Author: Terence Seah

The SilverHairsClub membership application is a simple process.  And this will continue for a long time to come.  So far, we have done very little membership promotions.  Perhaps, by word of mouth, our membership has increased dramatically.

Fairy godmother has been pretty lazy, getting old.  To get her to be alert has not been easy.  For the moment, at least until the end of the year, all new memberships will now be approved during the last 3 days of each month.  If the membership form is not fully filled up, and sent to admin@SilverHairsClub.com, the application process will be delayed until the next month.

If you are intending to ask your friends to join SHC, please do so quickly.  Do note that all Event Organisers EO events, are strictly for registered SHC members only.  There will no longer be last minute membership approvals. 

Terence Seah

Among members, there are a few who are knowledgeable with Indonesia as a destination to spend time relaxing, mixing with the local culture, enjoying the tasty food as well as a possible place to spend valuable retirement time.  I was in Surabaya last week for about one week, and I have this to share with you.

I find the city of Surabaya rather homely.  If one can speak bahasa Indonesia, or bahasa Melayu, this will definitely help communicate with the local community.  I guess for many of us, many of us would have learnt this language in school. 

Due to my short period there, I could only see the city.  I didn’t get a chance to see the sunrise at Mount Bromo or even Mount Penanjakan.   Being a tourist, I could only see the Russian submarine monument, the Sampoerna cigarette factory, Chinatown and reluntantly Tunjungan Plaza, the largest shopping mall in Surabaya.  It is good shopping paradize.  I remembered there was a Pasar Atum, with loads of local goods.

For men or women who admire the beautiful Surabaya ladies, this is a great city to envy.  They just have great charms, smiles and looks.  The traditional costumes are very attractive.  I believe it’s the Javanese history and culture.

Part of the reason why I was there in Surabaya was to visit an Indonesia plant.  But, I also took advantage of the time to visit the city.  The mayor of Surabaya provided a fabulous dinner, coupled with live entertainment singing and dance.  I was impressed with Indonesian hospitality.

There are direct flights from Singapore to Surabaya, only less than two hours away.  I wish some of you especially those with Indonesia connections, or having lived and worked in Indonesia give us more insights into what it is like to consider one of the Indonesian cities as a place to retire or even for a short 3 – 6 months.

What is it like to retire in Surabaya or in any other city in Indonesia?

Terence Seah

As you know, I have plans to relinquish ownership of SilverHairsClub this year.  The objectives are to ensure continuity and give it more vibrance.

Unfortunately, no member or groups have expressed interest to take over, and I have decided to drop looking at within the club.  My intended plans for 2012 would not make it possible for me to continue in the present capacity.

I thought over this, and despite the cons posed to me, I have decided to put SilverHairsClub and SilverHairsClub.com under a corporate entity.  Within the next few months, SilverHairs Enterprise Pte Ltd will be created.  It will be a social enterprise, and will run as a business enterprise too.  I shall have discussions wsith those who have posted suggestions on this club in the coming months.

SilverHairsClub and SilverHairsClub.com will continue to run as it is now.  This has been the way it has been operating since Oct 2005.  However, SHC will have additional features; and one of them includes corporate membership.  SilverHairs Enterprise will extend its reach to the wider group of SilverHairs in Singapore.   And, of course, the ownership of SHC will be moved from an individual, myself to an enterprise.

I hope to spend more time outside Singapore, immediately and effective early 2012.

Feel free to share your thoughts.

