This document profiles several small business owners who operate convenience stores across Asia. It discusses the daily operations and challenges of running convenience stores in cities like Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Dhaka, Bangkok, Manila, and Tokyo. The owners cater to local customers by stocking popular snacks and drinks. They strive to offer competitive prices and personalized service to withstand competition from larger chains.
3. Spring is in the air. It is celebrated in different ways in different parts of Asia. In India, it
is the festival of Holi – where everyone throws colored water on each other. The
Japanese observe Sakura Matsuri, the Cherry Blossom Festival, when the color of pink
brightens the moss green hills. In China, it is the time to go home to one’s family,
resulting in the largest annual migration of humanity. But on the outskirts of Shanghai,
there’s a tulip park that is bigger than Keukenhof – acres of blooming tulips that draw in
the crowds.
In this issue, we celebrate a group of people who are in the spring of their lives:
Tweens. At the threshold of teenage, with a mind that is keen to explore and express,
they are a sweet spot for many marketers. Read about their daily routines, marvel at
how tech-savvy they are.
We also speak to a breed of small business owners: those who run convenience stores,
and continue to find relevance despite the relentless advance of modern retailing
chains. These family run businesses have adapted with the times, yet the personalized
service they offer keeps them relevant. Think how you can serve them better: whether
it is from a logistics perspective, or with packaging that doubles up as display, or by
capitalizing on the relationships they have with their customers.
But common people remain worried. For every new opportunity, there’s a threat. The
times are uncertain, and being interconnected across cultures means that what’s
happening in a distant land may affect us sooner than later. Think of how you can play a
role in alleviating that tension.
And when you’re done reading this eighth issue of Wassup, do tell us how you have
applied some of the trends and insights to your work. We’re all ears !
4. 14 countries.
20 correspondents deeply immersed in
popular and leading edge culture bring you
Cultural Insights that will make a world of
difference to your business
SOUTH KOREA
BANGLADESH
PHILIPPINES
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
SRI LANKA
THAILAND
MALAYSIA
PAKISTAN
VIETNAM
TAIWAN
JAPAN
CHINA
INDIA
5. Look who’s talking:
Convenience Store Owners in Asia
Knowing me, Knowing you:
Tweens
Playing on my iPod
Rage against
Everyone is talking about
Tense about
Top Valentine's Day gifts for 2012
7. Look who’s talking …
BEIJING
Compared to other modern metropolises in Asia, it is
difficult to a find a 24-hour convenience store in Beijing. If
you don't live near busy streets, you may not have such a
convenience. Li Jie, the store owner of a local 24-hour Brands that are popular include Orchard Farmer and
convenience store franchise called Hi-24 explains why Ddchu. “Dry fruits and nuts are considered as healthy
most convenience stores are unwilling to open in some snacks in China. They provide nutrition that is good for
communities."The operational costs of a 24-hour brain work; Orchard Farmer offers small packaged dry
convenience store are very high. Such costs include water fruits and nuts with competitive prices, which make
bills, electricity fees and labor costs; the rent is also higher them very popular among working adults; Ddchu
on busy streets. Therefore, we would not choose a makes soybean milk, which is also considered as a
location which is not commercially thriving and populous.” healthy beverage. A lot of young professionals don’t
have time to cook or to buy breakfast, they drink black
Li’s store is located at a busy area called Dongzhimen soybean milk instead. They can use microwave in the
where office buildings, shopping malls and residential office to heat it up, which is good for winter, Li said.
complexes are located. Li’s frequent customers are 20 to
35 years old working adults whose incomes are higher Promotions that are working well lately is buy 10 yuan
than average. “Saving time is the highest priority for my and add 2 yuan to get a free Nestle coffee. Young
customers, quality is their biggest concern. So we are professionals don’t mind to spend 2 extra RMB for a
trying to bring them good quality products; having new coffee that is much cheaper than Starbucks but also
products every one or two weeks on the shelf is one of our gives them energy to make it through the whole
advantages,” Li explained. afternoon.
Cookies, milk, juice and instant food such as noodles are Since foreign convenient stores such as 7-11 and
selling very well at Li’s store. Young working adults, Family Mart are expanding their business in China,
especially female professionals, like to shop for few snacks local stores owners are feeling pressured. Li said:
during lunch break or working hours. Brands that are “Foreign convenient stores’ biggest advantage is fresh
popular include Orchard Farmer and Ddchu. food and hot food. Their business license is allowing
Cookies, milk, juice and instant them to set up a kitchen in the store and make fresh
food such as noodles are selling food for customers. In winter, hot food is very popular
very well at Li’s store. Young and competitive, customers want to eat something
working adults, especially warm in a cold weather.” However, Hi-24 also have
female professionals, like to their own advantages. They provide self-service
shop for few snacks during terminals for repayment, payment, recharge and e-
lunch break or working hours. business service which is very popular among their
customers.
8. Look who’s talking …
KUALA LUMPUR
Pasar Mini (Mini Market) Petaling Store is a small bustling
convenience store, tucked away in a friendly residential area
of Petaling Jaya. Victor, the owner, has run Petaling Store
with his brother for over 20 years. They work 7 days a week,
12 hours a day, taking turns to man the store. Petaling Store Front of the convenience store
usually enjoys a steady stream of customers throughout the
day. However, Sundays are the busiest days for Victor,
followed by Saturdays and after-work hours on weekdays.
Most of Victor’s customers live around the area, frequenting
his shop several times a week to stock up on their weekly
provisions, or to make impulse purchases such as beer or
cigarettes. Customers are a mixture of ages, demographics
and races. 90% of his customers are regulars and many have
become his friends over the years. Most don’t spend more
than a few minutes in-store.
The top 3 selling products at Petaling Store are: bread (a
large choice of brands are available, sold at a slightly lower
prices), beer (Carlsberg and Tiger are the most popular
brands) and biscuits. A new bread brand, Massimo, has Inside the store- the main section stocking beer,
recently taken the Malaysian market by storm; delivering snacks and goods
wholesome goodness at affordable prices. Victor has also
noticed an increase in demand for value items over the past
few years, with Malaysians becoming less brand conscious
and more price conscious.
Seeing other hypermarkets around the area, such as
Speedmart as direct competitors, Victor ensures Petaling
Store remains competitive with pricing that is on par, or
slightly lower than hypermarkets and also through building
strong relationships with his customers.
With such long working hours, Victor feels there is “no time
to have a life” in this business. He wishes that he could take
a break and go on holiday, but man-power is limited and it is
hard to trust other people with his business.
8
Inside the store- the back section stocking
household non-perishable items
9. Look who’s talking …
JAKARTA
Lyla is 30. She runs a small shop in front of her house
where she sells products for daily needs. The shop is
located just behind the wall of the biggest national
university in Indonesia. University students are her most
frequent customers who live in nearby dorms. Lyla earns
between $50 and $90 per day, which she uses to
replenish her stock for the following day’s business.
Over the past couple of years, life has been getting
harder. The shop is not as profitable as it once was. Mini
marts with free internet access and places for people to
hang out are hurting Lyla’s business.
Cigarettes and drinks are the most popular products.
Drinks cost around 50 cents and are promoted or bundled
with other items. Tough business conditions haVE forced
Lyla to be more creative. She has promoted her shop
door-to-door in female dormitories and offers free
delivery to small food stalls on campus, providing free
delivery for minimum orders of products.
DHAKA
27 year old Sobuj Islam runs a corner store with a grand name:
“Save Mart Department Store.” His customers range from
elderly people to domestic helpers. The popular brands he
sells are Maggi noodles (Nestle), Ruchi Chanachur (Square
Consumer Foods), Arong Milk. Mentos and Big Babol Triply
(Perfetti). They are favorites among children and adults alike.
