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
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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.
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Let me summarise some of the key thoughts of members, on the issue of taking SHC to the next level.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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
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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?"
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
No comments so far So I hope to set the ball rolling.
To my mind, a free-n-easy, sometimes haphazard, excitingly disorganised SHC is the draw.
I suspect, with a corporatised SHC, there will be a migration of members. And a huge number to count.
Whatever SHC’s future is, Terence, you have done much better than well to create this SHC and get all of us, near and far, together. We have our fair share of fond memories. Thanks !
Whereever your future is, you will always be fondly remembered. And you and I will still meet for some drinks and a lot more bets on what the future is……yes and because every subject for a wager must necessarily carry this element of unknown.
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Hi Terence
First, I would like to thank you for setting up SHC which has benefitted many, including myself. I really enjoyed many of the activities and have also picked up new skills like dancing and singing.. hehehe.
I also like the current system of running the SHC with you as the Chief, a CM and ECs/EOs organising events for the members. I sincerely hope that it will not become a bureaucracy.. we’ll lose a lot of the fun and thinking out of the box formula which has made SHC so successful.
Anyway, all the best to SHC’s future.
My two cents’ worth… kekee
Cheeerssssssssss
Gabriella
ah hiah ( elder brother ) ,
if not thru you among the founder..i will not ve the golden chance to join paul kong EO for the batu pahat trip ..& the golden chance again to know dolly…
i was so impressed by the forumn..so updated event from the 3yrs dinner & dance..i double quick to sign up as memeber..
with NO members fee to pay & it life time..only need to kwai kwai ( obey ) the club taboo..so simple 1 ..where got this type of lobong lagi….
just wish to add on …life must go on lor….no matter wat our indian chief had his own plan…
like my gab ah jie say…all the best for silverhairs..
my 1cents worth….huat huat huat
Hi Gabriella, Tim, Sam and members,
I like to emphasize that what I am hoping to see is the same SilverHairsClub with the same structure of a CM, EOs, and ECs but instead of having a founder, we have a corporate entity.
I think the advantages are continuity, and acceptance by external organisations when organising activities. On a few occasions, some EOs are unable to co-operate with other corporate entities because SilverHairsClub is not recognised.
Put it this way, I am opening the ground for new opportunities. If you think you can take SilverHairsClub to another level, we should hear from you.
Terence Seah
S’pore without MM Lee is different so does SHC without Terence Seah. But at least MM already have some predecessor(s) in place for quite some time but SHC? i don’t think so. even with the founder around, i see many “clicks” “clans” etc – there seem to be not enough thing that can “gel” the various members’ needs/interests/likes/dislikes. so i’d suggest Terence still be around (as advisor or something) but not totally give it away as an entity to ‘strangers’ – yes, there are many things SHC can achieve. lets meet and discuss abt the future seriously….
Hi Frisna,
I have always believed that clicks and clans are inevitable. But for club’s events and how to draw members together, I shall leave Dolly, SilverHairsClub CM to crack her head.
It can be a big change, if we have a corporate entity to own SilverHairsClub.com. This comes with responsibility and the new owner would have to think how to keep SilverHairsClub viable and directioned.
In terms of advisors, we do have many SHCians who have joined us as early as 2005.
Yes, let’s keep the discussion about the future on-going.
Is there any member out there who wants to put SHC under his/her wings, be totally responsible for its growing up and providing more opportunities for SilverHairs in Singapore? Not in an individual capacity as it is now, but as a corporate entity.
I notice this issue is received with some quiet within the club.
Terence Seah
Hi Frisna #5,
I have just reminded Fairy Godmother to watch over you. Please avoid political comparisons on this forum. Be good.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
You have done a great job in making SHC known and accessible. I remembered I stumbled upon the website by accident as I wanted to whether there was a club that Singaporean retirees join. I met some wonderful people in S’pore and Perth and though rare, met with some of you too.
My interest has always been travel and I try to see places where I can with small groups of friends. Perhaps the interests of the many members are so varied and with time and place factors, it’s not possible for all to gel or share common interests. I notice small groups have successfully got together and thanks to all your efforts as well as Dolly, Yew Kwong and Sock Cheng who have taken on some responsibilites.
My best wishes to you whatever your plans.
Joan (Perth and Singapore)
Hi Terence
I share your view that SHC should evolve to a corporate entity with certain continuity of the old but with renewal for new ideas and energy so as to give more vitality bringing the club to a higher level.
