Low Ai-See & Grace

Tang Pei-Yi

Receiving a gift from Yun Siew-Mooi & all. With my laughing gratitude...

Chang Sau-Ken, me, Low Lee-Hoon & Tan Boon Siong

Yun Siew-Mooi & Jacker Ang Jun-Jie

Fai-boy, me, She Hai-Kim, Yun Siew-Mooi, Chuah Khang-Seng & Joe-boy

Fai-boy & Joe-boy

Sin-Fui, Sharlin, Treedson & Lian Choi-Hong

The Wild Bunch

All the fun, laughter and affection...how I wish this moment together would last forever...

and how I miss them all...

at Xiao Fei Yang or Lil' Fat Sheep, Kuala Lumpur

May 5th 2006

To Sir with luv...& thx 4 d mem'ries!

Students from the New Era College, Kajang
so preppie & green, so young & restless.
NB. Photos above were sent by one of the students

Loo Siew-Fong, l; Tan Ann-Ling, ctr; Liew Lee-Choo, r

at KLCC on April 10th 2005

Tang Show-Wen, left, & Liew Lew-Choo, right

Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

May 6th 2006

Rainy night on the way back home after the UDG Gala Celebration

on January 19th 2008

see how the two tallest towers in Shanghai and in China were being clouded in the rain...

Family Planning in China
Blogging my way out of China

The following is generally translated from an email by a lady friend, Fanny; in the email, planning and raising kids in China was mentioned:

Some form of learning process and certification are required when planning to raise children (I think, it is a child, or the child for its one-child policy), very typical in China. Due to family planning or Planned Parenthood, China necessitates raising quality children. A woman would have to go for (periodical) medical check up at the Women and Children Medicare Center. And to fill up a form in order to get a Pre-birth Medical Card (is required), of course, one would have to pay for it. (I hope it’s not some astronomical sum.) Then, the woman will go for regular check up at the hospital after being issued the Pre-birth Medical Card. Checking once every month is needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy, and twice a month after 28 (7 months) weeks and weekly after 36 weeks (9 months) into pregnancy.

Permit to Procreate is the other very important certification; this is to be applied for before giving birth. Otherwise, the hospital concerned will not deal with the case. (Darned hospital!) Applying for this permit is a rather troublesome process for one has to queue for Pre-birth Coursework. Both the parent of the baby soon to be are required to stay in the class for two days, later tests taken and graduate with a Certificate of Pre-birth Coursework. (Omigosh, even before the baby is born, it is already pre-tested to death via his or her parent to be…and think about the rest of his or her life facing all kinds of tests! This is ridiculous and incredible!) After graduated with the Certificate of Pre-birth Coursework, the following items are required in order to obtain the Permit to Procreate: together with Certificate of Pre-birth Coursework, Marriage Certificate, photographs of both parent, Registered Residence Certificate, Personal Identity Certificate, Proofs (of Employment, I supposed) from individual company where both parent are working, Proof of Pregnancy. (Well, at this point I am all exhausted, even trying my best to translate each of the required proofs or certificates.) Equipped with all these, the Permit to Procreate can be obtained at the Family Planning office and of the registered residence (Picky, picky!) of the mother to be. Approximately two to three months into waiting, the Permit to Procreate will be issued. Here, the key is to control population.

Fanny thought that there is not any other country besides China that will get into this Planned Parenthood system.

I thought – real tough, when all the fun has just begun! And what do you think?

Jeremy

Shanghai

October 13th, 2006

The Year of Dog

It is not particularly a cold but rather a chilly winter for Shanghai. Shanghai is considered cold because of its high degree of humidity. The everyday temperature actually depresses the environment in general; it is gloomy and it is passive in mood. As Shanghainese infrequently nag about the weather in this city as 'passively cold' and reaching a certain unacceptable but inevitable level of physical discomfort. The sun peaks every now and then. The clothes take longer to dry. At this time of the year, I would opt to stay in the warm bed soon after a hearty dinner every evening, with stretching evening hours and care-less active hours, and unlike the hot, energetic and sweaty summer.

