The movie is about to begin. Please be seated.
Kindly turn off your mobile phones.
How about a little applause?
Thank you. How about a louder applause?
You can do better than that?
Thank you.
Why are you so obedient?
Ha... Ha... Ha...
This is a prison we have all been to.
Don't be fooled by its gentle facade,
we have all experienced its cruelty.
They have labelled us a class with no aptitude for school.
I am Terry.
The cute boy behind me is Liu Kok Pin.
The handsome one on my right is Ang Boon Hock.
Kok Pin and Boon Hock are buddies.
Three of us are from different backgrounds. But they are really cool.
Teacher, as long we work hard will we become somebody?
Of course, but please put your leg down.
Teacher, have you worked hard then?
Of course.
After teaching for so many years, are you somebody?
Oh! Oh! Teacher doesn't look too well, her heart must be shattered.
I have been here for more than 15 years, what kind of students have I not seen?
It is students like you that create trouble for me!
Actually they are not bad children,
just that they are from EM3, so people are prejudiced against them.
Even if you were right, you would still be wrong.
Don't mix with students from EM3.
They cannot study. They will influence you.
Boon Hock, what have you done? From EM2 to EM3.
Good thing your cousin Tiong Meng is not like you.
Even Boon Hock's aunt and cousin look down on him.
Mom, let's go!
There is a lot of homework in EM1.
So I decided to befriend them.
It is good to have more friends.
As some would say,
three stooges are better than one Einstein.
Oh? Did I get it wrong?
Well, something like that anyway.
How can he do that? Stupid idiot!
This is my father.
He is a good man, just that he speaks very loudly.
Damn it! He took my parking lot.
-Yes? -You still say 'Yes'?
I was going to park here, how could you just drive into my lot?
Sorry, sorry. I was on the phone. I didn't notice.
This is Kok Pin's father, Mr Liu.
He is 'fortunate' to run into my father today.
On the phone?
There are so many kids here and you are on the phone?
Can you not shout?
Damn it! I was honking at you back there and you didn't hear me,
if I had spoken softly, could you have heard me?
Can you not use that choice of words?
The choice of words I use is my business. It is not for you to tell me.
You get out of your car now.
-Ok, let me say this. -Say what?
I saw an empty lot and I drove in, I didn't...
What do you mean? I was in front...
-I was on the phone... -On the phone?
I didn't know you...
-Everybody wanted the lot. -Where are they?
I was waiting in front for so long.
Whatever it is you don't have to shout, right?
Because of you, all the cars cannot move.
-You don't understand. -What is there to understand?
I was here first, right?
It is not intentional.
If that is so, why did you take my lot?
This is a public area. Anyone can park here.
What public area? I came here first.
-I really didn't know. -You didn't know?
Mine is such a big Mercedes!
Kok Pin loves to draw ever since he was little.
But his Mom just hates it.
She is so worried about his homework,
because having worked for so many years,
she knows that
a degree may just be a piece of paper, but without it, makes the difference.
A promotion is not important to me now.
I am only worried about my son.
Whether he can survive in a society that values only English and Maths.
Without a degree, how are we going to survive?
Kok Pin has never been good in his studies.
The sad thing is, his Mom thinks he is just lazy
and that's why he is doing badly.
So she preaches to him daily.
Work hard so you can get into Normal Academic, O Level, A Level
and get your University degree.
Recently, there was a student formerly from EM3
who completed his O Level with several As.
The fact is his Mom blames herself for his poor results.
It's all my fault his results is so bad,
I should have spent more time with him.
Actually, you need to punish children.
Just like my son.
When I don't cane him, he gets 40 marks.
When I cane him, he gets 90 marks.
Appropriate punishment from parents is a way to bring out the best in our children.
Some children are just like that.
Once you cane them, they will do their best!
Every time his Mom's friends talk about their kids,
it will spell doomsday for Kok Pin.
Mom! Stop hitting me! I will try and get 90 marks next time.
Please stop hitting me.
Oh no! My dear sister-in-law, once your son is in EM3, he is done for.
-Really? -Really.
Mom, let's go! I am hungry.
Oh son, wait for me!
-Hey that fat woman is your sister-in-law? -Yes.
Looking at her, I can tell she is not educated.
Don't talk rubbish. Her son is in EM1.
-EM1? -Yes.
That's not possible.
Our government had said before,
when two uneducated people get married
their children will also do poorly in their studies.
Look at her, if her son is in EM1
-I chop off... -Hey!
