Can Singapore provide the Time & Space?

Time & Space is what most Singaporeans cannot afford.

Are we Singaporeans or Rushians? Rushing here and there, all day.
Targeted 6 million population, making Space precious.

A less exam-centric approach to build character, creativity
Reducing 'excessive focus on exams' vital for broad-based upbringing: DPM Tharman
by Tan Qiuyi
04:45 AM Oct 29, 2012

SINGAPORE - Success in character education, as well as encouraging students to develop original thinking, will only be achieved if "real space" is created for them in the education system, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said.

And if these are the goals to be worked towards, it could, in his opinion, mean "reducing the excessive focus on examinations" early in life.

Speaking at a seminar yesterday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the passing of education philanthropist Tan Lark Sye, who founded the former Nanyang University in Singapore, among other schools, Mr Tharman felt there is a need to re-create values such as benevolence and a reverence for standards of conduct in schools here.

"In my opinion, it's only possible to succeed in character education and encouraging students to question and think originally if we create real space for it in the education system. And this will require reducing the excessive focus on examinations early in life," said Mr Tharman.

"We have to provide more space for character building, and for encouraging our students to think for themselves, question more, to think in more original ways. You need space and time for it. There is no other way."

Mr Tharman, who was Education Minister between 2003 and 2008, suggested looking at how students are differentiated at the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) - which is by exact scores - as compared to the O levels, where secondary school students are graded by letters indicating bands of scores.

"As long as we carry on with the present system of extraordinarily fine differentiation at the PSLE and consequently, for posting to secondary schools, it is inevitable that parents and teachers and principals, whatever else they may say, will place great emphasis on preparing their students and children for the PSLE. And it will have to be at the expense of something else. So if you want to create real space early in life for children to have a broad-based upbringing, to interact outside the classroom, get to know each other across races, to develop that zest for learning, for life, something has to give. We can't keep everything else unchanged and try to add on more," said Mr Tharman, who is also Finance Minister.

He cautioned that the right trade-off has to be found. "If we do anything, it has to be done without shaking the confidence of parents in meritocracy, confidence in the fairness of the system," said Mr Tharman.

On language, Mr Tharman said it is undeniable the standard of Chinese today has dropped, compared to what was achieved in Chinese schools in the past.

The bilingual policy, however, has given Singapore a common language between the races, he added.

The country has also gained in terms of the desire of English-speaking Chinese families today, who want their children to learn Chinese well, Mr Tharman said.

"What is more difficult is not language, but values. And this is not as tangible and we don't focus on it as much. But I think there we have lost something in the values and the ethos of the Chinese-medium schools. Language policies can always be refined and if we need to strengthen in one area we can always do it. But values and ethos are not so easily turned on with a switch. They evolve gradually over time and there we have lost something, that attitude to life and society that was very much part of Chinese-medium schools," he added.

Preparing children to face the World. Be Well Prepared they must! To be well prepared is important in so much of life. That "If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I would spend 6 hours to sharpen my axe." said Abraham Lincoln.

The bible tells us we must provide ourselves spiritually as well. Taking in spiritual nutrients, putting on spiritual Armour to protect against attacks. By making sure we are always prepared to answer questions about the reason for the Hope we possess.

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

Singapore needs them - Foreign Cleaners

An army of cleaners ensure that Singapore remain the cleanest city in the world, not because everyone is  environmentally conscious but many do it only when it is convenient. Especially so when commuters taking public transport... Singaporeans often complain that the reason they litter is due to the lack of rubbish bin. This is entirely not true as Singapore has more than 4 million rubbish bins placed all around the country. Then, you may ask, that if Singapore already so much rubbish bins, why is problem still present? The answer is pretty simple. Though there are more than 4 million rubbish bins in Singapore, the bins are never stragically placed in the right areas. One such example is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations in Singapore. The bins, instead of being placed where human traffic flow is the heaviest, there are placed in areas where it will look aesthetically better resulting in the rubbish bins having a cosmetic purpose and reduced security threats.

Is Singapore a clean city or a cleaned city?


Imagine a day where there are no cleaners around your estate area to clean the litter.

