Thursday, January 17, 2008

New Year, New Challenges

New Year, New Challenges

Lots of new developments at work. First, I get a new colleague (from Harvard -- somehow, it is a big deal for people here) then the Big Boss announces he will be going off to Saudi Arabia. All I can say (especially without getting into trouble in case some one Googles) is that while management big wigs are rejoicing -- possibly in new, higher paying roles too -- the little ones wonder what will happen to them. His driver spoke to me for more than 20 minutes when I was on my way to lunch, lamenting about what he will do next. We've been told the New Big Boss will retain us in our roles, but there is always a possibility he will not...

In about two weeks time, I will be flying off to China to see the boy's hometown and get to know him better through his native roots. All are ready: gifts, requests, tokens, foodstuff... except me! My usual salons for hair, nails, eyelash, etc are fully booked at evenings and weekends until after CNY. I've not gotten my winter clothes yet and *gee... no nice clothes and not all dolled up would not make a good first (stunning?) impression. I've not melted off those extra pounds either!

There is also the problem of the boyfriend's Valentines present... nothing yet and not at all inspired. Hmnnn... a promise ring might be good... I have not gotten one yet in return for the one he gave me. The only problem is we've been looking for one for a while and have not found anything.

Anyway, end this post, I would like to leave you a dose of airheadedness which started off my day with a laugh. She's an NUS student, and from the same faculty.

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I must be very ill-read because I don't understand what does the phrase "Founding President" mean. He founded KAUST? Does that mean he will be leave Singapore for Saudi Arabia? Puzzled.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Laremy said...

Nope it just means he's the first President of the Uni.

Blogger %$#&@ said...

Oh ok... But why..? Somebody from singapore as a president of a university in SA? Does he have to fly there then...

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I'll give her some credit for the "founding president" bit. Personally, I think that may be a Singaporean thing? President Designate is so much better.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is very funny but she seems very sheltered so I think it's understandable.

I don't know if the term is a Singaporeanism but there definitely is more prestige value in it.

And in S'pore, everything must have value, no?

Su Phing said...

Hi Laremy,

Amazing how you found your way here!

Yes, I there is prestige in the term, "founding president". But really, if it is misleading, there is little value. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud a Singaporean manages to clinch a top spot in a ME university - in fact the first non-national to be chosen to lead a national university for any Asia country. Nonetheless, he was chosen after the "founding" and will lead the university in its first year.

If you check out the new University's website, the term used is "President Designate".

Anyway, I think it is delightful that ME is open to taking on a non-Muslim to educate its people. Shows them opening up in a time of worldwide religious extremism and racism.