Let me off: A forum Theatre

I went to a Forum Theatre this evening. Thanks to Hnin for introducing me to this form of art. It is a very beautiful way of applying art to facilitate discussion between different opinions. We can see many ideal opinions from one extreme to the other end. The truth is no ideals exist in the real world as we all know. This form of art displayed the whole spectrum between the two extremes.

“Let me off” is a forum theatre about the relationship among Singaporean employers, agents and domestic workers. Anyone in the audience can be SPECT-ACTOR (spectator becomes actor) at any scene when the facilitator calls for intervention. It means the spectator can intervene the scene – he or she can act in the chosen role as per his/her own idea if he/she thinks it would help improve the relationship between the characters. Then, the other actors in the play will respond to the actions of SPECT+ACTOR depending on how they feel. The audience may also provide suggestion and ideas to the facilitators.

Throughout the play, I have seen ideal employers, ideal agents and ideal employees from the SPECT-ACTORS. For vivid explanation, I saw the extremely good employer who did not want her potential employees to say pledge the rules they are supposed to live by. The agent asked to promise (or swear, in a more harsh language) the workers will not get pregnant, use phone, run away. One SPECT+ACTOR didn’t feel it right thus he took on the role of the agent and he tried to ask the potential employer to promise/swear not to abuse the employees. I also watched the SPECT+ACTOR took over and acted as employee who prioritized her responsibility over her dying wish of going out with her man or can convince the man for safe sex so that she won’t get pregnant.

Not only this, some lee way between the employer and employee were also revealed through this artistic way of exchanging ideas and opinions. My take-home messages from this very first experience of participating in a forum theatre are
- art displays the spectrum between two extremes
- art can bring out different voices in a more receptive ways
- art reveals the space between two parties and how the two can move around and work out to suit both parties' interest
- art recommends alternatives to solve a problem

Bravo “Let me off”.

The friend in Shanghai

I am reading the collection of short stories “the friend in Shanghai” by Pamela Tan. Pamela Tan composed the very Chinese stories in a smooth flow of English. Some of these stories revealed how people are desperate to build up a career or to get out of the country. I seemed that the Cultural Revolution had put many people into race for survival thus their moral values are skewed towards self-centeredness.

The story “the friend in Shanghai” tells a bout a man who is trying to knot a tie with a lady residing in Australia and now visiting him. His one and only intention is to get out of the country. He apply many methods including telling her straight that he wants to marry her so that he can visit Australia, to even persuading the lady with his youthful look and sex appeal.

“The Career” is the about a couple trying very hard to get into a university in the US. They are so desperate that they even could delay the parents’ wish of having a child. The husband runs into a situation which could possibly deter his dream. The desperation pushed him to take the risk – to kill the lady he is living together with. The character never appeared to be daring enough to take the life of a person. Desperation has pushed a person beyond his limit.

“The long and short of it” explains the different interests among the public, the local and central governments. This story appears to be a simple story of how a tall lady and a short man get into relationship on the surface. Yet, if we really read through the lines, it says all about the hide-and-seek game between the business owners and the government officials. It also partly uncover about a slow-moving career man’s nudge on a younger and more intelligent head of inspection group.

I can’t help thinking about the power of a revolutionary leader that can make or break a country.

Bottom line in Visa Applications

I received a call from a girl whose name I do not know. She asked me what happened to my “SOLD” copy of Singapore PR Identity Card. I had to ask her some questions to find out that her friend used a copy of my IC for Visa application and was rejected at the airport. Her friend (let’s name him THIS BOY for easy reference) came to Singapore yesterday, and was sent home on the same day from Changi Airport.

I asked a few more questions to know where he got the copy of my IC and the conversation revealed that it was from a girl I met during my last trip to Yangon. I came to know this girl (THIS GIRL for easy reference) through a respectable acquaintance. My acquaintance introduced THIS GIRL to me if I can ease her from some complicated and costly procedures for her attempt to come to Singapore. Being gone through such hustles myself, I willingly gave a copy of my IC. Somehow, THIS GIRL passed a copy to her cousin without informing me.

I did not know the conversation between THIS BOY and the immigration officer at the airport. Recently, I heard from friends that the immigration officers called the local contacts and asked if he/she invited the visitor. I was wondering whether THIS BOY was rejected for not being able to provide the affirmation from the local contact. In this case, I don’t think I would be able to say a “Yes” even if the officer called me for confirmation as I was informed of nothing. Now THIS BOY has a loss of money at least for the ticket, time he spent for preparation, and above all his hope of exploring the outside world.

When it comes to rules and regulations, it is crucial to fulfill the bottom line in order to make things happened legally. In this case, the requirements as per ICA (Ref: http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=168&secid=166#Documents%20Required ) have to be fulfilled.

Through this post, I would like to inform all our brothers and sisters back home that it is the responsibility of the person to get permission if he/she is going to use someone’s IC for Visa application. It is important especially in such tight conditions at Singapore immigration. He/she should also inform the local contact for his/her arrival so that the person can provide required information if needed.

Hope everyone can make their dreams come true by meeting the bottom line.