Most of the leaves on those Phoenix trees are long gone. Those fully grown trees really provide very effective shade in summer; they line nearly all the streets of Shanghai. Weeks ago before the cold snap, many sections of these streets were partially barricaded for the city street management teams to work in troops in various task actions: some were seen cropping the stark branches, some collecting the twigs, some sweeping the ground areas, and some directing instructions to passers-by. Many larger stumps were sawn, wrapped or sealed with blue plastic sheets; guess it is done to protect those stumps from freezing or losing moisture and for better growth when spring returns.

After tomorrow, my office UDG will be gone on leaves for 13 consecutive days, temporarily not operating in architectural business for the sake of approaching Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog, and resumes work on February 7th. In the past several Saturdays, we all had to work our dues to replace for this longer holiday. Majority of the staffs is from out stations; they would have to travel long distance to return homes, several of them will travel for as long as more than a day or 24 hours on the road – all just for the sake to return home for annual family re-union due to the festive season. They will be adding to the number and stressing continental migration, from city to city, from Province to Province, on the way home as well as and on the way back to work after the festive celebration. Some will take buses and most will be traveling by trains, and nearly all of the transportation will be fully stuffed. Some will be out-migrating, taking advantage of the long leaves and travel to foreign lands, many are just in time to receive China with the newly bolstered open international receptions.

Last Thursday, UDG celebrated its annual dinner to express appreciation to all the staffs. It was rather a simple evening that lasted only two hours. Some simple drawing, giving and receiving of prizes to entertain for all as part and parcel of the multi-course dinner. Today, bonuses are all distributed by the Finance Department. Those who worked hard gathered and those who did not commit would be let go. New contracts will be signed or re-signed accordingly. Many will return homes with satisfactions to share with the families; some may have to look for new undertakings – such is the reality of life.

I would have to make a conclusion to say that the year 2005 was not particularly exceptional for me. I was not traveling much other than necessitated conditionally. I was not productive for I had not single creative literary done for myself other than driven by professional commitment. I worked hard and smart. I managed to set up the Research Department, though with little help but still had to commit to my personal as well as professional promises. I made many translations from English to Chinese. I got the in-house magazine done in five months and delivered just in time as gifts for all the staffs for this Chinese New Year.

What is my Chinese New Year resolution? Well, I do not have any for I never systematically planned for anything in life. What is my Chinese New Year plan? Well, again, I do not have any. Rather, I let my life grow organically, and most truly, savor the moment of life more than any mega expectation in life or in future. What is over was nothing to feel sorry for but projecting ahead is the key to meaningful ways of life.

Indeed, this is for sure. I will resume my literary output. Yes, I will take this whole lot of year to complete my fourth poetry book, which was half completed in Kuala Lumpur, retained and delayed by a few unexpected reasons, and before I arrived in Shanghai to start new working life in a foreign land again. In May 2006 this year, I would be in Shanghai for two years. And it's about time to regenerate my creative momentum and complete the planned fourth poetry book.

May this Year of Dog bring you lots of joy and prosperity!

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

Jeremy
Greetings from Shanghai

Jan. 23rd, 2006

Vincent Lim and I met again at MIA A&D Center in May 2007

Vincent Lim sent me to the KLIA Airport and we had light supper before I flew off to Shanghai.in May 2006

Returning to Shanghai after the Labor Day Golden Week holiday

One of my former students, Vincent Lim has opted to travel two over hours from Malacca after work and sent me to KLIA or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I was very pleased to see him while he looked forward to see me off also. Like everybody else, we all had not seen each other for a year since my last returning trip one year ago and right before the long Labor Day holiday. Vincent is a generous person, a gentleman. We chatted much to catch up on things past and recent. He is now a proud father of a10-month old baby girl. We said farewell when I had to go for my flight around a quarter before 1 a.m. And I truly miss all my friends, all my former students, and Vincent Lim when I was waiting for boarding. I was glad I got to see as many affectionate and congenial friends as I could in this way too brief holiday.

