DBS chief executive Richard Stanley was still busy at work till last Friday and he had finished a series of investor meetings with the bank's chief financial officer, Mrs Chng Sok Hui, to market their $4 billion rights issue.
Mr Stanley had been looking lively throughout the whole of last week and showed no signs of ill health, one banker noted.
Statement from DBS
DBS announced today CEO Richard Stanley has been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia and will be commencing medical treatment in Singapore immediately.Medical diagnosis confirmed that his form of leukemia is treatable and full remission is possible. Stanley is expected to take a leave of absence from the bank of about three to six months as he undergoes medical treatment.
What is acute myelogenous leukemia?
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow - the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.The word 'acute' in acute myelogenous leukemia denotes the disease's rapid progression and the fact that it affects immature blood cells, rather than mature ones. It's called myelogenous (MI-uh-loj-uh-nus) leukemia because it affects a group of white blood cells called the myeloid cells, which normally develop into the various types of mature blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
On Sunday, after a Lunar New Year reunion dinner, Mr Stanley started having a cough and was running a fever. It is not known who were at the dinner, but the 48-year old banker, whose Singaporean wife is Ms Koh Li Peng, a former model and beauty queen, has three children aged 19, 18 and six.
Mr Stanley, a veteran Citibanker who took over the helm of DBS in May last year, sought treatment for what appeared to be "flu-like symptoms" early on Monday morning. He was warded the next day.
After conducting a series of tests, doctors at Mount Elizabeth on Thursday morning confirmed that he is suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia and advised him to undergo immediate chemotheraphy.
He is expected to on three to six-month medical leave. During his absence, chairman Koh Boon Hwee will oversee management of the company.
Some DBS staff went down to the hospital to visit him on Wednesday and said that he was still in good spirits.
"He was encouraging us to make him proud and determined to beat this, and wants to get back to work as soon as possible," said DBS spokesman Karen Ngui.
In an internal memorandum to staff members obtained by The Straits Times, Mr Koh urged DBS employees to rally together to take the bank forward during these "challenging times".
Mr Koh said that Mr Stanley has asked him to tell employees that he believes that crisis make or break people.
"Likewise for organisations. When we take things in our stride and refuse to allow the challenges we face to break our spirits, we become stronger...both as individuals and more importantly as a team," Mr Koh wrote.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_331868.html )
My comments:
Why more and more people are suffering from cancer? This reminds me of my mother-in-law who passed on 15 Nov 2008 after struggling with cancer and its treatment for close to 14 years.
Despite medical advances, cancer remains incurable completely. Those who are in remission are just like carrying a time-bomb, who may explode when one is least expected.
I often wonder if one should seek treatment after being diagnoised with cancer. I may be asking a real insensible question. But if one is fully aware of the various treatment and the side-effects that follow, one may agree with my opinion.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Fewer than 10 bodies donated to medical research every year
SINGAPORE: Fewer than 10 bodies are donated to medical research in Singapore each year. One cancer victim who died on Tuesday decided to pledge her body under the Medical Therapy Education and Research Act.
TV journalist Shin Na (shinscancerblog.blogspot.com) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and on Tuesday, she bid a final farewell to her husband and two children. Shin has decided to donate her body to medical research, one of about six to nine people who do so every year.
In whole body donations, all organs and tissues such as kidney, liver, heart, cornea, lung, bone and skin can be used for research, transplant or education.
This is unlike the opt—out Human Organ Transplant Act, where only the heart, liver, cornea and kidneys are used.
Tony Raza, Shin Na’s husband, said: “She would always be focused on things like the environment or recycling or saving energy or helping cases. So in death, as in life, I think she was happy to find a way she could help out. She tells the kids that maybe the research can help find some sort of cure for cancer for other mothers out there.
Donated bodies are sent to the experimental labs of either the National University Hospital or Singapore General Hospital.
The Health Ministry said that autopsies on the donated body can reveal the onset of co—morbid conditions. For example, from autopsies that were performed, doctors now know that blood vessels can harden from cholesterol plaque formed in early adulthood.
Donated bodies have many uses. Besides using bodies to educate doctors on anatomy and surgical operations, tissues can be taken from them to study the function of blood vessels and the effects of drugs on them.
Also, bones, joints and muscles from the donated bodies can be used for research on the mechanical effects of artificial discs or in constructing software that can be used for imaging purposes.
Shin’s five—year—old daughter now said she wants to pledge her body too in future. Because to her, a body is just that, while memories of her mother will live on in her mind.
