 'advertising' & 'editorial' content in their blogs.

Don't get me wrong, fellow blogger friends (if you are a blogger). As a PR person, bloggers are bread and butter, and extremely important in my area of work. I have had the opportunity to meet many interesting and colourful bloggers, & often they are ever ready to help me. What I am saying is, amidst the numerous  media events & launches we attend and free products received,  are we losing focus on the basic reason of blogging? Was it to share more about our lives? To propagate a cause? or to help make the world a better place?

While I think a certain amount of 'advertising' content is needed to fill the holes of blogs, I believe credible bloggers are those who have a stand, a point of view, and even strongly believing in progating certain causes that benefit the society.

I think at end of the day, it boils down to the basic reason for the establishment of the blog. If the blog is all about bringing advertising messages, or the latest in town, that itself, could be an interesting proposition.

While bloggers depend heavily on marketers and brand managers for invites, press releases, and products trials, let's not forget that your personal voice matter too. 

And perhaps the way to go is to strike a good balance.

Be a power 'editorial' and 'advertising' Blogger today.

Social Bakers Social Media Report - Facebook Pages in Singapore

A colourful splash for the arts community

A colourful splash for the arts community



SINGAPORE, 8 JUNE 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A local Foot Reflexology spa has taken baby steps to make a colourful splash for the arts community.


Feet Haven Reflexology, a premier foot reflexology spa located at 136 East Coast Road has recently pledged itself to support the arts scene, and in particular the local artists in Singapore. This eight month long campaign provides aspiring and inspiring artists a chance and platform to showcase themselves and their art pieces in the shop premise.


Local artists who sign up with the company are given a chance to showcase their art pieces on the walls for a period of one month. Patrons enjoy a good view of the art gallery while they receive the therapeutic foot massages.


Centre Manager Wendy Toh highlighted that the initiative is to cultivate an appreciation of local arts and entertainment amongst Singaporeans. “We felt that there aren’t many platforms for aspiring artists to showcase their work in Singapore and we thought it will be a good opportunity to raise the awareness of appreciating arts and at the same time, putting this gesture into real action.


The star for the month of June is Karen Seah who was recently inspired by a local artist she met at a milonga (tango dancing place) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They met the following Friday for a painting session and since then Karen continues. Currently in her works, which is showcased in the shop, Karen explores colors and circles, including Tai-ji symbols.


Feet Haven Reflexology, a premier foot reflexology spa located at 136 East Coast Road has recently made heads turned, literally as the shop garnered more interest and support from residents staying in Joo Chiat, Marine Parade and Katong area. Established in April 2011, customers of Feet Haven can choose from its many services such as Foot, Shoulder and Neck and Body massage.


Feet Haven is now open 7 days a week from 1pm to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 11pm on Sunday and 12 noon to 11pm on Saturday and Saturday.

The Kings of Blogging

The Kings of Blogging

Engagement of bloggers has been integral to the success of all marketing and public relations campaigns. Bloggers are important word of mouth champions for your brand or organisation. Bloggers, if engaged correctly, can make or break a brand. Think Xiaxue and you will know what i mean. She has the capacity to destroy a brand and also the clout to get her followers to like a brand or personality. Bloggers, more often than not, can influence and sway public opinions based on their blog entries and sides they take.

The art of blogging has been said to be a difficult one. Bloggers need to spend time, attending events, studying press releases, taking photos and building readership for their blogs. It's not easy. I salute the amount of time, energy and effort spent into putting up the final blog entry.

The bloggersphere, if you like, has been dominated by females, largely because of the potential fanfare they can create in their blogs; colourful blog template, stylish clothes, bombastic words and cutesy ornaments or accessories used to doll their blog.

The male bloggers, on the other hand, have been largely forgetten simply because they do not wear a skirt.

Can a male blogger be as popular as a female one like Xiaxue, Bong Qiu Qiu, Dawn Yang, Peggy Heng, etc?

Let's not even talk about Steven Lim who is largely infamous for his online antics. Perhaps the most popular male blogger in Singapore is Mr Brown, who is largely a current affairs and political blogger. Still, Mr Brown doesn't come across as someone who has the colours and huge personality to draw you religiously to his blog.

