My neighbours who live next door are from Belgium and France, and have been living in Singapore for three years. They are approachable people who never fail to host us in their house. In school, at least two classmates from China are currently Singapore Permanent Residents. They certainly do not lag behind our standards. Foreigners are not alien to me in my life. In fact, they have enriched my life as a Singaporean, and I accept their presence.
No doubt, acceptance of foreigners, particularly the foreign workers and talents, is a controversial issue in Singapore. Some Singaporeans feel uncomfortable having to live alongside these outsiders and compete with them for jobs; others feel that foreigners bring about healthy competition and strengthen the workforce in Singapore.
Discomfort is inevitable when foreigners join fellow Singaporeans. When plans for a foreign workers’ dormitory in Serangoon Gardens first made the news, residents raised an uproar, collecting more than 1600 signatures from among 4000 households in the estate, protesting against the plans. Many were worried that allowing large numbers of foreign workers into the estate could lead to increases in crime and disorderly behaviour. If such foreign behaviour were allowed, Singaporeans worry it may influence the character and values of the Singapore society.
Foreign workers typically cost less to a company than local workers, mainly because the locals have higher wage expectations. Also, local workers may not possess the skills and experience needed for the job, while foreign workers do; thus, for the same pay, companies would prefer to hire the latter. As a result, there is job competition between local and foreign workers. In 1998, there were 640 000 in the foreign workforce; currently, the figure has increased to over a million. This number is 35 per cent of the 2.86 million-strong workforce in Singapore. When foreign workers are preferred to local workers, the locals would feel as though they have not been protected, leading to discontent.
Competition is often necessary to raise standards. If this mindset were accepted by Singaporeans, they would constantly seek areas for improvement to ensure they are employed. Singapore only takes in immigrants who increase the level of competence of Singaporeans, thus keeping competition alive. The array of cultures and skills introduced due to the influx of foreigners also benefits Singapore – with diversity, comes talent. According to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the progress of each country is dependent on the number of talented people it has – both indigenous and immigrants. Indeed, with these talents, a country can then progress forward.
The flow of foreigners into Singapore has contributed to Singapore’s labour force. Where there are jobs Singaporeans choose not to work in, foreigners take their place. One instance is in retail – Singaporeans typically prefer not to work on weekends, work till midnight or spend ten hours standing. As a result, retail companies need to resort to foreign workers willing to do the job. Singapore is also experiencing a shrinking labour force, simply because Singaporeans are not replacing themselves. More than 30 per cent of those 25 to 40 years old are single and childless. Demand for services is also increasing, especially in the medical field – with 1500 hospital beds added to the current 11 500 as four new hospitals open in the next five years, Singapore would need to double the number of doctors it currently has, from one doctor per two beds to one doctor per bed. In order to achieve this, the Ministry of Health is working to recruit foreign medical talent. Without the foreigners, growth would be staggered.
All in all, in order to achieve growth, welcoming foreigners is unavoidable. In this age of global commerce and communication, open-mindedness is important – the more you appreciate other cultures and skills, the more you connect with the outside world and the more influence you can possibly have. To improve Singapore’s standing in the world, Singapore must first understand the outside world. All these start at home, given the flow of foreigners into Singapore. Let us embrace this opportunity to relate with the foreigners, compete with them and befriend them, such that Singapore may progress onwards.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
ERP1: Growing up by Russell Baker - Question b.
She is seventy-four, short, bespectacled, and has wrinkled skin. She lives in a humble HDB flat, reading and watching television. Sometimes my cousin pops by her house after school to keep her company. Disrupting her peace? Perhaps. This, is my grandmother.
Nevertheless, she has not succumbed to the wheelchair; neither does she have to employ a maid. Together with my grandfather, they go for walks in the nearby park. My family would visit them every Saturday, and she can still speak and laugh like anyone else. This, is still my grandmother.
It has been commonly said that the life of a human is a cycle. We are born as babies, ignorant to the world and simple in thought. As we mature, we increase in knowledge and understanding of the world, growing more complex. However, life takes a downturn as we progress with age and eventually as the elderly, we return to our simple state yet again due to our handicaps.