Leadership Vs Management

I am very much interested in leadership because it is very important for me as an individual, for everyone in the society to understand the leaders in their society and for the leaders to know which type of leaders they are. The community with good leaders will successfully survive in this highly competitive world. I intend to post some of my understanding on leadership on my blog. Discussions, sharing and comments are much appreciated.

“The difference between leadership and management” is a good point to ponder. Leadership theories explain “Leadership Vs Management” in different wordings. Here are a few lines I found on the internet:

Leadership is about doing the right things, Management is about doing things right.
Leadership is about having the map and going the right direction (goals). Management is about going there efficiently.
Leadership is about effectiveness. Management is about efficiency.
Leadership comes before Management.

Another explanation from the module PP5506 of MPA is also interesting. Leadership and management are on each end of a spectrum – the spectrum with leadership on the left extreme and management on the right extreme.
Establishing goals -> Formulating strategies -> getting commitment -> Implementation
are placed on the spectrum. A role at work is a combination of both leadership and management. The scope of a leadership role covers more on establishing goals and formulating strategies while that of a manager covers more of implementation. I personally think that getting commitment could be a shared task. Thus, there is no single position with leadership or management responsibilities alone.

Whether we fit in a leadership role or a management role depends on individual’s personality. Personality refers to psychological and behavioral characteristics in individual and it makes me different from everyone else. Personality tests such as DISC and MBTI set questionnaires to find out the personality types/profiles.

In many corporations, they do believe in leadership. At my work place, all employees are defined as individual leaders. Probably this concept is useful for our community too. If everybody lives with vision, plan for future, keep on learning and performs one’s best, we would be able to build a better community.

True leaders

I met my ex-classmate a few days ago and it reminded me of my English teachers who inspired me to live with values and principles, to explore opportunities, to work hard as well as smart and to have courage to be myself.

In the formal educational system, I started to learn English in the first year of Middle School (similar to secondary school in other countries). We learned reading and writing but never had a chance for listening and speaking. It is tough to learn a language as I grew up in a monolingual environment. In my childhood and part of teenage, TV was still a luxurious item especially in a small town about 400 kilometers away from the capital. Even when I moved to the capital, not everyone listened to English channels through media such as TV and radio.

My English teachers created a space for us to listen to and speak English. I started to visit Saya U Khin Maung Zaw’s home cum tuition while I was idling at home for 3 years as no universities were open. When I moved to Yangon, U Khin Maung Zaw introduced me to Saya U Sein Win (Ludu Sein Win). It was when I first met the city girls and boys. I was surprised when I hear from a student that her dream was to work with NASA. At that time, I did not know what “dream” meant. And NASA was too big for me to dream of. Later, the tuition became an important part of my life as it was more than a language center. I met senior classmates who are very confident, I listened to Saya’s lectures which opened my eyes and motivated me to be a better person. And, I was first introduced to the overseas scholarship programs by Saya U Sein Win.

When I started to work, I attended Saya U Win Naing (Hledan) tuition. Initially, it was simply because Heldan is closer to my work place. Later, I found the teaching method was very engaging and I was so much attached to the classroom. After a year, not only the classroom, the kitchen also became our hunting ground. I will never forget the weekly offerings at tuition. It is where I learnt to communicate more effectively, lead the junior students by sponsoring programs at Symposium. It became my second home.

When I came to Singapore, I understand the importance of effective communication much better. Besides, I also realized that self- esteem, confidence and respect are key elements to be able to survive in a foreign land. I often missed the moments at the three tuitions where I learnt to be myself, leant to dream, and dream big.

We do need people like my English teachers. They are the candles that brighten our future. Leadership inspires the best a person can be. Leaders change people’s perspective. They are the important leaders who created big changes in my life.

Cultural Night 2008

I've had a chance to visit my juniors' cultural night at LKYSPP. Thanks to all MPPs and MPAs for inviting me. We showcased the costumes of our 8 major tribes in Myanmar - Kachin, Kayar, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Myanmar, Yakhine and Shan. I was chosen to wear Kayin costume which is a 1-piece dress with simple hair band just because my juniors thought that I am a Kayin. I am not a Kayin but I do look like one of them as I possess the distinctive jaws. It was really fun to walk up and make some Kayin dance moves. By the way, my friend who was wearing Kayin Men's wear won first runner up in best dressed male students.

I am very glad to meet all the juniors and so pleased to see those in early 20s coming to Singapore for a Master's degree. The earlier they can expose themselves to the world for the best learning opportunities, I am sure they have much better chance to contribute to the society - be it back home or somewhere else.

It was also good to meet some classmates who are continuing their MPP or doing Ph.D. In this year’s cultural night, the school has also added some fun. I noticed Prof Paul Barter busy taking note for the best dressed male and female students. Scott came in the second part of the program and gave out the awards for the best booth and best dressed male/female students.

I miss my days in LKYSPP. My journey at the school was quite an experience because the days were tough with full-time work and part-time study but sweet with satisfaction. Well, I have yet to find out how I should apply the academic knowledge from MPA. I am grabbing all bits and pieces of opportunity in the social development; I believe that I am living with my mission. And I also hope that I will be able to contribute more to whichever society I am living in.