http://lifehacker.com/5512635/the-major-improvements-of-iphone-os-40
http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-50086050.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20100409-209271.html

iPhone OS 4.0: The Best Features Of

The curtain has been pulled back on iPhone 4, and the list of new features is massive: There's multitasking (finally!), a refreshed interface, and literally hundreds of other changes, all coming this summer. Here's the rundown.

The new OS will ship in June (Fall for iPad, and a developer preview is available today, so we can expect to have plenty of apps updated and ready for launch.

New Features: Multitasking, App Folders and More

• Multitasking: It's here, finally. It's handled with a simple task switcher: double click your home button, and you get a list of running apps. Select, switch, done. Multitasking is limited to audio streaming, VoIP and GPS apps, as well as a few other allowances: they can finish specific, important tasks in the background, for example. As far as non-music/nav/VoIP apps, those can be suspended in the background, but not left running. (See below.) Full details here.

• Fast app switching: With iPhone 4's multitasking, most apps aren't actually running in the background—just certain functions of the app, like an audio stream or a GPS lock. But! All apps can now be frozen, in full, so that when you reopen them, they're restored to exactly the state they were in when they were closed.

• Local notifications: Notifications can be sent between apps on the phone, not just from remote servers. In other words, if something important happens in an app you've opened and moved away from, a notification will pop up in whatever app you're using at the time, effectively saying "switch back to me!" It's a fairly clever way to keep track of multiple apps without the need for a start bar or dock-type interface. From Apple's dev guidelines:

The advantage of local notifications is that they are independent of your application. Once a notification is scheduled, the system manages the delivery of it. Your application does not even have to be running when the notification is delivered.

Apple's official line:

iPhone OS 4's new multitasking offers users a new way to quickly move between apps, and provides developers seven new multitasking services to easily add multitasking features to their apps. These services include background audio, so apps like Pandora can play music in the background, and VoIP, so VoIP apps can receive a VoIP call even when the iPhone is asleep or the user is running other apps. iPhone OS 4 provides multitasking to third party apps while preserving battery life and foreground app performance, which has until now proved elusive on mobile devices.

And some more technical details, again from Apple's developer guidelines:

An application can request a finite amount of time to complete some important task. An application can declare itself as supporting specific services that require regular background execution time. An application can use local notifications to generate user alerts at designated times, whether or not the application is running.

• App folders: Now you can sort your apps into folders! That's homescreen clutter solved, just like that. Apple's description:

Folders help users better organize and quickly access their apps. Simply drag one app icon onto another, and a new folder is automatically created. The folder is automatically given a name based on the App Store category of that app, such as "Games," which the user can easily rename. Using folders, users can now organize and access over 2,000 apps on their iPhone.

2160, to be exact.

• A new Mail app: Unified inboxes, multiple Exchange accounts, fast inbox switching, threaded messages: These new features are actually a huge deal, since the iPhone's mail client has barely changed since 2007, and Apple doesn't allow alternative mail apps. Apple's pitch:

iPhone OS 4 delivers the best mail experience on a mobile phone with its new Unified Inbox, allowing users to see messages from all their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox. With just a few taps, users can quickly switch between inboxes to see messages from any single account.

• iBooks: Oh hey, that iBooks ebook reader app and accompanying ebook store we first met on the iPad has ambled on down to the iPhone. Nice, since you can now take your books with you wherever you go, as oppose to wherever you go with your iPad.

• Custom backgrounds: Jailbreakers have them. Hell, the iPad has them. Now you can choose a persistent background for your iPhone—and not just for the lockscreen.

• Game Center: Apple's going to roll out a centralized gaming service—a multiplayer network like PSN or Xbox Live—to help connect games to one another, by the end on the year. There are 3rd-party services that already do this, like OpenFeint. They will probably die. Full details here.

• iAd advertising: It looks like Apple's finally making use of Quattro, that mobile ad company it gobbled up a few months ago, by rolling out its own advertising platform, a turnkey ad plugin for app developers called iAd. The theory here is that instead of relying on links to external websites, which pull users out of apps whenever they tap on an ad, developers can use Apple's new tools to keep people in the app while still showing them advertising—sort of like popover browser windows. You can watch videos, play games, and even buy apps from within these ads. This is in the iPhone OS 4 developer tools, but it's not explicitly a part of OS 4, so you won't see apps with iAds until later this year. Full details here.

• 5x digital zoom: Could this hint at a higher quality camera in the next hardware? 3.2 megapixels seems a bit low for 5x digital zoom.

• Bluetooth keyboards: Another carryover from the iPad, Bluetooth keyboard support will finally come to iPhone 4.

• A bevy of other new developer features, including 1500 new APIs to play with: See here for more details.

Which Devices Get It, and When?

When the software ships in the summer, iPhone 3GSes and iPod Touch 3rd-gens devices will get all of the new features. The iPhone 3G and Touch 2G will get "many things," which doesn't include multitasking. I repeat: the iPhone 3G won't get multitasking, ever. iPhone 2Gs will be left on a hillside somewhere to die of exposure, or something.

Apple didn't drop any clues about the next iPhone's hardware, but it's a fair bet that we'll see some changes come June.

What About the iPad?

The iPad won't get the 4.0 upgrade until Fall of this year, a few months after the iPhone does. So, you'll be able to multitask on your dinky little iPhone before you'll be even be able to listen to Pandora and check your email at the same time on your giant iPad.

Thank you Tiang for sharing =)


To My Friends Who Are......... ..SINGLE
Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But
if you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it. Love can
make you happy but often it hurts, but love's only special when you give it
to someone who is really worth it. So take your time and choose the best.











To My Friends Who Are......... ...NOT SO SINGLE
Love isn't about becoming somebody else's 'perfect person.' It's about
finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.












To My Friends Who Are......... ...PLAYBOY/GIRL TYPE
Never say 'I love you' if you don't care. Never talk about feelings if they
aren't there. Never touch a life if you mean to break a heart. Never look
in the eye when all you do is lie. The cruelest thing a guy can do to a girl is
to let her fall in love when he doesn't intend to catch her fall and it works
both ways...











To My Friends Who Are......... ...MARRIED
Love is not about 'it's your fault', but 'I'm sorry.' Not 'where are you',
but 'I'm right here.' Not 'how could you', but 'I understand.' Not 'I
wish you were', but 'I'm thankful you are.'












To My Friends Who Are......... ...ENGAGED
The true measure of compatibility is not the years spent together but how
good you are for each other.












To My Friends Who Are......... ...HEARTBROKEN
Heartbreaks last as long as you want and cut as deep as you allow them to
go. The challenge is not how to survive heartbreaks but to learn from them.












To My Friends Who Are......... ...NAIVE
How to be in love: Fall but don't stumble, be consistent but not too
persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand,
and get hurt but never keep the pain.












To My Friends Who Are......... ...POSSESSIVE
It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else but
it's more painful to know that the one you love is unhappy with you.











To My Friends Who Are......... ...AFRAID TO CONFESS
Love hurts when you break up with someone. It hurts even more when
someone breaks up with you. But love hurts the most when the person you
love has no idea how you feel.










To My Friends Who Are......... ...STILL HOLDING ON
A sad thing about life is when you meet someone and fall in love, only to
find out in the end that it was never meant to be and that you have wasted years on someone who wasn't worth it.

If he isn't worth it now,
he's not going to be worth it a year or 10 years from now. Let go.....












TO ALL MY FRIENDS..... ..
My wish for you is a man/woman whose love is honest, strong, mature,
never-changing, uplifting, protective, encouraging, rewarding and unselfish. ^_^

Thanks Esther for sharing!

