Under Construction!

I'm still tweaking it! Give me some time and we should be good to go!

The long awaited update...

Hello seems like a foreign and distant greeting, but I know I haven’t been updating my blog for awhile, hence… Hello everyone. Quite a number of changes have evolved in my life since my last post. I left MSL Singapore in December 2010 after a good 16 months with the company. I have to say that this was far-by the most enjoyable and intriguing work  experience I’ve had in a long time. I was blessed to work

Training : Social Media Marketing & Communications for Enterprise

I've been enduring late nights in the past one month, developing a very exciting social media curriculum for Singapore Media Academy. The 3-day WSQ certified course is heavily subsidised by the Singapore government and targeted at Managers who are interested to learn about the application & integration of social media for enterprises with specifics to marketing and promotion of products and services. WSQ, or

Pace your social media strategy

That is of course, if you have one in the first place. There is often confusion in the "strategy" and the "plan". Let's think of it this way, do you remember the "forest theory" as stated in the book, Seven habits of highly effective people? Don't fail to see the forest because of the trees. More often than not, we are so engrossed in trying to "cut down the trees" that we don't realise we have been bulldozing in

How-to : Social Media for Businesses (Original text from MyPaper Interview)

The text below are the original replies from my interview with MyPaper. As I think some of the points that are being covered may be useful to some readers, hence I've uploaded the original text herein for your reference. Will be translating an English version shortly for the reading pleasure of the larger community.

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My thoughts

Singapore to tap on New media for next General Elections

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in digital marketing, My thoughts | Leave a comment

In a recent interview with our PM Lee, he mentioned the party will be looking into exploring the power of new media with the coming General Elections. The article is copied in exact text below :
THE Government will leverage on new media in the next General Election, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

In an interview with Channel News Asia to be aired on Tuesday night, he noted the growing influence of the Internet on politics, citing the recent United States presidential election as an example and said Singapore would go the same way.

President Barack Obama’s campaign, for instance, used new media to put out their messages, organise and even raise money. But PM Lee said the change here will not be an an easy one.
‘We are still learning. It is not easy to make this transition. It is like going from sea to land or vice versa, you are changing your medium and you need to get comfortable with it. But we are working hard at it.’

He also said the party was on the lookout for more MPs comfortable with new media. His remarks are the latest sign of the Government’s changing mindset towards new media.
Last month, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang said that the Government is ‘fully into’ e-engagement, when responding to suggestions made by the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society.

Since then, Government agencies have also begun responding to forum letters posted on The Straits Times website. PM Lee stressed, however, that traditional media will always have a place in presenting trusted, unbiased and informed opinions. But he didn’t dismiss online views outright.

‘Well, there is a place called the Wild West and there are other places which are not so wild. And the new media – some of it are Wild West and anything goes and people can say anything they want. And tomorrow take a completely contrary view and well, that is just the way the medium is,’ he said.

‘But even in the Internet, there are places which are more considered, more moderated where people put their names down and identify themselves. And there is a debate which goes on and a give and take, which is not so rambunctious but perhaps more thoughtful. That is another range.’

The interview on the evolving media landscape was in conjunction with Channel News Asia’s 10th anniversary in March.

By Jeremy Au Yong

My two dime worth

I believe the evolution of tapping on new media in Singapore is possible. But evolution means it will take time to grow through stages of change, trial and error. And I agree that real name should be used.

A blogger, Angelina_jo mentioned, “May be our PM still does not get it, Sporeans cannot use their real names esp if they are against Govt policies, for fear of reprisal.” I think the concept has to be put right first. Being “Against” has to be with grounds and rational. If accompanied with constructive suggestions and evidence, then the word “against” no longer applies. I would think, when Singaporeans first decide to speak, appropriate and respectful language should still be used. Ultimately, respect is essential for any conversation. Be it to the government or simply your neighbour. Only with due respect, would anyone be interested to listen. And if someone chooses to speak up, make sure its a valid statement and not simply some form of intended scandal and message of angst.

I am sure both public and government can make out the difference between the two. The Internet has a long memory and even our government understands
that. SG government is wise enough to know what advices are to be taken positively and negatively. Just a reminder, our island’s success is by no chance simply a case of luck.

But again, USING the new media platforms is not equivalent to UTILIZING the new media platforms. Obama had a Social Media Head. Does our Singapore government have one? Training to get the staff hop on the social media wagon may not be the best way to implement these measures. Focus, time and in depth understanding of netizen behaviours and social media scope of influence is essential to the success of such a campaign. Obama has been crowned the best marketer of the year by adage. His online strategy was a revolutionary well planned case of Digital PR and marketing combined. In a moderated society like Singapore, the extensiveness of such an effect probably cannot be matched.

Why are Maps drawn North to South?

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | 1 Comment

My Taiwanese friend gave me a question. And I returned her with a long answer.

Question : Why are most maps drawn North to South and seldom South to North when from astronauts point of view, they usually see earth the opposite direction?

