Topic: Statistics and Marxist Conspiracy
Speaker: Leong Sze Hian, Financial Consultant
Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Muse House, 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Leong Sze Hian is a figure that needs no formal introduction. His distinguished credentials include serving as the Past President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and his status as an alumnus of Harvard University, among various other accomplishments. Renowned for his extraordinary ability to store and wield figures and statistics, Sze Hian possesses a singular talent for weaving them into insightful and impactful analyses, transcending the boundaries of subjects.

Amidst his expansive knowledge, Sze Hian uncovers a compelling connection between statistics and the enigmatic 1987 “Marxist Conspiracy.” Through his uniquely honed perspective, he unravels the intricacies that lie beneath the surface. Join this session to experience the surprises and revelations that Sze Hian is poised to unveil, shedding light on an intriguing historical event through the lens of statistics.

Topic: A Journey of Dreams
Speaker: Goh Lay Kuan, Performing Artist
Date: Tuesday, 5th March 2013
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Muse House, 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Goh Lay Kuan’s path in the world of art and performance is a remarkable journey. Formerly the principal dancer of Ballet Victoria in Australia, she returned to Singapore in 1964. Her life intertwined with theatre luminary Kuo Pao Kun, and together, they established the Singapore Performing Art School. Recognised for her tireless contributions, Goh Lay Kuan was honoured with the Cultural Medallion in 1995, a testament to her dedication to Singapore’s arts and culture.

Currently serving as the artistic advisor for The Theatre Practice and the architect of the Play-in-Arts program tailored for preschoolers, Goh Lay Kuan’s insights are both profound and practical. During this enlightening talk, she will generously share her experiences, primarily in Mandarin (with English translation as needed). Her presentation will focus on the evolution of arts education in Singapore, with an emphasis on her over four decades of teaching experience.

This occasion provides a rare opportunity to engage with Goh Lay Kuan, as she imparts her wisdom and reflections on a lifetime devoted to the arts. For those interested in attending, kindly register before March 2, 2013, by emailing info@function8.org.

Topic: The New Normal in Economics with Reference to Singapore
Speaker: Yeoh Lam Keong, Economist
Date: Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Muse House, 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Yeoh Lam Keong is a versatile economic and financial consultant with a strong emphasis on social policy. His expertise is grounded in his affiliations, including the role of Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies and Fellow at the Civil Service College. Notably, he holds the position of Vice President within the Economic Society of Singapore, leading the policy sub-committee.

Beyond his professional commitments, Lam Keong embodies a holistic approach to life. As a devoted practitioner of Buddhism, he finds fulfillment in both his role as a full-time father and his spiritual pursuits. His connection with nature and appreciation for solitude frequently draw him outdoors, fostering a deeper connection with the world around him.

In this upcoming session, Yeoh Lam Keong will shed light on the evolving economic landscape, particularly focusing on how Singapore is navigating the paradigm shift. His insights promise to offer a fresh perspective on the new norms in economics and their impact on the local context.

Event Details: i12bnArtist
An Attitude of Mind. A Spirit for Adventure.

Speaker: Teo Eng Seng, Artist
Date: Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Muse House, 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Teo Eng Seng is a unique artistic force, often compared to Gerhard Richter, yet fundamentally himself. His creative journey has been profoundly shaped by his encounter with the works of Rembrandt van Rijn during his student years, particularly focusing on Rembrandt’s Self-Portraits. This encounter ignited a deep wellspring of inspiration that flows through Eng Seng’s creations.

Drawing from Rembrandt’s late-period, characterised by introspection, tranquility, and a touch of mysticism, Eng Seng’s own work is an extension of this contemplative aesthetic. His art becomes a bridge that connects the past to the present, a testament to the enduring influence of great masters on the creative spirit.

In tandem with the enlightening talk, a special exhibition showcasing Teo Eng Seng’s latest creations is set to be a visual feast, offering attendees a glimpse into the evolving narrative of his artistic journey.

Topic: Rethinking the “Urban Industrial Complex” and the Erosion of Humanitarian Sentiments
Speaker: Architect, Mr Tay Kheng Soon
Date: Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Venue: 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Mr Tay Kheng Soon’s intellectual explorations span the globe like a free-range traveler, unrestrained and vibrant as the ever-shifting seas. With a spirit as dynamic as the tides that touch every shore and traverse every ocean, he ardently advocates for urbanization in every corner of the world. His concept revolves around bringing the vitality of cities to rural landscapes, reuniting education, culture, and industry within the tapestry of people’s lives.

From his early forays into radical political ideologies to his current pet projects across Burma, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam, Mr Tay Kheng Soon’s ventures promise to captivate his audience. The opportunity to engage with him is nothing short of golden, as he weaves narratives that will surely hold his listeners spellbound. Don’t let this chance slip away; make sure you’re part of this stimulating conversation.

Event Details: “The World We Have Lost: Reflections on Indonesia’s Last 200 Years, 1811 – 2011”

Speaker: Peter Carey, Fellow Emeritus Trinity College, Oxford
Date: Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Venue: 22 Marshall Road, Singapore 424858

About the Speaker:
Born in Rangoon, Burma on 30 April 1948, Peter Carey’s upbringing was grounded in the cultural tapestry of Asia, shaped by his parents’ lives. His education spanned the UK from 1956 to 1969, culminating in his graduation from Oxford with a degree in Modern History. This academic journey led him to pursue postgraduate studies at Cornell, where his fascination with Javanese History took root.

Serendipitous circumstances propelled Carey’s curiosity towards Prince Diponegoro of Yogyakarta (1785-1855), a pivotal figure in the Java War (1825-30) against Dutch colonial rule. This enigmatic personality, echoing the complexity of Hamlet, grappled with the intersection of mysticism and a higher calling to lead a Holy War (perang sabil) against the Dutch. Diponegoro’s life epitomized the paradoxes and tragedies wrought by colonialism. During the years 1808 to 1812, Javanese society underwent seismic ruptures, resulting in the emergence of a new colonial state.

In his upcoming talk, Peter Carey will delve into the historical figure of Diponegoro and explore his relevance in contemporary times. Amidst a scarcity of visionary leadership, Carey’s reflections will resonate, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s unique challenges leading up to the 2014 Presidential election. This talk seeks to illuminate the lessons from the past that can illuminate the path forward for the Indonesian state.

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