-My finger... -Don't talk rubbish.
Our government is the best, they would never say such a thing.
Two uneducated people get married and their children will also be poor in studies.
I sell Wonton Noodles, does that mean my son will also sell Wonton Noodles?
-Dad, 30 dollars. -I don't know. That's what I hear.
But I am lucky. I am also not educated,
but my son is in the gifted class. It is better than winning lottery!
Some people just don't know what they are talking about.
Boon Hock, you heard that?
If you are not good at school people will look down on you.
The woman who likes to wear white
with a body to die for is my Mom.
My Mom loves me 'cos I am obedient.
I am obedient 'cos she understands me.
She will plan and arrange everything for me.
Our relatives and friends think she is like our government.
Especially the way she talks.
Do you know how lucky the two of you are
to have a good and responsible mother
who knows how to take care of you?
In our daily lives she looks as if she interferes in everything.
Actually, it is the way she shows concern.
There are many things that we, kids, don't understand.
It looks simple from the surface, so we try to be clever.
Excuse me, why do you litter?
What is it to you? Nosey parker. Fat ass.
But when a problem arises she will suggest the most practical way to solve it.
That is my Mother.
How many times do you want me to tell you?
Don't stick your nose in people's business.
For no reason, you were scolded.
Next time if you see something pretend you never saw it.
Because all this is none of your business.
We are very wealthy, and we live in a big house.
We lead a carefree and comfortable life.
My Dad's only worry is I will end up like my Mom and Sis,
not speaking Chinese well.
So I stayed with my Taiwanese Godmother who taught me Chinese.
As a result, I am very fluent in Chinese, but I am bad in my English and Maths.
That's why I am in EM3.
Actually, my main problem is English,
there is nothing wrong with my intelligence.
Hey!... Hello!... Come!
You certainly know how to choose a date to give birth to your children.
Housewarming is on the same day too. It makes your celebration so convenient.
-Oh yes, your red packets. -Oh you don't have to.
It's for good fortune. One for you and one for you.
Thanks Godmother.
People are envious of us,
but I still feel that I lack something.
I can't tell what it is. Just something.
I'm sure I will know one day.
Mom! Mom! They bullied me!
Terry, they are our guests.
You must learn to be a gracious host, understand?
Now, go and give them drinks. Go!
You can have it back!
I am being bullied in my own home, and all I do is cry.
No wonder Sister looks down on me.
Look, this design is pretty unique.
Liu, tell you a good news!
The milk powder commercial that you and Ben did
has been accepted to the Taiwan Regional Ads Awards.
-Really? - Alright!
Thanks. It is a collaborative effort.
But the condominium TV commercial has been rejected by the TV Station.
-Why? -They say the language used is not proper.
Thanks. That is also a collaborative effort.
Here, have some Ba Gua.
Really...Why can't we use our local slang?
We can't even say 'Don't Play Play'.
This cannot be used, that cannot be used. How do you nurture a creative environment?
-I thought it used to be ok? -Thanks to Phua Chu Kang.
Now the government is afraid Singlish is going to overtake English.
Now they are very worried.
Listen, I don't know what the big deal about Singlish is.
I mean it's Singlish that makes Singaporean so unique.
Exactly.
Even for ads in China now, we use the local slang.
'Cos it connects with the people!
I realise your government is embarrassed by the improper use of the language.
So what if you know the proper use of the language but you lack the depth,
at most, you are just a walking dictionary.
That's right.
You know,
I have been to Singapore so often
but I don't see any campaigns to improve your...
Thinking out of the box is the way to go.
Whoever breaks out will lead a new trend.
Your government wants you to be creative,
yet you are so restricted.
Such a contradiction.
You should raise it with the government!
Actually Singaporeans are like fishes in Singapore.
What do Singapore fishes have to do with it?
Haven't you heard? It's difficult to catch fish in Singapore.
Why?
'Cos Singapore fishes are like Singaporeans, they will never open their mouths!
Sister likes to challenge mother these days.
She challenges her on everything.
Like an opposition party.
Selena.
Where are all the red packets from my birthday? That is my money.
Why must I give them to you every time?
Yes, why do we have to give them to you?
I know it's your money, I will help you save and invest.
Don't worry, I will give it back to you when you are old enough.
-When can you give it back to us? -I know! When we are 55 years old!
Terry! You think you are being funny, is it? Stop talking nonsense.
Do you think that is really suitable for your room? Don't you think this is much nicer?
