“Top Shots: Version (1)

- Singapore Airshow 2012 -

THE DRAGON CALLED JACKIE

With the registration number of N688JC, the above-mentioned is
Jackie Chan's executive jet - the Embraer Legacy 650

I DREAMED A DREAM

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner gracing the Singapore Airshow 2012.
The airplane displayed above will be scrapped after the show.

UNDER YOUR WING

A model of the Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft taking cover
from the relentless sunrays

SLEEKY BIG BIRD

The Royal Air Force's Airbus A330-Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)

THE HUNTER

United States Navy's Lockheed P-3 Orion

All the photographs are taken by the author
during his trip to the Singapore Airshow 2012.

***

“Sun, Shrills & Steel

- Singapore Airshow 2012 -

The sun-rays are raining barbs down onto my skin, gleaning off the metallic bodies of the aircraft on display. Not long after, one can hear the roar of jet engines, see white streams of smoke accompanied by an orchestra of shrills and screams from the audience.

"Welcome to the Singapore Airshow 2012: Asia's Biggest for Aviation's Finest" goes a large banner on my way into Changi Exhibition Centre.

As a first time visitor to the Singapore Airshow 2012, I was exhilarated by the sheer numbers of aircraft on static display and the fascinating aerial display. Much as I try to concentrate on my job as a trade visitor at the show, I could not help but get distracted by these "top-guns" surrounding me. For me, this is the closest I have ever been to a fighter jet such as the F-15SG or to a luxurious private jet such as Jackie Chan's Embraer Legacy 650.

I was fortunate to be able to tour the interiors of most of the aircraft that I could only dream of buying. Stepping into Jackie Chan's Legacy 650, I was told to remove my shoes. Given the inconvenience of doing so, I just took a sneak peak from the entrance of his jet and in case you are wondering where are the photos of the jet's interior, there are none. We're not allowed to take photos in Jackie's jet. But what I can tell you is that the interior is immaculately designed by BMW with seats that can be transformed into an extended bed. Jackie's plane also had a specially customised registration number of "N688JC" if I didn't remember wrongly. All these customisations add up to a whopping price tag of more than US$30 million!

Then of course, there was the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Didn't manage to tour the interior as I arrived late but I don't think it will be any much different from other Boeing aircraft. Having said that, these two aircraft were only on static display during the Trade Days and so the public did not have the opportunity to take a shot with them. So you can imagine how priceless a photograph I had with these jets yeah?

Finally, the military aircraft on display were also a feast for the eyes. The United States Air Force's (USAF) B-52 bomber graced the aerial display and many others such as the USAF's C-17, E-3B Sentry and KC-135 were on static display. The United Nations of aircraft were at the Singapore Airshow. There's the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) C-130J, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) MIG-29N, the Italian Air Force's Alenia C-27J Spartan and the Royal Air Force's Airbus A330 MRTT.

So that's about it folks with the Singapore Airshow 2012 and stay tuned for my next post which will be a photo montage of the sights at the Singapore Airshow 2012!

Crowds flock to Singapore Airshow 2012 - 18 Feb 2012

Source: 154thmedia2012

“The FINAL Countdown

So quickly, 3 months of my internship passed by in a flash. Next week is my FINAL week with Grayling. It will be a busy week but I'll make it as memorable as possible. What better way to end my first ever internship than end it on a high with the Singapore Airshow 2012 right? 

The past week has been really busy. BUSY with preparations for the Singapore Airshow. I even had to work on a Saturday. Not that I am complaining really but it's all part of the job. It's not as if I work on Saturdays every week either. The reason I am saying that is to give you a sense of things in the office. Nonetheless, I learnt a lot this week: from an on-site media recce to preparation of media packs & press releases to drafting a media monitoring report and also to other miscellaneous duties that our client expected us to do. 

When my internship ends, I think I will greatly miss the days at work. I know working life is tough but having worked for 3 months and formed a bond with my colleagues, having to make a transition back to studying, certainly takes some time to get used to again.

