What kind of new industry does Okinawa need?

[gtlm2000]

I told some thread that's Okinawa doesn't have good job. One of cause is Okinawa doesn't have many industry.

Resort is big industry in Okinawa, but it's not enough.
I think Okinawan governor should develop other industry.
farming, fishing industry, technical industry....etc...

[Richard Burns]

Amature Porn

[gtlm2000]

..........OK...........

[Richard Burns]

build more CoCo's curry houses!!!!!!!!

Hell to the mother****in' yes!!!!

Put a small CoCo's inside all the Conveince Stores.

[TheLastDon]

They should manufacture ecofriendly vehicles.

[gtlm2000]

Most of college and University students are hard to find job in Okinawa.

[Richard Burns]

I'm starting a record label here. Should kick off in a couple years if all goes according to plan.

[gtlm2000]

They should manufacture ecofriendly vehicles.

That's good idea. Okinawa should make industry something about ECO.

[Richard Burns]

Also the Modeling industry. There's so many beautiful women around here both off base and on base.

Also (in a very non gay way) a lot of dudes around here could pull off modeling too.

[gtlm2000]

I'm starting a record label here. Should kick off in a couple years if all goes according to plan.

RB Record :thumbup1:

[gtlm2000]

Some people in Miyakojima made Bio fuel from sugarcane. I think this is also nice.

[Tanimaga]

Some people in Miyakojima made Bio fuel from sugarcane. I think this is also nice.

Half goes in the cars, and the rest... Kampai!

http://nerddads.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/drunk-salaryman.jpg

[152 Sumo]

The okinawan government should create a business that needs me. Then they could hire me. I could come back and boost the economy by spending every weekend at the local izakaya. SUMIMASEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNN....NAMA FUTATSU ONEGAISHIMASU!!!

[Richard Burns]

They should legalize shrooms again. I'm sure that will make good money.

They should legalize weed too. This could be the Amsterdam of Asia.

[dk]

They should legalize shrooms again. I'm sure that will make good money.

How much money did it produce for Okinawa in the years when it was legal? You should probably base your opinion on that.

[Richard Burns]

How much money did it produce for Okinawa in the years when it was legal? You should probably base your opinion on that.

Oh crap. I don't think it yenerated much money at all then. I'm surprised you caught it that quick. That's good.

But legalizing weed will make this place boom I think.

[uriel]

How much money did it produce for Okinawa in the years when it was legal? You should probably base your opinion on that.

man, they made a solid 5000 yen. something's better than nothing, right? :first:

[dk]

Good question, GT.

That's like going to West Virginia and asking the same question. lol. I think the bases have a better talent pool than the off-base businesses. Poor guys. lol

Do the Okinawan government truly reward innovation? How? How successful are they in this? Maybe failure can be seen as a means for improvement. What is the goal? Money? Or a more beautiful Okinawa that will draw more tourists (and much more money). If it's A, build casinos. If it's B, clean up your act, Okinawa. Tear down run-down buildings. Build parking lots into architectural plans, lol.

It all depends on what the majority of Okinawans actually want. If the answer is simply MONEY, then you can try almost anything... and probably fail. You can't really create large sums of money without innovation, and innovation is one area I've noticed my Okinawan countertypes lacking in since... since I learned the word. lol

[Tanimaga]

They were pretty common right? Hard to make cash on something you can pick yourself.

[Muku]

Also the Modeling industry. There's so many beautiful women around here both off base and on base.

Also (in a very non gay way) a lot of dudes around here could pull off modeling too.
RB it's already here, and has been for a number of years.

Just curious here RB, but how much do you really know about the Okinawan economy?

Besides tourism, soaplands, and anything closely related to the bases?

[dk]

man, they made a solid 5000 yen. something's better than nothing, right? :first:

I'm talking totals. Come on RB. Do better! :D lol

[dk]

They were pretty common right? Hard to make cash on something you can pick yourself.

Still are unless something changed... Just go up north and pick them out of cow shit.

[Tanimaga]

Still are unless something changed... Just go up north and pick them out of cow shit.

I'll be moving up there soon.. if my posts get erratic and confused, you'll know the problem.

[gtlm2000]

dk and me will open oppai pub :D

[uriel]

RB it's already here, and has been for a number of years.

Just curious here RB, but how much do you really know about the Okinawan economy?

Besides tourism, soaplands, and anything closely related to the bases?

you seem to know a lot, so enlighten us. what sort of industry could okinawa have? they can't really produce things like eco friendly cars and whatnot as was suggested in a previous post because the money it would take to ship raw materials here to be built, just to turn around and send them somewhere else to sell them would kill any profit that might be made. tourism seems like it could possibly work better. they make pretty good liquor i guess...

[Richard Burns]

RB it's already here, and has been for a number of years.

Just curious here RB, but how much do you really know about the Okinawan economy?

Besides tourism, soaplands, and anything closely related to the bases?

OMMFG! LMMFAO! I thought the fact I was being funny in my posts were obvious.

This is my very uneducated opinion but I think there is not much to the Okinawan economy.

Awamori
Orion
Pig Farming
Farms
There's some nice tall buildings in Naha that look like bad ass corporations are inside.
There IT is garbage as far as web design in concerned. Their damn websites are stuck in 1994.

[Richard Burns]

Just to add..........The Okinawan economy.....wait.....Okinawa has an economy?:scratchchin:

[Tanimaga]

There IT is garbage as far as web design in concerned. Their damn websites are stuck in 1994.

Stealing DK's posts? Didn't he state this recently?

[dk]

Stealing DK's posts? Didn't he state this recently?

Nah, I've been saying that since 1994. lol

[dk]

I'll be moving up there soon.. if my posts get erratic and confused, you'll know the problem.

If RB becomes a mod, I'm probably at Tani's house. :thumbup:

[Crazysix]

If RB becomes a mod, I'm probably at Tani's house. :thumbup:

and if a family mart gets robbed....Im with DK:grin1::grin1::grin1::grin1:

[dk]

and if a family mart gets robbed....Im with DK:grin1::grin1::grin1::grin1:

Nah, we'll just steal their spicy chicken and oden. lmao

[Crazysix]

Nah, we'll just steal their spicy chicken and oden. lmao

damn brah..just cause im black does not mean I eat chicken....................but I do....damn it tani grab the purple drank!!!!!( for some reason ths beastie boyz just popped into my head"Paul Revere")

[Richard Burns]

I didn't steal dk's post. I borrowed it.

[Tanimaga]

I didn't steal dk's post. I borrowed it.

I borrowed your "re-inventing myself" beginning on my last thread, and look where it got me..

At least I got the piss disk idea..

[gtlm2000]

Just to add..........The Okinawan economy.....wait.....Okinawa has an economy?:scratchchin:

Yeah, Okinawa has an economy :)

[gtlm2000]

Nah, we'll just steal their spicy chicken and oden. lmao

hahahaha :D I'll give you money to buy them :grin1:

[gtlm2000]

Okinawa can't have big factory as like mainland, because place is small :(

[SnaFu]

I'm starting a record label here. Should kick off in a couple years if all goes according to plan.

Are you serious?

[dk]

Okinawa can't have big factory as like mainland, because place is small :(

Sure they can......

[gtlm2000]

Sure they can......