In an interview recorded in October 2007, Shin Na said: “Since this recurrence, I’ve made a point of telling her every night when I tuck her, that I will always love her and I will be in her heart. I put my hand on her heart, and I saw that I will always be there, even when I’m not.”
In cases where a person had not pledged his organs before passing away, family members could donate his organs upon his death, if they wish to do so.
To do that, next—of—kin can approach the National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU).
(source: sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090128/tap-425-fewer-10-bodies-donated-medical-231650b.html)
My comments:
What a noble way to leave love behind? Yes, I should seriously consider this option than being simply cremated upon death.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Citizens must play their part
Everyday we have been bombarded with news such as big companies slashing jobs which resulted lots of people jobless.
These jobless people need to continue to survive. So where comes the money to put food on the table if they have only limited savings to tide over this recession?Let us not look far but in our local context.
In the past, our ancestors (from India, China, Malaysia etc), despite being uneducated, worked very hard in harsh conditions to earn a living and survived.
Now, the present younger generation has received minimal education but are they able to stoop down to take up any proper jobs that is available?
I saw from the tv that during this festive season, a construction company for one of the IRs (Integrated Resorts) rewarded his workers by bringing them to the zoo. 60% of these foreign contruction workers are from China. These people left their families and loved ones, went overseas to earn a living.
Is our current educated generation prepared to do so? Can they accept working as domestic workers, construction workers, etc as these are commonly referred to lowly respected jobs?
It seems that education did not make a person better in adapting in different conditions.
In bad times, as long as it is a proper job in legal terms, we should take it up. Stop having the mentality that a better job offer would soon come along or seek help from some charitable organisations to tide over this rough period.
It is only through hard work from the government AND citizens that we can ride out from this crisis.
These jobless people need to continue to survive. So where comes the money to put food on the table if they have only limited savings to tide over this recession?Let us not look far but in our local context.
In the past, our ancestors (from India, China, Malaysia etc), despite being uneducated, worked very hard in harsh conditions to earn a living and survived.
Now, the present younger generation has received minimal education but are they able to stoop down to take up any proper jobs that is available?
I saw from the tv that during this festive season, a construction company for one of the IRs (Integrated Resorts) rewarded his workers by bringing them to the zoo. 60% of these foreign contruction workers are from China. These people left their families and loved ones, went overseas to earn a living.
Is our current educated generation prepared to do so? Can they accept working as domestic workers, construction workers, etc as these are commonly referred to lowly respected jobs?
It seems that education did not make a person better in adapting in different conditions.
In bad times, as long as it is a proper job in legal terms, we should take it up. Stop having the mentality that a better job offer would soon come along or seek help from some charitable organisations to tide over this rough period.
It is only through hard work from the government AND citizens that we can ride out from this crisis.
85,000 jobs lost in one day
Top industry leaders like Caterpillar, Philips, ING, Pfizer and General Motors are bleeding jobs!
(source : sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090126/tts-finance-economy-world-c1b2fc3.html)
After reading all these unpleasant news from the mass media, I wonder what should be done next.
Imagine a man lost his job. This means either he continues to survive on his usually limited savings or rely on various social benefits from the government until he gets a new job.
The prices of basic food such as milk, bread, rice, vegetables, meat etc have not gone down. The medical fees did not go down. The cost of living remains high despite we are in recession.
How are we going to balance this complicated equation?
(source : sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090126/tts-finance-economy-world-c1b2fc3.html)
After reading all these unpleasant news from the mass media, I wonder what should be done next.
Imagine a man lost his job. This means either he continues to survive on his usually limited savings or rely on various social benefits from the government until he gets a new job.
The prices of basic food such as milk, bread, rice, vegetables, meat etc have not gone down. The medical fees did not go down. The cost of living remains high despite we are in recession.
How are we going to balance this complicated equation?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Recession?
Newpapers and mass media continue to harp on the issue that the whole world is in a prolonged and unprecedented recession daily. Banks going to bankrupt, companies closing down, lots of people remained jobless or unemployed, ... etc.
But, is the actual situation really that pessimistic and gloomy?
Look at the supermarkets and restaurants. Are they crowded with people?
In the supermarkets, people bought goodies as if they were free of charge. Yes, maybe is for the festive season. But if one is really jobless or in debts, does he or she still have the mood to spend?
In the restaurants (I was at one of them located near Jurong East train station), there were no empty tables during that even. Luckily we had made a booking some weeks earlier. In fact, we were told that since our dinner was at 6pm, we had to leave by 7.30pm as there would be a next round of diners.
