Here is a PDF version of the paper that was published on 3 Mar 2010
http://www.mediafire.com/?mae2jomdznm
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lead and Inspire
Yesterday (27th Feb), we had the first training session for 2010 which is the Senior Official's Module for the new seniors. As with most trainings, it started at 0900hrs, but most were there by 0830hrs enjoying the breakfast. Previously, we would start training, and have a break at about 1000hrs, but we know that most people will miss breakfast and come for the training, thus we now get the caterer to setup for breakfast instead. One good example of how we make small improvements.
Winson brought the "Loh Hei" and we had our good luck toss for Chinese New Year before the lesson started.
So what is required of a senior race official? What are the characteristics needed to be a good senior race official? These are some of the topics that we discussed and presented on the white boards.
Interestingly, one team used was SRO which is short for Senior Race Official. It seems Singaporeans really cannot escape from using acronyms like PIE, CTE, SLE, COE, ERP, MRT ....The thing is, SRO is too close to PRO (Public Relations Officers, the singing type) so I don't really like the term.
One thing I noticed is that the answers given were quite "tame". Maybe this is the first time we are gathered together so there's still a fair bit of reservations. We have answers like "Lead by example", "Be impartial" (I see you yawning already), and others which are forgettable. In a way, I hoped for some creativity and humour blended into the answers and it would have been great.
Instead of writing down "Be impartial", maybe "Don't take bribes" would be more interesting. "Be like a Mother" vs "Be caring".
It's not to say that the answers were wrong or anything, but it was more like an "A" rather an "A+".
Maybe I am being too picky.
Next week, 29 senior officials will be going to Clipsal for their training. The group consists of new senior officials and returning senior officials who have not been on overseas training previously. There will be a pre-trip briefing this Friday and I'm supposed to give a presentation for the pre-trip briefing. I don't know what I'll talk about yet.
Winson brought the "Loh Hei" and we had our good luck toss for Chinese New Year before the lesson started.
So what is required of a senior race official? What are the characteristics needed to be a good senior race official? These are some of the topics that we discussed and presented on the white boards.
Interestingly, one team used was SRO which is short for Senior Race Official. It seems Singaporeans really cannot escape from using acronyms like PIE, CTE, SLE, COE, ERP, MRT ....The thing is, SRO is too close to PRO (Public Relations Officers, the singing type) so I don't really like the term.
One thing I noticed is that the answers given were quite "tame". Maybe this is the first time we are gathered together so there's still a fair bit of reservations. We have answers like "Lead by example", "Be impartial" (I see you yawning already), and others which are forgettable. In a way, I hoped for some creativity and humour blended into the answers and it would have been great.
Instead of writing down "Be impartial", maybe "Don't take bribes" would be more interesting. "Be like a Mother" vs "Be caring".
It's not to say that the answers were wrong or anything, but it was more like an "A" rather an "A+".
Maybe I am being too picky.
Next week, 29 senior officials will be going to Clipsal for their training. The group consists of new senior officials and returning senior officials who have not been on overseas training previously. There will be a pre-trip briefing this Friday and I'm supposed to give a presentation for the pre-trip briefing. I don't know what I'll talk about yet.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Unofficial FAQ
There is an official FAQ here.
Some of my friends have asked me some questions so I'll put them up here.
Can someone else register for me?
The registration page is here. And NO, you have to register yourself. If you are reading this, you are on the internet right? Click on the link and register yourself. There is a section to check for colour blindnes. At trackside, different coloured flags will be waved, and during the course of the race days, cars with different lights will drive past your position to indicate if the status of the track. Thus it is imperative that you can distinguish different colours.
Any answers for the numbers in the medical section?
The answers are actually here. Erm, good luck!
What's the difference between Trackside and non-Trackside?
Trackside means you will be deployed to trackside. Non-trackside means you are not so near the track. Duh... Well, if you are into Formula 1™ and you want to be in the midst of the action, choose trackside. If you think trackside is not for you then select non-trackside so you will get a administrative role like helping to man the daily sign-in counters, food collection counters. You still get to enjoy the atmosphere, the race and meet great people.
