Good hospitalization plans in Australia or Canada

[chuckyworld]

World change, economic environment change, world immigration laws change, only thing that will never change is Humans will to Challenge the unknown and to Strive for a better life.

If you have that little spark in you, nothing will stop you from doing it.

 

[scroobal]

Bro, not sure if you noticed but in the 70s, 80s I could see progress that was perceptible and tangible on all fronts especially in government infrastructure and services. All indications were that it might even reach 1st world in many aspects. One of most impressive front was medical care. After the 1988, economic crisis, it started going downhill.

Now there is no hope. Goh Ckok Tong talked about Swiss Standard of Living but for the last 6 years - old man has been talking about Dubai, Moscow, China etc.

Not even a single Govt minister, MP or even top level civil servants dare raise 1st world. Even Singapore's no. 1 cheer leader Kishore Mahbubani at your old campus has stopped talking about East Asian Tigers, Confucian ethics etc. He now talks about teaching 3rd world countries how raise public housing projects, water sanitation etc.

Quality of Life has disappeared and when that happens, compassion flies out of the window.

If you did what you did in Canada as a spontaneous gesture in Singapore, people will be taken aback.

I will try not be judgmental, but based on the "materialistic culture" probably strengthened by the leaders and the government of Singapore, I believe that regardless of the criteria for evaluation or determination of which country has achieved "first-world status", based on how the government treats its citizens, and the policies, mindset, attitude and culture, it appears that Singapore will take much longer to achieve "real first-world status".

For example, if we as a family go out on the weekends, and when we are taking the Toronto Transit Commission's subway and buses, and buy a TTC day pass (good for one day of unlimited travel for 2 adults and 4 children or one adult and 5 children), and since I have an unlimited travel monthly pass (C$100), we usually offer to ask another adult and/or other children to piggy back on our day pass, free (especially when we had 2 or 3 children in the past).
Yesterday, after treating our children to brunch at the top of the Westin with an excellent view of Toronto Island, Island Airport, Lake Ontario, on our way back, while waiting for the streetcar (tram) one lady by herself told me that she could take our children on her TTC day pass.
This past summer, when we did not buy a season pass for the Centre Island amusement park, because the children are growing up, except for the youngest child, and we were on our way home from the beach on Toronto Island, one lady who was about to leave, handed a batch of tickets to me, because she thought our 4 children could use those tickets.
The US corporation which operates all the amusement rides at the Canadian National Exhibition ("CNE") [and across Canada and USA] relies on workers from the Republic of South Africa. I see those young adults working 12 hours every day with very few days off, and not eating fresh balanced meals. Since last year, whenever I go (2 to 3 times a year) to the CNE, I carry a bag of fresh fruits (bananas, oranges, grapes, peaches and home made pasta or buy packaged chicken rice or noodles or whatever they desire) for each of the several of the friendly guys, especially those working hard to earn money for university education.
Various individuals have been very kind to me during my initial years in Toronto, and it is a good way to return God's graces.
I rarely see such spontaneous gestures in Singapore.

 

[Charlie9]

Bro, not sure if you noticed but in the 70s, 80s I could see progress that was perceptible and tangible on all fronts especially in government infrastructure and services. All indications were that it might even reach 1st world in many aspects. One of most impressive front was medical care. After the 1988, economic crisis, it started going downhill.

Now there is no hope. Goh Ckok Tong talked about Swiss Standard of Living but for the last 6 years - old man has been talking about Dubai, Moscow, China etc.

Not even a single Govt minister, MP or even top level civil servants dare raise 1st world. Even Singapore's no. 1 cheer leader Kishore Mahbubani at your old campus has stopped talking about East Asian Tigers, Confucian ethics etc. He now talks about teaching 3rd world countries how raise public housing projects, water sanitation etc.

Quality of Life has disappeared and when that happens, compassion flies out of the window.

If you did what you did in Canada as a spontaneous gesture in Singapore, people will be taken aback.

Unfortunately, I left in 1981, and inspite of the trips to Sg every few years to visit my parents, I did not pay close attention to the ever changing infrastructure and landscape.

