Taking Time Off - An Alien Concept

“But what can I do if I take off?” I candidly replied to my supervisor who felt that I was working too hard, and should take some time off.

“Er, you can sleep in later or tidy your house?” Sandra earnestly suggested.

I further explained that since I wake up daily at 5.30am, it was difficult for me to sleep in. Even on weekends, I “sleep in” till at most 7 plus. And tidy the house? Because I do keep my little house tidy and neat on a daily basis. It doesn't take much time for me during the weekends to do my more extensive household chores. I reassured her that I would definitely take time off when I feel exhausted, and need time to rest.

Actually, there are also other reasons why I don't take time off.

1) An Alien Concept
As a teacher, I don't calculate the hours that is put into work on a monthly basis, nor do I have the option of taking time off just because I have worked over the stipulated hours. When work needs to be done, it needs to be done. And there is no such thing as I have finished all my work and I can go home early. And as a teacher, unless I am really sick and have a MC, I would not stay at home or do my own things while my colleagues are still at work. It just doesn't feel right to just take a day off.

2) Already Taking Time Off
On average, I have been working 9-10h daily for the month of October. For a person who used to leave home for work before sunrise and return after sunset, working for an average of 12h daily, it is already a luxury to be back home by 5pm. Also, because I do not have to bring work home, I could sleep a full 8h on a daily basis. Moreover, I get to do caneoing or go on hikes almost on weekly basis during office hours, and I can even clock these leisure activities as “work time”! What more can I ask for?

However, I must admit that if I had a car or there is reliable public transport to Clarens or Bethlehem, I would probably take time off to explore the towns. Nevertheless, would do that when david comes around, and we can explore the towns together.

In the meantime, taking time off? Nagh... maybe when I'm really sick or need to rest...

Death of Shortie

I reached over and gave her cold hands a long hard squeeze. She looked sadly into my eyes and struggled to respond with a weak smile, indicating that she had understood and appreciated my well wishes. Somehow, both of us seemed to know that it would be probably the last time that we meet. I gave her one last concerned look before I closed the door of the caddy. Please let her survive through this, I muttered under my breathe as I watched the caddy drive away.

“CHI!!!!!”, Esther welcomed me into the kitchen in her usual way, hugging me as if I were her life-size Teddie bear. We had bonded within the first few days I arrived at Golden Gate. Perhaps it was because I would always greet her, in my broken Sotho, with a bow in respect, or maybe it was because I had bothered to find out her name and called her Esther rather than Shortie (her nickname as everyone knew her by – she's below 1.5m). Despite our inability to communicate in English or Sotho, we often laughed and hugged each other when we met. I quickly adopted her as a mother figure in this new foreign environment.

Thus, I felt a surge of anger when I heard how she died.

Esther had been feeling very weak and breathless for a few days before she was driven to the nearest hospital at Phuthaditjabah. She had been in and out of hospital, and doctors could not give an explanation as to what was wrong with her. Her family went to visit her last Thursday. They found her bed empty and was puzzled. Upon asking the nurse on duty, they found out that Esther had already passed away on Monday. The nurse claimed that the hospital did not have the contact numbers of the family, and thus was not able to contact them. When they searched the case file, Esther's family pointed out the contact numbers that were written clearly in the documents... ...

I was horrified.

How can a hospital not even take the slightest effort to inform the family of a patient who has died? And this was the nearest hospital that we (people living in Golden Gate) have to depend on if anything happens to us???!!!!! I hope I never have to be hospitalised when I am here, or even seek medical treatment at a hospital or clinic.

I hoped that Esther passed away peacefully, and that it wasn't because of the negligence of the doctors/hospital, but the fact that she was already old. The kitchen now looked strange without her around. Although the new staff is friendly and we exchange smiles and greetings, it is just different from Esther's daily yo-i've-not-seen-you-for-a-long-time-and-i-really-miss-you hugs.

Bye, Esther a.k.a Shortie . You will be remembered.

A Slave to Technology

Editor's Note: I don't think you can truly understand what I am saying or understand how I am feeling in this blog entry. Nevertheless, I am doing what Singaporeans are best in doing – complaining. So, just bear with my rumblings.

I was so angry that I could feel my chest tightened immediately. I had to close my eyes and breath slowly and deeply to calm myself down. I could feel tears swelling in my eyes. Tears from anger, not from being upset. The knots in my temple were so tight that my head would probably burst at the slightest touch. I had never been so frustrated and angry in my life.