A “No Cleaners Day” – that was what Member of Parliament of Nee Soon GRC, Lee Bee Wah, proposed in Parliament on Monday to curb the increased litter she said she had sighted on many occasions in her estate.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Vivian Balakrishnan, responded to Lee’s concern and reaffirmed Lee Kuan Yew’s vision for Singapore to be one of the world’s cleanest and greenest cities.

Balakrishnan said that while the problem is created by a minority, the burden is borne by the majority. He cited a 2010 National Environment Agency (NEA) survey that stated one-third of the respondents said they would litter if they could get away with it.

He emphasized that Singapore has a “zero tolerance” towards litter and called for a mindset of collective responsibility, thus also reducing the dependence on foreign workers to clean up the mess. He also stressed to create a social norm for cleanliness and exert peer pressure where necessary.

Balakrishnan highlighted in April 2012 that a department of public cleanliness had been set up to govern the state of all public areas.

Moving forward, Balakrishnan said that we should consider giving formal training to citizens and to also review the fines and penalties.

http://twc2.org.sg/2012/10/24/photographer-shoots-workers-as-superheroes/
Super Heroes

Photographer Sam Chin will be showing works from his project “SuperHeroes” in a group exhibition at the National Museum on Stamford Road from 20 October to 27 December 2012. This exhibition is part of the Objectifs 10 years Shooting Home Anniversary.

Sam explains: “SuperHeroes is an attempt to photograph various groups of migrant workers in a different light. Placing them against a backdrop and making them strike poses like super models, my intention is to change the negative connotation locals have of this group of people and return them the dignity they deserve.
“Migrant workers from all over the region contribute to our economy and growth and should not be sidelined by our society,” he adds.

The above picture is an example of Sam Chin’s work.
Transient Workers Count Too urges the public to visit the exhibition.

Witness the 9th Bishop of Singapore

WeeWee

Be one of them to witness the installation and investiture of the 9th Bishop of Singapore

"A celebration of God's Goodness, A dedication to Christ's Cause!"
This coming Saturday 20 Oct 2012, 4:30pm at St Andrew's Cathedral
Followed by a Garden party 7-9pm
A celebratory concert and dinner, service sharing by Bishop Rennis.

Free Dinner, All are Welcome!

Christian leadership succession planning
The Moses-Joshua Succession From Joshua 1:1-18

The transition from Moses’ to Joshua’s leadership constitutes one of the greatest examples of succession in the Bible. The biblical pages record many examples of botched succession; there are fewer examples where succession worked. The call of Joshua (1:1–18) highlights how this transition was choreographed and why it was effective.

It is Bishop Rennis Ponniah's turn to, "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them."

http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/blog/comments/rennis_ponniah_to_be_installed_as_the_9th_bishop_of_singapore_on_20th_octob

I am wondering has Minister of Home Affairs, Teo Chee Hean, invited Bishop Rennis for tea?

DPM Teo: Politics and religion cannot mix
By Joy Fang
my paper
Tuesday, Oct 16, 2012

ALTHOUGH the Government appreciates the good work that religious groups have done, politics and religion must remain clearly divided to prevent a breakdown in social harmony, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean yesterday.

He maintained a strong stance on this, despite a suggestion by Nominated Member of Parliament Laurence Lien that religious organisations can be used as a resource.

Mr Lien said: "Many people are religiously driven and they have views influenced by that.

Can we not harness that a lot more to help us in our work?" Mr Teo replied that an individual is free to practise his religion, but that is different from religious groups getting involved in politics.

"We need to keep that separation. Otherwise, once religious organisations get involved in politics, we then run the danger of having a clash, (with) many religious groups entering the political arena, or political groups seeking to use religious groups to further their political agenda," he said. He cited the example of religious schools, which provide a "very useful social function".

But there is a need for "a clear line between education missions...and religious beliefs, precepts and practices, which have to be kept on a separate track", he said.

His comments came in the wake of a post written by blogger Alex Au late last month, which said that Archbishop Nicholas Chia sent a letter to activist group Function 8 supporting a rally it was organising, but later withdrew it after a tea session with Mr Teo.

