There are certain logical fallacies in speeches of certain contestants of the upcoming GE. For example, The Straits Times wrote that Wong Kan Seng stated "during all his neighbourhood visit, nobody had asked him about Mas Selamat". However, this has no link to the question whether he is responsible for Mas Selamat's escape and why voters should support him even after the Mas Selamat incident.
The opposition candidate for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Chiam See Tong, also had logical fallacy in his speech when he rebutted the claim that he only made one comment throughout the parliament meetings discussing about Mas Selamat's escape from the Whitley Road Detention Centre. Chiam See Tong said that he asked "whether heads would roll over the issue of Mas Selamat. The PAP did not give me a good answer. The reason I didn't ask more question was that we were waiting for the elections, and we believe in accountability". Firstly, Chiam See Tong only stated the the PAP MPs did not give him a good answer. However, he did not state what were their answers. Hence, without even hearing what the PAP MPs said, we cannot assume that their answers were not good. Moreover, his statement that "the reason I didn't ask more questions was that we were waiting for the elections, and we believe in accountability" is also flawed. There is no link in the sentence "the reason I didn't ask more question was that we were waiting for the elections". It would not make a difference whether Wong Kan Seng is accountable for Mas Selemat's escape whether the questions were asked then or when the elections come.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Can students be given the autonomy to develop their own curriculum?
Students should not be given the autonomy to develop their own curriculum. If they are allowed to develop their curriculum, education would not be as effective, to the extent that they might not even learn anything.
Students definitely would not know what is needed to succeed in life, or they would not even need education. Hence, they will not be able to come up with proper plans for their curriculum. Moreover, students of lower levels, being immature people, may just end up adding things that they prefer doing rather than things that can aid in self-improvement into the curriculum. Teachers, having gone through enough experiences in life, would understand better what is needed to succeed in life, and can plan the curriculum such that students can learn these skills.
While some may argue that we school should be an enjoyable experience, joy should not be compromised with the goals of education. The purpose of education is to equip students with the necessary skills that can come in useful in life, whether at that point in time or at a later stage of life. Education also aims to instill a good sense of self-awareness, a sound moral compass for pupils. Education also aims to groom responsible and confident people, as well as self-directed learners. If students were to come up with the curriculum, will they be able to come up with an apt one that can satisfy the goals stated?
Hence, I feel that students should not be given the autonomy to develop their own curriculum.
Students definitely would not know what is needed to succeed in life, or they would not even need education. Hence, they will not be able to come up with proper plans for their curriculum. Moreover, students of lower levels, being immature people, may just end up adding things that they prefer doing rather than things that can aid in self-improvement into the curriculum. Teachers, having gone through enough experiences in life, would understand better what is needed to succeed in life, and can plan the curriculum such that students can learn these skills.
While some may argue that we school should be an enjoyable experience, joy should not be compromised with the goals of education. The purpose of education is to equip students with the necessary skills that can come in useful in life, whether at that point in time or at a later stage of life. Education also aims to instill a good sense of self-awareness, a sound moral compass for pupils. Education also aims to groom responsible and confident people, as well as self-directed learners. If students were to come up with the curriculum, will they be able to come up with an apt one that can satisfy the goals stated?
Hence, I feel that students should not be given the autonomy to develop their own curriculum.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Why should we bother about things happening far away from us?
In whichever aspect, a country would definitely be affected by an event happening in another. Nowadays, the world is getting increasingly connected, and we will have to be aware of the things happening far away from us, things occurring in faraway foreign places.
Events occurring in faraway places can affect our economy. For example, in the recent earthquake that shook Japan that started on March 11 2011, the economy of the areas affected by the earthquake came near to a standstill, causing a decrease in the overall Japanese produce. As Japan is the third-largest economy and exports large amounts of goods, many countries are dependent on the goods produced by Japan. A decline in Japanese produce would result in an increase in the prices of the products of Japan. Another example, which has caused mass economic devastation worldwide, would be the 2008 US recession. Although the sub-prime mortgage only occured in the US, the crisis resulted in many economies around the world to plunge into recession. Therefore, no matter how far away the event is from us, it would still affect us economically.