No space.....where will it be?

[dk]

No space.....where will it be?

There is space... They just have to knock down a few esthetic salons. They could make space up north if they wanted to. GT, Okinawa land isn't cram packed with people and buildings like mainland. There are still parts of Okinawa that are relatively untouched... And it'd be ugly.

[gtlm2000]

There is space... They just have to knock down a few esthetic salons. They could make space up north if they wanted to. GT, Okinawa land isn't cram packed with people and buildings like mainland. There are still parts of Okinawa that are relatively untouched... And it'd be ugly.

North has a lot of nature. Building factory is not good.

[dk]

If they wanted to find space, they could find space. They kill their nature all the time anyway...

[TheLastDon]

you seem to know a lot, so enlighten us. what sort of industry could okinawa have? they can't really produce things like eco friendly cars and whatnot as was suggested in a previous post because the money it would take to ship raw materials here to be built, just to turn around and send them somewhere else to sell them would kill any profit that might be made. tourism seems like it could possibly work better. they make pretty good liquor i guess...

That's true of anywhere, last I checked mainland Japan didn't have any raw materials. I didn't say cars either, I said vehicles.

China has the world beat in electronics manufacturing and will continue to dominate.

Okinawa needs something, they can't expand the tourism industry any more to make a significant impact. What could they do, build an amusement park, used to have them here and they weren't profitable.

Maybe they need to have a pro baseball team to move down here.

Build more schools for higher education? I don't think so.

I really doubt there is anything that can be done to drastically improve the economy here, that's why I said manufacturing something. I know a lot of young people before the economy tanked that would go to mainland Japan to work in factories for 6 month stints.

[macker]

Casino's and Caberet's (western style)
This would bring in lots of people who spend CASH. It would bloom a lovely market in all other vices :)

Look at Vegas, it was nothing in the desert, now look at it.

[Spadesy]

does okinawa remind anyone else of those maps on sim city where the terrain is real mountainous so you basically have a bunch of population wherever you can buld and green where you cant...

also as fast as things go up here it kinda reeminds me of when your ZONES in Sim city are building.... lol

I remember I'd always take the nukes and set them off just for kicks.


.....what, too soon? :smile4:

[gtlm2000]

Does Okinawa need more Awamori factory? :D

[SnaFu]

Turn Okinawa into Japans Amsterdam. Lots and lots of coffee shops!:grin1:

Not to mention that they could have one hell of a cash crop.

[Okiman]

I think that Okianwa does not need any new industires here due to the lack of resources, but what would be better is to cut the corporate tax rate from the average of 35-37% down to about 15% to entice mainland companies to headquarter themsleves out of Okinawa. That would encourage a bunch of corporate growth and larger income than trying to build a new industry/structure with the flavor of the month tagged to it. Just my own thoughts.

[gtlm2000]

I think that Okianwa does not need any new industires here due to the lack of resources, but what would be better is to cut the corporate tax rate from the average of 35-37% down to about 15% to entice mainland companies to headquarter themsleves out of Okinawa. That would encourage a bunch of corporate growth and larger income than trying to build a new industry/structure with the flavor of the month tagged to it. Just my own thoughts.

Do you have any good idea for giving good job in Okinawa?

[dk]

Do you have any good idea for giving good job in Okinawa?

LOL did you read his post? If a bunch of large corporations came to Okinawa, they'd likely have a need for quality workers.

[DoctorP]

I think that Okianwa does not need any new industires here due to the lack of resources, but what would be better is to cut the corporate tax rate from the average of 35-37% down to about 15% to entice mainland companies to headquarter themsleves out of Okinawa. That would encourage a bunch of corporate growth and larger income than trying to build a new industry/structure with the flavor of the month tagged to it. Just my own thoughts.

Some cities have begun doing just this. Xerox built a large plant in Ishikawa just for this reason. Citi opened up a call center and a few other places have been in negotiations. Problem is, will they stay? Also, some of the places that are moving here are doing just what many companies in the US do, and that is offer part time positions...keeps wages low and prevents the company from paying certain benefits.:thumbdown:

[DougP]

Also, some of the places that are moving here are doing just what many companies in the US do, and that is offer part time positions...keeps wages low and prevents the company from paying certain benefits.:thumbdown:

As apposed to those jobs not being available, period and people simply being out of work instead of making any wages. Be it full time or part time, some money and some benefits are better than not being employed. :)

[DoctorP]

As apposed to those jobs not being available, period and people simply being out of work instead of making any wages. Be it full time or part time, some money and some benefits are better than not being employed. :)

barely...................

[DougP]

barely...................

When you're unemployed and desperately looking for work, "barely" can seem like an awful lot. :)

[DoctorP]

When you're unemployed and desperately looking for work, "barely" can seem like an awful lot. :)

check with dk on that! :D

[DougP]

check with dk on that! :D

I consulted myself on that. :D If he had been unemployed for another 4 months, who knows. :)

[Blues]

Boob Flu Factory. American Economy Crisis solved.... :D

[gtlm2000]

Boob Flu Factory. American Economy Crisis solved.... :D

More oppai pub? :D I don't know how many of that kind of place does Okinawa has.

[dk]

check with dk on that! :D

I was picky on purpose. I, unlike others, have a problem with working in the SCUBA sector, as proud recommended. Worked out very well for me. I'm also not going to mow lawns, clean houses, or pick up dog shit for money.

I also have not been fully unemployed since 2000. I've had a steady job since then. The only difference between the last time was I had ONE job instead of TWO. Close to two grand a month for playing on my computer at home is hardly unemployed. If I weren't working on my Master's, I would have been comfortable.

[DougP]

I was picky on purpose. I, unlike others, have a problem with working in the SCUBA sector, as proud recommended. Worked out very well for me. I'm also not going to mow lawns, clean houses, or pick up dog shit for money.

I also have not been fully unemployed since 2000. I've had a steady job since then. The only difference between the last time was I had ONE job instead of TWO. Close to two grand a month for playing on my computer at home is hardly unemployed. If I weren't working on my Master's, I would have been comfortable.

That and not too many people working on their Master's are the ones who usually apply for jobs at a Xerox plant. :) At least, I hope not. :D

[Mehi River]

Oh crap. I don't think it yenerated much money at all then. I'm surprised you caught it that quick. That's good.

But legalizing weed will make this place boom I think.

I have a suspicion it may have been a typo, but either way, talking about money being yenerated in Japan gets full points from me...:thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::scratchchin::s cratchchin::thumbup1::thumbup:

[izabelai]

It may sound strange, but part time job is not soooo bad. If you work for a Japanese company, on a full time position, you have some benefits (insurance, nenkin, and of course bonus). But it is often really a FULL TIME position with huge responsibilities and no pay for overtime - overtime is even up to 6-8 hours a day. If you are a part time job worker you have more freedom and much less responsibility (at least this is how it is at the company my husband works). And nenkin (retirement) is about 130 dollars a month and insurance (the public one) between 100 and 250 dollars. So it is not that difficult to pay (I have a part time job and pay my nenkin and insurance). I am not sure if getting a bonus is really worth seeing my husband once or twice (if lucky) a week. Not mentioning his health and no vocations in 3 years. But ..... the loan....