Terence Seah

Our 1st all Mandarin event "One night in Chinatown" is confirmed as follows:

• Date: Sat 10 Sep 2011
• Time:  5.30 pm to 10.30 pm
• Venue:  Kovan cc, walking distance to Kovan MRT
• Number of pax:  50.  We may increase the number, at a later date. Current plan is for 50 80 pax)
• Cost:  $10 if paid on or before Aug 15, $15 after Aug 15.  31 Aug 2011.
• Theme:  Stage event with duets, group singing, songs and games, within dancing in front of the stage, traditional stalls, lanterns light-up, mid-autumn, moon-cakes, love, youth-at-heart and laughter).
• Stalls allowed, subject to meeting theme.  Closing date 15 Aug  2011 31 Aug 2011.
• Music:  We will be using the venue’s speakers, amplifier, and wireless mics.
• Seats:  This will be a standing event, with limited seats.  Empty seats can be taken by anyone.  No tissue paper chopping please.  Please do not bring big handbags, plastic bags, luggages, as this is a public place.
• Drinks:  No outside drinks or food.  Corkage charge to be borne by individuals.
• Dress:  Traditional Chinese wear.  Try to borrow, if you dont have one.
• Strictly for registered SHC members only.

Tentative Program:

• 1730 hr. Registration.  Please bring along your name tags.  Getting to know new friends, and meet old ones too.  Here, you may practise the SHC hug or the traditional Chinese "Two hands clasped together" and wishing one another "good health and best wishes".  Please do this in Mandarin.
• 1800 – 1900 hr.  Simple buffet dinner.  Food liaison with the venue handled by Lee Ah Nee.
• 1900 hr Lily Ho welcomes all guests.
• 1930 hr.  Songs and singing by Janet and Group, Drama by Pearl and team, Games by Dolly.
• 10.30 pm.  We close for the night.

Registration:

1. Terence Seah (EO)  (Paid 6.8.11)
2. Oi Cheng (Registration and payment)  (Paid 9.8.11)
3. Janet Chan (Songs and singing)  (Paid 6.8.11)
4. Boon Liang (Music equipment)  (Paid 6.8.11)
5. Lily Ho (Opening welcome and closing of event at 10.30pm)  (Paid 8.8.11)
6. Dolly Lim (Two stage-games)  (Paid 5.8.11)
7. Judy Lim  (Paid 3.8.11)
8. Daniel Chan  (Paid 9.8.11)
9. Pearl Wong  (Drama)  (Paid 8.8.11)
10. Richard Wong  (Paid 6.8.11)
11. Lilian Teo  (Paid 4.8.11)
12. Sam Huat  (Paid 5.8.11)
13. Janie Leong – Chinese compere for the night  (Paid 8.8.11)
14. Eileen Thean  (Paid 7.8.11)
15. June Koh  (Paid 2.8.11)
16. Lee Ah Nee  – Food cordination (Paid 6.8.11)
17. Caroline Gee  (Paid 5.8.11)
18. Bee Gek  (Paid 8.8.11)
19. Annie Loh  (Paid 6.8.11)
20. May Peh   (Paid 6.8.11)
21. Rena Wong  (Paid 6.8.11)
22. Charles Wee  (Paid 9.8.11)
23. Peggy Tan (Paid 4.8.11)  Charles Chua
24. Ann To  (Paid 6.8.11)
25. Perilla Liew  (Paid 7.8.11)
26. Freda Lim  (Paid 9.8.11)
27. Hou Chong  (Paid 6.8.11)
28. Lina Ng  (Paid 6.8.11)
29. Susan Chang  (Paid 7.8.11)
30. Ann Lim  (Paid 8.8.11)
31. Jassmine Teo  (Deco) (Paid 9.8.11)
32. Gabriella Chua  (Paid 9.8.11)
33. Joyce Kwok  (Paid 8.8.11)
34. Gingko    (Paid 9.8.11)
35. Clara Chay  (Paid 10.8.11)
36. Zariah Kassim  (Paid 10.8.11)
37. Linda Chang  (Paid 10.8.11)
38. Sally S C Tan  (Paid 10.8.11)
39. Allan Lim  (Paid 10.8.11) 
40. Lola Low    (Paid 10.8.11)
41. Audrey Wong  (Paid 10.8.11)
42. Sue Chan  (Paid 10.8.11) 
43. Cat Yeo  (Paid 10.8.11) 
44. Martin Lee  (Paid 10.8.11) 
45. Thomas Loh – Chinese compere for the night.  (Paid 10.8.11)
46. Wendy Koh  (Paid 10.8.11)
47. Wee Chin  (Paid 10.8.11)
48. Bira  (Paid 11.8.11)
49. Eileen Lee   (Paid 11.8.11)
50. Lydia Chin  (Paid 11.8.11)
51. Eyvonne Chew  (Paid 11.8.11)
52. Sockie   (Paid 11.8.11)
53. Marg Tian   (Paid 12.8.11)
54. Irene Poh   (Paid 12.8.11)
55. Ronald Lam   (Paid 12.8.11)
56. Bobby Bok   (Paid 12.8.11)
57. Amy Ko   (Paid 12.8.11)
58. Fred Heng   (Paid 12.8.11)
59. Catherine Koh   (Paid 13.8.11)
60. Joy Chuang   (Paid 13.8.11)
61. Dan Huang   (Paid 13.8.11)
62. Geok Suan   (Paid 13.8.11)
63. Shirleen Kao   (Paid 14.8.11)
64. Margaret Soo   (Paid 14.8.11)
65. Agnes Low   (Paid 14.8.11)
66. Yatsing   (Paid 14.8.11)
67. Tim Liu   (Paid 14.8.11) + 2 boxes of double yolk mooncakes
68. Ronnie Sow   (Paid 15.8.11)
69. Eunice Tay   (Paid 15.8.11)
70. Jeremy Lee   (Paid 15.8.11)
71. Peggy Ong   (Paid 15.8.11)
72. Cindy Wee   (Paid 15.8.11)
73. Frankie Wong   (Paid 18.8.11)
74. Bernie Chung   (Paid 18.8.11)
75. Jacqueline Han   (Paid 19.8.11)
76. Lina Tan    (Paid 22.8.11)
77. Kent Chan    (Paid 24.8.11)
78. Frisna Tan    (Paid 24.8.11)
79. Bessie Lam   (Paid 31.8.11)
80. Andrew SP   (Paid 31.8.11) 
81. Phil Wong   (Paid 1.9.11)