Knowing about and caring about events happening in countries far away from us would allow us to react to them on time. Perhaps, knowing about the things happening far away from us could even save our lives. Take the 2004 Asian tsunami for example. The epicentre of the tsunami was off Aceh, Indonesia. Although the epicentre of the quake was hundreds of kilometres away from countries like India, tha Maldives and Thailand, these countries, which have coasts facing the Indian Ocean, were not spared from the huge waves. If these people were had kept up with the news, had known that a tsunami had hit the west coast of Sumatra, and had some knowledge about tsunami, they could have escaped on time before the tsunami whipped the shores of these countries. From the above example, we can tell that being aware of events happening in other countries would allow us to react on time.
Being aware of things happening in other countries can also help improve political relationship between countries. When a country experiences trouble, other countries who are aware of the situation can offer help. When the troubled countries would be thankful to those who rendered assistance, and this will improve ties between these countries. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Japan was one of the first countries to offer help in rescue services. China appreciated the help to a certain extent and during the recent Japan earthquake, China sent a rescue team to Japan to reciprocate their previous assistance.
Events occurring in faraway places can affect our economy. For example, in the recent earthquake that shook Japan that started on March 11 2011, the economy of the areas affected by the earthquake came near to a standstill, causing a decrease in the overall Japanese produce. As Japan is the third-largest economy and exports large amounts of goods, many countries are dependent on the goods produced by Japan. A decline in Japanese produce would result in an increase in the prices of the products of Japan. Another example, which has caused mass economic devastation worldwide, would be the 2008 US recession. Although the sub-prime mortgage only occured in the US, the crisis resulted in many economies around the world to plunge into recession. Therefore, no matter how far away the event is from us, it would still affect us economically.
Knowing about and caring about events happening in countries far away from us would allow us to react to them on time. Perhaps, knowing about the things happening far away from us could even save our lives. Take the 2004 Asian tsunami for example. The epicentre of the tsunami was off Aceh, Indonesia. Although the epicentre of the quake was hundreds of kilometres away from countries like India, tha Maldives and Thailand, these countries, which have coasts facing the Indian Ocean, were not spared from the huge waves. If these people were had kept up with the news, had known that a tsunami had hit the west coast of Sumatra, and had some knowledge about tsunami, they could have escaped on time before the tsunami whipped the shores of these countries. From the above example, we can tell that being aware of events happening in other countries would allow us to react on time.
Being aware of things happening in other countries can also help improve political relationship between countries. When a country experiences trouble, other countries who are aware of the situation can offer help. When the troubled countries would be thankful to those who rendered assistance, and this will improve ties between these countries. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Japan was one of the first countries to offer help in rescue services. China appreciated the help to a certain extent and during the recent Japan earthquake, China sent a rescue team to Japan to reciprocate their previous assistance.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
War narrative
I raced through the alley, with a bulky equipment in arm. It was the first time going to war, the first time going on a real mission, and also the first time running such a long distance with a 7 kg rifle. Beads of perspiration trickled down my cheeks as I dashed towards the camp despite being enervated from the running such a long distance. Everything around shone in the crimson evening light, signalling that there was not much time left for me to reach the camp. I had parachute from a plane and arrived in a forest nearby. The only task for today is to reach the camp and have sufficient rest in order to carry out tomorrow’s mission.
As I rushed past the long stretch of doors, the chilling wind whipped against my face. The air seemed fresher than before and the entire village seemed to turn placid after a bustling day. Incessant chatter resounded through the air as families tucked into their dinner. There seemed to be a sense of warmth lingering around this village as the people here chatted in joy. Perhaps not. In frigid air, I was panting for breath, perspiring profusely. If not for my country calling all men to join the war, I would have been at home spending time with my family too.
As these thought passed, I neared the camp. The camp was a dilapidated biscuit factory vacated for quite a while. Paint from its façade had started peeling off, exposing a brown layer of bricks at certain parts of the building.
I called a comrade through my mobile phone to inform his that I had reached the camp. Seconds later, the rusty iron door creaked open. John stood at the door. Within a split second, I had entered the building, breathing in stale air filled with the smell of filed wood. The door closed gently.
“Come in quickly next time” John said in a low voice, “Don’t let anyone discover us”.
As I rushed past the long stretch of doors, the chilling wind whipped against my face. The air seemed fresher than before and the entire village seemed to turn placid after a bustling day. Incessant chatter resounded through the air as families tucked into their dinner. There seemed to be a sense of warmth lingering around this village as the people here chatted in joy. Perhaps not. In frigid air, I was panting for breath, perspiring profusely. If not for my country calling all men to join the war, I would have been at home spending time with my family too.
As these thought passed, I neared the camp. The camp was a dilapidated biscuit factory vacated for quite a while. Paint from its façade had started peeling off, exposing a brown layer of bricks at certain parts of the building.
