Form Or Substance?

We have been back three months and I am still getting to grips with life in Singapore. Although we have a home here and have made regular trips back, we have not stayed here for long stretches, and so have not had to come to grips with some of the changes (for better and for worse) that have taken place since the mid-80's.


Every day there is something to mull on when I read the newspapers.


In the past three days Singapore's biggest newspaper devoted an inordinate amount of space to an unlikely "food blogger" by the nom de plume of 'ladyironchef' (real name Bradley Lau). Unlikely because he is still a student (at university) and has no professional food or wine qualifications - but he does post some pretty pictures on his blog and writes on a topic close to most Singaporeans' hearts.


The first article aired a dispute between a new restaurant and Bradley. Long story short the restaurant invited him (and a companion) to a meal; he took a raincheck and arranged - a few months later - to go for brunch. When asked if he was bringing a guest, he said he was bringing three. However, the restaurant executive did not respond.


Anyway, they came and partook of food and beverage. When they were presented a bill for the extra 'guests' a verbal altercation ensued.


This revelation was followed by a discourse complete with opinions from restauranteurs and food writers on whether food bloggers in Singapore need a code or guidelines for behaviour (a uniquely Singapore solution). 


Today's paper set forth the publication's stance and practice regarding restaurant reviews, written by the deputy editor of the lifestyle section.


I've read and re-read the articles in the Straits Times and visited the blog: http://www.ladyironchef.com/about/ which proclaims itself a "Singapore Food Blog". And I still cannot I cannot figure out what the big fuss is all about. Maybe it is part and parcel of what makes Singapore unique, aside from being fixated about food.


(By the way, "uniquely Singapore" is the tagline for our ads. promoting tourism.)


He's not the only one who blogs about food in or from Singapore; but possibly one of the few who acknowledge trying to do it as a business.


Basically the blog attempts to promote itself to potential advertisers and is also a promotional vehicle for his photography service. Nothing wrong with that.


So why make a big deal of his lack of manners in taking an entourage rather than a companion? So what if he lacks basic manners and his interpretation of right and wrong might not be the same as ours? It might be inexcusable elsewhere, but we're only a 45-year old nation which in the time frame of history can be regarded as a toddler.


And, like toddlers, many of our people still have a lot to learn - starting with manners. But who is going to do the teaching?


Some older Singaporeans have a somewhat 'unconventional' sense of what is right and wrong and of courtesy. I wonder if this is because we have become a nation of 'kiasu' people? Besides, our lexicon favours words like "grab", "take", "give me" - even in advertising copy. 


Even so, his conduct is indefensible.


For those of you who are not familiar with Singapore and Singaporeans this might help:

KIASI
(kee-ah-see)
Hokkien term literally meaning, "afraid of death". Used to admonish someone for being cowardly.
Singlish example: "Raining only, cannot go out, meh? Why you so kiasi one?"

KIASU
(kee-ah-soo)
Hokkien adjective literally meaning, "afraid of losing". A highly pejorative description beloved of Singaporeans. Possibly our defining national characteristic. The nearest English equivalent is "dog in a manger", though even that is pretty mild.
Singlish example: "You went to get a handicapped sticker just to chope a parking space? How kiasu can you get?" (chope means to reserve, "to bags" a place)





By my book, the restaurant was stupid to invite him in the first place (anyone can blog as I have proven, but that does not make him or I an expert in any field - by any stretch of the imagination). Then it sealed it's own fate by keeping mum when he mentioned that he was bringing three guests. 


I should not put money on such a business lasting too long.


By contrast, there was no follow up to a report of the Thai Foreign Minister's visit to lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Thai Embassy's site.


(Straits Times, Aug 21: THAILAND'S minister of foreign affairs, His Excellency Kasit Piromya, arrived in Singapore on Saturday for a foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Royal Thai Embassy.)


I would have thought that it would be of interest (after food property prices occupy many Singaporean minds) as the Thai Embassy occupies a prime site on Orchard Road. It has location, location, location!


If you have never been here, think Park Avenue, Regent Street, Queen's Road Central, etc.


It was reported in Business Times Oct 4, 2005 to be a prime, freehold 190,000 square feet site so you can imagine how much it will affect the existing supply of whatever is going to be built there (hotel rooms, flats, offices, shops).


But not a whisper in the main stream media.


Incidentally, I wonder if the last of the sambar deer that escaped our zoo (about July 30) has been found and brought home? Let me know if you have read about it as I may have missed the news of its return.