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!

Photos by Dan & Sockie

I wonder how Sinigapore has become one of the fastest elderly
growing population in the world.  Either our medical system has
enabled the elderly to live longer or we just eat good food, and live longer
than our grand-parents.  The baby boomers are reported to be
richer and will be better financially than future generations.  Our
age group is believed to be better prepared for old age and retirement.

Many of us have some form of personal life and
health insurances.  I like to raise this topic for discussion, so
that all of us get a chance to share what we know or dont know about the
insurance policies we have kept somewhere under our pillows.

Let’s focus on personal, health and accident policies. 
Keep out corporate insurance. 

This topic can be sensitive, especially those policies
paid out of our CPF.  But, please stay cool.  I
hope we can benefit from better understanding of our insurance
policies.  Let’s talk about choices, differences of the different type
of policies.  Please do not copy wholesale from the web. 
Keep your comments short, and in easy understandable English or
Chinese. 

There may be some insurance experts around us, your
contribution is invited.  We share.

Terence Seah    

Let’s begin and have an Online Fleamart.  You may buy, sell and rent, by putting a comment below this Post.  If this works, we will have a similar Post each month.  The rules are as below:

1. Only buy and sell items by “individual” registered SHC members permitted. Price can be listed.
2. Email address can be published. No tel numbers or contact addresses allowed.  As this is advertising, replies will not be permitted.  Replies will be deleted.  Interested buyers will have to contact the seller via email.
3. Individual membership cannot advertise “corporate” items.  MLM items are not allowed.
4. Members will have to publish the fleamart/sale items personally, not through another member.  You have to use an AVATAR image, so that we know who the seller is.
5. Simple, it’s free.
6. Maximum of 5 lines in the comment box.  One fleamart advert per month.