With the Singapore Airshow 2012 coming up next week, I am very excited about the prospect of seeing the weaponry, systems and jets that will be gracing Singapore's shores. I have never attended an Airshow and attending as a trade visitor definitely makes it all the more sweeter - at least I don't need to spend over the hill to get an Airshow ticket or squeeze with the crowd on public days.

So to my dear Singapore Airshow, HERE I COME!

Interested to go to the Singapore Airshow?
Visit: http://www.singaporeairshow.com/

“The Descendants

Another Friday, another movie. The difference? It's free. Joined my parents for my mum's company CNY function at VivoCity after work. Down to the movie: For those in blur peeps out there, this movie stars George Clooney and Shailene Woodley. Accolades wise, it has won the Golden Globe Awards in January 2012 and was nominated 5 times at the 84th Academy Awards including a Best Actor for Clooney.

The Descendants' Trailer 

Source: ClevverMovies

So did it live up to the expectations of a Golden Globe awardee? In my humble opinion, the movie was not really to my palette. The storyline was simple but too draggy (lasting almost 2 hours). It's supposed to be a comedy-drama. However, there were minimal moments of comedy that really made me laugh.

Having said that, the acting by Clooney and Woodley was commendable. As an on-screen veteran, Clooney struts his role as a father to huge aplomb. The care and concern expected of a father plus the undying love he shared for his dying comatose wife (who cheated on him) was palpable.

For Woodley, she plays the rebellious daughter who felt aggrieved for her father after knowing her mum cheated. She started off pretty well and from there she grew into her role both as a daughter and as an elder sister. Epitomizing a carefree attitude, her views in the show struck a chord with me at times. So congrats on her performance and also for being nominated the Best Supporting Female in the Independent Spirit Awards (See article: http://www.ifc.com/spirit-awards/best-supporting-female).

Here's her interview on the Ellen Degeneres' show:

Source: TheEllenShow

Saturday came and gone in a breeze. More so when I was enjoying it. Went to assist the University of Melbourne for its Pre-Departure Seminar 2012 at Swissotel Merchant Court. Was happy to see a few new faces whom I might bump into on campus next semester. Can still imagine their worried faces about what to expect and my job then was to allay their fears. They were like my descendants, treading the same path I once walked.

Really enjoyed the Faculty discussion as lots of stuff about Melbourne and UniMelb were discussed. It was not too long ago that I attended a similar event before my transition to Melbourne...time flies. Was also glad to meet my University mates from SSS, MUOSS etc at the event and catch up. Seems like everyone had been busy with internships, holidays and what not - definitely an eventful summer holidays for all.

Then night came. Had dinner and dessert with my friends and juniors from Nan Hua NPCC at Min Jiang (One North). Pretty expensive outlay but after all it was for CNY. At least I got to enjoy the Peking duck and it's the company that matters isn't it? Haven't met Chee Hoe for a long while and was glad to chat with him. Discussed many issues from academic stuff, working prospects to relationship management. Seemed like we covered almost everything...LOL

Nan Hua NPCC CI Team at Min Jiang One North.

After a sumptuous dinner, dessert was at NYDC Holland Village. These few days, I've been to Holland Village many atimes. Probably it's due to the new Circle Line MRT that made it convenient...Hmm. Ok the highlight was our 24 layered chocolate cake called High and Mighty. AWESOME! What a way to end a fun-packed Saturday.

Sunday came and gone. Spent the time resting at home so that I am ready to get back to work fresh on Monday. Of course, I didn't miss the epic Chelsea VS Man Utd match. A thriller that I almost wanted to miss but thankfully I didn't. As in previous years, Manchester United came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3. Kudos to the team effort and may they kick on from now towards the end of the season. Go Reds!

“A Bumper Dragon Year

Hail the Dragon Year, it has arrived. Or has it? Well it's the Lunar New Year but according to Fengshui practitioners, the Dragon year actually doesn't start till 04 February

(See Article: http://www.straitstimes.com/News/Home/Story/STIStory_760489.html).

