Creative Writing and Feature Writing for the Media
Singaporean against Casino Establishment
There have been lots of discussions and debates regarding the advantages and disadvantages of establishing casino in Singapore. There are some people who are in favor of it while some are unwilling to implement the said plan of the government. Therefore, it can be said that the ongoing debates focuses on battle of morale and culture and economic and financial development. Furthermore, it can be said that it is debate between retaining the culture and good image of the country with the opportunity to improve the current economic status in the world.
It is important to consider that casino or particularly gambling has a huge impact to the mentality and daily lifestyle of each and every individual. This is due to the fact that it will enable to spread different shops that will enable individuals to filter away their hard-earned money in order to participate in get-rich-quick activities. In addition to that, it could also lead to different crimes and illegal such as drugs, prostitutions, rubbery due to the addiction of the people towards gambling.
According to the government of Singapore, the primary reason for the proposal in establishing casino and attracting gambling industry in the country is to improve the tourism industry. As of now, there are casinos that are operating in legal manner, in different part of the world such as Australia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, and all of the said countries are gaining competitive advantage in their tourism industry. In addition, having a gambling industry can help to improve the image of the country, thus will help to increase the number of the foreign visitors. It can be said that the government have a point, however, it also important to consider the different illegal activities that can be caused by the said action, thus it can later on affect the image of the country in those tourists that are looking for peaceful and safe vacations and visits.
Another important issue that is being raced by pro-casino is that it can help to improve the economy of country, because it can help to increase the employment rate of the country, by offering more jobs, and it can offer more revenue to the government that can be used in different development plans of the country. Therefore, it shows that it can help to support the daily living of poor people in the country. But, the authorities and other pro-casino are not considering the fact that it has a great impact to those who are in great need of fast-bucket. This is due to the fact that they are the biggest magnet in all types of gambling.
The important point here is to focus on the different moral and values of the country that have a great influence over the image of the country, as well as the value of life of each and every individual. Thus, it can be said that values, tradition and moral of the country can serve as a competitive advantage for the nation, in order to attract tourism and other economical opportunities.
Joyride for a Cause
Mr. Po Yu Seung, 38, and wife Rosalind, 35 are two Singaporeans who have been able to manage to combine charity works with their love for motor biking. Rosalind stated that, “It all started with one red scooter, his humble Honda Helix 205, that is upgraded to litre-class touring bikes, and then we were both hooked on traveling by Motorbike.” She also added that “From the early days of riding 2-up on one scooter, we have progressed to getting 2 touring capable bikes, and each enjoying the pleasure of riding.”
The couple has been motor biking for more than 10 years now. And during those years, the couple had been able to join different charitable rides in different part of the globe.
In 1996, the couple spent their first ever motor biking activity in Mersing, Malaysia. “Using our red scooter, we travel in Mersing, a 133 km north of Johor Bharu in Johor State, in the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia. We have been able to see fishing boats on the river, and the fishing-related industry of the place,” Ros added. The couple also travels to Kota Tinggi, Malaysia.
Yu Seung and Ros continue their motor cycling activities in Malaysia in 1997, when they traveled in Lankawi, Malaysia. Yu Seung said that “In our travel to Langkawi, we had been able to see the unique heritage of the place and the beaches in the place are simply some of the Malaysia’s best.” The couple continued their travel to Genting Highlands, Malaysia and Kuala Selangor, Malaysia.
The charity works of the couple started in 1998, when they joined the 4 Nations Charity Ride in Hatyai, Thailand. The said event focuses on issues regarding peace in the country as well as in the world.
“Our first ride to Fraser’s Hill, in 1999 is considered as one of my favorites. Fraser’s Hill is located in a place that is 1,500 meters above the sea-level on the Titawangsa mountain range of Peninsula Malaysia. I was very fascinated with the environment, from the greenery forests, fresh air and even the exotic flower,” Rosalind stated. On the other hand, Yu Seung said, “What I’ve enjoyed the most is the nature education centre, where in we have been able to learn more about the flora and fauna. Very educational.”
During the said year, the couple joined the BMW Advanced Safety Riding in Pasir Gudang Race Track. The following year, the couple visit the Fraser’s Hill again and gone to Ipoh to see the set of the film The King and I.
The year 2000, can be considered as the happiest year for Yu Seung and Ros because the two had finally formally tie the knot. “Varadero and Deauville are two wonderful people who helped in our wedding photo shot, and I was very grateful to them because they’ve done a great job,” Ros stated.
Varadero stated that, “When we are doing our photo shoot, you can see in their eyes that they are happy in what they are doing. And of course, the subject of the photo shoot focuses on motor bike. I told them both that, it will not be a wedding between them two, but between them and their bikes.”
The adventure of the newly wed continues to Sepang Morto GP, Malaysia and Lake Kenyir and Cherating, Malaysia.
In 2001, the couple joined the Track Day in Sepang, Malaysia and then continues to travel to Ipoh, Gua Musang, Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands in Malaysia and then joined the 3 Nations Charity Ride in Hatyais Songkhla.
In 2002, Yu Seung and Ros joined the 30 day tour in Northern Thailand and Chiangmai Bike Week. The couple joined the Trang – 3 Nations Charity Ride in Thailand in 2003.
Between 2004 and 2007, the couple continued to travel in different parts of Malaysia and Thailand. In 2006, the couple was invited in the Ducati GT1000 Launch in Bologna Italy.
What the public didn’t know is that Ros was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. “I remember wondering how this was going to affect my lifestyle or the way I live,” Ros stated. She recalled how everything seems moved so fast the minute her biopsy test resulted positive.
A biopsy was taken and as she was diagnosed as being in stage two of breast cancer, a mastectomy was recommended. “I don’t smoke, I like eating vegetables and I rarely eat deep-fried food, furthermore, there is no family history…that’s why we were so shocked about the news,” Ros recalled. The said event had motivated Ros to join the Breast Cancer Foundation’s Paddler in the Pink dragon-boating team in 2005.
Recently, the couple had been able to join the Enduro Africa, and they are the only South-east Asian participants in the said event. They joined some other riders, including Prince William and Harry of Britain on the grueling off-road jaunt from Durban to Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
“She is making the most of her life now. She wants to spread the word that cancer survivor can live full lives too,” Yu Seung said.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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