Sobuj says that brands that tend to do well are those with
innovative packaging. For example, Maggi has been popular
because of the design of its packaging. Coca-Cola has also
been making a comeback (the brand has been absent in the
market), now occupying 83 percent of corner stores in
Bangladesh. Sobuj says his stores rarely offer any promotions. 9
10. Look who’s talking …
COLOMBO
Barnes Corner is a local grocery shop located in Another fast-moving brand is Elephant House Twist ice
Colombo. It has been open since 1991. Over the years, it cream, which offers flavors “twisted together” --
has increased its products from basic household items vanilla with mango, chocolate or orange. The novelty
to a host of almost every possible FMCG product of enjoying their favorite flavors combine together in a
needed by families. The store has a steady flow of both single scoop of ice cream is driving demand from
loyal and new customers throughout the day. consumers, especially children. Elephant House
Housewives from the neighborhood visit in the morning. Wonderbites is another new brand that is doing well.
During the day until late afternoon, items such as rice, Wonderbites are bit-sized cubes filled with vanilla ice
flour and vegetables are in high demand. During cream covered with a chocolate outside, which makes
lunchtime, the store sells “baath packet,” which is it easy for instant consumption.
cooked rice and curry, to customers working at nearby
offices. When school ends, children and their mothers While brand promotions are a common phenomenon,
come in to purchase soft drinks and frozen dairy Barnes Corner has not resorted to offering any special
products. deals to their customers to boost sales. The owner says
their largest customer base are those who have been
Recently, dengue has been a concern in Sri Lanka as loyal to them for a long time. The store always
numerous people on the island were reportedly responds to special requests from customers to stock
infected with the disease and hospitalized. Mosquitoes specific brands. Even if the brands are not the most
are the primary carrier of the disease. As a result, a popular, the storekeeper says he knows they will sell.
brand called Mortein mosquito repellant has been There are more stores opening up nearby; however
popular. The shop owner says customers prefer the Barnes Corner says they are not concerned because
vaporizer over mosquito coils since it is a smoke-free they have never had to work hard to attract and retain
10
product and more convenient. their loyal shoppers.
11. Look who’s talking …
BANGKOK
Ananda Supakrit’s family has been
running a local convenience store on
Bangkok’s busy Chan Road for more than
50 years. have established for 50 years
ago. “As a family business, we are much
more passionate about traditional
trading, which can lead to the
sustainable relationships in Thai society,”
he tells us. In the morning, the store is
packed with office-goers. For a typical
snack, they buy a small carton of soy
milk or juice, a packet of shredded pork
with salad cream sandwich or a packet
of dried seaweed or squid.
Drinks are the hottest selling item. The
weather in Bangkok is hot and humid –
and Ananda sells bottled water, Coke,
Pepsi, Singha beer, green tea and Thai
lemonade. Mama noodles are popular
and a good deal for a quick lunch. In the
evening, many youngsters pick up frozen
dinner, typically Thai, dim sum, or bread
stuffed with red bean or custard. For
the equivalent of 35 cents, you can buy a
box of noodles – add hot water from a
dispenser in the store, rip open the pack
of chillies and spices, and you’ve got a
meal!
Borrowing an idea from the 7-Eleven
stores, Ananda offers his customers
loyalty cards. Every time you make a
purchase, he stamps it, and when the
card is full, they can get something for
free, or a discount on future purchases.
Some of his customers donate their
stamped cards to one of the Buddhist
temples nearby, so that the monks may
buy anything they need.
Charity, customer loyalty and business
do go hand-in-hand in 11
Thailand!
12. Look who’s talking …
TOKYO
MANILA
In July 2001, Lawson Inc. began a new convenience store chain Aling Ging has been operating her ‘sari-sari’
called Natural Lawson that emphasizes health, beauty and a store for more than 20 years, and it has
comfortable lifestyle as key messaging to reach consumers. become a go-to store for her neighbors.
Their target demographic is women in their twenties and Even when new sari-sari stores pop up on
thirties. Natural Lawson uses the appeal of both quality every street of the village, she is confident
products and a modern atmosphere to create a convenience that she will survive because she has learned
store that targets a tough, female niche market. All products to keep a good relationship with her
are advertised as having no artificial additives or preservatives. customers, which she calls “suki” (loyal
Particular touches such as organic wine, aroma oil and skincare customer). Aling Ging is very hands-on in
products cater perfectly to a consumer base of young, running the store because she relies on the
metropolitan women. Many stores also have bakeries called earning from the store to cover for many of
“LOHAS Kitchens” and in-store cafe seating as well as dim the household expenses. She takes pride in
lighting and isles wide enough for strollers and wheel chairs. having sent her daughter to vocational school
with her earnings from the store and her
Lawson has also started a new dessert line called “Uchi Cafe husband’s modest income over the years. In
Sweets” that have been a big hit. “Uchi cafe” means “Home the 20 years that she has been in the
Cafe” and refers to the type of desserts shoppers can buy at business, she has experienced the rise and
convenience stores and enjoy at home. The dessert line has invasion of sachets in her store as she
been expanded due to its popularity. There are now over 30 observed her customers trying to extend
types of desserts along with a premium line. The desserts are their moneys harder and harder. She also
popular among both young men and women. A Cross observed how the price cap of customer
Marketing survey revealed that 44.7 percent of people buy a spending went lower over the years. With
bottle of tea at a convenience store and 43.9 percent buy the difficult economic times, even she started
desserts. There is obviously a need for a little treat after work to augment her grocery selling by also
or school! offering snack items such as banana-cue and
12
other native desserts.
13. Look who’s talking …
TAIPEI
This convenience store in Taipei was opened by Wang’s father
over 60 years ago. Things are not easy. The store is located in a
quiet neighborhood yet faces fiercer and fiercer competition
from other stores opening around the city. Those stores are
more modern, with bright lights and a wider variety of
products. Wang says he is lucky that he does not need to pay
rent and has no mortgage on his house and shop otherwise he
might be in real trouble as profits have been steadily declining.
Wang says most of his clientele are older residents living in the
area. Younger parents tend to drive further away to
supermarkets. Wang helps deliver goods to the elderly who
have a hard time coming to his store. Blue collar workers who
are unaccustomed to going to more modern markets aimed at
the middle class also frequent Wang’s shop. They come in
wearing tank tops and flip flops. “Maybe it is because what I
wear is just like them,” Wang said.
Wine and cigarettes are also cheaper here compared to chain
convenience stores and supermarkets. For Wang, the
government has thankfully not established any policy to create
a uniform price. Except for wine and cigarettes, Wang says he
does not like to sell new brands. His old clients are set in their
ways and like to buy products they know. “They can barely
change their taste, so it is common for new products to turn
into over-stocked goods,” he said.
Since he knows his neighborhood well, Wang finds opportunity
in selling some seasonal products, such as glutinous rice balls
during Lantern Festival, gold paper and incense during Chinese
New Year, and barbecue utensils for Moon Festival.
TAN BINH
Tap is the owner of a local convenience store in Tan Binh district in
Vietnam. His store has been around for quite some time hence his
regular clients are the people who live in the same neighborhood that
want to support his business. Tap was particularly excited to talk
about the different products that were the best sellers at his store.
“Since there are a lot of kids in this neighborhood, snacks and candies
are probably the two most popular items at my store. Kids tend to
buy brands that have been around for quite some time such as Thai
Shrimps, or Crab. Some newer brands such as Cheetos and Lay’s are
doing quite well too, and I really see an upward trend in their sales. I
think the reason is because these new brands are willing to pay for
advertising to promote their products where as those “traditional”
13
brands – Thai Shrimps and Crab – rely on word-of-mouth for sales.”
14. Look who’s talking …
You get to meet all kinds of people in Shankar’s shop.