I called a comrade through my mobile phone to inform his that I had reached the camp. Seconds later, the rusty iron door creaked open. John stood at the door. Within a split second, I had entered the building, breathing in stale air filled with the smell of filed wood. The door closed gently.
“Come in quickly next time” John said in a low voice, “Don’t let anyone discover us”.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Letter of encouragement to Japan earthquake survivor
Sam Tan
50 Lincoln Road
Singapore 505050
22 March 2011
Dear Kumiko,
How are you? I understand that the 9.0 magnitude tsunami struck your village in Fukushima, almost everything has been
levelled and the villagers are currently staying in cramp shelters. I also understand that your daughter was swept away by
the tsunami waves and she is yet to be found.
I sympathise with you about this. However, do not be upset. Rescue workers from several countries have been scouring the
quake site these few days. These people are mostly from the Civil Defense of their repective countries and have the
experience in the field of rescuing. With their help, your wife should be found soon. I also understand that your house
and cars have been destroyed by the tsunami waves. After things have settled down, I can lend you some money to purchase a
new house. Alternatively, you can also come over to Singapore. I have two vacant room in my apartment and can let you stay
here while things are settled in Japan.
I urge you to stay optimistic during this period of time. Do take care of yourself by drinking and eating sufficiently.
Being displaced to a shelter might not be that bad after all. You can take this opportunity to interact with the people
there, something that you would not have time to do during normal days. Perhaps, you might even get to know a few new
friends.
Do lead a happy life, have enough rest and remember to look after your children. Be tough in this period of ordeal.
Cheers,
Sam
50 Lincoln Road
Singapore 505050
22 March 2011
Dear Kumiko,
How are you? I understand that the 9.0 magnitude tsunami struck your village in Fukushima, almost everything has been
levelled and the villagers are currently staying in cramp shelters. I also understand that your daughter was swept away by
the tsunami waves and she is yet to be found.
I sympathise with you about this. However, do not be upset. Rescue workers from several countries have been scouring the
quake site these few days. These people are mostly from the Civil Defense of their repective countries and have the
experience in the field of rescuing. With their help, your wife should be found soon. I also understand that your house
and cars have been destroyed by the tsunami waves. After things have settled down, I can lend you some money to purchase a
new house. Alternatively, you can also come over to Singapore. I have two vacant room in my apartment and can let you stay
here while things are settled in Japan.
I urge you to stay optimistic during this period of time. Do take care of yourself by drinking and eating sufficiently.
Being displaced to a shelter might not be that bad after all. You can take this opportunity to interact with the people
there, something that you would not have time to do during normal days. Perhaps, you might even get to know a few new
friends.
Do lead a happy life, have enough rest and remember to look after your children. Be tough in this period of ordeal.
Cheers,
Sam
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Comment on Singapore budget
Recently, the government has announced the Budget for 2011. This budget includes various incentives for Singapore citizens. These incentives include tax rebates, subsidies for the lower income families and "Child Development Credit". The group which benefits the most from the Budget will be those low income households, and the Budget is also aimed at helping these households, who find it hard to catch up with the society financially.
Although the budget claims that it will help the needy and lighten their burden, I only agree with this statement to a certain extent. Much as the poor receives subsidies, this sum of money only helps them in the short-term, and they would still find themselves lagging behind the higher income groups by a huge gap.
For example, the budget included personal income tax rebate and Utilities-Save (U-Save) and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates. This is to close up the gap between those from the high-income group and those from the low-income group. Despite the fact that Singapore enjoyed high economic growth in last year, the average income of the poor has not increased significantly. Therefore, the poor might be unable to cope with the rise in standard of living if the rich continue to get richer. This is why the government has given high subsidies to the poor.
The government is also issuing child development credit to households who have children to help children pay for their expanses. The amount each household gets per child is either $300 or $400, depending on whether the annual value of home is more or less than $13000.
However, these measures only have short-term effects as the government is only giving these grants for a limited period of time. Although it does help the needy cope with the high costs of living by letting them save on taxes, it does not help them in the long run because the income gap between the poor and the average income is still wide.
The longer term policy would be the one that upgrades the skills of the worker. This will equip workers, especially those from the lower income group, with skills that they can use when they enter the workforce, enabling them to perform better in their jobs.
Although the budget claims that it will help the needy and lighten their burden, I only agree with this statement to a certain extent. Much as the poor receives subsidies, this sum of money only helps them in the short-term, and they would still find themselves lagging behind the higher income groups by a huge gap.