The second installment of China's long 7-day holiday, or the Golden Week of Labor Day holiday, is over - with me returning to Shanghai and resuming work but one day later due to travel agent's incompetent, unprofessional and irresponsible way of booking. The 5-hour over night flight touched down at 6:37 a.m. It was considered as a smooth and easy ride, not experiencing any turbulent all the way while the touch down was really perfect. The in-flight service was a little more than rushing when hurried to clear out those not so fresh meals; my all emptied out tray was picked up immediately. I did not mind over this quickie service but drowsed off into sleep. Having no choice but tucked in between two travelers, I truly hated this arrangement. The flight was all full and over booked.

All custom clearance was smooth and sound until I was stopped at the last luggage pick up and check point, where I was asked to open up luggage for inspection. The inspector found me carrying bags of coffee and three small boxes of medical supplies. Well, those little shake and dispose, individual bags of coffee appeared very suspicious when scanned. They put those bags of coffee through the scanner one more time. I opened one to demonstrate to them what those things were. The inspector was all convinced and let me go; it was a little hassle but they did in friendly ways. I was very pleased with the inspector's required job responsibilities in carrying out duties. This keeps all travelers safe and secure, maintains order, and all is well.

It was a rainy morning, light rain or drizzle. While the Line 5 Airport Coach scooted slowly, the traffic jam was actually building up all the way into the Pudong Business District. The Airport Coach took nearly an hour to arrive at the Dongfang Hospital drop off point and I arrived home near 8:30 a.m. After a speedy unloading of luggage and a quick warm shower, I shot off to work. I was 8 minutes late to arrive at work on this Tuesday morning on May 9th, 2006.

Returning to work after the Labor Day holiday, it is found that nobody is allowed to take any day off unless officially approved with further game plan to be coordinated due to approved absence. The amounting pressure of increasing workload prompted my boss to set off this strategy. UDG is now standing at 150 staffs and will be expanding to 200 by the end of the year. One high rise is already at the stage of being constructed in its overall façade and character. This requires team of professionals to carry through. Today, there is not much to shoot for other than a minor meeting with my boss about what to do next. I feel very slow for I was short of good sleep over night.

According to the Farmer's Almanac, Summer Begins on last Friday, May 5th, 2006. Although the temperature recorded at 18 degree Celcius today, chilly, drizzle in the morning and later rain by noon, however, I look forward to this summer.

Jeremy
Greetings from Shanghai

Tuesday, May 9th, 2006

Tenacity and Innocence

Even a thematic exhibition by some academic also found its deserving niche along side those numerous art galleries in Moganshan, Shanghai. At the scene, the participants were busy putting up their works. Within minutes into browsing their works, the heat mass collected inside the unventilated gallery became intolerable. I left. Only through this poster that I came to understand its theme - Tenacity and Innocence - fitting for those freshmen to exhibit their academic, testing their potentials first time ever for public review.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication
Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Women

Women is a group show by several young aspiring women artists. The poster together with exhibition write up and presentation concept hardly match anything displayed. During the opening, the rather large gallery was full of art objects without values on the floor, on the wall and in the air. Although the gallery appeared diverse and sprinkled with displays, Women mixed and again unmatched with each of the other artworks already present. The only appropriate and meaningful consistency is its title, Women or Us (wo-men as pronounced in Mandarin). With Zhang Ai-ling as the representative but deceased women writer of the last century prominently shown in the poster, the exhibition depicts the Us as women, upholding the women's roles in a group exhibition or in a society at large.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Slogan & Sexuality

The slogan shouting 50s through 70s era of those striving revolutionary figures mutually superimpose, in either way, with the prancing pop-eyed nude sex kitten in her comic strip neon hair color. Being shredded into several cascading sun beam segments, with building constructions rising tall as backdrop, the painting takes on a social dimension that critically examines the not too far into memories of recent revisionists and pragmatists quest for social reform, and now being overlapped with the ubiquitous wayward flimsy fantasy.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Beijing Youths

With ageless, definitive and symbolic Chinese red as backdrop, three Beijing youths in their plain t-shirts and sunglasses, posing like some cool dudes, are all ahead of the Tian’anmen structure in time. On the other hand, simulating a picture frame dotting with flowers all around, two young women with popping eyes full of tender desires seem to greatly contrast the militaristic and bear-like world out there in front of them.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Residential Permit