Looking at the elderly limping along the pavements, sometimes I feel very saddened by the very thought of how cruel life can be. All the joy experienced in our youth will eventually lead us to an unchangeable path of deterioration in function until we are finally laid to rest. In our final years, all we have is a beautiful memory of whatever has gone by.
My grandmother has also stood the test of time. Recently, because her knee joints were worn out, they had to be replaced with artificial mechanisms. She was able to climb the steps efficiently in the past, but wear and tear being an inevitable part of one’s life, her joints eventually failed her. Thankfully, with advancements in science, the ageing process can be impeded. Currently, she can still climb the steps, but the time taken has been lengthened nevertheless.
My grandmother may be aged in appearance and actions, but never in person.
She was a housewife when she still grew black hair, going about the usual chores of any other mother. Children have always been a headache, and so have the bills. Life must have been more carefree for mothers after their children married out and found their footing in society. After twenty to thirty years, is it still safe to say that they are carefree?
Some say that people get quieter as they advance in age. I find it present in my grandmother, but only from a superficial point of view. My grandparents live alone in their house, and the very thought that no one visits them every day does stir up some guilt in me. Despite this stereotypical solitary image, upon conversing with them, I still find the zest and liveliness in their speech. They can laugh – yes they can – so much so that I feel the aura of joy each time I hear it. No, the elderly are not that quiet. And no, it is not the mahjong table.
In truth, traditional ideologies do stay the same for most elderly. In the past, communication was difficult and messages had to be literally delivered by mouth, and what more the existence of telephones. As such, many grandparents including mine are stringent on the usage of telephones even in today’s society. I used to plead for the telephone to speak to my parents, but I was always thwarted back with the blunt “No.” Discipline is yet another tradition.
It was a Saturday when my cousins and I spent a night at my grandparents’ house. It was already eleven and we were still tossing around in bed. My grandmother blared in Mandarin, “If you still aren’t going to sleep in ten minutes’ time, I’m going to cane you! So sleep!” One young cousin of mine turned a deaf ear to her words, and the cane served its purpose. So stays the tradition.
Despite her artificial joints and deteriorating muscles, my grandmother still makes it an effort to go for morning walks. She would also make her way to the supermarket on foot with my grandfather. Aged as she may be, nothing seems to be able to stop her from moving about.
Geoffrey Parfitt once said: “People say that age is a state of mind. I say it’s more about the state of your body.” Indeed, I believe that ageing revolves about the outer appearance more than the inner self. One may still keep one’s youthfulness and experiences in a shrivelled body. Although ageing affects how much a person can do, it cannot affect how much a person feels and thinks. Our mental ability may take a turn sometime in life, but even then, with all the experience one has gone through, how can an aged elderly be paralleled to a meek child?
Change can be positive or negative – ageing is not always about the latter.
Nevertheless, she has not succumbed to the wheelchair; neither does she have to employ a maid. Together with my grandfather, they go for walks in the nearby park. My family would visit them every Saturday, and she can still speak and laugh like anyone else. This, is still my grandmother.
It has been commonly said that the life of a human is a cycle. We are born as babies, ignorant to the world and simple in thought. As we mature, we increase in knowledge and understanding of the world, growing more complex. However, life takes a downturn as we progress with age and eventually as the elderly, we return to our simple state yet again due to our handicaps.
Looking at the elderly limping along the pavements, sometimes I feel very saddened by the very thought of how cruel life can be. All the joy experienced in our youth will eventually lead us to an unchangeable path of deterioration in function until we are finally laid to rest. In our final years, all we have is a beautiful memory of whatever has gone by.
My grandmother has also stood the test of time. Recently, because her knee joints were worn out, they had to be replaced with artificial mechanisms. She was able to climb the steps efficiently in the past, but wear and tear being an inevitable part of one’s life, her joints eventually failed her. Thankfully, with advancements in science, the ageing process can be impeded. Currently, she can still climb the steps, but the time taken has been lengthened nevertheless.
My grandmother may be aged in appearance and actions, but never in person.
She was a housewife when she still grew black hair, going about the usual chores of any other mother. Children have always been a headache, and so have the bills. Life must have been more carefree for mothers after their children married out and found their footing in society. After twenty to thirty years, is it still safe to say that they are carefree?
