DAB switch off

 MediaCorp's Digial Audio Broadcasting (DAB) service switch off from 1 Dec

 News from Channel News Asia. For more click
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1162810/1/.html
"Digital radio services over MediaCorp's airwaves are set to end.

Come December 1, MediaCorp will discontinue its Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) service which was widely seen as the "replacement technology" for FM radio more than a decade ago.

MediaCorp was the first broadcaster in South East Asia to offer digital radio, which was launched in November 1999.

However, the effectiveness and reach of DAB was soon overtaken by technology which offered listeners a wider range of convenient access to radio alongside the FM services such as online streaming as well as mobile phone apps.

In a statement, MediaCorp also noted that the growth in DAB listenership remained stagnant against the rapid uptake for Internet radio and the MeRadio phone app....."


Comment:  For those cars and homes equipped with DAB only set, you may sell it on the internet. Countries such as United Kingdom and Australia have adopted different verson of DAB

Old TV Show Clips

JUST CLICK ON A DATE AND SIT BACK AND ENJOY..
This is great for those who lived through the 50’s here are old TV shows to bring back memories.
It is kind of nostalgic to see old videos with golden oldies. Some of the TV shows were on RTS (now MediaCorp) channels in the early 60s and 70s from  black and white to colour TV days. The shows were telecast from the play-out studios at Caldecott Hill.


1.  JACKIE GLEASON ON THE ROCKY MARCIANO SHOW THE MAIN EVENT (1960)
2.  JAMES DEAN: HIS FINAL TV APPEARANCE (1954) 
3.  ELVIS SINGS BLUE SUEDE SHOES (1956) 
4.  A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY, THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL (1959-62) 
5.  THE EDSEL INTRODUCED ON NBC (1957) 
6.  BOBBY DARIN'S "MACK THE KNIFE" (1959) 
7.  WESTINGHOUSE DEBUTS HI-TECH "ADVANCED TV" (1951)
8.  WILLIAM BENDIX AS LOVABLE CHESTER A. RILEY (1956) 
9.  ICONS I: WHAT MADE 50'S TV GOLDEN (COMPILATION, (1952-60) 
10.  THE PATTI PAGE SHOW (1958)
11. BLOOPERS FROM THE HONEYMOONERS (1957-58)
12.  THE CENSORED JERRY LEE LEWIS HERE UNCENSORED! (1957-59)
13.  A TRUE 50's DOO WOP TV CLASSIC (1958)
14.  FAMILY AFFAIR (1966)
15.  ALAN FREED'S BIG BEAT DANCE PARTY DANCERS (1959)
16.  THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW (1957)
17.  The Inventor Of TV Sketch Comedy ERNIE KOVACS (1954)
18.  THE RED SKELTON SHOW (1959)
19.  ICONS: THE DELINQUENCY RAMPAGE! (COMPILATION, 1957-60)
20.  FATHER KNOWS BEST (1953)
21.  PETTICOAT JUNCTION (1962)
22.  OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BOB MATTHIAS (1956)
23.  DANCES OF THE 1950's: THE HAND JIVE (1957)
24.  GROUCHO MARX YOU BET YOUR LIFE (1959)
25.  DRAGNET (1959)
26.  THE IMMORTAL MUSICAL COMEDY OF VICTOR BORGE 1951
27.  EDDIE FISHER SINGS A MEDLEY OF HIS BIGGEST HITS 1953
28.  ABBOTT & COSTELLO: WHO'S ON FIRST? 1951
29.  MORE DANCES OF THE 1950's THE JITTERBUG 1958
30. THE HONEYMOONERS ... IN COLOR! 1969
31.  THE ORIGINAL FLASH GORDON SERIAL theatres-1939; TV-1960's
32.  THE LONE RANGER 1955
33.  THE ENDEARING GRIMACES OF EDDIE CANTOR 1952
34.  BOBBY DARIN NERVOUSLY HOSTS A BEAUTY CONTEST 1957
35.  MORE DANCES OF THE 1950's: THE LINDY HOP 1959
36.  SHAKE, BABY, SHAKE!  IT'S THE KILLER AGAIN! 1958
37.  THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW 1958
38.  SID CAESAR: YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS 1957
39.  HERE COMES TOBOR! 1954
40.  THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN 1954
41.  THE ADVENTURES OF FLIPPER 1964
42.  SPIKE JONES 1951
43.  CAPTAIN VIDEO & HIS VIDEO RANGERS 1950
44.  THE LIBERACE SHOW 1952
45.  MEDIC 1954
46.  THE BIG VALLEY 1965
47.  THE ROOTS OF TV BASEBALL 1950-57
48.  Mc HALE'S NAVY 1962
49.  HOPALONG CASSIDY 1952
50.  DARK SHADOWS 1966
51.  FADS & FANCIES OF THE 50s &     60s
52.  I LOVE LUCY 1952
53.  THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW 1962
54.  THE BEATLES FIRST TELEVISION APPEARANCE 1963
55.  BAT MASTERSON 1958
56.  MARTY ROBBINS ON THE JOHNNY CASH SHOW 1964
57.  FRANK SINATRA SPEAKS CANDIDLY 1954
58.  PASSWORD 1962
59.  STAR TREK TV ON DEMAND 1966-present
60.  MORE DANCES OF THE 50's: THE SWINGBACK 1958
61.  THE LIVE TV FRIDGE COMMERCIAL CATASTROPHE 1954
62.  THE ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW 1957
63.   BUILDING THE 1958 DODGE 1957
64.  FIGHT CLASSIC: ROCKY MARCIANO vs. JERSEY  JOE WALCOTT 1952
65.  AND MORE GREAT ICONS OF THE 50's VOL III 1952-59
66.  ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS 1959
67.  SATURDAY NIGHTLIVE~~ BEFORE SNL 1954-58
68.  FELIX THE CAT 1959
69.  THE DONNA REED SHOW 1958
70.  THE GOLDBERGS 1952
71.  LUCILLE BALL & CAROL BURNETT 1965
72.  THE LITTLE RASCALS 1955
73.  HIGHWAY PATROL 1956
74.  LOST IN SPACE 1966
75.  BEULAH 1951
76.  BEWITCHED 1966
77.  I DREAM OF JEANIE 1966
78.  SEA HUNT 1957
79.  DYNAMITE JOE RINDONE 1954
80.  THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1957  




