Centre4Social Innovation (Singapore)

My buddy Berd

2012-01-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

Today, I post a photo of a very dear friend and buddy - Bernard Chan also affectionately known as 'Berd'.

His scout friends called him 'Roger'. At a time like this, when I am able to extract myself from celebratory activities of the Dragon Year, I have a bit of time of reflection, away from the hustle and bustle - and fondly remember this Dragon friend, Berd. Born in the Dragon year, Berd proved to be a dear friend and confidante. He fought the good fight (including Stage 4 pancreatic cancer) right to the end. He'd reminded me that 'death has no sting' because we serve a risen Saviour. You can read a little more about him in my latest book, in a chapter I dedicated to 'friends and buddies'.

Singapore skyline

2012-01-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

This was the view (from my hotel room at Swissotel) of Marina Bay Sands before it had the SkyPark lifted to the roof. Now the cityscape has changed. It is a pity, at least to me, that the new skyline is punctuated by beautiful landmarks much associated to a casiNO. Oh no.

That can be a 'thorny' problem (see Espanade in the foreground)

Singaporean Thomas Chong looks back at Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur....

2012-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

What will Merdeka Stadium look like in a year's time?

The name 'Thomas Chong'

2012-01-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was a little surprised that when I googled 'Thomas Chong', a lot of other people appeared on my LCD. Hmmm, the search showed an actor, mostly. Unless I added a few other descriptors such as 'Singaporean' or 'IAH' or 'PCF' or 'Centre4Social Innovation'

Singaporean Thomas Chong muses about cars and corp comms

2012-01-27T07:58:00.002-08:00

yup, cars are expensive. Part of traffic management otherwise we'd have traffic snarls. In perfect Singlish, one would say, "What to do...?" Can anyone find a better way?

Speaking of better ways, are there better ways to publicise one's work? The photograph in today's post showed so much media coverage on our work with online games - and more importantly, how online games could be education tools - to promote love for one's country, to promote pro-social behaviour...that's right, you read it correctly...

In Singapore, we work to drive, not drive to work

2012-01-27T07:58:00.001-08:00

ok, doesn't this tell you how costly a car is?

But for some, it is a BARE necessity, so we'd just have to BEAR the high costs...

Let God and LEGO: Singaporean Thomas Chong's faith in action

2012-01-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

When an apple drops onto the head of a man resting under the shed of the apple tree, what does he do? (A) Eat the apple (B) Curse and go back to sleep (C) Nothing (D) Talk about a new discovery which we now know as 'gravity'.

So what do I do when I meet a lady on a bus in Washington DC, and finds out she works at LEGO Denmark? Well, the rest is history. I excited my new-found Danish friend and her other colleagues and brought LEGO into Singapore pre-schools.

The photograph in this post shows Mikkel and Casper holding up my hard-earned LEGO certificate. Asia just got several more LEGO teacher-trainers and I thank God for the opportunity for me to be among them!

Counting our Blessings

2012-01-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate yet another lunar new year, I can't help thanking God and praising Him for many blessings all these years. I thank God for nurturing my faith, protecting my family, opening opportunities for me to meet new 'instant friends', blessing my friendships, giving me strength to contribute to my employer, blessing the work of my hands so that I may continue to give to the less fortunate no matter how modest the gift .... and reminding me to be grateful for all of the above blessings!

The photograph in today's post shows one of my childhood friends Henry and I with our 1-derful teacher Mr Law Chor Hoo, retired school principal and school inspector who never tires of working and blessing others. Chor Hoo is still contributing as a part-time School Counsellor.

Singaporean Thomas hopes to return to California

2012-01-24T01:01:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since i returned from my Fellowship program at Stanford U, California, USA.
This year of the (Water) Dragon should prove to be busy for me. Lots to complete, lots to do and accomplish. The photo in this post shows the unfinished MBS integrated resorts back in late 2009 (Notice that there was no skypark then). It also shows the 'thorny' Esplanade in the foreground.
I wonder if the Dragon year is going to be like that - 'thorny' yet rewarding, for those who do not mind the strong smell of durians (metaphorically speaking).
During this Year of the Water Dragon, should we also expect more rain and maybe more water (on the roads and perhaps shopping malls) than we really need?

