Dialect is part of us, part of our culture. Our dialect originates from our hometown, where our ancestors came from before settling down in Singapore. There are about a number of different dialects in the world, among them the famous ones were Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew etc.
This topic was raised years ago during one of the Prime Ministers' National Day Rally. I remembered that it was mentioned if no further action was taken, dialect might be lost in Singapore. Ok, maybe only Hokkien would be left. But, this would also mean that we have forgotten our roots.
Singapore government, ironically, censors all hokkien dialogue on TV and only allows English and Chinese. Even songs on the radio must also only be English and Chinese. This promotes bilingualism but at the same time, people gets less exposure to dialect.
There is also a sterotypical view of people that anyone who speaks hokkien instead of english and chinese is a gangster, or "chao ah beng" in hokkien. These people are being viewed as uncultured, uneducated, rude and useless people who just gets involved in gang fights and being a bully. This is entirely not true. It could be the tone that the person uses to speak hokkien. This view also indirectly caused the downfall of dialect in Singapore as parents are instilling thoughts to their kids that you would be a good for nothing gangster if you start to speak hokkien or other dialects. Ironically, we often see our parents use dialect to communicate with out grandparents.
I feel that there should be a special programme for dialect, just like in our school we have BSP. It can be like a third language for students and they just learn for extra knowledge with no tests and exams. This can help promote dialect among the younger generation. Other than that, in this programme histories of the different hometown should also be taught to students such that they can understand their roots better. This also fufills our school's philosophy, 饮水思源。
As a 40% hainanese, 40% teochew and 20% hakka, I feel that I should also start to learn these dialects as it is part of who I am. At the same time, I can improve my hokkien and cantonese. Dialect should not be lost in Singapore. As much as you may disagree with me, it should be promoted like singlish as they are our culture.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Financal Literacy for students
Finanacal Literacy is one of the most important life skills that everyone should have, including students. Although this is not taught in school, I feel that it should have been a subject taught in school.
These days, most students spend more than they can save, sometimes they even exceeded their pocket money. My parents use to tell me to always save for a rainy day, which is true since life is always unexpecting. But, I have to admit it is hard to have the determination to save money due to factors like peer pressure, temptations etc. I use to spend a lot of money when i was young, especially on toys. My thinking used to be like if something costs 100 dollars, it is only 2 50 dollar notes. Only when I grow up, then I realised things are not so simple.
Managing your money is one of the things we would all do in future as more and more burdens fall onto our shoulders. Nobody would want to be in debts, everyone wants to live a carefree life. However, due to lack of financal literacy and money management skills, more and more people are getting tied to debts after coming out for work. These people would spend money paying off endless debts.
Just like the saying goes, don't work for your money, let your money work for you. Never become a slave to debts.
Some countries like China started teaching their students about financal literacy. I feel that Singapore should also teach it to students. This is an important life skill, you would need it even till the day you die. It is the same thing like teaching moral values in school through moral education. If we can manage our money well, life would become more smoother for us.
Some people may disagree with me. If a person is rich, he or she may feel that why do I need to know financal literacy when I am loaded? Even if my parents are gone, I still have the inheritance. Sad to say, they will squander it all off even before they even know it. Ironically, even you are rich, you still need to know financal literacy and money management skills to get the most out of this huge amount of money.
It may seem boring but essential. Think about it. Nobody wants to hear a 1 hour lecture on moral values too. It is for life.
These days, most students spend more than they can save, sometimes they even exceeded their pocket money. My parents use to tell me to always save for a rainy day, which is true since life is always unexpecting. But, I have to admit it is hard to have the determination to save money due to factors like peer pressure, temptations etc. I use to spend a lot of money when i was young, especially on toys. My thinking used to be like if something costs 100 dollars, it is only 2 50 dollar notes. Only when I grow up, then I realised things are not so simple.
Managing your money is one of the things we would all do in future as more and more burdens fall onto our shoulders. Nobody would want to be in debts, everyone wants to live a carefree life. However, due to lack of financal literacy and money management skills, more and more people are getting tied to debts after coming out for work. These people would spend money paying off endless debts.
Just like the saying goes, don't work for your money, let your money work for you. Never become a slave to debts.
Some countries like China started teaching their students about financal literacy. I feel that Singapore should also teach it to students. This is an important life skill, you would need it even till the day you die. It is the same thing like teaching moral values in school through moral education. If we can manage our money well, life would become more smoother for us.