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.

Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was young. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something.

Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away.

The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!" So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemised bill."

The man sent a bill that read:

Tapping with a hammer...... ......... ....... $ 2.00

Knowing where to tap......... ......... ........ $ 9,998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life makes all the difference................................................

And remember............................................

"Knowing is not doing, doing is not doing, knowing and doing is doing."

Before I start:
Congratulation Uncle Daryl and Auntie Shufen! I have great fun at your wedding! The band is great and the company counts! Red wine is good and food is not bad!

Happy birthday DEAR CINDY!!! Thank you for being you! Have good health wealth and tons of happiness to smile about!


~``~``~``~``~``~``~``~``~``~``~``~``

Now is a very special moment to say thank you and how much I love you. For each and everyone who have spent a moment or is going to spend a moment or two with me. Thank you for your love and I really appreciate the well wishes, gifts and treats. You guys really spent a lot and I am really thankful for all of wishes. Thank you very much. I do understand many have work hard in life and some have forgotten all about it. It does not matter if you have forgotten and I seriously mean it! As long as there is this friendship, I am really much contented.

I feel proud to be your friend and for past year I have learn to understand each and every one of you more. Appreciate the time spent and the lesson taught, be it harsh or nice, I am both impress and happy right this moment. Please let me HAO LIAN this once and say I got so many of you good people and I wish you all are blessed with peace, prosperity, great health, happiness and wealth.

Thank you for just being you and just of being you I will love you. Will be posting photos on 31st Oct and please let me HAO LIAN as 1 year I can only get to HAO LIAN once, same way as LAST YEAR!!!! 

ARIGATO, xie xie ni! Temakasi! o(^o^)o

Thanks Ashley Tiang QX for sharing =)

When I was a little boy, my mom liked to make breakfast food for
dinner every now and then.
And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast
after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage,
and extremely burned toast in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
 
Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask
me how my day was at school.
 
I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching
him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom
apologize to my dad for burning the toast.
 
And I'll never forget what he said. 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night, and I asked him if he
really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Little
Buddy, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired.
And besides - a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!
You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people.
I personally am not the best at some things either.'

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's
faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences -
is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing,
and lasting relationship.
We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding
 is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!!"

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket -
but into your own. No one else can MAKE you happy,
Your happiness is a choice you make.
People will always forget what you do, and they will always forget what you
Say, but they will never, ever forget the way you make them feel.

"The barrier (to) success is not something which exists in the real world; it is composed purely and simply of doubts about ability."
-- Franklin Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President

"It's easy enough to be pleasant,
when life flows by like a song.
But the person worthwhile is one who will smile,
when everything goes dead wrong."
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Check out the haze man!
Now it seems ok already.....
Usually i have clear view of the building...

CLEAR~~ even camera take is CLEAR...

Any air purifier to recommend?

Sad story........... lots of learning points here, story start of a bit slow but definitely meaningful.


Just two years after our marriage, hubby brought up the idea of asking Mother to move from the rural hometown and spend her remaining years with us. Hubby's father passed away while he was still very young. Mother endured much hardship and struggled all on her own to provide for him, see him through to a university degree. You could say that she suffered a great deal and did everything you could expect of a woman to bring hubby to where he is today.
 
I immediately agreed and started packing the spare room, which has a balcony facing the South to let her enjoy the sunshine and plant greenery. Hubby stood in the bright room, and suddenly just picked me up and started spinning round and round. As I begged him to put me down, he said: "Lets go fetch mother."
 
Hubby is tall and big sized and I love to rest on his chest and enjoy the feeling that he could pick me up at any moment put the tiny me into his pockets.Whenever we have an argument and both refuses to back down, he would pick me up and spin me over his head continuously until I surrender and beg for mercy. I became addicted to this kind of panic-joy feeling.
 
Mother brought along her countryside habits and lifestyle with her. For example; I am so used to buying flowers to decorate the living room, she could not stand it and would comment: "I do not know how you young people spend your money, why do you buy flowers for? You also can't eat flowers!" I smiled and said: "Mum, with flowers in the house, our mood will also become better."
 
Mother continues to grumble away, and hubby smiled: "Mum, this is a city-people's habit; slowly you will get use to it." Mother stopped saying anything. But every time thereafter,
whenever I came home with flowers, she would ask me how much it costs. I told her and she would shake her head and express displeasure.

 


Sometimes, when I come home with lots of shopping bags, she would ask each and every item how much they cost, I would tell her honestly and she would get even more upset about it. Hubby playfully pinched my nose and said: "You little fool, just don't tell her the full price of everything would solve it."

There begins the friction to our otherwise happy lifestyle. Mother hates it most when hubby wakes up early to prepare the breakfast. In her view, how could the man of the house cook for the wife? At the breakfast table, mother facial expression is always like the dark clouds before a thunderstorm and I would pretend not to notice. She would use her chopsticks and make a lot of noise with it as her silent protest.

As I am a dance teacher in the Children's Palace and am exhausted from a long day of dancing around, I do not wish to give up the luxury of that additional few minutes in the comfort of my bed and hence I turned a deaf ear to all the protest mother makes.
 
From time to time, mother would help out with some housework, but soon her help created additional work for me. For example: she would keep all kinds of plasticbags accumulating them so that she sell them later on, and resulted in our house being filled with all the trash bags; she would scrimp on dish washing detergent whe helping to wash the dishes and so as not to hurt her feelings, I would quietly wash them again.

One day, late at night, mother saw me quietly washing the dishes, and "Bam" she slams her bedroom door and cried very loudly in her room. Hubby was placed in a difficult position, and after that, he did not speak to me for that entire night. I pretended to be a spoilt child, tried acting cute, but he totally ignored me.... I got mad and asked him: "What did I do wrong?" Hubby stared at me and said: "Can't you just give in to her once? We couldn't possibly die eating from a bowl however unclean it is, right?"
 
After that incident, for a long period of time, mother did not speak to me and you can feel that there is a very awkward feeling hanging in the house. During that period of cold war, hubby was caught in dilemma as to who to please.

In order to stop her son from having to prepare breakfast, mother took on the "all important" task of preparing breakfast without any prompting. At the breakfast table, mother would look at hubby happily eating his breakfast and cast that reprimanding stare at me for having failed to perform my duty as a wife.
 
To avoid the embarrassing breakfast situation, I resorted to buying my own breakfast on my way to work. That night, while in bed, hubby was a little upset and asked me: "LD, is it because you think that mum's cooking is not clean that's why you chose not to eat at home?" He then turned his back on me and left me alone in tears as feeling of unfairness overwhelmed me. After some time, hubby sighed: "LD, just for me, can you have breakfast at home?" I am left with no choice but to return to the breakfast table.

The next morning, I was having porridge prepared by mother and I felt a sudden churn in my stomach and everything inside seem to be rushing up my throat. I tried to suppress the urge to throw up but I could not. I threw down the bowl, rushed into the washroom, and vomited everything out. Just as I was catching my breath, I saw mother crying and grumbling very loudly in her dialect, hubby was standing at the washroom doorway staring at me with fire burning in his eyes.. I opened my mouth but no words came out of it, I really did not mean it.
 
We had our very first big fight that day; mother took a look at us, then stood up and slowly made her way out of the house. Hubby gave me a final stare in the eye and followed mother down the stairs. For three days, hubby did not return home, not even a phone call.
 
I was so furious, since mother arrived; I had been trying my best and putting up with her, what else do you want  me to do? For no reason, I keep having the feeling to throw up and I simply have not appetite for food, coupled with all the events happening at home, I was at then low point in my life.
 