Mr Teo yesterday clarified that Archbishop Chia had requested to withdraw the letter on the same day he sent it.

With regard to the Government's request to Google to block access to the trailer for anti-Islam film Innocence Of Muslims, Mr Teo said that it was deemed "necessary to take a firm stand, as a matter of principle".

While the Government cannot clamp down on everything on the Internet, it assesses particular content and the possible impact of that in determining whether to request for it to be blocked, he added.

"The consequences of a single incident in Singapore could have a long-lasting impact on the inter-racial and inter-religious bonds we have built over the years," he said

We want PEACE!

Changes to Death Penalty sentencing

After government announcement of scrapping Mandatory Death Penalty, detail legal procedure has to cover the gaps left in between.

Amendments proposed to 3 pieces of legislation dealing with death penalty
By S Ramesh

Amendments have been proposed to three pieces of legislation which deal with the mandatory death penalty for murder and drug trafficking cases - the Criminal Procedure Code, Penal Code and the Misuse of Drugs Act.

In July, the government announced its intention to reform the mandatory death penalty as it applies to these cases.

Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code will make the process of appeal automatic in death sentence cases.

The amendments create a mechanism for the Court of Appeal to review a death sentence where there is no appeal by the accused.

And no death sentence can be carried out, unless confirmed by the Court of Appeal on appeal or review.

Chairman of the Law Society's criminal law practice committee, Wendell Wong, said: "There is a belief that where fundamental liberties are concerned and especially where capital punishment is being imposed, we want to make sure that the right sentences are being passed down to the right offenders. Only in the most appropriate cases will the capital punishment be imposed and this is the right thing to do."

As for the Penal Code, in murder cases where killing is not intentional, the court can sentence the accused to death or life imprisonment.

Amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act will allow the prosecution to issue a "Certificate of Cooperation", if the trafficker only played the role of courier and not involved in any activity related to the supply or distribution of drugs.

Such a discretion only applies if the trafficker has also cooperated with the Central Narcotics Bureau in a substantive way or has a mental disability which substantially impairs his appreciation of the act.

"Substantive cooperation" is defined as "substantively assisting in CNB's operations to disrupt drug trafficking activities within or outside of Singapore".

Mr Wong added: "What this means is that there will have to be an active engagement by the Public Prosecutor, and it is almost like a condition precedent that unless a Certificate of Cooperation is issued, only thereafter will the courts have the discretion to impose a life imprisonment or not."

As announced in Parliament in July by both the Law and Home Affairs Ministers, all existing cases if eligible, will be considered for re-sentencing under the new law. And re-sentencing will take place in the first instance in the High Court, with an option of appeal to the Court of Appeal.

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Ministry said executions were suspended in July 2011, and the suspension will continue until the proposed changes are enacted.

And once legislation is in place, all accused persons who meet the requirements can elect to be considered for re-sentencing under the new law.

This will involve accused persons in ongoing cases, as well as convicted persons who have exhausted their appeals and are currently awaiting execution.

Currently, there are 34 people on death row for murder and drug trafficking cases.

The Bills will be debated at a future sitting of Parliament.

God's rights to show Mercy
Romans 9:15-18
For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Teach our children well

The best way to bring Singapore children up is for them to know God personally, tell them that human being will sin and fall short of any standard set by God. Trust in the Lord rather then Man.

Children drawing strength from the Lord.


Kiasu Parents- giving the best for their child

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC121006-0000040/Price-does-not-equal-quality-in-childcare
'Price does not equal quality in childcare'
by Ng Jing Yng

Noting how Singaporean parents will "travel long distances" and "sacrifice other life pursuits" for the sake of their children's education and development, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing yesterday warned parents against chasing "perceived quality programmes that are very expensive because of their desire to provide the best".

"If we are not careful, price may inadvertently become a signal for quality. We then have a luxury good problem, where more expensive programmes are perceived to be better," said Mr Chan.

When it comes to childcare, price should not be the indicator of quality, he stressed. Outlining the desired outcomes of Singapore's childcare sector at the annual Child Care Seminar yesterday, Mr Chan said it was important for the sector to have clear quality benchmarks to help parents make informed choices.