MUMBAI
Kids, housewives, elderly people, and even household
help from the nearby housing societies come and buy
their emergency requirements from the shop. “Pant
27-year-old Shankar Patel defies the image we have in our
pehen ne wali bhi aati hai; ghaghra-wali bhi aati hai [We
minds of an average owner of a provision store. And he also
have women buyers wearing western clothing, as well as
defies the image of the marketing-savvy, new-age shopkeeper
those wearing traditional dresses stepping in to our
that we would expect as first-time entrepreneurs. However,
shop],” he says. The shop is open 6 days in a week.
after a short chat with him, things start to make sense. In India,
“Sometimes we do not feel like working, so we down the
most businesses can be closely linked to communities. The
shutters for a day”, he smiles sheepishly. The 250-square-
famous dabbawalas (tiffin carriers) in Mumbai are all from the
feet shop is unbelievably loaded with groceries and food
same community hailing from in and around a specific village in
products of all kinds – from packaged meals, to fresh
Maharasthra. The same is true for diamond traders and
bread and milk in polythene bags, to grains and cereals
labourers. General and Provision stores are no different either –
stocked in open and sold in loose packs. Part of the small
they are largely owned by members of the Marwari community,
space outside the shop is given to a vegetable vendor.
and operated by family members and relatives. After studying
Ask him on the number of products he stocks, and very
till the 10th grade, Shankar started out as a helper in a general nonchalantly, he shrugs his shoulders and says that he
store in suburban Mumbai. About 3 years ago, he gathered doesn’t know. He only re-stocks what he sells, and that
enough courage (and support from his employer), to start his too is taken care of by the weekly trips of salesmen from
own provision shop, ‘Shree Dhanlaxmi Stores’. 14
different companies.
15. Look who’s talking …
So how much money does he make? Daily sales clock about Any new products that got him excited? For the focus he has
INR 15,000 ($300) and he gets a margin of about 8-10% on on business, this too had to be something that helped him
that. “The new, big stores (referring to the modern retail earn more. A chocolate cream biscuit brand launched in the
stores) have halved my business”, he says. “[Customers] go premium segment, and having a high turnover is what he
in their cars and buy in bulk from there, and come to me for recalls first. Next is a heat-and-eat packaged meals brand that
smaller purchases.” The biggest impact to him is on the high- added more dishes to its range, and has been getting buyers
margin food grains and provisions that he sells in loose without much effort. With the high number of customers
packs. These items are now bought in packaged form, and at steeping into his shop, Shankar doesn’t have much time to
discounted rates from the stores. convince them to change their preferences. He picks his
opportunities well, and just says “Achcha hai, le lo (take it, it’s
To boost his sales further, Shankar has started offering free good!)” with great conviction, to make people change their
home delivery to customers living nearby. It doesn’t incur brand. He does not go into details, and doesn’t seem to care
any extra cost to him, but make it a bit convenient for his to know much too. Companies, brands, variants and the top
customers, he reasons. Unfortunately for him, this service features is all he can manage to remember. So what keeps
now has become part of base expectations, since every shop him and his shop going? One would get the same brands in a
in the area offers the same benefit. From earnings of about departmental store at probably better discounts, and from
INR 40,000 ($800) per month, Shankar’s big expenses are the salespeople probably more informed than him. Around this
shop’s rent, salaries for his 3 helpers and the electricity. His 3 same time, a housewife enters the shop, picks something up
helpers are his roommates too, so his monthly rent for the and asks for clearing up past dues. This is when we see him
flat is an added expense he has to bear. A part of the open his notebook of “accounts” maintained for regular
remainder goes to his family living in the village. customers, and we realize the importance of personalized
short-term credit he offers to his customers.What does he do
What gets him interested? Not much, it seems, except for with the savings? “I plough it back,” he says. No indulgent
retailer schemes. ‘Everest’, a maker of spices, recently ran a spending on self? “Nothing”, he says, a bit embarrassed. And
scheme for retailers, where they got scratch cards and may adds matter-of-factly, “I don’t make that much money.”
get win prizes from a draw of lottery. It made him order a full
carton rather than only a few packs. Similar promotional “Surely he is being modest”, I think, looking at the heaps of
schemes for end consumers that help him sell a premium products all around me, and immediately realize that he
product in more quantities are his favorite. A detergent might have said the truth. For a shopkeeper who earns that
brand gave away liquid hand-wash and toothpastes free with kind of money, he doesn’t have a cell-phone. Yes, he does a
its variants for washing machines, while a juice brand gave landline connection and an intercom for the society where
smaller SKUs free with its large packs. the shop is, but for the purpose of business. No personal
indulgences. 15
.
17. Knowing me, Knowing you
DORA, 9
Dora is the “Little Princess” in her family. Not only because she
looks like a little princess by wearing the new Barbie dress that her
mom just bought for her, but also because the amount of freedom
that she is allowed to have at home. The wall of her bedroom is
covered by Dora’s cute paintings of animals, people and trees. Her
mother smiled and said: “We can paint the wall again but we can’t
kill child’s creativity. I want her to be happy in her childhood with
the freedom to do things she enjoys to do.”
Dora is 9 and lives in Beijing. Her parents are both working for
foreign companies, and they are occupied with work most of the
time. In order to better take care of Dora, her grandparents live
with them in the same house. They pick up Dora from school
everyday and prepare dinner for her. Monday to Friday Dora has
regular classes from 8am to 3:30pm. Every Tuesday afternoon, she
goes to English supplementary classes until 5pm, and every
Thursday afternoon, she has painting lessons. Dora’s mom
explained that she and her husband want Dora to explore and
develop some interests when she is young but meanwhile they
don’t want Dora’s time to be filled with extra lessons. They think
having a balance between learning and playing is one of the most
important things for a child.
At home, Dora’s favorite activities are watching
animation, painting and playing with her dad’s iPad.
Her favorite stars are not normal people. They are
animated characters such as Pleasant Goat from
“Pleasant Sheep and Big Big Wolf” and Dora from
“Dora the Explorer.” Dora’s mom indicated that she
obviously prefers clothing and stationeries with
graphics of animation characters that she likes.
“Pleasant Sheep is very beautiful and good at a lots of
things. For example, putting on make up, cooking and
nursing; Dora always goes to new places, she is so
brave. My English name is Dora as well,” Dora told us
proudly. After finishing her homework, Dora
sometimes plays with her dad’s iPad. She likes visiting
Tencent Children and Beva.com for mini games and
Sohu Comic for animation videos.
18. Knowing me, Knowing you
On weekends, Dora’s favorite activity is spending time with her friends at Beyou World (www.beyou.cn), the
biggest children’s indoor profession-experiencing entertaining center in Beijing. The center was tailor-made
based on the physiological and psychological characteristics of Chinese children. Meanwhile, Beyou World also
cooperates with many international and local brands to build a more realistic simulated city for children such
as Coca Cola, Air China and Mengniu. Inside the 10,000-square-meters play space, there are blue skies,
streets, houses and gardens. There are also facilities including hospitals, air plane, TV station and firehouse
where kids can adopt careers as doctors, pilots, cameramen and firefighters. The money that the children earn
can be also used at the restaurants and theaters or can be stored in the bank where it will earn interest.
Dora’s favorite roles at the park are flight attendants and nurses. She can spend a whole day in the center
until her parents ask her to go home. Dora’s parents also take her to parks during weekends where she can do
exercises with her dad such as roller skating and riding bikes. “It is important to let the kid be close to nature
and do some exercise; it is also a good way for us to interact with her,” Dora’s mother said.
Although Dora is only 9 years old, she has been aware of brands through TV advertising, parents and
classmates. However, the main reason for her to choose one brand over another one is purely based on
animated characters that she is familiar with. Dora’s favorite brands are Disney, Barbie, and Pleasant Goat and
Big Big Wolf. “She watched a lot of Disney cartoons and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf; she is attracted to the
main animated characters through the stories behind. Her dad and I also took her to the Disneyland in Hong
Kong and Barbie flagship store in Shanghai. By visiting those places, her connection with those brands is
becoming stronger, because she had so much fun playing with the animated characters in real life,” Dora’s
mom explained.
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19. Knowing me, Knowing you
KIEW YING TI, 12
This is Kiew Ying Ti, a gregarious 12- year-old Malaysian girl who
has just entered her first year of high school. A cheerful girl by
nature, she prepares for the day ahead by reminding herself
every morning that “today is going to be an awesome day.”
