Melissa Koh Huixin
105855Z
Violent maid abuse cases has been rather popular in Singapore such as this one. This didn't surprise me at all. Usually, i would always simply think that this happens because it was mainly the entire maid's fault. However, when i think about it and read this article in detail. I find that maybe such abuse cases wasn't entirely the maid's fault, the employer plays a part too.
In this article, i found out that the writer actually emphasized on the maid being afraid of the employer finding faults on her. I figured that why she had spiked the soup in the first place could be that she was afraid that she would get scolding from her employer. It could also be that the employer might have threatened or warned her that she will be sent home if she doesn't do a good job. I mean, these are my assumptions, but we must never ignore such possibilities. Besides, no one would harm you unless you have caused them to.
I have a maid at home too, but i don't face such abuses before. I realized that it about the relationship that you build with them. Sometimes, we need to put ourselves into their shoes. Having to stay away from home for so long, with no connection until their so-called holidays, i could imagine the stress that they go through. I asked my maid about her life in here and at home, the different regulations that the agency made and whatever i could think of. She told me that they are not allowed to have their cell phones with them once they arrive in Singapore. So i asked her on how she is going to keep in contact with her family members. She has to wait till she gets her salary, buy a phone booth card to make the call. She said that she felt very stress when she came to our house for the very first time. She heard of stories about maids being abused and she was afraid of being one. I decided to just ask her about her personal life and i felt she is a quite a broken person. Her dad passed away early, leaving her to feed her family. Her mum re-married and gave birth to stepsisters. However, when she left for Singapore to work, they took the chance to chase her mum out of the house. Her mum had to use her savings to rent a room. Then a flood happen in her country, her house was damaged once again. My maid has to constantly fear for her mum as she can't do anything. She had to save her salary and grant permission to fly back to re-build the house again for her mum. Imagine having to do the household chores, looking after my sick grandpa (whom is really hard to please) and at the same time, worrying for her mum. The stress level is high and not forgetting that she has to learn how to speak Hokkien in order to communicate with my grandparents with the little education she received. I seriously think that i will break down sooner or later. Not only that, she has to forsake her dating life to come over to Singapore to work! Can you imagine?
Looking at the emotional baggage that they have to carry, i think we need to understand them and build the right relationship with them. In reference to this case, i think she really didn't mean to do it, but it's still a crime in doing so. I hope that maybe, employer could have learned to understand them and know how to build the right relationship with them.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Maid spiked soup with pills
Helena Leong
101678k
After reading the article, I was not surprised to see that nowadays maids are getting bolder in doing things to harm their employer.
In the past few years, there had been cases where the maid would steal jewelry from their employers or even the most terrifying ones would be a maid murdered her employer.
At first, I would sympathies with the employer, thinking it was really unfortunate of her to meet with such employee. However, sometimes the unfortunate one is the maid. This is because, the maid would not resort to such actions to harm her employer if her employer is treating her nicely. Nowadays employers treat their maid as though they are slaves.
Maids, they leave their home country to come to Singapore is solely because they want to provide a better life for their family by earning more here in Singapore rather than in their home country where the standard of living is poor.
However, in this case the maid, Windri’s action is wrong as she tried to poison her employer which is a 79 year old vulnerable old lady. Windri just could not accept the fact that her employer is inspecting and finding fault with her work. When the employer find something wrong, the employee should change it. Perhaps Madam Mah is old and old people nag at times but Madam Mah did not even abuse Windri.
I think that Windri would resort to such action is due to Madam Mah’s nagging even if Madam Mah did nag a lot, Windri should not even poison her employer. She should think before she do something and know the consequences of it.
Maid spiked soup with pills
It is very common to have a maid at every household as there too many thing people need to do at work and no time for their house work or talking care of old parent.
Maid from either Indonesian or Philippine they want to earn money for their family. But as human they also cannot take it when their owner treat them badly with words or physical and they from far away land when they get treated like this they do not know where to file a report they will resorted to treat the old or young bad treatment when the owner is out for work.
My grandparent's maid have serving them for more than 3 year and there no complain about her from my lovely granny as they have very good communication with each other.
So I felt as long as we both have understanding for each other there wound not result to maid spike pills into soup or other case.
Lim Zhi Hao
Maid spiked soup with pills
BM0022: Effective Writing Skill ICA4
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
10th Post: Maid spiked soup with pills
Given such a hectic lifestyle that parents in Singapore faced nowadays, it is common to see them hiring a maid to help out with the house chores. Even though they have to pay a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy of$265 at the end of each month to prevent the FDW's work permit from being cancelled, it is not guarantee that the maid they hired is reliable or trustable.
Maid agencies in Singapore have their own exclusive training centre that caters to our foreign domestic workers training in the following aspects. They are the roles and responsibilities towards their employers, relevant skills to do household chores, hands on practice of common household equipments, care of infants and elderly persons, practice of hygiene standards and implementing of safety regulations and avoidance of risk situations.
However, foreign domestic workers are not robots, they have feelings too. Parent as employers should not always find fault with the maid's work, instead employers should understand that maids are humans too and human make mistakes.
On the other hand, foreign domestic workers should always check their behaviour when they work and should not do anything that will hurt the employers, especially when the employers placed trust on them.
In conclusion, both employer and employees should play their part in doing their job well to maximise the benefits for both sides.
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_557988.html
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
10th Post: Maid spiked soup with pills
Given such a hectic lifestyle that parents in Singapore faced nowadays, it is common to see them hiring a maid to help out with the house chores. Even though they have to pay a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy of$265 at the end of each month to prevent the FDW's work permit from being cancelled, it is not guarantee that the maid they hired is reliable or trustable.
Maid agencies in Singapore have their own exclusive training centre that caters to our foreign domestic workers training in the following aspects. They are the roles and responsibilities towards their employers, relevant skills to do household chores, hands on practice of common household equipments, care of infants and elderly persons, practice of hygiene standards and implementing of safety regulations and avoidance of risk situations.
However, foreign domestic workers are not robots, they have feelings too. Parent as employers should not always find fault with the maid's work, instead employers should understand that maids are humans too and human make mistakes.
On the other hand, foreign domestic workers should always check their behaviour when they work and should not do anything that will hurt the employers, especially when the employers placed trust on them.
In conclusion, both employer and employees should play their part in doing their job well to maximise the benefits for both sides.
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_557988.html
Maid spiked soup with pills
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen.
Nowadays, most households have hired maids to help out in housework, taking care of their new born babies, or caring for the elderly in the household.
As maids come over to Singapore to earn a living for their family, be it in Indonesia, or Philippines. Their only intention is to earn enough money to sustain their family over at their side.
Some maids may have been physically abused before by their previous employer. This results in psychological damage for these maids. Some maids, in order to get back their 'revenge', they will end up physically abusing the baby/elderly in the household, as well as spiking their food. These maids do not deserve to be treated this way, as eventually, they are human as well. They will feel tired, just like everyone else would.
Therefore, maids and their employers should always communicate with one another, by doing so, it allows both parties to open up to one another. Understanding one another better. Both parties should also compromise with one another, to reduce arguments that may turn out nasty.
Some employers do not understand their employees, resulting in many cases of their employees poisoning the employer's baby's food, etc.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Maid spiked soup with pills
A MAID, who laced a soup with 10 sleeping pills so that her employer would fall asleep and not find fault with her work, was jailed a year on Monday.
Windri Hartatik was found guilty by District Judge Lim Wee Ming of administering the stupefying drug to Madam Mah Ah Choo, 79, in December 2009.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Bhajanvir Singh asked the court not to show leniency to the Indonesian because employers and their family members need to be protected from violent maids. He said that Windri had abused the trust placed in her by her employer and had poisoned an elderly and very vulnerable victim.
