Birth rates of all races dip to below replacement levels

POST- NATIONAL DAY RALLY
Straits Times, 24 August 2006

BIRTH rates have been falling before replacement levels, despite the government's incentives to have larger families. There has been the reinforcement throughtout these weeks underlining the need to redouble efforts at attracting more immigrants and retainging ties with overseas Singaporeans to boost population figures. We have had 30 years of under-replacement. The many measures in the $300 million package include longer maternity leave, more cash incentives, five-day work week, seem to motivate few. I agree strongly with Ms Ong that children are a life-commitment. I do feel that the incentives the government provides to encourage an average of 4 children in a household is insufficient to alleviate the long-term expenses of having a child or more children. The cash incentives will only benefit the couple in the child's early stage of life. However, the family management within a big family, having many mouths to feed is not being aided. In addition, some people such as i are still stuck on the old beliefs. The government had many campaigns in the post-war era to stick to the maiximum of 2 children. I find this still relevant to me. Two children is the best number. I find it rather unfair to some families to have 5 children while other couples decide to have no children. I believe this the is main problem. If every couple were to have 2 children, the population will be averaged out. Hence, i believe it is the whole community's effort that is needed and not only a family's effort. Of course, i still believe that the package has its advantages as it is like a starter kit to help you get started on planning instead of just sitting on the fence.

Easy to obtain, easy to abuse

Straits Times, 22 August 2006

CARRYING forth the charity sector, many people react by referrence to the NKF scandal. So what can we Singaporeans do or should do to protect the integrity and reputation of many charity organisations? Here, in this article, Theresa Tan mentions that it is easy to get charity status and that is potentially leading to abuses in the name of charity. All it takes to become a charity is for a society or company limited by guarantee or trust to submit a one-page application form to the Commissioner of Charities (COC). By constrast to England and Wales' Charity commissions, Singapore is rather lenient. Their application form is almost 50 pages long, asking the full details of the organisation that is register. There are many foundations who have been actively raising funds, however, the money is yet to be disbursed. I feel that this whole episode is stirring a huge mismatch between how the public and the authorities perceive charities. At the end of the day, the victims are those who need the money urgently for various reasons. Indeed, charity status is easy to obtain, yet easy to abuse. I feel that the process of ingraining that full-trust needed to contribute to charity once again is going to be tough.

Greying China a threat to its prosperity

Straits Times, 22 August 2006

AN ALARMING percentage of China's population is ageing. The one-child policy has led to such a consequences and is causing China to face a labour shortage in the time to come. The labour force is the most basic support of the country's economic development. Hence, the government is taking up measures to expand their population. I find it rather amusing that China has become one of the unique developing countries in the world which is ageing first without becoming affluent. There are leading problems such as a lack of state pension fund. In addition, there is a social problem: An entire generation of unhealthly children. Percentages show that there is rapid increase in the number of adolescences who suffer from obesity or short-sightedness. I find this worrying too such that China's economic growth will be stunned if the current situation persists. 'This generation might be haunted by chronic diseases, having a huge burden on China's social security system,' as one of the papers said in the editorial. I feel that the worse victims of such a policy, are the local families. There is less labour to help them in their work such as farming, etc. The ageing population will also have a much smaller younger generation to look after them. Thus, in turn affecting the whole country's economic growth on the whole.

Embrace talent, technology to secure Spore's future: PM

Straits Times, 21 August 2006

PM LEE's vision of Singapore is a global city with citizens firmly anchored to the country and welcoming of new immigrants to add to its vitality. I agree very strongly that this vision can only be fulfilled when both individuals and nation learn to adapt together in this rapidly changing society. There is the assessment that our growing nation is facing three long-term challenges: Boosting the population, tackling the benefits and burdens of the digital age, and building the 'heartwave' to root Singaporeans to their land. However, i disagree that 'it's just a matter of having the babies'. Yes, there is the fear of a vanishing population over the years. Our current issue of ageing population is worrying but i believe there are others ways apart from simply having a larger number of children in each family. And i am encouraged that our Singaporean governement is aware of this. Hence, i am proud that there are alternatives that will reach out to other Singaporeans who have different views of enlarging our population. This would benefit mothers such that they will be under less pressure to populate the society and juggle with their careers. In response to PM Lee's key messages, for immigrants, there will be a new citizenship and Population Unit. This will encourage more foreign talent to migrate to Singapore and contribute more. As Mr Lee said, 'people know Singapore is special, they even have heard of the little red dot. But they don't know that Singapore is in search of talent. Indeed, i too believe that to meet these difficult challenges ahead, we must inculcate courage and spirit, make the change, adapt, sacrifice, fight together and win. I feel that this is our duty.