Some say that people get quieter as they advance in age. I find it present in my grandmother, but only from a superficial point of view. My grandparents live alone in their house, and the very thought that no one visits them every day does stir up some guilt in me. Despite this stereotypical solitary image, upon conversing with them, I still find the zest and liveliness in their speech. They can laugh – yes they can – so much so that I feel the aura of joy each time I hear it. No, the elderly are not that quiet. And no, it is not the mahjong table.
In truth, traditional ideologies do stay the same for most elderly. In the past, communication was difficult and messages had to be literally delivered by mouth, and what more the existence of telephones. As such, many grandparents including mine are stringent on the usage of telephones even in today’s society. I used to plead for the telephone to speak to my parents, but I was always thwarted back with the blunt “No.” Discipline is yet another tradition.
It was a Saturday when my cousins and I spent a night at my grandparents’ house. It was already eleven and we were still tossing around in bed. My grandmother blared in Mandarin, “If you still aren’t going to sleep in ten minutes’ time, I’m going to cane you! So sleep!” One young cousin of mine turned a deaf ear to her words, and the cane served its purpose. So stays the tradition.
Despite her artificial joints and deteriorating muscles, my grandmother still makes it an effort to go for morning walks. She would also make her way to the supermarket on foot with my grandfather. Aged as she may be, nothing seems to be able to stop her from moving about.
Geoffrey Parfitt once said: “People say that age is a state of mind. I say it’s more about the state of your body.” Indeed, I believe that ageing revolves about the outer appearance more than the inner self. One may still keep one’s youthfulness and experiences in a shrivelled body. Although ageing affects how much a person can do, it cannot affect how much a person feels and thinks. Our mental ability may take a turn sometime in life, but even then, with all the experience one has gone through, how can an aged elderly be paralleled to a meek child?
Change can be positive or negative – ageing is not always about the latter.
Choose a Useful Language
Article summary
Indeed, for mice there probably is a need to learn the dog’s language, since it is useful in keeping them save. Similarly, we humans should choose a useful language to learn, such that it would be able to benefit us both economically and socially.
However, there are some people who prefer to choose a language based on cultural roots instead of usefulness. For example, one may decide to be proficient in the Hokkien dialect, such that one would be able to connect with grandparents, appreciate Hokkien opera and probably do business with Hokkien businessmen. By choosing to do so, undoubtedly, one would be able to understand his culture better, know the history of that language and connect better with relatives. It may also be pointed out that though one would not be able to connect with the many who do not speak that language, one would not be deprived of pleasure from delving deeper into that language of choice. As such, some people would choose to learn a language closer to heart.
On the other hand, those who choose a language based on usefulness, not liking, can connect better with society. Kevin Smith once said, “One man’s frankness is another man’s vulgarity.” Yes, by learning the language a society uses, one would be able to communicate with those in that society better, making friends and understanding each other such that fewer conflicts would arise. Should a Chinese man live in London, he would have to learn English so as to know the Englishmen better. With that, it can be seen that by learning a useful language, it can benefit us socially.
Also, by choosing a language based on usefulness, one is most likely to find a good career, benefiting oneself economically. It is important to learn a language many use, especially in one’s career, because there is always a need to communicate with the customers and colleagues. “Language is the means of getting an idea from my brain into yours without surgery,” as said by Mark Amidon. Using the analogy above, again should the Chinese man work in a Chinese firm in London, he would also need to know Mandarin to communicate with the Chinese workers there. In addition, by learning a language that is useful for one’s career, it is easier to communicate with customers and customers would probably be more satisfied with the service provided. It may be said that theoretically, it is not necessary for one to learn the language of the customer to run a business. However, knowing the customer’s language brings the two closer, and a sense of mutual understanding can be felt. It can thus be seen how a useful language benefits oneself in the economic field.
The first point does not stand because should one learn that language close to heart, whereas everyone else is learning another language, one would not be able to connect well with the others, and in terms of the social and economic aspect, that would be as far as one can go. One’s relatives would be gone after some time, and his culture may fade from society after some time, since it is a minority. As mentioned by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, should one speak Hokkien, he would be able to reach some 60 million in Fujian and Taiwan. However, with Mandarin, it gives you access to 1.3 billion Chinese from all provinces of China. Thus, although a language is close to heart, if it is not useful, one would not be able to get a good career, and hence be crippled economically. Moreover, there would be limited access to society, potentially driving one to be conservative.