See, it's made of cane.
Mom, I thought you said I can decorate my room in any way I want?
I want to try this one. I don't like that one.
That one is so old fashion.
-Yes. -So can I do it in my own way, please?
I know you won't like whatever I say, but one day you will appreciate it.
This is for your own good. Trust me.
-Come, this is much nicer. -This is better.
-No. This is nicer. -No. This is better.
-This is nicer. -This is the best of all!
Selena Khoo!
Stop arguing. I am your mother.
This is your room, but don't forget this is my house.
So I will make the final decision.
I know you are an intelligent girl,
that's why I let you help decorate your room.
But look at the kind of choice you have made,
it's so unsuitable. Look at this.
This is so much better.
You don't believe me? Ask your brother.
Terry, which one is nicer?
I don't know, this is none of my business.
That is my Mom. Thank God my Dad is not like that.
Dear, the kids are growing up, you need to change your method.
You need to reason with them.
You are always exerting your authority, saying...
...'I am your mother and you should just listen to me.'
With time, this method will not work anymore.
Dear, don't you worry,
she is my daughter,
I know how to handle her.
You told me you were familiar with the machine
but it blew up while you were operating it.
You are fired.
Boss, give me a chance?
To come here, I had borrowed a lot of money.
I have not earned enough to return to China,
if I go back, I will be courting death!
I understand your situation.
But you could have killed someone.
Sorry, you have to go.
Mr Lim, please come in.
Boss.
I will give you an additional two months salary and two boxes of Ba Gua.
Then you can't say that you have worked here
and yet never tasted my Ba Gua.
Mr Lim, cancel his work permit today.
Boss, give me a chance?
Yes, Boss, give him another chance?
He has always been hard working,
this is just an accident.
Accident? What if it happens again?
I would not be here to talk to you.
Boss...
Sorry.
I am a busy man. Lots to do.
Hey, don't you want your Ba Gua?
Boss, this is my resignation letter.
Why quit? You are doing fine.
I want a change of environment.
Someone poaching you?
Yes, they are paying me a lot more.
Hello. Speak up.
Setting up factories in Singapore?
Taiwan Ba Gua King?
It's not so easy.
Oh God! Only 35 marks.
-Give that back to me! -Just taking a look.
What? Only 45 marks. -Give that back to me!
This is not even good enough as toilet paper.
-What do you mean? -Why? Not happy?
-Give that back! -No!
Give that back! Give that back!
Sorry.
Oh my God! My son!
Teacher... Teacher...This boy here...
He is just so terrible and horrible!
Teacher, he pushed my son
and he hit his face against the fence.
Look at his face,
Teacher. Good thing I got there in time.
I saw it with my own eyes.
I have many witnesses.
You kids saw it, right? You really saw it, right?
Yes!!!
Teacher, so many kids saw it.
What do the two of you have to say?
Disciplinary master, that was not what happened.
Oh you!
I am your aunt and you are my nephew,
how can you be on his side? You...
Teacher, don't listen to him.
He does not know what he is saying.
He started it all by snatching our test paper.
They have so many witnesses,
do you have any?
We do! Terry!
I did not see anything.
I know nothing.
How much are the EM3 exam papers?
EM3?
If they are in EM3 they are a lost cause.
Forget it!
To help you speak Chinese fluently
let us use 'My Ambition'
as a topic for discussion.
Selena, you can start first.
My ambition is to become a scientist.
I am going to invent a new type of medicine.
Speak Chinese, Selena.
After taking the medicine,
I will become a Caucasian.
And why do you want to be a Caucasian?
Because if I am a Caucasian,
I don't have to learn Chinese anymore.
I know a lot of students detest the Chinese language.
But the language is very important to being Chinese.
I really studied very hard when I was young.
But beside my Chinese name, I can't even read a word or write in Chinese.
Being a Chinese, you have to know Chinese.
That is your mother tongue, your roots.
And my poor mother was so worried, she sent me to endless Chinese tuition classes.
Living in this society,
the use of the language is beyond your imagination.
If you don't know Chinese in Singapore...
It's perfectly all right.
Like myself, I am doing very well even though I don't understand a word of Chinese.
Not knowing Chinese, we will fail to understand the Chinese culture.
Not knowing Chinese, we will fail to understand ourselves.
Not knowing Chinese...
you won't lose any business in Singapore.
But in Taiwan or China, if you don't speak Chinese
you are going to face problems!