Japan takes gamble on casinos

Straits Times, 14 August 2006

BY 2008, Japan should receive the 'go' sign to begin three casinos. Their integrated resort will include a casino, Japanese-style hot springs and unsurpassed Japanese cuisine. If their venture succeeds, they will pose a great threat to Singapore, Macau and other Asian locations which are harnessing their casinos to strengthen their share of regional tourism dollar. There has not been much debate on the subject in Japan but on how the plan should be implemented. I feel that this is worrying. What has the world become? Japan's manager who is charge of this plan can mention that since even Singapore is doing it, why cant they? This makes me reflect on how Singapore is seen. From a young and innocent nation, clean and uncorrupted, Singapore's main focus on right values has compromised with the great big, 'mature' world out there. People have begun to perceive Singapore as one country opening up to liberalisation. Will Singapore become the SIN city no. 2? I fear that although our economy might boom as a result of the 2 casinos, but will it be degraded in its value system and lead to its downfall? Or will we be no.2 Venice? I pray for our growing country. Earnestly.

A home to some, a hazard to all

Straits Times, 14 August 2006

MANY elderly people are unwilling to clear up their cluttered homes. Their homes become fire hazards and breeding grounds for bugs. There will be volunteers who will help to clean up. However, the biggest problem is that these senior citizens are unwilling to part with their old possessions as have great sentimental value and significance. Many of these seniors have no relatives nor descendants such that they are only left with their old belongings. It is indeed hard to persuade them to clear them away as we symphathise with some who suffer from obsessive complusive disorder. The dilema is such that the residents' safety have to be ensured yet, nothing can be thrown out of their flat without their consent.

IRAN AND SYRIA: Alliance of convenience

Straits Times, 10 August 2006

AS A result of the middle east conflict, there have been so many negative impacts globally. I find it irresponsible of Lebanon and Israel to shift away blame from themselves for the environmental impacts. The ocean ecosystem is affected adversely by the oil spills as a result of the bombings on the storage areas. Large quantities of fishes have died and hence, deproved the fishing industries badly. As a result of the war, the country's economy deproves greatly as many people remain umemployed with many lives loss. Why can'y there be no easier resort other than war?

Sri Lanka's water war

Straits Times, 9 August 2006

THE persistent conflict in Sri Lanka has become more worrying by the day. Tamil Tigers say that they have ended blockage but the government denies claim and responds with artillery fire. I feel that the government and Tamil tigers both are repsonsible for the decades year old conflict. It takes two hands to clap. If the government had paid more attention on its citizens, there will be less protesters. The clashes have spread where increasingly number of innocent lives are loss. I feel indignant towards how each party has violently reacted. Who benefits? No one. I feel that final and worse victims of this conflict over the water supply are not the soldiers, instead, the villagers who depend on the water supply for life. The cruel violence has swept away hundreds of people and left ten thousands displaced. At the end, the children and families left behind are the affected. Hence, there is the importance for peace talks to come such situations can enlighten the 'warriors' of the deadly consequences of their thoughtless actions.

The BIGGEST event ever

Straits Times, 6 August 2006

SINGAPORE will be hosting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank meetings this year. The city roads and shops are going to be filled with over 16,000 visitors. It is indeed a great opportunity to showcase the country to the world, boost tourism and further advance in our country's economy. I feel proud and excited to have such a big and major international conference take place in our small island. It surely is a great event to look forward to with preparation and expectancy. Hotels, retailers, restaurants have been busy preparing and spicing up for the grand arrival. I feel encouraged and thrilled to be part of campaigns set up to warmly introduce our distinguished guests. For instance, the Four Million Smiles publicity campaign has pulled in people from all over Singapore to submits photographs of their biggest smiles to welcome governors of IMF and the World Bank Group. Taxi drivers have also undergone briefings on security issues as apart of the preparation procedure. Altogether, i hope that this meeting in Singapore will be a great success and further improve the image of Singapore with our ideals, cultures and way of living.