Perhaps SHC can be affiliated to a more established club which can bestow us some legitimacy and recognition. As the saying goes: There is no such thing as a free lunch. I am sure the majority of SHC members do not mind to pay a yearly subscription fee. This fund will come handy for projects and other endeavours which come with a cost.
We appreciate your effort for providing a non-partisan direction and leadership to the club. If there is a change to the club’s image and identity, we hope that you will continue to provide guidance perhaps as an advisor.
Hi Terence!
I support your idea and hope that things would turn up well. I’m sure you have given much thoughts and you also have your reasons in doing so.
Hope that you would continue to give your advise to the club whenever the need arises.
All the best wishes.
#7 oops, sorry, fairygodmother.
what i wanted to say is without terence around there’ll be no arbitrator to settle any disputes among clans, clicks etc. everybody look up and respect you so it’d be good if you stick around regardless of whatever status the club will be (i prefer the current status though but with more ‘spread’ into govt or other elderly clubs activity – make it more nationwide rather than clubwise.
Hi Frisna #11,
Thank you for the confidence in the fairy godmother. Your preference is noted.
Hi Members,
I have received a some suggestion that SHC can be turned into something like a SAFRA. I really have no objection. It all depends on who takes the lead. Generally, the feedback is rather quiet; with no one wanting to put up his hand, right or left.
There is one which I consider rather positive. There are external companies out there that might be interested to absorb SHC under its fold. Let’s see how it materialises.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence!
There’s this organization http://www.c3a.org.sg
that kinda compliment what Silverhairs Club is doing.
Cheers
Ros
Hi Terence and all,
What I would like to see is one “Seniors’ Club” that is not so much “commercialised”, e.g. learning a skill costing $$$ and with GST included. The Club to also attempt to reach those that do not use the computer to access the Internet.
One possible way is for a Club that is run by Seniors and for Seniors at nominal cost to participate.
What attracts me to stay in this club is
1. The club is small enough for people to get to know all active members.
2. Activities are organize mostly by and for members, this results in closer bonds between members.
3. Members have opportunities to mix with whoever they are comfortable with.
4. The few simple rules of the club is enough to keep the club focus on cultivating friendship only.
5. There is no external commercial advertising in the forum site.
6. Terence keeps coming up with new social events.
Because it is a place where people are free to mix with the company they want, we do have cliques and gangs. It is normal human behavior and I think it measures the success of the club. The more groups or gangs there are, the more successful is this club.
As more members join, each group will get bigger or more groups will form. More activities will be introduced. But each group is still associated and see themselves as member of one club as long as activities and member communications are made on this website.
There are already a few organizations catering to older Singaporeans. But these larger organizations tend to be managed by people of high social order which by themselves creates a big social gap and make social integration difficult and unfriendly. To make matters worst, attempts at commercialization and introduction of experts to benefit the ‘helpless’ aged members makes them patronizing and not conducive to social intercourse (DON’T LAUGH).
I think members here are quite confident and capable. Most look for social contacts not charity or be told what to do
To bring the club to the next level, the non commercial nature and close participation of members must be maintained. Expansion can take the form of more activities organized by members and attracting more members to be active. Yes it sounds like more of the same, but that is why we are here in the first place and still here today.
Unfortunately for Terence, once you commercialize this club it will quickly be like the many aged clubs which we already have in Singapore and there is no more reason for us to be here.
To attract more members, whoever runs the club have to continue Terence’s gift of coming up with new activities and be very inclusive so that members will feel more encouraged to participate.
I don’t know how to do this, so I can only talk.
Hi Hew Lee,
Thank you for your feedback. Yes, IT training, especially basic training, has always been an important topic, for seniors. Many seniors, those after 45 years, do not have the basic skill to use internet or email.
IN the past, there were training available by other SHCians. Unfortunately, there were no other trainers. Training is a passion. Space may be a constraint. Having enough computers is also something to look at. The venue owners charge a cost.
Can you give some suggestions as to how to proceed?
Terence Seah
Hi Tian Soo #15 and fellow SHCians,
I am taken aback by your feedback. There is no doubt the current concept has worked very well, considering we have been around for 5 and a half years.
My concern is I cannot and should not hold on to it forever. We have discussed running it as a registered club, but, this has failed to gain support. So, we agreed to go into a status quo position for the time being, at that time.