Some people may disagree with me. If a person is rich, he or she may feel that why do I need to know financal literacy when I am loaded? Even if my parents are gone, I still have the inheritance. Sad to say, they will squander it all off even before they even know it. Ironically, even you are rich, you still need to know financal literacy and money management skills to get the most out of this huge amount of money.
It may seem boring but essential. Think about it. Nobody wants to hear a 1 hour lecture on moral values too. It is for life.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Impact of casinos in Singapore
Casinos in Singapore, after hearing that questions about Singapore's ability to have 2 casinos should fill your mind. One example would be "Does Singapore have enough space?" Another would be "I thought Singapore was a sort of conservative country, since when did the government changed their mindsets?" However, many were proven wrong. Singapore will have 2 casinos as part of the two Integrated Resorts(IR). Casinos have both pros and cons in society.
The pros of having casinos is that it helps to contribute to Singapore's economy and tourism. Once we have a casino in Singapore, more tourists from different countries (including our neighbouring country Malaysia) would flock to Singapore to gamble. This would contribute to our country's tourism as the number of tourists would increase as time goes by. This can also help to contribute to Singapore's economy as more people would pay huge amount of money to gamble. That also includes locals. People do not just bring only about 200 dollars to gamble. They bring about 1000 dollars or more. Tourists and gamblers spend lots of money to gamble. These bring good economic impacts to Singapore.
The cons of having casinos in Singapore is the social impacts it results in. By building casinos in Singapore, the number of obsessive gamblers would increase. More families would be broken too. The entrance fee of 100 dollars was imposed to discourage people from entering the casino, however, I feel that it does not work for all people. Firstly, as I have said, they bring a huge amount of money to gamble so 100 dollars would be seen as nothing. It would only be seen as obstacle when these gamblers are desperate, short of cash. Here a problem would come. They would start borrowing from loan sharks and the debt starts accumulating. This would affect their families and might resulting in it being broken. Although Singapore government does put up advertisements for people to seek professional help, how many would even bother to pick up the phone to dial the number? One effective solution would be the ban that families can apply for their family member. This can help to prevent these people from gambling and creating more problems.
In conclusion, I feel that gambling can be treated as a recreational activity but not excessively. I am sure the government wants the casino to have a positive impact on the country instead of a negative one. Nobody wants their country to be known for having a great number of excessive gamblers because of a wrong decision.
The pros of having casinos is that it helps to contribute to Singapore's economy and tourism. Once we have a casino in Singapore, more tourists from different countries (including our neighbouring country Malaysia) would flock to Singapore to gamble. This would contribute to our country's tourism as the number of tourists would increase as time goes by. This can also help to contribute to Singapore's economy as more people would pay huge amount of money to gamble. That also includes locals. People do not just bring only about 200 dollars to gamble. They bring about 1000 dollars or more. Tourists and gamblers spend lots of money to gamble. These bring good economic impacts to Singapore.
The cons of having casinos in Singapore is the social impacts it results in. By building casinos in Singapore, the number of obsessive gamblers would increase. More families would be broken too. The entrance fee of 100 dollars was imposed to discourage people from entering the casino, however, I feel that it does not work for all people. Firstly, as I have said, they bring a huge amount of money to gamble so 100 dollars would be seen as nothing. It would only be seen as obstacle when these gamblers are desperate, short of cash. Here a problem would come. They would start borrowing from loan sharks and the debt starts accumulating. This would affect their families and might resulting in it being broken. Although Singapore government does put up advertisements for people to seek professional help, how many would even bother to pick up the phone to dial the number? One effective solution would be the ban that families can apply for their family member. This can help to prevent these people from gambling and creating more problems.
In conclusion, I feel that gambling can be treated as a recreational activity but not excessively. I am sure the government wants the casino to have a positive impact on the country instead of a negative one. Nobody wants their country to be known for having a great number of excessive gamblers because of a wrong decision.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Teaching Chinese in Singapore
Chinese,chinese and more chinese. The subject that has been bothering more and more students,chinese. Everytime we hear complains from parents about their children being very stressed about studying and getting good grades for chinese. The bilingual policy was implemented by Lee Kuan Yew when he was still a prime minister( correct me if I am wrong). At that time, there were families with children who had difficulties with chinese emigrated to other countries like Australia. Their reason, they did not want their children to live in "misery" anymore. A mother even voiced out her opinion out to the forum of the Straits Times.
