Its more than just about Cancer

In Guangzhou Airport's Oak Tree sipping Cucumber Juice.

Reminiscing my last 36 hours at what would probably be the most significant milestone event for Mankind. The HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) Summit brought together believers of a new world order, that noninvasive surgery was the way to go; and there will be no more blood letting in operating theatres. Professors, Scientists, Doctors from the world over including Romania, Canada, UK, Spain, Italy, France came together in an honest presentation of their clinical trial findings and developments to date.

It was a no holds barred debate. Unlike most medical symposiums, where only the best results would trumpet above even louder egos that presented them. This one was different. We heard the good, bad and the ugly. Because HIFU, with all its marvelous potential, still has a long way to go – and the group the huddled here together in Chongqing, Holiday Inn – honestly want to set things right. Start All over.

HIFU – the rise of the battle against Cancer. Or is it? The fantasy of having a tumor the size of your fist removed entirely without butchering up the body has become real in HIFU. And the biggest challenge it will face as it enters into this cruel world is Not Cancer – but fighting the blood and money-sucking BlackHoles that power the entire palliative Medical industry today. These BlackHoles are like oozing pus from septic sores covered under tonnage of MAC Concealer. You don’t see them of course, covered under a veneer of perfection.

I’m talking about the “Fraternities” of those that sputter biological garble to confuse and worry sick people unnecessarily, who often enjoy lapping up lavishly paid trips, food and wine – all compliments from their friendly Drugstore down the street. Yes, all of these immoral, money-faced, (wo)man butchers legalized by a “Dr” suffix preceding their first name.

The REAL FIGHT is against this unspoken “Brotherhood” of men and women – from the scientists paid to shut up, to the drug cartels, the surgeons (of course) and even manufacturers of the surgical knives that tool the bloodied profession of the former. Without requiring surgery, patients empowered with HIFU are now ready to set a medical revolution in motion. Sick people will soon be given more choice. More rights. To protect their body. To no longer line the pockets of “Drs” who only want to take their dignity esteem, money and even life.

The birth of HIFU is like spritzing Evian mist on a flame of a wiltering candle. Little by little, with Pure droplets of tender Mother Nature, the artifice of wax and rope, a man-made invention hoped to conquer darkness..will soon see the end of its days. The medical industry is looking at a backlash – for the ills it has poured into the world.

And just like the hundred odd delegates that were with me at the HIFU event, I’d like to be the one to put out the fire.

KILL CANCER DAY 1

Arrived in Chongqing last evening, after a harrowing incident in Guangzhou. Don’t want to replay the horror but for the friends to this blog, google CAAC’s regulations and take all of its hand carrying restrictions…religiously. They are not like the rest of earth!

Awoke to a less than delish.. typical Chongqing day. Fog. Looks like London, chilly at 16-ish. Ugh. Gulped brunch of a portion that would feed 3 (coz its actually quite tasty) and then walked it off 4km looking for a nice mall to “hang out” till the official opening of the World’s First International Summit of Non-Invasive High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) kicking off at 2pm

Summit opened to “friends”. Don’t get me wrong, I know NO ONE. Its just that, in such an event, being anti-establishment and punching convention alone makes us friends..Today’s seminar opened my eyes that doctors, from the UK, Italy, China, Hong Kong have made astonishing success in the treatment of cancer using HIFU. To me, I believe this is a technology in its infancy because there are still problems with the treatment, but there Is certainly great promise in this direction (and I love it!!). It was exciting to feel the enthusiasm; it was …unity.

Sat next to a respectful oncologist from a State hospital in Serbia who shared with me after an inspiring afternoon seminar that complex issues confront new technologies when it comes to new technologies..I can’t help but think “isn’t that the problem the world around”?

“Why is that!”, I mulled as I stepped into the Grand Ballroom where a large banquet welcomed us with over 20 courses of food and wine..there were many..but not enough in the room of about 12 tables. It looked small compared to a regular wedding in Singapore. Is there really so few of us that believe in the New and Progressive? There were so many languages that filled the air..the only common link between the eminent professors and experts from over 40 countries eating the same meal was a passion..to kill cancer. 100% ablation, now I learnt the term.