Not knowing Chinese, you don't even know what you could be missing.
Ladies and gentlemen, John, our new Creative Director.
Hello there. Thank you.
I look forward to working with all of you here.
And with everyone's contribution,
I believe we can build a very strong team.
I look forward to building a cohesive and creative environment.
Thank you.
With John's experience in the States,
I am sure our company will be No.1 in Singapore.
Besides John, the management has decided to promote Ben as Creative Group Head.
Thank you. At least I didn't waste 3 years of hard work.
Thank you! Thank you so much.
Congratulations! We have nothing to celebrate for you, except this...
-Ba Gua! -Your favourite.
-Congratulations! -You guys... Thank you.
Ba Gua!
Hey, you've got to try this.
-Come. Everyone gets one.
Ben, this soya sauce TVC needs an urgent Chinese translation.
Chinese translation?
This is Liu, our Chinese copywriter.
He has got some great ideas for this TVC. Come on, tell John.
Actually I have seen this TVC,
to do a direct translation may not be that effective.
So I would like to suggest we do a new Chinese version for them.
No. We don't have time.
A direct translation is good enough.
Susan has done a greatjob on the English version.
-Susan, good job on the English version. -Thank you.
There is just no time, just do a direct translation.
Yes, Liu, just do a simple translation.
Don't waste too much time on this Chinese product.
I have to go now.
Your idea is brilliant. Why don't you just tell him your idea?
Push for a new Chinese TVC.
But I don't know how to approach it...
Tell them. Tell John.
I don't know how to...
What is this?
This is Chinese BBQ Pork.
A Chinese delicacy?
It's from 'Bee Cheng Hiang'. The No.1 brand in Singapore.
Try it. Try it
Nice?
Tell me more.
In Chinese, we call it 'Rou Gan'.
In Hokkien, we say 'Ba Gua'.
This plus this minus this equals this, got it?
I will say it again.
This plus this minus this equals this. Do you understand?
How many times do you want me to repeat this?
Can you concentrate a little?
I have repeated this over 10 times!
Both your Dad and I had pretty good results.
Other kids can get 90 Marks, why can't you?
Can you not be lazy
and be more hardworking?
Why can't you just concentrate?
Why? Why?
Mom! Mom!
That's enough!
There is no point forcing him like this.
He has his limitations. That's why he is in EM3.
We have to face this fact. That there is a limitation to his ability.
Can you give him a beautiful childhood?
His beautiful childhood is splashed with the words 'I cannot study'!
All I can do now is to help him with his Maths and English.
Only then in Singapore will he be considered a smart boy.
English, Maths... What about Chinese?
If we can't even handle English and Maths why bother with Chinese?
What are you saying?
What about when he gets to secondary school?
It's ok if his Chinese is bad in secondary school.
There is an easier Chinese course available for students poor in Chinese.
The exams are easier, so don't you worry.
The important thing now is to focus on English and Maths.
No wonder Chinese ads only need translation.
Hello. Nice to meet all of you.
I am Ms Lee, your new form teacher.
Teacher, for you to be teaching us are your English and Maths very bad as well?
You are right. I used to fail my Maths all the time
so I hated Maths.
But the more I hated it, the worse it got.
Then I decided to spend time to know it better,
and to be friends with it. I got to know it inside out,
and finally overcame it.
So whether it is English or Maths,
don't shy away just because you don't do well in it.
It feels like they have beaten you.
Actually they have not,
it is you who have beaten yourself.
You draw really well. Who taught you?
He was born to draw.
What about you?
I...
He can't draw.
But he is born with one talent,
he is very obedient!
Can you draw me your best drawing?
Hey, I just bought these games.
You can play with them first.
I have played them. They are really good!
Forget it!
What a friend you are. Bailing out on us!
I am not like that,
just that my Mom...
Enough, don't go on, your Mom... your Mom...
You think you are the only one with a mother?
So obedient... What if your Mom asked you to eat shit?
Then I would just eat it.
With her around, even if it is shit she will make it really delicious.
Oh My God!
The bottom line is, you are not a man.
You shouldn't be called Terry, you should be called Sally.
Who says I am not a man?
I go to the Gents like you too.
Oh My God!
If you are a man, don't cry when you get your injection later!
Ok! The one who cries is not a man!
Challenging me? I am not afraid of you.
It's like an ant bite.
Don't be afraid.
I have endured greater pain than this.
How many times do you want me to tell you?
