Education has always been a topic close to my heart; when I was presented with a chance to write a paper during a Market Design class, taught by a professor who is now my major advisor (Professor Paul Milgrom), it was only natural that I would write about reforming Singapore’s P1 school choice mechanism. ItContinue reading “Singapore’s Primary 1 Registration – Changing the School Choice Mechanism”
Author Archives: ruruhoong
i smell warm benediction on the sill.
The Best of Both Worlds: Living Alternate Lives in Stanford and Oxford
“It’s hard to feel comfortable around you, or, you know, the same, knowing that you’ve studied in not just one, but two of the world’s most elite universities,” a friend of mine divulged during our annual catch-up, an occurrence limited by the once-yearly frequency of our returns to our hometown of Singapore. “Stanford and Oxford. Wow. Just wow.”Continue reading “The Best of Both Worlds: Living Alternate Lives in Stanford and Oxford”
Truth, freedom, and identity: scattered travel thoughts
The contemporary struggle for truth and freedom isn’t quite contemporary; it’s a debate that existed long before the horrors of 2016 (I apologise for referencing Buzzfeed), Conway’s #alternativefacts, or the purported end-of-American-democracy-as-we-know it. We often hear that we are at crucial crossroads, teetering on a precipice of intolerance and deceit never before encountered — but the conflationContinue reading “Truth, freedom, and identity: scattered travel thoughts”
The Unexpected Cuba
Every city has its own music. Havana’s is best characterised by the cacophony of beeps and honks (emitted from decades-old Fords, Buicks, and Moskvitchs/Москвич alike) that – strangely enough – melds into a fascinating symphony when paired with the salsa/samba/rumba music reverberating on every street and plaza corner. Havana’s music reflects its vibrancy: its vibrancyContinue reading “The Unexpected Cuba”
Top 3 Must-Reads of 2016 (even if they aren’t all published in 2016)
Scroll down for a list of all the books I’ve read this past year! Shamefully, with a tinge of expected wryness, I admit that this past summer wasn’t incredibly fruitful on the novel-writing front (with bits and pieces jotted down here and there, but little spun into a coherent plot). But at least my love for aContinue reading “Top 3 Must-Reads of 2016 (even if they aren’t all published in 2016)”
The Potential Loser in the Uber-Didi “Win-Win” (Hint: It’s Not Just the Anti-Uber Alliance)
The merger between Uber and Didi is one that is fraught with challenges and consequences that extend far beyond just the two companies themselves. To ensure that Chinese consumers are not disadvantaged, the Chinese government will have to closely monitor and regulate the Chinese ride-hailing industry. But if the merger can bring together China’s largestContinue reading “The Potential Loser in the Uber-Didi “Win-Win” (Hint: It’s Not Just the Anti-Uber Alliance)”
On Movement and Trains (and College)
I’m not quite sure what time it was when the train started to move (ten, fifteen, maybe 20 minutes after it was due to leave the station? Czech trains sadly lack the timeliness and efficiency of its German and Austrian neighbours), but its departure was signalled by a familiar musical refrain – a buildup ofContinue reading “On Movement and Trains (and College)”
From SFO to LHR
“Mr. Møller’s message to us is a call to action. As citizens of the world and leaders of the future, we have a collective responsibility to address the issues of peace, sustainable development, and human rights facing our world today.” – Read my latest article for the Stanford Political Journal, on UN Director-General Michael Møller’s callContinue reading “From SFO to LHR”
Third-Party Taxi Apps: A Sustainable Industry, or a Fleeting Trend?
“The rise of the ride-sharing app has no doubt redefined the taxi and car service business, but with investors eagerly throwing money at companies like Uber, it is important to ask: just how sustainable is the existing ride-sharing model?” Wrote another article for the Stanford Political Journal a couple weeks back but forgot to postContinue reading “Third-Party Taxi Apps: A Sustainable Industry, or a Fleeting Trend?”