The above info is contributed by TT Goh

Rest in Peace Ananda

Below is information from CNA and a note from George Favacho (writing from Perth) on the sad news that Ananda Perera has passed away.

"Dear COT Friends,

It is indeed very sad to hear of the Passing of our Dear Colleague Ananda Perera last Wednesday.

I personally will miss a very dear work colleague. I will always treasure the many Laughs and Fun we had together at our BBC TV Training in Shephards Bush, UK in 1972.

Ananda came to our COT Gathering on 23rd February 2011 ...  and it was especially lovely to re-new our contact there after a lapse of 35 odd years! Below is my last photo taken of Ananda, see here with CHAN HENG WING, LIM BENG HOON & DAPHNE HONG

If any of you will attend his Funeral this Sunday, please convey on behalf of COT our sincere condolences to Lalitha, his Children and Family.

Rest in Peace Ananda!"

 George Favacho

From Channel News Asia

"Ex-news director Perera leaves behind wealth of memories
By S Ramesh | Posted: 30 September 2011 1840 hrs 

SINGAPORE: He is known as someone who would not miss his TV news bulletins - this best sums up the passion that the former Director of News of the then Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Ananda Perera, had for his craft.

Mr Perera died on Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer.

As friends and former colleagues paid their respects, the family requested for privacy - a wish of Mr Perera, the private man.

But for the many who had worked with him, he leaves behind a wealth of fond memories.

"He is very approachable and whenever I was outdoor shooting at location, he will make it a point to come talk to me about all the problems," said Aminuddin Abu, principal cameraman, MediaCorp.

Lee Foong Ming, Chief Editor of Radio News, and VP of 938LIVE, MediaCorp, said: "He had very high standards for the newsroom and as a rookie broadcast journalist, he was the standard I was familiar with. But what I remember of Ananda is his very resonant beautiful broadcaster's voice, and whenever he spoke I would automatically listen - not because he was the boss, but his voice has a lot of authority and he was the embodiment of the power of what the spoken word can be, the impact of that voice."

Others remember him for his ready smile and ability to tell a good story that touches the heart.

"His laughter, his joy for life, his incredible ability to capture the human condition in film - that is something Ananda was very strong at," said Chan Heng Weng, a former TV producer who worked with Mr Perera.