Finally, a colleague said: "LD, you look terrible; you should go and see a doctor." The doctor confirmed that I am pregnant.Now it became clear to me why Ithrew up that fateful morning, a sense of sadness floated through that otherwise happy news. Why didn't hubby, and mother who had been through this before, thought of the possibility of this being the reason that day?
 
At the hospital entrance, I saw my hubby standing there. It had only been three days, but he looked haggard. I had wanted to turn and leave, but one look at him and my heart soften, I couldn't resist and called out to him. He followed my voice and finally found me but he pretended that he doesn't know me; he has that disgusted look in his eyes that cut right through my heart. I told myself not to look at him anymore, and hail a cab. At that moment, I have such a strong urge inside me to shout to my hubby: "Darling, I am having your baby!" and have him lift me up and spin me around in circles of joy. What I wanted didn't happen and as I sat in the cab, my tears started rolling down.

 


Why? Why our love couldn't even withstand the test of one fight? Back home, I lay on the bed thinking about my hubby, and the disgusted look in his eyes. I cried and wet the corner of the blanket.
 
That night, sound of the drawers opening woke me up. I switched on the lights and I saw hubby with tears rolling down his face. He was removing the money. I stared at  him in silence; he ignored me, took the bank deposit book and some money and left the house. Maybe he really intends to leave me for good. What a rational man, so clear-cut in love and money matters. I gave a few dried laugh and tears starting streaming down again.
 
The next day, I did not go to work. I wanted to clear this out and have a good talk with hubby. I reached his office and his secretary gave me a weird look and said: "Mr. Tan's mother had a traffic accident and is now in the hospital." I stood there in shock. I rushed to the hospital and by the time I found hubby, mother had already passed away. Hubby did not look at me, his face was expressionless. I looked at mother's pale white and thin face and I  couldn't control the tears in my eyes.
 
My god, how could this happen? Throughout the funeral, hubby did not say a single word to me, with only the occasional disgusted stare at me. I only managed to find out brief facts about the accident from other people. That day, after mother left the house, she walked in dazed toward the bus stop, apparently intending to go back to her old house back in the countryside. As hubby ran after her, she tried to walk faster and as she tried to cross the street, a public bus came and hit her...I finally understood how much hubby must hate me, if I had not thrown up that morning, if we had not quarreled, if....In his heart, I am indirectly the killer of his mother.

Hubby moved into mother's room and came home every night with a strong liquor smell on him. And me, I am buried under the guilt and self-pity and could hardly breathe. I wanted to explain to him, tell him that we are going to have our baby soon, but each time, I saw the dead look in his eyes, all the words I have at the brink of my mouth just fell back in. I had rather he hit me real hard or give me a big and thorough scolding though none of these events happening had been my fault at all.

Many days of suffocating silence went by and as the days went by, hubby came home later and later. The deadlock between us continues, we were living together like strangers who don't know each other. I am like the dead knot in his heart.

One day, I passed by a western restaurant, looking into the glass window, I saw hubby and a girl sitting facing each other and he very lightly brushed her hair for her, I understood what it meant. After recovering from that moment of shock, I entered the restaurant, stood in front of my hubby and stared hard at him, not a tear in my eyes. I have nothing to say to him, and there is no need to say anything. The girl looked at me, looks at hubby, stands up and wanted to go, hubby stretched out his hand and stopped her. He stared back at me, challenging me.
 
I can only hear my slow heart beat, beating, one by one as if at the brink of death. I eventually backed down, if I had stood that any longer, I will collapse together with the baby inside me. That night, he did not come home; he had chosen to use that as a way to indicate to me:
 
Following mother's death so did our love for each other. He did not come home anymore after that. Sometimes, when I returned home from work, I can tell that the cupboard had been touched - he had returned to take some of his stuff. I no longer wish to call him; the initial desire to explain everything to him vanished. I lived alone; I go for my medical checkups alone, my heart breaks again and again every time I see a guy carefully helping his wife through the physical examination. My office colleagues hinted to me to consider aborting the baby, I told them No, I will not.. I insisted onhaving this baby, perhaps it is my way of repaying mother for causing her death.
 

 


One day, I came home and I saw hubby sitting in the living room. The whole house was filled with cigarette smoke. On the coffee table, there was this piece of paper. I know what it is all about without even looking at it. In the two months plus of living alone, I have gradually learned to find peace within myself. I looked at him, removed my hat and said: "You wait a while, I will sign." He looked at me, mixed feelings in his eyes, just like mine.

 


As I hang up my coat, I keep repeating to myself "You cannot cry, you cannot cry..." my eyes hurt terribly, but I refused to let tears come out from there. After I hung up my coat, hubby's eyes stared fixed at my bulging tummy. I smiled, walked over to the coffee table and pulled the paper towards me. Without even looking at what it says, I signed my name on it and pushed the paper to him. "LD, are you pregnant?"

 


 
Since mother's accident, this is the first time he spoke to me. I could not control my tears any further and they fell like raindrops. I said: "Yes, but its ok, you can leave now." He did not go, in the dark, we sat, facing each
other. Hubby slowly moved over me, his tears wet the blanket. In my heart, everything seems so far away, so far that even if I sprint, I could never reach them. I cannot remember how many times he repeated "sorry" to me. I had originally thought that I would forgive him, but now I can't. In the western restaurant, in front of that girl, that cold look in his eyes, I will never forget, ever. We have drawn such deep scars in each other's heart.
 

 


For me, it's unintentional; for him, totally intentional. I had been waiting for this moment of reconciliation, but I realized now, what had gone past is gone forever and could not repeated. Other than the thought of the baby inside me that would bring some warmth to my heart, I am totally cold towards him, I no longer eat anything he buys for me, I don't take any presents from him and I stopped talking to him.

 


From the moment I signed on that piece of paper, marriage and love had vanished from my heart. Sometimes, hubby will try to come into the bedroom, but when he walks in, I will walk out to the living room. He had no choice but to sleep in mother's room. At night, from his room, I can hear light sounds of groaning, I kept quiet. This used to be his trick; last time, whenever I ignore him, he would fake illness and I will surrender and find out what is wrong with him, he would then grab me and laugh. He has forgotten that last time I cared for him and am concerned because there was love, but now, what is there between us? Hubby's groaning came on and off continuing but I continuously ignored him.
 
Almost everyday, he would buy something for the baby, infant products, children products and books that kids like to read. Bags and bags of it stacked inside his room till it is full. I know he is trying to use this to reach out to me, but I am no longer moved by his actions. He has no choice but to lock himself in his room and I can hear his typing away on his computer keyboard, maybe he is now addicted to web surfing but none of that matters to me anymore.
 
It was sometime towards the end of spring in the following year, one late night, I screamed because of a sudden stomach pain, hubby came rushing into the room, its like he did not change and sleep, and had been waiting for this moment. He carried me and ran down the stairs, stopped a car, holding my hand very tightly and kept wiping the sweat off my brow, throughout the journey to the hospital.
 
Once we reached the hospital, he carried me and hurried into the delivery suite. Lying on the back of his skinny but warmth body, a thought crossed my mind: In my lifetime, who else would love me as much as he did? He held the delivery suite door opened and watch me go in; his warm eyes caused me to manage a smile at him despite my contraction pain. Coming out of the delivery room, hubby looked at our son and me, eyes tear with joy and he kept smiling. I reached out and touched his hand. Hubby looked at me, smiling and then he slowly collapsed onto the floor. I cried out for him in pain... He smiled, but without opening that tired eyes of his... I had
thought that I would never shed any tear for him, but the truth is, I  have never felt a deeper pain cutting through my body at that moment.