For a simple set dinner of 6 persons, it cost $200+. We had only yusheng, sharkfin soup, steamed fish, duck, vegetables and yam pudding. We added "peng chai" which was an additional $178.
With the chinese tea and other misc items (peanuts, napkins etc), the dinner was close to $450. Mind you, we have chosen the simpleest ie cheapest set dinner. Other diners' bill would have cost even more.
It is definitely too much to spend $450 for a dinner. Yes, it is a reunion dinner but do we have to go to that extend when times are bad?
I can only say that times are not as bad as protrayed or we have yet to feel the effects.
But, is the actual situation really that pessimistic and gloomy?
Look at the supermarkets and restaurants. Are they crowded with people?
In the supermarkets, people bought goodies as if they were free of charge. Yes, maybe is for the festive season. But if one is really jobless or in debts, does he or she still have the mood to spend?
In the restaurants (I was at one of them located near Jurong East train station), there were no empty tables during that even. Luckily we had made a booking some weeks earlier. In fact, we were told that since our dinner was at 6pm, we had to leave by 7.30pm as there would be a next round of diners.
For a simple set dinner of 6 persons, it cost $200+. We had only yusheng, sharkfin soup, steamed fish, duck, vegetables and yam pudding. We added "peng chai" which was an additional $178.
With the chinese tea and other misc items (peanuts, napkins etc), the dinner was close to $450. Mind you, we have chosen the simpleest ie cheapest set dinner. Other diners' bill would have cost even more.
It is definitely too much to spend $450 for a dinner. Yes, it is a reunion dinner but do we have to go to that extend when times are bad?
I can only say that times are not as bad as protrayed or we have yet to feel the effects.
Year of Ox
The Lunar New Year falls on 26 Jan 2009. On its eve, most families would gather to have a feast, called the reunion dinner.
I had a simple but wonderful reunion dinner with my loved ones. We booked a bbq pit in Doris's new condo. She prepared a lot of ingredients for steamboat and barbeque. While the adults enjoyed the steamboat, the kids preferred to grill the sausages and meat. We had a swim before the dinner too.
The weather was simply great - cloudy, windy but with occasional spells of light rain.
We even did a crazy thing - we stayed together till midnight to watch the fireworks. Yes, there was a firework visible from Doris's unit.
Happy Lunar New Year to everybody.
I had a simple but wonderful reunion dinner with my loved ones. We booked a bbq pit in Doris's new condo. She prepared a lot of ingredients for steamboat and barbeque. While the adults enjoyed the steamboat, the kids preferred to grill the sausages and meat. We had a swim before the dinner too.
The weather was simply great - cloudy, windy but with occasional spells of light rain.
We even did a crazy thing - we stayed together till midnight to watch the fireworks. Yes, there was a firework visible from Doris's unit.
Happy Lunar New Year to everybody.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Better to create demand, rather than save jobs
IN THIS global recession, the Government announced the Budget statement a month earlier than usual.
The main concerns addressed included saving jobs so employees remain employable and their way of life is not much affected; providing more financial help to vulnerable groups such as the needy and the elderly; and giving more incentives in terms of tax rebate or tax reduction to companies and individuals.
On saving jobs, I have a different angle.
Why save the job of a salesman (for example) when he has no customers? Let me explain.
A salesman sells a product, say, TV sets. But if there are no customers to buy TV sets, why is the salesman needed?
I suggest we create demand rather than merely save jobs.
If more people buy TV sets (that is, demand has been created), the salesman is much needed. Then his job is saved with earnings from the sale of TV sets.
Likewise, if there is demand for goods and services, there will be a plentiful supply of jobs.
I strongly advise against giving handouts without strings attached, except to the needy and the elderly.
There are people who rely on financial assistance and handouts, even though they are strong and able. They see no incentive to get a job since the Government has measures in place to help every citizen. They are like leeches on society because the financial assistance and handouts do not fall freely from the sky. The money comes from taxpayers.
There is a saying that applies here: 'Give a man a fish, and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.'
I hope the Government will seriously consider creating demand rather than merely saving jobs.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Singapore Budget Statement 2009
In this prolonged global recession, the government of Singapore announced her Budget Statement a month earlier than usual.
Singapore Budget Statement 2009 was finally revealed on 22 Jan 2009 3.30pm.
The full details are available in
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/
The main concerns include to save jobs so that employees remain employable and that their living is not much affected, provide more financial help and assistance to the vulnerable group which includes the needy and old folks, more incentives in terms of tax rebate or tax reduction for companies etc.