I agree with you that there is little discussion and negligible media reminders about the Swiss Standard of Living, and achieving "first world status". I believe that the "asset enhancement scheme" and the use and application of market rent and opportunity cost re: setting prices for HDB flats, rent and service charges for offices, retail stores, restaurants, the Port of Singapore, etc. have caused more unnecessary and undesirable implications than the few positive results. I begin to wonder whether or not the commoners would have had a better quality of life from say 1980's to present, without the continuing increases in cost of almost all essential items (housing, utilities, food and transportation) without matching increases in their household income. Regardless what the ruling party believes, such undesirable implications would have been brought up and discussed if there was a sizeable number of opposition MPs (say 10 to 20). There lies the value of a good number of logical and reasonable opposition MP's.

I believe that the quality of life for the average Singaporean has declined during the past decade or two. As you said, when the quality of life disappears, compassion goes out the window. It is my perception that notwithstanding the "show" presented by the ruling party and the government, they have yet to demonstrate that they are compassionate and caring.

Perhaps, I have been in Canada too long (about 28 years, compared to being in SG for 23) and I have (assimilated) changed for better or worse. So in the past, when I was visiting SG, and smile to other individuals on the MRT or on the street, one or more of those strangers may perceive that I am unusual, and responded "Do I know you?", whereas I would simply say "just smiling, you do not know me."

Speaking about spontaneous gestures, my wife told me that prior to emigrating to Canada, when she was a refugee in Rome, Italy, residing at a hotel where room and board was the courtesy of the Italian government, very often she and her sister would visit art galleries and museums on the one day a week free admission day (similar to New York City and Toronto: usually Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday). Very often, strangers having coffee at the cafe would offer to buy my wife and her sister, a capuccino or a drink. As I said before, Singapore's overly materialistic culture and environment do hinder its quest to be a "first world country". This is permeated from the political leaders to the average citizen.

 

[scroobal]

We have come to a stage where we are suspicious of everyone, malays, Indians, Eurasians, foreigners etc. Visiting neighbours even of the same race is now rare. Friendship is very much work based, church based etc. Family befriending another family within the neighbourhood is rare.

We seemed to have lost our social graces some how. It also explains why new age churches are popular as they help address the gregarious needs of humans.

There are however some incidents that helps brighten up the day. Saw a chinese contractor treating his Indian workers at Banana Leaf and they were a happy bunch and you could see from their body language and speech that there was trust and respect with no barriers to communication.

Speaking about spontaneous gestures, my wife told me that prior to emigrating to Canada, when she was a refugee in Rome, Italy, residing at a hotel where room and board was the courtesy of the Italian government, very often she and her sister would visit art galleries and museums on the one day a week free admission day (similar to New York City and Toronto: usually Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday). Very often, strangers having coffee at the cafe would offer to buy my wife and her sister, a capuccino or a drink. As I said before, Singapore's overly materialistic culture and environment do hinder its quest to be a "first world country". This is permeated from the political leaders to the average citizen.

 

[chuckyworld]

It is better to help an unknown complete stranger than helping Singaporeans who are too full of themselves

They still think they are some big shoot back home looking down on those less educated.

 

[Charlie9]

Re: Good Neighbours

We have come to a stage where we are suspicious of everyone, malays, Indians, Eurasians, foreigners etc. Visiting neighbours even of the same race is now rare. Friendship is very much work based, church based etc. Family befriending another family within the neighbourhood is rare.

We seemed to have lost our social graces some how. It also explains why new age churches are popular as they help address the gregarious needs of humans.

There are however some incidents that helps brighten up the day. Saw a chinese contractor treating his Indian workers at Banana Leaf and they were a happy bunch and you could see from their body language and speech that there was trust and respect with no barriers to communication.

It is very unfortunate that the good old days of freindly neighbours with unlocked doors are gone.

I recall that during my childhood, we lived at the foot of Mount Faber, facing Jardine Steps (now known as World Trade Centre?). After school, I was the only Chinese boy who played with my Malay friends from the kampung (near Seah Im Road, not far from the commnuity centre, Telok Blangah ?? or Keppel Harbour ??), whether catching spiders or fish, sepak takraw or bola sepak or badminton, ate at their house on some days, go home in the late afternoon. My parents never worried. But I did not play with the folks from Kampung Jagoh further west along Telok Blangah Road. When we lived at those four-storey flats (Block A to F), we played with almost everyone. Through that interaction, I spoke fluent Malay with the correct accent like a Malay, without reading Malay as a second language at school. We (Syed Zin, Zainuddin, xyz and I) from Radin Mas School were second to Telok Kurau in 1969 in the Combined (Primary) Schools Championship.