During the six-day trial that started in April, Madam Mah told the court that while Windri would help herself to the fish and vegetable dishes, she would give the soup a miss on some occasions. The widow, who lived with the maid in a house in Paya Lebar Crescent, had earlier testified how for over a year, she would doze off within minutes of having a meal. She also found it difficult to wake up at her usual time of 6am.
On Dec 9, Madam Mah had taken a pork rib soup prepared by her maid. The retiree did not suspect anything. However, the next morning, she suffered a bout of giddiness and nearly collapsed at a supermarket. She had to be helped by staff and returned home with the maid in a taxi.
After resting, Madam Mah confronted Windri, who admitted to adding 'medicine' to the soup, to make Madam Mah sleep more and stop her from inspecting and finding fault with the maid's work. The widow reported to police on Dec 22.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_557988.html
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lindsay Lohan
Helena Leong
101678k
After reading this article, I think that Lindsay Lohan does not deserve to be sentenced to 14days of jail as she should be sentenced to 90 days of jai instead. This is because she still went against the law even though she knew it was wrong.
Nowadays, Hollywood celebrities such as socialite Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are getting in many scandals and even get into trouble with the law such as charged for Driving Under Influence (DUI), possession of illegal drugs and many more. Though they are charged, their punishment was light.
This is not fair to the other citizens, who commit the same crimes but served a longer sentence in jail while celebrities served a shorter period in jail. Maybe for their first wrong-doing, they served a shorter sentence in jail however, after they are out of jail, they still commit the same thing and then cry their hearts out, saying how foolish and sorry they are to the public and plead to the judge.
If they know the consequences of it, why would they still want to commit such a thing?
Celebrities or idols, are supposed to be the role models to their fans, mostly teenagers and set a good example. If they did such things that went against the law, teenagers will follow their example and violate the law as well.
Yes, fans should support their idol but they must not follow blindly of what their idol is doing.
101678k
After reading this article, I think that Lindsay Lohan does not deserve to be sentenced to 14days of jail as she should be sentenced to 90 days of jai instead. This is because she still went against the law even though she knew it was wrong.
Nowadays, Hollywood celebrities such as socialite Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are getting in many scandals and even get into trouble with the law such as charged for Driving Under Influence (DUI), possession of illegal drugs and many more. Though they are charged, their punishment was light.
This is not fair to the other citizens, who commit the same crimes but served a longer sentence in jail while celebrities served a shorter period in jail. Maybe for their first wrong-doing, they served a shorter sentence in jail however, after they are out of jail, they still commit the same thing and then cry their hearts out, saying how foolish and sorry they are to the public and plead to the judge.
If they know the consequences of it, why would they still want to commit such a thing?
Celebrities or idols, are supposed to be the role models to their fans, mostly teenagers and set a good example. If they did such things that went against the law, teenagers will follow their example and violate the law as well.
Yes, fans should support their idol but they must not follow blindly of what their idol is doing.
Youth Olympic Lane for YOG
Melissa Koh
105855Z
This is the very first time YOG will be held in Singapore. Which explains why we are preparing so much for this very special event. By providing a special lane just for YOG vehicle is a good idea to welcome YOG's participants. This is to prevent them having to face congestion and also to have a great time touring around Singapore.
However, i think that this plan is not quite feasible, given that they have only targeted motorist and taking into account on drivers' characters in Singapore. The road will be filled with cars also and they will be the bigger obstacle in preventing YOG's vehicle to drive smoothly as soon as possible. Majority of Singaporeans owns cars instead of motorcycle. So, shouldn't it be targeted on the car drivers?
Besides, some Singaporeans might not really heed to the advice given. Some of them who are much more impatient will definitely take over the lane in order to reach to their destination first. Especially people whom have to work during this YOG period.
I suggest that the YOG committee and LTA could post this advice through not only the newspapers, but also the television and radio stations to broadcast it. They should also target on the car drivers as they are the ones mainly occupying the road. If possible, workers who has to work during this YOG period, should be given a couple of minutes of grace as there are bound to be heavy traffic. This will tackle those impatient drivers from cutting lanes of YOG's vehicle to allow participants to enjoy the ride.
Overall, i think that this is a innovative idea as LTA and YOG committee have taken the initiative to allow participants to enjoy their trip to Singapore.
105855Z
This is the very first time YOG will be held in Singapore. Which explains why we are preparing so much for this very special event. By providing a special lane just for YOG vehicle is a good idea to welcome YOG's participants. This is to prevent them having to face congestion and also to have a great time touring around Singapore.
However, i think that this plan is not quite feasible, given that they have only targeted motorist and taking into account on drivers' characters in Singapore. The road will be filled with cars also and they will be the bigger obstacle in preventing YOG's vehicle to drive smoothly as soon as possible. Majority of Singaporeans owns cars instead of motorcycle. So, shouldn't it be targeted on the car drivers?
Besides, some Singaporeans might not really heed to the advice given. Some of them who are much more impatient will definitely take over the lane in order to reach to their destination first. Especially people whom have to work during this YOG period.
I suggest that the YOG committee and LTA could post this advice through not only the newspapers, but also the television and radio stations to broadcast it. They should also target on the car drivers as they are the ones mainly occupying the road. If possible, workers who has to work during this YOG period, should be given a couple of minutes of grace as there are bound to be heavy traffic. This will tackle those impatient drivers from cutting lanes of YOG's vehicle to allow participants to enjoy the ride.
Overall, i think that this is a innovative idea as LTA and YOG committee have taken the initiative to allow participants to enjoy their trip to Singapore.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Youth Olympic lane for YOG
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen.
The Singapore YOG 2010, is similar to the recent Beijing Olympics 2008. Both worldwide events had lanes specially allocated just for the games.
Many road users have been complaining about giving way to the YOG buses, during the games period.
Personally, I feel that they should be honored, as the YOG is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our generation. As the next time the YOG will arrive in Singapore again, would most probably be for the next generation.
Singapore being the first country to hold this event, all Singaporeans should be honored.
I support The Land Transport Authority (LTA)'s decision in allocating lanes for YOG, as punctuality is essential to the athletes.
Imagine arriving late for a certain sport. It would leave a bad impression for the judges. The athletes would also blame the heavy traffic flow, placing Singapore's image at risk as well.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Youth Olympic lane for YOG
The lane for YOG can be accept as this is one of the huge event Singapore going to held for the first time. The lane has been set up to let motorists to get use to it when the event getting near.
It only lane that close Singaporean should be alright with it as it is better than Singapore F1 it close the road for more than a week just for the 3 days race.
With YOG or F1 both event do Singapore good. so just let it be when the lane or road it close for the event usage.
Lim ZhiHao
It only lane that close Singaporean should be alright with it as it is better than Singapore F1 it close the road for more than a week just for the 3 days race.
With YOG or F1 both event do Singapore good. so just let it be when the lane or road it close for the event usage.
Lim ZhiHao
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Youth Olympic lane for YOG
BM0022: Effective Writing Skill ICA4
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
9th Post: Youth Olmpic lane for YOG
Can you guess what event will have about 3,600 young athletes between 14 and 18 years old, 5,000 athletes and officials, 205 National Olympic Committees, 1,200 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers and 370,000 spectators?
Yes! It is the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) 2010 held in SINGAPORE!
YOG are planned to be an international multi-sport event held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with the current Olympic Games format. Athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 will be feature.
With the upcoming YOG, Singapore's government have stepped in by setting up at the YOUTH Olympic lane to facilitate timely arrival of Game participants and officials at competition venues. The Youth Olympic lane is based on a give way concept, which means that motorists only need to give way when they see Youth Olympic vehicles approaching.
Polytechnics have planned holidays for students during the YOG. While this will be useful for polytechnic students volunteering at the games, those still in polytechnic are not the ideal audience at the YOG events, since most of them are older than the competitors. However, primary and secondary school students aged between six and sixteen, especially those in school or national teams who could qualify to compete in future games will not be able to watch the YOG events.