In conclusion, learning a useful language can benefit one both economically and socially, compared to learning a language well-liked by oneself which can only satisfy one’s interest. Weighing the odds, it is more beneficial to learn a language useful in society such that one can connect better with others.
My parting shot: Is not better communication the whole point of language?
This article takes the standpoint everyone has to decide for himself the language that would be most useful. The author firstly points out that language can open doors to opportunities. He goes on to mention that by learning English, he was able to develop himself further in his career than when he only spoke Hokkien and Mandarin. However, the second point of the author was that his standards of the abovementioned two languages dropped when he improved on the English language. As a final point, he decided that it was better off for him to learn English than to understand his culture deeper via Hokkien and Chinese, since it brought more benefits than losses overall.
Commentary: Usefulness – that’s the reason for language
There was once a mother mouse who decided to take her children out for a walk. As they turned round the corner, they bumped into a cat. The mother looked at the cat in the face and said, “Woof! Woof!” The cat turned around and ran away. The mother turned to the children and said, “There, I told you; it pays to be bilingual.”
Indeed, for mice there probably is a need to learn the dog’s language, since it is useful in keeping them save. Similarly, we humans should choose a useful language to learn, such that it would be able to benefit us both economically and socially.
However, there are some people who prefer to choose a language based on cultural roots instead of usefulness. For example, one may decide to be proficient in the Hokkien dialect, such that one would be able to connect with grandparents, appreciate Hokkien opera and probably do business with Hokkien businessmen. By choosing to do so, undoubtedly, one would be able to understand his culture better, know the history of that language and connect better with relatives. It may also be pointed out that though one would not be able to connect with the many who do not speak that language, one would not be deprived of pleasure from delving deeper into that language of choice. As such, some people would choose to learn a language closer to heart.
On the other hand, those who choose a language based on usefulness, not liking, can connect better with society. Kevin Smith once said, “One man’s frankness is another man’s vulgarity.” Yes, by learning the language a society uses, one would be able to communicate with those in that society better, making friends and understanding each other such that fewer conflicts would arise. Should a Chinese man live in London, he would have to learn English so as to know the Englishmen better. With that, it can be seen that by learning a useful language, it can benefit us socially.
Also, by choosing a language based on usefulness, one is most likely to find a good career, benefiting oneself economically. It is important to learn a language many use, especially in one’s career, because there is always a need to communicate with the customers and colleagues. “Language is the means of getting an idea from my brain into yours without surgery,” as said by Mark Amidon. Using the analogy above, again should the Chinese man work in a Chinese firm in London, he would also need to know Mandarin to communicate with the Chinese workers there. In addition, by learning a language that is useful for one’s career, it is easier to communicate with customers and customers would probably be more satisfied with the service provided. It may be said that theoretically, it is not necessary for one to learn the language of the customer to run a business. However, knowing the customer’s language brings the two closer, and a sense of mutual understanding can be felt. It can thus be seen how a useful language benefits oneself in the economic field.
The first point does not stand because should one learn that language close to heart, whereas everyone else is learning another language, one would not be able to connect well with the others, and in terms of the social and economic aspect, that would be as far as one can go. One’s relatives would be gone after some time, and his culture may fade from society after some time, since it is a minority. As mentioned by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, should one speak Hokkien, he would be able to reach some 60 million in Fujian and Taiwan. However, with Mandarin, it gives you access to 1.3 billion Chinese from all provinces of China. Thus, although a language is close to heart, if it is not useful, one would not be able to get a good career, and hence be crippled economically. Moreover, there would be limited access to society, potentially driving one to be conservative.
In conclusion, learning a useful language can benefit one both economically and socially, compared to learning a language well-liked by oneself which can only satisfy one’s interest. Weighing the odds, it is more beneficial to learn a language useful in society such that one can connect better with others.
My parting shot: Is not better communication the whole point of language?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Scrap the CCTs.
I disagree with the idea of removing Common Class Tests (CCTs). Although it apparently reduces pressure on students, more side-effects will be created. On the whole, these disadvantages weigh out the advantages of the whole idea.