[Carl]

It may sound strange, but part time job is not soooo bad. If you work for a Japanese company, on a full time position, you have some benefits (insurance, nenkin, and of course bonus). But it is often really a FULL TIME position with huge responsibilities and no pay for overtime - overtime is even up to 6-8 hours a day. If you are a part time job worker you have more freedom and much less responsibility (at least this is how it is at the company my husband works). And nenkin (retirement) is about 130 dollars a month and insurance (the public one) between 100 and 250 dollars. So it is not that difficult to pay (I have a part time job and pay my nenkin and insurance). I am not sure if getting a bonus is really worth seeing my husband once or twice (if lucky) a week. Not mentioning his health and no vocations in 3 years. But ..... the loan....

If he hasn't had a vacation in 3 years, it's probably his own fault. Japanese labor laws require employers to give a minimum of 10 paid vacation days a year, plus 1 for each year he has been with the company. There is also a maximum of 45 hours of overtime a month, and unless he has an Article 36 agreement, his employer is breaking the law if he is working over that.

You can find an English copy of the Japanese labor laws fairly easily, but here is a good overview of it: http://www.freshfields.com/publications/pdfs/2009/feb09/25116.pdf

[DoctorP]

If he hasn't had a vacation in 3 years, it's probably his own fault. Japanese labor laws require employers to give a minimum of 10 paid vacation days a year, plus 1 for each year he has been with the company. There is also a maximum of 45 hours of overtime a month, and unless he has an Article 36 agreement, his employer is breaking the law if he is working over that.

You can find an English copy of the Japanese labor laws fairly easily, but here is a good overview of it: http://www.freshfields.com/publications/pdfs/2009/feb09/25116.pdf

The overtime could be the "unofficial" overtime where he attends office "events".

[izabelai]

If he hasn't had a vacation in 3 years, it's probably his own fault. Japanese labor laws require employers to give a minimum of 10 paid vacation days a year, plus 1 for each year he has been with the company. There is also a maximum of 45 hours of overtime a month, and unless he has an Article 36 agreement, his employer is breaking the law if he is working over that.

Well, we know that. Put it is not "possible" to put into practice. In the Japanese culture you just don't tell your boss that you should get paid for your overtime. If you do that, the "news" spreads very quickly that you are a not reliable worker and, after you boss fires you for any other reason, you will have a big problem to find a new job. The labor law in Japan is on paper only, unfortunatelly. The Unions, if there are any, are very weak and can't do much.

[izabelai]

The overtime could be the "unofficial" overtime where he attends office "events".

You know, I even would be happy if he could "attend office events" and relax a bit. He usually goes 2-3 times a year.

[Carl]

Well, we know that. Put it is not "possible" to put into practice. In the Japanese culture you just don't tell your boss that you should get paid for your overtime. If you do that, the "news" spreads very quickly that you are a not reliable worker and, after you boss fires you for any other reason, you will have a big problem to find a new job. The labor law in Japan is on paper only, unfortunatelly. The Unions, if there are any, are very weak and can't do much.

The company I worked for wasn't like that at all. Sounds like your husband should be looking for a new job anyway or filing complaints with the Japanese equivalent of the Dept of Labor (city office?).

[izabelai]

The company I worked for wasn't like that at all. Sounds like your husband should be looking for a new job anyway or filing complaints with the Japanese equivalent of the Dept of Labor.

I do wish he had another job. We try to think about something else, but it is not so easy. And the loan over our head does not help to make sudden and uncertain decissions. But I wish I could talk to his boss, in private ... :cursing:

[DoctorP]

The company I worked for wasn't like that at all. Sounds like your husband should be looking for a new job anyway or filing complaints with the Japanese equivalent of the Dept of Labor (city office?).

I really don't think it is as easy as you say...on paper maybe, but I can see her point...Japan is not the friendliest place to work (or so I have heard).

[daveh5o]

I see RB has not posted in a few pages on this thread. Is he already signing up Karaoke singers to record with RB Records. :)

[gtlm2000]

I see RB has not posted in a few pages on this thread. Is he already signing up Karaoke singers to record with RB Records. :)

He may go to practice to sing at Karaoke box. :D

[Okiman]

Do you have any good idea for giving good job in Okinawa?

The problem that I have seen is that there has been a lack of incentive for companies to start industries or businesses in Okinawa. Why should they move from the mainland down to Okinawa if it will be the same price if not more to do business. If you can cut them a deal on how much they have to pay in taxes, then the more likely they would start all types of industries or businesses in Okinawa. This in turn will help to spur spending from incoming executive types in the services industires on here for business.

[Richard Burns]

To whom it may concern,

The labor office / unemployment office is Hello Work. They're a few blocks past gate 2 street. You can find more info on the web. Google Hello Work for more info.

If you complain to them about employers breaking labor laws etc they do take action against crappy employers.

They also help you find jobs.

[Richard Burns]

I think the only way to have comfortable employment in Okinawa is to be employed by some level of government. MLC/IHA, City Office, Boards of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

In my experience working for companies out here you're kind of ******.

[abonifi1]

I think the only way to have comfortable employment in Okinawa is to be employed by some level of government. MLC/IHA, City Office, Boards of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

In my experience working for companies out here you're kind of ******.

I'm not sayingit doesn't happen, but I haven't been treated any different,or held to any different standard than what is expected of the Japanese staff.

Maybe the people who are complaining just don't have a very good work ethic.:scratchchin:

[izabelai]

I think the only way to have comfortable employment in Okinawa is to be employed by some level of government. MLC/IHA, City Office, Boards of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

In my experience working for companies out here you're kind of ******.

Actually my friend was fired by the Board of Education. He tried to change the system and they didn't like it.

[abonifi1]

Actually my friend was fired by the Board of Education. He tried to change the system and they didn't like it.

Since the system is decided in Tokyo, and not at the individual school, or prefecture level he was then breaking Japanese law by going against the Deptmentent of Education, and failed to accustomize himself with the schools policy, so that would be obvious,and definitive grounds for firing, and would have done the same if I was his boss.

[Muku]

Actually my friend was fired by the Board of Education. He tried to change the system and they didn't like it.

Was he fired this past April?

[Muku]

Since the system is decided in Tokyo, and not at the individual school, or prefecture level he was then breaking Japanese law by going against the Deptmentent of Education, and failed to accustomize himself with the schools policy, so that would be obvious,and definitive grounds for firing, and would have done the same if I was his boss.

Actually if he was hired and fired by a local BOE then the system that you refer to here did not have anything to do with his being fired.

If he was hired by a local BOE that means he fell under the rules and regulations for that particular city or town.

Schools here do not hire anyone, they are hired by either the city for a particular city position or are placed from a local prefectural education office or directly from the prefecture board of education itself.

[izabelai]

Actually if he was hired and fired by a local BOE then the system that you refer to here did not have anything to do with his being fired.

If he was hired by a local BOE that means he fell under the rules and regulations for that particular city or town.

Schools do not directly hire or fire any ALT's nor teachers for that matter.

He was fired 2-3 years ago (don't remember exactly). He was hired by Naha BOE and as you said he fell under the rules and regulations of Naha.

[abonifi1]

Actually if he was hired and fired by a local BOE then the system that you refer to here did not have anything to do with his being fired.