So today, the purpose of this blog entry is to highlight 5 interesting male bloggers which Marketers or PR folks can engage. They are influential and colourful in my opinion. And I thought it will be great to highlight them for your reference.

Blogger 1: William Tan
www.Onlywilliam.blogspot.sg

William is one of the most hardworking and social media savvy blogger I have known. He attends almost every function and adds value to his blog entries by giving additional information relevant for his audience. He is also always ready to help should you need to get additional bloggers for your event, and more importantly, always with a smile on his face. He is likeable and popular amongst his peers and he is the man behind the Kiehl's boy club. Some brands which he has helped to endorsed are Kiehl, Kaplan, Kit Kat, Pizza Hut, Tiger Beer and the list goes on.

His forte is on lifestyle, food, travel and anything under the sun. A blogger who is always willing to help.
Email contact: william82sg@hotmail.com


Blogger 2: Aspirant SG
http://www.aspirantsg.com/

This up & coming digital star is paving waves into the social media influencers market in a fast and furious way. As a day time Marketing professional, Aspirant ( not his real name) spent his time strategizing marketing strategies for his company & products he sells. At night, he turns into a social media expert, tweeting, facebooking and instagraming on topics like food, travel and all things digital. The inside story to his success was a 3 day course he attended, where he learnt the ropes and tricks from an established practitioner and the rest were history. Till date, His twitter account speaks of 23,000 followers with a Klout score of 62. His followers on twitter is increasing on a furious rate, mind you.

His focus is largely on food, travel and social media. If you have a food tasting event or an opening of a store, do send him an invite as I am sure he will be more than willing to help, and to bring the news to his international audience.

Email contact: seeweeheng@gmail.com

Blogger 3: Yutakis James
http://www.yutakis.com/

Who doesn't know this Jap pop star looking blogger in Singapore? Everyone knows Yutakis. Yutakis has been associated with glamour and the high fashion industry. His photo blog is very much focused on his portraits and the clothes he model for.  He started blogging in 2007 when he entered Polytechnic and since then, he blogs heavily on relationship dramas, friendship conflicts, endless wasted clubbing nights, different types of cuisines, blog wars, Britney Spears and yeah of course, pictures of himself. He has the capability of getting attention for himself and also the friends around him.

I have personally tried inviting him to some PR events but Yutakis is very selective over the type of events he attends. Hence, if you need help from him, do try to add him on facebook or even contact him via email or whatsapp. He might respond if he is keen.

Email him yutakis@hotmail.com

Blogger 4: Alvinology
www.Alvinology.com

Alvin is definitely not the hottest in the looks category. In fact, if you meet him in person, he looks like a serious no nonsense IT geek. This quiet unassuming blogger is currently in Sydney attending a Flyscoot sponsored trip and above picture was a latest post on facebook by him. His focus is on food, gears and gadgets and ocassionally on family and current affairs. He is definitely a very influential blogger, partly because of his unique position in SPH Omy. He is the manager in charge of the SPH Omy division, which essentially deals with Blogger Engagement campaigns and contests for companies.  If you are representing a NGO, with a cause to promote or products targeting men or families, perhaps Alvin could be one important blogger to target. One last thing, he also holds very strong views regarding the local politics in Singapore.

Email him at: alvin.sph@gmail.com


Blogger 5: Darren Ng
http://celebratelah.wordpress.com/

Darren Ng lives life to the fullest and is constantly traveling. He was the winner for the Urban homme challenge in 2010 and many other traveling related blogging contests. He is into photography and has won the Panasonic ECO Best Photography Blog as a finalist and the winner of Best Lifestyle Blog in 2010.  If you are representing a lifestyle or men brand, he is the perfect blogger for you.

Contact Darren via https://www.facebook.com/darrenn9

Who says B2B brands cannot be social?

Great work Kevin Soh. You turned a serious B2B brand into a social one. Kudos!
Who says B2B brands cannot be social?

                            Kevin soh, blogger and marketing person of Bosch

Nicole Seah Speaks on Sticky Lady

Reposting Nicole Seah's note on the arrest of the Sticker Lady..this is one politician I respect!