My heart is with the few hundred-over here in this small room. I just wish that the billions in the world can share what I did tonight. In this hope, that cancer can really be thing of the past.
I retire to sleep now with MTV on the TV set…yes, I still need a bit of “beyonce” now and then

Neighborly Love

We’re only a causeway apart, being so near yet so far. Pondering on the coach ride back from an afternoon in JB on today’s YP visit hosted by the prolific Y.B. Datuk Nur Jazlan, it was liberating to know that there IS a vibrant, warm and friendly community eager to extend friendship to us. Our closest neighbors sharing the same tectonic plate share more than Chicken Rice in common (is that still debated?!). What we saw today, was 'us' thrown 20 years back – going through the rite of passage from SlumQuarters Central to metropolis. A large % of Pulai are domiciled in little more than wood sheds. A wide dichotomy exists in terms of the racial and income divide. For while there are those large numbers living in the bucolic suburban, just as many soak in creature comforts in urbanized housing with full amenities there. There are also as many Chinese as Malays in Pulai (so who do you try to please?); with an electorate almost 10 times the number in any ward in Singapore. This makes the job of an MP in Singapore significantlly simple by comparison.

We shipped off to a wedding ceremony in one of these slum quarters. It was that of one of the UMNO Branch leader’s son. No doubt, the reception was the grandest they could afford. But we, spoilt from the luxe and fanfare of our air conditioned nation, saw the inequities between the 'have and have-nots'. Living in the slums is not something our generation can understand. And today’s wedding was an eye-opener.

Zaqy seemed more reminiscent; recalling his family actually going through the anguish of being uprooted from a home nestled in a rural village and displaced into 3 room HDB flats. I suppose he did not have to reminiscent further when we were quickly zipped into a new low-cost public housing project that recently rehoused almost 2000 families in what looks closely like our 2-room HDB flats - only bigger and not to mention... cheaper.

So yes, our neighbors are catching up, and faster, better. Worrying? I’m not sure because, over more than 3 meals + kuehkuehs they generously served us in less than 5 hours, I sensed no competition..but rather, a spirit of outreach. It was like, they were trending towards us along the vibes of “Let’s-be-real-friends-and-make-things-happen-together, and by-the-way-we-are-so-not like-our-parents..” . I tell from the warm reception we received from families who opened their homes for our “mass invasion” (i cannot imagine homes in Singapore opening up their living rooms to 50 YP members even during ubiquitious "Block Visits"). And am nicely surprised! :)

On the ground at least, I know we have friends that genuinely receive us, without grudge or prejudice and this is the most heart warming bit of this trip for me. Learnt much – that we know little about those closest to us. There is much we can learn from them in many ways. For one, they are more savvy than we are when it comes to winning hearts..and they do not deserve their negative public image at all.

My takeaway on this trip? To be blunt: Factors separating Malaysia and Singapore has it that Young Politicians across the border have naturalized to become more expert in the “balancing act” and People Savvy much better than their predecessors. Oh, Plus they never miss a chance to score another vote. Hosting our visit was a great effort in that direction at that too. But they seem to be very good at it, and raises the bar of respect of Asian politicians for me.

Which makes me think that all Singaporeans should be given a chance to vote. That might put more of our MPs and Ministers on their toes. And then, only the very best would stay on the job..

Defy Money

In business, do you put heart, love and integrity above all or “ROI” atop? I think What you do with lots of Money in your little 10 fingers pretty much defines the real person you are.

Most of the times, in my past 8 years in business, others who have lots of this Money eat off us - the "Other People"- and lurve a real kick making it hard for us. None of this upsets me, Heck no! The people with Money define trends, true. But its also true that there are those that make the trends and defy those with Money.

I'm sort of the latter.

skip me, trip me, kill me

Coping with crisis is a litmus test of character and a true show of how well you fare when faced with one.