The case for quality early childhood education

Straits Times, 28 July 2006

INDEED, our children of the society deserve the best educational opportunities we can afford to give them as childhood comes only once. This writer has proven that studies show that children are better educated from a young age, they are also more productive as adults and are less likely to require welfare and other public assistance. However, i disagree with him that we should all begin sending children to kindergardens at earlier ages than the usual 5 to 7 years old. I do not support his view that in order to achieve the best outcomes for our future generations and country with limited resources and talent, we push the child to have structured early learning. I feel that this deprives the children of their childhood. Where has all the past times for children gone to? The memory of these new generations will only have memory of their past time as studying and more studying. Yes, it is good to nurture the child in different aspects such as music, arts, sports, science, math, history, but aren't they too much for such young and naive beings?

Scientists here find gene that causes blindness in kids

Straits Times, 1 August 2006

SINGAPORE has made a major advancement by discovering a sophisticated genetic analysis on the gene that causes blindness in kids. The Singapore Eye Research Institute (Seri) has taken samples from siblings whom all suffer from the same rare disease, known as congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy. I am proud of the team that has identified the gene responsible for turning off the protein needed to keep the cornea functioning properly. As Singapore further expounds on science and technology, i believe that there will be greater discoveries that will cure current terminal diseases. It appears that it is harder to identify the defective gene causing blindness in elderly because there are multiple faulty ones, hindering the search for the specific one.

A global search for their roots

Straits Times, 31 July 2006

There seems to be a turn around in the concept of youths lacking the knowledge of our roots. The younger generation appears to have begun their interesting journey of searching for their ancestors past and lifestyles. Some young adults around the age of 20 and above have made trips to their old hometowns in China, chinese clans, India, and local museums to understand more of their heritage. They are not content with just tracing their roots but have put more effort in trying to embrace the culture. I agree that it is best to reach those people out there to embrace their own original cultures when they are young. But not too young. The motivation of wanting to know must be instilled in the being before the emphasis begins. I believe many poeple in Singapore are struggling to grow up in this multi-racial country as part of their search for their national identity. Being multi-racial, we tend to get our ethnic identity diluted because we assimilate with our friends of other races. Nowadays, globalisation has invited western influence such that chinese people speak better English than chinese. While, some indians speak chinese and dont know their own mother tongue. While some others do not even speak their own language at all. I feel that there is a need for us to be open to learning other cultures and languages, but our own roots must be present.

MOE identifies key areas in drive to improve English

Straits Times, 26 July2006

IT is very encouraging to know that the government is doing their part to help pupils who come from non-English speaking homes in their process of learning English well. I feel that free copies of Sunday Times to needy students is a good move to spur the children to read. Indeed i feel that one of the most important factors in a child's development is the teachers. MOE is hence enlarging the pool of good English teachers. I feel thrilled by the new method teachers have come up to teach the children. Instead of the normal grammer lesson, students choose a book to read and they are given the freedom to ask any questions about what they doubt, they begin writing short stories, do role playing or even using puppets to act out the storyline. Although this method might sound rather stressful on the child, it might actually be a better way for the child to converse with the teacher and make learning much easier and faster. I hope there will be more new learning methods that will enhance the child's ability to reach his or her potential and increase productivity.

Speaking of good English

Straits Times, 20 July 2006

ENGLISH is one of the most important languages in the world. I feel that the government is doing well by launching the Speak Good English Movement. This campaign will encourage more people in the service and educating sector to self-improve. I believe one's ability to speak fluently with good grammer, articulation and pronunciation sets the first impression. And the first is important, because it reflects the character. I find it rather embarassing when waiters and waitresses offend tourists or local customers as a result of their careless behaviour in pronouncing their words properly. For instance, 'it's a pressure (pleasure) to meet you..' "three" has become 'tree'... Most importantly, for students to learn to speak well, teachers who teach English-based subjects need to be a good example to their students. It would be good if such teachers or civil servants do undergo retraining in their articulation. I feel that it is also important for air stewardess to speak good english too, because they serve as the Singaporean image. Although Singlish gives Singaporeans their unique identity, it is not the proper language.

The ultimate casualty

Straits Times, 18 July 2006

THE deteriorating Middle East situation has been an arising anxiety over the world. This has made me worry that the World War III of nuclear power is coming very close. I find it frustrating that the Hizbollah lighted the spark between the already-present conflict between the two countries by kidnapping two Israeli. I feel that continous strive to disable Hizobollah forces' in Lebanon by bombing is a fruitless tragedy. The innocent Lebanese are being killed, with the left behind family members as refugees living in fear and sadness. Who benefits? I feel worried that UN peace talks have not yet come to a successful conclusion as the dispute might be further strained every second of time. No one knows the future and the by the minute more blood is shed. Some times i ponder, is the most important thing in the universe really simply the cliche phrase, 'World peace'?