Since Singapore is playing host to the first YOG, shouldn't the Ministry of Education create an environment in which students are able to experience this event taking place under our roof?
I strongly believed that the best scenario that Singapore's government is able to do is to cancel the lesson so that no lessons have to be missed. Doesn't the Singapore' education system teach students to contribute to society and participate in Community Involvement Programmes (CIP). Even though, there will not be any CIP hours for students who volunteered for the YOG with the Singapore Youth Olympic Game Organising Committee, students are still willing to commit their time and energy to the next month's games!
I believed that to reward these outstanding students and to practise what has been preaching since the implementation of CIP, the Eduaction Ministry should consider doing more for the students of Singapore at the upcoming games.
If students are able to embrace the volunteering spirit, I strongly believed that the adult motorists will give their full support and co-operation to make the YOG and the Youth Olympic Lane a success.
All Singaporeans can do their part to create a pleasant and memorable YOG experience for the visitors!
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_542255.html
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
9th Post: Youth Olmpic lane for YOG
Can you guess what event will have about 3,600 young athletes between 14 and 18 years old, 5,000 athletes and officials, 205 National Olympic Committees, 1,200 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers and 370,000 spectators?
Yes! It is the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) 2010 held in SINGAPORE!
YOG are planned to be an international multi-sport event held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with the current Olympic Games format. Athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 will be feature.
With the upcoming YOG, Singapore's government have stepped in by setting up at the YOUTH Olympic lane to facilitate timely arrival of Game participants and officials at competition venues. The Youth Olympic lane is based on a give way concept, which means that motorists only need to give way when they see Youth Olympic vehicles approaching.
Polytechnics have planned holidays for students during the YOG. While this will be useful for polytechnic students volunteering at the games, those still in polytechnic are not the ideal audience at the YOG events, since most of them are older than the competitors. However, primary and secondary school students aged between six and sixteen, especially those in school or national teams who could qualify to compete in future games will not be able to watch the YOG events.
Since Singapore is playing host to the first YOG, shouldn't the Ministry of Education create an environment in which students are able to experience this event taking place under our roof?
I strongly believed that the best scenario that Singapore's government is able to do is to cancel the lesson so that no lessons have to be missed. Doesn't the Singapore' education system teach students to contribute to society and participate in Community Involvement Programmes (CIP). Even though, there will not be any CIP hours for students who volunteered for the YOG with the Singapore Youth Olympic Game Organising Committee, students are still willing to commit their time and energy to the next month's games!
I believed that to reward these outstanding students and to practise what has been preaching since the implementation of CIP, the Eduaction Ministry should consider doing more for the students of Singapore at the upcoming games.
If students are able to embrace the volunteering spirit, I strongly believed that the adult motorists will give their full support and co-operation to make the YOG and the Youth Olympic Lane a success.
All Singaporeans can do their part to create a pleasant and memorable YOG experience for the visitors!
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_542255.html
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
Helena Leong
101678k
After reading the article, I strongly agree that we can change what we do by how we think. For example, this article talks about reducing stress. Everyone has experience stress before be it at school, work or even at home.
Usually, when one experience stress, they may feel frustrated and even throw their temper at anyone. Some may even get anxious and become mentally fearful of anything. Worst, some people might not be able to handle stress and fall into the state of depression and then commit suicide.
So, how can we reduce stress? For me, I will tell myself to be more optimistic and think about positive things. When revising for exams, I will take a short break OF 15 to 30 minutes by listening to my favourite music or listen to soothing classical music to let my mind relax. Sometimes, I will tell my friend what I am facing and by talking to a friend, it certainly helps a lot. This is because by talking to someone, they can give you advice on how to handle stress and talking to someone will help you feel better.
By reducing stress, it can turn once-frightening events into positive endings
101678k
After reading the article, I strongly agree that we can change what we do by how we think. For example, this article talks about reducing stress. Everyone has experience stress before be it at school, work or even at home.
Usually, when one experience stress, they may feel frustrated and even throw their temper at anyone. Some may even get anxious and become mentally fearful of anything. Worst, some people might not be able to handle stress and fall into the state of depression and then commit suicide.
So, how can we reduce stress? For me, I will tell myself to be more optimistic and think about positive things. When revising for exams, I will take a short break OF 15 to 30 minutes by listening to my favourite music or listen to soothing classical music to let my mind relax. Sometimes, I will tell my friend what I am facing and by talking to a friend, it certainly helps a lot. This is because by talking to someone, they can give you advice on how to handle stress and talking to someone will help you feel better.
By reducing stress, it can turn once-frightening events into positive endings
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
Melissa Koh
105855Z
According to Dictionary.com, stress is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Thus, stress do have something to do with our mentality, the way we think. The more we harbour about a particular subject, the more we feel anxiety and that is stress.
By changing the way we think, looking at things more positively and believing that we can handle the subject, reduces stress.
Now, the tough question is, what causes the stress? We find it difficult to figure out what truly causes us to be stress as we live in such a busy world that we have grown almost numbed about it. I feel that we should take some time, head to a quiet place and reflect and see what areas are there to improve on.
105855Z
According to Dictionary.com, stress is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Thus, stress do have something to do with our mentality, the way we think. The more we harbour about a particular subject, the more we feel anxiety and that is stress.
By changing the way we think, looking at things more positively and believing that we can handle the subject, reduces stress.
Now, the tough question is, what causes the stress? We find it difficult to figure out what truly causes us to be stress as we live in such a busy world that we have grown almost numbed about it. I feel that we should take some time, head to a quiet place and reflect and see what areas are there to improve on.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen
I believe that everybody is facing stress in our class right now. Be it academically, peer pressure, or family.
Some people would not show that they are stressed. Whenever they are in school, they may be happy, laughing together with their friends. But whenever they are alone, they will think a lot.
I feel that these people should share their problems with someone they can trust, as most of the time, all these people need, is a listening ear. And not someone who would advice them on what to do.
Some people feel that they have no one to turn to, and will turn to their blogs, if they have one. To blog out all their troubles.
By doing so, it benefits them, as it is much better than keeping all the troubles to themselves.
By thinking positively, all the positive thoughts can pull these people out from their own thinking world.
I believe that everybody is facing stress in our class right now. Be it academically, peer pressure, or family.
Some people would not show that they are stressed. Whenever they are in school, they may be happy, laughing together with their friends. But whenever they are alone, they will think a lot.
I feel that these people should share their problems with someone they can trust, as most of the time, all these people need, is a listening ear. And not someone who would advice them on what to do.
Some people feel that they have no one to turn to, and will turn to their blogs, if they have one. To blog out all their troubles.
By doing so, it benefits them, as it is much better than keeping all the troubles to themselves.
By thinking positively, all the positive thoughts can pull these people out from their own thinking world.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
I believe everyone in class having STRESS as project due date is just nearby and right after project week is our EXAM.
I also have stress but know how to control it as I just chance my reduce stress plan e.g. Smile More, Learn to say 'NO' all this really help me a lot as I think that stress is people give themself. As long your thinking is not saying stress to yourself is alright and most improtant people having stress because lag of TIME.
Some of them stress because rule by their To-Do-List or do not schedule time for themself. so I believe to reduce stress not only by changing how you think but also TIME MANAGEMENT. Other also stress when there a problem bother them actually they can talk their problem to family or close friend so that the stress is being let out.
Lim ZhiHao
I also have stress but know how to control it as I just chance my reduce stress plan e.g. Smile More, Learn to say 'NO' all this really help me a lot as I think that stress is people give themself. As long your thinking is not saying stress to yourself is alright and most improtant people having stress because lag of TIME.
Some of them stress because rule by their To-Do-List or do not schedule time for themself. so I believe to reduce stress not only by changing how you think but also TIME MANAGEMENT. Other also stress when there a problem bother them actually they can talk their problem to family or close friend so that the stress is being let out.