Many people don’t like it, but being the sadist everyone knows I am, I quite enjoy one time to time. And today was just one of those occasions. A bit of a mini-crisis arose at the Young PAP community today.

Well, it all started coz I was informed that we were “ready to rock” with one by our guys in the team – our first real online video creation was going to be paraded to the world! So they were asking me to hype it coz it’s like our first little “baby” to do a show & tell and all. So I did the usual as any self respecting media professional would - called all our media friends to come by to join in our little “unveiling” party.

I did the whole spiel and was excited to get Channel News Asia, Newsradio, Straits Times, Zaobao and Today newspaper to come down…. But this was short-lived. I was then told by the team just wee hours into midnight yesterday (and the launch was tonight!) that Board of Film Censorship was still deliberating our application and had not yet approved our work! Its like all of us got so hyped up about birthing our “new baby” it forgot THE Doctor we spoke to…

Geez, so it became a firefight campaign and we had to explain our oversight, overzealousness and tripping over ourselves because of our excitement. I’m not that young anymore.but like the rest in the YP, it seems that I never mind the stumbles and still eager to learn… mom's gonna kill me for talking like that

NMPs: DO YOUR HOMEWORK & SPEAK RESPONSIBLY

First of all, I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations & applaud Mr Calvin Cheng’s enthusiasm in assuming the heavy responsibilities with his recent appointment as an NMP. Being his contemporary, and also an entrepreneur and media specialist, I understand he would be my ‘voice in parliament’ so to speak.

Understandably, with his recent public comments in some mainstream media publications about the Young PAP (“YP”) that he “….joined out of curiosity… never attended a single branch activity of the PAP, and in fact, never even picked up my membership card…”, Mr Cheng has stirred quite a flurry of media interest both off and on-line. At best, it has been a brilliant display of his talent as a media spin doctor and at worst, it has shaken public confidence about his capacity to on take his new appointment and if it is another act of curiosity.

Having said, I wonder Mr Cheng is aware of the damage of this media circus he has created; that has invariably cast parlour on the credibility of YP as a youth-worthy organisation. As a card-carrying member of the YP since 2004 and now volunteering as a member on the YP EXCO, I speak this personally that I am extremely saddened that my soon-to-be voice in parliament (“Mr Cheng”) holds absolutely no sensitivity nor respect to the thousands of us who have offered their genuine time, resources and sincere commitment to the party and the good work it does.

Mr Cheng’s comments seem to imply that the YP is not worthy of him; since he did not “even pick up ..[his] Membership Card”. More disturbingly however, is the fact that he did not even give himself a chance to understand how the YP works and what it does. Without any knowledge or basis whatsoever, he has discredited the organisation publicly as one that he cannot be bothered with. I wonder what other cavalier statements he would make in future since he does not seem to do his homework first before mouthing them off.

If he did, he would understand that YP is a vibrant, activity platform that aggressively engages citizens at the ground level. Anyone is free to make a choice to remain non-partisan. In fact, I believe that is the gist of Mr Cheng’s sleepy rhetoric on Curiosity he made in response to some media critics of his public statements that seemingly reproach the YP. But I feel Mr Cheng is not being fair to openly write-off an organisation he has absolutely no knowledge of. And especially not if he is a distinguished person within the business community as I have no doubt he is; and his words are perceived to carry weight and lend much influence.

In the youth-wing of the PAP, activists, at the cost of their own time and resources, help citizens appeal and make applications to various government boards at regular “Meet-The-People” sessions, help out at branch activities to help the “Aunties” and “Uncles” who need critical support. I beg to questions, if Mr Cheng, in all respect, and within the realms of his entertainment high life, understands anything about the credible work that the YP does since he has not even bothered to try?

It is unfortunate that Mr Cheng has missed out a lot on the YP experience and I feel sorry that nothing about our organisation has interested him. Fair and well that curiosity has led him to discover the YP is not his cup of tea; but I seek for his fairer statements that I hope will be more carefully deliberated in future and not made out of whim because he is now a public personality.