The Government would be "most concerned" if the value-add of a programme were commensurate with the price. "We will need to help parents distinguish things that are important and core for a child's development and other things that are good to have," he said.

Mr Chan also sought feedback on establishing a clear understanding of what children need to learn during the childcare years.

"Without a clear understanding of what children need at their age, parents may be anxious to push down to our young children what should actually be learning objectives only in primary schools," he said.

He set out the three foundation pillars: social skills, a keen sense of curiosity and a basic sense of values. Such foundations should be the focus during these years, "rather than to prematurely start one's life race", he said.

And noting that operators play a role in social integration, Mr Chan said: "I hope not to see the majority of our centres catering only to a specific segment of society."

There will be parents who will seek out higher benchmarks beyond the baseline established by the Government, and there will always be a niche demand for such services."But we must satisfy ourselves that there are sufficient mass market options that can meet our desired quality benchmarks and yet remain affordable to the average family," said Mr Chan, who also pledged to "do more to help those with less".

The Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework (SPARK) was implemented last year. However, among parents whom TODAY spoke to, few were aware of it or consider it as a main deciding factor when choosing a centre.

Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament Low Yen Ling felt that brand recognition or price may become "convenient default factors" influencing parents' decisions if there are no quality indicators.

She suggested class-teacher ratio and an operator's focus on a child's holistic development as key indicators for quality benchmarks.

Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong pointed out that any developmental goals should still allow children to learn in different ways.

Parent Joanne Lee, who has two children in childcare, said location and the quality of teachers were her main considerations. With a lack of information at present, she suggested indicators like staff turnover rate be made more easily available.

Cherie Hearts general manager (operators) Edmund Phang agreed on the need for quality benchmarks and suggested language development and child's self-help skills be among the developmental goals. "The challenge is for the Ministry to establish a common set of developmentally appropriate goals that are applicable across the entire sector," he said.

Blame it on meritocracy causing the Kiasu mindset?
Losing out, slow, head start, tough catching up etc

'It's good for young children to play'
http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/national-day-rally-2012/story/its-good-young-children-play-20120827
By Ong Hwee Hwee

Let your children enjoy their childhood. And there's no need to send your pre-schooler for tuition to prepare him for Primary 1.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had this advice for over- zealous parents on Sunday night.

While some parents want their children to get a head start, it is important not to "over-teach" them.

"Pre-school is to teach the kids certain skills which are best learnt at that age - languages, social skills, basic motor skills.

"It's not meant for you to prepare with a P1, P2 textbook and to drill the kid at three or four years old so that by the time he goes to P1, he already knows what the teacher's supposed to teach him."

He said research by child development experts have found that hothousing pre-schoolers may lead to harmful "over-teaching".

"You do harm. You turn the kid off, you make his life miserable," he said.

"Instead of growing up balanced and happy, he grows up narrow and neurotic. No homework is not a bad thing. It's good for young children to play, and to learn through play."

And to parents who send their children to two pre-schools or tuition, he had this to say: Don't.

"I've heard of parents who send their children to two kindergartens. I read of parents who send their kindergarten-age children to tuition," he said. "Please don't do that."

Housewife Pamelia Tng, 31, said she agreed with the Prime Minister, but it's easier said than done.

She sends her three children - aged seven, six and two - for enrichment classes but she "slows down at home".

"You want your kids to enjoy their childhood but you have to make sure they can catch up with their peers. That's always a struggle for parents," she said.

Deuteronomy 6 tells us that we should teach God's Word to our children "when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." But you cannot instruct your children in things that you don't know. We're living in a time when a great majority of people in the church really don't know God's Word for themselves.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
(Proverbs 22:6)

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
(Deuteronomy 6:7)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 3:14-15)

MOE's Basis for Survival & Success
People are our most precious resource. Every citizen is valuable and has a unique contribution to make. Through education every individual can realise his full potential, use his talents and abilities to benefit his community and nation, and lead a full and satisfying life.

Every child must be encouraged to progress through the education system as far as his ability allows. Advancement must always depend on performance and merit to ensure equal opportunity for all.