"Ananda was working at a time when News and Current Affairs was very different from now. We saw ourselves as trying to explain the development polices of a new government to a population and try to help the government to bring these ideas, very complex ideas, asking people to make sacrifices in the 70s when challenges abound."

Mr Perera's documentaries have bagged the Asian Broadcasting Union's awards three times. One of them, Addiction - Three Experiences in 1974, was a touching story of drug addicts.

"In particular, he observed and asked to film the cremation of one of the addicts who died from his addiction. It was very important to him because it always reminded him the death of his mother. For him, it was very personal to watch the process, he filmed it. That became a very dramatic ending to this documentary film," said Chan.

Mr Perera's funeral will be held on Sunday."

Ananda (third from right)showing the Sri Lanka President the Auto-Cue System

 Ananda rose from the rank and file starting as a floor manager and to the top job in the news division. I worked with him when he was producer for the National Day Parades and the Prime Ministers Speech and Rally. He was very professional in his field of work and his relationship with those who worked with him was always cordial and jovial. Ananda gave a short speech during the COT gathering in Febuary this year and he was cheerful and looked healthy. It is very sad to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace Ananda. 
-philip tay

Some pictures of yesteryears

George is in town for the Formula One! He has asked Auntie Lucy to organise a COT get-together. It will happen on Monday 12 noon. As we do not want uninvited guests please call Lucy for details or you can email me at tay.philip@gmail.com or George at gfavacho@gmail.com.
Meanwhile George has sent the materials below to let us remember  "those were the days" 

MediaCorp's New Complex

News from CNA MediaCorp

“SINGAPORE: The Republic's leading media company MediaCorp announced on Friday that it has selected DP Architects and Maki and Associates as the architects of its new campus, which will be located at Mediapolis@one-north.

MediaCorp first announced its relocation to a 1.5ha site in Mediapolis@one-north in December last year.

Following a selection process, the design presented by Singapore-based DP Architects and Tokyo-based Maki and Associates was chosen "for their ability to meet operational needs, the seamless public engagement connectivity and their experience in designing media facilities around the world", MediaCorp said in a press release.

Collectively, the team has built iconic structures including Resorts World Sentosa, Republic Polytechnic, Japan's TV Asahi Headquarters, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Arts and Sciences Building (MIT Media Lab), as well as the upcoming New York World Trade Center Tower 4.

MediaCorp CEO Shaun Seow said: "Beyond building an efficient and functional working environment, our vision for the new campus is to incorporate fun, collaborative and exciting spaces for staff and members of the public to enjoy. We want the new complex to act as a catalyst to the cultural and media development of Mediapolis." ..For more please see http://channelnewsasia.com
- At last it is happening . The project to move started 20 years ago. I remember Cheng Tong Fatt, Albert Hong, Mrs Wong and Management Team made study tours to Canada, Japan and USA to look at how others plan and build their new complexes. The current building in 1966 was not that old then but the decision was taken to free the land possibly for good class bungalows and the location of a broadcasting complex on Caldecott was somehow a misfit. Over the years many sites were explored including the old World Trade Centre, Bugis Junction area and Changi Business Park as well as Bukit Batok. Chairmen came and went and eventually with Teo Ming Kian on board a firm decision was made to move to Mediapolis instead of Bukit Batok as earlier announced.

75 Years of Radio

RADIO

info from ChannelNewsAsia

"It was a night of glitz and glamour at the Capella on Sentosa on Tuesday as MediaCorp Radio celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala dinner.

And, it was nothing short of a starry night with radio's biggest personalities - past and present - celebrating the diamond jubilee.

MediaCorp Radio started out with just one radio station at Empress Place in 1936.

Today, MediaCorp operates 13 FM stations.

Overall, there are 18 FM stations in Singapore now.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister of Information, Communications & the Arts, who graced the event, paid tribute to Radio saying it has stayed resilient all these years.

And he's confident that in tandem with the changing media landscape, Radio will adapt and stay exciting to listeners.

Dr Yaacob said: "I believe MediaCorp has done a good job in reinventing Radio .

"Stations and deejays have built up a faithful following and even have presence across media platforms and live shows, giving an added boost in reaching out and keeping the conversation alive even after the music fade."