Lim ZhiHao
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
BM0022: Effective Writing Skill ICA4
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
8th Post: Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
It may seem that there is nothing we can do about our stress level... However, we have a lot more control than we might think. In fact, the simple realization that we are in control of our life is the foundation of stress management. Managing stress is about taking charge, by it our thoughts, emotion, schedule, environment, way of thinking and the way you dead with problems. The ultimate goal is to have a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on!
The 1st key process of stress management is to identify the sources of stress in our life. This is not as easy as it sounds. Furthermore, our true sources of stress are not always obvious and it is too easy to overlook our stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Thus starting a stress journal can help us identify the regular stressors in our life and the way we deal with them. Until we accept responsibility for the role we play in creating or maintaining it, our stress level will remain outside our control!
There are always a lot of ways to cope with stress. However, we usually cope with stress in ways that compound the problem. We usually use unhealthy ways of coping with stress like smoking, drinking too much, overeating or under eating, zoning out for hours in front of the television or computer, withdrawing from friends, family and activities... Thus, if our methods of coping with stress are not contributing to our greater emotional and physical health, it is time for us to find healthier one.
These are the following healthy stress management strategies!
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
8th Post: Reduce Stress By Changing How You Think
It may seem that there is nothing we can do about our stress level... However, we have a lot more control than we might think. In fact, the simple realization that we are in control of our life is the foundation of stress management. Managing stress is about taking charge, by it our thoughts, emotion, schedule, environment, way of thinking and the way you dead with problems. The ultimate goal is to have a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on!
The 1st key process of stress management is to identify the sources of stress in our life. This is not as easy as it sounds. Furthermore, our true sources of stress are not always obvious and it is too easy to overlook our stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Thus starting a stress journal can help us identify the regular stressors in our life and the way we deal with them. Until we accept responsibility for the role we play in creating or maintaining it, our stress level will remain outside our control!
There are always a lot of ways to cope with stress. However, we usually cope with stress in ways that compound the problem. We usually use unhealthy ways of coping with stress like smoking, drinking too much, overeating or under eating, zoning out for hours in front of the television or computer, withdrawing from friends, family and activities... Thus, if our methods of coping with stress are not contributing to our greater emotional and physical health, it is time for us to find healthier one.
These are the following healthy stress management strategies!
- Avoid unnecessary stress, by learning how to say "no", avoiding people who stress us out, taking control of our environment, avoiding hot-button topics like religion or politics, and paring down our to-do list.
- Alter the situation, by expressing our feelings instead of bottling them up, being willing to compromise, being more assertive and managing our time better.
- Adapt to the stressor, by reframing problems, looking at the big picture, adjusting our standards and focusing on the positive side.
- Accept the things we cannot change, by trying not to control the uncontrollable, looking for the upside, sharing our feelings and learning to forgive.
- Make time for fun and relaxation, by setting aside relaxation time, connecting with others, doing something we enjoyed everyday and keeping our sense of humour.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle, by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing caffeine and sugar, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and drugs and getting enough sleep.
Remember, what doesn't kill us MAKES US STRONGER!!!
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/1069104/1/.html
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
73% of children experienced negative online experiences
Melissa Koh
105855Z
I was shocked when i saw that the statistic was 73%. I knew about cases of such, but little did i know that it has reached to 73%. I have always thought that Singapore is known for being a safe country and thus, i thought that the internet is safe as well. I guess, i have underestimated the capability of the internet.
I can never agree more that the solution to this problem is for parents to be involved in it. The internet possess so much power that it has trouble controlling itself - like allowing viruses and restricted website to be out loose. Thus, the only effective solution is to get the parents' help.
Checking up on their children on what they have surfing in the internet seems to me, to be a direct way of protecting your children. To a parent's point of view, it may seems as a great way to protect them. But to our point of view, we might misunderstand it and see it in way that our parents do not trust us enough to look after ourselves. Besides, just checking up with your children in this manner does not mean that they will not be exposed by such negative online websites. They can still be expose in schools, their mobile phones and in community centres. A solution to this is to get such places to help out too. Schools can help by making certain rules in the computer lab to only use the computer for school projects and to also have a software to alert them if any student have access into any form of internet. Parents can restrict their children's internet usage for their phone to the minimum so that there will be a lesser possibility for such to happen. Community Centres can do some security locks that enable only certain popular websites like, "Facebook, Twitter, etc" to be access. For other websites, they would have to ask for the receptionist for the password to unlock the security lock.
However, i believe that spending more time with your children is the best solution. A more straight-forward way of saying is that the more time the children spend with their parents, the lesser time they have for the internet. Another way of looking at it is that, when parents spend more time with them, certain values are also built in them. This helps their children to know what is right and wrong. In fact, this does not just help decrease the possibilities of negative online experiences. But, parents get to spend more quality time with them. Given that Singapore is such a fast-paced country, parents hardly have the time for their children with the amount of workloads given.
I was shocked when i saw that the statistic was 73%. I knew about cases of such, but little did i know that it has reached to 73%. I have always thought that Singapore is known for being a safe country and thus, i thought that the internet is safe as well. I guess, i have underestimated the capability of the internet.
I can never agree more that the solution to this problem is for parents to be involved in it. The internet possess so much power that it has trouble controlling itself - like allowing viruses and restricted website to be out loose. Thus, the only effective solution is to get the parents' help.
Checking up on their children on what they have surfing in the internet seems to me, to be a direct way of protecting your children. To a parent's point of view, it may seems as a great way to protect them. But to our point of view, we might misunderstand it and see it in way that our parents do not trust us enough to look after ourselves. Besides, just checking up with your children in this manner does not mean that they will not be exposed by such negative online websites. They can still be expose in schools, their mobile phones and in community centres. A solution to this is to get such places to help out too. Schools can help by making certain rules in the computer lab to only use the computer for school projects and to also have a software to alert them if any student have access into any form of internet. Parents can restrict their children's internet usage for their phone to the minimum so that there will be a lesser possibility for such to happen. Community Centres can do some security locks that enable only certain popular websites like, "Facebook, Twitter, etc" to be access. For other websites, they would have to ask for the receptionist for the password to unlock the security lock.
However, i believe that spending more time with your children is the best solution. A more straight-forward way of saying is that the more time the children spend with their parents, the lesser time they have for the internet. Another way of looking at it is that, when parents spend more time with them, certain values are also built in them. This helps their children to know what is right and wrong. In fact, this does not just help decrease the possibilities of negative online experiences. But, parents get to spend more quality time with them. Given that Singapore is such a fast-paced country, parents hardly have the time for their children with the amount of workloads given.
73% of children experienced negative online experiences.
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen.
I believe that most Singapore families have at least a desktop at home with internet connection.
The Internet is a hazardous, yet useful tool for people. People use the Internet to complete their research, as well as to make things easier in Life. For example, using online banking services to transfer money. It is hazardous because the Internet has many viruses that many people are unaware of.
Student nowadays go to websites that are either introduced by their peers, or enter these websites out of curiousity.
Most schools have also taken safety measures such as blocking some websites, when students use the computers. Be it in the computer lab or within the school compound. Some schools may have also provided their pupils cyber awareness talks.
This survey conducted also shows that parents do not spend enough time with their children. As most of them do not know what their child is surfing on the Net. Some parents should also take up basic computer lessons, so that they would understand what their child is doing on the Net.
However, with Internet access widely available, parents may find it difficult to monitor their child's behaviour.
Parents can download anti-virus softwares that prevent viruses from invading their computers. As well as, installing parental control systems. Whereby, it prevents access to certain websites. By doing so, they are ensured that their child is surfing the Net safely.
Monday, July 12, 2010
20-year-old self-radicalised S'porean detained under ISA
BM0022: Effective Writing Skill ICA4
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
7th Post: 20-year-old self-radicalised S'porean detained under ISA.
Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with people from many different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. the origin of Singapore's multi-ethnicity comes from its history as a British colony since 1819. People from different countries were attracted to the British colony as it offered them opportunities and hope for a better life. However, a multi-ethnic society like Singapore still faces challenges. Despite these differences and challenges, it is still possible for people to live in peace and harmony.
Recently, a 20-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean detained under Internal Security Act (ISA). The ISA of Singapore confers on the government the right to arrest and detain individuals without trials in certain defined circumstances.
In a multi-ethnic society like Singapore, issues such as race and religion can be used to cause conflict among the different groups. There are 3 major issues that Singapore faces. they are to manage perceptions of different racial groups, manage perceptions of different religious groups and lastly, threats from external forces.
Managing perceptions of different racial groups is to eradicate the lack of understanding among the racial groups which can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among racial groups like the clash during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday in 1964, between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malay participants of the procession, turned into full-blown race riots over the next few days.
Managing the perceptions of different religious group is to reduce the differences conflict in religious beliefs and practices, which can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. This was illustrated by the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950, which a Dutch couple demanded the return of Maria Hertogh which was under the care of a Malay lady, Aminah when the Dutch couple was imprisoned by the Japanese.
Transnational terrorism is one of the threats from the external forces which refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact. these acts can test the social bonds of the people in Singapore. Singapore experienced the threat of transnational terrorism in 2001 which Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members were arrested under the ISA for their involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001 to 2002.
However, Singapore's government had already put in place different policies to manage ethnic diversity by building a national identity, Safeguarding the interest of the minority groups and developing common space.
However, Singapore is always affected because it is a developed country and friendly to the west... Security can be improved, intelligence gathering can be tightened, alertness can be increased, but the threats cannot be erased although. SINGAPOREANS MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN KEEPING SINGAPORE SAFE!
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1067829/1/.html
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
7th Post: 20-year-old self-radicalised S'porean detained under ISA.
Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with people from many different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. the origin of Singapore's multi-ethnicity comes from its history as a British colony since 1819. People from different countries were attracted to the British colony as it offered them opportunities and hope for a better life. However, a multi-ethnic society like Singapore still faces challenges. Despite these differences and challenges, it is still possible for people to live in peace and harmony.
Recently, a 20-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean detained under Internal Security Act (ISA). The ISA of Singapore confers on the government the right to arrest and detain individuals without trials in certain defined circumstances.
In a multi-ethnic society like Singapore, issues such as race and religion can be used to cause conflict among the different groups. There are 3 major issues that Singapore faces. they are to manage perceptions of different racial groups, manage perceptions of different religious groups and lastly, threats from external forces.
Managing perceptions of different racial groups is to eradicate the lack of understanding among the racial groups which can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among racial groups like the clash during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday in 1964, between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malay participants of the procession, turned into full-blown race riots over the next few days.
Managing the perceptions of different religious group is to reduce the differences conflict in religious beliefs and practices, which can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. This was illustrated by the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950, which a Dutch couple demanded the return of Maria Hertogh which was under the care of a Malay lady, Aminah when the Dutch couple was imprisoned by the Japanese.
Transnational terrorism is one of the threats from the external forces which refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact. these acts can test the social bonds of the people in Singapore. Singapore experienced the threat of transnational terrorism in 2001 which Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members were arrested under the ISA for their involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001 to 2002.
However, Singapore's government had already put in place different policies to manage ethnic diversity by building a national identity, Safeguarding the interest of the minority groups and developing common space.
However, Singapore is always affected because it is a developed country and friendly to the west... Security can be improved, intelligence gathering can be tightened, alertness can be increased, but the threats cannot be erased although. SINGAPOREANS MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN KEEPING SINGAPORE SAFE!
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1067829/1/.html
Sunday, July 11, 2010
73% of children experienced negative online experiences
Children serve more than 60 hour per month using online service (e.g. game, social website) is very normal but also parents working life too tied down do not have time to know what actually their child serve online.
The problem came in as now we have lot of search engine (e.g. Google, Yahoo) with all this search result sometime show negative thing to the children they may be curious and chick on it even downloaded spyware or other virus to their home computer.
Parents should have use the software 'Parental Control' to control and monitor which website their child visit and explain to them if found any web is inappropriate for their age. Game plays by the kid should also checked by parents for which appropriate age limit.
Govt have already play a small part by setting age limit for game so is up to parents allow their child to play or not.
Parents play a part in their child life.
Posted by Lim ZhiHao
The problem came in as now we have lot of search engine (e.g. Google, Yahoo) with all this search result sometime show negative thing to the children they may be curious and chick on it even downloaded spyware or other virus to their home computer.
Parents should have use the software 'Parental Control' to control and monitor which website their child visit and explain to them if found any web is inappropriate for their age. Game plays by the kid should also checked by parents for which appropriate age limit.
Govt have already play a small part by setting age limit for game so is up to parents allow their child to play or not.
Parents play a part in their child life.
Posted by Lim ZhiHao
73% of children experienced negative online experiences
Helena Leong
101678K
Internet is now widely available for example, MacDonald's and the national library provide free wi-fi which allows us to use the internet.
Schools should have cyber awareness programme to educate the students on the pros and cons of using the internet. For example, through the programme, they should tell the students how dangerous it is to meet up strangers online and let them know the consequences of it. Schools should also block some websites that are harmful to the children in the schools.
Parents should really monitor what their children is surfing on the internet. Many free online games are harmless but some are not, they may be some pornographic games or videos.
The way to prevent their children from accessing to the harmful websites is to have a parental control system on the family computer this way it also helps to prevent any viruses to be downloaded into the computer system. I also agree with the what the experts agree "nothing beats having parental involvement and engagement."
Internet indeed provide us with useful information with our work and we should not misuse the internet :D
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
73% of children experienced negative online experiences: survey
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 06 July 2010 1805 hrs
SINGAPORE : A study by Internet security firm, Symantec, found that 73 per cent or 7 in 10 children in Singapore have had a negative online experience.
This resulted in them feeling angry and fearful, among other things.
And parents may not even be aware of such activities. The Norton Online Family Report found that 6 in 10 parents don't always know what their child looks at online.
Internet security advocate Effendy Ibrahim, who is a father of four, recounts his three-year-old's gaming experience.
"He went to one website that offers lots of free online games, a lot of them are harmless. But there were a couple which were really doubtful. One of the games is titled 'Play the Pervert', where it shows a man peeping at a woman who's having a shower naked, but her private parts are blurred," said Effendy Ibrahim.
According to the Symantec report, children in Singapore spend an average of 64 hours a month on the Internet.
With Internet access widely available, parents may find it difficult to monitor their child's behaviour.
According to the survey, 7 in 10 children have downloaded a virus, 4 in 10 have had a stranger ask to meet them in the real world, and 3 in 10 have received "sexts", or sexually-inclined text messages from strangers.
While there are many tools available online that can help parents monitor or even block such activity, experts agree nothing beats having parental involvement and engagement.
Almost 4 in 10 parents surveyed said they have controls on the family computer.
But children have other ways to access the Internet, such as mobile devices or in schools. So it's important to teach them the right values.
"We equip them with the right web etiquette that they can practise and adopt, no matter where they go," said Effendy, Internet security advocate, Symantec Asia.
The bottomline is that parents need to plug into their child's online life.
"Show an interest by asking their children what they are doing in cyberspace. And the other thing parents need to do is to spend more time with their children," said Lim Soon Hock, chairman of National Family Council.
The study involved 102 parents and 101 children aged 10 to 17. - CNA /ls
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 06 July 2010 1805 hrs
SINGAPORE : A study by Internet security firm, Symantec, found that 73 per cent or 7 in 10 children in Singapore have had a negative online experience.
This resulted in them feeling angry and fearful, among other things.
And parents may not even be aware of such activities. The Norton Online Family Report found that 6 in 10 parents don't always know what their child looks at online.