 

[fishbuff]

Re: Good Neighbours

It is very unfortunate that the good old days of freindly neighbours with unlocked doors are gone.

I recall that during my childhood, we lived at the foot of Mount Faber, facing Jardine Steps (now known as World Trade Centre?). After school, I was the only Chinese boy who played with my Malay friends from the kampung (near Seah Im Road, not far from the commnuity centre, Telok Blangah ?? or Keppel Harbour ??), whether catching spiders or fish, sepak takraw or bola sepak or badminton, ate at their house on some days, go home in the late afternoon. My parents never worried. But I did not play with the folks from Kampung Jagoh further west along Telok Blangah Road. When we lived at those four-storey flats (Block A to F), we played with almost everyone. Through that interaction, I spoke fluent Malay with the correct accent like a Malay, without reading Malay as a second language at school. We (Syed Zin, Zainuddin, xyz and I) from Radin Mas School were second to Telok Kurau in 1969 in the Combined (Primary) Schools Championship.

damn,... i had similar childhood like that.. kampong scenario.. although we were poor, but we were happy. Gosh, i really miss those days!

 

[Ash007]

We have come to a stage where we are suspicious of everyone, malays, Indians, Eurasians, foreigners etc. Visiting neighbours even of the same race is now rare. Friendship is very much work based, church based etc. Family befriending another family within the neighbourhood is rare.

We seemed to have lost our social graces some how. It also explains why new age churches are popular as they help address the gregarious needs of humans.

There are however some incidents that helps brighten up the day. Saw a chinese contractor treating his Indian workers at Banana Leaf and they were a happy bunch and you could see from their body language and speech that there was trust and respect with no barriers to communication.

Eh.. are you talking about Australia or Singapore? In Aust, I think it depends on individual. New migrants from Sinkies still maintain the thou is greater mentality. 2nd gen migrants mixes very well with locals. I personally have made friends from different backgrounds here. Even a simple a gesture of saying "Thank you" when you are served at Coles, Woolies, cafe goes a long way. I seldom see that in Singapore.

As for hospitalization plans, I think from what others have said here, both countries offers better plan then what you get in Singapore. You should have an honest discussion with your wife about the pros and cons, why you want to migrate, what problems you may face etc. Find out what are the reasons she doesn't want to move. In my case, my mum was very against me moving to Aust, old chinese mentality that children should stay with their parents, but I have to do it because I felt I have to live for myself and the future of my family, not just for her. Work hard, do well in your adopted country and I hope to change her mind in a few years time. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut instinct in these sort of things.

 

[scroobal]

Re: Good Neighbours

Great memories bro. How did we do it? we could have been any colour and it did not matter. No body worried about religion either. Our parents trusted everyone in the neighbourhood. I recall that games that we played went by season - kite flying, takraw, soccer, spinning tops, bird catching etc. I remember the leader of our pack was Chinese chap called Richard but we had a mix of Indians, Malays and they all deferred to Richard.

By the way bro, Seah Imm Rd Hawker Centre is still buzzing along. Mt Faber trails are now in the in thing.

It is very unfortunate that the good old days of freindly neighbours with unlocked doors are gone.

I recall that during my childhood, we lived at the foot of Mount Faber, facing Jardine Steps (now known as World Trade Centre?). After school, I was the only Chinese boy who played with my Malay friends from the kampung (near Seah Im Road, not far from the commnuity centre, Telok Blangah ?? or Keppel Harbour ??), whether catching spiders or fish, sepak takraw or bola sepak or badminton, ate at their house on some days, go home in the late afternoon. My parents never worried. But I did not play with the folks from Kampung Jagoh further west along Telok Blangah Road. When we lived at those four-storey flats (Block A to F), we played with almost everyone. Through that interaction, I spoke fluent Malay with the correct accent like a Malay, without reading Malay as a second language at school. We (Syed Zin, Zainuddin, xyz and I) from Radin Mas School were second to Telok Kurau in 1969 in the Combined (Primary) Schools Championship.