Mr Shaun Seow, CEO of MediaCorp, said: "American songwriter Bob Dylan once said radio makes hideous sounds. The (late) 38th US president Gerald Ford remarked he listened to a lot of baseball onradio.

"So whether you're a radio fan like Ford or a hater like Dylan, guess what, radio is alive and kicking at 75 years.

"75 long years and radio rocks!"

Mr Seow also paid tribute to those who have contributed to Radio 's success.

"I value even more very special people who have made this all possible, my dedicated radio team........................................................." for more read at CNA

(In my 43 years there I spent most of my time in the TV Engineering Department but had opportunity to manage the radio engineering facilities for a few years. During these few years i met with nice people like Brian Richmond and the late Steven Lee and Vernon Palmer. During the later years when they were about to call it day at Caldecott Hill Vernon and Steven were our regular lunch kakis. I missed the jokes (original ones) from both of them which never failed to make my day.....)

Note: Picture shows a visit 42 years ago by VIPs at the early short wave and medium wave radio broadcasting station in Jurong. In subsequent years transmission technology was replaced by FM and the site at Jurong given way to HDB estate.

SHAUN SEOW is new CEO of MediaCorp

Latest info from CNA...

"Singapore's leading media company, MediaCorp, has appointed Mr Shaun Seow as its Chief Executive Officer and Board Director with immediate effect.

With a media career of more than 20 years, Mr Seow has been MediaCorp's Deputy CEO since 2005, overseeing a range of business lines spanning television, radio, print, interactive and outdoor media.

His appointment comes after an intensive executive search to fill the position of MediaCorp CEO after Mr Lucas Chow resigned in January 2011.

"I am very pleased that the new CEO is a homegrown talent from within the organization" said MediaCorp Chairman, Mr Teo Ming Kian.

"Having experienced and run the whole gamut of the media business, Shaun is a most worthy successor and I have every confidence that he will be able to harness the strengths of the company and work alongside the Board, Management and staff to steer the company to greater heights.

"The time for renewal of leadership is most appropriate as the company prepares itself for the move to a new campus at Mediapolis over the next few years."......"

For more please read at CNA website
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1139240/1/.html

About Radio

When is the last time you turn on a Radio? I bet it is only a while ago while driving. Yes I do that all the time. It is either 93.8 or 95.8 and occasionally 92.4. But when is the last time you switch on your Radio at home? Probably you cannot remember. But I do occasionally listen to 92.4 at night despite the busyness with the internet and television. And I listen to 92.4 on my EVOKE DAB receiver. Yes ,DAB ... digital audio broadcasting. The quality is better than that of FM. MediaCorp has DAB services on air besides its 13 FM services. But unfortunately you need new radio receiver to tune in and it is more costly than a FM receiver and manufacturers don’t see a business case to put more receivers on the market. Mainly because there are a number of different digital standards that leave broadcasters and manufacturers uncertain of the future of digital radio. As such FM will remain the king for the next 44 years!
Radio in Singapore started in 1936 with a short wave service. In later years medium wave followed and with the present FM services in 1967. Both SW and MW closed down already. I must say Singapore listeners are spolit for choices on the present FM. There many FM channels by MediaCorp, SPH and SAFRA. I understand two more FM frequencies (FM 92 and FM89.3)are being offered by MDA and there are many takers. Don’t forget also we have Redifusion.

The website of Redifustion says

“Rediffusion is Singapore's ONLY subscription radio, offering a full suite of 15 regional and international channels (the most number of radio stations in Singapore) that include news, storytelling, music, entertainment, education and 17 local free-to-air channels.
Rediffusion is the 1st in the WORLD to broadcast on Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+). This digital platform allows subscribers to enjoy Rediffusion's programs on our wireless digital receiver, which boasts flawless crystal-clear sound as compared to the fizzy FM noise.
Rediffusion has a rich history since 1949 and has been entertaining Singaporeans with quality programs that glue listeners to our radio 24/7.”

When I was a boy I used to listen to a famous story-teller on Redifusion and I remember it was the story of “The Monkey God”. He got many ears glued on the box every evening. Now Redifusion is pioneering the next wave of digitizing of the broadcast media that digital radio over the air. I forsee there will many more niche channels on the digital radio wave in the next five years.

