Main Stories, Uncategorized - Written on Thursday, October 15, 2009 22:00 - 45 Comments
“If you want to do journalism, don’t do it in Singapore.”
Terence Lee
Recently, Lin Junjie, the ex-Chief Editor of the Nanyang Chronicle, wrote a piece about the censorship of campus news media. This article is a reflection of a similar theme.
ONE YEAR ON, it seems like nothing has changed.
It wasn’t so long ago when a group of students took to the Speaker’s Corner in a bold (some would say foolish) move to protest against the censorship of the campus media in NTU.
I could remember the palpable excitement then; suddenly lectures and assignments became something of secondary importance.
Grades no longer mattered, and all I could think and dream about was the protest.
When the Chee Soon Juan article was spiked, passions ran wild. Journalistic outrage went rampant among the student reporters at the Wee Kim Wee school. Never mind that the rest of the students didn’t care. Never mind if students from other faculties didn’t know about the incident.
All we knew was that an injustice had been wrought, and something had to be done.
And so the students did. The Online Citizen went right into the thick of things, becoming the first to break the news online. Some anonymous protesters began putting up posters all over the school. These, however, were promptly removed within minutes by the security staff, displaying the finesse of the ISD.
Things culminated in a protest at the Speaker’s Corner — our voices were heard, which sprang wide and loud throughout cyberspace.
We were in a tizzy, ecstatic at the attention we were getting from both local and foreign media. The Enquirer, an independent NTU news portal, was birthed — a defiant protest against the constant media censorship that had been occurring in the university even before the Chee Soon Juan incident.
Never mind what the elders said, we were the ones in the driving seat!
But it became apparent soon after that the warm afterglow we were basking in would cool. The Enquirer struggled, along with its counterpart The Campus Observer in NUS. Fiery journalism soon gave way to jostling for credits. Reporters still write for the Chronicle, but no longer out of passion or public service.
Our grades mattered once more.
Lin Junjie, in his article for The Enquirer, wrote:
I first became editor of the Nanyang Chronicle back in December 2007, a journalism professor told me: “If you want to do journalism, don’t do it in Singapore.” The words struck me not only because it had come from a journalism professor, but also because I could never understand why I would ever want to be a journalist elsewhere.
Journalism is after all about public service; wages are low, hours are long and the pace is frenetic.
I could not imagine myself rendering such a service to a place where I did not belong, no matter how free or liberal the press was.
When the university dramatically pulled out an article on opposition leader Chee Soon Juan’s visit to campus on my eighth issue, it became clear why the professor had said those words to me.
I cannot say that I totally agree with that professor. But there is no doubt that there are some things that cannot be said in Singapore, especially when it comes to politics, not in the mainstream media at least. Laws governing the freedom of expression is in dire need of reform, otherwise they continue to serve as a gag on journalists here.
On the other hand, as long as a journalists stays within the prescribed limits demarcated by our masters, one can arguably still do meaningful journalism. The question then remains: How can these limits be challenged? And at what personal cost?
The protest at the Speaker’s Corner was to me a life defining moment. I find myself referring back to it both in my thoughts and in my conversation with others. It showed me the grim reality that those that dare to go against the status quo may find their efforts to be utterly fruitless.
While the media attention on the protest was great, the crowd was small. It wouldn’t have been so in other countries.
The protest has left me lasting memories. But one year on, there is no sign of reform; nothing has changed.
Nonetheless, my sense of idealism and purpose remains strong in me, despite the glacial pace of change. I still pine for better days, despite evidence that certain bureaucrats are still stuck to their old obsolete ways. I still believe journalism in Singapore has a future, despite the recent upheavals in the media industry in America.
I am just two years away from entering the working force, and they say that is when idealism gives way to pragmatism. But I will hold on to hope for as long as I can.
That has not changed.
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45 Comments
Amen!
2 or 3 will not be enough really.
MSM is not the only place on earth you youngsters can have a Career in Journalism. The world has so many news organizations.
Talking about journalism, i had a nap-mare just now. I dreamt that i had a question. The question was if there is CHANGE, will this affect the existing Journalists, if you know what i mean?
Will there be vacancies created by way of either :
1. new positions created.
2. Replace those who somehow left the job or due to poor performance
3. Retrenchment exercise.
4. Renewal with young blood
#4, no need go overseas also can.
There are several foreign news paper companies in singapore.
Can work for them also.
JunJie said “wages are low” .
Is it???
