This blog says that the problem is that many times people that do have strong opinions refrain from expressing them because they are afraid of what other people might think.
Clearly, Chewy does not belong to this category. And he sure can back them up. And even better, he's open to opposing opinions. I think that's a really cool trait to have. There are many things you can be impressed about with regards to Chewy, his confidence, his witty humour, his willingness to get his hands dirty, his humility. Little surprise that he's pretty high-flying for 32 year old :)
A side-thought before I continue in topic: Yea, US may be pretty screwed up. However, all things equal, you'll be hard-pressed not to find distinct differences when looking at how people educated there carry themselves compared to Singapore. Sure, I may generalise and maybe I just haven't seen enough people yet, but based on my personal experience (2 US educateed God-sisters, 2 close pals in US), I have always been pro-US Education system (well, of course if you can afford it). What do you think?
sgFail...or not?
I shamelessly quote from Reuben in our MSN convo "im qt surprised google makes 100mil in sg. 100mil is no joke at all, no matter what industry". I mean sure, I've always kinda knew that search is a big thing. in some ways, chewy really smashed away the myth that there's no market in singapore. its even more interesting that he feels that the consumer culture in singapore is screwed up. personally, i'm more inclined towards his view points. i think in sg, your power as a consumer is really bad. like ryan said, the culture is one of the main reasons for this scenario. then begs the question, is it REALLY possible for the scales to be tipped? too often, we have tried brave souls try and fail. what is the problem?
i think its a matter of our mentality towards failure vs comfort zone: generally sgeans are more comfortable to stay in a bao-jia situation. if it aint broken, why fix it? why make your own life so hard? and i blame the education system. students flock to the ivle to post stuff. they say the stupidest thing in classroms for participation. why? becos we're damn kiasu and kiasi. this psyche can not be better illustrated then looking at your google reader/rss reader for the past 2 days, after sadistic prof welcomed us back to the real world.
and it really does works! i had this discussion last sem, and i really think the education system in sg really not helping this culture
that said, i realy can't (in the forseeable future) see consumers grabbing the power back in sg.
throwing ideas against the wall .... and money into the drain
branching off from the previous point, i believe this concept is totally unorthodox to most sgeans. with no offence towards those who expressed doubts against the CPA, i often find sgeans (myself included) quick to find fault or failure. but like the second segment of chewy's talk on our tinted glasses, we often think that we're able to see from other people's point of view, but more often than not, we're still fixated on our own viewpoints, which we developed based on our experience. we're really not as smart and knowledgeable as we think we are... well, i don't at least.
which is not a bad thing. but perhaps, its time to look at throwing money into the drain .... even though we might not own a palace in indonesia
here's to a wonderful 2 weeks of deadlines and tests ahead!
(ps does this make me a fan again? :) )
Hmm, well while it's okie to express your opinions, I think it is important how you express them. And sometimes, it's smarter to just shut up. But I think sometimes people don't speak up because they are afraid of what others may think, but quite simply because they are selfish :/
ReplyDeleteAnd ya, I think SG uni's aren't that awesome xD But it could be worse la - not that we should compete with the worst. But I think the foundation, like kindergarten to sec school is good.
i dont disagree that the foundation work is good in Singapore. but its just good foundation for studying and taking exams. i think we're severely lacking in all other departments.
ReplyDeletei agree with the method of expression too :)
its always easier to just not say anything. more often than not i choose to do that. heh.