If he was hired by a local BOE that means he fell under the rules and regulations for that particular city or town.

Schools do not directly hire or fire any ALT's nor teachers for that matter.

Very little info was given Muku, they just said School Board,and based on the "change the system" comment, I see the typical its my job to train the inferior mentality, you hear so much of in Asia.

My comment more or less refers to mentality and perception, than any facts, since none are given.

[Muku]

He was fired 2-3 years ago (don't remember exactly). He was hired by Naha BOE and as you said he fell under the rules and regulations of Naha.

Naha has a very poor reputation regarding keeping any ALT's for any length of time. They often hire and fire at will at the end of any school year without giving any particular reason as to why the person was dismissed.

Naha like most other cities and towns/villages here, only keep ALT's as part-time employees and as a part time employee according to city regulations they can only work for a maximum of 5 years.

ALT's are not the only one's that get axed with almost clock work regularity, but also city hired office workers and part time employees that work in other areas for the city besides the school's.

Continuity, dedication, knowledge, and all the things most employers find as a reason to keep an employee do not matter when working for a Japanese Government entity.

Please also keep in mind that while what your friend tried to do was probably admirable to become a permanent employee with any government entity like a city office position as an ALT he would FIRST and foremost have to pass the yearly test that people HAVE to take to get hired as government employee's.

[Muku]

Very little info was given Muku, they just said School Board,and based on the "change the system" comment, I see the typical its my job to train the inferior mentality, you hear so much of in Asia.



Yes and school boards, actually they are not school boards but city, town, village or prefectural, are local and not national and also are subject to the rules, regulations and guidelines of said city, town or village.


With the information provided until that point as well he would not have been breaking Japanese law by going against the Deptmentent of Education, and failed to accustomize himself with the schools policy, so that would be obvious,and definitive grounds for firing, and would have done the same if I was his boss., because they are not the one's that would have hired him in the first place. MEXT does not get involved with local city hiring and firing practices.

My comment more or less refers to mentality and perception, than any facts, since none are given
Fair enough, but at least try to keep the perception where it belongs and not expand it to a location that has nothing to do with the situation as given up to that point.

[izabelai]

Naha has a very poor reputation regarding keeping any ALT's for any length of time. They often hire and fire at will at the end of any school year without giving any particular reason as to why the person was dismissed.

Naha like most other cities and towns/villages here, only keep ALT's as part-time employees and as a part time employee according to city regulations they can only work for a maximum of 5 years.

ALT's are not the only one's that get axed with almost clock work regularity, but also city hired office workers and part time employees that work in other areas for the city besides the school's.

Continuity, dedication, knowledge, and all the things most employers find as a reason to keep an employee do not matter when working for a Japanese Government entity.

Please also keep in mind that while what your friend tried to do was probably admirable to become a permanent employee with any government entity like a city office position as an ALT he would FIRST and foremost have to pass the yearly test that people HAVE to take to get hired as government employee's.

I don't think a foreigner without the Japanese Nationality can even take this test, which I know is very difficult. But I am not sure here.

My friend didn't think about becoming a permanent employee of NBOE. He just simply wanted to improve (in his opinion) the way of teaching English. He got the green light for his ideas (from NBOE) and in the process his ideas were not appreciated. For sure the way he tried to do it was not the way you do things here in Japan - the best example of culture differences.

I personally have never had any problems with any employers I have worked for.

[Muku]

I don't think a foreigner without the Japanese Nationality can even take this test, which I know is very difficult. But I am not sure here.

My friend didn't think about becoming a permanent employee of NBOE. He just simply wanted to improve (in his opinion) the way of teaching English. He got the green light for his ideas (from NBOE) and in the process his ideas were not appreciated. For sure the way he tried to do it was not the way you do things here in Japan - the best example of culture differences.

I personally have never had any problems with any employers I have worked for.

Ahh I see trying to improve English Education here.....now I get it. Going against the grain, and officially at that. No wonder why.:rolleyes::D

Please take a look at your pm's.:D

[Richard Burns]

ALTs are hired by local Boards of Education (JHS and Elementary), High School ALTs are hired by the Okinawa Prefecture BoE.

Now for teachers you have some that are technically temps and hired by local Boards of Education as like ALTs. Then you have Permanent Teachers hired by the Okinawan government after passing the Teacher's Exam. Only a small number are selected each year.

Now as far as hiring and firing that is up to the local BoE. Once a teacher is permanent they are hired until they're 60 years old and pretty much can't be fired (they would really have to **** up).

[dk]

Once a teacher is permanent they are hired until they're 60 years old and pretty much can't be fired (they would really have to **** up).
What a way to breed mediocrity! :D

[Sex Wax]

I'm gonna start teaching Grill'n Skills in my yard next weekend. Students may pay me in beer.

:w00t:

[Mizzes V]

I'm gonna start teaching Grill'n Skills in my yard next weekend. Students may pay me in beer.

:w00t:

Teacher!!!!!!!!!!!

[SnaFu]

A specialized service that regulates and sets the water pressure for the ass showers on the shitter seats might be a good business to get into. Jesus Fu&king Christ!

[gtlm2000]

Can military people do side business as like English teacher?

[Muku]

ALTs are hired by local Boards of Education (JHS and Elementary), High School ALTs are hired by the Okinawa Prefecture BoE.

Now for teachers you have some that are technically temps and hired by local Boards of Education as like ALTs. Then you have Permanent Teachers hired by the Okinawan government after passing the Teacher's Exam. Only a small number are selected each year.

Now as far as hiring and firing that is up to the local BoE. Once a teacher is permanent they are hired until they're 60 years old and pretty much can't be fired (they would really have to **** up).

Not quite 100% there Richard. JET's (http://www.jetprogramme.org/) are hired by either the Prefecture, a local city, town, or village BOE, or from a district Education Office after passing their initial screening through MEXT (http://www.mext.go.jp/english/). This is not talking about CLAIR either.

ALT's usually those that are employed teaching in ES or JHS are hired by local city, town, or village board's of education.

Not all High School ALT's are not hired by the prefecture BOE either.

Now for teachers you have some that are technically temps and hired by local Boards of Education as like ALTs. Then you have Permanent Teachers hired by the Okinawan government after passing the Teacher's Exam. Only a small number are selected each year.

Technically temps? What do you mean? A one year contracted substitute teacher? Or are you talking about a replacement teacher that fills in for one year or possibly more for at tenured teacher that has taken a leave of absence?

Please remember this as well RB local BOE's do not hire substitute or replacement teachers, for elementary or junior high school's. They are hired by a district education office or by the prefecture board of education to fill in as sub's.

For the most part the only teachers that are hired by a city, town, or village BOE are kindergarten teachers, or school counselors, or ALT's, or special needs teachers, or computer advisor's.

"Regular" teachers for core subject areas, or management positions like the kyoto, vice principal, or kocho, principal are hired by, like I wrote previously, by the prefecture .or district education office.

Lastly keep in mind that fully hired teachers here are "koumuin" or fully vested government employees.

[Muku]

Can military people do side business as like English teacher?

That is a difficult question GT. Legally to work off base one would usually have to get command authorization to work for an entity other than the US Military.