Mr Cheng is well-placed to be a beneficiary of a scheme to allow citizens without party affiliation to contribute to parliamentary debates; without having to go through the electoral process. But as to whether the business community feels he is worthy to be our trusted voice - that has to be earned over time. Mr Cheng has made his kickoff so much harder for himself. Nevertheless, I harbour no ill-will and have faith that he has learnt exponentially from these recent weeks; and for this I am confident his performance in his new appointment will be no less than stellar.

"Scams1Frauds1" & Understanding Priceless & Worthless is the SAME darling..

WHY CAN'T THIS RIDE BE LESS EXCITING!

The past many months had been most tumultuous for me, to say the least. Other than struggling to study for my CFA exams... (people always ask me why I spend my time doing this, maybe its because i love torturing my brain that's why?! )

Anyway about this baffling joyride I got geared up for..it was as though I gasmasked myself and then launched somesort of massive Bleaching Program On the big evil world out there. There's nothing to do with H1N1, but more like "Scams1Frauds1" Operation Clean Up.

It was strenuously tiring & psychologically challenging..but it was also tremendously dark. Because I realized just how many pathetically vile people exist out there and most are really wolves in very thick sheep's clothing.

Well, I could flipflop, yelp and get really upset about the whole experience of course. But instead, I prefer to take it all in my stride. Its just was one of those experiences that life has to teach you. And after you've wisend up (plus having lost a lot of money, resources and time), you then realize you can't put a price tag on such a journey. Priceless or Worthless; in this instance - it could very well mean the same thing for me.

How did it all begin? Well, lets just say I was introduced to one, and then to another and then another before I realized (now in highsight) they were all part of a massive global and fraudulent syndicate. They are scammish, loudmouthed and come to think of it, I really think some of them really need psychiatric help. But there are a big group of them..and even Singaporeans are part of it, aw man!

And so the story goes. I was first introduced to some massive humanitarian projects, one that meant that cancer would soon be as easily treated as the common cold! See http://www.haifu.com.cn/. Bagging a 10 year record saving more than 1400 patients in Japan, China and many cities in Europe, this fantastic revolution had already begun test trials at Oxford Churchill Hospital in September 08. Having spoken to the management in China, I was convinced and envisioned this revolutionary technology be brought to Singapore - being the most efficient medical hub in Asia, my dear homeland could serve as a launchpad and we could promote this aggressively to our neighboring countries and help thousands of needy cancer patients.

And then, just as though in military precision and timing, the people in this group came upon me, each making outlandish claims they would try all their might to help me raise funds for this cause. Well, prima facie, they seemed to me really earnest and sincere people, and they sure sounded important. Some claimed to be linked to hotshot politicians and even royalty! I mean, how else is a litttle girl like me going to check on these guys? My understanding of background check is paying $5 over the desk at ACRA. So by telling you things you can't check, these people obviously have half-a-brain when they begun brewing this dark plot.

They told me incredibly ridiculous things, claiming they belong to the highest platforms that control planet earth (yes, it does get that ludicrous). Of course, I did not believe most of what they said although I welcomed their sincerity to help. But when push came to shove, before I could go on believing further, their plot soon began to crumble. They will first try by telling you all sorts of strange banking and fundraising methods; (things that I have never once come across in my CFA course) But they claim theirs is a parallel universe that exists out of convention. At that point, I did not know they were plotting to use me to raise massive huge sums of funds (on some bullshit banking platform that I came to know does NOT exist), on the premise these would fund my humble humanitarian projects.

Thinking about it now, yes, they are all quite sick to pander to this side of my kind little heart.

But fortunately for me, by the Grace of our Dear Lord, there were telltale signs that only me, being the Angel in White was led to see. One by one, I begun tearing off their masks who were trying to mess with me. They surely did not expect a small person as tiny and insignificant as me, to see through their corrupt and loathsome abomination! I soon began to they were all trying to make use of me hoping that I will fall into their trap; and they seem to be tightly-networked in doing so.