If you are young you may prefer to listen to radio while on the go on your mobile phone. Most phones have FM services. And there is also Internet Radioboth on the PC and portables. You probably will know you could get many almost limitless radio channels on the net world wide. My wife and mum wont for this cause of the effort put in to turn on a computer or operate thoswe portable internet radio(using Wi-Fi). I think until Internet Radio is made easier to use FM will forever remain the King of Radio.

Whither Digital Radio??

A Poem

Crabby Old Man
(Info contributed by Anthony Ng -a Caldecott Hill Old Timer)

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in GRASS VALLEY, CA. It was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Missouri. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit ... . . . . With faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . ... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . ... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . ... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . .. ... Who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . .. . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . .. . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . ... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . .... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . . Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.
We will all, one day, be there, too!
PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM
The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart.

(Note: there are many stories spun around this poem. This is one version)

I remember LEE CHEOK YEW

I remember LEE CHEOK YEW

He was with the then SBC and TCS from 1991 – 2000. During the period he was in top management positions in the SBC Enterprises, CEO of TCS and COO MediaCorp. He left to join MediaWorks as CEO to compete with MediaCorp.

I was fortunate to be able to work with him and learn the commercial aspects of running a media company as Head of the Engineering Department. Known to think out the box and removing all the bureaucy of the previous organisation Radio and TV Singapore, Cheok Yew was set to bring MediaCorp to new heights.

Every CEO i knew faced the challenges of managing the company both as a commercial broadcaster and a national broadcaster. Till now no CEO has come up with a formula to manage this dilemma to bring the company to soaring heights.

As for Cheok Yew I think he was a commercial broadcaster first and national broadcaster second, which was the reason for the company making lots of money during his tenure of office. And the reason for most bureaucrats to misundertand his style of management.

As a result a series of events in the company that initiated the creation of a competitor, SPH MediaWorks.. he left to be its CEO. Unfortunately the competition was short-lived. It lasted three years. He then joined MTV and was involved in a number of consultancy and media business projects. I understand he has retired but still active in the Marketing Institute and other related consultancies on the media. You can find more information about him on the NET.

Mr S M Ong a former Executive Producer has this to say about him in his blog when he wrote about his favourites CEOs of MediaCorp:

"He was my CEO at both the Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS) and SPH MediaWorks.

In 2000, I was part of a group sent to Cannes, France, for an international TV trade show. On one of the days there, Cheok Yew, another executive and I rented a car to explore the region. We drove all the way to Monaco.

But the most unforgettable part of the road trip for me was eating some raw seafood and having the most spectacularly explosive diarrhoea of my life when I returned to my hotel room.

Because of this cherished memory, Cheok Yew will always be my favourite MediaCorp CEO.”

Mr SM Ong blogs at http://smong.net

COT Gathering 2011

one of the many pictures of 2011 gathering which will be posted on facebook

On Wed 23 Feb about 50 CaldecottHill Old Timers got together at Mariners Corner Restaurant for their annual and had a wonderful time updating their travel and life experiences and living out their old memories of working life at Caldecott. Those who were there included Ananda Pereira, Heng Wing, Maureen Liew, George Favacho, Lucy Leong, Michael Loke, Lam Lychow, Cheng Kee, Ter Kwang, Lay Hong, Andrew, Joo Thong, Francis Chowdurie, Aye Lan, Fernandez , Hua Swan and many more.

Watch out for the newsletter 2011 from George Favacho. Meanwhile take a look at this hilarious newsletter 2010(bottom two images).

..........................................................

Memories keep the heart warm

¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨

This morning I rx a nice note from Ee Boon Lee . Here it is:

Dear comrade

Early this morning, I received an internet messsage from a long-lost niece in America.

After wishing us the best wishes etc etc, she ended up by saying: I've read lovely things about you on the internet.

I owe you a debt of gratitude for putting me on the Internet. Otherwise, my niece would not have known that after retirement, I had appeared on TV to recount Singapore's passage from self-governing status to independence.

