Remembering the Vietnamese Refugees

It was on a cool raining morning on Boxing day 39 years ago, when I joined the Navy. At 18 years I felt I was already all grown up. I didn't know what grown up meant. Shortly after Midshipman training when I graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant, I was thrust into the harsh reality of the struggles of the Vietnamese Refugees. My first hand encounters with these people in rickety over-crowded wooden boats opened my eyes to the harsh reality of the world we live in. A world where governments don't protect its citizens; where you are responsible for your own survival. Where blaming someone else is a luxury albeit a pointless one. You either make the best of your circumstances, or die trying. I had never been to Vietnam and have not met Vietnamese people before. They were a "distant" country and people. I had no feelings for them. However, things changed immediately during my first face to face encounter with them. I felt sorrow, pain and anguish for these boat people; for their sufferings, their pain and their sense of hopelessness, every time we turned them away for reaching the shore. These pictures bring back memories of the time when innocence was lost forever.

          

Best Entry Level Boats for new Singapore Boaters

If you're new to boating and have just gotten your PPCDL, its best to start with a used boat. Something in the range of 24-30 foot powered by  Four-Stroke Outboards. These types of boats are easier to drive, demand less maintenance and are more forgiving when handled "wrongly" Its certainty not a good idea to move straight to a Cabin Cruiser unless you intend to hire a full time Captain and Crew to maintain and drive the boat. Handling the boat yourself is certainly not an option at this early stage of your boating adventure. I would recommend the 3 boats shown below. They happen to be marketed by SG Boating. 

Fishing Memories - old photos that make me happy

I didn't take many pictures in the past. In fact I took very few. Of the few that I still kept; those that had survived the many times I moved house; I will always cherish. Looking at them brings me a sense of joy and fulfillment that neither work nor planned holidays can compare. I look forward to more of these times and adventures. I'm glad there's much time yet to enjoy these moments.

     

Navy Seal Commander gives good sound advice to fresh graduates

This video is a must view. Wise advice from a top notch  Navy Seal Commander.

The Last Island Kampung in Singapore at Pulau Sakeng

I am fortunate to have had the privilege of visiting Pulau Sakeng and Pulau Semakau before it was turned into a land fill. Sakeng had a population of 500 plus 1 vilage policeman.The houses stood on stilts and lined the entire southern coastline. The largest and most prominent house had a TV Antenna on the roof and belonged to the Village head, the Penghulu Kampung. I only have fond memories of Pulau Sakeng. I would set off from the SAF Yacht Club in Sembawang Camp in my little 20 foot Dynaglass open boat fitted with a 40HP Yamaha and cruise at 18 knots to Sakeng to fish. That was in 1990. The Islanders were ever so friendly and relaxed. Our first stop was always the provision shop to buy cold drinks and food after an hour long trip. What a memory.... Those were carefree days.  I do miss them.         

Pulau Sakeng 

The local fishermen depended on the sea for a living

A typical house on stilts at Semakau

16 year old is youngest person to sail round the world solo

Laura Dekker is probably the youngest person to sail solo round the world. Her dream started when she was 8 years old, Born on a Yacht in New Zealand, she actually started her journey at age 14 years crossing oceans alone. Mentally she is probably years ahead of full grown working adults.

I never tire of listening to LKY

I never ever tire of listening to LKY's speeches. He was a legend and will always be the face of Singapore. How lucky we are to have had a leader like LKY. His legacy will live on for centuries.

 
The wise thing Singaporeans can do is to work with our top leaders and stop senseless criticisms especially during election time. Gratitude brings out the best of us.