Never. Ever.

I was surfing on the net on the evening of 18 Oct when my data credits ran out. When I tried to purchase more data bundles (at R80 for 100mb), I was told that I was only allowed to do so once a month. I had to wait till after 24 Oct to make my second purchase. I couldn't believe what I heard! Nobody from the service provider could give me a reason for such a rule. Which means that I only have two choices – pay R2 per mb or go without internet access till 24 Oct.

How can I be paying R2 per mb when my budget is R100 per week?
Also, why would I pay R2 (S$0.35) for a miserable mb, i.e. R160 ($30) for just 80mb to surf facebook, when R160 could probably buy me UNLIMitED access back home. Not to mention that R160 can also buy me 30 pieces of chicken (R90), 5 heads of cabbage (R35), 5 bags of carrots (R25)and 15 onions (R10)!

I feel miserable.

And ANGRY.

Reason 1
Because of the lack of competition and expertise, technology is ridiculously expensive over here. Games that usually we can buy for $10 at petrol stations are sold at $50 over here. Computer cables/wire that would cost $6 to $8 back home are sold in shops at $30 to $40. The same wireless modem that can be purchased for $120 in Singapore cost $350 here.

Reason 2
It is not just the high cost of technology that is pissing me off. It is also the arrogance of the SERVICE providers. How can MTN, the only network that I can use in Golden Gate, call themselves the SERVICE providers when their service plans actually blatantly “milks” the customer?

1st – you can only purchase data bundles once a month, i.e. you are forced to spend more money to purchase a larger bundle or end up paying R2 per mb when your original bundle is used up

2nd – even if you purchase a larger bundle (e.g. 1G ), it will also also expire after one month, and you cannot carry the data over.

Which means to say that if you are working online, and suddenly you have used up your data bundle before the month ends – too bad, you have to continue your work paying exorbitant prices, and the next month you just have to learn your lesson and purchase a larger data bundle.

And you call that service?

Reason 3
The lack of IT competency also frustrates me. Recently, I had to check out a quotation for laptop repair, and I e-mailed a computer repair centre in Bethehelm. It scared me when it took them 3 days to reply my email. I can understand if a local school takes two weeks to reply an e-mail or they do not even have e-mail, but I find it hard to comprehend how a supposedly IT service centre can take 3 days to reply an e-mail. Also, they insisted that the laptop is virus free until I ask them to insert their thumb drive into the laptop, and use it on their own computer, which then alerted them of the virus.

Reason 4
Lastly, the viruses are driving me nuts. I freaked out when I scanned my thumbdrive and found that 471 of my files were infected with 3 different viruses. And I am quite sure that at least another virus have not been identified or picked up by the anti-virus scan as I am still having funny files on my thumbdrive that I cannot delete.

I am seriously trying to cope without reliable technology. I can handle and cope with all other “challenges”, e.g. having no water or clean water for a few days, having no power at times, having a tight budget etc. But the lack of realiable technology is driving me nuts. I have to learn how to manage my emotions while waiting up to 20min for the office computer to start up and load outlook for me to start working.

Thankfully, I still have this mini-hand-top to keep me sane by being able to type my blog entries and listen to music. I cannot imagine if my mini-hand-top is also infected with viruses. I would probably be zombified.

Can I live without internet access at home? Yes, I have already been doing that from mid Jul to end Sept anyway. While, on a positive note, other than saving money, I will definitely be posting more blog entries now that I have more time to reflect at home rather than to surf the net.

My Grandfather's Test

I have not talked about this incident for a long time but a motivational powerpoint slideshow that my colleague showed me today suddenly triggered this childhood memory back to me.

It was during Chinese New Year, and my grandfather was ready to give red packets to all his grandchildren. He showed us a bundle of red packets in his hands.

“Here, take one!”

They were all different, but all large and glittery, except for a really plain and small one. My cousins started to grab at large and glittery red packets. I reached out and took the plain one.

“Hey, how much did grandpa give you?”

We were comparing our red packets in the room. Everyone had two $10 notes, and we started laughing at ourselves for thinking that my grandfather could have put different amounts into the different red packets. He had made us believe that there are different amounts of money in those different packets.

I held on to my red packet tightly. I have often been the quiet one, so I got away without answering when asked how much I had. How could I have told them that I had a $50 note in my red packet?!