So Trackside is more exciting lah?
Well, being deployed to trackside, the conditions are not exactly sit in air-con office type. It will be hot in the day (good to get a tan) or you may get wet if there is rain. Every position has it's pros and cons.
Wait, "hot in the day"... I thought we are having a night race?
I want to be a scrutineer because I am an engineer by training!
Big deal.
I want to be in the pit lane! I want to be close to the Formula 1™ cars!
Check here regularly. SingTel Grid girls registration should be open in March.
Where will the training be held?
For the past 2 years, the theory lessons were held at SMU. Last year, the General Module for new race officials was held at STB. But of course, just like the bankers will tell you in fine print, "past performance does not guarantee future results". We'll have to wait and see. But SMU is a pretty nice and conducive place for conducting the trainings so there's no reason to change. The practical lesson will be held at the Pit Building (beside Singapore Flyer), or last year it was at the carparks of National Stadium. We also had a mini-shakedown at Johor Circuit (popularly known as Pasir Gudang Circuit). This may change.
What can I expect?
You will need to go through a series of training (details), both theory and hands on. All trainings are held on weekends, so if you work shifts you will have to make prior arrangements. After which, you will be allocated to your role and to your "teams" (or "sectors" if you are trackside). One or more senior officials will be in charge you and the whole sector. If you have any needs goto your senior officials, he (no 'she' at the moment) will take care of you. So get to know your senior official well (know his dog's name, etc). If your senior official don't take good care of you, then it's probably our fault for putting him there. "There are no lousy soldiers, only incompetent commanders". Talk to me or SSC people. During race week, you will need to take leave on Friday, as it will be practice day. Don't worry, more info will be available to you during trainings.
That's all for now. I may do a part 2 if there's more questions. Registration closes on 26th Feb, so don't wait!
Some of my friends have asked me some questions so I'll put them up here.
Can someone else register for me?
The registration page is here. And NO, you have to register yourself. If you are reading this, you are on the internet right? Click on the link and register yourself. There is a section to check for colour blindnes. At trackside, different coloured flags will be waved, and during the course of the race days, cars with different lights will drive past your position to indicate if the status of the track. Thus it is imperative that you can distinguish different colours.
Any answers for the numbers in the medical section?
The answers are actually here. Erm, good luck!
What's the difference between Trackside and non-Trackside?
Trackside means you will be deployed to trackside. Non-trackside means you are not so near the track. Duh... Well, if you are into Formula 1™ and you want to be in the midst of the action, choose trackside. If you think trackside is not for you then select non-trackside so you will get a administrative role like helping to man the daily sign-in counters, food collection counters. You still get to enjoy the atmosphere, the race and meet great people.
So Trackside is more exciting lah?
Well, being deployed to trackside, the conditions are not exactly sit in air-con office type. It will be hot in the day (good to get a tan) or you may get wet if there is rain. Every position has it's pros and cons.
Wait, "hot in the day"... I thought we are having a night race?
The Formula 1™ race is held at night, but there are support races like the Formula BMW, Aston Martins and Porsches that races during the day.
Big deal.
I want to be in the pit lane! I want to be close to the Formula 1™ cars!
Check here regularly. SingTel Grid girls registration should be open in March.
Where will the training be held?
For the past 2 years, the theory lessons were held at SMU. Last year, the General Module for new race officials was held at STB. But of course, just like the bankers will tell you in fine print, "past performance does not guarantee future results". We'll have to wait and see. But SMU is a pretty nice and conducive place for conducting the trainings so there's no reason to change. The practical lesson will be held at the Pit Building (beside Singapore Flyer), or last year it was at the carparks of National Stadium. We also had a mini-shakedown at Johor Circuit (popularly known as Pasir Gudang Circuit). This may change.
What can I expect?