 

[Charlie9]

Re: Good Neighbours

Great memories bro. How did we do it? we could have been any colour and it did not matter. No body worried about religion either. Our parents trusted everyone in the neighbourhood. I recall that games that we played went by season - kite flying, takraw, soccer, spinning tops, bird catching etc. I remember the leader of our pack was Chinese chap called Richard but we had a mix of Indians, Malays and they all deferred to Richard.

By the way bro, Seah Imm Rd Hawker Centre is still buzzing along. Mt Faber trails are now in the in thing.

You reminded me of the fun days as a child. Kite flying or rather kite fighting with strings glued with glass particles, spinning tops (gasing?), bird catching with melted golf balls applied to branches or sticks, catching butterflies and dragonflies, playing in the flooded longkangs during the rainy season, picking fruits, etc. Our parents did not have to spend too much on non-existent electronic toys.

I have not been to Mount Faber for decades.

 

[scroobal]

Re: Good Neighbours

Yeah, kite fighting. The season begins seriously when Richard brings out an empty condensed tin can, glass to be crushed and glue. Once prepared, they will run the lines between badminton posts.

Melted golf ball? - Your friends must be caddies over at Keppel Club, a stone throw away.

Next time you are back, set time to walk the new trails at Mt Faber. It runs from the peak all along the ridge line to Alexandra Hospital. There is a wonderfully designed bridge spanning two ridges crossing Henderson Rd at a very high level.

You reminded me of the fun days as a child. Kite flying or rather kite fighting with strings glued with glass particles, spinning tops (gasing?), bird catching with melted golf balls applied to branches or sticks, catching butterflies and dragonflies, playing in the flooded lokangs during the rainy season, picking fruits, etc. Our parents did not have to spend too much on non-existent electronic toys.

I have not been to Mount Faber for decades.

 

[Charlie9]

Re: Good Neighbours

Yeah, kite fighting. The season begins seriously when Richard brings out an empty condensed tin can, glass to be crushed and glue. Once prepared, they will run the lines between badminton posts.

Melted golf ball? - Your friends must be caddies over at Keppel Club, a stone throw away.

Next time you are back, set time to walk the new trails at Mt Faber. It runs from the peak all along the ridge line to Alexandra Hospital. There is a wonderfully designed bridge spanning two ridges crossing Henderson Rd at a very high level.

We sneaked in to search for those lost golf balls.
I will have to walk the new trails at Mt. Faber. Thank you.

 

[Aussie Prick]

For those who had migrated. what are the good hospitalization plans that are available in Australia or Canada?

Also does any private or state hospitals come to mind?

Thanks

You ask a funny question!

Australia/Canada have very high tax rate for FREE HEALTH CARE

Why do you need "hospital cover" when the tax rate there is 40+%???

So pay 40% tax and then somemore hospital cover as well??

Why?

 

[neddy]

I think the newer Singapore arrivals are better equiped for Aussie living, esp those who studied here.

I have written about Aussie healthcare.

Eh.. are you talking about Australia or Singapore? In Aust, I think it depends on individual. New migrants from Sinkies still maintain the thou is greater mentality. 2nd gen migrants mixes very well with locals. I personally have made friends from different backgrounds here. Even a simple a gesture of saying "Thank you" when you are served at Coles, Woolies, cafe goes a long way. I seldom see that in Singapore.

As for hospitalization plans, I think from what others have said here, both countries offers better plan then what you get in Singapore. You should have an honest discussion with your wife about the pros and cons, why you want to migrate, what problems you may face etc. Find out what are the reasons she doesn't want to move. In my case, my mum was very against me moving to Aust, old chinese mentality that children should stay with their parents, but I have to do it because I felt I have to live for myself and the future of my family, not just for her. Work hard, do well in your adopted country and I hope to change her mind in a few years time. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut instinct in these sort of things.