However, those people who are good in chinese said that these people are running away from reality as a solution to the problem. They just cannot see eye to eye. The issue of bilingualism in Singapore have been raised for many years. Arguments, arguments and more arguments. Recently, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew decided to change the policy by using english to teach chinese for the benefit of those students who had difficulty studying chinese. People cheered and some said that Minister Mentor Lee has finally corrected his mistake after so many years.
I feel that using english to teach chinese is a feasible solution to those with poor chinese results. It may make chinese an easier subject to these pupil as an encouragement for them not to give up. The exams can also be made easier too. However,this does not benefit the crowd with good chinese results. They would think that the lessons are boring, teachings of the basics over and over again. They can also ace the exams easily. There should be another class set up for these students with a teacher to teach separate things. Exams should also be set to their standard to make sure that they benefit from learning.
The Ministry of Education is launching their education plan of chinese to the public this month. More parents are curious about their child's learning of chinese. Everyone wants to know what are the changes made, including me.
So what are your thoughts? Leave a comment! Thank you
However, those people who are good in chinese said that these people are running away from reality as a solution to the problem. They just cannot see eye to eye. The issue of bilingualism in Singapore have been raised for many years. Arguments, arguments and more arguments. Recently, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew decided to change the policy by using english to teach chinese for the benefit of those students who had difficulty studying chinese. People cheered and some said that Minister Mentor Lee has finally corrected his mistake after so many years.
I feel that using english to teach chinese is a feasible solution to those with poor chinese results. It may make chinese an easier subject to these pupil as an encouragement for them not to give up. The exams can also be made easier too. However,this does not benefit the crowd with good chinese results. They would think that the lessons are boring, teachings of the basics over and over again. They can also ace the exams easily. There should be another class set up for these students with a teacher to teach separate things. Exams should also be set to their standard to make sure that they benefit from learning.
The Ministry of Education is launching their education plan of chinese to the public this month. More parents are curious about their child's learning of chinese. Everyone wants to know what are the changes made, including me.
So what are your thoughts? Leave a comment! Thank you
The Two Integrated Resorts
Well, as we all know, there are two integrated resorts which are opening facility by facility. It may sound weird, but that's what they are doing. When I first heard about building these resorts in Singapore, I was both happy and curious. Happy because I can save the air ticket money to go to a universal studios theme park. Curious because I was wondering where the Singapore government is going to get land to build these.
I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way. But when these resorts offically open to the public, other attractions would be challenged. One good example would be the Escape Theme Park. Escape Theme Park is the only theme park in Singapore before Wild Wild Wet and Universal Studios come in. The rides are not very thrilling(to me) and Downtown East has removed some of the rides in the theme park. I am speaking from personal experience. I just went there with my friends last December and we pratically finished all the rides in an hour. The best rides were only the go-kart and the wet and wild.
I feel that Escape Theme Park need more thrilling rides and not just the existing ones. Even when my friends heard that I was going to Escape Theme Park, they were like " Oh My God!!! Why are you going there? The rides are lame!Save your money for Universal Studios next year." I have to admit I felt it was a bit lame too. It needs to improve in order to stand up to the challenge.
However, it does have some good points like cheap ticket fares, nostalgic feeling etc. Wild Wild Wet is fun, the water slides and the rides are much more fun and better than Escape Theme Park. Downtown East has got to do something about it.
Another issue would be that since the two IRs(integrated resorts) are opening about the same time this year, there would be fierce competition. The Marina Bay Sands Resorts main attraction would be the casino, while the attractions of the Resorts World Sentosa is Universal Studios, Casino etc. As you can see, there are more attractions for Resorts World Sentosa as compared to Marina Bay Sands( correct me if I am wrong). People like me would think that Resorts World Sentosa would definitely win in the competition, but it is actually too early to say anything. The resorts have not even opened offically. It is also a bit exciting to see two giants compete with each other. This would also mean more improvement which eventually benefits the public. So stay tuned!
What are your thoughts and feelings? If they are different, post them in the comments page now!
I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way. But when these resorts offically open to the public, other attractions would be challenged. One good example would be the Escape Theme Park. Escape Theme Park is the only theme park in Singapore before Wild Wild Wet and Universal Studios come in. The rides are not very thrilling(to me) and Downtown East has removed some of the rides in the theme park. I am speaking from personal experience. I just went there with my friends last December and we pratically finished all the rides in an hour. The best rides were only the go-kart and the wet and wild.