She describes her weekdays as “crazy” – her day is chock-a-
block full with classes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., after which she
attends Choral Speaking practices, Lidra (Literature) Club
sessions and her Christian Fellowship gatherings. Her homework
adds to her stressful and busy days as she has trouble
understanding subjects like math. The weekends are her
downtime and she uses this time to watch TV, Facebook, and
laze around her house with family. She also plays badminton
because she enjoys it and because , she says, “it’ll help me to
grow taller.”
An avid writer and public speaker, her penchant for storytelling
has led her to put up videos of herself and her friends on
Youtube (watch her videos at http://bit.ly/AEGlh9). Her videos
are mostly of herself and her friends, with content ranging from
her singing Lady Antebellum songs to spoofing chocolate
commercials. She also learns how to play the piano using
Youtube tutorials, reads manga on MangaFox, discovers and
contributes stories to Wattpat and is also an avid follower of
NigaHiga’s channel on Youtube. Her favorite singers are Adele
and Taylor Swift.
She always has fun where ever she goes and attributes her
happiness to being able to be herself around her friends.
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11
20. Knowing me, Knowing you
DIO CHEWEI, 13
On a typical school day, Dio wakes up at 6:30 in the morning.
He showers and has breakfast with his mother. “I eat what
my mom prepares for me. It can be bread, porridge, cereal or
noodles,” he said. Dio then goes to school at Global
Nusantara, a national school in Jakarta, where he has to
complete both the Cambridge exam and National exam to
graduate from primary school.
He has lunch as school and goes home around 2:30 pm. His
busy day does not end then. He will then attend a mandatory
extra class to prepare for the upcoming National exams.
By 3:30, Dio goes home where more tutors are waiting to
teach him English and science (Monday, Wednesday and
Friday) Bahasa Indonesia (Monday and Wednesday) and
Chinese (Tuesday and Thursday). By around 6:30 pm he is
free. Dio then has dinner with his family and then spends the
evening watching Supa Stikas on the Disney Channel. Supa
Stikas is a show about soccer.
Dio loves soccer and basketball. He spends time browsing
NBA.com, looking at matches, teams and players. “My favorite
team is the Celtics, but there is this new great player named
Jeremy Lin. He plays for he New York Knicks,” Dio said. Nike is
Dio’s favorite brand. He is also curious about history,
particularly World War II. “I don’t know why,” he said.
He searches for whatever he has heard from his friends or
teachers on Google and also has Facebook where he plays
Tetris or responds to people’s comments. Since he is so young,
he had to make up a profile on Facebook, which requires
members are a certain age before they join.
By 10 at night, he goes to sleep. On weekends, Dio will play
either soccer or basketball with is friends. 20
21. Knowing me, Knowing you
URIM EOM, 8
Urim Eom studies in the third grade. Outside of normal
schooling, she has extra classes at a private education institute
and also at home with an English tutor. She already is preparing
for the Korean college entrance exam.
Going to school is the toughest thing for Urim. She says she
wishes she could lie in bed and be lazy, but her mother scolds
her to get up and get going. She is also nervous about meeting
new teachers. Sundays are her favorite days when she can play
with friends and not worry about studying. “Maybe this is my
happiest moment,” she said.
“My mom always manages my schedule with a strict daily
timetable. She always checks when to go to school and when to
go to private institutes. She never stops nagging. Satisfying all
of her demands is the toughest,” Urim said. “Those are the
challenges in my life.”
Urim said she wishes she could be free from the pressures of
school; but that she is also worried about falling behind.
When she has time to browse the Internet, Urim visits NAVER
Junior (www.jr.naver.com) or Yahoo Kids (kr.kids.yahoo.com)
where she plays games. Her mother does not allow her to visit
other websites.
Her favorite brands are Nike sneakers and any other sports
brand. “I think Nike looks hip,” she said. Urim’s favorite star is
IU, a popular singer.
When she has time, Urim practices inline skating, a sport she
recently became interested in learning. 21
22. Knowing me, Knowing you
SORUSHAEN, 8
Then, he has time to watch TV. His favorite channels
are Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Disney TV. At
Sorushaen is 8. He attends Asian International School,
10, he goes to sleep.
which is one of the best international schools in Sri
Lanka and attended by children from rich families. He
Sorushaen is very happy when his father buys him
world revolves around school, studying, sports, games
toys. “This year for my birthday, Appa (what he calls
and expensive toys, like iPhones. His day starts at 5:30
his father) is buying me an iPhone 4!,” he said. He also
in the morning when he gets ready for school by
collects battle guard cards as a hobby and enjoys
himself and is off to class by 6:30. Before school starts,
eating chocolates. Toblerone is one of his favorite
he hangs out with his friends. He also eats breakfast
chocolate brands. He visits the websites of Cartoon
there, enjoying food his mom makes him such as
Network, Disney, Moshi Monsters and Penguin Club.
“Bombay toast” or Kiribath with spicy chicken or fish
He also plays online games and says he learns new
curry and chili relish. Aside from swimming and
things when he visits websites, he says. His favorite
athletics, Sorushaen studies 12 subjects. Each day has
sports are swimming as well as badminton and karate.
eight class periods that are 45 minutes long. During
“I am a small guy, but bit people know I can bring them
breaks, he plays with friends, making paper rockets for
down in one strike thanks to karate,” he said.
fun. After school ends around 1 in the afternoon, he
Sorushaen loves to break toys and put them back
practices sports. Usually his mom picks him up around
together again. He likes to create small sculptures and
5 o’clock.
plants also interest him a lot. He says Nestle is one of
his favorite brands because of their delicious
Once Sorushaen is back home, he has a mini lunch.
chocolates. .
Then he takes a bath and starts his homework. Dinner
is served at 8:30.
22
23. Knowing me, Knowing you
His daily routine …
JOJO, 10 Jojo’s day is consumed by studying for over 10 hours both at school
(Bangkok Christian College) and at home.
4 p.m.
He has more leisure time during
weekends when he enjoys cycling,
gaming, cartoons and movies.
What makes him happy?
Additional
Playing computer game i.e. learning/tutorial subjects
Halo, Sewer Run (skateboard) are math for 2 hours,
Playing game application on guitar for 2 hours, and
iPod i.e. Infinity Blade. finishing weekend
homework.
What makes him anxious?
Most of the things that make him anxious are school-related. He loves to go to
school but there is anxiety when…
• There are lazy friends in group study/assignment. Most of them always keep
saying without doing which makes the work turn out bad or late.
• Bully friends that keep taunting and teasing.
Star he loves …
• Too much homework. Brands he loves…
Websites he goes to…
Bird Thongchai McIntyre
Singer, Entertainer
Sports he plays…
• Y8.com or Y3.com, actually there is up to Y100+ but he likes
Y8 and Y3. He enjoys cartoon fighting as 2 players, in the mean
time, he can tease his friend/companion by shooting laser gun
• YouTube, in order to study games i.e. Halo, animator vs.
animation Swimming – fun, not aggressive like other
• Madoocartoon.com (meaning come-to-see cartoon), the 23
sports. I have to study football, taekwondo
favorites are Doraemon, Mask Rider, Avatar which are fun but can hurt each other.
24. Knowing me, Knowing you
HIROTO, 11
Hiroto is an elementary school student in Yokohama city in Kanagawa
prefecture. He goes to school by 8:10 in the morning and finishes
around 3 in the afternoon. He goes to another school twice a week to
study to pass the entrance exam for private junior high school next
year. He is most happy when he is playing football on the weekends.
Hiroto is a big fan of Maya Yoshida, one of the players of Japan’s
national football league. A manga called “One Piece,” is his favorite. He
has collected nearly all the books in the series.
Hiroto has his own mobile phone. The mobile has restrictions that bar
him from accessing online gaming sites so he often uses his home
computer to surf the web. His favorite websites are Nico Nico Doga
(Japanese YouTube + Ustream site http://www.nicovideo.ip).