 


Doctor said that by the time hubby discovered he had liver cancer, it was already in terminal stage and it was a miracle that he managed to last this long. I asked the doctor when he first discovered he had cancer. Doctor said about 5 months ago and consoled me saying: "Prepare for his funeral."

 


I disregarded the nurse's objection and rushed home, I went into his room and checked his computer, and a suffocating pain hits me. Hubby's cancer was discovered 5 months ago, his groaning was real, and I had thought that... the computer showed over 200 thousand words he wrote for our son:

 


"Son, just for you, I have persisted, to be able to take a look at you before I fall, is my biggest wish now... I know that in your life, you will have many happiness and maybe some setbacks, if only I can accompany you throughout that journey, how nice would it be. But daddy now no longer has that chance. Daddy has written inside here all the possible difficulties and problems you may encounter during your lifetime, when you meet with these problems, you can refer to daddy's suggestion....

 


Son, after writing these 200 thousand words, I feel as if I have accompanied you through life journey. To be honest, daddy is very happy. Do love your mother, she has suffered, she is the one who loves you most and also the one who loves me most..." 
 
From play school to primary school, to secondary, university, to work and even in dealing with questions of love, everything big and small was written there. Hubby has also written a letter for me: "My dear, to marry you is my biggest happiness, forgive me for the pain I have caused you, forgive me for not telling you my illness, because I want to see you be in a joyful mood waiting for the arrival of our baby...My dear, if you cried, it means that you have forgiven me and I would smile, thank you for loving me...These presents, I'm afraid I cannot give them to our son personally, could you help me to give some of them to him every year, the dates on what to give when are all written on the packaging... "

Going back to the hospital, hubby is still in coma. I brought our son over and place him beside him. I said: "Open your eyes and smile, I want our son to remember being in the warmth of your arms..." He struggled to open his eyes and managed a weak smile. Our son still in his arms was happily waving his tiny hands in the air. I press the button on the camera and the sound of the shutter rang through the air as tears slowly rolled down my face....
 
A fatal misunderstanding and the person who loves me the most in this world is gone forever..."Cruel misunderstandings one after another disrupted the blissful footsteps to our family. Our originals intend of having Mother enjoy some quiet and peaceful moments in her remaining years with us went terribly wrong as destiny's secret is finally revealed at a price, every thing became too late.".........

This is a true story.
 
 

LEARNING POINT - DO NOT EVER HOLD ON TO OFFENCES!!!
I am totally speechless, this story brought tears to my eyes as I read  through each line eager to know what would happen next. It truly showed the devastating power of grudges and anger! Simple humility and communication would have resolved most of the problems in that story, as well as patience.... This story has really touched my heart and life as a whole and it has stimulated a paradigm shift. Though it is very sad, it is also very refreshing to know that from today, I can consciously start to live a life free of grudge. People please let's live a life devoid of grudge. Communication is key. Take greatest care and live on. 

Wine and Water
 
To my friend who enjoys a glass of wine …….. and those who don't. 


As Ben Franklin said: 
In wine there is wisdom, 
In beer there is freedom, 
In water there is bacteria. 
In a number of carefully controlled trials, 
Scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, 
(E. Coli) - bacteria;found in faeces.

In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop. 

However, we do NOT run that risk when Drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whisky or other liquor), because alcohol has to go through a purification Process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting. 
 
Remember:     
Water = Poop,        Wine = Health . 

Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,
Than to drink water and be full of shit. 

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: 
I'm doing it as a public service
 

http://www.forbes.com/2008/03/05/richest-people-billionaires-billionaires08-cx_lk_0305billie_land.html

http://top--10.blogspot.com/2008/03/top-10-richest-person-in-world-2008.html

Just to remind ourselves when we lost a lot of money during this financial down turn, the top people also lose part of their fortune, but still, the richest people are still the richest people....

A guy was in the pub yesterday when he suddenly realized he desperately needed to fart. 

The music was really, really loud, so he timed his farts with the beat.  

After a couple of songs, he started to feel better.  

He finished his pint and noticed that everybody was staring at him.  

Then he suddenly remembered that he was listening to his iPod.

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

 He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

 We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

 But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
 
 Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

 When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

 He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

 While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

 "While dealing with a stranger,
 common courtesy you use,
 but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
 
 Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

 Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

 He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

 By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
 
 I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

 "Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

 I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

 I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
 He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay..
 I love you anyway."

 I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

 
 FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company
 that we are working for could easily replace us in
 a matter of days.
 But the family we left behind will feel the loss
 for the rest of their lives.

 
 And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
 an unwise investment indeed,
 don't you think?
 So what is behind the story?

 
 Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

I am grateful for all of my problems.
After each one was overcome,
I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come.
I grew in all my difficulties and what doesnt kills eventually makes me stronger!

Dear Manager
I'm resigning with immediate effect -
the reason for my resignation is what I found in my garage this morning before coming to work.
 
  See for yourself......

































Good luck regards,
Your future boss to be (if i want to)

This e-mail confirms your registration for a Microsoft Office Certification exam. By registering to take a Microsoft Office Certification exam you have joined a global community of distinguished achievers. The Microsoft Certification credential tells the world you have demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office Certification also helps advance your career prospects by giving you a competitive edge, to increase your own personal sense of accomplishment, to establish yourself as leaders in your field, and to demonstrate your skill sets in a competitive job market.

Again, congratulations on taking that first step toward Microsoft Office Certification! We wish you success in all your professional and academic endeavors.

Hahaha MOS PPT CORE PASS!!!

One of the longest this morning. For those who are still sleeping...

Congrats, you are late for work!!!
Go get MC now!!!

http://www.sci-ctr.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3607&type=6&root=6&parent=6&cat=73


PS: I reach office 9.40am lol!!!!

14 July 2009 
Notice from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 


The Center for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically. This virus is called Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! This virus will wipe out your private life entirely. If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave the premises.< br>
Take two good friends to the nearest liquor store and purchase one or both of the antidotes - Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) and Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

"Do a little more than you're paid to. Give a little more than you have to. Try a little harder than you want to. Aim a little higher than you think possible, and give a lot of thanks to God for health, family, and friends."
 -- Art Linkletter

Current Job Openings:

Singapore Division

·         Customer Services Executives - SSO & MAC (added 4 Jun 2008)

·         Regional Healthcare Program Manager (added 13 July 2009)

·         System Analyst (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         ICT Helpdesk Coordinator (Temp) (added 9 Ju1 2009)

Regional Division

·         Regional IT Manager  (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         Content Manager (added 8 Jul 2009)

·         Recruitment Executive (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         NQC Asia Project Manager (added 13 Jul 2009)

Corporate Division

·         IT Procurement & Finance Manager  (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         Coordinating Nurse (Medaire) (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         Recruitment Manager (added 9 Ju1 2009)

·         Contract Paralegal - 5 Months (added 9 Ju1 2009)

 

 

Singapore Division 

                    

Customer Service Executives - SSO & MAC

(FULL-TIME/PART-TIME/FLEX positions available)

Singapore Division

The Job

We are seeking dynamic, resourceful and mature individuals to join us as Customer Service Executives in the Singapore Centre. You will assist our clients by coordinating the delivery of medical, concierge, lifestyle, home & automobile assistance services. This is a career for individuals who aspire a fast-paced and highly challenging environment, and who has a passion to serve and provide the highest standard of solutions for our clients. Individuals who demonstrate a high level of ability, diligence and results will have a promising career in operations within the group.