Understanding Xi Jinping’s US Visit
“The aversion to Chinese power is more than just mere sentiment; the belief in the value of antagonism in the form of checking Chinese expansion and anti-free market practices is widely held, especially in the West. But, Americans should be wary of the knee-jerk reaction to oppose China; it is far more beneficial to workContinue reading “Understanding Xi Jinping’s US Visit”
Published in the ST: The Future of Singapore’s Education System
I was glancing through the papers this morning and got a little bit of a shock when I saw that my letter to the Forum editor had been published – “Students with different abilities make for a class act” ! (*Disclaimer: I did not come up with the title, I promise. Trust the Straits Times to try (andContinue reading “Published in the ST: The Future of Singapore’s Education System”
The Struggle for Recognition
It’s 7:30 am, and my alarm rings. The first thing I do is blindly feel my bedside table for my phone (knocking half a dozen books off the table in the process), slide to unlock, and then graze through my Facebook notifications to see how many people “liked” the photo I posted the previous night.Continue reading “The Struggle for Recognition”
Stanford Essay!
After much deliberation and a deluge of requests, I’ve decided to post my favorite of the three essays I wrote for my Stanford application! (Yay.) Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. (100 to 250 words) I’ve always seen myself as aContinue reading “Stanford Essay!”
Oxford Shenanigans
“Oh, so you blog?” “Yeah, I do! Well, kind of.” That murky wave of guilt laps at my conscience and I remember that it’s literally been months since I last posted. Sitting across a new friend at a beautiful coffee shop in Oxford, I begin to recall why I started blogging in the first place.Continue reading “Oxford Shenanigans”
To Marguerite – Continued
By Matthew Arnold Yes! In the sea of life enisled, With echoing straits between us thrown, Dotting the shoreless watery wild, We mortal millions live alone. The islands feel the enclasping flow, And then their endless bounds they know. But when the moon their hollows light, And they are swept by balms of spring, AndContinue reading “To Marguerite – Continued”
The Lesser Seen
It’s been a long time since I last posted on my blog; I’ve been quite busy with university applications, scholarships, exam preparation, meet-ups with friends (before they head off to college this September!) and the works. But this holiday I’ve found the time to return to the weekly Wednesday Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) at my local constituencyContinue reading “The Lesser Seen”
The Middle Kingdom
[First published in my school editorial, One Voice] The Middle Kingdom has, for the last few decades, dominated the center of many budding and puzzled minds, enshrouded in an amalgamation of mystery, awe, and fear. Fledging teenagers (like myself) struggle to comprehend and keep up with the workings of the economic giant, for it has certainlyContinue reading “The Middle Kingdom”
I Am Macbeth, and IB is my Lady.
Forget the small issue of conflicting gender roles; we are all Macbeths, and IB is our Lady Macbeth. Admit it. We started off this journey fresh-faced, seduced by the allure of being inquiring, knowledgeable students of the future, compelled by the thought of being challenged intellectually… But over time, we’ve struggled to catch the falseContinue reading “I Am Macbeth, and IB is my Lady.”
Fat Pig, Pangdemonium Productions
I have to admit, I watched this play twice. Twice? Forget the outraged (and at the same time rather smug) voice in your head going: “Twice? Such a luxury! What a spoilt thing!”, and listen up for a moment. Watch this play. (Well, it’s over now – but do catch it elsewhere!) You won’t regretContinue reading “Fat Pig, Pangdemonium Productions”
MOE Cuts Funding to Independent Schools
The funding cuts for the top independent schools in Singapore have recently raised quite a furore over the fairness of such a move. Six top independent schools in Singapore have had their funding cut and, along with other mission schools, have been told to moderate fund-raising activities for campus upgrading. In addition, they will have toContinue reading “MOE Cuts Funding to Independent Schools”
Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh
Sometimes, I feel the past and the future pressing so hard on either side that there’s no room for the present at all. Beautiful, reflective, and charmingly nostalgic, Brideshead Revisited paints a captivating picture of the British aristocracy in the prosperous age before the Second World War. This is a novel that speaks of religion, love, art,Continue reading “Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh”
Italy: Vibrant Hues
The psychedelic colours that saturate this film absolutely stun me; the vibrant hues of foamy blue and blood orange coalesce into some sort of dreamy, eternal-sunset-splashed heaven. Italy is indeed a beautiful place: elderly centenarians (perhaps not quite; but the Dumbledore-esque wispy white beards seem to make them decades wiser) stroll along the cobbled streets;Continue reading “Italy: Vibrant Hues”