There is at least one living in Bishan right now.
Selamat Malam.
The only type of journalism allowed by the oppressive and pessimistic dictator, is nothing else but Bootlick.
This is what Singapore needs. Youth with the passion and the drive to create change! And who was the one who started that the youth out there are hopeless?
Finally some hope in Singapore. Cheers!
Hello ! why must you go away ? Singapore is our homeland, is not only belong to kiasu PAP, stand out and fight for all your singaporean future, don’t worry, young man
I have always maintain that any aspiring journalist worth his or her own salt would not work for SPH
Would it not be more challenging to work in foreign news agencies?
‘would it’ meas I don’t know.
SPH’s good salary, comfort work environment and the lure with govt scholarship, have burried many youth’s warm enthusiaism and spirits to develop an impartial media…
PAP policies produce comformers and not reformers.
They want yes-man with sharp pens, and not righteous opinion with sharp tongues.
We need people like you, to change the current system.
There’s no other way to describe SPH journalists but stooges, sell-outs, lapdogs!
“they say that is when idealism gives way to pragmatism. But I will hold on to hope for as long as I can”
Terence, what they said is right. Your stubbornness will result in paying a heavy price. Any working adult will know that in life, we need to please the boss.
Terence dont give up hope, there are so many people out there who agree with you and who care
This is what i know of our singapore system:
economics – free, open
politics – undemocratics
The present regime had messed up economics, their strong point in staying in power for so many years. It is now or never to change singapore for the better. Honest and professionaljournalism is very much needed now!
Journalist in Singapore cannot ask the ministers tough questions. Because they will not and do not know how to answer. Journalist in Singapore cannot drill the ministers for real answers, because they do not know how to answer down-to-earth question. Journlist must give the ministers advance question so that they can go home to get someone elese to draft the reply, and answer the next day. If the answer do not appear to be appropriate to Singaporeans, journalist will need to edit them to make it sound nice to the ears of Singaporeans. Journalist cannot go against their master because their master is pap man who pay the journalist salaries. Journalist must at all time abide by the master code of conduct and that is:- PRO-PAP. So tell me, do Singapore journalist have a future?
Those working at SPH have sold their soul for money. I feel so sorry for them. For my part, I have stopped reading the Shitty Times.
To be fair to Singaporeans, most aspiring journalists here are reluctant to work for the Shitty Times. That is why I notice an increase in the numbers of North Indian journalist working there. These North Indian journalist are unscrupulous mercenaries who willingly do their master’s bidding. From their writings, you can detect how obnoxious and arrogant they are. While I don’t condone it, I can understand why Australians are beating these people up.
All the journalists are under SPH and in SPH, there are many MPs or classmates of who and who. Head of SPH…..
If you write wrongly, you be blacklisted or called into the room. Who would write the truth? History can change as they like, facts can be twisted.
To Terrence, remember that at the end of the day, it is what you can do that matters most. Some journalists fare better than others, true, depending on where they write, but all of them are employing the same skill set passed down by tradition and evolved over the years.
Journalism is a calling, care not what the sceptics say. Some in the industry never started off thinking that way; and if they do, some lose, not their edge, but this belief as years wear on. It leads to immaculate but soulless writing, a bane to society. Is that the situation in Singapore? The readers will be the judge.
But you have the capacity to change it anyway you like. Of course, a big bang going head on with your future bosses will rut you out in a week. But journalism has evolved and will continue to do so. If you let it evolve and stand by to watch, you are not directing it the way you want. Take part, make the difference, a bit at a time, grow it the way you like.
It’s a harsh reality, but people die, and those old foggies first… :) No “system” is more pervasive than the people who run it, so put yourself in the driver’s seat, or at lease start edging towards it.
To be objective, I believe journalists like the Chua sisters, genuinely believes in the system, that the PAP is the best party for Singapore and that the press is not suppose to act as the fourth estate.
Now, if you truly believe in the system and if you also happen to be one that fits into the system, merticulous, scholar material, and can make your boss looks good, you will benefit greatly from it.
But then again, I do not think it is something that can be taught. Either you genuinely belive in the system or you do not. If you belong to the latter group, you clearly should not go into journalism in Singapore, you will never be happy, but there are other occupations in Singapore that you can still go into. You just need to accept that, financially at least, you may not reach their level.
In summary, just play the hand that you are dealt with. In poker terms, the Chua sisters were dealt pocket aces, and played them accordingly. For the rest of us, maybe we are dealt low suited connectors and we must know how to play them, given the Singapore system.
