» Friday, December 23, 2011 / -10:23 AM

2011 is coming to an end. Looking back, there were many obstacles I faced this year. Money and friendship were the main obstacles...

This year, I have my Final Year Project (May to Aug). This was a test to our friendship. In this project, we were building a Rock Dumping Vessel (Note: we built it from scratch). The most difficult times was when after fabrication, you found out that the dimension did not fit to the scale to the ship. Everything had to be done all over again. Example, I did the accommodation of the vessel. When I found out that the accommodation of the ship did not fit to our scale, I felt reluctant and felt like giving up. There were scolding among team members but our friendship did not shattered but became stronger.

Anyway, our hard work paid off, we managed to complete the vessel within such a short period of time..

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(above) Rock Dumping Vessel

(above) photo taken during our last presentation (marking the end of the FYP)

(Left to Right) Director, Dong Jin, Shawn, Si Thu, Kian Peng

Money was another obstacle I faced. I invested a lot in my driving license. These lessons made me paid a lot of my hard-earned money inside. In my first practical test, I paid a total of 300 dollars but I failed. I was hurt and felt like giving up. Encouragement from friends and family pull me through to the second test. Another 300 dollars put in for the test. Finally, I passed. (22 Nov 2011 - I passed the Practical Test) Just yesterday, I received my photo-card license.

Not only I faced obstacle but the whole world does. The whole world also go through a lot this year. Especially countries facing natural disaster.

Example, Japan faced its earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011. This earthquake has a magnitude of 9.0 which caused tsunami. Its nuclear plant shut down and some even fail causing radiation.

Example, Thailand faced its severe flooding. It began around July. The water ceased around December. About 58 of 76 Thailand's provinces were flooded.

The world not only face natural disaster. It also faced financial crisis, political instability. Many European countries were in debt that they were unable to paid off. This caused banks to collapse and also had to reach out their hands to World Bank, This situation still present today. It was not an easy issue so next year, we might faced another depression again since 2008.

Singapore go through a lot this year especially in its politics.

In May, Singapore had its General Election. This was the first time where Singapore had the most opposition parties in their Parliament.

In August, Singapore hold its Presidential Election. Mr. S R Nathan stepped down after its 12 years term as a President for the Republics. This was the first time there were a total of 4 candidates competing for a seat as a President. Coincidentally, all 4 candidates have the same surname 'TAN". Mr. Tony Tan won and sits for the 6 year term as a President.

Not only politics, recently, transport seems to be the BIG issue. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) faced its severe breakdown after 24 years in service. In this year, there were a total of 25 breakdowns. Most severe breakdown that happened 3 times in a week. The Circle Line breakdown then another 2 breakdown are from the North-South Line. There were criticism to the company of the Mass Rapid Transit. There were also callings wanting the CEO to step down. I feel strongly that the CEO had to clear up such mess rather than apologize to the passengers. The company and the government should start working closely (which they are now doing so) to check the root of such failure.

Anyway, this is the summary of the headlines of this year, 2011

Hoping for a good year, 2012

Hoping for a smooth journey ahead and wishing everyone to be healthy in this coming year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2012!!!!!!!!!