Cheers

Boon Lee

CEO LUCAS CHOW calls it a day at Caldecott Hill

CEO LUCAS CHOW calls it a day at Caldecott Hill

Lucas Chow CEO of MediaCorp has tendered his resignation. He spent five challenging years managing the media group, taking over from Ernest Wong.
According to CNA report –
Chairman Teo Ming Kian said
“Lucas has built up MediaCorp to what it is today in the five years as its CEO. Under his watch, MediaCorp has done well to keep up with audiences’ needs and changes sweeping the media industry"
For more details of his achievements please go to:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1110877/1/.html

I was not in the management committee but I know him to be an approachable boss with good people-management skills. Among other things he has good technology knowledge of the media. I was pleased to be able to convince him to adopt high-definition television in MediCorp’s strategic plan and his passion for subject such as digital television surround sound has made the transition to new technologies easier. While mindful of the commercial side of the business he is always open to innovation and introduction of new media technologies. The latest approval I had from him was to undertake a trial on 3D Television. And he is a strong advocate of Internet Television and the Next Generation Broadband Network.

I guess one of his likeable decision was to restore the pay-cuts of staff after the recession and the other is token appreciation for good performance with ice-cream. I must have taken three or four during his tenure.
His notable interest for charity work is also well-known among staff.

His resignation is also timely and in keeping with the tenure of other CEOs at Caldecott Hill. CEOs there called it a day after spending 4-5 years moulding the Media conglomerate.
CEOs come and go but MediaCorp go on forever......

Best Wishes to him in his future endeavour.

Stop Press: It was reported that FAR East Organisation appoints Lucas as its Executive Directive effective Aug 2011. Please see report from CNA below:

Link

COT Get-together

COT CLUB DINNER

Date: Wednesday 23^rd February 2011

Time: 7 pm

Cost: $20 per person

RSVP: LUCY LEONG

By: Wednesday 16^th February 2011

email: tay.philip@gmail.com

Mariners’ Corner Restaurant
Maritime House
120 Cantonment Road #01-02
Singapore 089760
(65) 6220 6572

Bus services: 75, 167, 196
Nearest MRT: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

My Dear COT Friend ... I am in need of some NEWS from you on what you have been up to recently or in 2010.

Better still send me some photos for me to share with our other members ... a photo of you climbing Mt Everest? or Playing with

the Grandchildren or a holiday pic somewhere in Europe? Yes even a pic of you having breakfast with AH MENG will do ... PLEASE HELP!

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR NEWS BY Wednesday 16th February 2011 ... I'd like to put together a simple NEWSLETTER to share with all out COT FRIENDS.

Much Thanks,

George Favacho

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Wishing all my old colleagues, acquaintances, friends and all on Caldecott Hill and the Transmission Broadcast Centre GONG XI FA CAI and Good Health Always.

Aunty Lucy Leong is organising a get-together dinner on 23 Feb 7pm.

Caldecott Hill Old Timers (COT)who are interested please contact here to book a place. George Favacho will be in town to join the party and he wishes to meet as many COT as possible. Cheers.

Words of Wisdom at: http://www.flickspire.com/m/IAAW/LifeIsLikeCoffee

Caldecott Hill Old Timer lights up Laos 450 Year Anniversary Celebrations

Seah Hong Gim who retired from MediaCorp as Lighting Designer in TVOB unit is still active as a lighting consultant for shows in the region. Here he talks about his experience at the Vietiane 450 Years Anniversary Celebration in Laos

Vientiane 450 Years Anniversary Celebration ,Laos

Lighting Advisor for the “Vientiane 450 YearsAnniversary”, Seah Hong Gim talks about
his experience at the event that was held in November in Laos.The article was published in
Entertain Technology Asia .