If your item is deleted, read the above rules, and you may try again.

Have fun.  Thank you Jassmine for the suggestion.  I look forward to you hosting this Post each month, starting Aug 2011.

Terence Seah

Last year, we had a fleamart event at Kovan.  For those who remembered, Hou Chong gave us his item which was the marmalade jam.  Unfortunately, we could not hold it as planned,  on our own.  Then, on recommendation, we teamed up with other fleamart stalls at Kovan; although the results were so so, if not, not exciting.

Well, this is the time of the year again.  I thought it would be a good time again, to start a fleamart event.  No dates or venue yet.  Any thoughts on how we can proceed?

We have organised fleamarts many times before.  While fleamarts may not be a big income or part-time time or funtime income for us, it is still an activity that SilverHairs can go into, in their free time, and be their own boss.  Over the years, I sense Singaporeans are not in the market for used items.  We tend to go more new items or good used items.

Let’s think hard.  Maybe tell us what you have, and some of us may have an idea how to help out.  My favourite is of course, used condoms.  In fact, I am running short of them.  Dont be shy.  What have you to sell, new or used?

Terence Seah

Last week, I activated the use of Avatar images in SilverHairsClub.com.  This is a little picture, that appears on the left of your comment.  I understand you can choose from one of the many freely available images.  You can also have a picture of yourself or pick one from your computer. 

Here’s how I manage to create an Avatar image, next to all my comments.

1. Go into http://en.gravatar.com/.
2. Put in the email address which you use in SilverHairsClub.com.
3. You can choose one image that is available, or browse from your computer.
4. Within 15 minutes, the Avatar image will be activated. You will see it next to all your comments.

Have fun.

Terence Seah

Hi guys and gals,

I am looking for someone to take over the role of Web admin manager.  The tasks would include:

1. Approving of comments and Posts, which have been put under the modertion queue.
2. Deleting or removal of comments and Posts, which violates the rules of the club.
3. Removal of membership applications from would-be spammers.
4. Take over the role of fairy Godmother.
5. Have some knowledge of .php applications, and able to make some modifications to the forum software.
6. Approval of forum registrations, and ensure members’ names used are in line with club procedures and handle  password requests.
7. Have some time to perform the above tasks, at least once a day.

The term is for two years; and applicants should be active and have been a SHC member for at least one year.

Terence Seah

Sometime ago, we started with the concept of key convenors.  The intention then was to see if these leaders could draw out more members into its activities.  This convenor concept had been proposed by members, and we had given it a go.  It was also intended as a means where members can contact the convenors.

Well, let’s listen to the convenors and hear what they have to say.

• Walking activities – Charles Wee
• Cycling activities – Yew Kwong
• Dancing activities – Dan Huang, Lily Ho, Dolly Lim, Jeffrey Gan
• Scuba diving activities – Jeffrey Lim
• Civic activities – Jassmine Teo
• Dating activities – Susan Chan
• Johore Bahru – Daniel Kang
• Johore Bahru & JB Orphanages – Sam Goh
• Yunnan – Feztus Lim
• Indonesia – Abel Tan
• Thailand – Terence Seah
• SHC match maker (Group 1 members joining SHC in Oct 2010) – Sam Goh
• SHC match maker (Group 2 members joining SHC in Sep 2010) – Frisna Tan
• SHC match maker (Group 3 members joining SHC in Aug 2010) – Richard Wong
• SHC match maker (Group 4 members joining SHC in Jul 2010)  – Margaret Tian
• SHC Business Network – Jeffrey Lim, Susan Chan

Convenors, please feel comfortable to give your feedback.

I request members to give opportunity to the convenors to voice their views.  We should respect their views and feedback, even if if you feel you could do a better job or have a better idea.