I don't like butter, I hate butter.
And where is my 'Pink Dolphin Calcium'?
I don't like biscuits. I want my bread!
You are such a pain!
Can you tell her nicely or not?
Keep your mouth shut and eat your shit!
Can you stop quarrelling?
Early in the morning you make so much noise.
Hey! Stop! Stop! Stop! Can you not mess up my table?
Why can't you just sit there and let the maid serve you?
What's wrong if I do it myself? I am no longer a small girl ok?
You think you are all grown up, is it?
Oh please, Selena!
Hello.
My friend told me about those shares. She said they were very reliable.
Very disappointed!
I've already lost about a hundred thousand.
Yeah! Ok, Bye.
Was that our money?
Keep quiet! Eat your breakfast.
You are always like that. Can I not ask?
Selena! You have everything...
You have a big house...A big room... A big car...
You also have a big mouth! You like to complain!
You wanted sports shoes, right? Now we are going to get it.
You don't know how lucky you are to have a good and responsible mother.
Quickly go and change.
We are late already.
189 times.
What are you saying?
Mom has already said
'You are lucky to have a good and responsible mother' for 189 times.
Doesn't her mouth ache from repeating it?
-Dear, what was that all about? -Oh, nothing,
I know how to handle my children.
-Hey, why haven't you changed? -We haven't even eaten our breakfast yet.
Hello. What?
Taiwan Ba Gua King has new strategies?
This cannot be.
No. No. No.
Call for a meeting with all the managers now.
My wife and I will be in the office shortly.
Hurry! Hurry!
Dear, we cannot take the kids out.
This happens every time. When can I get my sports shoes?
Don't you dare complain ok?
Can't you see that this is more important than your stupid sports shoes?
We are facing very strong competition.
Annie, come here. Take them out for lunch later.
Love 972, your favourite radio station.
Hi, I am Billy.
Taiwan Ba Gua King has changed the local...
Taiwan Ba Gua King again.
Oh, dear,
nowadays, this FM97.2 has many listeners,
and is a very popular radio station.
Oh, dear,
their campaign is coming on so strong,
how can we not put up a fight?
Of course we must fight!
Hey, we are out of petrol again?
It's always like this,
running out of petrol when we're in a hurry.
Hello.
No. Everyone must be back today.
Don't go anywhere else.
Do you know the competition is heating up?
Wait. Wait. I will call you back.
Talk. Talk. Talk. See. You let people overtake you.
You bloody specky! It is you again!
Damn it! How have I offended you?
Or is your car is bigger than mine?
Why do you always take my space?
I did not.
He motioned for me to come over here.
There you go lying again. You think I am 3 years old?
I didn't lie. Go ask him.
And can you not shout?
You are afraid people will hear us?
Damn it! You take my space every time, and you are afraid to be embarrassed?
What do you want to do about it?
Damn it! Get out of your car.
-Fine, I will. -Let's settle this once and for all.
How?
I give in to you once, and you take me for a sucker?
You do it over and over again!
It's not intentional.
What are you saying?
Just stop it!
Damn it!
Why are you hitting him?
Damn it, you think I'm afraid of you?
Wow! You're more violent than me!
Stop fighting!
Stop it! Stop it!
Come on! Come on!
Damn it!
Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
Oh! Sorry!
So as usual we meet here 2 hrs later ok?
Ok. Hi! Mary.
Hi!
Come on. Let's go.
Hey, you fat ass!
You are so big and you bullied my son.
Good thing I caught you.
You think that I am not around, and therefore you can bully my son?
-I... I... -I... I... What?
Doesn't your Mom teach you manners?
Lady, you are shouting at someone
who obviously looks like a harmless animal.
Now, who is bullying who?
You little bastard.
How can you talk to me like that? No manners.
I saw it with my own eyes.
Little friend, how did you fall?
I fell down myself.
You stupid little kid!
That is Boon Hock for you.
I feel safe whenever he is around.
He has guts and takes care of his friends.
I hope this kind of people will not go extinct.
Boon Hock! Come help feed your brother,
I am busy.
Wow! So many Maths assessment books.
Boon Hock! Come help serve the customers.
You have to help your mother
to take care of your brother
and also do your Maths assessment,
why don't you ask your Mom for a maid?
You think everyone is rich like you?
We are already in EM3, why do you still bother to study so hard?
I don't want people to look down on me
I want to give myself a chance.
And I feel Ms Lee doesn't look down on us, I am touched.