My second book - a satire

2012-01-24T00:48:00.001-08:00

My second book is said to be a political satire of sorts. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this particular book as the characters came alive for me, during various stages of writing. I can't wait to set aside some time for the sequel!

I was very encouraged that 1000 books were snapped up in a week! I hope to do another print run, soon.

My first book

2012-01-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

I thank God for the many opportunities that came my way. And the opportunity to have written and published the book entitled "Washing Feet: My Personal Journey in Service Leadership" upon my return from a Fellowship program at Stanford University, USA.

Part proceeds still go to 2 charities namely Tampines Primary School and Mainly I Love Kids.

Republic Polytechnic students - We thank you!

2012-01-24T00:36:00.000-08:00

It is heartwarming that there are many youths out there who are forthcoming in rendering assistance in worthwhile causes. The photograph in today's post shows students of Republic Polytechnic lending a hand at a Teachers' Conventiion held at their polytechnic facility.

We thank them for serving with us and doing it with a smile!

2012-01-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posted a photograph of a shop selling clogs, in Melaka. I am heartened that an article in today's Sunday Times (Home page 9) talked about the vanishing trade of clog-making.

It is good that groups of school students are also trying to document some of these vanishing trades and what might just become a scene of the past e.g. wet markets.

I hereby attach a photograph of one of my highly-respected mentors, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Prof Dr Yahaya Ibrahim, who introduced a friend Mr Tan. Tan Sri is a rich source of knowledge - he knows so much about both Malaysia and Singapore. Tan Sri's late brother was Singapore's first Health Minister.

2012-01-21T00:28:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about the way we used to listen to music? Before the Sony Walkman, Apple iPods, and Apple iPhones ?

2012-01-21T00:21:00.000-08:00

As the new lunar new year approaches, the Year of the Dragon, I thought i should clear my email in-box before it gets CLOGGED up further. Need to also CLOCK in some hours, studying and relaxing over a book...and maybe start on #7 book project.

As I grow older, I tend to reminisce a little bit more. Here's a photo of CLOGS in a shop in the historical city of Melaka. Nostalgic.

had a ball of a time, with Australian friends

2012-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Kylie Minogue (lookalike) was there too, belting out our favourite all-time hits! Can you spot her? (on stage just behind me)

largest pineapple tart in Malaysia

2012-01-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

it's in Melaka, and recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records.
now take a closer look.

Just published the book, "Singapore My Home"

2012-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Thank God for helping me see to the completion of my 6th book project. I had earlier written 2 books and edited 3 books. This one is special because I've dedicated it as a gift to my beloved wife - we celebrated our 17th Anniversary in 2011.

I thank Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower) Mr Hawazi Daipi for honouring me with the Foreword.

Merdeka Stadium as seen from my hotel room

2012-01-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

I've been to KL numerous times for leisure and business, and I enjoy every trip. This photo was taken from my room in a hotel opposite the Merdeka Stadium which I was told, shall be re-developed.

This was the place where our soccer lions (Quah Kim Song, Samad Allapitchay, Lim Tien Jit, Dollah Kassim, S Rajagopal, Mat Noh played against renowned Malaysian teams with players like Mokhtar Dahari, Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun (all from Selangor) as well as the famous Bakar brothers (from Penang), in the 1970s.

Melaka - been hair, er here, done that!

2012-01-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

With another friend, Oistein Kristiansen...this time in Melaka, the place we visited to let our hair down, so to speak.

We took a photo next to trays of steaming 'paus' (buns).

Adventurer turns VR man?!!

2012-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

another dated photo...this time with dear friend Khoo Swee Chiow who impressed a few of us with his VR skills. I was in awe....

What will we do without coffee?

2012-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a dated photo taken at a corner coffee shop at Chow Kit, KL, Malaysia.