Terence Seah

Each year, I like to take a trip to North Thailand.  Especially, when the weather is cold.  Coming next January, I plan to go to the Golden Triangle with Sompho.  This is where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meets.  The weather is great, cold, and the pace is slow.  We plan to explore the kountains.

The plan is to do some shopping at the Burmese border., tour a few mountains, see spring flowers, speak Mandarin with the villagers who long ago came from China, take pictures of traditional Chinese buildings, eat local food, maybe some doggie meat, insects, and blow mist into the air. 

Weather is likely to be cold, around 5-15C, we get a chance to wear warm clothings, hug one another and see parts of Myanmar culture, Thaii Culture and even see Loas from high up, somewhere.

We are likely to tent, pretty comfortable, live in shared bungalows or in the vans.

As for dates, it will be 4-8 Jan 2012, both dates inclusive. Fly into Chiangmai, over night in Chiangmai, and we start the trip.  Return to Chiangmai, and you may overnight to do more shopping.

Please note I only organise *** travel.  If you are keen, put these dates in your diary.  Maybe, indicate your interest here.  You may withdraw, before  Nov 2011.

Terence Seah

Registration List:  (Strictly for SHC members)

1. Terence Seah – Confirmed
2. Janie Leong – confirmed
3. Dolly Lim – confirmed
4. Lily Ho – confirmed
5. Charles Chua – confirmed
6. Eillean Thean –  confirmed.
7. Eyvonne Chew – confirmed
8. Annie Tang – confirmed 
9. Audrey Wong – confirmed
10. Lilian Teo – confirmed
11. Yat Sing – confirmed

Registered but yet to confirm:

•  Lawrence Lee
• Jessie Lee
• Sekaran
• Sislyn Tan
• Annie Seet
• Tim Liu
• Sockie
• Esther Mok
• Josephine
• Laura Ng
• Ivan Lim
• Tian Soo
• Bobby Bok
• Pearlynn Tan
• Catherine Tan
• Ann To
• Daisy Yeo
• Oi Cheng
• Dee Ang
• Ella Tan
• Frisna Tan
• Pauline Chew
• Lena Ho

Hi everybody,

Gee, I have been away from club activities for a number of months. This is because I have been busy with sorting out and reorganising the next phase of my life. I am glad we have Dolly Lim to take over the role of Club Manager, at least until early next year. Then, we have Yew Kwong who has stepped down as Web Admin Manager.  We now have Sock Cheng, the EOs.ECs and the activities convenors.

The SilverHairsClub has been in existence since Oct 2005, that’s a good 5-6 years.  Every EO had done a fantastic job, creating and organising some of the best activities in Singapore for SilverHairs. This is a great achievement by SHC members.

Besides the political changes going on in Singapore, SilverHairsClub needs to re-evolve too. I have always felt that SHC should move on to another level. It should not just carry on with me as founder, with Dolly as CM and a concept team of EOs and ECs.

Previous and earlier discussions on this topic

1. In the last few years, we had invited ideas on how to take SilverHairsClub to the next level.  We had plenty of ideas on what activities we can organise and how we can structure a committee to manage these activities. However, no one has offered to take the lead of bringing SilverHairsClub to the next level.
2. Let me summarise some of the key thoughts of members, on the issue of taking SHC to the next level.

• The majority of members feels that we should remain status quo. With me as founder, a CM, EOs and ECs, a picture manager and a Web Admin manager. The reason being SHC has worked well, and if it works, why change the system.
• While there were few objections, I read from the forum that generally members are acceptable to continue with the same objective, the same taboos, the membership terms and age criteria, and the way EOs and ECs function.