TRUNG NGUYEN,12
Trung Nguyen studies in the sixth grade in Ho Chin Minh city. Since
he attends afternoon school, Nguyen spends most of his morning
doing homework or taking on extra classes.
After school, Nguyen plays soccer with his friends. It’s his way to
make new friends and to stay active. Nguyen enjoys surfing the
web as well. His most visited websites are bongda.com.vn or
bongda24h.vn – to keep up with all the soccer news, and
kenh14.com or yeah1.com – for all the teens news. “My favorite
soccer star is Cristiano Ronaldo,” he says.
Nguyen finds lots of enjoyment in simple things. For example, you
can easily spot him smiling ear to ear when he eats his favorite
snack – Poca (potato chips), or when he drinks Sting with
Strawberry flavor. Yet, he gets really anxious when he has to show
his parents his report card or a test that he didn’t24 well on.
do
25. Knowing me, Knowing you
JOEY, 9
Joey, a resident of Taipei, has been in
elementary school for about two years, and
her schedule is quite routine. She wakes up at
7:00, goes to school at 8:00, and has piano
class twice week or she goes to the Children's
Care Center three times a week before her
mom gets off work.
“I like to play piano, but also I like to have
more time to stay at home,” she said.
Also Joey enjoys school life, not only because
she has fun with her classmates, but she also
likes learning. She doesn’t see school as a
burden; she finds it an interesting activity.
She especially likes classes such as foreign language where she can express her feelings. She says she likes math
because it is practical and science because it gives her knowledge about the world. One thing she does not like
is physical education: “I am scared I may get hurt or fall if I play dodge ball or run in a relay race,” she said.
Some say that this generation needs more time to deal with failure because most kids are the only child in their
family, so it is common for their parents to say “no” and force them into doing things the kids don’t want to do.
Joey’s mom lets her play online games in her leisure time, Joey says: “I like to play Popkart (a race game) with
my classmates, and we usually chat on Facebook”.
But the thing that makes her the happiest is when she can eat MOS Burger and talk to her father who only
comes home on the weekends. Sometimes her father cannot say no, so Joey has too many toys and Hello Kitty
products. Joey’s mom says; “We even had to prepare a room just for Hello Kitty.”
ARRCHI SHAH, 12 AND ARYAN JAIN, 9
Living in the same city - Mumbai, Archi Shah and Aryan Jain couldn’t be more different. Archi, 12, comes from a
conservative Gujarati joint family, while Aryan, 9, comes from a more westernized, nuclear family.
Archi’s father, who owns and operates his jewelry shop at the city centre, is the primary earning member in the
family. And her mother is a homemaker. In sharp contrast, Aryan’s father works in alternative shifts as he
manages his team of executives at a technology BPO, to handle service requests coming in from European
clients. Aryan’s mother tries to keep herself busy by organizing cultural events held in their housing society. Archi
goes to a nearby school affiliated to the state education board, while Aryan studies at what is a larger chain of
schools, and is affiliated to the IB curriculum. Archi is very introverted and doesn’t like mingling a lot. She even
refused to share a photograph of hers with me. On the other hand, Aryan was very excited to give me his
photograph, and searched for a while through his father’s Facebook albums before choosing this image.
25
26. Knowing me, Knowing you
However, this is where the differences end, and the similarities pop up. Both Archi and Aryan start their days early
in the morning, go to their schools and come back by lunch time, spend the afternoon doing their homework, and
play for some time in the evening. On weekends, they are up late in the morning, study for an extra hour compared
to the weekdays, and have fun for the remaining part of the day.
Both are good at outdoor games. Aryan loves playing badminton and football, and Angry Birds on the PC. Archi
plays volleyball at school. Since she doesn’t have girls of the same age group residing in and around her society, she
spends her time at home reading books and drawing. Their parents aren’t over-obsessed with studies and exams,
so both Aryan and Archi get multiple opportunities to explore their interests. Aryan recently joined skating classes,
while Archi has completed a course in dance.
What makes them happy? One would expect kids of this age group to be happiest with and among their peers.
However, quite unexpectedly, it is their personal activities and the time they spend with their parents that they
look forward to, the most. Aryan loves playing computer games with his dad, and also wants to be around when his
father plays badminton with his friends on weekends. For Archi, the time she spends every evening with her father,
and the outings with her parents on weekends are the most joyous moments for her.
Are they exposed to the Internet, yet? Yes, but in very limited ways. Aryan surfs the net primarily to access his
account, and updates from his school on the website www.myschool.in.com, and when his father is around, plays
games on a gaming website. Interestingly, he isn’t able to recall the name of the gaming website, when asked. He
doesn’t have a Facebook account. Archi’s surfing is mainly for Google search. Sometimes, she accesses her
Facebook account too. She doesn’t share much on it, though, and she hasn’t yet posted a photograph of hers on it.
So which medium influences them? Mainly TV channels. Aryan loves watching Ben 10, Chhota Bheem, and other
cartoon series on Pogo and Cartoon Network, while Archi loves watching movies and sports. Actor Shah Rukh Khan
and badminton player Saina Nehwal are stars she adores. Primarily though, it is the peer group that influences
them. Aryan is of a competitive mindset, so the need to be better than his friends is very high on his list, while for
Archi it would be the friends she makes at school, on the volleyball court, and in the dance classes, from whom she
will learn and adopt various behaviors and brands.
26
27. Knowing me, Knowing you
TANZILA, 8
Little Miss Tanzila Tabassum Kabir lives in Dhaka. She has
a pretty good routine for her daily life. Her morning starts
at 7am when she wakes up. Then she goes to school and
her school ends at 1pm. Then she comes home, takes A
shower and then starts watching TV. Her favorite TV
show is a cartoon called Doremon. She also watches
cooking shows with her elder sister on TLC,. She has her
lunch at 2pm. That is followed by a short nap. When she
wakes up she has to play her Barbie dolls. After that she
goes to tuition for 1.5 hours.
She gets ecstatic when she gets pretty dresses and toys;
good marks at exams and “When my mother loves me
more than my elder sister”, her exact words.
She gets anxious about when she gets scolded by her
teachers at school, her friends stop talking to her for any
reason. She gets mad when someone ruins her dolls.
She visits many websites. Mostly games websites such as
bonniegames.com, didigames.com, barbiegames.com,
rainbowgames.com and girlsgames.com etc.
She loves Johnson & Johnson, Follow Me, Bubble Gum
and Cadbury chocolates.
Her favorite stars are Hannah Montana, Selina Gomez
and Lady GaGa.
She plays basket ball pretty well considering her age and
height. She also skates for fun.ca
27
29. Playing on my iPod*
CHINA INDONESIA
Wanting Kesepian
You Exist In My Song Vierra
http://www.youtube.com/watch
http://v.youku.com/v_show/ ?v=UAw7rnNJvLM
id_XMzMzMzcwNjc2.html
Mayday
Starry Night SINGAPORE
http://v.youku.com/v_show/i
d_XMzUwNDQ3MzI4.html One Thing
One Direction
http://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=Y1xs_xPb46
Soda Green M&ob=av2e
Love on Credit
Bubble Pop
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzMzMjU4NDY4.html
Hyuna
MALAYSIA http://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=bw9CALKOvAI
Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
We Found Love
SRI LANKA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg00YEETFzg&ob=av3e
A Hetha
6ixth Sense feat. Saujana
Iraj & Delon, Feat.
Penerang Hati Shani
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v http://www.elakiri.com/forum/downloads.