So what will we do without coffee? Some of my friends joked that they have no vices -except having 'kopi' every morning - their version of Stout. Notice they 'joked' about having no vices.

My adVICE? Do all things in moderation, and fear God.

Blessed New Year of the Dragon

2012-01-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

Soon it'd be the Year of the (Water) Dragon. I wish you blessings for the new lunar new year!

This would be an interesting year at work and at home. I can't imagine what would unfold tomorrow and the day after, and the days after that. But I know who holds tomorrow.

And I know there's always ice-cream we can go to for some needed relaxation. Photo shows a wonderful time I was having with my (Metal) Dragon Phoebe, in Haagen Daz, Hong Kong.

16th year milestone

2010-09-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just celebrated my 16th Wedding Anniversary, wow!
I must thank God for His amazing grace as we journeyed through the storms of life, some smaller than others.

Yesterday we brought our 2 girls (evidence of a blissful marriage) to the Camp Rock II Premiere, thanks to Starhub. It pays to be a Hubber.

May the good LORD be glorified as we continue this journey of love and care for one another, and people around us.

Cheerios

Wearing many hats

2009-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

This Filipina wears many hats. Like this Filipina of many talents, it appears I might have to continue to wear many hats such as

Fellow at Stanford University, USA

part-time Practicum Supervisor with NIE,

Member of REACH Policy Study Workgroup for Education and Human Capital Excellence,

Int'l Quality Inspector with City and Guilds, London, etc

Moving on

2009-06-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

I've had a wonderful learning journey in the nonprofit sector in Singapore, working with the following:

a talented Board,

generous partners who believe in our vision and mission

supportive and encouraging grant-makers

appreciative NPO Executive Directors and their Boards who know how to re-charge themselves by participating in our leadership development programs

I even had time to volunteer to build a community (not just houses) with another nonprofit organisation.

Let's stay in touch!

Thomas Chong

Building schools within Gawad Kalinga communities

2009-05-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

The children love to experiment, to discover, to play to learn and learn through play.

Indeed, using things around them, they learn through multiple senses as they see, listen, touch and even taste. Montessori methods can work so wonderfully well here as children go about doing what they like. And why not? Because they like what they do too!

They look happy, and are indeed happy and

appreciative of the opportunities and love provided to them.

Another critical aspect of our work is to tap on high-level 'influencers' and advocates. They model for us strategic giving, engaging the corporations, and enthusing the masses.

It is really heart-warming then to see the individuals, corporations and Foundations leading the way in giving of themselves and their resources to build communities, and develop people.

Int'l Montessori Convention 2009

2009-05-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

It's been an excellent convention in Kuala Lumpur, one of the world's best cities to live and work in.

I'm pleased to share with you the topics that were covered to benefit close to 400 delegates from 20 countries.

Please email me and tell others how they too can grow their skills in social innovation.

Family First.

2009-05-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

I was with a dear friend who was terminally ill. In his death-bed, he confided, "Tom, in the weeks that I've been here, I've witnessed so many of my new-found friends ...you know, go. None had ever said he or she missed going to the office. What they missed were times with their loved ones. They wished they had invested more time with family".

Lessons from the Philippines

2009-05-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

There is so much to learn from Gawad Kalinga (translated from Tagalog, "to give care"), where I volunteer.

I am encouraged by the generous giving of time (volunteer hours), money and talent by people of diverse backgrounds and expertise to help the poor, the homeless to live within a new community of nice homes, with dignity.

Indeed, more hands make light work, and work that is a whole lot more enjoyable.

Centre4Social Innovation (Singapore)

2009-05-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Centre4Social Innovation (Singapore)!

This weekend (30 and 31 May 2009), I shall be among a panel of speakers at the International Montessori Convention in Malaysia, to learn and grow with Montessorians from around the world.

Hundreds of researchers and practitioners passionate about using Montessori methods to enhance teaching and learning as well as to nurture and touch children, shall be in Kuala Lumpur, one of the best places in the world to live and work.

Please check out http://www.montessoriconventions.com/mc_speakers.html

If you have any questions, please email me at mentoringpartner@gmail.com