I've written on my Facebook wall about how happy I was being able to communicate with my nephews and nieces using the technology. I hope readers don’t mind my sharing my excitement with you what have taken place lately.
Incident 1 - email from my niece received on 25/11/2009
I still remember what you said to xxxx (sister's name given) and I when you taught us how to write our names in Chinese. Regardless whether you know Mandarin or not, you MUST know how to write your name in Chinese! See, your advice is etched in my mind after all these years. And I’ve passed on this advice to my girls. Am proud to say that even xxxxxxxx (daughter's name given) knows how to write her name in Chinese!
When did this happen and why?
It was over 30 years ago while my nieces were little angels. Why did I insist? Name is given normally at the beginning of one's life. It is not just words - it represents one's identity, hopefully for the rest of one's life. Since it is given from the start, it is the “Origin”. Given a "Chinese" name written in other language is not a real name in the eyes of a purist. Why do so many people still try to trace their roots, archaeologists dig to find remain of the past, the Big Bang theory, and so on? In short, it is all about the origin. Obviously, if one is given a Greek name at birth, the same rationale will apply.
Incident 2 – email received from my nephew on 4/12/2009
I really appreciate those conversations I had with you and the advice you shared with me during my stay in Melbourne. I think that really leads me to try out different areas that interest me and real estate is one of it.
When did this happen and why?
About 10 years ago, I took my nephew home over a cup of coffee, just after he had completed his study in Monash University and was ready to return to Malaysia. I always tell my audience that I wished there was an older and wiser “Sin Fong” around to advise me about life and livelihood when I was young and needed direction. There are many books around teaching one how to be successful, in dollars and cents, but not about “sense”. Very often, young people turn to their busy parents, who don’t even know how to handle themselves because they have no time for their children but have plenty for their boss and friends. These young people may try religion, but then they are not ready for it - and very often the concepts are not “relevant” to their situation. They can turn to their friends, but they are just as inexperience. Other option is to turn to seminars run by some Gurus, who never reveal how they become rich and famous by charging the bunnies mega bucks.
Don’t be afraid to advise other people’s children. However, you have to be prepared for the negative consequences – lose your relatives / friends, or sack from your “teaching” position. On the positive side, you will receive great news from these former “children”.
Incident 1 - email from my niece received on 25/11/2009
I still remember what you said to xxxx (sister's name given) and I when you taught us how to write our names in Chinese. Regardless whether you know Mandarin or not, you MUST know how to write your name in Chinese! See, your advice is etched in my mind after all these years. And I’ve passed on this advice to my girls. Am proud to say that even xxxxxxxx (daughter's name given) knows how to write her name in Chinese!
When did this happen and why?
It was over 30 years ago while my nieces were little angels. Why did I insist? Name is given normally at the beginning of one's life. It is not just words - it represents one's identity, hopefully for the rest of one's life. Since it is given from the start, it is the “Origin”. Given a "Chinese" name written in other language is not a real name in the eyes of a purist. Why do so many people still try to trace their roots, archaeologists dig to find remain of the past, the Big Bang theory, and so on? In short, it is all about the origin. Obviously, if one is given a Greek name at birth, the same rationale will apply.
Incident 2 – email received from my nephew on 4/12/2009
I really appreciate those conversations I had with you and the advice you shared with me during my stay in Melbourne. I think that really leads me to try out different areas that interest me and real estate is one of it.
When did this happen and why?
About 10 years ago, I took my nephew home over a cup of coffee, just after he had completed his study in Monash University and was ready to return to Malaysia. I always tell my audience that I wished there was an older and wiser “Sin Fong” around to advise me about life and livelihood when I was young and needed direction. There are many books around teaching one how to be successful, in dollars and cents, but not about “sense”. Very often, young people turn to their busy parents, who don’t even know how to handle themselves because they have no time for their children but have plenty for their boss and friends. These young people may try religion, but then they are not ready for it - and very often the concepts are not “relevant” to their situation. They can turn to their friends, but they are just as inexperience. Other option is to turn to seminars run by some Gurus, who never reveal how they become rich and famous by charging the bunnies mega bucks.
Don’t be afraid to advise other people’s children. However, you have to be prepared for the negative consequences – lose your relatives / friends, or sack from your “teaching” position. On the positive side, you will receive great news from these former “children”.