Internet security advocate Effendy Ibrahim, who is a father of four, recounts his three-year-old's gaming experience.
"He went to one website that offers lots of free online games, a lot of them are harmless. But there were a couple which were really doubtful. One of the games is titled 'Play the Pervert', where it shows a man peeping at a woman who's having a shower naked, but her private parts are blurred," said Effendy Ibrahim.
According to the Symantec report, children in Singapore spend an average of 64 hours a month on the Internet.
With Internet access widely available, parents may find it difficult to monitor their child's behaviour.
According to the survey, 7 in 10 children have downloaded a virus, 4 in 10 have had a stranger ask to meet them in the real world, and 3 in 10 have received "sexts", or sexually-inclined text messages from strangers.
While there are many tools available online that can help parents monitor or even block such activity, experts agree nothing beats having parental involvement and engagement.
Almost 4 in 10 parents surveyed said they have controls on the family computer.
But children have other ways to access the Internet, such as mobile devices or in schools. So it's important to teach them the right values.
"We equip them with the right web etiquette that they can practise and adopt, no matter where they go," said Effendy, Internet security advocate, Symantec Asia.
The bottomline is that parents need to plug into their child's online life.
"Show an interest by asking their children what they are doing in cyberspace. And the other thing parents need to do is to spend more time with their children," said Lim Soon Hock, chairman of National Family Council.
The study involved 102 parents and 101 children aged 10 to 17. - CNA /ls
20-year-old self -radicalised S'porean detained under ISA
By Mustafa Shafawi & Imelda Saad | Posted: 06 July 2010 1614 hrs
SINGAPORE : Authorities have arrested a self-radicalised Singaporean under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and put two others under Restriction Orders.
20-year-old Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid was detained on April 4. He is a full-time national serviceman in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) who drew most of his ideas from the Internet.
He is the sixth self-radicalised Singaporean to be detained.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Muhd Fadil avidly surfed the Internet in search of jihadist propaganda and videos when he was studying in a local polytechnic.
Over time, the ministry said, he became deeply radicalised by the lectures of radical ideologues such as Sheikh Feiz Muhammad and Anwar al-Awlaki.
Muhd Fadil then became convinced that it was his religious duty to undertake armed jihad alongside fellow militants.
To undertake militant jihad overseas, Muhd Fadil went online to search for information on bomb-making.
He also produced and posted a video glorifying martyrdom and justifying suicide bombing.
The MHA said that Fadil did not have any plans to undertake jihad-related activities in Singapore but to pursue them in places like Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Responding to media queries, Singapore's Defence Ministry said Muhd Fadil was an NSF trainee undergoing section leader training in Pasir Laba Camp at the point of his arrest.
It added investigations have shown that this case involves an individual who took the wrong path.
The ministry said at the national level, there are appropriate security processes and systems to monitor and guard against potential security threats.
Separately, two others have been placed on two-year Restriction Orders.
They are 44-year-old Muhammad Anwar Jailani and 27-year-old Muhammad Thahir Shaik Dawood.
The MHA said Muhd Anwar is an unaccredited religious teacher who had distributed CDs containing Anwar al-Awlaki's lectures, calling on Muslims to undertake militant jihad.
Muhd Thahir, who runs a small business, was one of Muhd Anwar's students.
He travelled to Yemen to seek out Anwar al-Awlaki and other radicals with a view to participating in armed jihad.
While in Yemen, he however had doubts and was persuaded to drop his jihad cause. - CNA /ls
By Mustafa Shafawi & Imelda Saad | Posted: 06 July 2010 1614 hrs
SINGAPORE : Authorities have arrested a self-radicalised Singaporean under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and put two others under Restriction Orders.
20-year-old Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid was detained on April 4. He is a full-time national serviceman in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) who drew most of his ideas from the Internet.
He is the sixth self-radicalised Singaporean to be detained.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Muhd Fadil avidly surfed the Internet in search of jihadist propaganda and videos when he was studying in a local polytechnic.
Over time, the ministry said, he became deeply radicalised by the lectures of radical ideologues such as Sheikh Feiz Muhammad and Anwar al-Awlaki.
Muhd Fadil then became convinced that it was his religious duty to undertake armed jihad alongside fellow militants.
To undertake militant jihad overseas, Muhd Fadil went online to search for information on bomb-making.
He also produced and posted a video glorifying martyrdom and justifying suicide bombing.
The MHA said that Fadil did not have any plans to undertake jihad-related activities in Singapore but to pursue them in places like Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Responding to media queries, Singapore's Defence Ministry said Muhd Fadil was an NSF trainee undergoing section leader training in Pasir Laba Camp at the point of his arrest.
It added investigations have shown that this case involves an individual who took the wrong path.
The ministry said at the national level, there are appropriate security processes and systems to monitor and guard against potential security threats.
Separately, two others have been placed on two-year Restriction Orders.
They are 44-year-old Muhammad Anwar Jailani and 27-year-old Muhammad Thahir Shaik Dawood.
The MHA said Muhd Anwar is an unaccredited religious teacher who had distributed CDs containing Anwar al-Awlaki's lectures, calling on Muslims to undertake militant jihad.
Muhd Thahir, who runs a small business, was one of Muhd Anwar's students.
He travelled to Yemen to seek out Anwar al-Awlaki and other radicals with a view to participating in armed jihad.
While in Yemen, he however had doubts and was persuaded to drop his jihad cause. - CNA /ls
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Men, women date differently
The mindset, of the older generation, thinks that men should be the bread-winner of the family. This lead to women thinking that men should earn more than women to provide for the family.
There also family that men has lower income or even as a house husband also work out really great or even better than some women as a housewife. So the new generation is alright with the lower income that men is earning but not in South East Asia.
I felt height is not a problem after all if u really like or love that person, as average guy height now is much shorted than last time but when come to survey they will have the old mind set thinking men older n taller can protect me. But now as long they love the guy no matter how tall or short they will still go on a date with them.
I felt love should not manger by income or even outside appearance.
Posted by : Lim ZhiHao (106657X)
There also family that men has lower income or even as a house husband also work out really great or even better than some women as a housewife. So the new generation is alright with the lower income that men is earning but not in South East Asia.
I felt height is not a problem after all if u really like or love that person, as average guy height now is much shorted than last time but when come to survey they will have the old mind set thinking men older n taller can protect me. But now as long they love the guy no matter how tall or short they will still go on a date with them.
I felt love should not manger by income or even outside appearance.
Posted by : Lim ZhiHao (106657X)
Singapore still top city to live in.
BM0022: Effective Writing Skills ICA4
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
6th Post: Singapore still top city to live in.
S'pore still top city to live in
By Robin Chan
Preliminary findings from the Global Liveable Cities Index put the city state third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich, and top for Asia, ahead of Hong Kong in eighth position. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
SINGAPORE remains one of the world's most attractive cities to live in, according to a newly-developed index.
Preliminary findings from the Global Liveable Cities Index put the city state third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich, and top for Asia, ahead of Hong Kong in eighth position.
While it came in tops in areas like good governance and safety, it only ranked 14th out of 64 countries when it came to environmental friendliness and sustainability.
The index, commissioned by the Centre for Liveable Cities and designed by a team at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and academics in Switzerland, is claimed to be one of the most comprehensive and balanced indicators of liveability yet devised.
It competes head on with a range of existing quality benchmarks, including Mercer's Quality of Living Survey, British publication Monocle's most liveable city index, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's Liveability Ranking.
'Each of these has their own purpose, but in terms of looking at liveability from a holistic, and... balanced framework, I think there are probably very few, if any, such sets of indicators around,' said Mr Andrew Tan, director of the Centre for Liveable Cities which commissioned the study.