You will need to go through a series of training (details), both theory and hands on. All trainings are held on weekends, so if you work shifts you will have to make prior arrangements. After which, you will be allocated to your role and to your "teams" (or "sectors" if you are trackside). One or more senior officials will be in charge you and the whole sector. If you have any needs goto your senior officials, he (no 'she' at the moment) will take care of you. So get to know your senior official well (know his dog's name, etc). If your senior official don't take good care of you, then it's probably our fault for putting him there. "There are no lousy soldiers, only incompetent commanders". Talk to me or SSC people. During race week, you will need to take leave on Friday, as it will be practice day. Don't worry, more info will be available to you during trainings.
That's all for now. I may do a part 2 if there's more questions. Registration closes on 26th Feb, so don't wait!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Race Officials Registration for 2010
If you have volunteered in previous years, you should have received an email to register for this year's event. Please do so asap!
If you have not volunteered before, what are you waiting for?
Both new and returning officials, register at the Singapore GP website. http://raceofficials.singaporegp.sg/
As race official, you will have a chance to be track side where F1 cars will zoom pass within meters from you. You get a chance to see drivers do their familiarization around the track on Thursday on race week. You get to experience something unique and different from your normal work life. But most important of all, you get to meet really great people whom, like you, volunteered to spend time to do something you enjoy.
If you have not volunteered before, what are you waiting for?
Both new and returning officials, register at the Singapore GP website. http://raceofficials.singaporegp.sg/
As race official, you will have a chance to be track side where F1 cars will zoom pass within meters from you. You get a chance to see drivers do their familiarization around the track on Thursday on race week. You get to experience something unique and different from your normal work life. But most important of all, you get to meet really great people whom, like you, volunteered to spend time to do something you enjoy.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Senior Race Officials Selection
I have been invited to sit on the panel to select new Senior Race Officials and today we met at 9am at Singapore Sports Council (SSC) for a briefing while candidates will arrive at 9:30am.
This is the third year Singapore is hosting the Formula 1 race, and it is also the last year in which CAMS consultants are here with us. From next year onwards, we will run our own show. From the first year of having Formula 1™ in Singapore, CAMS have trained us and imparted their (more than 20 years worth) of race officiating knowledge to us. Last year, we took over in most of the roles and finally this year, CAMS will be back in an observing role to ensure that we do a good job.
Race officials who performed well during the trainings and the race are recommended by their senior officials to take on more responsibilities. From these recommendations, the candidates are selected for the interview if they have good attendance for the trainings and they are good looking.
The successful candidates will be promoted to become senior officials and sent on overseas training, which for both last year and this year, they are going to Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Australia. The senior officials will also have to attend more trainings sessions locally than general officials.
Another role senior officials need to take up is to become trainers to train the new or returning officials. These officials takes on the role of "Trainers" and have to go through additional "Train-the-Trainers" modules. The selection of trainers is very much more complex, but I believe it still boils down to good looks.
This year, there are 36 candidates for the senior roles. There are 6 of us in the panel and we divided ourselves into 3 groups taking up 3 interview rooms. (The astute readers would realized that such each group interviewed 12 candidates).
There is a chair outside of each interview room, where the next candidate sits to wait for his/her turn while the previous candidate is in the room. I don't like this arrangement as it reminded me of a time during secondary school where we had to go through a mandatory medical checkup; which we had to take off all our clothes. I remembered sitting outside the examination room in a similar settings.
Well, I'm glad I'm not one of the candidates.
For that matter, I'm glad I'm not a doctor since I do not wish to see any fellow race officials naked or I'll have to wash my eyes with Dettol.
We have a scoring matrix on different aspects we would like to see in a senior official and the two interviewers will score each candidate and add up the score. We would rank the interviewees first based on the score, and later make adjustments on the rankings based on previous feedback from the senior officials. In this way, the candidate with the highest ranking may not have the best (interview) score. But this usually happens for candidates with 1 or 2 points score difference with the next. I cannot give other details on what went on during the interview.
On general, this is very much like a job interview. Some candidates are more prepared than the others. Everyone said they are excited about the 2010 races (it's either this or that the 2010 race will be interesting) when asked. One thing I've learnt from this interview is that if you want to stand out, you should think of how other people would answer a given question, and give something extra in your answer.