However there are military dependents that DO work as "English" teachers off base and their pay is under the table. Meaning that their employer is NOT paying any taxes to the Japanese government, nor reporting the income that they are paying to a military dependent.

For a military person, SOFA status, to legally work off base, they first must, if I remember correctly, get their command to authorize their position. AND their employer must also as well report any renumeration that they paid to said employee to the local government for tax purposes.

The SOFA status employee must also report any income they received on their US tax returns.

Now then it is not unknown either for military personal or their dependents to work off base unofficially and get paid "under the table" meaning paid in cash and that pay being not reported to the proper authorities.

[Richard Burns]

When SOFA cats work off base legit they get taxed by the Japanese 20%.

[Muku]

When SOFA cats work off base legit they get taxed by the Japanese 20%.

RB you might want to check on that. The local laws regarding withholding taxes have changed within the past couple of years.

It used to be that anyone who was a contracted or temporary employee was taxed at a flat 10% rate and they, if they applied on their own, could get any over paid taxes, refunded to them.

However withholding taxes and the laws regarding them changed within the past few years and usually those that are making a set income have much less than 10% with held as income tax. Depending upon one's gross income it is usually somewhere between 5% and 8% of their wages.

I used to get roughly 250,000 to 280,000 per year as a tax refund until the recent changes and my employer with holding income, retirement, and unemployment taxes.

[dk]

imho...........

[Muku]

imho...........
:scratchchin: Whose opinion dk?

[DougP]

lololololololololololololololololololol :D

[gtlm2000]

JU oppai pub : 1 hour 3000 yen, and you can touch boobs!!

[DougP]

Maybe Okinawan companies can adopt US business models. :)

http://thecorner.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/09/24/pain.jpg

[Muku]

JU oppai pub : 1 hour 3000 yen, and you can touch boobs!!

Doesnt have to be JU gt, I can point you in the right direction in Matsuyama if you are REALLY interested.:D

[gtlm2000]

Doesnt have to be JU gt, I can point you in the right direction in Matsuyama if you are REALLY interested.:D

Have you been to oppai pub? :D

[Muku]

Have you been to oppai pub? :D

I cannot tell a lie......:grin1: Yup! Only thing is they dont have a happy ending:crying:

[abonifi1]

Yes and school boards, actually they are not school boards but city, town, village or prefectural, are local and not national and also are subject to the rules, regulations and guidelines of said city, town or village.


With the information provided until that point as well he would not have been breaking Japanese law by going against the Deptmentent of Education, and failed to accustomize himself with the schools policy, so that would be obvious,and definitive grounds for firing, and would have done the same if I was his boss., because they are not the one's that would have hired him in the first place. MEXT does not get involved with local city hiring and firing practices.


Fair enough, but at least try to keep the perception where it belongs and not expand it to a location that has nothing to do with the situation as given up to that point.


Muku, but the fact of the matter is,and you should know this,Japan is top down, your position,or contract doesn't matter the decisions of educationn come from Tokyo, and everybody does what Tokyo says.

It is not just Japan but all of Eastern Asia. You as a teacher can be under any contract you desire but if you fail to meet the distictions,and rules put in place by Tokyo, you fail to meet the qualifications by which you were hired.

That is one of the levels of Japanese culture that many of the foreigners fail to understand, whether they speak the language or not,and if you under the culture as well as you boast, then you too know that, the teaching curriculum,is not the choice of anybody except the central government.

[abonifi1]

I don't think a foreigner without the Japanese Nationality can even take this test, which I know is very difficult. But I am not sure here.

My friend didn't think about becoming a permanent employee of NBOE. He just simply wanted to improve (in his opinion) the way of teaching English. He got the green light for his ideas (from NBOE) and in the process his ideas were not appreciated. For sure the way he tried to do it was not the way you do things here in Japan - the best example of culture differences.

I personally have never had any problems with any employers I have worked for.


Since the way of teaching English was changed in the 1990's to katakana English to make it more unique to the Japanese,and they have fallen, since then by the wayside,although your friends intentions may be noble he was a fool, if he desired to work in Japan.

If I was his boss here, I still would have fired the fool

[kombu_kid]

*Pulled from Rants*

Rant to having to pay $400 to have my car window's motor fixed so it won't remain stuck in the "down position" anymore. :cursing:

And oh, get this, it took me $45 for the guy to say "oh, it's an electronic problem, the motor isn't working, you'll have to take it to this place." :rolleyes: Thank you, Captain Obvoius.

Ya'll gettin' some hints?

[Muku]

Muku, but the fact of the matter is,and you should know this,Japan is top down, your position,or contract doesn't matter the decisions of educationn come from Tokyo, and everybody does what Tokyo says.

It is not just Japan but all of Eastern Asia. You as a teacher can be under any contract you desire but if you fail to meet the distictions,and rules put in place by Tokyo, you fail to meet the qualifications by which you were hired.

That is one of the levels of Japanese culture that many of the foreigners fail to understand, whether they speak the language or not,and if you under the culture as well as you boast, then you too know that, the teaching curriculum,is not the choice of anybody except the central government.
But this has nothing to do with why the guy was fired in the first place.

Tokyo does not put into place any rules with regards to who gets hired or otherwise locally.

You are also throwing things out here that have nothing to do with why the guy was fired in the first place.

Also here in Okinawa many teachers now, meaning ALT's, are hired directly by the city, town, and or village and fall under their rules and regulations NOT some coming from Tokyo.

[abonifi1]

But this has nothing to do with why the guy was fired in the first place.

Tokyo does not put into place any rules with regards to who gets hired or otherwise locally.

You are also throwing things out here that have nothing to do with why the guy was fired in the first place.

Also here in Okinawa many teachers now, meaning ALT's, are hired directly by the city, town, and or village and fall under their rules and regulations NOT some coming from Tokyo.

Your point is taken, maybe I was not clear, I was speaking as to the curriculum,and ways of teaching and only that.

[Muku]

Since the way of teaching English was changed in the 1990's to katakana English to make it more unique to the Japanese,and they have fallen, since then by the wayside,although your friends intentions may be noble he was a fool, if he desired to work in Japan.



Katakana English has been taught in Japan since the Meiji Era and is not something that is a recent development from the 90's either.

If I was his boss here, I still would have fired the fool
If I were his boss I would have taken the guy aside, given him his chance to say what he had to say, tried to reason with him and explain to him the system that he is under, and at the minimum give the guy credit for trying to improve the situation that he is under.

There are different ways to break down a wall and brute force isnt always the best approach either.

If the guy had that much energy and will power to try to change the way NAHA approaches things with regards to English education, the manner in which he went about it was off the mark.

The better approach instead of trying to change the system as a whole is to get things done locally in the schools he was at. The methods may not have justified the means, and the manner in which he went about trying to do things probably went against the grain and also showed, imo, a lack of understanding about the system, but I give the guy credit for at least trying.

I have changed things in my own situation but the methods were not as a bull in a china shop. It takes getting others to do your work for you, particularly as a foreigner here, having a Japanese person take the lead in your place. Things go much smoother that way.

One does not climb a mountain from the top down.

[dk]

If I were his boss

I didn't read anything else from your post, but this part gave me the shivers. lol. I'd shoot myself in the face if you were my boss. :D

No offense.