I want to try out what she said,
not be afraid of Maths but be friends with it,
once I know it inside out, I will overcome my fear.
I think I can do it.
Hey! Steven, I have a question for you.
Boon Hock! Boon Hock! Customers are leaving. Quick!
Coming.
You saved me just now. Let me repay you.
You are a rich kid, how can you serve noodles?
If your Mom finds out she will be unhappy.
I cannot listen to her all the time, afterall, I am still a man, right?
Bring this bowl of noodles to that customer.
Auntie, I will bring this.
-You sure you know how to? -Sure, it's easy.
-Are you sure you can manage? -Sure.
How come I can smell smoke on you?
I never smoked, my friends blew it on me.
And you!
How many times have I told you not to be nosey?
Why bother with other people's business?
Who asked you to help your friend serve his customers?
When you were not around, he saved me.
I was merely repaying his kindness.
Repaying! Repaying!
Then how did you fall? And hurt yourself here. Ouch!
Because... because...because I am stupid!
I don't even know how to serve noodles.
Oh Terry! Mommy is not scolding you,
there are so many ways to repay your friend.
You can ask Mommy for some money to buy him a present.
Or you can share with him your comics, your books, your computer games.
I tried but it cannot work anymore.
Oh boy, I'm not scolding you,
I just want you to be able to look after yourself.
You see other people can look after themselves.
This is all for your own good.
It is nice but you have to find a way to make your fingers less dirty.
Ben, the proposal from you two is not too bad.
It is creative but not very practical.
I want you to read my proposal and present it in the meeting.
Let me know what time the meeting is.
Shit! He stole your idea.
This was what we talked about the other day.
These people are all like that you know.
You talk to them, they steal your ideas.
They re-write the proposal and call it 'my proposal'.
I tell you what. We will complain to Mr Kang.
Yeah! Let's complain!
It's useless. There is no point. The boss is on his side.
I have got no evidence, who is going to believe me?
Look, if I were you I will go all the way to fight for my rights.
But you see you can speak so fluently,
and he can also speak so well, I cannot.
Oh! Nevermind! Anyway he only stole some of my ideas, not all. It's ok.
Oh,come on Liu!
Hey! You know what I heard?
John is only an FA artist in an agency in the States!
Say what! And he becomes our Creative Director!
Making us look stupid.
Liu, no wonder he has to steal your ideas.
Oh well! What can I do?
Actually I have nothing against expatriates
but they must show us that they can do the job, right?
What if they can't do the job but they are already here?
Hiring the wrong person for the wrong job is a national practice.
National practice?
Yup! If everybody in this country is doing the same thing of course it is a national practice!
Hey don't you laugh, ok? This is part of the government's plan.
They want foreign talents to come here and help us. How can you laugh at that?
Ya, these foreign talents are the elite.
Elite?
Ok, Ok! Which local elite decides who is the elite?
No! You should say...Which local idiot decides which idiot gets the job?
Don't say that, this is very sensitive you know.
Ok. Ok.
Do we all agree that this Caucasian's plan is not going to work?
Yes!
Then I suggest we present our proposal first to the client
Ya! Ya! Ya!
We will move the meeting 2 hours earlier and we won't tell John about it.
And when the client accepts our proposal the Caucasian will just have to shut up!
Right!
That's terrible! How can you do such a thing?
But I like it.
For this Maths test Boon Hock scored the highest marks.
Boon Hock, tell us how you improved.
Me?
Boon Hock, stand up!
I just bluffed my way through.
I did not know I would get 78 marks.
Teacher, I know how he did it.
He told me he made friends with you.
He slowly examined you, got close to you
and finally knew you inside out.
That is how his Maths improve.
Teacher, if you let us all know you inside out
I am certain we will all improve as well!
Thanks, Terry.
I find a lot of potential in many of you.
If you are willing to make the sacrifice, I am willing to offer extra tutorials to help you.
Interested students can register with me after class.
Not even you?
You sure have the time to help them.
I find some of them to be rather intelligent, so I want to spend more time with them
maybe there can be a miracle.
Ms Lee, maybe you are new. These students are a lost cause.
You might as well not waste your time.
Once they are in here, there is no turning back.
I suggest you spend more time with the students in EM1 who need help.
At least, there is some hope for them.
Boon Hock was your student, what about him?
He is pretty smart butjust lazy.
And that Kok Pin, spends the whole day drawing.
If they could and would study hard, they would have been in EM2 by now.