Every child should be taught at a pace he can cope with. Each should be stimulated to excel according to his individual aptitudes. The system must be flexible, to cope with pupils who mature mentally, physically, emotionally and socially at different rates.

Every child must learn to take pride in his work, to do his best and excel in whatever he does, and to value and respect honest work.

Education equips us with the skills and knowledge, as well as the right values and attitudes to assure the livelihood of the individual and the country's survival and success. We must learn to be self-reliant, yet able to work closely with others; individually competitive, yet with a strong social conscience. We must be flexible in mind and outlook to adapt constantly to a rapidly changing world. We must have firm moral bearings to give us strength in a world of shifting values.

Pupils must know our common history, our vulnerabilities and constraints. They must develop a sense of shared identity and destiny, the instinct to defend Singapore's national interests, and the resolve and confidence to stand together as one people, to overcome threats and challenges.

Education helps to preserve our cultural roots. Our pupils ought to know their own cultural heritage and mother tongues. At the same time they must learn to understand and respect the different racial, religious, cultural and language backgrounds of their fellow citizens.

Matthew 7:24
The wise builds his house on the rock
Instead of sinking sand;
For when the storm of life descend,
That house will surely stand.

All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace.

The Fall of Man... but there is a way out!

Oh God why do you allow suffering in this world? So that Man can see your Glory? Behind every crisis there is a miracle, with every problem faced my Man there is a solution. If NG BOON GAY isn't charged in court for corruption, will he ever realize how blessed he is to have a wife who willing to stand by him throughout the case?

Large crowds gathered at the corruption case of Ex-CNB Ng Boon Gay with IT business woman Cecilia Sue. What draws people to infidelity? As if crime is being celebrated. Mass media sensationalize the case!
I felt sorry for their loved ones. They are hurt beyond human imaginable pain, betrayal of trust. People questioned why the wife of Ng is still standing by his side? I guess it is forgiveness and can I trust him ever again? It is between the couple, others should have no part in their love story.

Life is full of choices and options - whatever 1 chooses will have to face the consequences (the full wrath of God)

Lord, there are temptations to sin everywhere. Help me not to give in. Make me sensitive to see the ways out that You provide. I want my love for You to be real and to encourage others in their faith journey.

The Fall of Man
Former Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) chief Ng Boon Gay was known as a tough leader who commanded the respect of his juniors in the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
1 Corinthians 10:11-13;
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

"They call me a slut", "What if the child is his"
Poor child, innocent but will need to face the mistake committed by the adults.

This is a case of moral, affair and love story gone wrong, not corruption! CPIB hightlighted the case, Mass Media served them the death sentence.

Talking about slut... The so called "role model", Lady Gaga -
Lady Gaga Celebrates '30 More Years of Them Calling Me a Slut'
While Lady Gaga has been busy with her Born This Way Ball tour, her name has been splashed all over the headlines, and not for very nice reasons.

Many stories have focused on her recent weight gain, while still others reported that a New York City official called her a "slut" for a perception that she promotes drug use to young people. Gaga addressed both those topics on stage in Zurich, Switzerland, Saturday night.

While performing her song "Hair," which is all about individuality, Gaga addressed the crowd about her recent media coverage.

"They won't kill me. They won't stop me from speaking my mind. I will make music for you for the next 30 years," she said. "Let's celebrate. To 30 more years of them calling me a slut. To 30 more years of them calling me a fat, attention-seeking whore. To 30 more years of people telling me to shut my mouth about equality and gay rights."

As the audience cheered and applauded, Gaga, 26, completed her speech by saying, "May we cheer and celebrate to 30 more years of the conversation that we've started, that we're never going to finish."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8;
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Ng Boon Gay's wife stands by her man

As usual, Ng's wife, Yap Yen Yen, accompanied her husband to court as the trial continued.

When asked how she felt about the details that have been revealed by Ms Sue, she told the media that she will remain unaffected by what Ms Sue has said in court.

She told reporters after court was adjourned that she continued to believe in her husband, and that her love for him has not wavered.

She also said she will continue to appear in court beside her husband.