What did he say?

 A Rare Chance.

When Inti College extended the invitation to hear a former Prime Minister talk on  globalisation in education, I could not resist.

Hear, I must.

Mr. Tony Blair still looks great and very fit. He admits that he is an exercise freak and that the best deal to hit on medical benefits in any nation is a negotiation between the government and its people; rather that the people of a nation should take responsibility of their own health by eating well and exercising regularly. Keep fit; spend less.
Many wanted to hear what a former administrator of the UK had to say on education and globalisation. He was precise and witty and caught the audience's attention well. He had 5 basic points:

• the rapid technological changes demand all need to be connected through education processes; people need to be developed and understand international culture to succeed...
• be open-minded in all facets; religion,skills,creativity,diversity...
• good governance...
• open up for opportunities and business for development... 
• as a world be prepared for changes; Malaysia to play her role with her neighbors...

Of course, what I hear many not be what he wants to deliver but the understanding is basic: people still want to live in a tolerant, respectful society and the government is to support her people. Understanding all cultures is a prerequisite to success; let there be peace.

3 lessons of leadership and life purposes:

•  life is better with a sense of purpose; be in sync to make a difference consciously;
• learn as much as you can about the world and other cultures; be knowledgeable;
• when others step back, a leader steps up; take full responsibility; be decisive and do not give in under pressure;

He ended with the reminder: Be open-minded.

I don't know if his delivery was more on politics or education but nevertheless I enjoyed it.

Good to see him in person; Mr. Tony Blair.

And...if I have misinterpreted, sorry Mr. Blair.

The Lantern Festival

Mid Autumn Festival

Every year at this time most Chinese homes would take the opportunity to be happy. It is again time to remember the legend of the fairy in the moon. When I was a little girl I can still virtually recall the excitement that crept into us at the jubilation of carrying paper lanterns and march round the streets where we lived in.

 But of course these lanterns are now made in the images of favourite cartoon stars but the traditional ones in the forms of fish, chicken, rabbits and the like are still popular. Irrelevant of beliefs, children get all exhilarated at the idea of candles being lit up in the lanterns. Parents like to see the joy in their children's faces. When the children are happy, they are happy too; aren't we?

There are so many versions to the reasons why this festival is celebrated.

To me, it is more of a legend than a religious connotation.

 Let us see this version below:

So, it's a love story. A story to relate the deep love of Hou Yi for Chang Er; if I am not mistaken I did watch a movie based on the story when I was a mere girl of 6 or 7? Even back when civilization first came by, the value of staying true to a love is recognized. Some values are meant to last a lifetime  even if the world has grown and rotated a million times.

 Moon cakes are being sent by Hou Yi to his love during this mid autumn festival; so nostalgic. So, the commercial world has taken this chance to make money. A piece of moon cake can be in the region of tens of ringgit; different versions of different value. A cake with egg yolks would cost more and the least is unending.

 A pack of four pieces in special packaging would cost a hole in your pocket; but all to be consumed in small quantity with lots of Chinese tea for the sweetness can overwhelm you. 

On the brighter and more meaningful side, the festival is reason for some families to gather together for a time of sharing, talking and laughter. Is it not true these days? It is so difficult to be together and every opportunity to do so is reason enough. So if it means taking moon cakes, tea and peanuts under the bright moon, let it be.

Last weekend was an eye opener to me in the streets of Chinatown in Singapore.

I have never seen so many lanterns in the sky before.

 The streets were stringed with lanterns of various patterns ; orchids, lotus, rabbits and nameless. Old as I am; my heart gave a jump at  the sight. It was so pretty, so bright , so merry. I was glad to be there.

 It was like in merry land; unbelievable. I wanted to stay and look at the lights forever. Even when things don't seem to go your way; it doesn't matter. The sight made you joyous.

Wherever you go, you see lights, lights, lights. So pretty; I have no words to describe; so the saying a picture says a thousand words comes true; surely.

 Shops in Chinatown sold goods pertaining to the festival, lanterns, moon cakes, table runners, handbags, clothes and everything that has got something to do with the festival. So Chinese.

 But the most meaningful is when I get to see my daughters and see them well and happy.

 We had to travel far to see them but it was worth the trip .

Esther traveled with us to visit the grandparents. This is what family is about; we pass down values of care and love and integrity. May the younger generation learn that money is not everything in life; but the need to create a meaningful existence.

May this mid autumn festival bring loved ones together to enjoy one another under the moon.