Introduction

My role as lighting advisor on “Vientiane 450 Years Anniversary” celebration was my 2ndproject with Showtec Group since I designed lighting on F1 Singapore Grand Prix from2008 to 2010. Showtec was awarded the job by Tekcast, a technology and broadcast development company under the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Vietnam.
The show was held on 19 Nov 2010 at the same stadium which featured the Sea Gamesin 2009. The venue is small but it poses a challenge for the LD. It has a very low roof structure due to its limited rows of seating gallery. I estimated that it can accommodate some 10,000 people only.
Lighting Operation
Owing to some constraint, the client had earlier decided on the types and quantities of the luminaries and I was appointed later to execute the lighting operation. For basic illumination, I was provided with a small quantity of 120 Moving Heads at the FOH and 150 at the back stage but with a larger number of eff ect luminaries, namely 130 x 4kw searchlights, 2 x 4kw Follow spots, 4 x 2.5kw Follow spots, 60 x Led floods, 4 x 4kw Sky Trackers, 1 x 16w laser and 4 x 8w laser. Since the luminaries were rigged below the low structure, it had very shallow keying angleonto the display area. When the beam was aimed at the centre portion of the field, itsvertical angle was only 14° instead of the ideal angle of 30° to 45°. This small angle causeda problem as its beam would spread far to the back of fi eld and made localized lighting extremely critical. In most cases, the proper way of design is to include wash luminaries such as the Fresnel or for basic illumination and the Moving Heads for the eff ect. The Fresnel would provide basic illumination required by the TV system and the Moving Heads for eff ect such as scanning, fl ickering, patterning, color changing and etc. Since I did not have the Fresnel, my Moving Heads had to perform double duties of wash plus effect at the same time. It was a compromise which would finally aff ect the quality of TV video. Any LD will agree that lighting a soccer field (112m x 75m) with 120 Moving Heads at FOH is a big challenge to his credential. It worried me initially. However, after working out the lighting level on every part of the fi eld using formula on Beam angle, Canleda, & Distance, my programmer Tai Ping and I were relief that we could achieve 305 to 478 Lux to meet the TV specifi cations and also satisfy the organizing committee who requested for more changing colors and eff ects.
Speech by VIPs
The show started rather early as the Vientiane sky is fairly dark by 1745hr when TV lightingis effective. The celebration began with the Deputy PM presenting a report followed by the President delivering a speech. After the presentation, the President beat traditional gong 9 times to signal the start of the celebration. It started with a choir singing 2 songs followed by a parade where thousands of participants representing various organizations marching past the grand stand. In between, there were colorful floats featuring various aspects of Lao life and traditions. To a foreigner like me, the most impressive was the colorful costumes worn by the various ethnic tribes. Most costumes were stunningly beautiful and attractive.
The Main Performance
The main performance was featured in 3 parts each with diff erent lighting treatment.
Part 1 - A wealthy and Splendid Land A local proverb “in rivers there are fi sh, in farm there are rice” described a wealthy, happy & secure environment enjoyed by the Lao people during the time from 1353 AD to 1695 AD. Lighting was bright and colorful in harmony with the theme.
Part 2 - Blood and Tears
A serious dispute resulted in wide spread discord and divided the kingdom into 3 smaller ones. This weakness allowed foreign forces to invade and killed Lao people. Many were forced into slavery. It lasted more than 100 years. Lighting was contrasty and in low key, with blue wash indicating sorrow and grief; red wash as blood and killing.
Part 3 – 35 years of Vientiane under PDR
National Flag
On 2 Dec 1975, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as the people’s democratic regime was openly declared on the international stage. This was the greatest achievement in thousands of years in Lao history.
Lighting was pushed to its max level and changed with various hues. 130 Searchlights were dancing to the beat of the national music. Moving Heads on narrow beams were sweeping across the fi eld on multi colors. The beams of the Searchlights were very eff ective due to the foggy air in Lao sky. It is not possible to achieve the same eff ect in Singapore as our air is hardly foggy. Tai Ping’s creativity in effect lighting was appreciated by all around.
Towards the fi nal 15 minutes, fireworks of various patterns and hues exploded into the sky. All VIPs and the general public were in high spirit. The show committee did a good job.

TV Coverage
TV video tends to look flat without side
lighting. Since we did not have the side
luminaries, we decided to switch 38 x 4kw
Searchlight at both sides to fl ood mode (plus
diff user) as side lighting. It came out well. The
Picture looked more solid.
TV Nationale Laos deployed 10 cameras
at strategic locations for the coverage. At
the end of the show, TV director Mr. Inpong
told me that they were very pleased with
our lighting. Cameras could operate at F/3.5
to get reasonable depth of fi eld. In return, I
congratulated him for doing a splendid job
as he only had one camera rehearsal 2 days
before the grand event. In my experience,
most need 4 to 7 rehearsals for a show in
this scale.
Conclusion
My 2 weeks stay in Laos gave me an
opportunity to appreciate Vientiane and its
fi ner things in life. I simply love its laid back
and quiet atmosphere. An old Chinese saying
“work while the sun rises; rest when the sun
sets” is still a practice here. Some shopping
centers & tourist attractions close at 1700hr.
There is no queue and nobody ever has to
rush. However it may not be the cup of tea for
most Singaporeans.