My current position and thoughts

• I am definitely not in a position to take SHC to another level, not even within the next 5 years. You will be bored with the same way of running the club.  We would not have new ideas.  We are also not able to cater to the needs of the many other SilverHairsClub members who are watching on the sidelines to see if new activities cater to their needs, even though they may be shy, don’t speak and write so much English, not so internet savvy, not into dancing and singing, and not able to participate in gatherings because of geographical distances and peak times. For many, the costs of participation in our events are an issue. Even if members have the time, voluntary work can be prohibitive as travelling incurs costs.  Should we think about them? Should we consider them?
• At the same time, I really do not have the time resources. One of the challenges of having a young family.  Unfortunately I don’t take Viagra, and have really none of the energy of a properly set up team.  Only a few small panadols once in a while, when the guys quarrel or when the other girls start looking prettier by the year. But, more importantly, as with the current political situation in Singapore, we need to cater to the other mass of SilverHairsClub members. I think there is more to it than the current activities we have within the club. There are other important issues pertaining to jobs, old age, retirement and 3 meals a day.

Next steps

• I spoke with Dolly a week ago, shared my thoughts with some members, and would like to push ahead with "How to take SHC to another level?"
• During the many forum discussions, there was some suggestions about SHC being registered as a club and society. The pros and cons were discussed, and this direction was dropped. Read them in the old Posts.
• I think that some of the reasons why SilverHairsClub has been successful is the membership concept, the criteria, its objective, the supported activities, and the CM, EO and EC concept.  I personally agree that point 2 should remain, throughout the life of SilverHairsClub.
• To enable this big change into taking SilverHairsClub to another level, I am prepared to give up total ownership, control and management of SilverHairsClub as an entity. SilverHairsClub, as it is now, will maintain the status quo position. To replace the founder/s, I would propose a corporate entity takes over ownership of SilverHairsClub.com as a club and forum. The new entity should take on a wider role, with SilverHairsClub.com under its fold, instead of a founder, which is an obsolete position, not forward looking and not recognised in Singapore.
• The new corporate entity can be run like any business and company in Singapore. But it must allow SilverHairsClub to run status quo.  The business of the new corporate entity should extend outside SilverHairsClub and cover Singapore as a whole.  It should be forward looking and have a good recognition among those over 45 in Singapore.
• SilverHairsClub activities can be extended to the wider Singapore base, differentiating members and non-SHC members. Likewise, the new entity would go into the business of projects which SilverHairsClub had failed to do, for reasons of costs and risks.

Basically, I am now opening the ground for a new discussion. I would like the discussion to be open and transparent, and only discussions made on this forum would be considered.  The decisions will then be left to the new entity.  Please do not email me your ideas.

Timeline, I hope we can have an acceptable idea before the end of 2011, and with the new entity formed in early 2012.

Terence Seah

Yew Kwong has been SHC Web Admin manager for more than two years.  He has done a great job managing the website, tracking forum membership and spotting irregular occurences.  His term was supposed to have ended  31 Dec 2010.

Unfortunately, I have not done a good job trying to keep him on this role.  He has been busy of late, and wont be able to spend the time servicing our needs.  As such, let’s thank him for all the work, effort and time (usually late in the night) he has given us.

Wef 1 June 2011, I shall resume all the tasks of the Web Admin manager.  I am likely to look for someone to take this role sometime next year. 

Thank you again Yew Kwong.

Terence Seah

Aiyah, I just realised the pictures for the Prom night have been uploaded by Sock Cheng.  Guess, we dont want to see the boring banner done by Terence.  So out with your creativity. 

I think we should create a new banner picture from the series of Prom night photos.  Would you like to give it a try?

Details:

• Size:  700 x 184 pixels
• Format:  jpg
• other details – no borders needed.  can be a mix and match. a montage is a good idea too.
• All pictures must be taken from the photos uploaded by Sock Cheng on the SHC website.

Give it a try.  I am looking for 2 sets of banners, by different persons.  Once you have done it, please email to me.

Terence Seah  Thank you.

Dears members,

We have recently done a cleanup of our membership database.  If you had not received any news updates from us in the last 3 weeks, it means your membership has been deleted.

To be a member again, you have to re-submit your membership application form.  Click here for membership application details.  Note:  Your joining date will start from the new approved date.