Dear Ren & Vivian
2 or 3 GRC not enough. Unity is Strength. together we’ll unseat the PAP (Panic And Perish ). Call them go to “Hell”
stay true to yourself, to what you believe in, your values……
that’s the only advice i hope to give the young.
believe in yourself and pursue your goals.
as for those tyrants, let them to us; we will vote them down to pave way not only for you, but for the country and our future generations.
Kelvin Tan @23
Is there no dignity anymore to be a Sporean? Is this the best for Sporeans – to accept what you are dealt with? Worse, people who are dealt with aces believe in such a system. Incredible!
In the article, Terence Lee points out that there is “evidence that certain bureaucrats are still stuck to their old obsolete ways” is a mild understatement.
To me, the bureacracy is so rotten that maggots have appeared. They are not small maggots, they are big, fat, juicy ones, even has a drunken one (Marbok).
Dignity aside, can people like the Chua sisters and their dealers, the burecrats of such a system progress Spore in a sustainable or long lasting way to be enjoyed and benefitted by all Sporeans?
I thought you should have rephrased yr statement to
“On the other hand, as long as a journalists stays within the prescribed limits demarcated by our masters, one can arguably still do ( delete “meaningful” here)journalism. The question then remains: HOW MEANINGFUL WOULD IT BE THEN?”
Chua sisters know what are they writing but they are writing for their promised positions and career. I hope when they see god, they can tell god that they have been honest all the life!
Ultimately, journalism should be for the things that you believe in. Unless you are for the government totally, I say, leave. That’s how this country loses her people.
You heard of the three monkeys — see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil. That’s what the country’’s MSM has degenerated to.
Terence and others aspiring to be honest journalists will need to be patient. Your day will come, perhaps, sooner than you think.
And when that time comes, you can come out with your guns blazing — as all fearless journalists will and should.
Hey Terence,
Keep fighting the good fight, don’t give up. Your role as a journalist is an important one. You are the front-line against tyranny and oppression and I hope that gives you enough motivation to continue.
Like I tell my colleagues over at SMU’s student-run publication, be independent, and tell the truth like it is, even if its something that’s against me, just do it.
All that matter is the truth and that the general public becomes more informed. Only with public scrutiny can there be reform.
When CSJ used a loudhailer to question GCTat a market during the last
GE, I heard alot of people esp the older generation remarked CSJ was rude
and disrepectful (bo tuo bo shuei) and the local MSMs repeatly played
that scene to enhance that view ,and the msms should have been sued together
with CSJ by the father and son but were not.
We have been cultured by our national education and local MSMs to think
that our leaders are God and we must give them due respects.
What these people fail to understand is that the leaders are elected to be
our servants and answerable to us and political oppostion parties partly
help us to achieve that.
What other choice should CSJ do when the Govt failed to account that
loans to Indonesia satifactory?.Accept it and walk away?
CSJ was only exercising his rights and citizen and his role as an opposition
leader.
keep up the good fight!
will come for future rallies/protests if there’s one. :)
Realistically Idealistic Dreamer
Why simply focus only on journalism? There are many other things to consider in any country.
Why don’t focus upon things that one can do and prosper, and lead a good life, in Singapore?
Try joining the PAP and become a Millionaire Minister, or at least one of their sidekicks and you will get rewarded. NO?
Youth are full of idealism. After you have gone through life for say another 10 or 20 years, getting numerous knocks here and there, facing seemingly unsurmountable problems, then you will come down to earth. You will realise that idealism does not get you anywhere. It is only the practical sides of things, the real applicable solutions that will solve your problems, that will earn you your dollars to buy your food, clothing, house/flat, car, etc. Without money and without power, one simply becomes either just a beggar or a parasite to society.
In this world of highly competitive commerce and international and interpersonal relationships, who really cares about youth idealism? All the old-hands at politics and statesmanship are simply too busy with trying to put their own name on the world map, and history, curving out their legacies, making connections that work for them, accumulating wealth and power, etc.
Do people really work for the good of the world or actually for their own selfish interests? Do politicians work for the country or for their own political party? Seriously think about such questions.