=JBU56r9jjpc php?do=file&id=1524
30. Playing on my iPod*
JAPAN
VIETNAM
Gui Ngan Loi Yeu
Tuan Hung
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Tsukema tsukeru http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Gui-
Ngan-Loi-Yeu-Tuan-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy4cvRx7Vc Hung/ZWZAEW97.html
http://kyary.asobisystem.com/?page_id=7
TAIWAN
International Love
Pitbull featuring Chris Brown
http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/International-Love-Pitbull-ft-Chris-
Brown/ZWZCZ7C6.html
Cheers
Mayday
BANGLADESH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy4cvRx7V
c
Lamb of God
http://kyary.asobisystem.com/?page_id=7 Ghost Walking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o
-hn32fyic4
THE PHILIPPINES
Adele
Someone Like You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLQl3WQ
QoQ0
32. Rage against
CHINA
On February 1, 2012, there was a full-page Hong Kong
newspaper advertisement decrying Chinese Mainland
visitors as “locusts” who invade Hong Kong and drain
its resources. The text asks: “Are you willing for Hong
Kong to spend one million Hong Kong dollars every 18
minutes to raise the children born to Mainland
parents? Hong Kong people, we have endured enough
in silence.” The ad, picturing a giant locust perched
atop a mountain overlooking Hong Kong, invoked the
locally-coined locust label used to describe
Mainlanders, reflecting a concern among some
residents in Hong Kong that Mainland Chinese are
"taking over" the city. The advertisement was
published in Hong Kong's widely-read Apple Daily by
an anonymous group of internet users who raised
more than US$12,000 advertising fee within a week.
There are many reasons that tensions between Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors have ratcheted up. A
surge in the number of pregnant Chinese women crossing into Hong Kong to give birth has put a growing burden
on the resources of local hospitals. According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the number of
live births in Hong Kong by mainland mothers went from 26,838 in 2006 to 40,875 in 2010 - a 52% increase. In
Hong Kong, Mainland visitors are also known for spitting and littering, which does not meet the manners and
etiquette standards set by the local Hong Kong residents. The advertisement has generated huge public anger in
Mainland China. Netizens are criticizing Hong Kongers by only seeing mainland visitors draining resources but
ignoring the contribution that Mainland shoppers have made to Hong Kong’s economy. On Sina Weibo, China’s
largest micro-blogging website, neitizens are expressing their anger towards the ad: “How dare Hong Kong
people say we are locusts. No one should go to Hong Kong and shop in the future!”
MALAYSIA
The latest issue that has caused Malaysian netizens
to erupt in rage comes in the form of seemingly
“racist” golf membership rates at one of the
country’s most prestigious golf clubs, Kelab Golf
Negara Subang (Subang National Golf Club). A
photograph of the golf club’s official newsletter,
circulated around Facebook, clearly depicts golf
memberships being sold at disparate prices
according to race.
This led to an outcry among Facebook users with reactions ranging from disappointment to disgust. According to
the golf club’s spokesperson, however, these membership rates are merely indicative of the club’s racial quotas
to ensure a good mix of races among its members, rather than a discriminatory practice. However, in a country
where race remains a sensitive issue that permeates many aspects of life, Malaysians viewed this disparity in
pricing as a blatant attempt at racial discrimination.
33. INDONESIA
Rage against
There has been a recent spike in accidents in Indonesia largely caused
by more people driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
A woman named Apriani, 29, was driving her car after a night of drug
use. She hit 12 pedestrians, killing nine. Two were children and three
were a family who had come to Jakarta to see relatives.
The families of the victims were outraged when Apriani was sentenced
to prison for 15 years for killing nine people, arguing she should have
received life in jail. “Don’t let the easy be too easy. He was my only Source:
child. My friends and I are protesting because the sentence is too light. http://www.suarapembaruan.com/home/sop
The minimum should be life in prison,” said the father of one of the ir-maut-apriani-jalani-tes-darah-di-bnn/16388
victims.
Not long after the Apriani tragedy, police caught two Lion Air pilots using drugs. Their license was taken away.
Many people became worried about using the airline after the incident and were angered the pilots were sent
to a rehab center rather than prison. “I cannot imagine flying on Lion Air with a pilot high on drugs. Thank God I
am safe so far,” a mother commented as she heard the news.
There is a public sentiment that the government is not handling drug use with tough enough action. People
have the impression that the lives of the victims were not important to lawmakers and that lawmakers do not
33
really care that more lives could be at risk. This does not give a sense of justice in the hearts of Indonesians.
34. Rage against
SRI LANKA
Protests by the public transport and fisheries sectors over a
fuel price hike crippled Sri Lanka a couple of weeks ago.
Private bus operators went on strike saying the increase in
the price of diesel would mean their expenses will go up.
Thousands of passengers rushing to work were left stranded
without adequate buses. The Sri Lankan government
announced a sudden fuel price hike on Saturday saying it
was in line with the world market prices. A majority of
passenger buses operating in Sri Lanka are owned by the
private sector and said private bus operators will not put
their buses on the streets till the government gives them
some sort of concession.
Fishermen in north western Sri Lanka also refused to go out
to fish yesterday morning as the fuel price hike affected
their operations as well. Hundreds of fishermen staged a
demonstration on the streets of Kalpitiya and Negambo
demanding the government to reconsider the fuel price
hike.
Meanwhile school van drivers said they will be forced to
increase the van fees for school children as a result of the
fuel price hike. School van operators were expected to hold
discussions with the Sri Lankan government transport
PHILIPPINES authorities on Monday over the issue
The end of the prosecution of Chief Justice Renato Corona,
the Philippines judicial leader suspected of tax evasion and
preferential treatment of cases related to former president
Gloria Arroyo, has almost come. Corona’s bank accounts
and assets and liabilities make it apparent that there is great
discrepancy between stated and actual assets worth
millions of dollars. People are enraged by the blatant
deception and angry that there is a possibility for his
acquittal given that senior judges responsible for the verdict
may have erroneous records and therefore may not want a 34
thorough examination of their own conduct.
35. Rage against
THAILAND
Recently, Block B, which is a famous Korean band, had an interview on a
television program broadcast in Thailand. While the interview was going on,
Block B showed a careless attitude during the questions, The members played
and goofed around, and even lay down on a table during the interview.
The situation got worse when the interviewer asked their thoughts
related to the recent floods in Thailand. Band member and leader
Zico said, "I know about it. I was pretending I didn't, but I do." Then,
they said, "We wish Thai people would recover the damage in their
hearts through financial donations, and all we have is money" while
another member claimed, "How about 7000 won?" (6.00 USD). After
that, they all laughed.
The controversy surrounding their comments stems from the fact
that members were actually making too much fun of the situation by
saying that they could only help with $6. They were being
disrespectful and rude about the situation by pretending they didn't
know anything. Therefore, these comments made Thailand people
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pZvHq-j_9E
upset and offended.
Block B’s actions outraged two members of parliament who
expressed their feelings on the situation. One, Nickhun, said on
his Twitter account: “As a Thai person, I feel offeded by those
who speak about the Thailand floods without thinking.” Fans also
expressed their feelings towards the situation, calling Zico’s
attitude “irresponsible.” The fan said, “They forgot to act in an
interview,” and “where is their professionalism?” The incident has
definitely raised questions about Block B’s ability to handle or be
involved in controversies. The band later apologized for their
actions.
VIETNAM
There’s anger in Vietnam towards pork suppliers who feed their pigs banned
and hazardous chemicals so that those pigs can produce extra lean meat
around their shoulders and buttock. The chemicals are so toxic that when
feeding them to the pigs, these suppliers have to wear rubber gloves and
masks to prevent intoxication.
Those pigs, if not sold within the 2 week time since the first time of consuming
these chemicals, will automatically develop bone brittleness. Their legs will
break easily and their body will have lesions that ooze fluid. Since Vietnamese
consume lots of pork, it is no wonder why this is becoming one of the top
issues in the news. 35
36. Rage against BANGLADESH
JAPAN
Bangladesh recently witnessed a gruesome killing of a
journalist family. The motive of the killings is unknown.