Honestly, if Ms Lee let us know her inside out would our Maths really improve?
-Can you shut up? -Ok.
I heard you broke all records at EM3 level with your 78 marks in a Maths test.
-Any problem? -Of course not.
Actually 78 marks is really bad at EM1 level.
Hey, why do you have to say that?
What? I am only stating the fact.
What business is it of yours anyway? Fat ass.
Hey! Don't you bully him!
We can talk it through, but don't get violent.
Wow! Coming from someone in EM3.
You wanna talk! Sure I'll spit at you first!
Hey! Why did you do that?
Hey! What are you guys doing? Three kids against my poor son?
-It's true. -He spat at me first.
Liar. I will report you to your teacher.
-It is not my fault! -Don't tell me that.
He spat at me first. It is not my fault!
Are you ok?
Oh no!
Kok Pin! I will be your witness! Fear not!
Teacher! Look at my face!
Disciplinary Master, I am a witness to this.
And I have a witness too.
Terry! Terry!
Terry, go ahead, say exactly what happened.
Say it, tell her who pushed who?
I'm sorry, my Mom says...
Your Mom! Your Mom!
You said you will not listen to her anymore?
Oh! So you are the naughty boy
who has been telling my Terry not to listen to me, is it?
Hello Madam, this has nothing to do with my son,
it is none of his business.
Oh! But I want to complain about him.
He is a rough and rude boy.
Look at my face. See?
This is all because of him!
Teacher, I am not the only one complaining
other people are complaining about him too.
Two mothers are complaining about you, what do you have to say?
Isn't it bad enough that your results are poor?
You are getting worse. What do you want me to do?
You don't study. All you do is fight.
Please stop hitting me. I... I will...
I will try my best to get 90 marks.
Please stop hitting me.
Mr Liu is our Chinese copywriter.
He is very experienced in your product.
He is also my buddy.
You see, we came up with this idea together.
And we are very confident with this proposal
because we love your Ba Gua.
Mr Khoo is Good Friend Ba Gua's Managing Director.
We know each other very well...
Oh, Ok. John is currently doing a presentation in the other office.
So he wants us to start first. Shall we begin?
Sure, anytime.
Ok. After a detailed market study,
we found that the overall market size has not shrunk,
just that different Ba Gua companies
are a little more traditional with their strategies.
Shit! Are you insulting me?
Are you saying I am backdated?
Traditional? You think my Chinese is lousy?
You are just going one round to insult me?
I have to be honest.
Otherwise, how are we to fight the competition?
Ok, I will let you go on.
I want to see what brilliant ideas you have.
Don't you try to fool me. Go on.
Ok. If we want to broaden the existing market size, we cannot ignore the youth market.
So our packaging has to appeal to the young and not focus on something too local.
There you go again insulting me, right?
What is too local?
Are you saying that my packaging is low class?
Hey what is he saying? I am the client.
Mr Khoo, calm down.
How could he have said that?
I tell you, My budget this year is S$1Million.
You jolly well get that Caucasian in here. 5 mins or I will walk out of here!
Sorry, sorry, Mr Khoo.
I am John, the Creative Director.
I am very sorry to be late.
Someone did not tell me the time has been changed.
Where is my proposal?
Fine. I have a copy here.
-Mr Khoo, may I begin? -Sure, go ahead.
A Caucasian's idea is always very special.
Even if I have to pay more, I don't mind.
Tell me your idea.
Excuse me.
Mr Khoo, let me begin by saying after a detailed market study
I noticed that your market share has decreased in the last few years.
This is because your marketing strategies are too traditional.
Yes, you are right! You are very sharp!
'Lim Pei' like your idea.
-'Lim Pei'? What is that? -It means Your Father.
-My Father? -No, 'Lim Pei' is l, I am 'Lim Pei'.
OK, give me your ideas.
I want them new and totally different from before. Ok?
Ok, sure.
If I don't do well in this test, I am done for.
Principal, they are my students, can you leave it to me to handle this?
Sure.
Cheating in a test requires that the parents be informed.
Do you know this is a very serious offence?
Principal, this student's background is different.
I know his problems. If you inform his parents...
Ms Lee, this student is poor in conduct and in his work,
covering up for him will affect the school's reputation, don't you know?
-Ms Lim. -Yes, Principal.
You will inform the student's parents.
I will.
That is it then.
Ms Lee, it's ok,
I don't want to make it difficult for everyone,
let them tell my mother.