By the light of our God Almighty, when their misdeeds were revealed to me, I immediately struck them down, crushing the monstrosities beneath my tiny size 6 feet. So this is me, the White Angel. I cannot tolerate Any crime whatsoever, nor the dark greediness, covetuousness and lust for power and money. Nor will I ever contend with even one character flaw. If I find even a slight blemish or stain in moral / ethical standards, its better to stay far away from me before I shame all and expose everyone's wickedness.

So then, now 90 years old wiser, I learned to smell a rat even before it rears its rodent heard.
Here's the precious 101s...

1) First they tell you they will help you with humanitarian projects.

2) Two, they will tell you they have these things that will make you fast money so you can feed the humanitarian projects. One of these things are called BANKING INSTRUMENTS. (These things like Bankers Guarantees and SBLCs exist, but they will convince you the laws about them are changing becoz "Obama is going to make it so" or some rubbish to the same tune ). But whatever they say now, double and triple check with as many people as possible.

3) In fact, many WILL claim there are Stimulus packages, gaps here and there yada yada and that you can’t check etc. That’s all CRAPBULL ok? Everything can be checked from external party. Never listen from the source nor friends from the same source; they probably tied hands elsewhere.

4) So just to give you an idea of a couple of things everyone should steer away from, in case you’ve been promised certain things…like "to get rich fast" promises or something sounding remotely close. Where BANKING INSTRUMENTS are concerned. This is the favorite playground of frauds. They thrive in today’s environment of uncertainty and the internet. Pertaining to leasing/ buying & selling of Banker’s Guarantees; note These WARNING SIGNS!!

• For a certain percentage say 10% plus X% intemediary fees, you need to check whether the % intemediary fees are correct for the transaction. Some say 1%, some say 2% some say 3%.


• CHECK CHECK CHECK! If it’s the wrong percentage, everyone gets nabbed


• Make sure the BG/SBLC document itself is not fraudulent. They look like the real thing. But there are spelling errors, smudges, blanko-s. Its all scammish crap.


• Make sure the BG/SBLC has proper CUSIP/ISIN No. PLUS ACCESS CODE of seller


• Don’t understand any of the above? Ask an independent banker & banking lawyer!! Both must say the same thing. This lawyer MUST know the procedures and on-screen (EUROCLEAR) programs. Don’t be pressured to agree if not sure. NEVER!


• Some will tell you they don’t want you to pay the bank charges. Sounding like they are really trying to protect you. They promise that if you pay cash upfront say 3.5% of the amount of loan, they are able to issue you a BG that is cash-backed etc cause they are rich. They will even tell you once the deposit is in, its all bank-to-bank transaction. Its all bullcrap. There’s a loophole somewhere in the procedures and even maybe the bank gets taken for a ride! Plus these guys first take your money first and then you never see them again! Megaworse, everyone gets implicated and thrown into jail.


• CHINA CANNOT ISSUE BANKER’S GUARANTEES. NOT YET (at this time of reporting!). If anyone tells you they can, RUN RUN RUN!


• COLLATERAL – LAND, PLANE, SHIP, HOUSE, etc. PLEASE MAKE SURE THE COLLATERAL IS IN THE FUND BENEFICIARIES’ NAME. CHECK ID/PASSPORT, GET SOMEONE WHO LIVES THERE TO CHECK THE PLACE EXISTS, ASK NEIGHBORS WHO IS THE OWNER etc. BEFORE YOU GO THE FUNDER! If not, you’d be arrested on the spot for stealing someone else’s property.


• Every bank has different procedures. If someone tells you their issuing procedures, GO TO THE BANK ITSELF AND CHECK IF THERE’S SUCH A THING


• Place on record everything in Black and White with ANYONE in correspondence and protect Yourself!

DESPITE ALL OF THIS.

I still believe there is still some good in this world. Call me the stubborn optimist. You know, many of these characters I met were really off tangent. But because I support in my heart the notion of "Yellow Ribbon Project", so no matter how terrible their past can be, I try to afford them a chance right? Just learn to do RIGHT and I will reciprocate.