My Answer : The reason why maps are drawn North to South is due to a tradition set forth by our forefathers. Although the Universe has no clear directions but humans need a navigation guide to set our compass right and put a reference to everything, hence the invention of bearings and directions. If today, bearings were invented with South on the top and North at the bottom, we would naturally find it acceptable. For example if aeroplanes were known as trains all along, we would never have doubted why was it named as trains in the first place. 
 
My other rationale is that although Chinese are likely the first people to draw a complete world map, yet it were the Europeans and Americans who began mass producing it. And they would naturally place the orientation of their own countries on the top. This is due to the psychological way of human habits in looking at things. We always look top down. Even China would not have used the South-to-North Map. China is known as the “middle kingdom”, the center of the world. But if placed in a South-to-North map, they will no longer be positioned in the “middle”. Hence traditionally, politically and historically, south-to-north maps will never be used and produced widely.  

*The above answer is simply my rational with no basis of research. Casual discussion welcome. =)

Is the internet giant treading on thin lines?

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | Leave a comment

Google has developed such wonderful services that no one can deny their greatness. Google Earth is almost like gaining access to a top satellite service without owning one. Its technology and integration is first class and awesome. As a consumer, I definitely enjoyed every part of it. 
But… is Google treading on dangerous lines? In a recent report by Times Online, Google Earth seems to have revealed photos that has unraveled the secret history of US base in Pakistan. These photos have since been removed with request by several governments. But it was however obtained by Pakistan’s English publication before that was possible. And of course, that means internationally, the photo has been officially exposed.
 
Last year, Google Earth also ran into a controversy when Pentagon requests they remove pictures showing important military bases in USA. Last week, there was also a report on a man’s journey to hunt down the treasure of a Spanish sunken ship when he observed an abnormal landscaping with an outline looking like a shoe-print. The case has since been brought to court to review a possible legal excavation of the site.

Will the Google Earth service be brought down due to the many controversies and sensitivity? Will there be censorship of information and protection of interest to control searches and results? Will Google lead to the end of democracy on the Internet?

The Internet is such a wonderful haven because of its transparency and limitless possibilities. Almost anything and everything is available and an abundance of information ready at disposal. However, there is always both sides of the coin to argue. If global safety is at threat, should certain information be censored and deleted? Should the conversations of netizens be monitored and actions taken when something wrong is being said that may cause a social up rise? To what extent will this potential censorship takes place?       

Recently in New Zealand, there is a heated discussion over the Guilt Upon Accusation Law, which led to an “Internet Black Out” movement. It is a bill that allows for Internet disconnection without a trial on accusations of copyright infringements. The bill will take effect on 28 Feb 2009 if the National Party takes no further action. Right or wrong? Well, it depends on which side you want to contest. Although I don’t agree to the infringement of privacy but infringement of copyrights does not seem right either. Each country has it’s own law and it’s hard for anyone else to say anything about it. But I definitely don’t think the statement that says, “Without Trial” is fair. 

Should we or should we not? Perhaps one day it will evolve to an era where there will be a cyber-government who governs the global netizenship. Perhaps cyberspace may be even accepted as part of United Nations? Who knows?

The way I remember Singapore

Posted on February 11, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | Leave a comment

Just a quick update for everyone incase you are wondering (although I don’t suspect you will), 2 publishers called me back. Yes I know it isn’t a big deal, but there are only a handful of publishers in Singapore.

I believe the concept is intriguing, working hard to make it happen.
Hopefully the next time I write here, I’ve got a book deal.

A little insanity goes a long way…

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | Leave a comment

There are a couple of stuff I’m planning for. Which in actual fact, I’ve been thinking for a pretty long time. There’s two main ones to share with you.

The way I remember Singapore
I had a plan to write a billingual Coffee-Table book (you know, the kind of photographic pictorial with lots of poetic captions. Pretty much a concept book.) to record Singapore before 2010. The thought had been stuck in my mind for the longest time but no actual moves were actually executed to put it into action. Browsed a few bookshops (I browse bookshops when I’m bored, lacking inspirations or simply depressed) then dropped by a cafe round my neighbourhood yesterday and decided to get an Erdinger. I was staring into this neon signboard and a perfect phrase depicting the scene floated into my mind like magic. The lights of the city from the eyes of an 8-year old child and how the same scene is being translated differently as we age. And yes, I told myself. That is what I want to do. I want to make that thought a reality.

So today, I did a research on the local publishers and wrote to every one of them, with a brief summary of the concept. It’s my first time tackling with publishers, so you could imagine I had absolutely no idea where to start from. With the recession this year, I can expect publishers are weary about selling unsolicited works. From publishing books that are more leisure than educational. I suspect I would have alot of convincing to do. The next is putting the team together. That would take alot more work. I don’t mind working on the project alone really, but I recognise the fact that I may not be the best person for everything. Will keep everyone in view on the outcome. Will probably start a book blog if a publisher indicates interest. It is essential that this book is printed within a designed lead time, as it is planned to celebrate Singapore entering the new era of 2010.
The remake and rebirth of Market-Share Blog
Hosting on blogspot is great. I don’t have to take care of all the templates, CMS and marketing. Blogspot is easily searchable and friendly to use. I don’t have to worry about downtime because Google cannot afford to disappoint. So I am relatively happy here actually. But on the other hand, I also understand the importance of personal branding, of owning an address and “home” that helps to create an impression. And I reckon that it is best that I move back to my own host. The idea is not hard and stone yet, but plans are underway. If you have some experiences or opinions to share, I’d be more than happy to hear it out. In any case, do expect http://www.belindaang.com to be ready for access anytime today. ;-)

The Great Expectations

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | Leave a comment

We’ve heard it perhaps a thousand times, since the beginning of the credit crunch. In any case, this is actually a familiar word somebody must have told us at some point of our lifes. The keyword is… Managing Expectations.