I feel that Escape Theme Park need more thrilling rides and not just the existing ones. Even when my friends heard that I was going to Escape Theme Park, they were like " Oh My God!!! Why are you going there? The rides are lame!Save your money for Universal Studios next year." I have to admit I felt it was a bit lame too. It needs to improve in order to stand up to the challenge.
However, it does have some good points like cheap ticket fares, nostalgic feeling etc. Wild Wild Wet is fun, the water slides and the rides are much more fun and better than Escape Theme Park. Downtown East has got to do something about it.
Another issue would be that since the two IRs(integrated resorts) are opening about the same time this year, there would be fierce competition. The Marina Bay Sands Resorts main attraction would be the casino, while the attractions of the Resorts World Sentosa is Universal Studios, Casino etc. As you can see, there are more attractions for Resorts World Sentosa as compared to Marina Bay Sands( correct me if I am wrong). People like me would think that Resorts World Sentosa would definitely win in the competition, but it is actually too early to say anything. The resorts have not even opened offically. It is also a bit exciting to see two giants compete with each other. This would also mean more improvement which eventually benefits the public. So stay tuned!
What are your thoughts and feelings? If they are different, post them in the comments page now!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Task B- Visual
This is the obituary for my online assignment. Since there is no logical or kinaesthetic intelligence, I will just have to do the visual. Please excuse the awful drawing
For those who cant really see the words, you can click on the image or read this: Mrs Henry Lafeyette Dubose, Age:90, Departed this world on 28 February 1935 beholden to nothing or nobody, Husband:Decreased, Wake is held at Maycomb Funeral Parlour Cortege will leave on Thursday 4 March 1935 at 12.30pm, thereafter for Maycomb Crematorium for cremation at 2pm.
Enjoy!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Task B- Intrapersonal
Who would you want to be friends with in the novel? Explain.
I would want to be friends with Atticus. In the novel, he is portrayed as a man of moral values and courage. He stood up for Tom Robinson in the novel despite facing huge amount of criticism and pressure from the people around him and his family members. However, he stood with his beliefs till the end and he did not succumb to anybody or anything at all. Just this point alone is enough to earn my respect.
Atticus is also portrayed as a capable and reliable man in the novel. During the part where a mad dog attacks Maycomb, Calpurnia called Atticus instead of Heck Tate, the sheriff. Heck Tate even passed his gun to Atticus to kill the dog. Atticus was also known as "One-shot Finch". This shows that he is reliable and capable.
Yet with so many capabilities, he chose to remain humble about them and keeps a low profile. He told Heck Tate to hush when he was telling Jem and Scout about him being known as "One-shot Finch".
Atticus is impartial. He believes in racial equality. He did not despise the blacks but instead helped them, just like how he helped, protected and stood for Tom Robinson throughout the novel. He stood for what he thought was right despite the consequences and the price he has to pay.
Atticus is a man of good moral values and influence. I want to be his friend as I wish to learn his values to become a better person. When I am wrong, he can also correct me and lead me to the correct track. Atticus would also be a good friend as he is reliable and capable. He can help me in times of emergency. With so many reasons, I definitely would want to be his friend.
I would want to be friends with Atticus. In the novel, he is portrayed as a man of moral values and courage. He stood up for Tom Robinson in the novel despite facing huge amount of criticism and pressure from the people around him and his family members. However, he stood with his beliefs till the end and he did not succumb to anybody or anything at all. Just this point alone is enough to earn my respect.
Atticus is also portrayed as a capable and reliable man in the novel. During the part where a mad dog attacks Maycomb, Calpurnia called Atticus instead of Heck Tate, the sheriff. Heck Tate even passed his gun to Atticus to kill the dog. Atticus was also known as "One-shot Finch". This shows that he is reliable and capable.
Yet with so many capabilities, he chose to remain humble about them and keeps a low profile. He told Heck Tate to hush when he was telling Jem and Scout about him being known as "One-shot Finch".
Atticus is impartial. He believes in racial equality. He did not despise the blacks but instead helped them, just like how he helped, protected and stood for Tom Robinson throughout the novel. He stood for what he thought was right despite the consequences and the price he has to pay.
Atticus is a man of good moral values and influence. I want to be his friend as I wish to learn his values to become a better person. When I am wrong, he can also correct me and lead me to the correct track. Atticus would also be a good friend as he is reliable and capable. He can help me in times of emergency. With so many reasons, I definitely would want to be his friend.
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