The Person

·         Degree/Diploma qualification with 1-2 years' working experience, and be computer savvy (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, net portals)

·         Experience in call centers, assistance companies and/or hospitality industry an advantage

·         Enthusiastic to work in a team with different expertise to provide round-the-clock services

·         Planning and organizational ability, excellent spoken and written communication, and good customer interaction skills

·         Empathetic towards people who need help with an eye for detail and a passion for service and results

·         Able to thrive on high stress situations involving multi-tasking and quick thinking to deliver services and emergency responses to our clients in need

·         Full-Time, Part-Time and Flex-Force positions available.                   

 

 

Regional Healthcare Program Manager

 

The Job

The Regional Healthcare Program Manager is responsible in the delivery of healthcare services for program members in ensuring that the program members have access to a credentialed network of high quality, routine & emergency medical & dental providers. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the Customer Service Personnel to ensure that they are familiar with the benefits/ services entitlement of program members and that such benefits/ services are delivered in accordance with the Statement of Work.  In addition, the incumbent will also provide leadership & direction to the Operations & Global Assistance Network (GAN) team members in each location to ensure that the team achieves it business & quality objectives as well as various Key Performance Indicators in measuring such performance.

 

 

KEY TASKS:

 

1.   Principal point of contact for service and operational questions for all SOS staff involved in service delivery.  Responsible for escalation of commercial, service and operational issues to appropriate individual(s).

 

2.   Coordination between internal stakeholders on operational issues, including claims processing and reconciliation, and in the identification of process improvement opportunities for activities including but not limited to Claims Processing, Billing, Case Management, Network and Accounts Receivable.

 

3.   Coordination between internal stakeholders on Systems Security audits and any related compliance issues as they may arise from time to time.

 

4.   Ensure compliance with Network credentialing requirements by working with the Regional GAN Manager.

 

5.   Oversight and reporting of Pacific network status and required support activities.  Reports any identified performance gaps with regard to Network requirements, provider education, claims processing and reconciliation and is a resource to assist with resolution of Provider issues. Program manager to work with the Regional GAN Manager and the local GAN Managers in the resolution of any identified network / delivery issues.

 

6.   Provides oversight on Quality Plan compliance for the region escalating non-compliance issues to internal stakeholder deemed as appropriate.

 

7.   Oversight and coordination on issues related to Customer Service in the Pacific assuring compliance with Quality Plan and best practice.  Responsible to update Standard Operating Procedures as appropriate for the Pacific.  Changes must be approved by Regional Medical Director and Director, Global Operations.

 

8.   Oversight and coordination on issues related to Claims processing and accounts receivable.

 

9.   Coordination with Regional, Singapore and Sydney Operations Management on continuing education for Operations and Claims staff involved in work activities.

 

10. Monthly and Quarterly reporting – responsible for quality and data integrity of monthly and quarterly reports. 

      Works with Director, Global  Operations on accurate and timely reports. 

 

11. Coordination of issue resolution with Medical Director on service delivery. Liaison with Medical Director on all medical matters.

 

12.   Participation as appropriate in client visits and meetings in the region.

 

 

OTHER DUTIES

 

1.      To travel on a needs basis throughout the region.

 

2.      To work at other SOS locations as and when required.

 

3.      To work within and promote all International SOS’s policies and procedures.

 

4.      To carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.

 

5.      To work flexible hours as appropriate to the needs of the position.

 

 

The Person

·         Degree in Marketing/ Business/ Nursing with 3 to 5 years of clinical / healthcare management/ clients management or accounts management experience

• Good interpersonal and communications skill
• Diligent and resourceful
• Customer-centred and passionate about delivering high standards of customer and medical care to SOS clients;

• Have prior experience working a matrix organization, demonstrated ability to build partnership with professional experts and have direct exposure to international, cross border engagements and partnerships.

 

 

System Analyst

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Liaise with users for application system requirements

·        Develop in-house applications to support business needs

·        Perform beta-testing of system

·        Analyse all software maintenance requirements and customization

·        Liaise with users on all reports requirements including ad-hoc reports request

·        Produce user and technical manuals

·        Provide user training as well as technical training

·        Administer process of all user requests for future enhancements

·        Provide pre and post implementation support

·        Provide basic helpdesk support and be part of the rotational 24x7 helpdesk standby

 

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Sciences

·        5 years of experience in MS TR SQL and MS SQL database design and implementation

·        Good working knowledge of VB.Net, ASP.Net, Crystal Reports and other Enterprise Reporting Tools

·        Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently

 

ICT Helpdesk Coordinator (Temp)

Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Provide First Level Phone Support to users on Windows and software related problems

·        Coordinate Helpdesk tickets between users and on-site engineers

·        Monitor status of each ticket and direct prompt feedback to ICT Manager for critical problems

·        Ensure daily backup are done successfully and inform system administrator of backup failure

·        Raise purchasing order for all IT related purchases for Singapore Site

·        Source quotations for IT related equipment

 

 

Qualifications:

·        Diploma in Computer Studies

·        3-4 years of experience in helpdesk and phone support

·        Familiar with IT equipment purchasing

·        Good knowledge of basic computer hardware

 

 

 

 

Regional Division

 

Regional IT Manager

 

Overall Purpose of the Job

 

·         Defining, planning and executing the IT strategy for Asia.

·         Understanding the business and bridging the gap between client needs and International SOS's services. This includes initiatives in application development, telecommunications and Infrastructure.

·         Day to day management of Information Technology activities Asia.

·         Keeping the office in Asia up and running including 24/7 support 365 days a year, for all software applications, hardware infrastructure and telecommunication set-up.

·            Ensure that the office practices are in line with Group and Asia Region policies and procedures

·            Directly manage projects related to business and IT initiatives

 

 

Specific Responsibilities

 

·         Responsible for deployment and operation of servers, data communications equipment PABX, network, plus related software & hardware at regional level and country level.

·         Coach, develop and supervise a staff of technical professionals; Create a positive working environment that is able to adapt to the changing nature of the International SOS business.  Monitor performance, undertake annual assessment, set key performance indicators and advise on career development and training of IT personnel within Asia.

·         Fronting the IT team with a customer-focused service mindset. Educating, communicating and listening to end-users.

·        Plan, organize and monitor day-to-day work activities and change control processes.  Establish a strong set of standard operating procedures.

·         Implement corporate policies, applications and business systems and develop local supporting procedures

·         Provide recommendations and supports to help the Regional  management to reach its business and productivity targets

·         Proactively ensure that only authorized staff access the company’s systems and networks; Manage security within the corporate and customer guidelines with a goal of ISO27001 compliancy.

·         Ensure integrity of all data and system backup processes throughout the region, and conduct regular internal audits of backup processes to validate these are being conducted to the highest standards.

·         Work with business heads to ensure appropriate Business Continuity Plans are in place and tested for facilities in the region.

 

·         Provide assistance and recommendations to management in Asia on improvement in IT service and information systems for productivity measurements.

 

·         Provide recommendations to management in Asia on the use of technology to automate and improve business process flow in order to achieve productivity gain.