[abonifi1]

Katakana English has been taught in Japan since the Meiji Era and is not something that is a recent development from the 90's either.

At certain points yes, but not always and not in Okinawa, sice Japan, and Japanese curriculum did not apply up to 1972.

Along with a certain General,elimininating all of the Japanese teaching standards until 1954.


If I were his boss I would have taken the guy aside, given him his chance to say what he had to say, tried to reason with him and explain to him the system that he is under, and at the minimum give the guy credit for trying to improve the situation that he is under.

There are different ways to break down a wall and brute force isnt always the best approach either.

If the guy had that much energy and will power to try to change the way NAHA approaches things with regards to English education, the manner in which he went about it was off the mark.

The better approach instead of trying to change the system as a whole is to get things done locally in the schools he was at. The methods may not have justified the means, and the manner in which he went about trying to do things probably went against the grain and also showed, imo, a lack of understanding about the system, but I give the guy credit for at least trying.

I have changed things in my own situation but the methods were not as a bull in a china shop. It takes getting others to do your work for you, particularly as a foreigner here, having a Japanese person take the lead in your place. Things go much smoother that way.

One does not climb a mountain from the top down.

Again,not all the info.was given, I have to make the assumptions that I have experienced with my several Japanese companies, that preceeding steps were taken prior to his dismissal.

But the fact of the matter is,if anyone fails to comply with company policy, and thinks their way is better,they deserve dissmissal.

[DoctorP]

Nothing like two "English" teachers fighting for supremacy!

[Muku]

I didn't read anything else from your post, but this part gave me the shivers. lol. I'd shoot myself in the face if you were my boss. :D

No offense.

And why is that? :scratchchin:

At least I can say with confidence that I dont make or base decisions upon half-assed or incomplete information when dealing with people in real life.

[dk]

And why is that? :scratchchin:

At least I can say with confidence that I dont make or base decisions upon half-assed or incomplete information when dealing with people in real life.
A long history of you telling myself and others how to do their job. You seem the type to micromanage. Or, possibly, you are just vocal and dedicated to improvement.

Not picking a fight. You asked for the why. That's the why put nicely. :p

[Muku]

A long history of you telling myself and others how to do their job. You seem the type to micromanage. Or, possibly, you are just vocal and dedicated to improvement.

Not picking a fight. You asked for the why. That's the why put nicely. :p
Even after all this time I am a bit disappointed that you have missed it all along.

I am the last person in the world to micromanage anything. I am a very strong believer of letting people do what they were hired to do and also teach my own kids to be responsible for their themselves as well.

You could ask the people that worked for me in the past.

Or, possibly, you are just vocal and dedicated to improvement.
If you only knew. I have experienced, here in Okinawa, something similar to what was being discussed about the guy in Naha. Yet that was a very long time ago and in a private Japanese company.

I know the feelings intimately.

[deepsleep]

Interesting thread. Maybe I can get your thoughts on some concepts.

What about turning Okinawa into a more self sufficient island?

How about taking some of the base lands and starting a agricultural revolution? Organic foods and less malls. Stop importing food and make Okinawa a local, healthy food tourist destination?

What about making community service mandatory in schools? Like once a month all the kids will be required to clean beaches, streets, repaint stuff or whatever.Something to keep them engaged in the community? If not cleaning maybe some kinds of fund-raising for over seas trips? I know just a simple trip to another country can really expand ones mind.

What about doing more creative events based around health and spirituality rather than just buying stupid shit? Stuff like the marathons, but more unique and more fun.

What ideas do you guys have in making stronger community ties? Getting the new generation thinking of how to make Okinawa a better place. Maybe adding new things into the school curriculum? Rather than running around a track why not learn to build something?

How about exposing the lies of the government and US? We do need to get the kids off the tv but thats not to say it serves a good purpose. How about REAL news on whats going on in the world? I think innovation will come from more knowledge and a understanding of the workings of things around us.

How could we find a way to have all the Okinawans all over the world come back and "change" Okinawa? A multicultural Okinawa would be awesome and to say the least will make a unique and interesting place for Japanese tourists looking for a different place. That would also make space for new ideas on different types of service businesses no?

[Richard Burns]

Blah blah blah!

[gtlm2000]

Okinawa need new business except tourism. I think they need more development for Okinawa's farming.

Hawaii looks like Okinawa. What kind of industry do they have?

[Richard Burns]

Okinawa is multicultural.

[kintama]

I didn't read all 120 posts but...HEMP! They need it to make bigger ropes for the tug-o-wars! Yeah, that's it.

[deepsleep]

Okinawa need new business except tourism. I think they need more development for Okinawa's farming.

Hawaii looks like Okinawa. What kind of industry do they have?

I'm on The Big Island which is the biggest island of Hawaii. There is allot of talk of a agricultural revolution here. Its a pretty amazing place. There is a health boom over here and the local farmers market seems to be doing well and popping up in different areas. There are allot more environmentally conscious people here who want to change the direction of Hawaii. There is allot of resistance against development for certain things I would think better called speculative realestate investments.

I just moved here so I'm still learning allot but GMO's generate much of the revenue in the agricultural sector and there is a fight there too. I've been doing allot of research on GMOs and its really ******* scary. The American people and environment are virtually being used as guinea pigs.

Hawaii is like Okinawa in many ways. There is a fight against foreign interests. Native Hawaiians have many issues with mainland US just like Okinawa. Its like some kind of modern day colonialism. Big business and uncontrolled industrialization hiding behind "capitalism."

I've got much to learn, this is just the start.

[deepsleep]

Okinawa is multicultural.

Make it MORE multicultural and multicultural living. Less Japan, less little Tokyo (shintoshin).

[dk]

I'm doing some research on several airlines for a final paper I have due this week and ran across this interesting bit of information.

Since its inception in 1972 some 25 years ago (old article), SIA (Singapore Airlines) has had an uninterrupted profit track record. Asian Business Review, in an article piece on Asia's Great Companies, noted that its financial track record is almost unheard of in the brutally cyclical airline industry and touted it as the "World's most profitable airline".

Its profitability track record is even more astounding considering that it is the national airline of a small country that is essentially just a city, of only 647 square kilometers and 3.6 million population, with no domestic routes to monopolise. Yet, despite this it has managed to consistently deliver profits in one of the world's most cyclical industries."

Something to consider. A great idea can go a long way if you have a solid vision that works and the right people to carry it out.

Ganbatte Okinawa.

[DoctorP]

I'm doing some research on several airlines for a final paper I have due this week and ran across this interesting bit of information.



Something to consider. A great idea can go a long way if you have a solid vision that works and the right people to carry it out.

Ganbatte Okinawa.

Wonder what kind of wages they pay to their people?:scratchchin:

[dk]

Wonder what kind of wages they pay to their people?:scratchchin:
Whatever they can, probably. Money isn't going to miraculously make the local population more talented. It does mean that they can afford to fly in talent, though, for sure. But I don't think that money was the primary reason behind their success.

Cool article. Just finished it (like 20 pages long...). SIA is/was doing a lot of things right. I have a bunch of other articles to read about them. I wonder if anything has changed since 2000 for better or for worse. Should know shortly.