After a year or two, I then felt that the next possibility is to hand over SilverHairsClub.com to a corporate identity, with the proviso that SHC runs as it is now.
There has been some interests from corporate bodies, and even private individuals. But, no details yet. In general, the feedback so far, has not been very positive. I would say, it tends to be more negative.
Most of the feedback centered around “The independence of SHC cannot be guaranteed”.
Thank you for the feedback. Let’s hear from others.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
I am interested in the trip. Please keep me in the loop.
Tks
PaulineTan
Hi Terence
Apologies submitted in the wrong post.earlier.
I like to thank you for the effort in setting up the
Club and provided me the opportunity to meet new friends
and learn skills from fellow members. I had been a
housewife for many years and when I rejoin the workforce
Some years back. The club provides me the opportunities to meet
with other in my age group and I gain confidence and had a
broader perspectives in live. Thank
The many EOs and committed members had done a great job.
I am thankful to each and everyone of you for giving me
The confidence of getting out of my ” nut shell”. Though
I am not an active member, I have been following the club’s post
closely and look forward to active participation in future. Regret I do no
have any suggestions to bring the club to next level.
Hi Terence,
Maybe we first identify whether there is SHC members interested to pick up IT skills to … at least know how to surf the Internet and interact with the SHC web site.
cheers
hewlee
Hi Hew Lee,
Your suggestion deserves a bit of work. Perhaps, you can help us do a post and invite feedback on IT training. I shall leave this to SilverHairsClub.com.
Back to the subject of putting SilverHairsClub under the fold of a corporate entity, a key area is the size of the membership. It is too large and to liaise with another group, we fail to get serious recognition. For example, trying to book a hotel ballroom, oeganising shared events esp for the Business network group under Round table.
Well, the EOs have done well so far.
Let’s try harder. I look forward to hearing from those members who have been pretty silent so far.
Terence Seah
The silence of the silent majority, is deafening.
Isn’t it?
Terence – Hi!
How are you? Long time no see.
I chanced upon this post. And much as I respect you, Terence, my thoughts went, “oh no, there he goes again” – wanting to “bring the club to next level”.
I drafted a lengthy response/comment. But – I thought twice about ruffling feathers.
Why – why would expressing my opinion “ruffle feathers”? Well – Whether I like it or not – there is “double standard” within our culture.
What “double standard” am I talking about?
“Double standard” as in – “It’s alright for a man to do/say it, but it is NOT alright for a woman to do/say it.” This “double standard” yardstick is prevalent within our culture, and yes – naturally – it is prevalent within SHC.
Just to illustrate –
Tian Soo is known for putting up thought-provoking posts, wittily, and often with sexual innuendos. His most recent comment at #15 – “….not conducive to social intercourse (DON’T LAUGH)”, is case in point .
Readers of his posts (newcomers, please read his past/older posts), admired him for his wit, mentally pat him on his back. And thought, “wow, what a guy!”
Picture this – If – an elderly silver-haired LADY writes HER opinion with similar alacrity, HER (humble) opinion may be misconstrued. At best – “a little bit hard to swallow”.
I use this example merely to explain what I meant by “double standard” being practiced within our culture.
But – I have digressed?
Back to “expressing my humble opinion” –
After reading Tian Soo’s post at #15 — I find that he had voiced my opinion, quite comprehensively, and with so much more finesse. I thrashed my (earlier) drafted response.
Terence – I would reiterate every single point that was already made.
And I would like to ask –
Terence at #17: “I am taken aback by your feedback. There is no doubt the current concept has worked very well, considering we have been around for 5 and a half years.”
My question: Why were you “taken aback” by Tian Soo’s feedback? Many of us believed that silverhairsclub is a success mainly because it is what it is.
THE silverhairsclub is synonymous with Terence Seah. THE Silverhairsclub will not be THE silverhairsclub – if Terence Seah is not around to propose “making a dream a reality” (for example “the cabaret night”).
Terence at #17: “My concern is I cannot and should not hold on to it forever.”
My question: Why can’t you? Why shouldn’t you? “hold on to it forever”?
Silverhairsclub is YOUR creation. YOU ARE THE FATHER. IT IS YOUR BABY. Why would you not want to “hold on to it forever”? Why would you want to let it go? It is now five and half years old. To give it away to be “adopted” by others (under the wings of other individual/corporation), it will wilt… It will fade away…
Hi Jacqueline,
I am glad you spoke your mind, and very likely, the thoughts do represent that of a number of members too.