So Dragon baby wannabes who are born on 23rd Jan, you are a Rabbit baby. For parents who want a Dragon baby, don't give birth till after 1824H on 04 February. Okay Dragon baby or not, it doesn't bother me. As long as the baby is healthy, all is well isn't it? Being a Dragon baby myself, I am proud of it but the attendant stress and pressure that comes with it is well-documented. Competition for exam results, for jobs are just part of the process of being a Dragon baby. So if you happen to be one, just gotta live with it and thrive under the pressure.

Chinese New Year this year has been too fast for me. Had little time to get new clothes/shoes etc. Went shopping last week for a pair of shoes and all my sizes have already been sold out. Looks like I gotta go CNY shopping earlier next year.

As usual, CNY visiting has been packed. Went to over 9 relatives and many other friends but at least I had something to do over the 2 day holiday rather than rot at home. Of course, my Hong Bao takings have been bumper. Bumper to the extent that the total amount exceeds my internship pay by a length. Surprisingly, there was an increase from last year despite the gloomy economic outlook for 2012. I also got a very big Hong Bao from Grayling and was really grateful that an intern like myself could get it. My colleagues have been asking how I intend to spend my takings. Well, I have always been a staunch saver and this year is no exception. So naturally all my takings will become my savings.

Although I am not superstitious but I have seen the predictions for 2012 circulating in my office. For the Dragon baby, my health is set to be challenged this year. I could feel it coming as I haven't been in the pink of health since coming back to Singapore. Flu, cough, sore throat and fever have been my common ailments. Maybe it's due to my inability to adapt back to the hot, humid Singapore weather and the fresher air I enjoyed in Melbourne. As such over the festive period, I have been extremely careful with my diet but still I came down with cough and flu. In fact, those are the common ailments I saw over the CNY period according to the newspapers, so I'm not alone.

As for meet-ups this week, I brought an Aussie friend around Singapore and had the rare opportunity to visit the Marina Bay Sands Skypark and hotel, my FIRST ever. Was excited and glad I went up to the Skypark as the view was spectacular!

Then of course, had an annual gathering with my UniMelb SSS friends who have graduated plus a movie (We Not Naughty) at Plaza Singapura. Bumped into so many friends there plus my NPCC junior...such a small world. As for the movie, I thought it was pretty good as it touched all the topical issues affecting Singapore society and as usual, had it's fair share of banter and laughter befitting of a Jack Neo movie. It is probably a tad long (2 hour plus) but somehow I didn't feel it while watching until thereafter.

At first, I also had reservations about the movie especially after Jack Neo's scandal came to light but seems like Singaporeans are forgiving as the movie is now one of the highest grossing Chinese films in Singapore for the CNY period. Moreover, all the movie timeslots have been taken up and the theatre was really packed with people. So well done again Jack Neo:)!

Here's the trailer for We Not Naughty:

Source: GoldenVillagePicture

Finally, my wish for the year is just to have good health and may everything go according to my wishes. Hopefully, the Dragon year will be a bumper year for all. Here's a trending video during the CNY period to share, ENJOY:

Source: leeteckhwa

“Beauty & the Beast

This week at Grayling took a different turn. For the first time, I was tasked to conduct street surveys at Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar MRT stations, something like a research surveyor. What survey? Well, it's for Beauty Asia 2012 - an International Cosmetics, Skincare, Fragrance, and Hair Products Exhibition that is to be held at Suntec Singapore from 20th to 22nd February.

Screenshot of the Beauty Asia 2012 website (http://www.beautyasia.com.sg/)

First up, the beauty of doing street surveys: I got to meet some very "unique" people. I shall not judge here but here are some anecdotes.

There's this lady who asked me for directions at Raffles Place so I took the opportunity to ask her to complete my survey. I'm glad she reciprocated my kind gesture. But while doing the survey, she kept asking me if her answer was correct or whether it was fine. Isn't a survey meant to be your opinions? There's no correct answer for surveys. I tried to be diplomatic and nodded in agreement because I just wanted to get my job done. 