·        Ensure that Corporate Infrastructure at site is managed as per agreed SLAs with Corporate IT

·         Project manage implementation and rollout of corporate applications within the region in accordance with corporate and regional agreed priorities and deadlines

·         Provide significant input to regional telecommunications savings and usage programs (work closely with corporate programs)

·         Manages the IT providers, Telecom providers, IT budget (CAPEX & G&A), in both the regional level and country level

 

·         Support the organization through educating business stakeholders around the capabilities of application systems and how they can be applied to solve business problems

 

·         Develop and maintain effective relationships with key business owners to understand business needs and translate them into applications systems and reporting solutions; develop and maintain effective relationships with IT stakeholders, IT vendors, IT offshore contributors, internal and outsourced

 

·         Participate with business owner(s) in evaluating, scoping, feature/function analysis, and procurement of suitable applications on buy or build basis; supervise RFP process and collaborate with business owners and Legal in negotiation with vendors, software development houses, and other providers

 

 

Required Skills / Knowledge

 

·         Hands on management of the IT team, internal customers, projects, and vendors

·         Time management skills that support a balance of strategic and tactical activities

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of an organization

·         Ability to work on multiple projects and tasks

·         Team player and a “Hands-on” attitude.

·         Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy

·         Works well in a multicultural workplace

·         Disciplined approach to problem solving

·         Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of an organization

·         In-depth knowledge of Microsoft technologies will be highly regarded.

·         Knowledge of telecommunications in a call center environment (on Nortel PBX) will be an advantage.

·         Experience in formal, measurable project management methodologies that result in consistent and reliable team delivery behavior

·         Understanding of industry best practices and the ability to drive implementation of the best practices across business applications and infrastructure activities.

·         Ability to communicate technical concepts and issues to upper management with ease and confidence, and to translate business goals into application strategies

·         Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic environment with some ambiguity and rapid (managed) change

·         Ability to develop human resources by analyzing gaps and capabilities, leadership potential, and providing objective, factual and timely feedback and coaching

 

 

Required Work Experience

 

·         Extensive and proven experience managing technical staff in network management, system administration, and/or customer support

·         Experience with 24*7 coverage

·         Experience with a Microsoft-centric environment

·         Strong customer-service orientation.

·         Proven background in project management with an ability to manage multiple projects.

·         Experience managing Vendors and implementations

·         Regional working experience is a plus

 

·         10+ years experience with computer hardware, operating systems, application fundamentals, networking hardware and software

 

·         7+ years experience managing technical staff in network management, system administration and/or customer support

 

 

Required Qualifications

 

·         At least a Bachelor's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma or Professional Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or equivalent.

·         Certification - MCP or MCSE highly desirable

·         4 year undergraduate degree

·         Advanced degree a plus

·         Project management certifications a plus

 

 

 

 

NQC Asia Project Manager

 

This position is primarily responsible for

·         Inspire and lead the NQC on how it can achieve business objectives and establish, develop and maintain an effective and productive network, as well as various KPIs measuring such performance.         

·         Liaise and work with other GAN departments and Corporate GAN in order to achieve the network services expected by International SOS global Clients in Asia.

·         Managing the NQC department in supporting the credentialing process of medical providers utilised as part of the International SOS Network within Asia, and Tricare especially

·         Ensure overall data quality through the implementation and use of Quality KPIs, supervision and support to local GAN in terms on provider data quality and maintenance effectiveness.

·         Liaising with the various GAN teams and providers to obtain credentials and necessary information, in order to update SPIN and the physical files.

·         Ensure an efficient cooperation between the NQC and the GAN departments in Asia and with all necessary stakeholders, including Medical Directors.

·         Support Network projects resulting from Group or Asia region initiatives, for medical or non medical provider networks within the Asia territory.

II           Principal Accountabilities

 

1.          Service Provider Credentials & Data Quality Review

·         Daily management of the NQC Department ensuring compliance with internal rules and procedures

·         Define and implement KPIs for the NQC in co-operation with the Corporate GAN Director.

·         Fine-tune network objectives with regional and global TRICARE Program management. Heavily involve in the support and preparation of the Tricare Network Audits Asia-Pacific.

·         Work with other departments and information systems allowing for easy retrieval and access to service provider information.

·         In particular to ensure that assessments, reviews, credentials and professional qualifications are documented in SPIN, and require regular reviews and updates according to International SOS data quality standards.

·         Contact (phone, e-mail, fax) providers to obtain required credentials (missing or expired) and document them in SPIN

·         Contact official bodies/authorities to confirm country specific credentialing requirements.

·         Ensure SPIN data integrity and quality as per Corporate GAN guidelines. 

·         Liaise with Local GAN staff (and other relevant staff) to obtain updated information and credentials from providers.

·         Use SPIN Quality KPIs, for supervision and support to local GAN in terms of provider data quality and maintenance effectiveness. Promote quality compliance within the GAN team, and ensure constant quality enhancements.

·         Report to the Regional GAN Manager – Europe, any issues which may require his/her managerial intervention.

·         Positively promote and maintain awareness of International SOS to service providers.

 

2.         Specific Credentialing Program and special projects

·         Assist local GAN in the collection of credentialing data from providers and from ACs according to specific protocol and guidance, ensure corresponding quality checks in SPIN are performed.

·         Maintain good communication and rapport with ACs and GAN departments within the designated regions.

·         Facilitate and ensure the maintenance and updates of the Country Specific Credentials Information records.

·         Support Network projects resulting from Group or Asia region initiatives, for medical or non medical provider networks, within the Asia territory.

 

3.         NQC Leadership

·         Manage the interaction between the NQC and the local Asia GAN teams and achieve yearly objectives quality wise. Drive the quality process and monitoring of this.

·         Monitor the development of the NQC by providing leadership and direction to the team on managing provider credentialing, enhancing the Service Provider Information Network online database and defining Key Performance Indicators

·         To work with the GAN Managers and GAN Director to optimize the performance of the NQC team

·         Develop and implement NQC standard operating procedures, process flows and guidelines with the view to improve efficiencies and outputs.

·         Develop and implement NQC standard operating procedures, process flows and guidelines with the view to improve efficiencies and outputs.

·         Develop and maintain a NQC organization model that will ensure high quality delivery and support to local GAN in Asia.

 

4.         Assistance and support to local GAN departments in Asia

·         Work with the local GAN departments and ACs to resolve administrative issues with service providers (payment, acceptation of guarantee of payments, billing address…).

·         Using SPIN and the existing network, bring support aiming to check and list specific groups of providers or network which would respond to requirements from local ACs and GAN, as per their requests. A particular focus will be on Clients specific structured network with which Intl.SOS can achieve its Assistance and Operational programs in Asia.

·         Support in Asia the local GAN and ACs in network requests, and provide in a timely manner any referral requests and other network related information.

 

·         Experience in an administrative role, with very good communication skills.  Experience in the medical, pharmaceutical, travel or service industry would be beneficial.

·         Strong management, administration and organization skills.

·         Strong communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills

·         Fluent in one or more languages (e.g. Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese )other than English.

·         Ability to develop, build, and maintain a strong team.

·         Skills and focus on effective delivery, operational aspects and quality compliance.

·         Ability to work on own initiative, within existing guidelines, yet not afraid to challenge and question the way things are done.

·         Excellent organisation, planning and interpersonal relations.

·         Proficient in using IT skills; experience in maintaining and using computerized records and administrative systems

·         Degree holder with 5 to 10 years working experience, preferably in medical network, Healthcare Management, a marketing or business development role in the travel, medical, pharmaceutical or service industry.

 

·         Experience and knowledge of the assistance business and/or cost-containment would be much appreciated.

 

·         Self-assurance in dealing with a wide variety of people.

 

·         Multicultural.

 

·         Willingness to travel at short notice

 

·         Proficient in using IT skills; experience in maintaining and using computerized records and administrative systems.

 

·         Highly motivated, with good initiative and ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.

 

 

 

This job description outlines the general ways in which you will be expected to meet the overall requirements of this position.

 

The list of tasks is not exclusive and duties may vary from time to time. The job description is subject to regular review.