New Year, Old Concept, Same Life
At the debut of every new year, the vast majority of the 7 billion (and steadily increasing) human inhabitants of this earth sit down at their desks (or stand in their showers, take a run in their parks, do handstands in their rooms for all I know) and mull over the past 365 days withContinue reading “New Year, Old Concept, Same Life”
Household Gods, by Philip Hobsbaum
Household Gods “I mirrored their breaking lives,I saw their pale Distraught coming and going, lined despair, His shaken bulk, her calm pose in the doorway— I saw them. I was there.” “I have so long been silent, even now Hardly at all remember how her slim Long fingers once caressed me—was that how At oneContinue reading “Household Gods, by Philip Hobsbaum”
There but for the, by Ali Smith
It was one of those rare december break mornings; one where I actually woke up with the burning sensation (rather, a pounding heart attack) to get a start on my holiday homework because oh lord why is there always so much work. Knowing that staying at home would eventually lead to languorous inactivity, I wiggledContinue reading “There but for the, by Ali Smith”
While the Light Lasts, by Agatha Christie
I spotted this gem amidst the rustic bookshelves of Sister Srey café, a charming little nook along the riverside of Siem Reap’s bustling Old Market area serving good ol’ Aussie nosh tosh. The amazing food aside, this petite café had a charming shelf-load of books on its second floor free for anyone to take. HavingContinue reading “While the Light Lasts, by Agatha Christie”
Siem Reap: Savong’s School
I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy. – Kahlil Gibran The rickety drive up the bumpy, pot-holed path to Savong’s School was always one of suppressed excitement; the pit of my stomach wouldContinue reading “Siem Reap: Savong’s School”
Siem Reap: Colorful Characters
The most exhilarating part of traveling is chancing across an intriguing, colorful array of people along the way. This trip to Siem Reap not only led us on a journey of self-discovery and service, but brought us on an adventure to meet a myriad of different characters, each with their own riveting stories. Often taxi driversContinue reading “Siem Reap: Colorful Characters”
Siem Reap: Epicurean Explorations
Food is the language we all speak. Food is also the door to another culture; the physical manifestation of complex undertones of emotion, complicated webs of history, and ineffable human connections and individual refinements that all coalesce in a beautiful explosion of flavors. One mouthful is all it takes to taste the rich Cambodian history,Continue reading “Siem Reap: Epicurean Explorations”
Siem Reap: Culinary Creations
The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude. – Julia Child The kaleidoscopic array of colors arranged so stunningly in an amalgamation of lettuce leaves, carrot strips, cucumber bunches, crisp basil and petite onions sat alluringly in the center of the table. Dinner plates fromContinue reading “Siem Reap: Culinary Creations”
The Outsider, by Albert Camus
Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee? It is this strange insouciant detachment that characterizes ‘The Outsider’; that makes it such an unsettling and yet morbidly compelling read. It is a story that leaves you with an aching sense of gaping vacuity, a feeling that perhaps life has no meaning, and noContinue reading “The Outsider, by Albert Camus”
It’s All in the Mind.
It’s that time of the year when work starts piling up- multiple IAs and assignments lie in a stack of unkempt, disheveled papers at the corner of your desk- constantly reminding you, beseeching you to pay some thought to your neglected duties. But all you can think about is how to avoid studying for yourContinue reading “It’s All in the Mind.”
Why Teachers Matter.
This post is dedicated to all the teachers out there. To the teachers that have touched my life, and the lives of many others, from tottering toddlers to angsty adolescents – this is for you. I simply cannot express how much my teachers have influenced my life – every single one of them. You getContinue reading “Why Teachers Matter.”
Taking a Nap: A Break from the World
I never really believed in the power of naps – quite frankly, I considered them a waste of precious time that could be put to use productively. It pained me to think of wasting thirty minutes on pure lazing around: there was simply too much to do to take a break just for the sakeContinue reading “Taking a Nap: A Break from the World”
Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea, by Charles Seife.
Nothingness is being and being nothingness… Our limited mind cannot grasp or fathom this, for it joins infinity. – Azrael of Gerona Connections, connections, connections. There are many things in life that have inconsequential beginnings: things that are only discovered by chance (and on curious whim). When nonchalantly sweeping past the library bookshelf and fingeringContinue reading “Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea, by Charles Seife.”