This is however more relevant in times today where people are losing their jobs by the minute, if not second. There is an estimation of 6 million unemployment in China, 8% in USA and on our sunny isle of Singapore, a 3% high. No one has the answer to when this tsunami may end. Finland’s government has collapsed. Hence it is far more important for us today, to be able to manage expectations. Expectations of our life, of our job and our desires.
If man was ruled by needs and not wants, if greed was replaced by gratefulness, the world will not see itself being washed into these great big waves, a deja vu of the Great Depression, where Karl Marx once observed that history will repeat itself. As he said, the first time was a tragedy, the second is a farce.
I ran my own food business for a short period of 4 years. And as an employer, I made a very interesting observation. In contrary to common beliefs, I realised that age nor qualification is an obstacle to getting the desired job. Usually the people who manage to get a job, always gets a job, no matter how many times they have job-hopped. And the people who fail in getting a job, will never get their hands on that ideal job. It is all a matter of attitude and managing of expectations. As they all say, to change your life, first change your mind.
There are always similar traits in people who carry a positive attitude. They are polite, full of smiles, able to express themselves well, sincere and eager to contribute. The people who tend to fail in an interview are usually self-absorbed, mr-know-it-all, mr-know-how, rude or it may seem to pain them to say an additional word when questioned. They are almost too eager to ask what the company can provide than to ask themselves how they can add-value to the organisation. Usually, I like to judge my first impression of people from a handshake and if they will put the chair back. I think it tells alot about a person, about his/her attitude , upbringing and interest. A firm handshake and putting the chair back in its original position lightly will definitely get in my good books quite immediately.
Returning to the topic of managing expectations. There are alot of adjustments to make and it’s all in the head. Firstly, don’t expect the same salary and job comfort. There will definitely be alot of intensity and adjustments in salaries. Especially for fresh grads waiting to embark on an exciting career, I’m sorry to say it may not sound too exciting afterall. For the mid-career change, who has just got retrenched or terminated, it may not be easy to find a job in the same capacity in this period. Take the best use of this time to upgrade skills and get yourself intouch with the industry. Opportunities are only for those who are prepared for it. Hence, make sure you are always prepared, always on your toes. When the economy rebounce, you don’t want to be caught left behind.
Manage expectations in your lifestyle. Man has always been in a neverending pursuit for luxury and material wants. In unforeseen weathers like this, cash is king. Keep that dollar for a rainy day use, be very very careful with spending on credit (actually, don’t even try), manage and plan loans with delicate care and read investment products thoroughly to understand your risks before attempting to outwit the market. Understand that you may not be dining out as often, cut down on that monthly shopping spree and perhaps trade in your BMW for a Toyota.
Be grateful about the things you have in your life and not the things you seem to be losing. In actual fact, we lost nothing. We had nothing to start from anyway. If we all rule our lifes with our needs and not wants, we will see a lighter side of life.

The strong waves of 2009

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Belinda Ang Posted in My thoughts | Leave a comment

Happy New Year folks! It’s 2nd January 2009. I have to start practicing writing the right date. I tend to waste too many cheques in the first month of every year.
Today didn’t exactly start off on a fantastic note, when I had to give my intern a ticking as she was absolutely not paying attention to what she was doing. (it’s only a minutes for goodness sake, and I had to make her change it 4 times!) But let’s leave her to make the final changes for now.

Many people have told me, 2009 will come in a fiery big tsunami wave. It will sweep away anything that is in its way. The worse has yet to arrive, that’s what I’m hearing. Our Prime Minister made his traditional New Year speech yesterday indicating a forecasted -2.0 growth for Singapore in 2009. The annual budget has been pushed forth to January, hoping policies will aid individuals and companies to tide these fiery storms earlier. It hasn’t quite hit me directly yet, but from the look of it, it ain’t going to give a warning when it strikes. I am not an economic expert and I can’t tell you anything new from this post. Which I bet you haven’t heard anything new for a long time from anyone else either, that is.

Despite the crisis, it definitely isn’t the first time the human race has been hit hard. This can’t be tougher to survive than the world wars nor the Great Depression back in the 30s. Somehow, human are rare creatures whom can find and create opportunities in all situations. Even animals find their own way into survival.

The future holds a future in itself. So let’s anticipate an optimistic 2009 and may we brave the storms like warriors together!
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