 

 

 

Content Manager

Job Description

 

Title:                                                    GMS RC Content Manager – SSE Asia Region

Service:                                               Global Medical Services (GMS)

Location Base:                                    TBA

Functionally Reports To:                     Medical Director GMS, SSE Asia Region

Administratively Reports To:               GMS RC Business Project Manager

Direct Reports:                                   None

Recruitment Centre:                           IHR Singapore/ HR Singapore

 

 

Position Overview

The GMS RC Content Manager is responsible for the content management of the GMS RC ensuring that the appropriate standard of quality is maintained and updated within acceptable standards.

In addition conducts gap analysis of GMS related data integrity and data flow and coordinates with the relative stakeholders in mapping out the requirements to meet specific business applications/ development as defined by management.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

GMS RC (Web Based Medical Services Information Management System) Development:

 

• Work with Business Project Manager in developing clinical data fields for the Audit GMS RC  templates, proformas and data sheets
• Develop with the appropriate management input, SOPPs in accordance with International SOS operating guidelines.
• Complete and collate GMS RC reports per GMS operating guidelines.
• Forecast, develop and execute the development of the GMS RC phases scheduling as per GMS management requirements.
• Compile management reporting as outlined by direct managers.
• Identify employee training and development needs through a detailed training gap analysis.

·         Develop, maintain and apply best practice protocols and guidelines for all coding and GMS RC related training and development platforms.

·         Approval and sign off process for training within budgetary framework as per GMS management requirements

·         Design and develop content training and development programmes based on individuals and/or site specific needs.

·         Manage the costs of the planned programmes against budget.

·         Manage the delivery of development applications and database structure.

·         Ensure that the clinical information standards and confidentiality programmes are current and up-to-date.

·         Maintain all related DRG/ ICD/ CPT/ Procedural and bio-data records.

 

Additional Responsibilities

 

§         Intra-regional travel is required, approximately 5% of each month.

§         To work within and promote all International SOS’s policies, procedures and corporate values.

§         To be aware of International SOS’ policies, practices and procedures and actively participate in the ongoing development and enhancement of these important areas of our business.

§         Undertaking project work or reasonable duties as requested by direct Manager.

§         Maintain personal ongoing credentialing of all related skills, qualifications and knowledge needed to complete the defined role and comply with relevant authorities.

§         Develop a comprehensive range of case management data services for mapping and statistical analysis

 

Required Languages

 

• English

 

Preferred Nationality

 

• Open

 

Required Registration

 

• Full registration as Nurse or Doctor in country of origin

 

Required Qualifications

• Base qualification: Professional Nurse (1st world nursing school) with at least 5 years clinical work experience
• Formal training completed in clinical coding:  Certified Billing and Coding Specialist 
• Excellent PC skills (excel, word, ppt) , project management,
• Experience in: utilization and analysis using healthcare data mining tools

Required Skills and Abilities

 

• Professional communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Team player
• Critical attention to detail
• Confident decision making
• Has initiative, takes responsibility

 

Required Work Experience/Knowledge

 

• 5 years clinical experience
• 3 years plus experience in conducting medical training and development
• Proven track record and experience: Min 5 years experience in Clinical Coding (ICD, CPT, DRG, 3M Crosswalk) and billing
• Management reporting experience
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Ppt
• Data mining tool application knowledge and experience

 

Desirable Work Experience/Knowledge

 

• Experience in a recognized clinical unit
• Management or team leadership training and experience
• MS Project Management application experience
• Access / SQL/ 3M HIM solutions knowledge and experience

 

 

Notes:  Overall value of your role

 

• Improve the quality of care
• Improve documentation and increase control over records
• Increase availability of and simultaneous access to patient information
• Save time by allowing stakeholders to view, edit and electronically authorize documents on- or offsite
• Increase efficiency by managing transcription with a single system design
• Streamline the release and disclosure of protected health information while ensuring accuracy
• Reduce SOPP design completion time and analyze deficiencies
• Ensure easy SOPP accessibility, reduce retrieval time, and track reservations
• Control quality data management processes
• Maintain an accounting of requests for protected health information (PHI)
• Reduce backlogs, speed data retrieval, and increase the availability of medical records
• Increase productivity and clinician control − and reduce costs and turnaround times
• Increase the integrity and security of clinical data, and control facility-wide quality data management processes
• Improve patient safety
• Integrate systems to create an electronic medical record
• Connect with external providers and organizations
• Manage the release and disclosure of protected health information
• Improve operational performance
• Shorten the revenue cycle for both starting up and closing GMS projects

 

 

 

Recruitment Executive

 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

 

Provide a high standard of service in recruitment and staffing for the Singapore site. 

 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 

o       Assist in all recruitment needs for Executive level and below, from initial candidate sourcing through to negotiation/finalization of terms and conditions with selected candidates; including working out the JDs for the positions.

 

o       Coordinate all recruitment interviews and prepare all paperwork/files for interviews.

 

o       Assist in coordinating the Induction programme and conducting Induction programme for Executive level and below on Day 1.

 

o       Assist to maintain and update a candidate resume databank & JDs as well as an inventory list on sources of recruitment.

 

o       Produce retention statistics monthly, quarterly and yearly.

 

o       Conduct exit interviews of executive level and below and collate quarterly report.

 

o       Assist in career fairs, tertiary institutions, public runs etc.

 

o       Assist in management trainee programs.

 

o       Other HR and/or recruitment-related duties/projects as and when assigned.

 

 

JOB PROFILE

 

Required Skills/Knowledge:

 

o       Must have a strong customer focus mindset.

 

o       Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

 

o        Disciplined, well organized, with strong process management.

 

o        Mature and credible with senior executives.

 

o        Team player.

 

o        Energetic.

 

o        Resourceful.

 

 

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

 

o        At least 2 years of staffing experience

 

o        Proven capability in leading the recruitment function in a challenging, fast-paced environment.

 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

 

o        A Degree/Diploma in any discipline.

 

o        An HR diploma or equivalent qualification would be an advantage.

 

 

TRAVEL REQUIRMENTS :

 

o        Minimal travel required.

 

REQUIRED LANGUAGE :

 

o        Able to speak and read English

 

PREFERRED AGE RANGE :

 

o        Above 25 years old

 

 

 

                       

 

 

Corporate Division

 

IT Procurement & Finance Manager

Position Overview

 

The IT Procurement and Finance Manager will be responsible for the overall procurement, vendor management, and financial management of the Global IT function including:

 

·         Owns all purchasing processes and ensures high levels of service from vendors

·         Ensure timely and complete monthly and quarterly reporting

·         Management of capital expenses for all corporate projects including the impact of G&A on projects

·         Development of an IT financial dashboard to track key corporate and global KPIs.

·         Management of tax, audit, banks and leasing arrangements

·         Manage General & Administration expenditure to be in line with target and KPI, and compliance with General Affairs Policy and Procedures (GAPP) at all time.

·         Preparation of annual budget within schedule.