Then I managed to get a Caucasian gentleman to do my survey at Raffles Place. He was with his girlfriend. I endeavoured to get both of them to complete my survey but to no avail. The lady wasn't interested but somehow got interested when her boyfriend offered to do it for her. So the whole scenario was like this: the boyfriend recited the questions to her and took down her answers. Come on, can't you do it yourself? Why do you need a boyfriend to complete the survey for you? To cap it all off, the boyfriend put his name as the respondent but put the gender as "Female". Hilarious isn't it? I cannot help but laugh when I got back to my office.

Next up. This scenario was narrated from my intern colleague. She went up to this guy asking him to do a survey and the guy replied her, "I'm all natural. I don't use any beauty products at all." With that answer, he did not do the survey and scooted off. I can imagine my friend's expression...totally LOL and unexpected.

Another beauty of doing on-site surveys is the ability to empathise with people. I learnt that conducting surveys and giving out flyers on the streets is no mean feat. Many atimes, I just pretend that the person giving out flyers at MRT stations or elsewhere as "transparent". I am guilty of taking a detour or just simply walk by them. When doing the surveys, I met with so many rebuffs and rejections and such a feeling certainly isn't great at all. Worse still if the person is paid by the number of flyers he/she gives out. Having spent 2 to 3 hours in the searing heat, my fellow intern colleague and myself only manage to garner 23 responses to our surveys. Hard work indeed....Hence, from now onwards, I will help out those flyer-givers whenever possible because I truly understand their situation.

Now, the BEAST of doing surveys on the streets - the weather. Standing and approaching people under the hot sun is no joke. Sweat was trickling down my forehead as I tried to get people to do my surveys. HOT, HOT and HOT! So what's the trick? I shuttled in and out of shopping centres and underground arcades where there's air-conditioners to cool me down a little. Even that was scant consolation.

Another beast of course is the people. Being rejected is good enough. To compound matters, you get unpleasant stuff such as palms to your face and even abuse for disturbing their peace. Can't you be a little bit more polite? I'm just trying to do my job.

Worse still, you get embarrassed sometimes just like I did. Back at the vicinity of my office, I saw a security guard at my office building's lobby. She was texting on her phone. I thought "Ahah!", I can interview her so as to get a better spread of results for my survey. But when I approached her and the moment she heard that I wanted to do a survey, she remarked "Survey? I am busy now. You cannot do it here otherwise I will report you" so loudly across the lobby. Behind me in line at the reception were some visitors flowing in, waiting to exchange their passes and they were staring at me...So embarrassed, I quickly slipped out of the main door. Suddenly, the clipboard that I used to cover my embarrassment seemed so small:(!

Doing on-site research surveys is indeed a learning journey and I learnt a lot of things the hard way. At the end of the day, I was glad that I did them. More importantly, I was glad that I had a partner alongside me as it definitely is much worse doing street surveys alone.

EDWIN'S FORMULA TO SURVEYING SUCCESS

FINALLY having gone through the mill, as follows are some of my tips for people who do such on-site research in future:

(1) Phrase your introduction properly. Rather than ask people "Do you want to do a survey?", you should ask "Are you interested in looking pretty or handsome?". Be flattering, people love it! Some words such as "survey" don't go down well with people.

(2) Roam around places where there is human traffic. Don't remain just at one place. Firstly, if you remain at one spot, shop-owners might get irritated with you and call in security. Secondly, you get to meet a more diverse group of people if you move around.

(3) Don't linger around areas where there is competition. By that, I mean other people from banks and insurance companies who have set up booths to sell their credit cards or policies. People will be frightened off by their presence and it makes your job much tougher.

(4) Be alert and target different demographics of people. This is to ensure a more equitable spread of your survey. For example, if you have surveyed a 50 year old male, maybe your next target should be a 30 year old female. The key here is VARY.

(5) Choice of people. I realise that Caucasians more often that not are more open to such surveys/approaches. If you want to get your job done quickly, targeting them might be a solution. However, not everyone is equally approachable. Don't stereotype and be discerning. After approaching people for a while, you will know what sort of facial expressions/body language to look out for and whether you should survey them or not.

(6) Know your stuff well. Always be ready to provide additional information about the survey you are conducting and that adds a sense of assurance to the respondent completing your survey.