The Okinawa prefecture and the Japanese government They were stabbed to death. Police officer Imam
have been at odds over a U.S. military base in the Hossain said authorities are investigating the killings of
prefecture for quite some time. In Feburary, Japanese Sagar Sarwar and his wife, Mehrun Runi. Sarwar was
Prime Ministry Noda visited Okinawa to talk about news editor of private TV station Maasranga and Runi
how to relocate the base elsewhere. The government worked as a reporter at another private television,
would like to move it somewhere else in the ATN Bangla. Both were in their late 30s..
prefecture; yet Okinawa wants it to be relocated
somewhere else. There are plans to talk with local People are very angry about it. It seems that anyone
officials and brief them on discussions with the U.S. can walk into a house whenever they want and kill
regarding to adjustments to American military bases in someone at any time. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
the country. Noda is expected to reiterate the new has offered condolences to the family and ordered
policies discussed by Japan and the U.S. and how they police to find the killers. The couple had a 5 year old
will deal with the military presence in Okinawa. Tokyo son.
and Washington have revamped the 2006 bilateral
agreement; delinking the Futenma relocation from the
transfer of U.S. marines from Okinawa to Guam and
the return of lands to Japan. When Noda arrived in
Okinawa, there were many citizens protesting the
government’s policies.
TAIWAN
Taiwanese-Japanese singer-actress Makiyo and her Japanese friend, Takateru Tomoyori, have indirectly admitted
that they had lied about what really happened in their recent taxi driver assault case.The truth came out that
they both attacked the 55-year-old cab driver which resulted in the cabby having to be admitted to intensive care
with severe head injuries and rib fractures.After days of public outcry and outrage, the Taipei prosecutors were
seeking a four-year jail term for Makiyo and six years for Takateru. The anger of the Taiwanese public had been
provoked, mainly because the taxi driver was almost beaten to death, and the "actress" lied about what really
happened. Also, the local media sensationalized their reports, which further aggravated public outrage.Lots of
local entertainers also slammed her behavior. Famous entertainer Pai Ping-ping said that Makiyo's failure to
deter the violence perpetrated by her friend on the driver was simply wrong. Obviously, Makiyo had seen her
popularity plunge in the wake of the incident, with over a million netizens joining an "Anti-Makiyo" Facebook
page within two days after the page was set up. 36
37. Rage against
INDIA
Two major events dominated emotions during these
weeks in India. One is the debacle of the Indian Cricket Slack-tivism in metropolitan politics
team in all forms of the game on its tour of Australia. Its
performance in the tour was one of its worst in 45 years. The other series of events was the elections for
state assemblies in 5 states – including Uttar
Miserable performance in cricket Pradesh, India’s most populated state – and for
Mumbai’s Municipal Corporation.
First, in the Test series against Australia, it was
whitewashed 0-4. Then, in a One-Day International tri- Again, the backdrop of the events was high
series with Australia and Sri Lanka, it won only 3 matches expectations. All the last few years, Mumbai was
out of 8. While the Indian media and public is known to witness to terror attacks, inefficient infrastructure
blame everything they can whenever the Indian team management and hooliganism by political parties,
doesn’t win, their rage against this performance is and India in general saw the unfolding of huge
particularly high because the same team won the Cricket scams in almost every possible area of governance.
World Cup less than a year ago. In the last few months, the rage against corruption
had led to the hitherto-inactive middle class
At the end of the disastrous tour, even the ‘God’ wasn’t springing into action, and backing a team of
spared. Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 99 centuries in activists led by a Gandhian – Anna Hazare. All
international cricket and has failed to score the forms of media – individual and broadcast – had
hundredth for some time now, didn’t perform too well been tapped into, to build the movement against
either on the tour. As a result, he had veteran cricketers, corruption.
sports reporters and commentators all questioning his
commitment to the team; and some even dishing out While the movement received a lot of
advice of retirement to him. participation and contribution, it did not translate
into political action in the city of Mumbai. Only
about 46% of voters turned up to vote in the
elections for the country’s richest municipal
corporation.
In comparison, Uttar Pradesh, one that’s much
more prone to incidence of violence during
elections, saw a voter turnout of 60%, one of the
highest in the history of the state.
37
39. Tense about
In China : Extreme Parenting: “Eagle Dad Forces Son To Run Naked In The Snow”
A 4-year-old boy from the city of Nanjing accompanied
his parents to the United States on vacation during the
2012 Chinese New Year. A video of him running naked in
a snow storm in New York was posted on the internet by
his family. In the video, the child was only wearing
yellow underwear and sports shoes while the outdoor
temperature that morning reached as low as -13 degrees
Celsius. The child can be heard whimpering and asking for
his father to hold him while the father encourages him to
keep running forward. The child also turn to his mother
whose voice can later be heard encouraging him as he
does some push-ups on the snowy ground.
“Naked Running Boy” quickly attracted the attention of
netizens, becoming one of the hottest discussion topics
on China’s largest micro-blogging service Weibo.com. The
number of views reached over 260,000 within first few
days.
Netizens started calling the child’s father “Eagle Dad”: When young eagles have grown large enough, eagle
mothers will ruthlessly push a young eagle off the cliff, when the young eagle is falling into the valley below, it
learns its basic ability of flying.
Since the video caused huge public criticism on the intense parenting method, the “Eagle Dad” stood out and
defended himself for making his son to run in snow without clothing. According to him, the boy had severe health
problems after a premature birth. The parents said they think their intense parenting methods are responsible for
his improved health. “This child has received all sorts of forms of training since he was little. When he was one
year old, he started swimming in water that was 21 degrees Celsius.” The father said he is trying to help his son
develop a “masculine temperament” through activities like mountain climbing, dancing and cycling. Challenging
him to run around in near-zero temperatures is just one of his tactics.
Netizens’ reacted differently to the extreme education and raising methods. The majority of commentators
criticized the parents for being too cruel. “ The poor little kid! Is being exposed to the cold good for him? The
parents are heartless!” one commenter wrote. Some people think the dad is just trying everything to help his
child: “His father is cruel, but what he did is for the boy’s good.”
40. Tense about
Tense about
CHINA
In Malaysia: The new healthcare plan
Information on 1 Care circling the internet
Tensions are rising in Malaysia due to the tentatively proposed 1 Care health care plan. Leaked onto the
internet by prominent healthcare professionals, sources allege that if this health scheme comes into effect, all
wage-earners in Malaysia will be forced to pay 10% of their income to the government-run insurance scheme.
Adding to the citizens’ growing concern on the issue, the details of the scheme, such as benefits or mechanics,
have not yet been made clear due to differing reports from various politicians and professionals. Furthermore,
this lack of transparency and information from the government further adds to the citizens’ fear that this will
be another government scheme to try and rip money off them. Institutions and professional bodies alike have
criticized this scheme – from the current sketchy detail, the public would only receive limited benefits but be
forced to fork out a hefty sum for basic healthcare.
Thus far, the government has tried to reassure the public that the scheme is still in the proposal stage, and that
any policies leaked are not concrete. We won’t know much until the blueprint for the plans are finalized in
2013, but until then, the citizens wait with skepticism and bated breath for more information on 1 Care.
In Japan: University entrance exams
January and February are very stressful months for students as
it is a time for entrance exams for schools.
Last year there were several scandals in major universities for
cheating. Some of the students used mobile phone to post
questionnaires on Yahoo’s question-and-answer site to get an
answers. This year, each university has made stricter rules for
examinees to avoid same kind of situation.
Some of the examinees were even told to turn their clothing
inside-out because there were some words secretly written on
what they were wearing.
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41. Tense about
In indonesia: Security on the roads
In 2011, road accidents in Indonesia increased by 457
compared to the year before. The number of fatal
accidents have decreased; however the number of
people injured on roadways went up by over 15,000.
Material losses from the accidents doubled to 286
billion Rupiah.
Of the accidents this year, more than 9,000 involved
motorbikes while 1,000 involved passenger cars and
over 200 involved buses, according to a national
police report. More than 2,500 people suffered
serious injuries and 7,564 had minor injuries, the
report said.
The accidents are often caused by public transport or
trucks. Recently, a bus crash killed 14 people and left
57 others injured. The bus, en route to Jakarta,
smashed into four cars and several motorcycles
before swerving across the highway and hitting
another bus and minivan. It then swerved into a
ravine after smashing into a food stall, killing one
employee.