In terms of saving jobs, I have a different thought. Why save a salesman's job when there are no customers? Let me give you an example.
A salesman is selling something say a tv. If there are no customers buying the tv, why do you need the salesman to be around. What I have suggested is to create a demand instead of merely saving a job.
If there are more people buying the tv, the salesman is much needed. Then his job is saved with the earnings from the sale of tv.
Likewise, if there is a demand of goods or services, there will be a supply of jobs.
I strongly against giving handouts without strings except to the needy and old folks. There are people who rely on financial assistance and handouts, even though they are strong and abled. They see no direct incentives in getting a job since our government has measures in place to help every citizen. They are like leeches in the society because the financial assistance and handouts did not fall freely from the sky. The monies are actually from the other tax payers.
Another saying is "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime"
I seriously wish that our government will consider carefully before giving out more handouts.
Singapore Budget Statement 2009 was finally revealed on 22 Jan 2009 3.30pm.
The full details are available in
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/
The main concerns include to save jobs so that employees remain employable and that their living is not much affected, provide more financial help and assistance to the vulnerable group which includes the needy and old folks, more incentives in terms of tax rebate or tax reduction for companies etc.
In terms of saving jobs, I have a different thought. Why save a salesman's job when there are no customers? Let me give you an example.
A salesman is selling something say a tv. If there are no customers buying the tv, why do you need the salesman to be around. What I have suggested is to create a demand instead of merely saving a job.
If there are more people buying the tv, the salesman is much needed. Then his job is saved with the earnings from the sale of tv.
Likewise, if there is a demand of goods or services, there will be a supply of jobs.
I strongly against giving handouts without strings except to the needy and old folks. There are people who rely on financial assistance and handouts, even though they are strong and abled. They see no direct incentives in getting a job since our government has measures in place to help every citizen. They are like leeches in the society because the financial assistance and handouts did not fall freely from the sky. The monies are actually from the other tax payers.
Another saying is "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime"
I seriously wish that our government will consider carefully before giving out more handouts.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
US 44th President Barack Obama
US welcomed her 44th President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2008.
This is the first time US to have a black President.
While I do not follow closely to political news, I do hope that he can bring the whole world out of the current global recession. From now onwards, he shoulders extremely heavy responsibilities in leading US and other countries into a better era.
This is the first time US to have a black President.
While I do not follow closely to political news, I do hope that he can bring the whole world out of the current global recession. From now onwards, he shoulders extremely heavy responsibilities in leading US and other countries into a better era.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Chinatown
Lunar New Year is just round the corner. Going to Chinatown seems to be part of the celebration of this festive season. Usually a few weeks before the Lunar New Year, stalls selling such goodies will be set-up at Pagoda Street and Temple Street. In the evening, these streets will be crowded with local shoppers and tourists.
My family made a trip to Chinatown during the weekend. The weather was windy and it was quite a nice feeling walking around Chinatown.
Many stalls sell sweets or jelly came from Taiwan. Some stalls-holders allowed the shoppers to eat before buying.
I recalled some years ago, prolonged rain affected the business in Chinatown badly. Luckily, just a few days before Lunar New Year, the weather improved and both shoppers and stall-holders were glad that "spring" finally arrived.
www.chinatown.org.sg/english/home.htm
My family made a trip to Chinatown during the weekend. The weather was windy and it was quite a nice feeling walking around Chinatown.
Many stalls sell sweets or jelly came from Taiwan. Some stalls-holders allowed the shoppers to eat before buying.
I recalled some years ago, prolonged rain affected the business in Chinatown badly. Luckily, just a few days before Lunar New Year, the weather improved and both shoppers and stall-holders were glad that "spring" finally arrived.
www.chinatown.org.sg/english/home.htm
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Little Nonya
This famous ch 8 tv drama ended on 5 Jan 2009. However, not many audience were happy with the ending because both male and female lead characters, YueNiang and ChenXi, were not living happy ever after.
For those who have missed the grand finale, you can watch it at
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjMyOTE0NDg=.html
For those who have missed the grand finale, you can watch it at
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjMyOTE0NDg=.html
Friday, January 09, 2009
Singapore Carries out Death Penalty
Singapore is one of the few countries which carries out death penalty for certain crimes such as murder, drug trafficking.
I read from the news that the one-eyed dragon was hanged on Friday morning after he was denied clemency by the President.
www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_323992.html
Many would think that it is uncivilised and brutal to carry out death sentence. It may even be barbaric in this modern society.
However, I think this is fair.
A life for a life!
Once a life is lost, the impact on the loved ones is immeasurable.