This is one of the art subject studies in series. Those gullible, innocent migrant workers continue to assert their demand for temporary residential permit to live or work within a city and make a better living. When thinking about feeding one fifth of mankind, and out of population control or migratory control, the subject study directly begets the utmost critical issues of equitable distribution of production versus consumption, needs versus wants, ideas versus ideals.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Swinging a Fatal Blow

In an all prepared moment to swing a fatal blow, a skin cut, topless man armed with a cleaver is rather ratty with his decisive but unknown intent. However, his toothy grin is apparently some act up cheeky moment trying to impress or appeal to different kind of viewers.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

A Woman with a Mask

A woman with a mask explicitly reveals the contemporary Chinese women unabashed in enhancing their beauty in order to appear socially well groomed but more than helping to boost cosmetics sales. Occasionally, the sight of those modern day women thronging the cosmetics counters during great sales, and ferociously embracing the insurgent cosmetic products, is already a clear perspective in those women joining the rank, and no sign of returning any time now, of all the pretty and modern women alike around the world.

Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

Booming and Blooming: An overview of various art shows during a weekend trip to various art galleries in Shanghai

Opening: Booming

Respectively at Moganshan and at The Bund on June 9th and 10th 2007, the weekend trip to various art galleries can be a leisure odyssey full of visual treasures. Towards the sumptuous and hearty end of the days, the trip perhaps only meant a cross sectional peek into the up and coming art scenes of Shanghai that could possibly be projected into the future art market of China. Riding the bandwagon of the current bullish economic market, the art market also seems to enjoy this unprecedented boom, and blooming. As an overview of Shanghai art market, if not China, truly, as the proverbial saying goes, bai hua qi fang or concurrent blossoming of thousand flowers does impeccably denote another bright and hopeful future of art in China.

Closing: Blooming

While the art scene is blooming with various forms of artistic creativities, Moganshan right by the Suzhou River has also judiciously flourished and matured into an art colony. Whereas, the Shanghai Art Gallery over at The Bund right by the Huangpu River continues to showcase the top end creative talents of China.

Reclusive and facing the Suzhou River, in those seemingly downtrodden and under-conditioned warehouses, and apparently demanding cheaper and affordable rentals, after seeing an artist intently executing several precise but laborious horizontal brush strokes assert the fact that sign of unquestionable quality in art China abound, and should be noteworthy and to celebrate in time to come.

Suzhou River and Huangpu River will continue to flow while various big and small barge boats continue to ply the rivers. Together, many Shanghainese will continue to live on by these rivers, and carry on with their daily lives like any other day before. These two days on weekend, the clear bluish sky seemed to signal signs of great expectation in art development of Shanghai.


Jeremy Tew
Art Explication

Shanghai, June 11th 2007

These Days: Remembering the Passing

February 13th is the day before the Valentine's Day. Whereas, the 7th Day of the First Lunar Calendar is believed to be the day when the first human being was born, or the birthday of humankind. Cyclically, these two days mentioned will coincide with each other. Another of the same lunar day that matches the Gregorian calendar day the same is up and coming for the year 2008. When this day coincides, it was the day when my dad had passed.

That was the morning when I rose rather early. I took to cleaning the house around and doing the rounds in the kitchenette. My dad also rose and came downstairs. He was very surprised and giggled with affection to see me up this early. I smiled and answered positively. And he went straight to the washroom to clean up for the morning. I took a look at him washing up; later, he went to the back yard to do something else.

Soon after, my mom was wailing and repeatedly calling for me from the living room while I was still in the kitchen. Sensing something not so right, I rushed to the living room. Appeared helpless and sad, my mom was standing over my dad and watching him. My dad was sitting on the couch silently and I knew my dad had passed.

On August 6th, 2007, my mom had also passed.

I shall remember these days.


Jeremy
January 15th 2008 腊八节

Here and there and everywhere in Shanghai during X'mas 2007.

No wonder they called it flyover....seeing is believing.

Photo taken at the Bund, Shanghai on the last second day of 2007.