After we had finished all the interviews, the 6 of us re-grouped and went through a round of debate to decide on the names to put down as senior officials for 2010.
Other than the chair-outside-the-room, I felt that a 10-15 minutes interview is too short to make a judgement on the suitability of a person to stand in front of other officials and being able to lead them (or facilitate or whatever other politically correct words to use). We do know that some candidates did perform very well during the race, but was under par during the interview. The good thing is that we recognized this and have made some provisions for these candidates. And thank goodness that we have the autonomy to make decisions on the selection process of senior race officials. We can keep improving this process to ensure we get the best quality people each year.
The results should be out by 29th Jan 2010. So we will be having our Chinese New Year holidays and first senior training will start on 27th Feb 2010.
I believe the team of new senior officials this year will do us proud.
This is the third year Singapore is hosting the Formula 1 race, and it is also the last year in which CAMS consultants are here with us. From next year onwards, we will run our own show. From the first year of having Formula 1™ in Singapore, CAMS have trained us and imparted their (more than 20 years worth) of race officiating knowledge to us. Last year, we took over in most of the roles and finally this year, CAMS will be back in an observing role to ensure that we do a good job.
Race officials who performed well during the trainings and the race are recommended by their senior officials to take on more responsibilities. From these recommendations, the candidates are selected for the interview if they have good attendance for the trainings and they are good looking.
The successful candidates will be promoted to become senior officials and sent on overseas training, which for both last year and this year, they are going to Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Australia. The senior officials will also have to attend more trainings sessions locally than general officials.
Another role senior officials need to take up is to become trainers to train the new or returning officials. These officials takes on the role of "Trainers" and have to go through additional "Train-the-Trainers" modules. The selection of trainers is very much more complex, but I believe it still boils down to good looks.
This year, there are 36 candidates for the senior roles. There are 6 of us in the panel and we divided ourselves into 3 groups taking up 3 interview rooms. (The astute readers would realized that such each group interviewed 12 candidates).
There is a chair outside of each interview room, where the next candidate sits to wait for his/her turn while the previous candidate is in the room. I don't like this arrangement as it reminded me of a time during secondary school where we had to go through a mandatory medical checkup; which we had to take off all our clothes. I remembered sitting outside the examination room in a similar settings.
Well, I'm glad I'm not one of the candidates.
For that matter, I'm glad I'm not a doctor since I do not wish to see any fellow race officials naked or I'll have to wash my eyes with Dettol.
We have a scoring matrix on different aspects we would like to see in a senior official and the two interviewers will score each candidate and add up the score. We would rank the interviewees first based on the score, and later make adjustments on the rankings based on previous feedback from the senior officials. In this way, the candidate with the highest ranking may not have the best (interview) score. But this usually happens for candidates with 1 or 2 points score difference with the next. I cannot give other details on what went on during the interview.
On general, this is very much like a job interview. Some candidates are more prepared than the others. Everyone said they are excited about the 2010 races (it's either this or that the 2010 race will be interesting) when asked. One thing I've learnt from this interview is that if you want to stand out, you should think of how other people would answer a given question, and give something extra in your answer.
After we had finished all the interviews, the 6 of us re-grouped and went through a round of debate to decide on the names to put down as senior officials for 2010.
Other than the chair-outside-the-room, I felt that a 10-15 minutes interview is too short to make a judgement on the suitability of a person to stand in front of other officials and being able to lead them (or facilitate or whatever other politically correct words to use). We do know that some candidates did perform very well during the race, but was under par during the interview. The good thing is that we recognized this and have made some provisions for these candidates. And thank goodness that we have the autonomy to make decisions on the selection process of senior race officials. We can keep improving this process to ensure we get the best quality people each year.
The results should be out by 29th Jan 2010. So we will be having our Chinese New Year holidays and first senior training will start on 27th Feb 2010.
I believe the team of new senior officials this year will do us proud.
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