These papers make me want to buy stock. lol

[DougP]

Whatever they can, probably. Money isn't going to miraculously make the local population more talented. It does mean that they can afford to fly in talent, though, for sure. But I don't think that money was the primary reason behind their success.

Their workers are unionized too aren't they? :)

[dk]

Their workers are unionized too aren't they? :)
Not really sure.

Dammit, lunch time is over. Interesting conversations always start when lunch ends. lol

Extremely effective marketing and service that actually carries out their boasts effectively is what won them their position.

[DoctorP]

Whatever they can, probably. Money isn't going to miraculously make the local population more talented. It does mean that they can afford to fly in talent, though, for sure. But I don't think that money was the primary reason behind their success.

Cool article. Just finished it (like 20 pages long...). SIA is/was doing a lot of things right. I have a bunch of other articles to read about them. I wonder if anything has changed since 2000 for better or for worse. Should know shortly.

These papers make me want to buy stock. lol

The amount paid out is extremely important, especially to the CEO's...in order for US companies to see how they truly succeed.

[dk]

The amount paid out is extremely important, especially to the CEO's...in order for US companies to see how they truly succeed.
If you are claiming they are not successful, feel free to post the information. I am merely stating that David does have a chance in a world of Goliaths.

[leonthelion]

Nah, I've been saying that since 1994. lol

You still trying to shame people into updating the websites you sold em in '94?? Maybe they is happy with deir danshink babushkas

[DoctorP]

If you are claiming they are not successful, feel free to post the information. I am merely stating that David does have a chance in a world of Goliaths.

wtf are you reading? I never said anything about them not being successful. I asked what they paid their workers, so I could compare it to what the industry in the US is doing. Then we could see where the disconnect is in the US air travel industry (as if we don't already know).

[dk]

Wonder what kind of wages they pay to their people?:scratchchin:

The amount paid out is extremely important, especially to the CEO's...in order for US companies to see how they truly succeed.

From both of your posts, I read that you had something to say that you weren't willing to directly say for some odd reason (mostly from the scratchy chin and the post about CEOs). I also mentioned that I found some interesting information not that I analyzed all of their financial figures. lol. My research is on the profitability of a few airline companies, not in the living conditions of airline employees. The paper isn't about what they're paying their staff. It's about what has made and kept them successful. For further information, please click here (http://www.google.com).\:-)

[DoctorP]

From both of your posts, I read that you had something to say that you weren't willing to directly say for some odd reason (mostly from the scratchy chin and the post about CEOs). I also mentioned that I found some interesting information not that I analyzed all of their financial figures. lol. My research is on the profitability of a few airline companies, not in the living conditions of airline employees. The paper isn't about what they're paying their staff. It's about what has made and kept them successful. For further information, please click here (http://www.google.com).\:-)



I also find it interesting, but I was just wondering how, if ever, we could get the same business model to work in the US, or, are they successful because cost of living and salaries are lower. I'll dig into it later, as I get more time.

[dk]

I also find it interesting, but I was just wondering how, if ever, we could get the same business model to work in the US, or, are they successful because cost of living and salaries are lower. I'll dig into it later, as I get more time.

I'll let you know if/when I find out. I don't have too much time to dig around for this paper. Have to have it in within the next 48 hours... And I have to write about three airline companies... So, I'm keeping it real brief. lol.

It sounds like they are using the exact OPPOSITE method Southwest is using. Southwest uses a no-frills high-service quality method to get people from point A to point B for the cheapest fares possible according to what I have read, and they're downright silly--jumping out of overhead compartments to serve drinks and shit...

Singapore, on the otherhand, is all about serving fine wine, dressing their stewardesses up like princesses, offering on-board email, and just all-out surprising the shit out of their customers--for a lot of money.

Just shows that you can be successful with a number of business models so long as you have a market that wants what you are selling... Southeast for us poor saps, and Singapore for our bosses... lol

[NJJAM]

Okinawa need new business except tourism. I think they need more development for Okinawa's farming.

Hawaii looks like Okinawa. What kind of industry do they have?


Went to school there for a few years...they have nothing except tourism for industry, sorry...mis-managed tourism. Well that and racism, welfare, illiteracy, illegal immigration, etc...

Just my opinion...

Been to okinawa a few times only (really enjoyed my times there) but I did see what others have previously posted and many of those are the same concerns of relatives I have that are from there and the other islands.

Buildings - Some of those were around when even they were teenagers (apts, businesses, etc) they were an eyesore then and even more so now. So why are they still there? And why are the landlords able to charge fees that's 1000% more than what they had them built for?

Renewable energy - the news and "japanese/okinawan complainers" (their words, not mine) say that there's too many things polluting the islands but when nothing is done to control/remove the offenders (un-maintained heavy vehicle, etc) by actually enforce the rules. Family members laugh when I asked about the Kyoto Treaty - they said it's the same as "Hawaiian Pizza" no one that matters from Hawaii's ever heard of it. Same for people from Okinawa, let alone Japan. They think it's a joke. If the japanese did believe in it, they'd do the same for companies that sell spolied foods, etc - the businesses will be hit with a HUGE fine or ordered closed and all assets taken away. Bet those owners of businesses will then follow the rules. But until then...

Renewable energy products can be made and then displayed by using those products on the islands - install solar panels and the like on public bldgs (that will in turn insure a customer base for years to come where the the maufacturing companies will have time to set an industry standard while improving the items (R&D, etc) and the while employing locals) I think there was a time when things such as TV's were considered money losers to manufacture because no one would buy them to cover the overhead...glad that worked.
Windmills by the many hills around the area (out of the way and set windward/leeward sides)
Hydro power (again, many waterfalls around) build them so they are not an eyesore, yet able to power much of the rural areas. It'll give the farming areas education (hands on education - best in my opinion) and some ownership on the future of the islands.
Enough with the "Family ties" / connections, whatever and just demolish those nasty bldgs (dead soapy places and amusement parks included along with the deplorable parking lots and empty malls) Is the possiblity of "offending someone" worth the future of the whole Ryukus?

I think possibly, this can make the islands the world leader in those fields. Those things will set up the university's to concentrate on the local industry-research in real time and not theory. This I think, can't be beat. The influence will spread far. Example - workers in the Nuclear industry are hired by majority from France and the US. They work in Japan, middle east, etc. They are wanted because they have the knowledge/experience. Trust me, they are very well taken care of...

Laters!

[dk]

Nice post NJJAM! Could only thank you once, so take this as another!!!

[NJJAM]

Thanks DK.

By the way, sorry if I did offend anyone there and/or from there. I'm just stating what I think based off of what I saw and the feelings of my relatives...

have a good one all!

[dk]

Wonder what kind of wages they pay to their people?:scratchchin:

Compensation and Benefits
What is the monthly salary for a new cabin crew?
Upon graduation from training, you can look forward to a basic salary and various allowances amounting to about SGD$3,500 a month.

What service benefits am I entitled to as a cabin crew?
As a cabin crew with SIA, you will be entitled to the following benefits:
Free travel to any SIA destination once a year and discounted travel at other times;
Company Bonus;
Medical and Dental
$2500 USD / month for cabin crew.

http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/company_info/careers/CabinCrewFAQ.jsp#Header4

Not bad for entry-level.