The arrest of the Sticker Lady has caused a public uproar, because many are understandably disappointed that such swift action was taken against a person who executed street art, against the backdrop of other more serious cases that warranted public attention in the past but were not addressed publicly. 

It is unfortunate but true, that we will never be able to achieve the state of a truly creative society if we continue to place these boundaries around ourselves. We cannot foster a culture that aims to be daring and innovative whilst slapping ourselves on the wrist each time we move out of line.

I am not advocating a chaotic society. But we need to acknowledge that there needs to be a certain degree of tolerance for organic, bottom-up creative activities if we want to progress as a cosmopolitan society. We cannot purely enforce economic growth without strengthening our culture. It causes imbalance and limits our true growth as a nation.

Being made to conform to a particular school of thought or life path may have worked in the past. But we are not born to be clones of each other. If we do not nurture the richness that diversity and creativity brings, we will end up alienating the people who espouse these ideals best. And the day will come where they will either be entirely stifled, or take that creativity elsewhere to other developed nations that will welcome their talent with open arms.

I urge the authorities to refrain from severe penalty, and to treat such incidents that border on the artistic with a light touch, although there still remains the need to be vigilant against acts that threaten public security.

- Nicole Seah

Tangtalising night at 116 Neil Road

I organized a food tasting session tonight for Tang HK Gourmet located at 116 Neil Road. 8 bloggers together with the co-founder of Hungrygowhere.com Hoong An had a taste of delectable treats of chinese cuisine specially prepared by celebrity chef Benson Tong. The highlight of the night, apart from Bloggers catching up and sharing their experience and journey in blogging, was Hoong An's personal sharing of the acquisition of Hungrygowhere.com by Singtel. I took the opportunity to ask him matters relating to acquisition and remuneration matters. The humble and down-to-earth technopreneur highlighted that the road hasn't been smooth. he is still adjusting to the changes in corporate culture and obviously the need to dress more formally. Recounting an incident, Hoong an said he once wore casuals to work and bumped into a senior chap who exclaimed 'are you ok?' we all burst into laughers after hearing that.

The night ended with bloggers exchanging personal and social media contacts.

Bloggers taking pictures before eating..it is a ritual 

Bloggers and Hoong An chatting..the guy backfacing & on the right of this photo is Hoong An

The official logo of Tang HK Gourmet

The shop front to spot at 116 Neil Road

My Favorite..

Spicy and delicious

I say NO

Spread some good on Social Media

Dear Peeps, I am starting a cause which I strongly believe in. Do help to like and spread it around.

More information about this cause:

Spread some good on Social Media is an initiative to remind Singaporeans and everyone to build a positive and healthy social media environment. We are seeing an increasing dependence amongst the young and old on social media and mobile phones of late; we log on to facebook everytime we access our laptop, we check our status updates on our mobile phone and tablet all the time.

We believe what we see. Lately, we have also witnessed an infiltration of negativity and pessimism clouding social networking sites. Netizens openly spread or propagate hatred, frustrations, angst on facebook and twitter, and increasingly, people are conditioned to believe the world is becoming an unhappy and sad one. This downward spiral cycle will not stop unless everyone believes in spreading something good about our lives, & injecting optimism and faith in the social networking sites.

The traditional media has been accused of sensationalising and reporting bad news for sake of numbers and readership.

Social media has been said to provide an alternative source of enlightenment in our continuous pursuit for the notion of truth.

Do not let the negativity cloud our right for fundamental truth and simple happiness.


So it's time to Spread some good on Social media. Say no to negative updates.

Make our world a better place.

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/SpreadSomeGoodOnSocialMedia

Xiaxue, cyber bullies & the political satire

Xiaxue, cyberbullies and the political satire

Xiaxue has been making news lately, yet again. This time, I feel for a good reason.

Based on the many reports and public opinion formed about this episode, it seems that she has emerged as the 'hero' to fight against cyberbullying and yet again, this has strengthened her icon as the no.1 most influential blogger in Singapore.

Like it or not, she has the tenacity to make news, to be vocal and to make a stand.