“Grandpa, I think you put too much into my red packet,” I innocently went back to him to return the red packet. And he gave a winked and said, “Keep it. You deserve it, because you chose the simplest and were not attracted by the size and glitter of the other red packets.”

There were two simple lessons here.

1) Be satisfied and you will be rewarded.
I was happy enough to just take the plain red packet. I did not need to have the biggest or the most glittery one. I feel that happiness is not defined by what happens to you, but how you perceive what happens to you. e.g. if I strike 4D of $100, I can either be really happy with the returns or frustrated that the amount is so low. And strangely, when a person feels happiness, he or she displays more self confidence, and are able to make more positive decisions that lead to positive outcomes and events.

2) Dare to be different and you will find unexpected returns.
It did not bother me that I was getting something really different from the rest. I am not advocating that one should always be singing a different tune, but rather don't be afraid if you don't have a good voice - just sing out loud, be creative with your voice or do something different. You don't have to pretend to sing along with the choir and feel miserable all the time.

It just dawned upon me ....

It's Saturday 4th Oct 2008, 6:15 52sec ....

It just dawned upon me that I am in South Africa.

Alone.

Fulfilling my aspirations and dreams.

I have been just busy learning, adapting and being involved in the daily operations that I forgot that I am actually in a totally strange and new place....

10 years ago, i never thought that I would be where I am today.

I have always been fearful and weary. And had always prefer the “safe option”.

“Why don't you want to study overseas? Me & Mom are willing to send you overseas!”

I must be one of those strange kids who actually rejected my parents to send me to an overseas university. I wanted to be close to home.

I remembered also backing out on one community project in China because I didn't have confident with the organisers, and actually worried it was a 'scam'. I had lots of regret when the rest continued with the journey and gained/gave so much.

“You have made a very selfish decision. You should have done this before you got married.”

“But just go ahead and enjoy yourself.”

Moms will always be moms. They may not agree with your decision, but will support you all the way.

It may not be a big deal to many, especially those who have been educated overseas, but for me – it's one of those decisions that I thought I would never have the courage to make.

And it's also the support and encouragement that I have from home that gave me the strength - my hubby, parents, in-laws, relatives, friends and school. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to make this selfish decision.

Thank You.

50 Things That I Would Not Have Done Back in Singapore

It’s been 2.5 months since I left home for SA, and around 2 months since I have settled down at Golden Gates. It’s time for some reflection. Here’s a list of 50 things that I never thought I would have done, accomplished or experienced:

1. Drive at 140 km/h.
2. Be driven at 180km/h.
3. Learn to stop at Stop Signs.
4. Learn how to give way at a cross junction of Stop Signs without traffic lights.
5. Learn to signal on the left and put on the wiper on the right.
6. Call traffic lights “robots”.
7. Call BBQ “braai”.
8. Wear shoes into my house.
9. Wear my pyjamas and uniform at least five times before I wash them.
10. Wash my hair only twice a week.
11. Wash my shoes at least once a month.
12. Handwash my own clothes and linen.
13. Wake up at 6.30am to handwash my own clothes.
14. Wake up at 6.30am to cook my own lunch.
15. Make beef dumplings and sweet & sour pork.
16. Bake delicious pies.
17. Eat green apples.
18. Eat green apples everyday.
19. Give green apples to horses trespassing my garden.
20. Feel that Maggie mee is the most important invention that ever happened to Mankind.
21. Feel excited and happy when I found egg noodles in a Pretoria supermarket.
22. Feel excited and happy when I found a Chinese family restaurant in Bethlehem.
23. Feel excited and happy when I spot Chinese, Koreans or Japanese.
24. Feel excited and happy when I see Chinese words.
25. Learn how to say greetings in 9 different languages (English, Mandarin, Malay, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, German, Afrikkans, Sotho)
26. Speak to an audience of 800 in simple Afrikkans.
27. Watch movies at a cinema.
28. Watch movies at a cinema for S$2.80 (R15).
29. Watch movies at a cinema 48km away.
30. Survive for 2 months without television.
31. Survive for 2 months without watching shows on internet.
32. Survive on a budget of S$18 (R100) each week.
33. Be approached to loan money (it’s usually the other way back home, I’m the one asking for loans because I forget my wallet.)
34. Be wary of my expenditure and make every cent count.
35. Compare prices of food in a supermarket
36. Count my money every weekend to keep track how much I have left.
37. Sit in a pothole (will do that the next time I go to Cleopatra Pools).
38. Hold on to a one day foal.
39. Hold on to the torn rear of a one day foal.
40. Hold on to the torn rear of a one day foal in a caddy driving at 140km/h to the vet.
41. Feel sorry for the horses when I ride them.
42. Be at a dinosaur fossil site.
43. Climb up a waterfall.
44. Climb up mountains without tracks.
45. Do a presentation to people from UN.
46. Learn so much about astronomy and palaeontology.
47. Maintain a neat & clean office table.
48. Appreciate that teachers do not have a fix timeslot for lunch.
49. Appreciate that my school forces us to leave the office by 6pm.
50. Appreciate that my school do not let us into the office on sat & sun.