Terence Seah

• Them event name :  "One night in
  Chinatown"; subject to confirmation.
• Date:  Saturday, 10 Sep
  2011
• Time:  5pm to 1030
  pm
• Place:  Stage, in front of the Paya
  Lebar kovan CC
• Language used:  Mandarin.  English
  (not decided).

Participants:

1. EO – Terence Seah
2. Co-EO – awaiting
   name
3. Registration,  lead by Oi
   Cheng.
4. Compere and co-compere – awaiting
   name
5. Singing segment, lead by Janet
   Chan
6. Music – awaiting
   name
7. Food & drinks – awaiting
   name
8. Lantern procession – lead by awaiting
   name.
9. Stall 1 – Sam Goh, a traditional tea
   house and Yu Tiaw
10. Stall 2 – Caroline Gee, making and selling
    fortune cookies
11. Stall 3 – Awaiting
    name
12. Stall 4 – Flower girl, selling
    flowers
13. Stall 5 – Fortune teller, awaiting
    name
14. Stall 6 – Red lantern, by Tim
    Liu
15. Stall 7 – Steam bun, awaiting
    name
16. Stall 8 – Awaiting
    name
17. Godfather – awaiting name
    
18. Pai Kiahs – awaiting
    tattoing
19. Dancers
20. Acrobats
21. Lion dance
22. Dressed up in
    traditional Chinese costumes, starting from
    below.

23. Agnes Seow
24. Janet Chan
25. Tian Soo & his Mongolian ladies
26. Janie Leong
27. Charles Chua
28. Henry Yip
29. Annie Loh
30. Lydia Chin
31. Not dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, starting from
    below.
32. ..
33. ..

SilverHairsClub started
with the objective of providing opportunities for SilverHairs to meet new and
more friends.  I think it has fulfilled this objective
rather well.  However, many of our activities are conducted in
English.  Even on this forum, everything is in English; except when Timothy
Liu comes into the picture.  Sometimes, there are conversations in Hokkien,
Cantonese, Teochew and not forgetting the Hainanese.  I guess many
SilverHairs are fluent in English, even though they may be comfortable with
Mandarin too.

But, I think we should not forget Mandarin events.  Our Dolly Lim is
fluent is Mandarin; she had worked well in China.  Timothy Liu writes well
in Chinese; although I have not heard him speak Mandarin.  Thomas Loh had
compered our "One night in Shanghai"; and he was incredibly good.  There
are many more who are fluent and comfortable in Mandarin.

Most of our events are conducted in English.  Of course, there are a
number of guys and gals who are not able to understand Mandarin.  This
includes me; even though I sometimes wonder how my business colleaques in China
understand my basic Mandarin.  Sometimes, I tell myself, wouldn’t it be
nice if we have a 100% Chinese Mandarin event.  No Hokkien, no Cantonese,
no Teochew, no Hainese, no ……

Comperes and announcers are in Mandarin.  Announcement, notices,
registration slips, etc all in Chinese.  Songs in Mandarin ; music all
Mandarin.  And, all attendees speak or at least try to
do Mandarin.

For those who dont understand Mandarin, find a translator friend among club
members.  Use online translation.  Even, keep the entire Post in
Mandarin, as much as possible.

So, what shall we have?  What kind of theme shall we adopt?  How
shall we make the event successful?  If you know of someone who is very
comfortable and fluent in Mandarin, please ask him or her to raise the right
hand.  Bring your ideas to the open.  If you have not spoken before,
maybe this is one opportunity.

Please do not write to me.  Try to put all your thoughts, ideas and
suggestions on this forum.  Let everybody read your ideas.  And,
give others a chance to share; no thumping of the ideas of other members.

Let’s take the whole of April and May to toss around an event.  Of
course, please do not feel disappointed if I do not pick your idea, as we have
to pick one idea.

SHC is for you.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Terence Seah