Getting ready for the Eid Rush

Every one in the Far East region of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia knew that Eid is one of the major events of the year where the travel rush is happening. This year, Eidul Fitri or End of Fasting Month coincides with many other public holidays such as the Malaysian National Day, Singapore Presidential Election and School Holidays, and offices and agencies shut down this Friday for about 9 days till the 5th day of Syawal.

So what does it mean for many? Singaporeans are cussing their lousy luck with poor planning of their government to hold the Presidential Elections during this weekend rush where Eid is either to fall on next Monday or Tuesday latest (subject to sighting of the moon here or Mecca ), but for the foreign talents, it's time to take the long needed rest...and head out to the resorts where ever it may be.

The US had a nasty 5.8 Earthquake in Eastern Seaboard ( Delaware, Washington DC, NJ, NY )  where many buildings were damaged. What is worse, is that hurricane Irene is at their doorstep and this will be another blow from mother nature.

Long holidays mean, shops and alike are closed after the Eid. The last minute rush at the bazaars and travel points such as Bus terminals, Airports , Seaports and docks are hell for many in the Far East where everyone is rushing home to be with their family.

In all, driving safe is usually out the door, with many being impatient. However, a good rest and good travel insurance plan is always welcomed to cover any issues. We read many of last years' disasters, including overturned buses due to sleepy drivers... so those taking the overnight... wake up... see if the driver is sleepy.. ask him to pull over for a quick break.. or tell em you need to go to the loo.

To all, Safe journey ahead.. and to all Salam Aidil Fitri... May you be blessed always!

Belfast - A city of peace

Some may not agree with me on this, especially the Sinn Féin followers but honestly speaking, Northern Ireland is more beautiful than England. Despite it's short comings and all, I have no qualms being in the Six Counties than me being in Kent, England.

Why? It's safe. The Irish are always a happy lot. They don't have any issue with anyone except their own kind and of course, the English ( well, which European ruler has no problems with the English??!) as they are smart and loyal to their own cause and faith.

It is sad for the past few weeks, the annual orange parade has turned violent, and looking from the photos, it feels like as if it's back to the old days of violence. But no..it only happens on the Short Strand area..which is near the docks.... and for your information, the PSNI uses ARMOR VEHICLES similar to those you see in a war zone to tackle rioters and protesters..but it's a flavor of life in Ireland.

One thing I learnt about the Irish is don't piss their beliefs, ie their Faith in God (Be it the Protestants or the Catholics) and that you don't want to piss them off selling and peddling Heroin and Cocaine on the streets or the Pikeys will surely send you a warning..without your arms or legs. They do some sort of weed, but no hard stuff there, as the only common stuff good is their Stout!

Surely, a trip to the distilleries such as Guinness is a must. I don't have the list as how I did with the Scottish Whiskeys ...but it is a sure morning call.

Take a trip to Northern Ireland, Belfast ...from Dublin and you can see how friendly they are than of the Londoners!

Forget Europe... Try Singapore instead

It has been a very hot topic about doing business in Europe and I have to agree that Europe, as a financial and business hub is downright dead. Just as dead as the Motor City of Detroit as to General Motors , Detroit Motor Company and much more. Why there are so many business moving into Singapore?

 

Being a financial and aviation hub for the Asian Region, Singapore sits strategically between China, Australia, East Asia and the Malay Archipelago. It is a neutral country despite it’s political administration akin to a dictatorship. However, being a Fine City, it is corruption free and very strict on the laws to the people of Singapore, Locals and Foreigners alike. Financial punitive actions are further strengthen by the threat of the Cane for Armed Robbery, Theft, Corruption, Financial deception and many more. Even food standards are so high that if a vendor is found to have a rodent on their premises, the fines are exorbitant and comes with three strokes of the Rotan for the owner and all managers of the establishment.

 

Financial incentive such as low corporate tax is the huge carrot to many multi-national companies to flock to Singapore on top of it’s Multi-Terrabyte data infrastructure connecting Singapore as the Point of Presence to US, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google brought their datacenters there hosting their East Asia backend of their cloud computing grid. Corporate Income Tax sits currently at 28%, the cheapest of any tax haven including Gibraltar and Cayman Islands.

 

It is also a boon to businesses to get foreign workers, at a reasonable cost. Indonesian, Filipino and Malaysians are flocking to fleece the golden economy, and the Singaporeans going abroad to find more business to amass for themselves to contribute to the local economy.

 

It makes much sense. Political Stability, Financial Strength and Humanity brings everyone there. And some ..who wants to save more.. open up in Malaysia….

 

Happy Voting Singapore!

 

Travel Advisory

While my condolences to those who perished in the Tsunami off the Coast of Japan, it’s high time we reschedule our travel plans to North East Asia, namely Japan, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau , Taiwan and the surrounding regions including California for the possibility of aftershocks and poisonous radiation gasses emitting from the nuclear reactors that exploded today.

 

Sendai Airport is totally devastated and Narita Airport is not taking any flights in or out of the country. Power cuts and food shortages are rampant now in Japan, where once a beautiful coast lies is in ruins. More than 80,000 people are thought to be missing believed to be killed by the monster Tsunami.

 

I am also giving a travel advisory against travelling to the United States , specifically the West Coast areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Oregon as the possibilities of Earthquakes and Tsunami. Where you see fishes running for cover…so should you.

 

Travel insurances  MAY NOT COVER acts of nature which are been known, so be extra careful. Your life insurance coverage may be the only thing helping you out. Get a iSatPhone as when these calamities happen, mobile communications will be knocked out…leaving satellite phones in play. Tell your loved ones where you are..so they can monitor for you.

 

Stay safe.

 

New Year.. New Decade...

New Stuff? Nope so far, as I have been plagued by my old friend, the bad chest which is a cross of pneumonia, acute bronchitis and influenza. Yes.. I got sick for almost more than a week, and even a few dose of antibiotics did no favors for me.

So far, I am hoping that this decade can give a better step, just a jinxed 2000-2010 was for me, with loads of issues to work out and growing pains.

My plan and resolution? I have many, not yet in play but will do so when I am ready to face out. Someone did ask me something which I am being straight honest person, answered from the heart.

Other than that.. Have a great Decade Ahead! Double Zeros.. go to hell.