With already 1,547 fatalities from 9,884 road
accidents this year, authorities and transport exports
are blaming weak traffic laws and implementation of
the laws as the main culprit.
“The number [of deaths due to traffic accidents] will soar to 65,000 in 2020 if the problem is not dealt with
seriously,” warned lawmaker Abdul Hakim, who drafted the 2009 Road Traffic Law. “The losses inflicted are
estimated at 2.9 percent of gross domestic product.” The government has said transportation inspectors are
also to blame, not doing due diligence with their work. Either way, the public is growing increasingly skeptical
and afraid of Indonesia’s roadways where it seems like no matter how safe people try to drive, there is still a
pretty good chance of getting hit.
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42. Tense about
In Sri Lanka: US Sponsored UN resolution against alleged war crimes
Sri Lankans staged massive demonstrations
across the country against a U.S. sponsored
resolution scheduled to be presented at the
19th session of the UN Human Rights
Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Another
demonstration was also staged opposite the
U.S. Embassy. Several government ministers
attending and speaking against the
proposed resolution included the Sri Lankan
Prime Minister who declared that people
are ready to sacrifice their lives to prevent
any moves by some countries to violate Sri
Lanka's sovereignty. These protests are
slated to continue until the alleged
resolution against Sri Lanka is defeated at
The UN Convention in Geneva.
The resolution to be presented at the UNHRC aims to pressure the Sri Lankan government to take prompt
measures to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission which
was appointed by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to look at some of the incidents which took place during
the war between the military and Tamil Tiger rebels. If the resolution is passed, it’s bound to affect the economic
development & political stability of the nation.Presenting a resolution against Sri Lanka by the UNHRC session in
Geneva is perceived as an undue meddling in the sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka by the western world –
esp. by the US. Eminent social observes in Sri Lanka who opine that even if Sri Lanka doesn’t have oil (unlike in the
Middle East – which is high up the radar of the US), it’s the strategic location of the island in the rapidly growing
economic hemisphere which is attracting acute interest from Western world. Perhaps to an extent also
accentuated by the ‘cooperation’ being meted out to the nation by the Chinese in terms for infrastructure
development.
In Taiwan: Imported Beef
The United States had been pressuring Taiwan to relax its ban on
imported beef containing Ractopamine, a feed additive to make animals
grow faster in the final weeks before slaughter. But several groups
reiterated that the government should maintain its ban on imports of
U.S. beef that contain Ractopamine, saying there are still concerns over
a proper control mechanism and the safety of the feed additive, such as
some reports that say it may cause health risks."Without a
comprehensive control mechanism, the public will be exposed to serious
health risks if the government decides to allow controlled levels of
Ractopamine in meat," The Consumers Foundation said. The
Homemakers Union and Foundation also expressed safety concerns,
citing an incomplete assessment of the health risks of Ractopamine, a
leanness enhancing drug used in livestock feed in America. Furthermore,
local cattle and pig farmers have been threatening to stage a protest in
Taipei, amid speculation that the Taiwan government might ease its
Ractopamine ban to resolve the U.S. beef issue. 42
43. Tense about
In Thailand: Terrorism
Thais are tense about terrorism after bombs exploded
on Sukhumwit Road on Valentine’s Day.
The Attack :
The incident occurred around 2.20 pm in a section of
Sukhumvit Road called “Pridi Panomyong Avenue.” A
loud explosion destroyed the roof of a house that was
reportedly rented by three foreign men. A search of the
house later revealed the bombs used in the blast were
made from C4 explosive materials.
The investigation :
Following the blast, the police arrested some of suspects
involved and found that they carried Iranian passports.
After the blast day, a number of stickers with the word
“SEJEAL” were glued on several bus stations and pillars
around Bangkok. The word means “soar to the highest
point.” Several people assumed that the stickers may be
related to the explosion. Currently, the main reason
causing the blast and the motivation of the suspects are
still unclear. Thai police say they are still trying to figure
out what happened and why.
After the blast :
The incident has infused worries about security into the
daily lives of Thai people. Some fear that there will be a
wave of terrorism in Bangkok. People are particularly
concerned about tourist areas. There are also fears the
bombing will harm the country’s tourism industry if
there is a sense of insecurity in the capital or elsewhere.
Already, some countries, such as Australia, are warning
travelers to Thailand to exercise caution.
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44. Tense about
In India and Bangladesh,: Inflation In Philippines: Hazing
There are growing concerns about money as prices
continue to go up due to inflation or other factors and
wages remain stagnant. In Bangladesh, it seems
everyone from a the rickshaw driver on the street to
the business man in the corner office is worried.
The last quarter of the financial year is a trying one for In the same month as the 21st anniversary of
most middle class Indian, as they make their fraternity hazing victim Lenny Villa (1991), the
investments to save on paying income tax; in addition issue of university hazing is again haunting Filipino
to managing their expenses, loan installments and parents. While laws have been passed (Anti-
summer vacation plans. This year, the pressure gets hazing Law) to prevent the same tragedy from
added with fuel (both vehicle fuels and household gas) happening, it did not deter members of the
prices expected to rise further. Not just that, the fraternity Lambda Rho from inflicting injuries that
overall slump in the economy at this time makes it led to kidney failure and untimely death of Marvin
difficult to look for the right investments. Reglos, law student of San Beda University. The
news awakened concern of parents on the
And with the GDP growth rate slowing down and vigilance of the Philippine justice system on such
becoming the lowest in the last years, there are violence. Given that many lawmakers are
worries that the current global economic situation themselves part of such brother/sisterhoods, the
might impact India hard. To the average middle-class question on whether these acts of violence will be
Indian, that would translate to higher interest rightfully punished hangs in the air as the search
payments on home and auto loans, higher expenses to for justice for Marvin continues.
deal with, and a not-so-promising outlook for rise in
salaries.
This worry with the wallet gets heightened a little
more, for the upper middle class. Till now, it had an
option to keep fuel prices in check by opting for the
diesel engine in its car, instead of the petrol engine.
(Diesel is subsidized to a much larger extent in India, as
compared to petrol.) Now, however, with the
government considering a one-time tax on private
vehicles fitted with diesel engines, this advantage will
be lost. The declaration is expected to be made as part
of the budget speech by the Finance minister. 44
45. Tense about
In Singapore: Protecting Animal Rights
On the 19th of February, Danny Ng updated his status on Facebook expressing his outrage and feelings of disgust
over the actions of a fellow bowler. Earlier that day, he had found a stray dog who was left on the road to die
after being hit by a car, the only clue left behind was the license plate lying next to it. (See picture in middle
below)
Of course, what made it so newsworthy was that the car plate number identified the owner of the car (a Porsche),
as a national bowler and SEA Games coach. He has since issued an apology - although he denies driving off
intentionally, insisting that he thought the dog had been all right.
Although this is not the only incident of road kill, it seems that everyone likes to blame the rich and famous. After
all, public figures are held against higher expectations that they need to live up to. One positive thing that has
resulted from this incident is that it has sparked more public awareness and debate regarding the issue of
protecting animal rights.
Two days later, a photo of a cat caught into a “glue board” uploaded by SPCA also went viral. Images of other
animals that had been caught in glue boards began circling on Facebook and STOMP, with netizens repeatedly
crying out for something to be done to stop such inhuman acts of senseless killing.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has stepped up, calling for an “immediate ban” on
these glue board traps used by pest control companies to trap rats. Jurong Town Council general manager Ho
Thian Poh said that the trap was "last resort."
The area where the cat was found was facing a rodent problem and measures such as tracking powder did not
work. Furthermore, such traps are placed only within the bin for 24 hours at a time. According to the AVA, there
are not many options for trapping rodents and glue traps are one of the most commonly used methods in many
countries. However, it is highly likely that such pressure from the public would force authorities to look into these
measures to minimize such “collateral damage”.
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