·         Advise management on new projects and CAPEX investment, including suitable automation suite to enhance on the efficiency and productivity of the Accounting functions

·         Provide updated forecast information for all global IT costs

·         Track all corporate Capex and G&A committed costs and ensure that these expenditures are within the forecast

 

 

REQUIREMENTS - Essential:

·         5+ years as a financial analyst with some procurement expertise

·         Strong expertise with Hyperion reporting and creating Hyperion templates

·         Person with drive for improvement and excellence

·         Strong capability to adapt to necessary changes, and to lead changes

·         Able to work under pressure, deliver results and observe deadline

·         Be independent and firm, at same time a team player

·         Pro-active in liaising with the regional IT Manager

·         Pleasant personalities and good interpersonal skills to work in the team – with service-focus mentality

·          Hands-on with day-to-day operations

·         Analytical in indentifying areas for improvements for accounting processes

 

 

Job Description

 

Accounting

 

• Ensure accurate and timely financial information and reports for statutory and management purposes.
• Manage all audit requests
• Manage budget and prepare forecasts

 

Business Analysis

 

• Provide information for management analysis, monthly management team and global IT meetings
• Assist in financial modelling necessary for long term financial forecasting
• Establish and implement an ROI model for larger IT expenditures
• Assisting in the business, legal, tax and compliance reviews of offshore contracts signed under the entities.  Also, to maintain and review such contracts regularly.

 

Financial Control Standard

 

• Ensure compliance to General Affairs Policy and Procedures (GAPP) for International SOS.
• Ensure compliance of accounting/reporting treatment in line with Group requirements, including treatment for new products

 

Vendor Management

 

• Participate in the management of vendors by setting up and running regular governance reviews, including financials
• Manage all corporate and major regional contractual obligations for key vendors

 

Management of IT Resources

 

• Ensure accurate accounting of all global IT staff  and establish the best practices for cross charging of shared resources
• Perform quarterly reviews of all contract staff, their terms, necessary renewals, and the impact to the budget forecast

 

 

Coordinating Nurse (Medaire)

 

Description

We are proudly the leading medical advisory authority and resource for commercial, corporate, and general aviation, world wide. We provide first class medical advisory service to luxury yacht clients, commercial maritime, and remote research outposts globally.

This role performs a variety of international advanced telemedicine advisory responsibilities, which includes:

·  Commercial aviation passenger medical fitness-to-fly assessment and medical risk management

·  Remote Maritime patient assessment and emergent situational management

·  Medical Monitoring of patients in facilities world-wide

·  International coordination of medical evacuations and repatriation of critically ill patients

·  Airline crew support, triage, and management of acute medical issues for crew members on duty travel world wide

This is a dynamic role, in a fast paced, professional environment.  We will enhance your extensive skill base through classroom and experience based training. 

Requirements  

·  A minimum of three years experience in the emergency, critical care, and/or pre-hospital environment

·  Registered Nurse license

·  Demonstrated triage skills

·  ACLS

·  Strong English communication skills

Preferred:

·  Aeromedical and altitude pathophysiology experience

·  Cultural sensitivity and diversity

·  Multilingual skills a plus

·  Intermediate Computer skills

                          

 

Recruitment Manager

Function Overview

The IHR Recruitment and Staffing function provides a centralized in-house recruitment service by providing specialized end-to-end recruitment and internal transfer services for international expatriate medical staffing requirements (medical profiles by education and experience) across all regions through the world.

 

Position Overview

The Recruitment and Staffing Manager provides full expatriate candidate sourcing and management services to new candidates and the coordination of internal transfers, through end-to-end recruitment services for international medical staffing requirements across allocated regions.

 

In additional establishes a consultative relationship with Hiring Managers to provide proactive and professional support and advice on best practise expatriate sourcing and assessment strategies.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment services for the deployment of qualified expatriate candidates to current international medical workforce requirements within allocated regions.
• Manage the end-to-end transfer services for existing expatriate medical employees transferring to new positions.
• Proactively work with Regional Medical Directors or Operations to determine future workforce requirements.
• Prepare and revise job descriptions in conjunction with the Hiring Manager when required.
• Continually develop a diverse pool of newly registered medical candidates within allocated sourcing countries, across a range of skills, experience and employment type inline with profiles required for Global Medical Services (GMS), International SOS Clinics and Assistance service lines.

• Develop candidate sourcing strategies to maximise attracting the appropriate level and quality of candidates through direct advertising, by engaging a variety of tools and techniques, including, but not limited to web based employment sites, print advertising and candidate/employee referrals.
• Ensure candidates receive an appropriate response from International SOS of submitting an application and/or employment inquiry.

• Coordinate the candidate registration process including application short listing, telephone screening, medical assessment (all doctor applications), credentialing and entering into the recruitment database.
• Maintain candidate records in the recruitment database so that all information is current and accurate in accordance with International SOS requirements.
• Conduct a search in the recruitment database for registered candidates on receipt of a recruitment request and recommend regional paid advertising when required.
• Manage and coordinate the candidate short listing and introduction process to a hiring manager on receipt of a recruitment request.

• Coordinate remote and local interviews for short listed candidates with hiring managers ensuring the recruitment process flow smoothly.
• Coordinate travel and accommodation requirements for candidates attending interviews outside of their residing country.
• Attend local face-to-face interviews with candidates when appropriate.
• Build/maintain a professional working relationship with candidates who are progressing through the recruitment process.
• Coordinate reference checks and credentialing for candidates short listed from interview.
• Coordinate the employment contract preparation and offer/negotiation process with the candidate and confidently address any quires a candidate presents.
• Coordinate the introduction of the candidate to the compensation and benefits team or local operations team to commence the deployment process as a new expatriate employee.
• Provide professional support and advice on recruitment and deployment of expatriate talent to hiring managers.
• Compile weekly and monthly recruitment activity reporting as requested.
• Keep up to date with current recruitment and mobilization market trends.
• Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with all key internal customers.

 

Other Duties

§         Provide reporting on medical salary information and advertising results when requested.

§         Attend recruitment fairs and other related medical conferences to develop and strengthen International SOS branding and candidate sourcing capabilities.

§         To work within and promote all International SOS’s policies, procedures and corporate values.

§         To be aware of International SOS’ OH&S policies, practices and procedures and actively participate in the ongoing development and enhancement of these important areas of our business.

§         Undertaking project work or reasonable duties as requested by the direct Manager.

 

Required Languages

• English

 

Required Skills

• Professional verbal and written communication
• Interpersonal and rapport building
• Service and client focused
• Has initiative, takes responsibility
• Time management
• Proactive and solutions focused
• Problem solving
• Team player
• Cultural awareness

 

Required Work Experience/Knowledge

• 5 years recruitment experience gained within agency, at either Team Leader of Senior Consultant level
• Demonstrated experience balancing and delivering client, candidate and administration objectives and priorities
• High developed client account management experience
• Experience gained working within matrix and ambiguous environments

Desirable Work Experience

• Previous recruitment experience gained within international mobility

 

 

 

Contract Paralegal

Overall Purpose of the Job

 

To assist in legal and secretarial tasks.

 

Specific Responsibilities

 

1.  Assist in the process of managing, drafting and reviewing legal and corporate secretarial documents, including  

     proof-reading and finalizing documents for execution.

 

2. To provide secretarial and office administrative support to the Legal & Corporate Secretarial team

 

3. Organize and file records.

 

4. Review, draft, finalize and dispatch correspondence and other documents.

 

5. Communicate and respond to questions and requests internally within the company and with clients, suppliers, consultants and others including law firms.

 

Job Profile

 

Required Skills/Knowledge:

 

o        Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

 

o        Good organizational skills and able to multi-task

 

o        Resourceful & able to work under pressure

 

o        Good command of verbal and written English.

 

o        Excellent communication skills.

 

o        Ability to work in an organized and meticulous manner.

 

 

Required Work Experience:

 

o        5 to 10 years’ experience in an in-house corporate legal and secretarial department

 

 

Required Qualifications:

 

o        Legal-related qualifications

 

Travel Requirements:

 

o        Nil

 

 

Required Languages:

 

o        English and preferably Chinese

 

 

Preferred Nationality:

 

o        NA