1999 - Year of the Rabbit 

(excerpt from Singapore Builder Year Book 98/99)

Main Title: "Embrace Change" by Master Ong

Sub-title: "It's a cosmic workout to boost 'Adversity Quotient'

Editor: "In our effort to locate a Geomancer who would be able to relate the events of 1998 to the man-in-the-street within a simple fengshui context, we selected Master Ong of I-Ching Geomancy Centre".

Editor: What are the challenges that business will be facing in your view for 1998/1999?

Master Ong: In general, it's wiser to be cautious and not be too overly optimistic about 1999. According to the readings of the I-Ching (Book of Changes), the ancient Chinese Classic of predictions, next year is that of the 'Wanderer', although it is portentous but there are also silver linings.

Editor: 1998 had been a trying experience for all sectors. In your records, what unique news can you share with us about the way 1998, or the year of the Tiger, has historically affected economy the world over in the previous Astrological cycles?

Master Ong: Historically, there are two zodiac years that China has yielded to: The year of the Tiger and the year of the Dragon, which usually brings unwanted natural disasters such as floods and droughts that threatens the agrarian communities there. In 1998, China experienced the worst flood in history. Asian countries were badly mauled by what the ordinary man saw as the work of a voracious "Tiger''. To top that, political upheaval in Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1986, which is also a Tiger year. Singapore apart from going through the economic recession then. witnessed the tragic of the collapse of the New World Hotel. Further back in 1974, I do not remember any great significant happening. Are all these outcomes under the spell of the animal zodiac signs or purely coincidence? I think any effort made to claims of its accuracy now is an act of "after scene" talk.

Honestly I do not subscribe to predictions or future outlook based on the 12 animal zodiac systems alone. The reason is that it has only 12 permutations, which is not enough. Rationalists amongst us in the profession finds that the Chinese system of predictions called the Book of Changes is a more relevant system for predicting worldly affairs and changes. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to understand and still remains in the domain of the Sinologist.

In spite of the evidence, the animal zodiac system is gaining popularity because it simplifies both to the deliverers and listeners or readers. The fact is that it is still a very general and subjective system which collects experiences, based on China's geographical, weather and climatic conditions. The happenings in China have not had much significance to the outside world until the last decade of the 20th century which is after their adoption of the 'open policies'. Hence, those countries that have investment interest in or trading with China during past years, apart from cultural influence, their future outlook had somewhat expanded from economic and political aspects into astrological concerns. Which is the main reason why more people are paying attention to the influence of the Chinese Fengshui via the 12 Animal zodiac.

Editor: What can we do in the New Year and do you have ideas on how business can buck the Bear trend in 1999?

Master Ong:

1) Follow the advice of the l-Ching. Try to merge and unify to gain strength if possible. Work closely with clans, association, clubs, etc.  

2) Re-evaluate your company's strengths and weaknesses. ldentify the area of new opportunities and your threats. May I share with you the inspiration I received from Mr. Wee Cho Yaw, while reading the book 'Leaders of Singapore', Mr. Wee said "Learning to cut losses is very important''.

3) Market information and networking is very important. Do not fall prey to problematic companies around our region. Be careful of unreasonably high profit projects that usually end with bad or no payments.

4) Make correct changes with good Judgement. It is easier said then done. Let me share my insights from the wisdom of the I-Ching.

    a) Remember that Opportunity does not take place naturally after Adversity you may not survive long enough to witness the arrival of Opportunity.

    b) Be prudent in making changes, there are people who change for the better and there are people who make changes and turn for the worse. Hence, do be careful of making unnecessary, irrelevant or worst - wrong changes.

5) Generally, people react towards change differently. The first grade leaders are the lawmakers who command changes and create opportunities. The second grade leaders grasp changes and seize opportunities and the last grade of people has no choice, but to follow and submit to the changes made by the earlier two, at times that even terrify them.

6) The I-Ching says, "The world is perceptually changing.'' We can make corrective changes today to neutralise our past mistakes and also make creative changes today to improve tomorrow. The choice is yours. Learn to upgrade yourself from being the recipient of changes to the one who is able to navigate Changes and finally become: Commander of Changes.

( Full contents of the interview ( 3 pages ) of Master Ong by Singapore Builder Year Book 98/99 will be available in major book store by February 1999 )