As much as there are haters of the Xiaxue Brand, this very controversial brand is creating waves and setting the media agenda, which of late is about irresponsible shaming on the online sphere.

Today, she made news once again by appearing on Newsradio 938 which discussed the topic on cyberbullying and whether her act of retaliation will pave more reasons for a code of conduct online or more self censorship within the internet communities. Many callers opined that what Xiaxue did was correct and we should put a stop to all these nonsense. While some questioned her intention and whether it was a publicity stunt.

I totally salute Xiaxue for what she did and even her courage to step up. Knowing Xiaxue ( in the online context), I think it is not surprising of her to do such things.

As much as I feel she did the right thing, standing up for herself and for women of cyber abuse, there are a few intricate and touchy issues relating to this case, in my opinion.

The role of Temasek Review

The photos of Xiaxue and her counterparts were disseminated by Temasek review fanpage currently liked by some 54,627 fans. Based on their description, TR is a review of Singapore's current affairs from an unique, interesting and sexy perspective. Based on my understanding of this media, the articles and updates have been thought provoking and at the forefront of public opinion.

Temasek review also played a significant role in swaying public opinion during the last general election and the Hougang by-election. The pro-right group is filled with netizens who are liberate and perhaps cynical towards government policies and initiatives. People who are in this fanpage are perhaps more vocal, liberal and always ready for a change.

Hence, it is not surprising when photos are posted on Temasek Review's fanpage, fans started to fire their guns at her, some of which are emotional and illogical. The 'climate' within the fanpage breed and cultivated such group behavior as one behavior purports more of such behavior to  become mainstream and 'permissable' within the page.

Heat during General Election and Xiaxue's 'political alliance'

The photos and posts of Xiaxue during the GE period could have been construed as her endorsement  for a certain political party. While Xiaxue categorically said that she had no intention to showcase her political affiliation, her posts were perhaps construed as an endorsement, and a weak attempt to sway votes during the GE.

The General Election in 2012 was one of the most heated and watched GE in Singapore's history. Many people were also surprised by the role of social media and the extent of political engagement amongst citizens this time round. People were openly slamming PAP candidates, their speeches and campaign slogans. Rational, level headed people are for once charged up emotionally as the competition became more and more intense. The mood during the GE came to a high point of drama, sensation and satire.

It is therefore of no surprise that netizens used crass and crude remarks on Xiaxue, especially when Xiaxue took the opportunity, during GE to 'campaign' for the dominant party. Of course, it doesn't give them the right to slam people, but my point is that the GE mood had emerged to a high point of dramatisation and satire, a point where it is harder to act rationally.

The notion of a public figure

We all know Xiaxue is an influential blogger in Singapore. The fact is that her blog is getting 40,000 views daily. Mind you, and that is an extremely high number. Public figures like celebrities and politicians are subjected to constant and continuous scrutiny. Netizens and online commentators are free to comment  anything about them. While it is not fair to say that Xiaxue should sit there and let the bullets hit on her, Xiaxue should understand that to a certain extent, these are tradeoffs of being popular, famous or known to the public. You lose a little bit of privacy, a little bit of pride but what you get is the title of a 'celebrity' or even opinion leader for that matter. The status and perks you get as a public figure is enormous, think endorsements, deals, invites and the intangibles, etc.

Self Censorship or code of conduct?

This episode opens up a public discussion and debate about cyberbullying and being responsible online. I like the guts of Xiaxue for daring to do so, and opening up new frontiers and guidelines in the cyberspace. However, the last thing i want is to see government intervention, and to say, oh ' The government thinks that we should impose a code of conduct for social media and internet and all netizens should abide by it'.

The internet is about freedom of speech and expression and this universal right should be presevered strongly. The cyberbullies should weigh their views and to learn to be reasonable netizens especially when commenting on current affairs and political matters. Bloggers, opinion leaders or public figures should also understand their important role and influence they might have to the society or larger community.

I salute Xiaxue once again for her ability to make news, and for a good reason this time. She has my vote as someone who is able to stand up for herself, and to lobby for her own rights.