___________________________________________________
Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965. At 2010, Singapore has changed from an island to one of the world’s most attractive cities to live in. The Global Liveable Cities Index put Singapore third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich. In addition, Singapore is top in the index in areas like good governance and safety but only 14th out of 64 countries in term of environmental friendliness and sustainability. There were the five criteria used in the index, which was commissioned by the Centre for Liveable Cities and designed by a team at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and academics in Switzerland.
However, there are doubts in term of comprehensiveness in the index, but Mr Andrew Tan, director of the Centre for the liveable Cities rebutted that the five criteria are five key areas that every city should provide for their citizens. Furthermore, the index’s authors claimed it is one of the most comprehensive and balanced indicator of liveability yet devised as it competes head on with a range of existing quality benchmarks, including Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, British publication Monocle’s most liveable city index, and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveable Ranking.
In my opinion, I am not bothered about the accuracy of the index. Instead, I am worried about Singapore’s weaker performance in the area of environmental protection. Singapore’s land is covered with 99% urban areas, thus the ability to trap rain water is questioned. During the past two weeks, there are 2 major flooding at Orchard Road in Singapore. Although PM Lee has explained that it is because of the blockage of the drains, PM Lee had also admitted that no one should expect Singapore to be flood-free, as Singapore does not have the large area of land to store water. Thus, Singaporean should play our part by not littering, so that litters will not flow into the drains to block the flow of rainwater.
A clean city is a strong reflection of our moral and civic vales!
Posted by: Tang Wen Xiang (103016C)
6th Post: Singapore still top city to live in.
S'pore still top city to live in
By Robin Chan
Preliminary findings from the Global Liveable Cities Index put the city state third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich, and top for Asia, ahead of Hong Kong in eighth position. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
SINGAPORE remains one of the world's most attractive cities to live in, according to a newly-developed index.
Preliminary findings from the Global Liveable Cities Index put the city state third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich, and top for Asia, ahead of Hong Kong in eighth position.
While it came in tops in areas like good governance and safety, it only ranked 14th out of 64 countries when it came to environmental friendliness and sustainability.
The index, commissioned by the Centre for Liveable Cities and designed by a team at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and academics in Switzerland, is claimed to be one of the most comprehensive and balanced indicators of liveability yet devised.
It competes head on with a range of existing quality benchmarks, including Mercer's Quality of Living Survey, British publication Monocle's most liveable city index, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's Liveability Ranking.
'Each of these has their own purpose, but in terms of looking at liveability from a holistic, and... balanced framework, I think there are probably very few, if any, such sets of indicators around,' said Mr Andrew Tan, director of the Centre for Liveable Cities which commissioned the study.
___________________________________________________
Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965. At 2010, Singapore has changed from an island to one of the world’s most attractive cities to live in. The Global Liveable Cities Index put Singapore third behind Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich. In addition, Singapore is top in the index in areas like good governance and safety but only 14th out of 64 countries in term of environmental friendliness and sustainability. There were the five criteria used in the index, which was commissioned by the Centre for Liveable Cities and designed by a team at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and academics in Switzerland.
However, there are doubts in term of comprehensiveness in the index, but Mr Andrew Tan, director of the Centre for the liveable Cities rebutted that the five criteria are five key areas that every city should provide for their citizens. Furthermore, the index’s authors claimed it is one of the most comprehensive and balanced indicator of liveability yet devised as it competes head on with a range of existing quality benchmarks, including Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, British publication Monocle’s most liveable city index, and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveable Ranking.
In my opinion, I am not bothered about the accuracy of the index. Instead, I am worried about Singapore’s weaker performance in the area of environmental protection. Singapore’s land is covered with 99% urban areas, thus the ability to trap rain water is questioned. During the past two weeks, there are 2 major flooding at Orchard Road in Singapore. Although PM Lee has explained that it is because of the blockage of the drains, PM Lee had also admitted that no one should expect Singapore to be flood-free, as Singapore does not have the large area of land to store water. Thus, Singaporean should play our part by not littering, so that litters will not flow into the drains to block the flow of rainwater.
A clean city is a strong reflection of our moral and civic vales!
Men, women date differently
Melissa Koh Huixin
105855Z
Apparently, this article best describes my parents' relationship. My dad is working as a taxi driver, earning $1000 plus per month. Whereas, my mum is working as an area manager in a cosmetic company earning $4000 plus per month. Their marriage is definitely still working well! However, there are bound to be some problems happening as no relationship is ever perfect in any way.
My dad didn't feel this way until the economic crisis happened, inferior. He felt that as the man of the house, he couldn't help to bear some burdens my mum was facing or even be the main contributor to our family's income. That molds my dad slowly into someone with low confidence of himself, having diagnosed with inferiority complex which is a feeling that one is inferior to others in some way.
My parents' example could be just the minority given that the new generation is not as traditional as certain people. But, i must say that there has been a stereotype built in today's society for woman that man has to be of higher status than the woman. It's quite contradicting though as we, woman, still have this desire to be the most powerful person in the company or even in the world. Do you see the link?
For the man, they seem to be alright with woman being of higher status. Honestly i do not understand why because i can't be in their shoes. All i can say is that, that's the difference between man and woman and that's what attracts us.
105855Z
Apparently, this article best describes my parents' relationship. My dad is working as a taxi driver, earning $1000 plus per month. Whereas, my mum is working as an area manager in a cosmetic company earning $4000 plus per month. Their marriage is definitely still working well! However, there are bound to be some problems happening as no relationship is ever perfect in any way.
My dad didn't feel this way until the economic crisis happened, inferior. He felt that as the man of the house, he couldn't help to bear some burdens my mum was facing or even be the main contributor to our family's income. That molds my dad slowly into someone with low confidence of himself, having diagnosed with inferiority complex which is a feeling that one is inferior to others in some way.
My parents' example could be just the minority given that the new generation is not as traditional as certain people. But, i must say that there has been a stereotype built in today's society for woman that man has to be of higher status than the woman. It's quite contradicting though as we, woman, still have this desire to be the most powerful person in the company or even in the world. Do you see the link?
For the man, they seem to be alright with woman being of higher status. Honestly i do not understand why because i can't be in their shoes. All i can say is that, that's the difference between man and woman and that's what attracts us.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Men, women date differently.
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen
Men don't mind dating up, women mind dating down
By Ang Yiying
MEN are more open to dating women who earn more than them, have a higher education level and who are taller than them. But women are far less willing to bridge such gaps.
Almost 8 in 10 men in Singapore would date a women who earns more (77 per cent) and who is more highly qualified than them (78 per cent), while almost 4 in 10 men here (38 per cent) would date a taller woman.
Yet fewer than 3 in 10 women here would date a men who earns less (26 per cent) or has lower educational qualifications than them (27 per cent) and fewer than 1 in 5 here (16 per cent) would date a shorter man.
This discrepancy came up in a recent survey of 1,191 singles aged 26 to 40, of which 632 are from Singapore; the rest includes respondents from Hong Kong and Malaysia and other nationalities. The survey of dating attitudes and preferences was conducted by dating agency Lunch Actually with the Matchmaking Institute (South East Asia) in April and May.
The results were presented Thursday at the launch of a new dating service, and come just days after the National Population Secretariat's release of statistics which showed a growing pool of singles.
Commenting on the survey results, the event's guest of honour Ms Claire Chiang, co-chairperson of The Partner Connection Fund Evaluation Panel - which provides seed funding to companies providing dating services - said there was a need to change people's mindsets about using education as the defining criteria in finding a partner.
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Since the past, men have always been the sole earner of the family. Always outside, working to sustain his family. Women, have always been at home, taking care of the family.
The world has changed so much that the roles of both the men and the women have been switched.
In the current society, women have become much more independent and strong-minded. These women also know what they want.
They do not rely much on men anymore. As women nowadays have the education as well as careers that allow them to have the earning power.
From the men's point of view, having a wife, who is way smarter than me, I would feel inferior. As I feel that I am lousier compared to her, in every way. In terms of taking care of the family, and career. I would feel that I have no rights to be with her, and that she deserves a better man.