Lost Horizon, by James Hilton
There are books that, after an intense and exhilarating read, leave you perturbed and agitated; there are books, incidentally, that, after a calm, mildly thought-provoking rumination, leave you calm and collected. Then there are books that coax the life out of these two worlds; long, undulating colorful strands, plucked from the most delicate of glowingContinue reading “Lost Horizon, by James Hilton”
Sri Lanka: Rustic charm amidst quirky delight
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. -Gustave Flaubert I’ve always loved elephants, so I was delighted that we were going to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage this trip. Baby elephants are always objects of wonder for children and adults ‘ooh’ and ‘awwwh’ over, but a small patContinue reading “Sri Lanka: Rustic charm amidst quirky delight”
Perfume, by Patrick Süskind (Translated by John E. Woods)
If no one asks me about it, then I know what it is; but if someone asks me about it and I try to explain it to him, then I do not know what it is. ~ St. Augustine, quoted by Patrick Süskind in On Love and Death A quote intended to describe time, but aptly adaptedContinue reading “Perfume, by Patrick Süskind (Translated by John E. Woods)”
Why I Love Maths
Why; I Love Math Yes, you heard correctly- Why I Love Math. A question people ask frequently It never ceases to puzzle me How could you not love math? It is wonderfully adept with many possibilities in fact Infinity to be exact. It is much like a lover. A lover, you say? Yes, a loverContinue reading “Why I Love Maths”
Busy.
I like the pace of my world. It’s busy, but for me, the less I do the lazier I get. Another incredibly hectic week. After a frenzied week of missing school intermittently for Tobacco Summits, Director General of Education visits, etc.- I was greeted by a week of tests (that abashedly I only studied for the dayContinue reading “Busy.”
Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller
The flaw, or crack in character, is really nothing – and need be nothing – but his inherent unwillingness to remain passive in the face of what he conceives to be a challenge to his dignity, his image of his rightful status. – Arthur Miller, Tragedy of the Common Man. I have fallen in love withContinue reading “Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller”
Piffling Postages
Things have been a bit of a convoluted Christmas-light-esque jumble of tangled wires lately, but suffice to say these few days have been incredibly eventful ones. The past week has been frenetic- from helping out at Open House 2013 (a chaotic jumble of 400 people!) to watching The Importance of Being Earnest, to multiple IAsContinue reading “Piffling Postages”
The Importance of Being Earnest, Wild Rice Productions
It is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me? Words cannot begin to describe the stomach-aching, cheek-muscle-straining, giddiness-inducing two hours of utter enjoyment that Wild Rice’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest brought to theContinue reading “The Importance of Being Earnest, Wild Rice Productions”
Krabi, Thailand: Foodscapade
Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart. Life is short; why not eat? Good food is a work of art in itself- and like art, food has a immense history of culture and intense flavors that shape each type of cuisine. Thailand is no exception; perhapsContinue reading “Krabi, Thailand: Foodscapade”
All My Sons, By Arthur Miller
‘[…] the underlying fear of being displaced, the disaster inherent in being torn away from our chosen image of what or who we are in this world.’- Arthur Miller, Tragedy of the Common Man. The fear of not being that which you want to be. A pervasive fear; one that everyone falls prey to at oneContinue reading “All My Sons, By Arthur Miller”
Menya Musashi, STARamen@StarVista
A typical saturday lunch out at Star Vista would mean jostling crowds, long snaking queues, and a resulting virtually immovable apathy towards simply shuffling forward to find a place to dine. But apparently weekday lunches are the opposite. The church-slash-shopping-mall-because-of-mercenary-pastors-nowadays are all the rage during the weekends, but relatively desolate and abandoned during the week.Continue reading “Menya Musashi, STARamen@StarVista”
Kith Café
There are few things more pleasurable than having a leisurely stroll along the promenade stretching down the Singapore River- it is a place brimming with quaint cafés and exuberant restaurants, perfect for tourists and foodies alike (although, you must admit, sometimes the two come hand in hand). Until you notice the murky waters of theContinue reading “Kith Café”
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
Mohamed Sultan Road. A hallowed boulevard cluttered with the occasional quaint café and brunch-with-eggs-and-toast haunt- the kind of place you’d go to sip a petite cap while tapping away furiously on your laptop&iPad. Also, the place to go should you feel any desire to get lost. Because get lost we certainly did. With half anContinue reading “Laurent Bernard Chocolatier”
Perplexingly Puzzling Paradoxes: The Tortoise
I have an riveting problem for you to scratch your head over today, but I have no doubt many of you have come across it before: Achilles and a tortoise were about to race over 100 meters. Achilles was ten times faster than the tortoise, but the tortoise requested only a 10 meter head startContinue reading “Perplexingly Puzzling Paradoxes: The Tortoise”
Ruru 