By scrapping the CCTs, there would be less to study for towards the end of each term. For example, usually two to three CCTs are held from week eight to week ten each term, and any of the major subjects would be tested on. Moreover, since many performance tasks earlier handed out are due during the same period, students would find themselves rushing for time to complete all these assignments and make adequate preparations for the CCTs. With the removal of the CCTs, more time can be spent on the assignments and any additional minor tests which may be held. More study time would allow for a more relaxed life and probably, better grades.
However, should CCTs be removed, how would a student know his grasp of the topic so far? Without the CCTs, he would not know how to improve either. There was once when a student managed to do well in the tests held in term one, but as he progressed into the year, his scores started dropping, so much so that he almost failed his End-of-Year Examinations (EOYs). The reason for CCTs is to ensure that students are keeping their standards consistent and are prepared for major tests like the EOYs and O-level examinations. It is a common misconception of students that CCTs are evil – rather I believe they are being kind in gearing us up for the tougher times ahead.
Moreover, the Continual Assessment (CA) portion of the entire year would be spread out amongst its components less evenly. Currently, the CCTs take up a whopping thirty-five percent of the CA, with performance tasks, day-to-day assessments and so on making up the rest of the CA. With the huge chunk of CCTs removed, more emphasis would be placed on the other components, making the minor ones major. A performance task would be worth its weight in gold. Making a small mistake reduces the CA mark drastically. Hence, this defeats the purpose of scrapping the CCTs in the first place, which is to reduce the pressure placed on students. Students need to work harder for the smallest test so that they do not return the examiner too many marks.
All in all, with the scrapping of the CCTs, it is all the more pressurizing for the students. Fewer examinations, less indications for improvement, higher risks of losing marks, worse grades. Why scrap the CCTs? Why make yourself work even harder? Why allow more chances for missing the mark?
Scrap the CCTs, and there goes the 4.0.
You will be happier if you stay unmarried.
I disagree with the fact that one stays happier if he stays unmarried. Not only does he miss out on a whole lot of joy, he also misses out on some key lessons in life.
Yes, being unmarried brings about quite some discounts in one's duties. An unmarried man does not need to care for another lady; neither does he have to care for any children. All he needs to consider for within his family is his parents. As such, much more money and time can be saved for himself.
However, having a partner adds a different perspective to life. Most often, this perspective encompasses joy. After being married, one now has a someone to depend on; someone to trust; somone to love. Through this relationship, much more can be accomplished such that life can be lived to its fullest. The happiness felt when two people achieve something together is indescribable.
This achievement can take the form of giving birth to and nurturing a child. Nevertheless, many lessons can be learnt from raising a child. Disciplining a child is not an easy task becasue you need to be firm and loving simultaneously. If the job is not done properly, the child may make the same mistake again, or may bear a hatred for his parents. None of these is preferred - thus there is a need to discipline a child well. It is a skill to do so effectively; one that has to be learnt over time. Once mastered, it can be applied to one's job, teaching juniors how to improve.
All in all, staying unmarried shuns away many tiring and busy experieces of life. However, going through these experiences would certainly bring about much enrichment.
Yes, being unmarried brings about quite some discounts in one's duties. An unmarried man does not need to care for another lady; neither does he have to care for any children. All he needs to consider for within his family is his parents. As such, much more money and time can be saved for himself.
However, having a partner adds a different perspective to life. Most often, this perspective encompasses joy. After being married, one now has a someone to depend on; someone to trust; somone to love. Through this relationship, much more can be accomplished such that life can be lived to its fullest. The happiness felt when two people achieve something together is indescribable.
This achievement can take the form of giving birth to and nurturing a child. Nevertheless, many lessons can be learnt from raising a child. Disciplining a child is not an easy task becasue you need to be firm and loving simultaneously. If the job is not done properly, the child may make the same mistake again, or may bear a hatred for his parents. None of these is preferred - thus there is a need to discipline a child well. It is a skill to do so effectively; one that has to be learnt over time. Once mastered, it can be applied to one's job, teaching juniors how to improve.
All in all, staying unmarried shuns away many tiring and busy experieces of life. However, going through these experiences would certainly bring about much enrichment.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What is an exposition?
An exposition is a writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain.
(Taken from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exposition)
(Taken from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exposition)
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