Our Childhood Games And Toys (2)

Digimon Bandai Digivice Virtual Pet Monster 

Aeroplane Chess

Tamiya Car

Plasticine Modelling Clay

Craft Stick Rubber Band Gun

Miracle Wand Bubbles

Bestman Balloon

Toy Gun with Rubber Bullets

Brick Game Console

Rainbow Spring 

Kite

Waterfull Ring Toss Handheld Game

My NS Life

The old BRTC at Jalan Bahar

If you asked me how I felt during my 2 years in National Service (NS), I would rather said it was fearful and 'siong' (tough).

I trust that training in the NS these days is much safer than my time. Also a lot of the punishments that the Commanders of my days dished out to us are no longer allowed.

My advice to the pre-enlistee? Don't try to 'take cover', don't 'keng' (always find a way to report sick) and waste your time in NS; and help the weaker ones.

I think the Ministry Of Defence has done a pretty good job now - with the colorful brochures, slide shows and walkabout to see the impressive facilities; and even hosted a lunch in the cook house - at reassuring the parents.

Inevitably, thoughts of my own enlistment in 2005 to 2007 came flooding back. I tried to recall what the feeling was like for me in those days just prior to my enlistment. However, it was too long ago and I just couldn't be sure. I think I felt dread and fear because we had heard so much about how 'siong' the training was. In those early days of NS in Singapore, lots of stories were floating around the grueling training. 

The old BRTC at Jalan Bahar 

In 2005, I was enlisted into Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). 

Honestly, the first 3 months of Basic Rescue Training (BRT) Course was so 'siong'.

I always got into trouble with the Officer-in-Charge of the Charlie Company (at the old BRT Centre in Jalan Bahar) and my Platoon 9 Commander.

At one time, they even sent me into the Detention Barrack (DB) for 3 days. It was on the 3 February 2006.

After serving the 3 days 'hell in a cell', I became more focus on whatever I have to learn in the 3 months course and I considered myself lucky after being 'picked' by the Head Personnel Branch Of Civil Defence Academy, Captain Narindar Singh to attend the Provost Unit Course; even when he knows I already had a 'record' in my NS Profile.

On March 2006, I became part of the Provost Unit at the SCDF 2nd Division HQ - Tampines.

Less than a year, on 1 February 2007, I was promoted to become the Division's Provost-in-Charge or Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). I proudly served this post for 1 year 10 months till I completed my Full-Time NS on December 2007.

Not only that, I was also selected to represent SCDF in National Day Parade 2006 and the Division in SCDF Day Parade 2006.

On 13 September 2012, I received the Good Service Medal from SCDF; an honor.

Malaysia Cup Fever

Mention the Malaysia Cup Fever and the younger generation will think of the LionsXII squad that participated in the Malaysia Super League. 

But mention Malaysia Cup Fever to the 'die-hard' Singapore's soccer fans, and immediately they think of the Malaysia Cup soccer matches at the old Kallang Stadium in early 1970’s to 1994. 

Yes, those days were the prime of Singapore's soccer craze and every match had the stadium filled to capacity.

During that time, tickets were sold on match day but my father always get it free as he was the staff in the Sport Singapore (formerly known as Singapore Sports Council). 

Those days, it was really shocking to see so many people all pushing one another to get in. I will always remember the sight of the pile of slippers, sandals and shoes near the entrance. Many supporters actually took off their footwear and climbed into the stadium via the pillars!! After that incident, the stadium authorities put up barbed wires around those pillars.

The most funny part is that the man we 'loved most' in any match was.. the Referee..!! The poor guy got booed every time he made a decision against Singapore and everyone loved to chant "Referee kayu.. Referee kayu..!!".

The other guy we loved to hate was the Linesman - "Linesman bodoh.. Linesman bodoh..!!" was our favorite chant. 

Keeping Cats And Fishes

Lucy, the Persian cat

I think I was about at the age of 5 when I developed an interest to play with cats. 

My mother told me that every morning at 7am I found my way down quietly to our home’s void deck at Yishun Avenue 6. There were many cats for me to choose but I took all the cats home. By the end of the day, my mother was the one who brought the cats back down to the void deck. 

Just before my 6th birthday, my father surprised me with a Persian cat which was purchased from Sembawang Shopping Centre.

As time when by, I kept more than one cat. At any one time I could have about 5 different types of cats in the house.

Lucy, the Persian cat

After we moved to Bedok North Street 3, my mother would not have anymore of my 'nonsense'. I guess she was right in her opinion because we lived in a small size flat.

Back in 2000, the idea of keeping cats no longer entered my mind.

As a kid and till today, I liked to keep fishes too. Living in Singapore, we were exposed to the idea of keeping fish in an aquarium. There were tropical shops everywhere, and especially my grandfather - had aquarium full of colorful fishes.

Springfield Secondary School

Springfield Secondary School was established on 21 December 1992.

Originally named Tampines West Secondary School, Springfield Secondary School made history being the first new school to be allowed to change its name. Approval for the change came barely one week before the Secondary One Registration and just in time to get the exercise books and uniforms printed.

Springfield Secondary School moved to its present premises located at Tampines Avenue 8 in June 1993. Located at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Tampines Avenue 8, Springfield Secondary School is one of the new generation schools designed with a unique identity by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Within a short span of time, its enrollment escalated to about 1 800 pupils and a teaching staffs of 85 in 1998.

School Song:

Springfield, oh Springfield

to you our loyalty we pledge

with glory your flag we raise

in one resounding voice

we sing your praise

diligent in our work

your worth we proclaim

Springfield, our Springfield

in truth and virtue we grow

for better self and better tomorrow

Springfield, oh Springfield

we strive to live up to your name

to bring you glory and fame

from the glowing earth

rises the golden sun

brightly lights the way

till our work is done

Springfield, dear Springfield

we hear your beckoning call

better self for better tomorrow

To be honest, it pains me to share multiple instances of bullying within the school premises, that had affected the overall learning environment there. 

Throughout my tenure at Springfield Secondary School, I observed a prevalent issue of student misconduct, with some students displaying a lack of respect towards both teachers and school regulations. This not only hindered the educational atmosphere but also created an environment where students felt unsafe and anxious. 

My personal experience as a victim of bullying adds to the gravity of the situation. On a particular occasion, a group of boys subjected me to physical assault without provocation, taking advantage of a dark classroom to perpetrate their actions. This traumatic incident has left a lasting impact on my well-being and has motivated me to advocate against such behavior. 

But slowly, disiplinary problems in the school seemed to have dissipated, thanks to the enforcement of discipline by our Principal Mrs Ng Gek Tiang and Vice Principal Ms Jael Patricia Tan. They would not hesitate to call for the police if they knew any of their students took part in any nefarious activity. 

For this, I implore the ministry to implement measures to curb bullying, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all schools. 

Ms Jael Patricia Tan and Mrs Ng Gek Tiang

The only one memorable moment during my days there is when I emerged as the only students to have retained the prestigious award - Academic Excellence in Malay Language (for Normal Academic) in 2001 till 2003.