If you're interested in looking good, please come on down to the exhibition. More details can be found at the Beauty Asia 2012 website: http://www.beautyasia.com.sg/. 

A big THANK YOU also goes out to all my friends who have helped to complete the online surveys for Beauty Asia.

*PS: Being beauty-conscious is not the sole entitlement of women, men should take note too. 

“TGIF. Casual Friday. Friday the 13th.

Right at the start of this week, Grayling Singapore welcomed our newest intern. As usual, myself and other younger colleagues were tasked to orientate her around. We were also tasked to bring her out for lunch. Lots of jokes were flying around in our open concept office about myself and another male colleague bringing her out for lunch. Some sort of matchmaking I smell going on here? LOL!

Haha, it wasn't that awkward trying to engage our new intern. She's affable and engaging, so there were common topics to talk about especially since our age-gaps ain't that big. 

Then yesterday, our office had a WITS kind of staff gathering. Granted the day off to brainstorm ideas and initiatives that can bring the company forward in the new year. PLUS share 3 points that differentiates Grayling from other PR agencies, (The "O" just opposite our office etc...if you can catch what I mean). I couldn't join the brainstorm session as I was pulled to help out in formulating a communications strategy/presentation for one of our valued clients. More on this later on. 

Back to the issue of ideas and my 3 greatest loves for Grayling thus far, I shared my ideas but won't be sharing them here as it is an internal issue. What I can share though is my love for Grayling so far! 

(1) First Greatest Love for Grayling Singapore

First up, the Grayling Singapore has a pretty "flat" hierarchy structure which makes it easy for me to engage someone as junior as an Account Executive up to someone as senior as the Regional MD. If you talk about bigger agencies, such great levels of bonding and communication is harder to come by.

(2) Second Greatest Love for Grayling Singapore

Everyone at the office is so helpful and approachable. Every time I have a problem, there will always be people willing to assist me. I was truly made to feel as though the Grayling office is my 2nd family.

(3) Third Greatest Love for Grayling Singapore

There's a challenge that continuously excites me while working at Grayling. As we have a pretty small operations (*but closely-knit bunch) here as compared to the larger agencies, there's a lot to be learnt. In fact, I managed to assist in the preparation of 3 media events just in my first week at Grayling. I also got to participate actively in discussions and assisted in the servicing of our clients as though I was a permanent staff. More importantly, I got a great exposure to the various accounts that Grayling handles and learnt immensely.

Now to my point of missing the brainstorm session, I thought it was a privilege to be recruited by my directors to assist in a presentation of communications strategy for one of our clients. It gave me the chance to learn what needs to be done (i.e. indicative timeline for a year's flow of events). My directors were eloquent and knowledgeable and these qualities came through during our meeting with the client. Our client was so impressed with the suggestions that they kept nodding in agreement. It certainly made my day when I shoke hands with and saw the smiles on the faces of the CEO, MD etc for that respective account.

Then came the company dinner at Piedra Negra, a Mexican restaurant/bar in the quaint little district at Haji Lane yesterday. Honestly, despite being a Singaporean, I've only been to that place once or twice. Now, it's full of boutiques, cafes and bars. BEST PLACE to chill out after a day at work. The food at Piedra Negra was great. I had Beef Quesadillas which I felt a little bit bloated after downing the 2nd piece. The drinks there were expensive though - $13 for a Pina Colada.

Piedra Negra @ Kampong Glam, Singapore

The Menu on the wall.

The immaculate interiors of Piedra Negra.

As the night at Piedra Negra began to wander, I found myself on the train home again awaiting the arrival of today which duly came and gone. So WEEKENDS again and I really need to get my CNY shopping done. Haven't gotten my shoes nor my clothes...oh my:)!

Piedra Negra

241 Beach Road, 

Singapore

Tel: +65 6291 1297

*OH YES! Before I forget, Grayling has officially opened our Shanghai office this week. Congrats & may you grow from strength to strength!

See link: http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1111237/Grayling-expands-China-opening-Shanghai-office/