Not too sure about double standards. We should not practise double standards here. Anyway, feel free to express.
When I read Tian Soo’s comments, I felt that he had expressed what many other members, and I appreciated it. That’s what I meant.
In the coming years, I am likely to spend little time in Singapore. Perhaps, members may have noticed I am already missing from many activities, including the one organised by Dan, KingSeng and Dolly’s monthly gathering.
If we can find a corporate entity to have SHC under its fold, and if SHC can be run as it is right now, that corporate entity can have full rights to SilverHairsClub.com. The transfer will be done at zero cost to that corporate entity.
What do I expect?
1. Responsible for all the legal and financial needs to maintain SHC.
2. Ensure the membership process is mainained smoothly. Responsible for any membership adverting costs.
3. Responsible for the content of SilverHairsClub.com.
4. Ensuring that SilverHairsClub.com is properly hosted, paid for, and the domain name is up to date.
5. Ensuring that the rules of the club of no politics, sex, religion, race, direct selling and MLM are enforced.
6. Seek the assistance of fairy godmother, especially with members who fail to observe the rules. SHC is run as a moderated forum and club.
7. And finally, support the EOs when needs are required.
Again, thank you Tian Soo and Jacqueline for the feedback. I hope other members will feel free and have their say too.
Terence Seah
Terence at #23 –
Thank you for the detailed response. I am beginning to get a clearer perspective of the big picture.
Pardon my ignorance –
Please give an estimated cost of point #1 and point #4 in your listing of 7 points. Plus any other adhoc expenses related to SHC.
Once the SHC “maintenance cost” has a “number to it”, it may (IT MAY) encourage me to propose an idea. The idea may work. It may not work. The idea will be thrown open for all members to tweak and improve upon. Or – the idea may die a natural death.
hey terence,
i shall simply respond by suggesting you pass the helm over to someone you felt good about, shares or internalises your values(listed) and members’ style of socializing(current programs) and in addition have his or her own flair of relating to the wise and the otherwise of the ‘club’. you should or can still be around backing it and not fronting it(for a year or two).
your immediate need is simply to have someone handling your role, not necessarily bringing it to the next level.
it is very hard to conceptualise what is the next level as the responses are not in favour. it will polarise the before and after, good and gooder, widening the gap etc., not a very good likely direction you can take. you can let him/her broaden or expand the scope of activities if he can manage it.
at this point where there is no need for corporate or organisational processing, you can jolly well introduce that someone, give everybody time to gel and lets see what the social processing and response is like. very unlikely you will have a perfect outcome; it is always between “the devil you know and the devil you don’t”.
Just do it
Terence, you have embarked on a fresh phase of life which needs your time and commitment. Obviously, you still hv this desire and passion to see SHC alive and well, and so hv thought of moving it up to another level (whatever that means)?????let it flourish even as you free yourself to spend more time with family and for yr new endeavours.
I feel that if this happens, there will be a migration – an euphemism for exodus. You’re unique and your presence creates friendship.
But I cant ask you to abandon your pursuits so that you will continue to run and manage SHC. That will be selfish of me.
Whatever, until adios, thanks for the memories.
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Hi Jacqueline #24,
I dont have a figure on the cost of maintaining and running SHC, as it is difficult to put a value on time, effort and responsibility. Much of the work is voluntary. However, if you have a group with the desired interest, I would be pleased to meet up at some stage.
Hi Feztus #25,
Yes, I am always on the lookout. Although I must say I prefer the hands up approach. I shall keep this option open for the moment.
Terence Seah
The offer to members to take over the ownership and management of SilverHairsClub did not receive any real interest. I have therefore decided to close this offer. Thank you for the discussion. And, to those who took the effort to meet up and discuss, also a thank you too.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
something to consider…
Mediacorp just created the Content Innovation Fund (CIF) to support creative/innovative ideas for television, radio..
You could use the forthcoming ‘Chinatown’ show in your submission for the fund. The fund will provide the seed money for your entertainment project. If you get the fund, all who are involved in the ‘Chinatown’ show can get paid! :)
Here’s the weblink for more info on the CIF, submission, T&C:
http://www.mediacorp.sg/cif
Hi Jassmine #29,
The Mediacorp Content Innovation Fund looks exciting to participate. At this moment, I am not sure if we have the time and effort resources to participate in the submission. But, if someone is willing to do the ground work, yes, he/she will have my support.
Terence Seah