I do think we should let this matter rest soon, and to perhaps educate and remind everyone to exercise self-censorship and to give fair statements especially when we comment on social networking sites.  If we are able to do that, this world will be more peaceful, lovely and safe, at least in the online sphere.

Dennis Toh

Political nuancing or editorial prerogative?

I saw this interesting forum letter and reply between Low Thia Kiang and ST editor on ST today. In low's letter, he mentioned about the biased reporting especially on how the ST front page showed a large photo of Sylvia and himself talking with grim faces, with the headline 'WP faces allegations of dishonesty'.

When I first saw the front page, my first impression was a deliberate media framing in process. ST editor claimed that they have picked the photo as it summed up dramatically the story of the day. my question is, is media overly sensationalizing the issue by showing the picture, which I believe is taken out of context. The picture showed them in discussion, but does it necessarily mean that they are discussing about the allegations? They could be discussing about the great turnout or the change in weather for that matter.

Communications experts will say that the right nuancing of words and pictures can frame and perpetuate beliefs and the notion of truth. Public opinion can be easily swayed by a deliberate media framing tactic to infer truth in their reporting. ST reporters take thousand and one pictures on a daily basis and I am cynical that that was the best picture to sum up dramatically the story of that day, as claimed by the editor. On the contrary I think the picture adds to the drama as the story unfolds.

ST editor said that it came as a surprise, that being professional journalists they do not see themselves as cheerleaders for any political party and they have done well and will continue to do so.

and with that statement 'I'm surprised' myself. What do you think?

let's salute ms impossible is nothing today

if ms Suu Kyi can persevere for 24 years not leaving her country, I think we should be inspired by her sheer determination. Today, She stepped out of her country for the first time and will attend the two-day World Economic forum in Bangkok. Remember impossible is nothing.

A cosy night with myself at an unknown Japanese restaurant

the highlight for today was an authentic Japanese dinner I had at orchard Plaza. while on my way to Aventis graduate school to submit students' results and exam scripts, and also to collect my pay check, I chanced upon this very cosy authentic Japanese restaurant located at level 3. I don't have the exact location but it is highly visible once you reach level 3 via the escalator. Since I have no plans I walked in and ordered my dinner. The dishes were all very delicious, presentable and unique though small in portions. I particularly like the rice which taste like porridge in Japanese style. the total damage , guess what was around $54 bucks. alittle steep in my opinion. But well, a good night spent with myself. Do check out my pictures and enjoy.

we rather have happy customers

I was reading straits Times and this ad caught my attention. I thought for once, I saw a refreshing approach towards advertising. kudos directasia.com!

by the way, I bought my car insurance from directasia.com too.

very satisfied

Be tangtalised blogger food tasting dinner

Celebrity chef benson tong is organizing his second food tasting session on 4th June 2012. interested bloggers can RSVP at flauntprdennis@gmail.com

Keep Calm and Project Love

Keep Calm and Project Love 2012

I recently led a team of some 23 students to an overseas community trip in Siem Reap Cambodia. The seven day six night trip was an inspiring, fruitful and yet tiring one. Students get to take on leadership positions, as they understand more about servant leadership and serving the wider community. Throughout the journey, students built a soccer court, volleyball court, painted the school and even built a hopscotch. Cool, issn't it?

The highlight of the event was really meeting the kids of prolit primary school. Their faces of joy upon seeing us really lighted our spirit and enthusiasm, and often even the tiredness we get from traveling.

This was my inaugural trip and I must say i am thankful for this opportunity.

One memorable comment made by Daniel Fung, a participant of this trip was, 'Even if we managed to build the hardwares for the trip, like painting houses and all, what really stays with them, which is of eternal value are the many touches and moments we have with the students'.

I thought that was very well put together. Keeping calm is integral to everyone's approach in handling matters. Project Love, spreading our love is integral to everyone's heart and soul.

So just let's keep spreading the love.

The prolit primary school kids

My traveling mate, aka Destiny child disciplinarian

My favourite kid ( the one i am carrying, aka Grumpy Boy)

Group shot at Tong Se Lap Lake

Service learning and entertaining kids

R&R with the students

Good times at Ang Kor Wat

My bros for this trip

buying a volleyball for the students