This drawing is for you.
This afternoon, at about 3.20 pm
an 1 1 year old boy was found dead at the bottom of a flat.
Neighbours speculate that he committed suicide because
he could not endure the punishment from his parents for his poor school results.
The Police is now investigating the cause of death.
This is Li Xin Yi for NBB TV.
Quick run! They are catching up! Run!
Stop! Stop! Stop!
Down! Down!
A bunch of teenagers.
Nope.
Six teenagers. Out.
Up. Go there.
Why are you arresting me?
Are you not with them?
No!
It is so late in the night
why are you here in your school uniform?
I... I...
I... I came here to kill myself.
You! What must I do to make you listen to me?
Don't ask me to bail you out next time.
I have lost all face because of you. Damn!
Selena, tell me what happened?
What have you done?
Ok! Ok!
Don't shout in front of so many people.
Let us go home first and we will talk then.
No! I am not going home!
What's wrong with you?
I tell you, you better behave yourself!
Don't think I won't beat you in front of all these people!
You come home with us now!
Ok! Ok!
Don't shout in front of so many people.
Let us go home first and we will talk then.
No! I don't have a home!
That is your home! Your room! Not mine!
What did you say?
How dare you talk to us like that?
I don't even know who you are anymore!
We work so hard to give you everything.
Food. Toys. Clothes. Money.
Why can't you appreciate how lucky you are to have good and responsible parents?
What more do you want?
Freedom!
Why do you always treat me like a small girl?
You want to decide everything.
Even what kind of underwear I wear.
I hate this! I want to have a say!
Freedom?
Everybody wants freedom,
I'll give it to you slowly, step by step. Otherwise, you will burst like a balloon.
I know there are some things I do that you don't like very much
but everything I do is
for your own good.
How did you know?
My parents always say that to me too.
My own good?
Ok, can you tell me where is all my red packet money?
Keep you mouth shut!
Trying to embarrass me in front of everyone, is it?
Did you hear that? It's my money but I can't even ask about it.
Don't you think it is ridiculous?
I am doing all this for your ...
for your own good
For your own good, will you like us to arrange a counselling session for you?
No, thank you.
Come.
Let us go home first. No more nonsense.
Come.
Let's go.
I am Liu Kok Pin's mother.
Thank you.
Mr Liu, I think you should pay more attention to him.
Kok Pin, every problem has its solution.
Solving a problem by committing suicide is stupid. Do you understand?
Dad, I know I am wrong. I shouldn't have done that.
Not caning my child does not mean I don't care.
I know everybody has his limitation. As long he tries his best...
I am the one that tried my best.
What have you done for his education?
When you come home from work, you only ask 3 questions.
Have you had your dinner? Have you done your homework?
Have you learned your spelling?
What have you taught him?
I am the one who has really tried my best.
-Wife! - Mom!
-Wife! What's wrong with you? -Mom! Are you ok?
-Wife! What's wrong with you? -Mom!
Sis, why do you like to argue with Mom?
I am not like that with Mom. Why is that?
Because whatever thing she says
you don't have your own stand.
You just follow blindly.
But I am different.
I am no longer a small girl.
I have my own views now.
Do you realize that whatever I do is always wrong?
-What kind of mother is this? -A good and responsible mother.
-Yes! Sports shoes! -Is this the sports shoes you wanted
Yes, it is. Yes!
-The right colour? -Yes! It's the right colour. Wow!
What kind of mother is this?
Why did you hit me?
Dear, the government says
we will be getting new Singapore shares.
And they will top up our pension account.
The economy is so bad
yet they are giving us money.
It is not bad!
Election is coming!
So how is Selena ? Is she ok?
Of course.
Children are all alike.
Give them a little something
and they forget the past.
Hello, is that John?
I am Mr Khoo!
I am in Orchard Road.
I can see my competitor's advertisements here.
My God! Their advertisements are everywhere.
Every direction, every corner,
every angle, every building, every pillar,
every bus stop, every taxi,
every inch of Orchard Road!
Oh My God!
-'Ah Gua' is a Chinese New Year... -'Ba Gua' not 'Ah Gua' (Transexual)!
If I sell 'Ah Gua'(Transexual), I will be bankrupt.
'Ba Gua'
Ba Gua is a Chinese New Year delicacy.
It is an integral part of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Now, past campaigns have used traditional elements,
that have been used over and over again.
What we want to present now
are revolutionary ideas, that have never been used before.
Let's begin!