Career Development
What is the career path for cabin crew?
There are four levels of career progression you can look forward to as Cabin Crew. New recruits starting out as a Flight Steward / Stewardess can look forward to promotions to Leading to Chief Steward/ Stewardess and finally Inflight Supervisors.

With each promotion, the crew will be trained to undertake new responsibilities and be role model to guide and mentor junior crew.

A tailored training path is also in place for our crew at each stage of their career progression.

What are the career development opportunities available?
Singapore Airlines is committed to nurturing and creating a learning culture for our crew. A wide range of courses – from foreign languages, counseling skills and psychology, to creativity, information technology, leadership and management – are in place to continuously enhance our crew’s professionalism to provide for a distinct service quality.

And if you wish to take control of your developmental needs and enhance the service you provide to passengers, training schemes allowing you to achieve certified professional competencies (e.g. SIA Air Sommelier Scheme) have been specially selected.

We also have in place Continuing Education schemes, where crew who wish to pursue further studies can apply.

[dk]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125139326851064119.html

Singapore Airlines Remains Atop the List in a Tough Year (2009). A bit more recent than I had.

[dk]

SIA Pilot salaries.

http://www.askcaptainlim.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=307:singapore-airlines-pilots-salary&catid=33:salary&Itemid=78

[DoctorP]

Went to school there for a few years...they have nothing except tourism for industry, sorry...mis-managed tourism. Well that and racism, welfare, illiteracy, illegal immigration, etc...

Just my opinion...

Been to okinawa a few times only (really enjoyed my times there) but I did see what others have previously posted and many of those are the same concerns of relatives I have that are from there and the other islands.

Buildings - Some of those were around when even they were teenagers (apts, businesses, etc) they were an eyesore then and even more so now. So why are they still there? And why are the landlords able to charge fees that's 1000% more than what they had them built for?

Renewable energy - the news and "japanese/okinawan complainers" (their words, not mine) say that there's too many things polluting the islands but when nothing is done to control/remove the offenders (un-maintained heavy vehicle, etc) by actually enforce the rules. Family members laugh when I asked about the Kyoto Treaty - they said it's the same as "Hawaiian Pizza" no one that matters from Hawaii's ever heard of it. Same for people from Okinawa, let alone Japan. They think it's a joke. If the japanese did believe in it, they'd do the same for companies that sell spolied foods, etc - the businesses will be hit with a HUGE fine or ordered closed and all assets taken away. Bet those owners of businesses will then follow the rules. But until then...

Renewable energy products can be made and then displayed by using those products on the islands - install solar panels and the like on public bldgs (that will in turn insure a customer base for years to come where the the maufacturing companies will have time to set an industry standard while improving the items (R&D, etc) and the while employing locals) I think there was a time when things such as TV's were considered money losers to manufacture because no one would buy them to cover the overhead...glad that worked.
Windmills by the many hills around the area (out of the way and set windward/leeward sides)
Hydro power (again, many waterfalls around) build them so they are not an eyesore, yet able to power much of the rural areas. It'll give the farming areas education (hands on education - best in my opinion) and some ownership on the future of the islands.
Enough with the "Family ties" / connections, whatever and just demolish those nasty bldgs (dead soapy places and amusement parks included along with the deplorable parking lots and empty malls) Is the possiblity of "offending someone" worth the future of the whole Ryukus?

I think possibly, this can make the islands the world leader in those fields. Those things will set up the university's to concentrate on the local industry-research in real time and not theory. This I think, can't be beat. The influence will spread far. Example - workers in the Nuclear industry are hired by majority from France and the US. They work in Japan, middle east, etc. They are wanted because they have the knowledge/experience. Trust me, they are very well taken care of...

Laters!

Good post. Just a quick note though. There are windmills on the island. At least 20 that I can think of, and they are studying the idea of putting in more. There is a hydro plant in the Northern area that was built as a trial a few years back that seems to be working quite well. It is up in the Higashi area.

Also, there is solar power being used on many gov't buildings, and the US is even working up a few "green" buildings on bases to use for studies as well. Many houses are using solar heating for hot water, if not for electricity (several are using solar for electricity though). Problem about using it for electricity is the cost is on the owner, not the power company, and to my knowledge there are no breaks or incentives as there are in the US for this type of thing.

So, there is progress, not quite fast enough, but it's there.

[dk]

The amount paid out is extremely important, especially to the CEO's...in order for US companies to see how they truly succeed.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP49381120090620

The CEO is making approximately 80% of what he was making last year. lol.

[DoctorP]

$2500 USD / month for cabin crew.

http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/company_info/careers/CabinCrewFAQ.jsp#Header4

Not bad for entry-level.

$1800 US/month roughly, around $22k/yr

SIA Pilot salaries.

http://www.askcaptainlim.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=307:singapore-airlines-pilots-salary&catid=33:salary&Itemid=78

maybe around $85k/yr US$...not bad. Looks like the US needs a pay cut, and cut the CEO's too. Then they can make money again.

[NJJAM]

Cool Doc P!

The relatives will be glad to know their "little ideas" at the family BBQing and drinking beer get-togethers was actually being done. They say love being there/being from there and have seen a lot of changes. As much as I envy their lifestyles, there are times I feel bad for them.
I think they feel that that most of the world (and most japanese) see them as do nothing, uneducated sloths. I think it pisses them off, when to them, it seems the local government does nothing to change that perception by crying "poor mouth" when some crazy GI commits a "crime" to the serenity of the Ryukus or whatever.
They're sick of hearing it. They say as long as the locals sit on their cans and blame others for all of the problems while doing nothing to change things that Okinawans can...they just need to shut up and take it.
They say it's frustrating when their own tell them to not "rock the boat" "take things easy" whatever excuse they have for not wanting to help them change the way of thinking and gettings things doen for the better.
I'm not sure all they talk about (I don't live there so I possibly can't) but I still feel for their frustration.

[toshi]

When I visit there, hopefully soon, I'll bring some "Industry" if any of youz living there want some house painting done :smile4:

I'm BIG on bartering for meals and/or housing. $Yen$ is not needed or accepted by me

[Biru San]

Cool Doc P!

The relatives will be glad to know their "little ideas" at the family BBQing and drinking beer get-togethers was actually being done. They say love being there/being from there and have seen a lot of changes. As much as I envy their lifestyles, there are times I feel bad for them.
I think they feel that that most of the world (and most japanese) see them as do nothing, uneducated sloths. I think it pisses them off, when to them, it seems the local government does nothing to change that perception by crying "poor mouth" when some crazy GI commits a "crime" to the serenity of the Ryukus or whatever.
They're sick of hearing it. They say as long as the locals sit on their cans and blame others for all of the problems while doing nothing to change things that Okinawans can...they just need to shut up and take it.
They say it's frustrating when their own tell them to not "rock the boat" "take things easy" whatever excuse they have for not wanting to help them change the way of thinking and gettings things doen for the better.
I'm not sure all they talk about (I don't live there so I possibly can't) but I still feel for their frustration.



NJJAM.... I too feel for their frustration.... Please tell your Okinawan family.... That there is an ex Coastie in Bedford, MA who will never forget the kind, and loyal hearts of the Okinawan People..... Kurisumasu omedeto, soshite Akemashita omedeto gozaimasu.... Ogenkide.... Biru San :old :thumbup1: