Paradigm Shift: Home Team SO Promotion 2007

Went for the Ministry of Home Affairs Senior Officers' Promotion Ceremony tonight.

The one thing that amazed me was how "easy" it was to get everyone to keep quiet and pay absolute attention. Most of the highest ranking officers in the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) were present including Chief of Staff, Senior Assistant Commissioner Soh Wai Wah and Permanent Secretary Mr Benny Lim just to name a few.

All the MC needed to say was, 'Ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention. Minister of Home Affairs is now in the building.'

In an instant, all conversation ceased and everyone went back to their seats from catching up with old friends and chatting with colleagues.

What amazed me was, the minister was not even in the room yet. In fact, he was scheduled to have a cocktail reception and enter the room in about half an hour, but for that period of time, except for working personnel, most of the Senior Officers in the room sat at their seats and conversation was kept at a minimum. At the end of the ceremony, no one left until the minister left. In fact, you could see people rushing off after Minister left. I could see how much of a hurry they were in, but following protocol, they didn't leave till the guest of honour left.

Now, you say, why am I talking about all this? Well, it always amazes me how important PEOPLE can have such a huge effect on huge crowds, and I can't help but wonder why people can't show the same reverence and respect when they attend church. :) I mean, it's God's house after all, and we're suppose to have fellowship with Him, so why do people still use their handphones and talk among themselves in church? Why do people come late to church? Why do people still leave early from church? What protocol are we following? I'm baffled ....

Anyway .. coming back to the ceremony, the food was pretty good. :) Here are some pictures to whet your appetite.

Smoke Salmon Rosettes, Citrus Scallop
& California Crab Cake