My Little Red Dot

“Singapore! Oh, i know Singapore!”

“Oh great! Thanks for not asking me which part of China!” I replied, being really grateful that someone knows where I come from and that Singapore is not anywhere in or near China.

“Yes yes, i know, cos my aunt is also from Taiwan,” my new south african friend proudly announced to the group and continued to share with us the delicious food that his taiwanese aunt makes.

I just gave a polite smile. I didn't want to embarrass my new friend. I would find another appropriate moment to tell him that Singapore is also not anywhere in or near Taiwan.

I find that Singapore is not an easy concept or place to imagine. The only person who truly bothered to find out where I came from was Alet, the student intern at Golden Gate, and she said, “I really tried my best to find where is Singapore on the map, but i can't find it!” When i showed her the word Singapore on the world map, I had to convince her that my country actually existed, it was simply just covered by the little red dot used to indicate the name Singapore.

Another common question that I get a lot:

“So which city do you live in Singapore?”

“Er, Singapore?”

“I know you live in Singapore. What is the city? Where is your capital?”

“Er, Singapore?!” Then I have to explain how the island Singapore is a city. It is hard to imagine for many, especially when I tell them that my entire country can fit between where i stay in Golden Gate to the nearest town Bethlehem 48km way.

“So how does your country earn a living?!!!!”

“We focus mainly on manufacturing and services.”

“You mean like you make your own cars? but your country is so small!” Then i continue to explain that in Singapore we focus on high-valued and value-added manufacturing services, and gave examples on how we are one of the largest oil exporters in the world despite not having our own oil supply, and how because of land shortage, we also have several investments overseas. And how we have expanded our land through land reclamation to around 1.4 times from the original size. Somehow the more i described, the more unconvinced my audience became. The last straw was when i told them that we live in flat units as high as 40 stories, and that all 40 floors were just apartments, not offices.

Nevertheless, two weeks ago, I had an unbelievable nice conversation with the most unlikely person that had actually been to Singapore! It was with Charlotte (stable master @ GG)'s grandmother! She had went on a Southeast Asia tour during the 1980s. Her memory was really good as she discussed her adventures in the various countries like Thailand, Hong Kong etc she also remembered being in Singapore, and Changi Airport =)

My little red dot, my little red dot. Hopefully through this year, more people from this side of the world will get to know who you are.

TV in Bedroom? No Affinity =(

I remembered the first time i had a tv in my bedroom. It was during my university days and I had a second hand tv in my hostel room. One afternoon, less than a week after i acquired the tv, i accidentally fell asleep on my bed with the tv on. I then woke up to a burning tv. Yes, it was on fire!

So, when my supervisor asked me if i would like the put a tv in my current room, i wasn't too sure. One on hand, i understand the benefits of connecting with the world and knowing more about the local culture, on the other hand, i fear that history will repeat itself. Fortunately this time, the tv did not literally burn. It just fused on the third day after i got it....

Someone is watching over Me

i have always strongly believe that there is someone watching over me (is is God? or a Guardian Angel? Or is it simply because i have contributed a lot during my past life?). Whatever it is, it is one of my driving factors to keep on doing good, as an appreciation and also to be that guardian angel for someone. These are also the reasons what keeps me going and being positive. The fact that everything always seem to fall into place. Here's more reasons why during my journey so far:

1) The other ex-GVI volunteer from Singapore is actually a fellow Sungei Buloh Volunteer as well, and I saw her wearing a GVI t-shirt during our volunteer outing. It was strange coz we had communicated through email but didn't know each other! what are the chances???!!!!!! Crazily slim!!!
2) I met someone who was also going to Harrismith on the bus from the backpackers inn in Joburg, thus i had company. Initially was bit concerned about travelling on my own. although i never got his name, i am thankful for him crossing my path and assisting in my journey in GG.
3) my co-colleague is also an ex-teacher, and we have very similar philosophy and attitudes when it comes to teaching and learning. it gave me goose bumps when we graded some science projects with very similar results.
4) my 14watt light bulb burst and i was just about the replace it when i was given one as a free gift during the science expo. i freaked out when i saw what the gift was. i was just about to buy it that day?!