Men don't mind dating up, women mind dating down
By Ang Yiying
MEN are more open to dating women who earn more than them, have a higher education level and who are taller than them. But women are far less willing to bridge such gaps.
Almost 8 in 10 men in Singapore would date a women who earns more (77 per cent) and who is more highly qualified than them (78 per cent), while almost 4 in 10 men here (38 per cent) would date a taller woman.
Yet fewer than 3 in 10 women here would date a men who earns less (26 per cent) or has lower educational qualifications than them (27 per cent) and fewer than 1 in 5 here (16 per cent) would date a shorter man.
This discrepancy came up in a recent survey of 1,191 singles aged 26 to 40, of which 632 are from Singapore; the rest includes respondents from Hong Kong and Malaysia and other nationalities. The survey of dating attitudes and preferences was conducted by dating agency Lunch Actually with the Matchmaking Institute (South East Asia) in April and May.
The results were presented Thursday at the launch of a new dating service, and come just days after the National Population Secretariat's release of statistics which showed a growing pool of singles.
Commenting on the survey results, the event's guest of honour Ms Claire Chiang, co-chairperson of The Partner Connection Fund Evaluation Panel - which provides seed funding to companies providing dating services - said there was a need to change people's mindsets about using education as the defining criteria in finding a partner.
------
Since the past, men have always been the sole earner of the family. Always outside, working to sustain his family. Women, have always been at home, taking care of the family.
The world has changed so much that the roles of both the men and the women have been switched.
In the current society, women have become much more independent and strong-minded. These women also know what they want.
They do not rely much on men anymore. As women nowadays have the education as well as careers that allow them to have the earning power.
From the men's point of view, having a wife, who is way smarter than me, I would feel inferior. As I feel that I am lousier compared to her, in every way. In terms of taking care of the family, and career. I would feel that I have no rights to be with her, and that she deserves a better man.
Men, women date different
By Ang Yiying
MEN are more open to dating women who earn more than them, have a higher education level and who are taller than them. But women are far less willing to bridge such gaps.Almost 8 in 10 men in Singapore would date a women who earns more (77 per cent) and who is more highly qualified than them (78 per cent), while almost 4 in 10 men here (38 per cent) would date a taller woman.
Yet fewer than 3 in 10 women here would date a men who earns less (26 per cent) or has lower educational qualifications than them (27 per cent) and fewer than 1 in 5 here (16 per cent) would date a shorter man.
This discrepancy came up in a recent survey of 1,191 singles aged 26 to 40, of which 632 are from Singapore; the rest includes respondents from Hong Kong and Malaysia and other nationalities. The survey of dating attitudes and preferences was conducted by dating agency Lunch Actually with the Matchmaking Institute (South East Asia) in April and May.
The results were presented Thursday at the launch of a new dating service, and come just days after the National Population Secretariat's release of statistics which showed a growing pool of singles.
Commenting on the survey results, the event's guest of honour Ms Claire Chiang, co-chairperson of The Partner Connection Fund Evaluation Panel - which provides seed funding to companies providing dating services - said there was a need to change people's mindsets about using education as the defining criteria in finding a partner.
Helena Leong
101678k
Based on my personal opinion, firstly i think that by dating a guy who is shorter than me will not give me a sense of security. It will feel also make me feels as though he is younger than me and its me protecting him not him protecting me.
Secondly, I think men these days are getting a little slack. They want to date women who earns more than them and more highly qualified. I also wonder if a man would date a woman who is better than them, won't they feel inferior?
This should not be the way. As a woman myself I think that it is only right for me to look for a partner that should earn more and more highly qualified than me. This is because thinking of the future, Men is always the bread-winner for the family and it is only right for them to earn more and be better qualified than me. Even if they are not better qualified, they must at least earn more than me.
Just imagine if a woman who earns more and better qualified, the man will definitely be more dependent on the women. This way, the woman will have extra work load as she have to provide more for the family and take care of the family.
I WILL DEFINITELY LOOK FOR A MAN THAT IS BETTER THAN ME :D
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
2010 Oil Spill 10 June BP Spill Updates From Gulf of Mexico
Quek Zhi Wei, Kathleen.
BP has not been handling the oil spill the most efficient way. Even after a few weeks after the oil spill. The progress of cleaning up the oil spill is slow.
No doubt the cost of cleaning up oil spills is high. But the damage done to the environment is sometimes irreversible and will take a longer time to get back to how it used to be.
BP should consider hiring more manpower, to help clear the oil. Advance technology can also be used to improve the conditions.
The oil spill has also shown people, what kind of company BP is. To me, BP is very inconsiderate as they delayed the cleaning up of oil spills. Causing many more innocent animals to die. Some of these animals could be endangered species as well. By causing animals such as fishes to die, it affects the livelihood of fishermen, as people would start avoiding fish as they are afraid they might be contaminated. Resulting in the decrease in sales of fishes.
Last but not least, BP should make up for all the damages done.
BP has not been handling the oil spill the most efficient way. Even after a few weeks after the oil spill. The progress of cleaning up the oil spill is slow.
No doubt the cost of cleaning up oil spills is high. But the damage done to the environment is sometimes irreversible and will take a longer time to get back to how it used to be.
BP should consider hiring more manpower, to help clear the oil. Advance technology can also be used to improve the conditions.
The oil spill has also shown people, what kind of company BP is. To me, BP is very inconsiderate as they delayed the cleaning up of oil spills. Causing many more innocent animals to die. Some of these animals could be endangered species as well. By causing animals such as fishes to die, it affects the livelihood of fishermen, as people would start avoiding fish as they are afraid they might be contaminated. Resulting in the decrease in sales of fishes.
Last but not least, BP should make up for all the damages done.
Monday, June 28, 2010
2010 Oil Spill 10 June BP Spill Updates From Gulf of Mexico
Name: Melissa koh
Adm No: 105855z
It was one of the most devastating disaster that has happened. One of the shocking statement which i have found out from this article, is that the company knew that they are facing major problem with the oil rig. They should have dealt with it and take precaution.
Due to their lack of efficiency, they have caused many inconvenience to people and caused many sea creatures to bear the consequences.
I hope that all the other oil companies would take this as a lesson and maybe a wake up call for some, to start taking precaution.
I am really affected by this incident. The world is facing so much pollution and this adds on to it vastly. Taking into account that there are sea creatures facing extinction, i really think BP company should pay twice the compensation for the damage done.
Adm No: 105855z
It was one of the most devastating disaster that has happened. One of the shocking statement which i have found out from this article, is that the company knew that they are facing major problem with the oil rig. They should have dealt with it and take precaution.
Due to their lack of efficiency, they have caused many inconvenience to people and caused many sea creatures to bear the consequences.
I hope that all the other oil companies would take this as a lesson and maybe a wake up call for some, to start taking precaution.
I am really affected by this incident. The world is facing so much pollution and this adds on to it vastly. Taking into account that there are sea creatures facing extinction, i really think BP company should pay twice the compensation for the damage done.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
2010 Oil Spill 10 June BP Spill Updates From Gulf of Mexico - ZhiHao (106657X)
The local people at Mexico of gulf are angry about how BP handle the cleaning up of the oil spills because it affect the wildlife over there. because is killing the animal over there one of the animal is this Rehabilitated Kemps Ridley is being list as Critically Endangered by IUCN Conservation centre because it become homeless after the happen of the oil spill and not being able to clean up on time.
This really affect on people who trying to save the wildlife and here are a few company who trying to raise fund for the wildlife who need help or the cleaning up of the spill because is not cheap to clean up the oil.
There help coming all over the world but is still do not help much as the place will still need to recover by itself after the cleaning up it may take up more than 10year to let the animals to go back to where they belong to.
Let hope there wound not be anymore incident happen to cost wildlife to be cutting down.
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