President's Corner

Dear Friends,

Maybe a bit on the late side, but still, for those who I have not met in person yet and in the name of the BLAS committee I want to wish all of you a fantastic New Year. May 2011 be a year of good health, good business and good fun. When for all of us those 3 wishes come true, we have a good year ahead, I would say.

After the snow back home and the snow misery in some other parts of Europe, the floods in Australia, the snow storms in North America, the floods and typhoons in the Philippines ... I must say I was quite happy to come back home in Singapore after our Christmas break. Especially since this is without any doubt the nicest season in Singapore, as it actually cools down in the evening. The local weather forecast even refers to it as “chilly”, although I am sure not all of us agree on that.

The big question nowadays is of course: “What will the future of the BLAS look like?” Because if Belgium does cease to exist ... will there still be a BLAS ? It still is not looking very promising back home. Our politicians don’t seem to be able to make an agreement. There was even a big protest march in the streets of Brussels last Sunday.

Now, I don’t think we should worry too much. Since we are only a few days away from the Lunar New Year ... and after the year of the Tiger, this will be the year of the Rabbit. What does that mean? I have done some thorough research; I have spoken to some guys who should know. And the outcome makes me confident that it will turn all right.

The expectations of the experts and Feng Shui Masters for this new Lunar Year are very promising. The year of the Rabbit is a lucky year and much more quiet, after a ferocious year of the Tiger. It is a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. There still will be conflicts and war,but also there will be hope and trust that some major conflicts will be solved. It is said that this will be a year of negotiations and diplomacy will be a big part in this. They say that world leaders will reach agreements and find compromises. Important conventions will be signed and peace will come in place in particular world’s problem areas.

Taking into account all of the above, it is clear that Belgium is safe and with that Blas is looking ahead to a great future. This is underlined by the fact that we are getting close to 400 members now, and I am sure that we will exceed that number soon. Thanks to the work of our fantastic BLAS team and most of all thanks to all of you !

We started our BLAS year in style with our New Year’s Dinner celebrated on the roof of Singapore, in “One Altitude”, a truly amazing location. I am sure this was just the first of many more great BLAS events in 2011.

Cheers,
Jan