Mar 9th, 2007
Clarification from A*Star over AcidFlask incident
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I have received an official clarification from A*Star about the defamatory remarks in the AcidFlask incident in 2005, and I have decided to reproduce their reply below. This is because in this official reply, A*Star has granted permission for the defamatory remarks to be reproduced (under certain conditions), so the issue can now be openly discussed and objectively judged by everyone.
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The Truth about the postings on A*STAR by Chen Jiahao/AcidFlask and those parts of the postings that were defamatory have been reproduced here in the interest of showing the gravity of these untrue allegations and the damage that they had caused to A*STAR, its officers, scholars and partners.
To this day, Chen Jiahao/AcidFlask appears to have taken the position that he was not aware of the defamatory statements made by him, but he nevertheless apologized on 9 May 2005. This was notwithstanding the fact that his attention was specifically drawn to his blog of 3 March 2005 in which the defamatory statements were made, when A*STAR sought from Chen/AcidFlask the retraction and apology.
Contrary to suggestions and reports that the statements complained of by A*STAR pertained to his criticisms of A*STAR’s GPA requirement before its scholars could apply for PhD funding, it is clear from the excerpts published below that the statements were indeed defamatory and went well beyond fair comment.
The defamatory statements made in Chen/AcidFlask’s posting have no basis in fact, are wholly untrue, and completely damaging to the good name, reputation and integrity of not only A*STAR and its officers but also its scholars, the universities attended by our scholars and their faculty members.
A*STAR therefore has no option but to set the record straight.
On the statement that -:
“…a*star feels justified in bribing universities for taking in PhD students.â€
Fact: A*STAR has never offered to pay or actually paid any university bribes or any other form of incentives to admit our scholars. All our scholars gain admission on merit and in accordance with the usual admission requirements applicable to all other applicants who apply to pursue PhD studies at the universities. A*STAR has neither asked for nor have our scholars been offered or given any special dispensations in this regard. Through our scholarships, and like any other scholarship body, we fund the applicable tuition and other compulsory fees charged to the students by the universities. We have no need to offer any bribe – our scholars apply to the best universities and with their outstanding credentials and the strong undergraduate academic performance our scholars are able to gain admission to these universities without special favours. A*STAR’s GPA benchmark ensures that only the best and scholars who show real potential to be able to undertake the rigors of PhD studies are given the privilege (and not an entitlement) of fully funded public scholarships.
On the statement that -:
“…a*star gives out generous funding grants to specific faculty members (to the tune of us$150k/yr or so) for accepting up to three a*star scholars into their labs,…â€
Fact: A*STAR does not provide any such funding grants to overseas based universities, and certainly not as incentives for them to admit our students to their labs for PhD studies. A*STAR funds the local universities and locally based entities under our extra-mural grant programmes but these grants are unrelated to our students and our scholarship programmes.
On the statement that -:
“…giving out gobs of honey to universities who will sign back-door agreements for taking in scholars without going through the formal application procedure.â€
Fact: A*STAR has not signed any agreement with any university to permit our scholars to be admitted without going through the formal application procedure - all our scholars are required to apply to the universities and subject themselves to that university’s usual application procedure. If they are not accepted by a particular university, then they will simply have to gain admission to another through the usual admission process. A*STAR has no “back-door†arrangements with any university nor has A*STAR paid any university in order to by-pass the usual admission criteria required by the university.
On the statement that -:
“A fellow alumna of UIUC once attended a Chemical Engineering class…suddenly the professor remarked: Oh, by the way, if any of you are in need of money, you should consider applying to this agency called A*STAR in Singapore. They offered my $150,000 for my research with no strings attached, plus an extra $35,000 for every one of their students that I accepted into my group.â€
Fact: A*STAR has never offered to or actually funded any professor or research lab in any overseas university. Neither has A*STAR offered professors of universities cash payments to take our scholars into their labs.
On the statement -:
“…that “a certain high-up†in a*star has a tendency to recommend scholars to go to some institutions, like UIUC, U of Wisconsin, and UCSD.. perhaps it is those very schools that a*star has those connections with? and perhaps the reason for asking scholars not to go to the top universities is that they tend to be awfully expensive when it comes to tuition fees too (like Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Princeton).â€
Fact: A*STAR has a list of selected universities. Our scholars are free to choose to go to any of them.
http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/studentsandscholarships/action/scholarship_info_grad_biomed.do
http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/studentsandscholarships/action/scholarship_info_grad_sciengr.do
The details of the distribution of A*STAR PhD scholars at US universities can be found at our web-site at
http://www.astar.edu.sg/astar/attach/textlet/0e44d2035bWE/(US)NSS(PhD)_Scholars’_Choice_of_Uni_20062007_US.pdf
One only needs to look at the statistics and it will be clear that A*STAR only has 2 scholars at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1 at University of Wisconsin-Madison and 3 at University of California at San Diego. On the other hand, A*STAR has 25 PhD scholars at Stanford, 18 at MIT, 5 at Harvard, and 4 at John Hopkins, 2 at Princeton.
The statements made in Chen/AcidFlask’s blog mean or would be understood to mean that A*STAR has acted corruptly in its dealings with universities and that it’s Chairman and officers have procured it to act corruptly or condoned such acts. The statements also cast serious aspersions on our scholars to the effect that they were not admitted to their universities on merit but only because their universities were bribed by A*STAR to do so.
All these allegations are totally false and as a result, A*STAR had no but option to require Chen/AcidFlask to remove these postings and apologise.
A*STAR did not at any time require Chen/AcidFlask to shut down his entire blog-site. We had asked that the offending and defamatory postings in his 3 March 2005 blog be deleted. Chen/AcidFlask chose to shut down his entire blog-site on his own volition. Any imputation that A*STAR had demanded that Chen/AcidFlask shut down his blog is untrue and misleading.
The above clarification is made for the purpose of setting the record straight and because there have been lingering impressions that A*STAR had taken exception to comments about A*STAR’s GPA requirements. This is not the case and serious defamatory statements were made that damaged A*STAR’s good name and reputation. A*STAR has agreed to the disclosure of the defamatory postings for this purpose alone. Any or all of the defamatory postings must not be reproduced except in their entirety and must be accompanied by the whole text of the apology dated 9 May 2005 from Acid Flask as well as the full text of the clarification above. Selective reproduction of any part of the defamatory postings outside of their full context and without the full apology and the above clarification may constitute separate and actionable libel, thereby exposing the person publishing the same to the risk of potential legal action by the person or persons whom may be defamed and suffer damage as a result.
================================================
The Truth about the postings of Chen Jiahao/Acid Flask.
Postings by Chen Jiahao/Acid Flask at http://www.scs.uiuc.edu/~chen6/blog/pivot/entry.php?id=318 (now defunct).
caustic.soda by AcidFlask
liminal musings of a graduate student
this is “a*star in parliament†by AcidFlask at 03 03 05 - 13:03. please leave a comment.
a*star in parliament
-03 03 05 - 13:03
Science, Singapore
which is perhaps why a*star feels justified in bribing universities for taking in PhD students. staggeringly enough, the cost quoted is very likely to be grossly understated, since I have been told that a*star gives out generous funding grants to specific faculty members (to the tune of us$150k/yr or so) for accepting up to three a*star scholars into their lab, as well as giving out gobs of honey to universities who will sign back-door agreements for taking in scholars without going through the formal application procedure. to the cash-strapped universities in America, the unbelievable godsend that visiting a*star contingents herald is something they can’t get enough of/f. after all, who else would be so incredibly naive and stupid as to throw money at other people instead of investing money to fund their own local research and developing their own r&d communities?
to quote a certain high-up in a*star: “if you don’t like it, then leave!†which perhaps explains the quiet turnover of more than one a*star scholar within the last twelve months. but at last, perhaps quiet no longer.
I would gladly do so, except that my sources are very likely to suffer the kind of spiteful retributive backlash that characterizes the public service. Therefore they can only remain hearsay and rumour under the current circumstances.
[AcidFlask] (email) (link) - 03 03 05 - 17:39
Lest I set myself up for libel, let me state what I know about this.
I do not recall the exact sums involved but this is the gist of what I had been told.
A fellow alumna of UIUC once attended a Chemical Engineering class in this university sometime in 2003. The subject of the lecture somehow went on to funding crunches faced by researchers in the US due to post-9/11 budget cuts when suddenly the professor remarked: Oh, by the way, if any of you are in need of money, you should consider applying to this agency called A*STAR in Singapore. They offered me $150,000 for my research with no strings attached, plus an extra $35,000 for every one of their students that I accepted into my group. Singapore seems to be a very rich country; they have money to throw at you, all you have to do is ask for it!
[AcidFlask] (email) (link) - 03 03 05 - 20:30
going further down the list.. a*star scholars seem to know that “a certain high-up†in a*star has a tendency to recommend scholars to go to some institutions, like UIUC, U of Wisconsin, and UCSD.. perhaps it is those very schools that a*star has those connections with? and perhaps the reason for asking scholars not to go to the top universities is that they tend to be awfully expensive when it comes to tuition fees too (like Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Princeton).
[AcidFlask] ( email) (link) - 04 03 05 - 11:30
==============================
Mon 9th May 2005
http://www.scs.uiuc.edu/~chen6/blog/
APOLOGY
I recognize and accept that a number of statements that I made on my on-line journal “Caustic Sodaâ€, in particular the blog post of 3 March 2005, were defamatory of A*STAR, its Chairman, Mr. Philip Yeo and its executive officers.
I admit and acknowledge that these statements are false and completely without any foundation.
I unreservedly apologize to A*STAR, its Chairman Mr. Philip Yeo, and its executive officers for the distress and embarrassment caused to them by these statements.
I undertake not to repeat the statements, or make further statements of the same or similar effect in this or any other forum or media. I further undertake to remove any such posting anywhere that has not been deleted.
Fact: A*STAR has not signed any agreement with any university to permit our scholars to be admitted without going through the formal application procedure - all our scholars are required to apply to the universities and subject themselves to that university’s usual application procedure. If they are not accepted by a particular university, then they will simply have to gain admission to another through the usual admission process.
When we signed on, Astar told us that they had automatic admissions arrangements with UIUC and Oxford (the latter post-grad only, I think). Have things changed since then?
US high school students apply to US colleges by end Dec 2006 (example) for Fall 2007.
Spore students get their A level results in March 2007.
EDB entered into late admission fee arrangements with a select few US undergraduate schools including UIUC.
Such US colleges make the decision to admit our under grad scholars on their admission criteria.
Like PSC, A*STAR take advantage of the EDB arrangement which I put in place in 1990.
Acidflask was a PSC beneficiary of the EDB arrangement with UIUC.
A*STAR has agreements with a select US and UK schools for grad students under the AGS(Overseas)
http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/studentsandscholarships/action/scholarship_AGS.do
Again the admission decision is theirs. No extra payments to these schools.
_____________________________________________
Confused Scholar GERMANY // Mar 10, 2007 at 12:42 am
When we signed on, Astar told us that they had automatic admissions arrangements with UIUC and Oxford (the latter post-grad only, I think). Have things changed since then?
The text from A*Star above mentions “actionable libel” and “potential legal action” against any who do not explicitly follow its instructions. But in what jurisdiction?
What I would like to see cleared up is whether A*Star views the original statements as defamatory under Singapore law or under US law? There is a question of jurisdiction and it may be insightful for Singapore bloggers abroad to understand whether the Singapore government will attempt to reach into other jurisdictions to enforce its defamation laws. For example, had AcidFlask not removed his original blog and apologised, would A*Star and/or Philip Yeo have filed suit in the US or in Singapore? The difference is important, because the legal definition of defamation is quite different in the two jurisdictions.
Perhaps Acidflask had assumed that writing from within the US, using a US server, would place him under US defamation laws, in which case his comments, even as shown here, may not meet their very narrow interpretation of defamation under US law.
@ daniel.
Your question is moot…
it is inconceivable that they can/will/able/dare to fight such a court case beyond the jurisdication of singapore. for obvious reasons.
Sir, reading what the confused scholar said and your reply, a thought came to mind about my own experiences when I just graduated from JC.
We attended talks and had meetings with recruiters for the different programmes. There was obvious competition for the talents.
While you and your staff may be clear of Astar’s position, rules,policies and processes, I think there might be instances where recruiters in over-zealousness might cause some sort of miscommunication when ’selling’ a scholarship and that is why some messages get distorted and people leave with a false understanding of what is going on.
Timothy,
I will remind our chaps not to mis-communicate.
Thanks.
philip
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Ian Timothy SINGAPORE // Mar 10, 2007 at 10:34 am
Sir, reading what the confused scholar said and your reply, a thought came to mind about my own experiences when I just graduated from JC.
We attended talks and had meetings with recruiters for the different programmes. There was obvious competition for the talents.
While you and your staff may be clear of Astar’s position, rules,policies and processes, I think there might be instances where recruiters in over-zealousness might cause some sort of miscommunication when ’selling’ a scholarship and that is why some messages get distorted and people leave with a false understanding of what is going on.
Hahaha why is A*Star or PY trying to do damage control now? And in the narrow confines of the blogshpere no less. Die die want to have the last word. The whole episode, then and now, continues to show the petty nature of a failed bureaucrat. Besides isn’t he out of A*Star already?
Another small Singapore toad? Sad.
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EDPee SINGAPORE // Mar 10, 2007 at 11:08 am
Hahaha why is A*Star or PY trying to do damage control now? And in the narrow confines of the blogshpere no less. Die die want to have the last word. The whole episode, then and now, continues to show the petty nature of a failed bureaucrat. Besides isn’t he out of A*Star already?
The small frog in a deep well cannot comprehend the majesty of the ocean. Yet it croaks nosily.
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Polite people should be answered to politely.
Rude people deserve rudeness in return.
Quid pro quo.
Never let the rude people bully the polite people.
It’s appalling to see such a public display of a lack of breeding and low EQ in such a high ranking civil servant. Shame on you, Philip Yeo. But I suppose you should already know that.
quite slippery, this acidflask fellow.
I am always amused by how some high ranking/profile people who apparently seem to hold many concurrent appointments have the time to engage in online banter with bloggers.
Also, I am amused at how they make use of taunts and sarcasm in their comments. And the arrogance.
Perhaps it is true that P.Y. is indeed a talented bureaucrat and scientist. Whatever. He really needs to work on being more gracious when responding to criticisms.
Hey, think about it. There must be reasons for people to dislike you, right? Maybe you should reflect on why people are attacking you rather than go on counterattacking them with childish remarks like “small frog in a deep well”, “small Singapore toad”.
I just want to add that I find it amusing that this issue has been dug up again 2 years after it happened.
Don’t understand why people have to bear grudges for so long. If it isn’t tiring for the 2 characters involved, it is certainly tiring for all the readers to hear about it again and again.
I hope these people can make better use of their intellect and time spent on arguing to make Singapore a better place. Afterall, scholarships and civil service pay are all taxpayers’ money at end of the day.
A lot of the facts that Philip yeo claims are true have been debunked on this thread:
http://diodati.omniscientx.com/2007/02/16/the-smugness-of-ignorance-i/
All readers of this blog, please read the full on discussion on why Philip Yeo is just another failed government official wasting tax payers money on his white elephant projects. He is no scientist, he doesn’t have vision and he is most definitely not talented.
Then why is he so worried?
_______________________________
Elia Diodati UNITED STATES // Mar 5, 2007 at 9:43 am
“I undertake not to repeat the statements, or make further statements of the same or similar effect in this or any other forum or media. I further undertake to remove any such posting anywhere that has not been deleted.â€
—
Aaron,
under the terms of what I had agreed to, I must ask you to remove the excerpted statements from this blog post and the relevant comment on the post dated Feb 27th, since I do not have the direct power to do so.
I am amused, at how toady can mudsling, only to have the glob of mud he slung, hit him square in the face. You might want to have a friend read your comment out to you, dude.
It is clear, that there is some injustice done from the statements made by CJH, based on the evidence and facts presented above. Even if you don’t agree, shouldn’t you make your judgements based on what’s presented?
Anyway, I think most readers/commenters would possess the adequate maturity and discernment to provide some intellectual comment before they hit ’submit’ ya?
I’m just amused by the comments made by Mr.Y. Well, people loves to remain anonymous because we want a sense of privacy. There’s definitely not freedom of Speech in Singapore. Retaining one’s privacy may seem to be the best resort for some.
As for someone like him, time should be invested on learning more science rather than refuting on other’s opinion. Afterall, you can really consider it as a opinion rather than a defamatory remark. But of course, that’s not the case in this country. Nevertheless, I agree with the rest that “mocking” of others as a amphibian are quite harsh and should be refrained.
Someone who accuses you of bribery is making an opinion? Sad/
There’s no ‘freedom of speech’ because there are people who spew rubbish and cause damage along the way. Verbal diarrhoea cannot control.
People who choose to hide behind a veil of anonymity and use privacy as an excuse.
People who cannot draw a line between subjective opinion and statements of truth.
Sad, indeed.
I think further clarification is needed with regard to what the professor said here:
“…when suddenly the professor remarked: Oh, by the way, if any of you are in need of money, you should consider applying to this agency called A*STAR in Singapore. They offered me $150,000 for my research with no strings attached, plus an extra $35,000 for every one of their students that I accepted into my group. Singapore seems to be a very rich country; they have money to throw at you, all you have to do is ask for it!”
1 Was the professor lying? If yes, what action was taken against him? If no, what exactly does he mean? Because sounds like he was alluding to some sort of bribery, in which case, he was the originator of the defamatory remarks and should have been the one to be chastised. But if what he said was true, then it was a fact, which should not be considered defamatory.
2 If the professor wasn’t lying, was it wrong for Acidflask to echo what he had said?
3 If the professor hadn’t said that at all, then Acidflask deserved to be chastised for lying and misleading his readers.
A*STAR has never made such offers to any professor at UIUC or another universities.
UIUC has confirmed that none of its professors have received such offers.
THINK for yourself: why then does Acidflask apologize and close his UIUC blog.
____________________________
3 If the professor hadn’t said that at all, then Acidflask deserved to be chastised for lying and misleading his readers.
“Someone who accuses you of bribery is making an opinion? Sad/”
To me it’s an opinion. For it is not true, i’m not bothered about such accusations. It’s an opinion to me, but i know it’s not true. The public knows that it’s not true. The accuser just have to state that there’s a possibility but it’s may not be exactly true without evidence.
I maybe Juvenile, but i behold the freedom of speech.but freedom of speech definitely will require defamatory remarks. Yes, Accusations differ from opinions, but to a certain extend. I just see bootlickers,arrogance and many sad people. I’m happy.
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Maybe Acidflask can just write a fictional story without the names mentioned. It’s just ludicrous that our society ponders so much over “accusations”. If they are not true, why bother? Law is the only reason why apology was made.
Definitely Juvenile. Not fully grown or developed.
Freedom to defame. Which nation’s constitution permits this?
Go there then. No lost to Singapore.
___________________________________
I maybe Juvenile, but i behold the freedom of speech. but freedom of speech definitely will require defamatory remarks.
Ouch! why kick a huge fuss over a proverbial toad in a well.
In most organisations - disgruntled employees are counselled and attempts are made to reconcile them with the company’s goal.
ASTAR sues it own disgruntled scholars. What a nice PR move.
*ten points for the work done by the human reasource dept.*
Mr. Yeo,
Thank you for the clarification. Now it is crystal clear to me.
There might be many reasons why Acidflask apologize and closed that blog. That’s why this clarification is important.
“Definitely Juvenile. Not fully grown or developed.
Freedom to defame. Which nation’s constitution permits this?
Go there then. No lost to Singapore.”
——————-
US is one example.. Yeah I’m going there if i don’t like my country. Fact is that i do. My focus was more on arrogance… just an opinion..
No lost to Singapore- You’re definitely wrong. Every Singaporean is important to the society, even the menace ones, because we are the constituents of one country.
I think your name implies more of what you speak. Then again, just an opinion. (=
I agree that the clarification has been very important to the Acidflask debate.
It seems quite ironic that somebody working in science (an academic field that seeks the truth, and relies on facts) — could so flippantly make such serious accusations without evidence.
Such lack of intellectual honesty and integrity is worrying in a scientist.
I don’t think Acidflask was ever an A*STAR scholar.
He was an ex-PSC scholar who broke his bond because he did not get want he wanted.
A very butter “proverbial toad in a well”.
_________________________________
oyyh NEW ZEALAND
Ouch! why kick a huge fuss over a proverbial toad in a well.
In most organisations - disgruntled employees are counselled and attempts are made to reconcile them with the company’s goal.
ASTAR sues it own disgruntled scholars. What a nice PR move.
*ten points for the work done by the human reasource dept.*
I believe Chen Jiahao is Acidflask alias Elia Diodati.
http://www.rjc.edu.sg/scholarship/alumni-2000.htm
PSC Singapore Government Scholarship (Teaching)
Chen Jiahao (Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA)
See http://www.rjc.edu.sg/scholarship/alumni-2000.htm
Show me the exact words that one is free to defame.
_______________________
Truthhurts SINGAPORE // Mar 14, 2007 at 8:22 pm
US is one example..
I would like to see truthhurts’ reaction when someone spews out vicious lies about him/her or his/her family. And pass them off as opinion.
It would be amusing.
Would truthhurt? or lieshurtevenmore? =)
Perhaps some reference to legal content would be appropriate here.
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=1965-REVED-75
http://www.lawgazette.com.sg/2005-11/Nov05-feature1.htm
Moral: Get your info from a reliable source.
Like Acidflask blog that he heard that “truthhurts” is a murderer.
Only an opinion?
Murder of a person’s character/reputation is lesser from murder of his/her physical body.
Freedom of speech with moral and ethical responsibility.
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Adrian SINGAPORE // Mar 15, 2007 at 11:51 am
I would like to see truthhurts’ reaction when someone spews out vicious lies about him/her or his/her family. And pass them off as opinion.
aha.. new more constructive opinions will pop out.. So that’s why i’m back for some live and kicking moments. As i’ve said.. it’s just a opinion.. You can make opinions.. maybe not to the extend of insult to some.. But to me.. you can call my mum or dad a “Whor*” but i don’t care. Because it’s my own principal. I grew up in US, where people don’t take words into serious considerations, well.. i mean ppl do, but ppl just go easy with those words.
My main pt is not to argue… You can say that losing one of me, won’t make a difference to Singapore. You can say that i don’t make constructive criticisms that are defamatory etc… But indeed freedom of speech in US includes insults.. It’s a fact.
You need examples.. Look at Taiwan politics, and look at their Tv shows with celebrities acting out and mocking their own presidents. Are those “antic acts” true?.. Nope they ain’t. but they are assumptions and people’s opinion. It’s freedom… For all we can argue, i will always stand with my opinion.. You guys can carry on to call me “childish”…
But it’s just outrageous for someone to be arrogant.. that was my main pt from the start.
—————————-
I’m not a scholar or anything.. Neither do i type like one, but it’s freedom of speech to me. Bleah~
Anyways, the word new was meant to be knew.. but who cares anyways.. there is room for errors. To Adrian’s post of moral ethics and blogging.. It only applies to SIngapore. That’s why i said Singapore is not a place of freedom of speech. Neither is China. But there are places like US with freedom of speech. I don’t meant that i wanna go there, but i’m just stating a fact that freedom of speech will include words that are nasty. It’s a fact.
Accusing someone of bribery or murder is a mere insult? Freedom of speech? Pitiful mind.
You’re really not getting the point. I’m not spending anymore time here, babbling something about this.. To me it’s an insult. Anyways, he only quoted all those false things, it was false interpretations, hence clarifications were made. I don’t really think think it’s that bad. It’s a situation to situation case..
For example:
Lots of Bull might be gay since he speaks like one.
To me, this is not an insult even if it’s stated in your full name. Are you going to sue me for that? It’s not going to work out in freedom lands.
I think i have a great mind.. never a pitiful one.
Dear all:
It’s been a pleasure reading the exchanges so far. Goes to show that Singaporeans can be pro-active in debates. I suspect there are some here who are in the business of science/academia, if not they will not be defending their stand with such conviction. Even the owner of this blog is considering academia. It’s common place for academics to defend their views to their hilt. Keep it up. Allow me to dedicate an ode to those in the business of science, be they aspirant, juniors or seniors!
An ode to the Scientist
For aeons, Mother Nature has kept her secrets locked in her safe,
a veil of darkness shrouding Mankind, the air permeated with fear!
The long Age of Darkness a consequence of Mother Nature’s wrath,
divine deities were thought to be harbingers of Nature’s violence,
as superstition and ignorance reigned throughout dreaded temples,
the reigning central institutions of divine authority.
Lament not, for the dark wintry period will not last forever!
The birth of the Enlightened ones an usher of Spring’s arrival,
as the first rays of the sunlight illuminated the darkness.
Peerless intelligence, wit, unparalleled courage, a keen eye,
all are developed mental faculties of the Enlightened ones.
A few amongst the Enlightened ones are unparalleled craftsmen,
constructing potent instruments of enquiry like a lock-pick,
unlocking Mother Nature’s safe and unravelling her secrets!
The era of Enlightenment saw the establishment of schools,
dedicated to the endless pursuit of knowledge and research,
as past superstition is soon banished into obscurity.
Revealing Mother Nature’s secrets, the Enlightened ones’ sole task,
setting the stage for Man’s harmony with Mother Nature’s grandeur!
Dee,
Your “more light-hearted view of AcidFlask’s circumstances” is dangerously wrong.
Merely making excuses for Acidflask. Disappointing.
The eligible student applies to several graduate schools.
http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/attach/textlet/0e44d2035bWE/(US)NSS(PhD)_Scholars’_Choice_of_Uni_20062007_US.pdf
Gets admitted on his/her own initiative.
Selects preferred school.
Informs A*STAR.
Goes there in Fall 2007 (example).
Each semester, receives tuition bills from the graduate school.
Sends bills to A*STAR to settle payment.
Or request the graduate school to send bills directly to A*STAR.
No funds goes to any professor whatsoever.
_____________________________________________________________
http://socrates-reincarnated.blogspot.com/2007/03/interesting-poinits-from-elia-diodati.html
Thus, it is A*STAR’s intention to fund the graduate student’s education.
Hence, the original message from A*STAR is pay $XXXXX amount of course fees to sponsor a graduate student for his Ph.D. studies, i.e. the intention of A*STAR is to sponsor so and so graduate student by footing the bill for his graduate school. It may be that Person A on the graduate school side acknowledges the acceptance of the student and tells Person B, with $XXXXX amount of money from the course fees, I can buy so and so lab equipment for so and so student’s research. Person B then tells Person C with finances coming in from another organization, they managed to purchase so and so lab equipment or they got so and so amount of money for research. Person C then goes on to tell person D, “thanks to A*STAR, we are so and so amount richer”, and this process goes on. Already the words from Person D carries an implication that A*STAR is guilty of corrupt practices and a misrepresentation of A*STAR’s original stand, when it was A*STAR’s original intention to fund a student’s graduate school course and not make payouts to enrich research groups within the graduate school. Such misunderstandings are inevitable and that is why I choose to take a more light-hearted view of AcidFlask’s circumstances even in light of the revelations of the defamatory content made in his blog.
In this blog, you know who is the blogger.
Almost all blogs are sadly anonymous.
Like yours too. Sad.
_____________________________________________
Dr Dee SINGAPORE // Mar 16, 2007 at 1:19 am
Even the owner of this blog is considering academia. It’s common place for academics to defend their views to their hilt. Keep it up. Allow me to dedicate an ode to those in the business of science, be they aspirant, juniors or seniors!
Dr Dee,
I’m an optimist, so I think most Singaporeans are able to hold a rational debate. The question is whether they want to or not.
While it is generally true that academics would defend their views to the hilt, that is usually based on some evidence or sound logical argument. Some people have neither, and they defend themselves to the hilt using other means, e.g. stirring emotions, personal attacks etc, and that’s not healthy for development of a rational and civil society.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I personally do not think that all and sundry are aware of Libel Laws, even amongst the most intelligent ones. A close friend of was mine surprised to learn that if an author were to quote another person making a libelous comment, he would also face legal liability for his comments.
Perhaps, it’s this ignorance that leads to a person committing the mistake. Secondly, I was making a conjecture of the circumstances at AcidFlask’s side. It could be due to a series of communication involving many personalities that leads to a distorted and garbled message. AcidFlask made the cardinal error of blogging these messages from the accounts, and I have reasons to believe he is not aware of the legal implications. The reason why I choose to take a light-hearted view of the incident is because I sincerely believe AcidFlask might have made a mistake out of his ignorance of the technicalities of Libel Law. All of us make mistakes as a result of our ignorance and I am no exception. Of course, I find it regrettable that this mistake of AcidFlask may have resulted in the casting of aspersions on your work, which I think it’s highly praiseworthy and commendable, BUT a mistake is a mistake nevertheless. What’s the best course of action then? Maybe an apology and moving on with life.
Sir, it has been two years since this conflict is raging between you and Chen Jiahao, and I believe every Winter must end with the coming of spring. Perhaps, a time for an olive branch of peace?
Lastly, I regret any form of negativity caused as a result of my blog post and all I can do is to offer some words of solace. However, I believe all of us are in this school of Life, learning the many lessons of this world and some may have stumbled because of his inexperience and ignorance. I do not believe in kicking someone who has stumbled in this path of life, which is why I choose to take a rather light-hearted view of AcidFlask’s mistake. I was voicing my opinion and I hope you can agree to disagree. I mean you may like apples, but I prefer oranges, but both of us are fans of Japanese green tea, yeah?
On an ending note, the reason why I choose to stay anonymous is because I too have been on the receiving end of vituperative, calmniating attacks that my anonymity is a firewall against the ensueing conflagration. I am personally not afraid to reveal my identity to you, because my conscience is clear. As I have said earlier, lets agree to disagree as far AcidFlask is concerned and not detract from prior discussion of other issues.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I have given a further response in my blog at http://socrates-reincarnated.blogspot.com/2007/03/my-exchange-with-mr-philip-yeo-on-aaron.html
I sincerely hope that we can put our disagreements over the AcidFlask debate aside and since you are more or less posting your comments on this blog, I would like to continue the discussion where we left off. Hope you are game enough to chip in.
First and foremost, I raised a question on Diodati’s blog on the source of funding for Temasek Life Sciences laboratory. I understand that Temasek Holdings opened the laboratory. Does A*STAR provide funding for research at Temasek Life Sciences or is there another cash cow in Temasek Holdings providing funds for Life Sciences research?
Secondly, I read that you closed down the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology, raising a huge sum for scholarships. I find your conviction towards nurturing research talents commendable, but on hindsight, do you regret your choice on closing down the Institute of Molecular Agriobiology? This is because I find it pretty unfortunate as Singapore by virtue of its proximity to the equator has a rich biodiversity. The unexplored variety of flora and fauna is a fertile ground for drug development, and the Institue of Molecular Agrobiology might have some use in developing potentially useful flora perhaps?
Last but not least, what would be your reaction if say your successor at A*STAR revises the scholarship criteria and scrap the 3.8 GPA rule in favor of other academic performance indicators, e.g. faculty rankings irregardless of GPA?
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
A*STAR does not fund any agrotech research.
TLS is the remnant of IMA - for those who want to do rice and cotton.
Those who wanted to do Biomedical Science research welcomed into IMCB.
Are you at TLS?
———————————————————
Does A*STAR provide funding for research at Temasek Life Sciences or is there another cash cow in Temasek Holdings providing funds for Life Sciences research?
I am selecting the 2007 batch. 7th batch.
Only 3 more batches fo4 2008-2010 to go.
God help him if he does so. Ha!
__________________________________________
Last but not least, what would be your reaction if say your successor at A*STAR revises the scholarship criteria and scrap the 3.8 GPA rule in favor of other academic performance indicators, e.g. faculty rankings irregardless of GPA?
No regrets as IMA was really doing rice and cotton research.
See my farewell speech.
Plants and Soil for drugs. Yes.
I created Merlion.
http://www.merlionpharma.com
_______________________
do you regret your choice on closing down the Institute of Molecular Agriobiology? This is because I find it pretty unfortunate as Singapore by virtue of its proximity to the equator has a rich biodiversity. The unexplored variety of flora and fauna is a fertile ground for drug development, and the Institue of Molecular Agrobiology might have some use in developing potentially useful flora perhaps?
Dee,
Acidflask did the blogging about A*STAR bribing US colleges out of vindictiveness.
Make the world believe that A*STAR is wrong.
His first apologies were insincere. Reflective of his agenda.
_____________________________
It may have been unfortunate that Mr Philip Yeo has adopted a starkly different stand from mine, but I do not believe in kicking a man down when he makes a mistake out of his ignorance. Not all would anticipate that quoting a libelous comment would see the perpetuator being hauled into the hallowed walls of the Supreme court. I am sure the same thing went through AcidFlask’s mind. A mistake is a mistake, so let’s move on with life, yeah? Perhaps, the best would be to agree to disagree.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I am pleasantly surprise to learn that TLS is a remnant of IMA. I thought Merlion Pharmaceuticals was a brainchild of EDB. Oh yeah, before I forgot, you were formerly from EDB. Oh BTW, I would be hopping by Merlion Pharmaceuticals soonish.
Last but not least, will you still be overseeing Biomedical Science initiative in Singapore even after you step down from A*STAR? I have to admit, notwithstanding our disagreements on GPA criteria amongst other things, I find that your conviction in blowing away red tapes resulting in an expedient process of administration commendable, and you have every reason to be proud of it. Dr Goh Keng Swee was your mentor, but do you have any disciples for you to impart your skills to? Civil servants willing to do away with red tapes in order to expedite the process are becoming a rare breed..
Lastly, on AcidFlask, perhaps it’s time for a little olive branch of peace or a cup of liang teh?! The year 2007 is fiery as it is the year of the Fire Pig. http://www.astrolog.com.au/pages/year_of_firepig.htm
Perhaps some liang teh would douse some of the heatiness.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Quote of the day: The test of a man’s character lies in his ability to see the beautiful side of people whom he abhors.
Dee,
I offered him one to one quiet tea at UIUC to hear him out and give him my point of view.
Instead he wanted to interrogate me with a third party in attendance!
And he blogs on my name at Wikipedia giving the impression that he is an innocent babe forced to close his Acidflask blog.
So summer must continue
Until he takes off his smearing marks.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Sir, it has been two years since this conflict is raging between you and Chen Jiahao, and I believe every Winter must end with the coming of spring. Perhaps, a time for an olive branch of peace?
In 1993, when Sir Richard Sykes was CEO, Glaxo and I was Chm, EDB (1986 to 2000), we both co-funded the setting up of the Centre for Natural Products Research (CNPR) in the IMCB (www.imcb.a-star.edu.sg)
Tony Buss was loaned from Glaxo, UK to IMCB as Director, CNPR.
In 2002, we privatized the CNPR as Merlin Pharma with Tony Buss as CEO.
Two years ago, Sir Richard Sykes, Rector of Imperial College most kindly agreed to be Chairman, Merlion.
________________________
I thought Merlion Pharmaceuticals was a brainchild of EDB. Oh yeah, before I forgot, you were formerly from EDB. Oh BTW, I would be hopping by Merlion Pharmaceuticals soonish.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
If that’s the case, I guess it isn’t appropriate for an interrogative meeting with a third party in attendence. Not a proper protocol.
I too was on the receiving end of such a treatment. In the past, there was some unhappiness on the part of a female counterpart with me. I offered a one to one, heart to heart talk. It ended up that she insisted on having another female companion to tag along. Thus, what happened? I got pummelled. Hence, Sir, I understand perfectly how you would have felt.
Going through National Service, I was imbued with a all-guys-have-conflicts-thrash-it-out-one-to-one value. I agree that it’s improper to send a third party because it would be overwhelmingly uncomfortable for the lonely chap.
BTW, which Wiki page is being edited? Yours or AcidFlask? There is a wikipage for AcidFlask as there is for yours.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Yeo
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
I am in the opinion that Mr Yeo is not a very gracious person himself, judging from his choice of words and comparisons of people to toads, frogs and wimps.
I shudder to think that if all highly educated, elite Singaporean leaders hold such attitudes… what will our country become?
Now, tell me… is a good scientist supposed to make conjectures based on weak reasoning like below?
———————–
In May 2005, the controversy of A*STAR bond-breakers was revived when The New Paper published an article about him writing in his book that men in Singapore even when serving National Service (NS) were wimps, whiny, and immature. The reason Yeo gave was that all bond-breakers since early 90s were Singapore men. The anger was further fuelled when a female A*STAR scholar, Chng Zhenzhi, backed his statements and openly declared that Singapore men were fine until “(once) they enter NS, they complain a lot.”
… Yeo calling e pur si muove “an obnoxious smelling swamp full of envious, fouled mouthed small toads” and referring to the commenters who had engaged him as “green eyed toads”.
Why are anonymous blogs sad? Why is there a need to remain anonymous?
http://www.opennetinitiative.net/studies/singapore/
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
On the issue of blogging anonymous on my part, you can access my reply at my blog.
http://socrates-reincarnated.blogspot.com/2007/03/exchange-with-mr-philip-yeo-part-2-on.html
Have a nice weekend ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
__________________________
In this blog, you know who is the blogger.
Almost all blogs are sadly anonymous.
Like yours too. Sad.
“Why are anonymous blogs sad? Why is there a need to remain anonymous?”
Agreeable.
“I am in the opinion that Mr Yeo is not a very gracious person himself, judging from his choice of words and comparisons of people to toads, frogs and wimps. ”
I agree with the not gracious part. But nevertheless, Mr Yeo was provoked initially and he was just expressing his opinions. Then again, i call it freedom of speech. I just feel that we don’t have to be so sad, so that a moderately educated national like me can express my views freely. No grudges.. just comments.
have a good weekend all.
ain’t no word called “irregardless”.
Question posed by the said philip yeo on why do we think acidflask apologised and shut down his blog.
The answer is simple: Your pockets are deeper than his.
Regards.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo,
It is very refreshing for a high ranking official like you to pop over into the blogosphere to give us (the netizens) clarified viewpoints on various A*STAR-related issues. I do hope you would not stop doing that in the near future!
While I applaud A*STAR’s efforts in picking the best of the best from the youth of Singapore to send them out for education, I am a little disappointed over the whole “the law is the law” stand from your organisation. Let me illustrate this with a story….
I have a good friend who’s also studying with me in Australia. He did not get stellar academic results (only 3.4 /4.0 GPA), but he took on challenging modules (where other students try to evade) and completed his 3-year Bachelor’s studies in 2.5years. His research on adult stem cells have gained him a 1st authorship paper at a major international conference, far being the youngest to do at the age of 19.
My friend had just returned from the interviews at the International PhD Programme at the European Molecular Biology Laboratories at Heidelberg, Germany (I’m sure that you, Sir, would have heard of EMBL). Although not picked to receive the EMBL-funded predoctoral fellowship, he has by far became the 1st Singaporean ever to qualify for the EMBL PhD programme and also the youngest amongst all applicants to do so (at the age of 19). Also, there were group leaders there who would still take him on provided he self-fund his studies, but he told me that A*STAR would not support his studies as
1. EMBL is not a university, hence it’s not even on the list of A*STAR, and
2. His academic results are not good enough for A*STAR’s requirements
As a result, my friend is most probably going to miss out on EMBL (which according to him, will be a chance of a lifetime, as no one has gone back for a 2nd interview before) unless some sort of financial miracle happens (are you noticing, Mr Yeo? Haha).
So maybe if A*STAR would want to maximise their efforts of nurturing the scientific talents of tomorrow, would it be possible that the organisation would try to put more emphasis on the ability to carry out research, rather than hitting the perfect GPA? Afterall, it is quite common among professors in Australia to NOT take on students with near-perfect GPAs as they would fare worse in the research environment.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours Sincerely,
Alvin
Dear Alvin,
Thank you for your views.
I have been to EMBL.
A*STAR perfers to fund and nurture our best and brightest A level applicants all the way from BS to PhD studies provided they meet out GPA threshold.
Freedom of choice not to apply.
As your friend is able to finance his studies in Australia, he is free to seek out other funding organizations.
philip
Dear Mr Philip Yeo,
I hope you mean the “finance his studies in Australia” part doesn’t include “taking out a bank loan for his entire education expenses”, because that is what my friend has been doing for the past years.
It is a great thing that A*STAR are selecting the best A level students, but has the organisation looked into funding/nurturing graduates from polytechnics and even students who have qualifed for University through other means? Sir, these applicants deserve a fair go at opportunities bestowed by your organisation!
Yours Sincerely,
Alvin
Dee,
http://app.sprinter.gov.sg/data/pr/20061222999.htm
From the above you can see my role as Senior Advisor for Science & Technology (S&T) to the Minister of Trade and Industry.
I am confident that my younger successor Lim Chuan Poh (ex-Mindef like me) who is ably assisted by Deputy Chairman, Prof. Dr Tan Chorh Chuan will be able to carry on and build upon my basement and ground level work of the Feb 2001 to March 2007 period. They know that I have set high standards for them to maintain.
Each senior government officer has his/her own capability.
I am neither civil nor a servant.
I am not indispensable but irreplaceable.
We cannot clone ourselves yet.
I stayed on and worked for the Singapore government because I had Dr Goh Keng Swee as a great role model. Every time that I was fully tempted to leave for greener pastures, he will call me up for free lunch and load me up with more work to distract me.
I could not desert a man who have worked selflessly and have laid the foundation for the Singapore economy that we have today.
philip
Last but not least, will you still be overseeing Biomedical Science initiative in Singapore even after you step down from A*STAR? I have to admit, notwithstanding our disagreements on GPA criteria amongst other things, I find that your conviction in blowing away red tapes resulting in an expedient process of administration commendable, and you have every reason to be proud of it. Dr Goh Keng Swee was your mentor, but do you have any disciples for you to impart your skills to? Civil servants willing to do away with red tapes in order to expedite the process are becoming a rare breed..
Alvin,
Take a look at:
http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/studentsandscholarships/action/scholarship_AGS.do
Here a UK Second Class honours or a US GPA of above 3.6 but less than 3.8 is the requirement.
On hindsight, I’d rather all these info to come out two years ago and have some healthy discussion.
sometimes freedom of expression helps in the discovery of truth, isn’t it?
why? why 2 years late?
Dear Alvin:
Allow me to offer congratulations to your friend. A 3.4 GPA in the context of a challenging curriculum is an excellent result. Admission committees to universities in the US recalculate GPA and when they level everything out, a 3.4 GPA in the context of a challenging course load can be recalculated to a 4.0 GPA. Just google for the terms “GPA recalculation”.
Perhaps, it’s a matter of serendipity that your friend has chosen Germany as the destination for his postgraduate studies. The best move for your friend would be to get in touch with prospective principal investigators in Germany. I understand that academic institutions in Germany award financial stipends for postgraduate research. The reason why your friend missed out on EMBL funding may be due to the limited funds of EMBL. A number of my friends with not-so-stellar academic results are also targeting Germany as the destination for postgraduate studies. Hence, they are scouring through the various German academic institutions’ websites looking for prospective supervisors. I have a friend who got a second lower honors who managed to make contact with a prospective principal investigator. I also know of people with not so stellar academic results ending up in top notch research institutions like the Max Planck Institute. However, your friend must be prepared to consider other institutions in Germany other than EMBL. There are a number of academic institutions, but I would advise your friend not to select universities based on prestige, but rather look for principal investigators with a good track record in the area of his research, and lastly, a similar research interest. Heidelberg University is the British equivalent of Oxford and Cambridge, just in case if you are not aware of it. Prior to world war II, the British and Germans entered into a pact not to bomb prestigious institutions in both countries. The Germans agreed to avoid bombing Oxford and Cambridge, whilst the British agreed to abstain from bombing Heidelberg.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dee is right.
EMBL is funded by the EU countries.
It gives priority for funding to EU students.
Max Planck is well funded by the German Govt.
Alvin’s friend should give it a try
___________________
I also know of people with not so stellar academic results ending up in top notch research institutions like the Max Planck Institute. However, your friend must be prepared to consider other institutions in Germany other than EMBL.
Since 2001/2002, all these info have been on the scholarship part of the A*STAR website http://www.a-star.edu.sg.
——————–
truthrocks SINGAPORE // Mar 16, 2007 at 11:53 pm
On hindsight, I’d rather all these info to come out two years ago and have some healthy discussion.
sometimes freedom of expression helps in the discovery of truth, isn’t it?
why? why 2 years late?
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I agree Dr Goh Keng Swee is really up there with the stars. He brought economic theory from textbook into real life practice. I am proud to have come from his alma mater.
I assumed SIA would be one of your eventual destinations because reading the transcript of your farewell speech, you were supposed to go to SIA, but you were needed at EDB. In fact, a few observers and I thought you would eventually move on to SIA after the delays and stepping down from A*STAR. Wasn’t it your mentor who wanted you to go to SIA? Correct me if I have written any piece of misinformation so far. Is helming SIA a future plan beyond your next tenure as Science and Technology senior advisor and head of SPRING?
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I cannot help but notice an interesting pattern pertaining to the appointment of head honchos to spearhead education and research in Singapore. There is this MINDEF connection.
If I did not read wrongly, you were formerly from MINDEF. Your successor was also a former Chief of Defense. The ex and current minister and minister of state for education was also from MINDEF (Rear ADMs Teo Chee Hean and Lui Tuck Yew). Is there a prevalent thinking in civil service that the Defense people are the ones to be able to effectively command and drive the organization forward, and get things done quickly?
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Sorry I wasn’t clear in my previous comment.
I meant the rebuttals to acidflask’s statements should be made available earlier.
it was so easy to side with the poor blogger and vilify the big guy.
Without knowing what’s going on.
Not that I’m convinced that Acidflask is wrong and you are right already, but the information would have given much more perspective.
——
Since 2001/2002, all these info have been on the scholarship part of the A*STAR website http://www.a-star.edu.sg.
——————–
truthrocks SINGAPORE // Mar 16, 2007 at 11:53 pm
On hindsight, I’d rather all these info to come out two years ago and have some healthy discussion.
sometimes freedom of expression helps in the discovery of truth, isn’t it?
why? why 2 years late?
Dee,
I was merely relating the old 1985 SIA matter as a joke.
I had been in Mindef from June 1970 to Dec 1985 ~~ well past my 10 years of bond.
SIA is running well today. In 1985, Dr. Goh Keng Swee thought otherwise of SIA.
He really wanted me to go there to fix it as he said. Hard to say NO to Dr. Goh KS.
Even when I was at Harvard Biz school in1974-76, Dr. Goh KS would ask my Perm Sec(Defence) to write to me to come back to Mindef and not waste my time in Boston!
When I returned home in May 1976 and went to see him in his office, he went to his big cupboard and personally carried out 10 heavy project files saying: I have kept these for you for the last two years!
He would NOT give these projects to anyone else. I was determined to “do it” in 2 years to “get rid” of them.
With only 7 years service, not counting the 2 years at Harvard, he made up for the project workload torture by promoting me to Perm Sec (Defence Technology) at age of 32 plus years old in Sept 1979.
I could not “morally” run away to greener private pastures.
Dr Goh always knew whenever I was restless. He would ask: Are you bored?
Then he would send more work to me! He said: No one dies of overwork. One dies of boredom.
He used to challenge my Mindef engineers and I why we could NOT design and make this or that weapon.
Being proud scholar engineers, we would really be hot and angry around our collars.
We would then work our butts off to prove him wrong.
And when we did it, he will chuckle and congratulate us.
The satisfaction that we proved him wrong again was our reward.
(Recently, some ignorant young “toady” blogger wrongly called me a iron rice bowled paper pusher!).
I learned the Power of Ridicule from Dr. Goh KS and used it “well” with my chaps too.
I have no shortage of private offers.
But I think I owe my 2 kids some time with them.
________________________________________________________________
I assumed SIA would be one of your eventual destinations because reading the transcript of your farewell speech, you were supposed to go to SIA, but you were needed at EDB. In fact, a few observers and I thought you would eventually move on to SIA after the delays and stepping down from A*STAR. Wasn’t it your mentor who wanted you to go to SIA? Correct me if I have written any piece of misinformation so far. Is helming SIA a future plan beyond your next tenure as Science and Technology senior advisor and head of SPRING?
You are right.
Our two external lawyers gave us wrong advice. Must claim back our expenses.
_______________________
truthrocks SINGAPORE // Mar 17, 2007 at 12:41 am
Sorry I wasn’t clear in my previous comment.
I meant the rebuttals to acidflask’s statements should be made available earlier.
it was so easy to side with the poor blogger and vilify the big guy.
Without knowing what’s going on.
Not that I’m convinced that Acidflask is wrong and you are right already, but the information would have given much more perspective.
——
Dee,
Mindef chaps are not paper pushers. Ha!
philip
_____________________
Dr Dee SINGAPORE // Mar 17, 2007 at 12:30 am
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I cannot help but notice an interesting pattern pertaining to the appointment of head honchos to spearhead education and research in Singapore. There is this MINDEF connection.
If I did not read wrongly, you were formerly from MINDEF. Your successor was also a former Chief of Defense. The ex and current minister and minister of state for education was also from MINDEF (Rear ADMs Teo Chee Hean and Lui Tuck Yew). Is there a prevalent thinking in civil service that the Defense people are the ones to be able to effectively command and drive the organization forward, and get things done quickly?
Dr Goh KS autographed 3 of his economic books and gave them to me.
I have yet to find time to read them! Oops!
I usually read science and technology books and ancient history.
Whenever I need help on economic matters, I used to go to Dr. Goh KS for free advice.
No need to read econ books . Ha!
___________________________
I agree Dr Goh Keng Swee is really up there with the stars. He brought economic theory from textbook into real life practice. I am proud to have come from his alma mater.
Dee,
Appreciate your points.
There are nasty people in the blogs.
Otherwise called “rude and noisy toads”. Ha!
Have a good weekend.
Off overseas tomorrow.
______________________________
On the issue of blogging anonymous on my part, you can access my reply at my blog.
http://socrates-reincarnated.blogspot.com/2007/03/exchange-with-mr-philip-yeo-part-2-on.html
Have a nice weekend ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
You mentioned that you love Ancient history? Which flavor may I enquire? Science and technological aspects of ancient history? Military aspects of ancient history, e.g. Admiral Zheng He, Genghis Khan, etc?
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
Thanks for your detailed account of your experience with Dr Goh. It really opened my eyes into an unknown side of Dr Goh, the human side of him and his management style.
Probably, Dr Goh must have read the Sun Tzu Art of War for managers. You mentioned that you learnt well from him. Are you a fan of Sun Tzu as well? After all, it’s the military flavor of ancient history.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear PY,
Perhaps this incident could be a reflection point for future libel case within the government agency (and private sector alike).
Without revealing the notes as shown here, it is easy to jump into conclusion and side with the small guy instead. The fact is the general public (online or offline) are more emotion than rational.
The subsequent actions taken should also take into consideration of the potential PR impact, not just from the legal perspective. A mentor once said to me that “Lawyers don’t make decision for you”. They give you the advices but you make the final call.
—-
You are right.
Our two external lawyers gave us wrong advice. Must claim back our expenses.
I guess it should always be noted and remembered that it is normal and common human nature for us to side with the ‘underdog’. Most of us do not have the fortune to be ‘big-honchos’ and thus tend to empathise with the same people - folks like ourselves. Especially during the event, it looked as though the ‘big-honchos’, with guns blazing, were going at the scholar (who was just a kid) with all the corporate might, it easily created an impression that AcidFlask was being ‘bullied’.
In retrospect, not only should the incident be managed by the legal front, the PR impact should have been delicately handled too.
Well, that’s why people say, hindsight is always 20/20! Let’s learn from this experience and big corporations, especially from public sectors, should be mindful of its PR image and strive to communicate with the citizens, if we really want to fulfill the dream of - One People, One Nation, One Singapore.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I can see your selfless dedication to your work, that even your kids mentioned that they missed you. Will you be having more family time considering your present appointment at SPRING, as Science and Technology Advisor and economic advisor?
I don’t know but I think when a chap reaches your age, he would be spending time with his children and playing with his grandchildren…. Family time is important, and is a source of joy that one shouldn’t miss out on…..
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dee,
Dr. Goh read and lectured on military history to our senior officers. His library was a great collection of books.
I was only interested in the weapon developments. My collection were weapons.
________________________________________________________
Probably, Dr Goh must have read the Sun Tzu Art of War for managers.
You mentioned that you learnt well from him.
Are you a fan of Sun Tzu as well? After all, it’s the military flavor of ancient history.
I am afraid that grandchildren supply will be still a long way to go.
My kids are too busy. One slaving away on research. The other still in college.
_______________________________
I don’t know but I think when a chap reaches your age, he would be spending time with his children and playing with his grandchildren…. Family time is important, and is a source of joy that one shouldn’t miss out on…..
Our PR is weak.
_______________________
In retrospect, not only should the incident be managed by the legal front, the PR impact should have been delicately handled too.
European and Middle East History from 500 BC.
Have a good collection from Darius I, Alexander, the Greek Wars, Genghis Khan etc etc.
Now reading a good book: The Great War for Civilisation by Robert Frisk, a journalist.
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You mentioned that you love Ancient history? Which flavor may I enquire? Science and technological aspects of ancient history? Military aspects of ancient history, e.g. Admiral Zheng He, Genghis Khan, etc?
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
There was a National Geographic segment on Genghis Khan and his armies. There was an archaelogical discovery of an “artillery shell” used during by the Mongolian army. Speaks volumes of the primitive development of artillery technology during the ancient times. Actually, Genghis’ success was also due to his talents as an administrator. He co-opted brilliant generals into his ranks, and also managed to successfully rule his conquered territories by brilliant administration.
Speaking of European military history, there was also the development of siege weaponry, like the trebuchet, the ancestors of modern day artillery.
May I enquire which weapon that is developed during the ancient times do you really fancy?
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I read that your children are overseas. Are you a fan of SKYPE? It’s quite popular nowadays, a cheaper alternative than overseas calls, allowing relatives based in different countries to communicate.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dee,
I chat with them regularly on AIM as matter of habit although we have do use Skype sometimes.
Boston and La Jolla, three US hours apart.
philip
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I read that your children are overseas. Are you a fan of SKYPE? It’s quite popular nowadays, a cheaper alternative than overseas calls, allowing relatives based in different countries to communicate.
That was a great article!
Genghis Khaw chose the best and bravest leaders from ALL levels of society.
Not the traditional selection from the noble families.
Just as I chose bright and HUNGRY scholars for A*STAR.
Over 70 % of them from HDB homes.
No sons and daughters of the rich and famous etc etc.
The trebuchet changed siege warfare.
The movie “Kingdom of Heaven” (Crusaders) showed some trebuchet-looking siege weapons.
The Mongols made Chinese slave engineers build the best trebuchet.
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There was a National Geographic segment on Genghis Khan and his armies.
I started the design and development of the Singapore 155 mm artillery guns when I was in Mindef till 1985 and built them when I led the Singapore Technologies group from 1987 to 1994 even when I was Chairman, EDB from 1986.
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the ancestors of modern day artillery.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
Isn’t the book by Robert Frisk about contemporary warfare in the Middle East?
http://www.robert-fisk.com/book_extracts_serial1.htm
Actually I am the of the opinion that the most important impetus for war nowadays is the black gold - oil. I mean there are OPEC members in the Middle East. Oil is predominatly traded in US dollars, little wonder that Uncle Sam is interested in Middle Eastern affairs and can afford to print Greenbacks. However, that will all change when OPEC countries choose to trade in EUROs.
http://www.chewinthefat.com/artman/publish/article_381.shtml
I always thought that the war in the Middle East is akin to a monkey representing the Middle East being crushed between two titans, the US dollar VS EUROs. Saddam Hussein sold his oil in EUROs as is the intention of the Iranian government. Wait, isn’t Iran next on the hitlist?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/CLA410A.html
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
The Chinese siege weapon technology was pretty advanced, which the Mongolians harnessed to their benefit. Their catapults had fanciful names like whirlwind catapults or crouching tiger catapults.
Are you a fan of weapons of stealth? There was a National Geographic segment on Chinese weapons of stealth, where weapons that are capable firing projectiles are disguised as ordinary items. In modern warfare, useful weapons used by infiltration cum stealth units are the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Israeli Defense Force developed the UAV technology to the full potential. UAV technology is even harnessed by the IDF’s special forces unit, Sayeret Matkal, the Israeli equivalent of the British Special Air Services commandoes. Probably UAV will come in useful for our special operations force too.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
a friend sent me the link to this page.
mr philip yeo,
you so cute ahhhhh.
cheers.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
Since you are engineer by training, do you happen to be an IES (Institution of Engineers, Singapore) fellow? I understand that IES organized a trip to Cambodia some time ago. It’s a coincidence that you are currently in Cambodia.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
The IES made me a Fellow many moons ago.
Did BS (Industrial Engg) 1970 at U of Toronto on a Canadian Govt Colombo Plan scholarship
2 years MS (Systems Engg) 1974 at U of Singapore.
Offered a U of Spore scholarship to do a overseas PhD in Industrial Engg but I turned it down as it would add another 5 years to my bond period.
Went off to Harvard U for the 2 years MBA in 1974 under the US Govt Fulbright scholarship.
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Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
Since you are engineer by training, do you happen to be an IES (Institution of Engineers, Singapore) fellow? I understand that IES organized a trip to Cambodia some time ago. It’s a coincidence that you are currently in Cambodia.
At Angkor Wat with my two Deputy Chairmen, the MD, A*STAR and the many Whales and senior A*STAR staff.
Working. Not on holiday.
First time someone thinks that I am cute and not a terror.
Must be getting “soft” with age.:-D
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toast SINGAPORE // Mar 18, 2007 at 8:14 am
a friend sent me the link to this page.
mr philip yeo,
you so cute ahhhhh.
cheers.
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
Isn’t the Colombo Plan scholarship a predecessor of the modern day Public Service Commission scholarship?
http://app.psc.gov.sg/scholarships/html/scholarships_history.asp
Wasn’t it because of Singapore’s stoppage from receiving Colombo Plan scholarship awards in 1988 that the Colombo Plan scholarship is no longer in existence in Singapore.
At least, scholarship awardees of the Colombo Plan and PSC scholarships are required to serve their bond in administrative service. That’s what they both have in common.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
Dear Mr Philip Yeo:
I guess that is hecause you are posting personal accounts in the commentary section of this blog, about your family, your relationship with Dr Goh, etc, which shows the human side of your nature, hence, bloggers think you are cute. That is commendable on your part because it allows bloggers to warm up to you.
Ever thought of writing an autobiography of yourself. Memoirs of Mr Philip Yeo perhaps? I am sure members of the public would like to read some of the colorful snippets of your life. Your relationship with Dr Goh, the behind-the-scenes in your showdown with MP Chng Hee Kok that the public doesn’t know, your family, the Mindef years, the EDB years, the NCB years, the A*STAR years, etc.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dee
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philip yeo // Mar 18, 2007 at 8:21 pm
First time someone thinks that I am cute and not a terror.
Yet 10 years of bond though Singapore paid nothing. :’(
Had to serve in the Spore Admin Service (1970 to 1999) though I was an engineer by training and at real work.
Never pushed any papers. Pushed weapons design and production in Mindef and from 1986 industrial development at EDB. A*STAR from 2001.
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Isn’t the Colombo Plan scholarship a predecessor of the modern day Public Service Commission scholarship?
http://app.psc.gov.sg/scholarships/html/scholarships_history.asp
Wasn’t it because of Singapore’s stoppage from receiving Colombo Plan scholarship awards in 1988 that the Colombo Plan scholarship is no longer in existence in Singapore.
At least, scholarship awardees of the Colombo Plan and PSC scholarships are required to serve their bond in administrative service. That’s what they both have in common.
Too lazy to do this.:-D
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Ever thought of writing an autobiography of yourself.
I was Chairman, Defence Science Organization Executive Committee from 1976 to 1985.
UAV were useful things.
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In modern warfare, useful weapons used by infiltration cum stealth units are the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.