I read from the news that the one-eyed dragon was hanged on Friday morning after he was denied clemency by the President.
www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_323992.html
Many would think that it is uncivilised and brutal to carry out death sentence. It may even be barbaric in this modern society.
However, I think this is fair.
A life for a life!
Once a life is lost, the impact on the loved ones is immeasurable.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Thank-you, Mr Chan
Yesterday's evening, I received an sms from Isa's ex form teacher, Mr Chan BW.
He wished me Happy New Year and asked if I would like to order My Pals Are Here Maths books since he will be ordering them for his current P3 class. He ordered these books last year when he taught Isa. I like these books because they provide better explanation and more revision exercises than those Isa's school has been using.
I am very touched by Mr Chan's concern, even though he no longer teaches Isa this year.
His attitude towards teaching has deeply impressed me and he has been given an award by MOE in 2008:
" They light up English lessons "published in ST on 30 Oct 2008
http://bungerstar.blogspot.com/2008/10/thank-you-mr-bernard-chan.html
Once again, thanks very much, Mr Chan.
He wished me Happy New Year and asked if I would like to order My Pals Are Here Maths books since he will be ordering them for his current P3 class. He ordered these books last year when he taught Isa. I like these books because they provide better explanation and more revision exercises than those Isa's school has been using.
I am very touched by Mr Chan's concern, even though he no longer teaches Isa this year.
His attitude towards teaching has deeply impressed me and he has been given an award by MOE in 2008:
" They light up English lessons "published in ST on 30 Oct 2008
http://bungerstar.blogspot.com/2008/10/thank-you-mr-bernard-chan.html
Once again, thanks very much, Mr Chan.
Spring Festival is Approaching
I know that Chinese New Year (CNY) is not far away but somehow I do not feel much festive atmosphere.
This morning, I went to the wet market. I finally felt the festive atmosphere.
Besides the usual stalls selling meat and vegetables. other stalls have been set-up and they sell goodies specially for CNY.
New clothes, new pyjamas for kids, CNY decorations etc are seen and many housewives are grabbing them.
The lady boss of "yong tou fu" stall was busy taking orders from her regular customers on the ingredients needed for the reunion dinner on 25 Jan. I have yet to place my order.
The ceiling of the coffee shops has been decorated for CNY.
I finally feel that CNY is really approaching.
This morning, I went to the wet market. I finally felt the festive atmosphere.
Besides the usual stalls selling meat and vegetables. other stalls have been set-up and they sell goodies specially for CNY.
New clothes, new pyjamas for kids, CNY decorations etc are seen and many housewives are grabbing them.
The lady boss of "yong tou fu" stall was busy taking orders from her regular customers on the ingredients needed for the reunion dinner on 25 Jan. I have yet to place my order.
The ceiling of the coffee shops has been decorated for CNY.
I finally feel that CNY is really approaching.
First Day of 2009
My first day of year 2009 did not start off with a bang.
Instead I stayed at home and had a good nap. I have wanted to go out but the hot weather really put me off. Sleeping in the air-con room turned out to be the best option for me.
Isa has packed all her text-books and activity books into her school bag. Her bag was real heavy. In the end, we decided to leave the text-books at home because we did not think that the teachers would be "so-on" to teach anything on the first day of school.
It turned out to be a correct decision. Many activity books were collected to be kept in the school.
Instead I stayed at home and had a good nap. I have wanted to go out but the hot weather really put me off. Sleeping in the air-con room turned out to be the best option for me.
Isa has packed all her text-books and activity books into her school bag. Her bag was real heavy. In the end, we decided to leave the text-books at home because we did not think that the teachers would be "so-on" to teach anything on the first day of school.
It turned out to be a correct decision. Many activity books were collected to be kept in the school.
Last Day of 2008 (part ii)
The weather on 31 Dec 2008 was warm and dry. It made me feel sleepy and too lazy to leave my comfortable home.
In the late afternoon, seeing the weather no longer that warm, we went to West Coast Park.
The Park was crowded with people with a few families already camping there. Lots of children were playing at the big sand-pit. Adults were strolling around the park. I sat at the beach to see the ships and waves washing up the shore. I always like this moment of peace.
Isa had a great time cycling around the park.
In the late afternoon, seeing the weather no longer that warm, we went to West Coast Park.
The Park was crowded with people with a few families already camping there. Lots of children were playing at the big sand-pit. Adults were strolling around the park. I sat at the beach to see the ships and waves washing up the shore. I always like this moment of peace.
Isa had a great time cycling around the park.
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