This is the Animal Farm of the dog-eat-dog world of “animals” in human forms. We have the cunning old fox, the ruthless and heinous wolves-in-sheep-skin disguised as an old woman waiting on the sly to eat up the Little Red Ridding Hood, the crocodile waiting like a piece of harmless rock to snap up your whole life’s savings when you make a simple misjudgement in investments, the self-glorifying wicked wizard who meets you in a cul-de-sac and brings then brings out his hatchet and knuckle-duster to do you in good and proper if you were to challenge his authority and dictates. The number and types of animal characters can go on and on.
But the lesson to learn in the Animal Kingdom is this:
DON’T BE AN IGNORANT STUPID PIG!
Never put down the idealism of youth. The raw courage of brave young hearts will provide the wellspring of ideas and leadership from which old chaps like me will draw inspiration.
In time, even these brave young hearts will grow cynical and weary from the vicissitudes of life, but in the meantime, let us bank on the vitality of youth.
Onward, Terence. You have my support.
Hi #35,
All I can say is that, without idealism, you won’t see the invention of lightbulbs, cars, and many of the modern inventions and innovations you see today.
That includes political innovations like universal healthcare, minimum wage, equal benefits etc.
You may not want to venture out of your comfort zone and just want to pass through life without contributing anything to society, but don’t discourage our youths.
Without ideals, mankind will not progress and god forbid, if everyone thinks like you, we’d still be living in the caves.
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 42
[...] Mainstream vs X-Stream Media – The Temasek Review: MDA wants bloggers to declare their income – the(new)mediaslut: MDA wants bloggers to declare sponsorship? How about making circulation audits compulsory first? – Yawning Bread: Third-rate television for a Third-world country [Recommended] – The Enquirer: It wasn’t just Chee Soon Juan – TOC: Foolish talk of regulating the Internet (again) – Brotherhood Press: Is MDA asking bloggers to declare their income? An interview with Missy Dotty – TOC: “If you want to do journalism, don’t do it in Singapore.” [...]
Is there no dignity anymore to be a Sporean? Is this the best for Sporeans – to accept what you are dealt with? Worse, people who are dealt with aces believe in such a system. Incredible!
======
Agent008
I have interacted with many nice Singaporeans who genuinely believe in the system and this belief has been formulated after years of being in the system.
One thing I know for sure, they are not going to suddenly change those beliefs just because a new person point out to them some inconsistencies in the system.
And what gain do they have in changing that belief? Do you think any North Koreans will gain if they suddenly realize they have been fooled about their Dear Leader all along?
i am doing journalism in Indochina for almost foc. For five months I worked for foc and then I gOt paid USD 120 per montH.
I am 69.
Happy.
I used to work for Bernama and The Star and also used to translate from the Malay Press of Singapore into English for MSD.
Care to join me.
Just email me.
40) Rurehe 69 is far from 88, you have another 20 years to retirement. If you need to be paid a lot, then you have to join Singapore media and write what they want you to write.
Singapore Media: food for thought « Temasek Society
[...] Links About the Temasek Society Our Events TemSoc Newsletter Singapore Media: food for thought October 21, 2009, 10:18 pm Filed under: Uncategorized “If you want to do journalism, don’t do it in Singapore.” Read about press freedom and campus news media at The Online Citizen. [...]
wait for the old man to rest in peace then all will chance and singaporeans can breath again and feel their country. for now just endure PAP and vote them out coming election. if singaporeans still soft hearted and care for the old man and have mercy for him then he has no mercy for singaporeans. all he care is his archivement and his fellow bootlicking dogs that has been earning millions and billions all this years while singaporeans still earn $600 for the past 10years and will earn the same for the next 20years or maybe lower in time to come. old man planning to increase gst and housing and electricity water and so on. they give you goodie bags and they will have back even bigger then what they give.
this is the games all this years. singaporeans don’t be fool. vote them out
its precisely due to such high handed control in Singapore
that students need to resist even more
its about the new future
for a better tomorrow
Loosen stranglehold before providing political education | The Online Citizen
[...] The Online Citizen – “If you want to do journalism, don’t do it in Singapore.” [...]
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Uncategorized - Jan 15, 2010 10:12 - 126 Comments
It is affordable – Mah Bow Tan
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Uncategorized - Jan 15, 2010 10:12 - 126 Comments
It is affordable – Mah Bow Tan
More In Uncategorized
- Rebutting Law Minister K Shanmugam
- Challenge of communication
- TOC & Talk Politics hold successful Year in Review forum
- “Live” from Post Museum – TOC’s Year End Review
- The Fajar Generation
Terence, don’t give up hope.
We’ll all help you – starting from voting in 2 or 3 GRCs.
Hang in there!