Strange? Fate/opportunities/chances are very strange. it always amazes me how things fall into place. Someone asked me what if one day something really bad happens? I am really not sure, but i hope it never happens, and even if it does, i believe that my coping mechanism will pull me through – there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, the sun will always rise again tomorrow, there will always be something positive in any bad situation.. ...

Recycling ~ Any real value?

Is there real value in recycling? This question was posed to me many times, especially when my friends come over to my house and see the recycling bin that i have in my kitchen. The argument is that one individual cannot make an impact, it has to be the major companies or government that take the lead and make more efforts in conservation.

While I agree that in the short term to have maximum impact, these efforts should be driven by large companies and the government. However, that does not negate the impact that we have! The value of conservation can start from home, and our actions also influences our future generation. Recycling can be contagious!

I remembered a lesson/sharing by one of my uni professors (prof. victor savage). He shared about how he gave an overseas talk on conservation/reduction of carbon emission and was challenged by one of the audience. The audience asked him what car he drove to school. My prof was proud to say that he took a bus instead. Of course, he then gained the respect of the audience and me as well =)

The point that I'm trying to make is that all actions start from home and how you live your personal life. In large companies and governments, it is still the individual who makes the decision or at least promote conservation efforts. If we always have this mentality that as individuals there is nothing much that we can do, things will never move, and things will never change.

If you don't believe in recycling, do cut down on consumption as an alternative to conservation. Choose wisely and make sound decisions. Avoid purchasing items with excessive packaging and say no to plastic bags/styrofoam etc etc Just take the first step today, and after a while, it just becomes easier and easier.

My Other Half

I really need to count my blessings.

When I married my hubby, I did not know that he would also care for the environment. I would already be grateful if my the other half does not complain when I set up a recyling corner in the kitchen and store "trash". However, not only does he support setting up our own recyling corner, he also helps to bring the trash to the main recyling bin periodically.

I was particularly proud of him the other day, when he decided to take public transport to Vivocity to purchase movie vouchers in exchange for tickets. I mean, we don't exactly live near Vivo. Today, he ordered a chicken pie, and when the lady wanted to use a styrofoam box, he told the lady to use a small paper bag instead.

I really need to count my blessings.

My hubby really supports me in what I do, and also participates actively in my passions. Many people cannot understand why he would allow me to go for this journey to SA for a year, while he stays in Singapore. But I understand that it is his way of showing his love for me. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if he had been less accomodating. And to some extent, I do feel a bit guilty as I feel that he is definitely more supportive than I am in this relationship. I would really need to do some self reflection and think about how I can provide more actively for our home/family before going on this journey!

I must be the world's most blessed wife =)

It's more than Cruel ~ It's Barbaric

This was written in response (suntimes@sph.com.sg) to the article on how people are tattooing fish for 4D numbers (Straits Times 10 Feb)

No matter how humane people claim the process of tattooing (the fish) is, it does not change the fact they are branding another living thing -permanently. Even if it does not cause pain, the act itself is barbaric. To me, these are actions of the past, when humans were less civilized, and where slaves were branded and forcefully tattooed. Have we now accepted these kinds of actions just because the victims are now other smaller animals?

It is not as if the act of tattooing on fish is for research, where one can help to find the cure cancer. It is simply for the pleasure of some who wants to get 4D numbers. Can’t there be other less deeming ways to get the 4D numbers? Here are some suggestions:

1) Throw a pack of cards into the air, and pick out numbers.
2) Make a board of numbers and play darts.
3) Use mahjong tiles and get your pet to “pick” the numbers.
4) Draw a matrix of numbers (0 to 9) on the floor/sand, turn your back to the matrix and throw a one dollar gold coin to see which number it lands on.

I am sure people can get the numbers without subjecting the fish to unnecessary dosage of anesthetic and injection.

As for issue on tattooing on fish as a form of art, there have been many people around the world who readily decorate their bodies with tattoo art. So, I have no problems with that as long as the fish agrees.