 

[kookiemon]

In my case, my mum was very against me moving to Aust, old chinese mentality that children should stay with their parents, but I have to do it because I felt I have to live for myself and the future of my family, not just for her. Work hard, do well in your adopted country and I hope to change her mind in a few years time. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut instinct in these sort of things.

I'm now facing the same situation, except that it's my mom-in-law who's really against us migrating to Canada. My parents in Malaysia are actually encouraging us to try it out.

I can't really blame my mom-in-law as she has been taking care of my daughter and is probably not ready to let go of her and my wife. But I don't see much of a choice but to do this now as I don't really feel like letting my child struggle through the Singapore education system.

 

[Ash007]

I'm now facing the same situation, except that it's my mom-in-law who's really against us migrating to Canada. My parents in Malaysia are actually encouraging us to try it out.

I can't really blame my mom-in-law as she has been taking care of my daughter and is probably not ready to let go of her and my wife. But I don't see much of a choice but to do this now as I don't really feel like letting my child struggle through the Singapore education system.

Maybe you can bring that up as something you guys can think about? I'm single, so its easier for me to just uproot and move here. Having a family, makes it harder.

 

[scroobal]

Don't say, migration, say job posting. Once she visits you there, things will be alright. Everyone fears the unknown.

I'm now facing the same situation, except that it's my mom-in-law who's really against us migrating to Canada. My parents in Malaysia are actually encouraging us to try it out.

I can't really blame my mom-in-law as she has been taking care of my daughter and is probably not ready to let go of her and my wife. But I don't see much of a choice but to do this now as I don't really feel like letting my child struggle through the Singapore education system.

 

[axe168]

I'm now facing the same situation, except that it's my mom-in-law who's really against us migrating to Canada. My parents in Malaysia are actually encouraging us to try it out.

I can't really blame my mom-in-law as she has been taking care of my daughter and is probably not ready to let go of her and my wife. But I don't see much of a choice but to do this now as I don't really feel like letting my child struggle through the Singapore education system.

We were at the same shoes ~5yrs back. Prior leaving, I assured wifey I'm gonna try once.. juz once.. for the sake of our son and our family.. my colleagues and peers laughed.. they thought i'm going to flip burgers for a living.. they laughed & laughed.. my mom feared my job opportunity (my SG job) will be gone forever.. my in-laws very worried..

1st - 6mths of arrival I enjoyed the ceiling fan rotating 2nd - 6mths I joined the hse inspection games.. 3rd - 6mths I purchased a hse.. 4th- 6mths i watched the ppty sky rocket.. 5 yrs later.. we seem to be the happiest ppl on earth.. we are on top of the world..

Now, we are starting the above again.. :P I'll let you know in another 5yrs.. hows our outcome..

 

[Ash007]

We were at the same shoes ~5yrs back. Prior leaving, I assured wifey I'm gonna try once.. juz once.. for the sake of our son and our family.. my colleagues and peers laughed.. they thought i'm going to flip burgers for a living.. they laughed & laughed.. my mom feared my job opportunity (my SG job) will be gone forever.. my in-laws very worried..

1st - 6mths of arrival I enjoyed the ceiling fan rotating 2nd - 6mths I joined the hse inspection games.. 3rd - 6mths I purchased a hse.. 4th- 6mths i watched the ppty sky rocket.. 5 yrs later.. we seem to be the happiest ppl on earth.. we are on top of the world..

Now, we are starting the above again.. :P I'll let you know in another 5yrs.. hows our outcome..

you started watching ceiling fan rotating again? No big plasma tv/Foxtel? $900AUD for a 42" plasma in JB-Hifi now lah, so tempted to get one.

 

[Asychee]

I'm now facing the same situation, except that it's my mom-in-law who's really against us migrating to Canada. My parents in Malaysia are actually encouraging us to try it out.

I can't really blame my mom-in-law as she has been taking care of my daughter and is probably not ready to let go of her and my wife. But I don't see much of a choice but to do this now as I don't really feel like letting my child struggle through the Singapore education system.

Bring her along for your landing, educated her about the different in life style and let her know that Canada is not as "White" as she thinks. In edmonton, i can even find Dosai, Bryani and lots of asian stuff.

I had the same challenge as you so i know. Eventually, you have to get out of the umbralla in to the Sun.