For example, the budget included personal income tax rebate and Utilities-Save (U-Save) and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates. This is to close up the gap between those from the high-income group and those from the low-income group. Despite the fact that Singapore enjoyed high economic growth in last year, the average income of the poor has not increased significantly. Therefore, the poor might be unable to cope with the rise in standard of living if the rich continue to get richer. This is why the government has given high subsidies to the poor.
The government is also issuing child development credit to households who have children to help children pay for their expanses. The amount each household gets per child is either $300 or $400, depending on whether the annual value of home is more or less than $13000.
However, these measures only have short-term effects as the government is only giving these grants for a limited period of time. Although it does help the needy cope with the high costs of living by letting them save on taxes, it does not help them in the long run because the income gap between the poor and the average income is still wide.
The longer term policy would be the one that upgrades the skills of the worker. This will equip workers, especially those from the lower income group, with skills that they can use when they enter the workforce, enabling them to perform better in their jobs.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Use of social networking
The use of social networking sites has become an important way of connecting with people. Now that we have advanced technologies that enables us to connect to the internet like mobile broadband, as long as we have our laptops with us, we can access social networking sites almost everywhere.
Social networking sites enable us to connect with almost everybody(who has an account on that network site), whether it is your friends, colleagues, business associates, or even people you know from overseas. As for one of the popular networking sites(especially among youngsters), Facebook, it allows us to connect to almost anyone, anywhere. You just have to post a message on your “wall” and all your “Friends” that you have added on Facebook can view it. The use of Facebook is especially efficient if you want to chat with an overseas friend, Facebook can come in especially useful.
Even some politicians use social networking sites like Facebook to garner supports of the citizens. For example, the current President of the United States, Obama, used Facebook as a tool to connect with the United States citizens. Along with his charisma, he managed to win the majority votes from the people and won the presidential elections. Some other politicians who use Facebook include George Yeo and Khaw Boon Wan.
However, Facebook can also be used by other people or organisations for the wrong purposes. For example, some protestors in the recent Egypt revolt made used of Facebook to both communicate with fellow protestors and to get people to support their protests. Some Egyptians even got some tips from Tunis protestors that onion could be used as tear bombs against the pro-government rioters. The explains how the Egyptian protestors were successful in overthrowing their ex-president, Murabak.
Facebook can also be a tool for terrorists to connect with each other and plot attacks. However, doing so on Facebook is not a very good platform for the planning of terrorist attacks. Things posted up on the internet, no matter how “secure” they are, can be seen by anyone who manages to “hack” the code to the website. Plans for a terrorist attack have to be kept secret to those within the “operation”. Therefore, if the terrorists really do their plotting on the social networking sites, it would not be very wise as undercovers could foil their plans if they manage to view the plans of the terrorists.
Social networking sites enable us to connect with almost everybody(who has an account on that network site), whether it is your friends, colleagues, business associates, or even people you know from overseas. As for one of the popular networking sites(especially among youngsters), Facebook, it allows us to connect to almost anyone, anywhere. You just have to post a message on your “wall” and all your “Friends” that you have added on Facebook can view it. The use of Facebook is especially efficient if you want to chat with an overseas friend, Facebook can come in especially useful.
Even some politicians use social networking sites like Facebook to garner supports of the citizens. For example, the current President of the United States, Obama, used Facebook as a tool to connect with the United States citizens. Along with his charisma, he managed to win the majority votes from the people and won the presidential elections. Some other politicians who use Facebook include George Yeo and Khaw Boon Wan.
However, Facebook can also be used by other people or organisations for the wrong purposes. For example, some protestors in the recent Egypt revolt made used of Facebook to both communicate with fellow protestors and to get people to support their protests. Some Egyptians even got some tips from Tunis protestors that onion could be used as tear bombs against the pro-government rioters. The explains how the Egyptian protestors were successful in overthrowing their ex-president, Murabak.
Facebook can also be a tool for terrorists to connect with each other and plot attacks. However, doing so on Facebook is not a very good platform for the planning of terrorist attacks. Things posted up on the internet, no matter how “secure” they are, can be seen by anyone who manages to “hack” the code to the website. Plans for a terrorist attack have to be kept secret to those within the “operation”. Therefore, if the terrorists really do their plotting on the social networking sites, it would not be very wise as undercovers could foil their plans if they manage to view the plans of the terrorists.
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