Why I am Anti-Golf

During CNY visits to family and friends houses these few days, I have heard at least five people spoke about picking up golf or are already playing golf. Well, while I may not agree with their choice of hobby, I have not gone to the stage of discouraging them from it in a serious manner. I don't think I'll ever do it either, unless its my own close family members.

I'm anti-golf. The first time I knew about the environmental impacts of golf was through my teacher. I can't remember when I started having such strong feelings against golf, but I remembered being very upset with my parents for picking up a country club membership when I was in Secondary school. I also refused to pick up the club during a trip to Desaru with my colleague (it was a free trial or something like that). While I acknowledged the many benefits of golf, from providing income for the local people to even sometimes protecting pockets of nature from urbanisation, I still cannot condone an activity that destroys massive forested areas and wetlands just for the enjoyment of a privillage few. Also, with the increased popularity of golf, more and more developing countries have started to clear their lands, and this is growing concern as these LDCs (with all their other problems) may not have developed proper accountability and stewardship to the environment.

Here are some articles/websites that I would like to share:
1. Impact of Golf Courses (Retrieved on 09 Feb 08) which also highlights the benefits of golf.
2. A Global Perspective on the Environmental Impact of Golf (Retrieved on 09 Feb 08) which gives details on the environment impacts as well as the impact on developing countries

It was interesting to read how golf traditionally is a game where the course "goes" with the environment when it first started approx. 500 years ago (e.g. using pasture land ~ maximising land use!), but has unfortunately become a game where it deliberately changes that landscape =(

Anyway, to all who are avid fans of golf, I sincerely hope that you can seriously think through if there are less damaging forms of sports and entertainment. =)

When I was "Converted"

There were hints as a child that I will grow up to have a certain respect for the environment. As early as in Primary School, I would wrap my gifts with magazines and cut out pictures from birthday/chirstmas cards to make my own cards. I would reused wrapping paper from my own christmas/birthday gifts for others. I would also concientiously use both sides of the paper when printing/writing, switching off lights/electricity when not requried, etc
I cannot remember specifically when I started my interests with the environment.
Perhaps it was the influence from my parents and the many travels which they brought me with them. They enjoyed travelling in rural areas to enjoy beautiful sceneries, rather than in big cities. As a child, I remembered being fascinated by a frozen waterfall in Jiu Zhai Gou (China), and awed by the snow-capped mountains in New Zealand. There was also a period of time when trekking Bukit Timah Hill was a weekly affair for the whole family (including my cousins, uncles/aunties & grandma)!

I was definitely also inspired by my secondary Geography teacher, Ms Mary Chua. Although we did not have technologies such as powerpoints/videos/internet, she still managed to make geography come alive. We learnt about river processes through models and role play. We composed songs about the Earth, and discussed about human impacts on the environment.


During my university days, my course mates and I conducted geographical fieldtrips and experiments. We went tracking around MacRitchie Reservior in search of natural streams, hang around in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for a day to study tides changes, and digged around for soil analysis etc.


While I enjoyed nature, I was actually more interested in community work (i.e. with people) due to my social work background rather than the environment. The first major turning point was when I started teaching. As a geography teacher, I got to read up more on environmental issues, and a part of me feel the need to set a good example and a role model in what I teach, e.g. taking more active measures to conserve & protect the environment. The second major turning point was when I did my 5-week work attachment at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (as part of my teacher work attachment programme). It was such an amazing experience that I signed on as a volunteer. Since then, I had more opportunities to interact with the environment, and to play a more active role in protecting it.

Why Rubberseed?

I was helping out with a senior's research at a stream in MacRitchie Reservoir during my university days. While waiting for the rain (we were comparing run-off between forested areas VS urban environment), I heard several loud sounds, "tack", "tack", "tack". Upon investigation with my teammates, we discovered that the rubber trees were "dispersing" their matured rubber seeds from the casing.

It was amazing seeing how the waxy rubber seeds & boat-like casing float down the river! I collected some of the rubberseeds then, and till today, I still have them on my car's dashboard.

I chose "A Rubberseed's Journey" to represent myself, as just a like the rubberseeds that I saw floating along the river, I am now embarking on an exciting journey in my life. One day, I will eventually settle down on a bank and start to grow and mature. And just like a rubber tree, I hope to be useful, where my knowledge and experience can be of help to others.